Gateway 9500 schematic

Contents

1 Checking Out Your Gateway Solo 9500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Left side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Right side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Bottom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Identifying your model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

2 Checking Out Your Gateway Solo 9550 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Top . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Left side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Right side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Bottom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Identifying your model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

3 Getting Started. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	25
Connecting the AC adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	26
Protecting from power source problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	28
Starting your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	29
Waking up your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	30
Turning off your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	30
Switching user accounts in Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	31
Status indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	33
Using the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	35
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	36
System key combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	37
Multi-function buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	39
Using the EZ Pad touchpad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	41
Using the touchpad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	42
Connecting the modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	44
Connecting to an Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	45
Broadband Internet connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	45
Installing a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	46

i

Thank you for purchasing this Factory Service Manual CD/DVD from servicemanuals4u.com.

Please check out our eBay auctions for more great deals on Factory Service Manuals:

servicemanuals4u

4 Getting Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

HelpSpot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 HelpSpot Videos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 Online help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 Gateway Web site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

5 Windows Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

About the Windows environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54 Using the desktop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 Using the Start menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 Identifying Window items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 Working with files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59 Viewing drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59 Creating folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60 Copying and moving files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61 Deleting files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 Browsing for files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 Searching for files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 Using the Windows XP, Windows Me, or Windows 2000 Search utility . . . . . .66 Using the Windows 98 Find utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68 Working with documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70 Creating a new document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70 Saving a document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71 Opening a document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72 Printing a document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73 Shortcuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74

6 Using the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75

Learning about the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76 Setting up an Internet account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77 Accessing your Internet account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78 Using the World Wide Web . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79 Connecting to a Web site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80 Downloading files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81 Using e-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82 Sending e-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82 Checking your e-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83

7 Using Multimedia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85

Using diskettes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86 Using the CD/DVD drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87 Inserting a CD or DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87

ii

Using Audio DJ on the Solo 9550 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. 88
Adjusting the volume in Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. 90
Adjusting the volume in Windows Me, Windows 2000, and Windows 98 . . . . . . .	94
Listening to CDs in Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Windows Me . . . . . . . . . .	96
Listening to CDs in Windows 98 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	97
Recording and playing audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	98
Playing audio and video files with the Windows Media Player . . . . . . . . . . .	100
Playing a DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	101
Using MusicMatch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	102
Playing CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	102
Creating music files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	104
Editing track information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	105
Building a music library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	106
Listening to Internet radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	108
Using advanced features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	109
Viewing the display on a television . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	110
Capturing video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	112
8 Sending and Receiving Faxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	113

Setting up your cover page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114 Sending a fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116 Faxing from programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118 Receiving and viewing a fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

9 Managing Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Monitoring the battery charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120 Recharging the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120 Changing batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121 Installing a second battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123 Extending battery life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125 Conserving battery power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125 Using alternate power sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125 Changing power modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126 Changing power settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127 Changing SpeedStep settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132 Changing power settings in Windows NT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134

10 Travel Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136 Radio frequency wireless connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136 Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137 Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137

iii

Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138

11 Customizing Your Notebook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .139

Adjusting the screen and desktop settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140 Adjusting the color depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140 Adjusting the screen resolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .142 Applying a color scheme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144 Changing the desktop background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .146 Selecting a screen saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .149

Changing the touchpad settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .151 Programming the multi-function buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .153

12 Upgrading Your Notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .155

Adding PC Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .156 Changing bay modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .158 Changing 5.25-inch bay modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .158 Changing 3.5-inch bay modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .160 Preventing static electricity discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .161 Installing memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .162 Replacing the main hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .165

13 Using the Port Replicator and Docking Station. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .169

Checking out the port replicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .169 Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .170 Left side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .171 Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .172 Right side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174

Connecting to the port replicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175 Checking out the docking station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .177 Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .177 Left side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .178 Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .179 Right side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .181 Connecting to the docking station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .183 Adjusting audio settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .184 Installing a PCI card in the docking station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .185

14 Networking Your Notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .189

Using a network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .190 Sharing a single Internet connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .190 Sharing drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .190 Sharing peripheral devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .191

iv

Streaming audio and video files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191 Playing multi-player games . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191 Introducing the Gateway Connected Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192 Components of a Gateway Connected Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193 Selecting a network connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194 Wired connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194 Wireless Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195 Assessing your connection needs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196 Comparing data transfer speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198 Network shopping list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 HPNA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201 Wireless Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202 Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202 For more information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203

15 Moving from Your Old Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205

Transferring software and hardware from your old computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205 Using the Windows XP Files and Settings Transfer Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205 Transferring files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206 Transferring Internet settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207 Reinstalling your old printer or scanner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208 Reinstalling your old programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209

16 Maintaining Your Notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211

Caring for your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211 Creating an emergency startup diskette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213 Protecting your computer from viruses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217 Managing hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219 Checking hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219 Using Disk Cleanup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220 Checking the hard drive for errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221 Defragmenting the hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223 Backing up files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225 Using the Scheduled Task Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226 Recalibrating the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227 Cleaning your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228 Cleaning the exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228 Cleaning the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229 Cleaning the screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229 Cleaning the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229

v

17 Restoring Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .231

Reinstalling device drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . .231
Reinstalling device drivers in Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows 2000, or
Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . .232
Reinstalling device drivers in Windows NT 4.0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . .233
Reinstalling the Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. .244
Updating device drivers in Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows 2000, or
Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. .245
Reinstalling Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. .247
Reinstalling Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows 2000, or Windows XP	. . .247
Reinstalling Windows NT 4.0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. .248
Reinstalling programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. .249

18 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .251

Safety guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .252 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .253 First steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .253 Software support tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .254 CD/DVD drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .255 Device installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .257 Diskette drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .258 File management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .259 Hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260 Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .261 Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .262 LCD panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .262 Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .263 Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .263 Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .268 Networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .268 Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .268 PC Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .269 Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .269 Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .270 ScanDisk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .272 Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .272 Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .272 Telephone support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .273 Before calling Gateway Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .273 Telephone numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .274 Tutoring and training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .275 Self-help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .275

vi

Tutoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275

Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276

A Safety, Regulatory, and Legal Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295

vii

viii

Checking Out

Your Gateway 1

Solo 9500

If you purchased the Gateway Solo 9550, go to “Checking Out Your Gateway Solo 9550” on page 11.

Tips & Tricks To access the contents of this guide while you are traveling, download an electronic copy from www.gateway.com/support/manlib/.

www.gateway.com

1

Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway Solo 9500

Front

Speaker		Cover release latch	Battery				Speaker
			charge
			indicator			Power
						indicator

Component	Icon									Description
Speakers										Provide audio output when headphones or speakers are
										not plugged in.
Cover release latch										Open the notebook cover by sliding the release latch to
										the right.
Battery charge indicator										Lights up when the computer is plugged in.
										■	LED green – battery is fully charged.
										■	LED orange – battery is charging.
										■	LED off – notebook is running on battery power.

Power indicator	Lights up when the notebook is turned on and shows
	notebook power status:

■LED on – power is ON.

■LED blinking – power is in Standby or Suspend mode.

■LED off – power is off.

2	www.gateway.com

Left side

Left side

Port	Ventilation fan	PC Card	3.5-inch
options	(do not block)	slots	modular bay

Component	Icon								Description
Port options									Depending on the options you ordered with your
									notebook, this area can contain:
									■	A modem jack
									■	An Ethernet jack
									■	An IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire or i.Link) port
Ventilation fan									Helps cool internal components. Do not block.
PC Card slots									Insert one Type I, II, III, or Zoom Video PC Card into this
									slot. For more information, see “Adding PC Cards” on
									page 156.
3.5-inch modular bay									Install a standard 3.5-inch diskette drive or an LS-120
									drive. For more information, see “Using diskettes” on

page 86 and “Changing 3.5-inch bay modules” on page 160.

www.gateway.com

3

Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway Solo 9500

Right side

									Microphone jack
USB								Line In jack		5.25-inch
ports										modular bay
					Headphone jack
				S/PDIF digital audio jack
Component					Icon				Description
USB ports									Plug USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices (such as a USB
									printer, scanner, or camera) into these ports.
S/PDIF digital audio jack									Plug an optical Toslink digital audio cable into this jack.
Headphone jack									Plug amplified speakers or headphones into this jack.
Line In jack									Connect an external audio input source (such as a
									stereo) to this jack so that you can record sound on your
									computer or play sound through the notebook speakers.
Microphone jack									Plug a microphone into this jack. The built-in microphone
									is turned off when a microphone is plugged into this jack.
									For the location of your built-in microphone, see “Using
									the keyboard” on page 35.
5.25-inch modular bay									Install a CD or DVD drive, a second hard drive, or a
									second battery into this bay. For more information, see
									“Installing a second battery” on page 123 or “Changing
									5.25-inch bay modules” on page 158.

4	www.gateway.com

Back

Back

PS/2 port

Parallel

Monitor

Docking

Ventilation fan

Serial port

port

port

port

(do not block)

TV out jack

Power connector

Kensington lock slot

Component	Icon						Description
PS/2 port							Plug a PS/2® (Personal System/2) device (such as a keyboard
							or mouse) into this port.
Parallel port							Plug a parallel device (such as a printer) into this port.
Monitor port							Plug an analog VGA monitor into this port.
Docking port							Connect the optional docking station or port replicator to this
							port.
							Warning! Power is passed through this port. This docking
							connection is UL certified for use only with Solo 9500 docking
							stations or port replicators.
Ventilation fan							Helps cool internal components. Do not block.
Serial port							Plug a serial device (such as a digital camera) into this port.
TV out jack							Plug a TV into this jack so that you can view your notebook
							display on a TV using NTSC/PAL composite video. For more
							information, see “Viewing the display on a television” on
							page 110.

www.gateway.com

5

Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway Solo 9500

Component	Icon						Description
Power connector							Plug the AC adapter cable into this connector.
Kensington							Secure your computer to an object by connecting a Kensington
lock slot							cable lock to this slot.

6	www.gateway.com

Bottom

Bottom

Reset hole						Ventilation
5.25-inch						fan
modular bay
Memory bay

				3.5-inch
Battery bay				modular bay

Component	Icon										Description
Reset hole											Insert a straightened paper clip into this hole to manually
											restart the system.
5.25-inch modular bay											Install a CD/DVD drive, a second hard drive, or a second
											battery into this bay. For more information, see “Installing
											a second battery” on page 123 or “Changing 5.25-inch
											bay modules” on page 158.
Memory bay											Install memory modules into this bay. For more
											information, see “Installing memory” on page 162.
Battery bay											Insert the battery into this bay. For more information, see
											“Changing batteries” on page 121.
Ventilation fan											Helps cool internal components. Do not block.
3.5-inch modular bay											Install a standard 3.5-inch diskette drive or an LS-120
											drive. For more information, see “Using diskettes” on
											page 86 and “Changing 3.5-inch bay modules” on
											page 160.

www.gateway.com

7

Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway Solo 9500

Identifying your model

The label on the bottom of your computer contains information that identifies your notebook model. Gateway Technical Support will need this information if you call for assistance.

Important The label shown below is for informational purposes only.

Label information varies by model.

Revision code and display

type/ processor size					00.0X/000XXX		X 0.0/XX
Gateway model
number									Gateway part
Gateway serial
number									number

8	www.gateway.com

Accessories

Accessories

Gateway offers accessories that can help you make the most of using your notebook.

Batteries and automobile/airplane power adapters

If you run your notebook on battery power for extended periods, you may want to buy an additional battery so that you can swap batteries when necessary.

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.

Docking stations and port replicators

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

A docking station or port replicator also provides additional ports and other expansion features not included with your notebook.

External devices

You can attach external devices such as a keyboard, mouse, printer, or monitor to your notebook, docking station, or port replicator.

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.

www.gateway.com

9

Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway Solo 9500

Printers

You can attach many types of printers to your computer. 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 usually 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 usually they print much faster than inkjet printers. Laser printers are better than inkjet printers when you are printing large documents.

10	www.gateway.com

Checking Out

Your Gateway 2

Solo 9550

If you purchased the Gateway Solo 9500, go to “Checking Out Your Gateway Solo 9500” on page 1.

Tips & Tricks To access the contents of this guide while you are traveling, download an electronic copy from www.gateway.com/support/manlib/.

www.gateway.com

11

Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Gateway Solo 9550

Top

Bluetooth Indicator

Component	Icon	Description
Bluetooth indicator		Lights up when Bluetooth is turned on.
(optional)

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. Bluetooth and IEEE 802.11b (also known as wireless Ethernet or WiFi) communication devices are examples of devices that provide wireless communication. For instructions to turn Bluetooth on and off, see “Multi-function buttons” on page 39.

12	www.gateway.com

Top

Important If your system came equipped with an internal radio frequency wireless device, see “Safety, Regulatory, and Legal Information” on page 277 for general wireless regulatory and safety guidelines. To find out if your system has an internal wireless device, check the label (see “Identifying your model” on page 22).

www.gateway.com

13

Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Gateway Solo 9550

Front

Cover release latch

					Battery charge
Speaker		Audio DJ								Speaker
					indicator
		controls
					Power indicator
					Hot-swap indicator

Component	Icon										Description
Cover release latch											Open the notebook cover by sliding the release latch to
											the right.
Speakers											Provide audio output when headphones or speakers are
											not plugged in.
Audio DJ controls											Control the built-in CD player. For more information, see
											“Using Audio DJ on the Solo 9550” on page 88.
Battery charge indicator											Lights up when the computer is plugged in.
											■ LED green - battery is fully charged.
											■ LED orange - battery is charging.
											■ LED off - notebook is running on battery power.

Power indicator	Lights up when the notebook is turned on and shows
	notebook power status:

■LED on - power is ON.

■LED blinking - power is in Standby or Suspend mode.

■LED off - power is off.

14	www.gateway.com

Front

Component	Icon	Description
Hot-swap indicator		Indicates when it is safe to remove the 5.25-inch bay
		module.

■LED green - it is safe to remove the 5.25-inch bay module.

■LED orange - it is not safe to remove the 5.25-inch bay

module.

For more information, see “Changing 5.25-inch bay modules” on page 158.

www.gateway.com

15

Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Gateway Solo 9550

Left side

Ethernet		Ventilation PC Card slot			3.5-inch modular bay
jack		Fan

Component	Icon						Description
Ethernet jack							Plug a 10/100 Ethernet network cable into this jack. For more
							information, see “Connecting to an Ethernet network” on page 45 and
							“Networking Your Notebook” on page 189.
Ventilation Fan							Helps cool internal components. Do not block or insert objects into
							these slots.
PC Card slot							Insert one Type I, II, or III PC Card into this slot. For more information,
							see “Adding PC Cards” on page 156.
3.5-inch							Install a standard 3.5-inch diskette drive, an additional hard drive, or
modular bay							a second battery into this bay. For more information, see “Installing
							a second battery” on page 123 and “Changing 3.5-inch bay modules”
							on page 160.

16	www.gateway.com

Right side

Right side

Line in jack

USB

5.25-inch modular bay

Microphone jack

ports

Modem jack

Headphone jack

IEEE 1394 port

S/PDIF digital audio jack

Component	Icon	Description
Line in jack		Connect an external audio input source (such as a
		stereo) to this jack so that you can record sound on your
		computer or play sound through the notebook speakers.
Microphone jack		Plug a microphone into this jack. The built-in
		microphone is turned off when a microphone is plugged
		into this jack. For the location of your built-in
		microphone, see “Using the keyboard” on page 35.
Headphone jack		Plug amplified speakers or headphones into this jack.
S/PDIF digital audio jack		Plug an optical Toslink digital audio cable into this jack.
USB ports		Plug USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices (such as a
		USB Iomega™ Zip™ drive, printer, scanner, or camera)
		into these ports.
IEEE 1394 port		Plug an IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire or i.Link)
		cable into this jack.

www.gateway.com

17

Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Gateway Solo 9550

Component	Icon									Description
Modem jack										Plug a modem cable into this jack.
5.25-inch modular bay										Install a CD/DVD or an additional hard drive into this bay.
										For more information, see “Changing 5.25-inch bay
										modules” on page 158.

18	www.gateway.com

Back

Back

PS/2	Parallel	Ventilation	Docking	Monitor	Serial	TV out
port	port	Fan	port	port	port	jack

Power connector

Kensington lock slot

Component	Icon						Description
PS/2 port							Plug a PS/2 device (such as a keyboard or mouse) into
							this port.
Parallel port							Plug a parallel device (such as a printer) into this port.
Ventilation Fan							Helps cool internal components. Do not block or insert
							objects into these slots.
Docking port							Connect the docking station or port replicator to this
							port.
							Warning! Power is passed through this port. This
							docking connection is UL certified for use only with Solo
							9550 docking stations or port replicators.
Monitor port							Plug an analog VGA monitor into this port.
Serial port							Plug a serial device (such as a digital camera) into this
							port.
TV out jack							Plug a TV into this jack so that you can view your
							computer screen on a TV using NTSC/PAL composite
							video. For more information, see “Viewing the display on
							a television” on page 110.

www.gateway.com

19

Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Gateway Solo 9550

Component	Icon						Description
Power connector							Plug the AC adapter cable into this connector.
Kensington™ lock slot							Secure your computer to an object by connecting a
							Kensington cable lock to this slot.

20	www.gateway.com

Bottom

Bottom

Reset

hole

Ventilation 5.25-inch Fan modular

bay

Memory bay

3.5-inch

modular Battery bay

bay

Component

Icon

Description

Reset hole

Insert a straightened paper clip into this hole to manually

restart the system.

5.25-inch modular bay

Install a CD, DVD, or an additional hard drive into this

bay. For more information, see “Changing 5.25-inch bay

modules” on page 158.

Memory bay

Install a memory module in this bay. For more

information, see “Installing memory” on page 162.

Battery bay

Insert the main battery into this bay. For more

information, see “Changing batteries” on page 121.

Ventilation Fan

Helps cool internal components. Do not block or insert

objects into these slots.

3.5-inch modular bay

Install a standard 3.5-inch diskette drive, an additional

hard drive, or a second battery into this bay. For more

information, see “Installing a second battery” on

page 123 and “Changing 3.5-inch bay modules” on

page 160.

www.gateway.com

21

Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Gateway Solo 9550

Identifying your model

The label on the bottom of your computer contains information that identifies your notebook model. Gateway Technical Support will need this information if you call for assistance.

Important The label shown below is for informational purposes only.

Label information varies by model.

	Gateway
	model	Internal
	number	wireless
		devices
	Gateway
	serial	Gateway part
	number
		number
	Revision
	code and
	display
	type/
	processor
	size

22	www.gateway.com

Accessories

Accessories

Gateway offers accessories that can help you make the most of using your notebook.

Batteries and automobile/airplane power adapters

If you run your notebook on battery power for extended periods, you may want to buy an additional battery so that you can swap batteries when necessary.

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.

Docking stations and port replicators

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

A docking station or port replicator also provides additional ports and other expansion features not included with your notebook.

External devices

You can attach external devices such as a keyboard, mouse, printer, or monitor to your notebook, docking station, or port replicator.

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.

www.gateway.com

23

Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Gateway Solo 9550

Printers

You can attach many types of printers to your computer. 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 usually 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 usually they print much faster than inkjet printers. Laser printers are better than inkjet printers when you are printing large documents.

24	www.gateway.com

Getting Started

3

This chapter provides basic information about your Gateway notebook. Read this chapter to find out:

■How to connect the AC adapter

■How to start and turn off your notebook

■How to use the keyboard

■How to use the EZ Pad™ touchpad

■How to connect the modem

■How to connect to an Ethernet network

■How to install peripheral devices

www.gateway.com

25

Chapter 3: Getting Started

Connecting the AC 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 adapter 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 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 24 hours, the battery may need to be recalibrated. For information on recalibrating the battery, see “Recalibrating the battery” on page 227.

To connect the AC adapter:

1 Connect the power cord to the AC adapter.

Warning 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 the notebook may be damaged.

26	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. If the battery charge indicator does not turn on, disconnect the adapter from your notebook and repeat Step 2.

4 When you finish using your notebook for the first time, turn the notebook off and leave the notebook connected to AC power for at least 24 hours. The battery charge meters may not show a charge for several hours. For more information about battery meters on your model, see “Monitoring the battery charge” on page 120.

5 If the battery meters do not show a full charge after 24 hours, contact Gateway Technical Support at www.gateway.com/support/contact.

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.

www.gateway.com

27

Chapter 3: Getting Started

Protecting from power source problems

During a power surge, the voltage level of electricity coming into your computer can increase to far above normal levels and cause data loss or system damage. Protect your computer and peripheral devices by connecting them to a surge protector, which absorbs voltage surges and prevents them from reaching your computer.

Warning High voltages can enter your computer through both the power cord and the modem connection. Protect your computer 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.

28	www.gateway.com

Starting your notebook

Starting your notebook

To start the notebook:

1 Open your notebook by sliding the latch on the front of your notebook to the right and lifting the LCD panel.

2 Press the power button located above the keyboard.

Power button

www.gateway.com

29

Chapter 3: Getting Started

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 “To change advanced power management settings:” on page 130.

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

Waking up your notebook

When you have not used your notebook for several minutes, it enters a power-saving mode called Standby. While in Standby, the power indicator flashes.

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 modes” on page 126.

Turning off your notebook

To turn off your notebook:

■In Windows XP, click Start, then click Turn Off Computer, then click Turn Off.

- OR -

In Windows Me, Windows 2000, or Windows 98, click Start, then select Shut Down. In the Shut Down Windows dialog box, select Shut Down, then click OK.

If for some reason you cannot use the Turn Off Computer or Shut Down option in Windows to shut down your notebook, press and hold the power button for about five seconds.

30	www.gateway.com

Switching user accounts in Windows XP

Switching user accounts in

Windows XP

When you first turn on your notebook, you have the option to add different user accounts. These user accounts can be customized for each person that uses the notebook. You can add, delete, or modify existing user accounts. You can also switch (change) user accounts without turning off your notebook.

Help and	For more information about adding, deleting, and
Support	modifying your user accounts, click Start, then select Help
	and Support.

To add, delete, or modify user accounts in Windows XP:

1

2

Click Start, select Control Panel, then double-click User Accounts. The User Accounts window opens.

Follow the on-screen prompts to add, delete, or modify a user account.

www.gateway.com

31

Chapter 3: Getting Started

To switch user accounts in Windows XP:

1 Click Start, then select Log Off. The Log Off Windows dialog box opens.

2 Click Switch User to switch between your user accounts. The Windows logon screen opens.

3 Select the user account that you want to activate. When you switch between users, any programs that were running for the previous user continue to run.

32	www.gateway.com

Status indicators

Status indicators

Diskette drive				Caps lock
5.25-inch modular drive					Pad lock
Hard drive						Scroll lock

This light turns When...

on...

The notebook is accessing a hard drive.

The notebook is accessing the 5.25-inch modular drive.

www.gateway.com

33

Chapter 3: Getting Started

This light turns When...

on...

The notebook is accessing the diskette drive.

Caps Lock is turned on.

Pad Lock is turned on.

1

Scroll Lock is turned on.

34	www.gateway.com

Using the keyboard

Using the keyboard

Your notebook features a full-size keyboard that has the full functionality of 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 Pad Lock keys for the numeric keypad.

You can attach an external keyboard to the notebook using a USB or PS/2 port. You do not need to shut down the notebook to connect a keyboard.

Volume control

Function/

Navigation

buttons

system keys

keys

FN key Windows	Numeric	Application	Arrow keys
key	keypad	key	Built-in
			microphone

www.gateway.com

35

Chapter 3: Getting Started

Keys

Component	Icon			Description
Volume control				Press the volume buttons to change the volume, or
buttons				press the mute button to turn off all sound.
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. Refer to the program documentation to find
				out more about the function key actions.
System keys				Press these greenor blue-colored keys in
				combination with the FN key to perform specific
				actions.
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.
FN key				Press the FN key in combination with a greenor
				blue-colored system key (such as STANDBY, PAUSE, or
				BLUETOOTH) to perform a specific action.
Windows key				Press 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).
Numeric keypad				Use these keys to type numbers when the numeric
				keypad is turned on. Press FN+PAD LOCK to turn on
				the numeric keypad.
Application key				Press for quick access to shortcut menus and help
				assistants in Windows.
Arrow keys				Press these keys to move the cursor up, down, right,
				or left.

36	www.gateway.com

Using the keyboard

System key combinations

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

Press and hold FN while		To...
pressing this system key...
		Display the power status box in the upper left corner of your
		screen. The box shows the battery charge level, the BIOS
		version, and whether the AC adapter is being used. Press the
		key combination again to close this box. (Available on the Solo
		9500 only.)
		Toggle the notebook screen between the LCD, an external
		monitor, or both displays at the same time. A monitor must be
		plugged into the monitor port on the notebook, port replicator,
		or docking station.
		Enter Standby mode. Press the power button to leave Standby
		mode.
		Turn on Pad Lock so you can use the numeric keypad. Press
		this key combination again to turn off Pad Lock. The Pad Lock
		status indicator appears while this function is turned on.
		Pause the text scrolling in a DOS screen. The Scroll Lock
		status indicator appears when this function is turned on. Press
		the key combination again to continue scrolling. (This function
		is only available in some programs.)
		Pause execution of a DOS program. (This function is only
		available in some programs.)
		Stop the currently running DOS program. (This function is only
		available in some programs.)
		Increase the brightness of the display.

www.gateway.com

37

Chapter 3: Getting Started

Press and hold FN while	To...
pressing this system key...
	Decrease the brightness of the display.
	Turn Bluetooth on and off. (This function is only available on
	notebooks equipped with Bluetooth.)

38	www.gateway.com

Using the keyboard

Multi-function buttons

Bluetooth/	Internet	Help	User-defined
E-mail			shortcut

Button	Icon	Press to...
Bluetooth		Turn Bluetooth on and off. This button must be pressed
		at the same time the FN button is pressed. (This function
		is only available on notebooks equipped with Bluetooth.)
E-mail		Open your e-mail program.

www.gateway.com

39

Chapter 3: Getting Started

Button	Icon	Press to...
Internet		Open your Web browser.
Help		Open online help.
User-defined shortcut		Open the program you assign to this key.

The multi-function buttons can be assigned different functions than those listed above. For more information, see “Programming the multi-function buttons” on page 153.

40	www.gateway.com

Using the EZ Pad touchpad

Using the EZ Pad touchpad

The EZ Pad™ consists of a touchpad, two buttons, and a rocker switch. (The rocker switch is available on the Solo 9550 only.)

Left	Rocker	Right	Touchpad
touchpad	switch	touchpad
button		button

When you move your finger on the touchpad, the pointer (arrow) on the screen moves in the same direction.

www.gateway.com

41