Gateway E-100M, MX1020, NX100 Quick Reference Guide

NOTEBOOK

REFERENCEGUIDE

Contents

Chapter 1: About This Reference. . . . . . . . . . . . 1

About this guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Accessing your online User Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Gateway contact information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Gateway model and serial number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

For more information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Notebook . . . . . 5

Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Left . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Right . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Bottom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Keyboard area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Chapter 3: Setting Up and Getting Started . . 13

Working safely and comfortably . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Reducing eye strain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Setting up your computer desk and chair . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Sitting at your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Avoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive strain . 15

Connecting the AC adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Protecting from power source problems . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Connecting the dial-up modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Connecting to a broadband modem or network . . . . . . . . 19

Starting your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Waking up your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Turning off your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Restarting (rebooting) your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Using the status indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Using the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Key types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

System key combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Using the EZ Pad touchpad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Contents

Adjusting brightness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Adjusting the volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Turning your wireless radio on or off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

IEEE 802.11 wireless network radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Bluetooth radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Chapter 4: Using Drives and Accessories . . . . . 35

Using the memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Memory card types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Inserting a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Using a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Removing a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Adding and removing a PC Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Using an optional port replicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Installing a printer or other peripheral device . . . . . . . . . . 39

Connecting a USB device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Connecting an IEEE 1394 device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Viewing the display on a projector or monitor . . . . . . . . . . 41

Adjusting the display properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Using the projector or monitor for a presentation . . . . 43

Ordering accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Chapter 5: Managing Power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Monitoring the battery charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Recharging the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Changing the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Replacing the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Recalibrating the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Getting the most from your battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Maximizing battery performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Conserving battery power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Using alternate power sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Changing power modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Changing notebook power settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Changing the power plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Changing advanced settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

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Chapter 6: Traveling with Your Notebook . . . 57

Packing your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Traveling by air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Dial-up modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Radio frequency wireless connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Additional tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Chapter 7: Maintaining Your Notebook . . . . . 63

Caring for your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Cleaning your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Cleaning the exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Cleaning the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Cleaning the notebook screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Maintaining the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Storing batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Cleaning CDs or DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Recovering your system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Recovering pre-installed software and drivers . . . . . . . 69

Using Microsoft System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Recovering your system to its factory condition . . . . . 78

Recovering your system using the Windows DVD . . . . 79

Chapter 8: Upgrading Your Notebook. . . . . . . 81

Preventing static electricity discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Adding or replacing memory modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Replacing the hard drive kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Chapter 9: Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Safety guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

First steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

CD drives (external) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

iii

Contents

Diskette drive (external) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

DVD drives (external) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

File management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Media Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

Modem (cable or DSL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

Modem (dial-up) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

Networks (wired) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Networks (wireless) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

PC Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Pointing device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

Status indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

Touchpad or pointing device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

Telephone support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Before calling Gateway Customer Care . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Appendix A: Legal Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

CHAPTER1

About This Reference

• About this guide

• Accessing your online User Guide

• Gateway contact information

• Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity

• For more information

CHAPTER 1: About This Reference

About this guide

This guide includes information and maintenance instructions that are specific to your model of Gateway notebook. For all other notebook information, see your online User Guide.

Accessing your online User Guide

In addition to this guide, your online User Guide has been included on your hard drive. Your User Guide is an in-depth, easy-to-read manual that includes information on the following topics:

• Help and technical support

• Using and customizing Windows and other software

• Using the Internet

• Protecting your files

• Playing and recording media

• Networking

To access your online User Guide:

• Click (Start), All Programs, then click Gateway

Documentation.

www.gateway.com

Gateway contact information

Important

The labels shown in this sect ion 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: Tech Support Phone: Hours: Model: S/No:

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.

For more information

For more information about your notebook, visit Gateway’s Support page at www.gateway.com shown on your notebook’s label. The Support page also has links to additional Gateway documentation and detailed specifications.

or the Web address

CHAPTER 1: About This Reference

CHAPTER2

Checking Out Your Notebook

• Front

• Left

• Right

• Bottom

• Keyboard area

Front

CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Notebook

Power indicator

Battery charge indicator

Component Icon Description

Power indicator

Battery charge indicator

■

LED on - Notebook is on.

■

LED blinking - Notebook is in Sleep or Hybrid Sleep mode.

■

LED off - Notebook is off.

■

LED blue - Battery is fully charged.

■

LED purple - Battery is charging.

■

LED blinking red - Battery charge is very low.

■

LED solid red - Battery is malfunctioning. Important: This LED only lights up when your notebook is connected to AC power or the battery charge is very low.

Left

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Power connector

Monitor port

Docking port

Ventilation fan

Memory card reader

PC Card slot

Component Icon Description

Power connector Plug the AC adapter cable into this connector.

Monitor port Plug an analog VGA monitor or projector into

Docking port Connect the optional port replicator to this port.

Ventilation fan Helps cool internal components.

this port. For more information, see “Viewing

the display on a projector or monitor” on page 41.

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.

Warning: Do not work 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.

CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Notebook

Component Icon Description

PC Card slot Insert one Type II PC Card into this slot. For

Memory card reader

more information, see “Adding and removing a

PC Card” on page 37.

Insert a memory card from a digital camera, MP3 player, PDA, or cellular telephone into the memory card reader. For more information, see

“Using the memory card reader” on page 36.

The memory card reader supports Memory Stick®, Memory Stick Pro®, Mini Secure Digital®, MultiMediaCard™, RS-MultiMediaCard™, and Secure Digital™ cards.

Right

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USB ports

Ethernet

jack

Modem jack

IEEE 1394 port

Kensington lock slot

Microphone jack

Headphone jack

Component Icon Description

USB ports Plug USB devices (such as a CD or DVD drive,

Ethernet jack Plug an Ethernet network cable into this jack.

Modem jack Plug a dial-up modem cable into this jack. For

IEEE 1394 port Plug an IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire

Headphone jack Plug amplified speakers or headphones into this

Microphone jack Plug a microphone into this jack.

diskette drive, flash drive, printer, scanner, camera, keyboard, or mouse) into these ports.

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 broadband modem or network” on page 19.

more information, see “Connecting the dial-up

modem” on page 18.

i.Link®) device (such as a digital camcorder or MP3 player) into this 4-pin IEEE 1394 port.

jack. The built-in speakers are turned off when speakers or headphones are plugged into this jack.

Kensington™ lock slot

Secure your notebook to an object by connecting a Kensington cable lock to this slot.

Bottom

CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Notebook

Speaker

Hard

drive

bay

Memory bay

Battery latch

Battery

Speaker

Ventilation fan

Customer care label

Component Icon Description

Hard drive bay

Speakers Provide audio output when headphones or amplified

Memory bay Install a memory module into this bay. For more

The hard drive is located in this bay. For more information, see “Replacing the hard drive kit” on

page 86.

speakers are not plugged in.

information, see “Adding or replacing memory

modules” on page 83.

Battery latch Slide to release the battery. For more information, see

Battery Provides power when the notebook is not plugged

“Changing the battery” on page 49.

into AC power.

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Component Icon Description

Ventilation fan

Customer Care label

Helps cool internal components. Warning: Do not work 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.

Includes the Customer Care contact information. For more information, see “Gateway contact information”

on page 3.

CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Notebook

Keyboard area

Power button

Keyboard

Status indicators

Touchpad

Component Icon Description

Power button Press to turn the power on or off. You can also

Keyboard Provides all the features of a full-sized, computer

Touchpad Provides all the functionality of a mouse. For more

Status indicators

configure the power button for Sleep/Resume mode. For more information on configuring the power button mode, see “Changing advanced settings” on page 55.

keyboard. For more information, see “Using the

keyboard” on page 24.

information, see “Using the EZ Pad touchpad” on

page 28.

Inform you when a drive is in use or when a button has been pressed that affects how the keyboard is used. For more information, see “Using the status

indicators” on page 23.

CHAPTER3

Setting Up and Getting Started

• Working safely and comfortably

• Connecting the AC adapter

• Connecting the dial-up modem

• Connecting to a broadband modem or

network

• Starting your notebook

• Turning off your notebook

• Restarting (rebooting) your notebook

• Using the status indicators

• Using the keyboard

• Using the EZ Pad touchpad

• Adjusting the volume

• Turning your wireless radio on or off

CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

Working safely and comfortably

Before using your notebook, follow these general guidelines for setting up a safe and comfortable work area and avoiding discomfort and strain:

• Keep hands and arms parallel to the floor.

• Adjust the screen so it is perpendicular to your line of

sight.

• Place your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest.

• Although notebooks are sometimes called “laptops,” do

not use your notebook while it rests on your unprotected lap. Notebook operating temperatures can become quite high, increasing the risk of burns to your legs. Instead, use a laptop desk to protect your legs.

• Do not use the notebook on any soft, conforming

surface, such as your lap, a blanket, carpet, or a sofa. Soft surfaces can block your notebook’s ventilation openings, leading to overheating, permanent damage to your notebook, and fire danger. Instead, place your notebook on a rigid, hard surface, and make sure that you keep the ventilation openings on the sides clear.

War ning

Do not use your notebook on a soft surface, such as your lap, a blanket, carpet, or a sofa. You must keep your notebook’s ventilation openings clear of obstructions, or your notebook may overheat, increasing the risk of fire and personal injury.

Reducing eye strain

Sunlight or bright indoor lighting should not reflect on the screen or shine directly into your eyes.

• Position the computer desk and screen so you can avoid

glare on your screen and light shining directly into your eyes. Reduce glare by installing shades or curtains on windows, and by installing a glare screen filter.

• Use soft, indirect lighting in your work area. Do not use

your notebook in a dark room.

• Avoid focusing your eyes on your screen for long

periods of time. Every 10 or 15 minutes, look around the room, and try to focus on distant objects.

• Where feasible, keep your head vertical while looking

at the screen. If you use an external keyboard, raise the notebook so the top of its screen is no higher than eye level.

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Setting up your computer desk and chair

When you are setting up your computer desk and chair, make sure that the desk is the appropriate height and the chair helps you maintain good posture.

• Select a flat surface for your computer desk.

• Adjust the height of the computer desk so your hands

and arms are positioned parallel to the floor when you use the keyboard and touchpad. If the desk is not adjustable or is too tall, consider using an adjustable chair to control your arm’s height above the keyboard.

• Use an adjustable chair that is comfortable, distributes

your weight evenly, and keeps your body relaxed.

• Position your chair so the keyboard is at or slightly

below the level of your elbow. This position lets your shoulders relax while you type.

• Adjust the chair height, adjust the forward tilt of the

seat, or use a footrest to distribute your weight evenly on the chair and relieve pressure on the back of your thighs.

• Adjust the back of the chair so it supports the lower

curve of your spine. You can use a pillow or cushion to provide extra back support.

Sitting at your notebook

• Avoid bending, arching, or angling your wrists. Make

sure that they are in a relaxed position when you type.

• Do not slouch forward or lean far back. Sit with your

back straight so your knees, hips, and elbows form right angles when you work.

• Take breaks to stand and stretch your legs.

• Avoid twisting your torso or neck.

Avoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive strain

• Vary your activities to avoid excessive repetition.

• Take breaks to change your position, stretch your

muscles, and relieve your eyes.

• Find ways to break up the work day, and schedule a

variety of tasks.

CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

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.

War ning

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.

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.

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 50.

To connect the AC adapter:

1 Connect the power cord to the AC adapter.

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2 Connect the AC adapter to your notebook’s power

connector.

3 Plug the power cord into a wall outlet. The battery

charge indicator turns on (see “Front” on page 6 for the location of the battery charge indicator). If the battery charge indicator does not turn on, complete the following steps until it turns on:

a Unplug the adapter from your notebook, then plug

it back in.

b Press FN+F1 to toggle the status lights on and off.

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.

Important

If the battery charge indicator does not turn blue after three hours, contact Gateway Customer Care at the location shown on the Customer Care label. For more information, see “Gateway contact

information” on page 3.

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.

War ning

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.

CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

Connecting the dial-up modem

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

War ning

To reduce the risk of fire, use only No. 26 AWG or larger (for example, No. 24 AWG) UL-listed or CSA-certified telecommunication line cord for your dialup modem connection.

To connect the modem:

1 Insert one end of the modem cable into the modem

jack on your notebook.

2 Insert the other end of the modem cable into a

telephone wall jack.

Important

The modem will not work with digital or PBX telephone lines.

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Connecting to a broadband modem or network

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

To connect to a cable or DSL modem or to a wired

Ethernet network:

1 Insert one end of the network cable into the network

jack on your notebook.

2 Insert the other end of the network cable into a cable

modem, DSL modem, or Ethernet network jack.

CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

Starting your notebook

War ning

Do not work 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.

To start your notebook:

1 Lift the LCD panel. 2 Press the power button located above the keyboard.

Power button

Tip

For more information about changing the power button mode,

see “Changing advanced settings” on page 55.

3 If you are starting your notebook for the first time,

follow the on-screen instructions to select the language and time zone and to create your first user account.

4 Attach and turn on any peripheral devices, such as

printers, scanners, and speakers.

Tip

For more information about connecting peripheral devices, see

“Installing a printer or other peripheral device” on page 39.

Tip

See the documentation that came with each device for its setup

instructions.

5 To open the main menu, click (Start). From that

menu, you can run programs and search for files. For more information on using Windows, see “Using Windows” and “Customizing Windows” in your online User Guide.

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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 Sleep. While in Sleep mode, the power indicator flashes. If your notebook is in Sleep mode, press the power button to “wake” it up.

Tip

For more information about Sleep mode, see “Changing power modes”

on page 52.

Turning off your notebook

Putting your notebook into Sleep mode is the easiest way to power down your notebook. Although it does not turn your notebook completely off, it turns off or slows down most system operations to save power. Sleep mode saves your desktop layout so the next time you restore power, the programs are laid out just as you left them. Waking your notebook from a Sleep state is much faster than turning on your notebook after it has been turned completely off.

Hibernate mode is an alternative to Sleep mode. In Hibernate mode, your notebook is turned completely off. When you wake your notebook from Hibernate mode, however, the programs that were running when your notebook entered Hibernate mode are running just as you left them.

To put your notebook to sleep:

• Click (Start), then click (power). The

notebook saves your session and partially shuts down to save power.

-OR-

Press F

N+F3.

Tip

You can change the Sleep mode from the standard Sleep mode (default) to Hybrid Sleep. For more information about Sleep mode, see “Changing power

modes” on page 52.

To put your notebook into hibernation:

• Click (Start), click the arrow next to the lock icon,

then click Hibernate. The notebook saves your session and shuts down to save power.

CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

To turn off your notebook:

• Click (Start), click the arrow next to the lock icon,

then click Shut Down. The notebook turns off.

Important

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

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 on your notebook:

1 Press CTRL+ALT+DEL. 2 Click Start Task Manager. The Windows Task Manager

dialog box opens.

3 Click the program that is not responding. 4 Click End Task. 5 Click X in the top-right corner of the Windows Task

Manager dialog box.

To restart your notebook:

• Click (Start), click the arrow next to the lock icon,

then click Restart. The notebook turns off, then turns on again.

Important

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

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

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

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Using the status indicators

Important

If none of the indicators are on, you may need to press FN+F1 to toggle

the status indicators on.

Status indicators inform you when a drive is being used or when a button has been pressed that affects how the keyboard is used. The status indicators are located below the touchpad.

Wireless network

Hard drive

Power

Battery charge

Num lock

Indicator Icon Description

Wireless network (optional)

Hard drive

Power

■

LED on - Wireless IEEE 802.11 radio is turned on.

■

LED off - Wireless IEEE 802.11 radio is turned off.

■

LED blinking - Hard drive is being accessed.

■

LED off - Hard drive is not being accessed.

■

LED on - Notebook is on.

■

LED blinking - Notebook is in Sleep mode.

■

LED off - Notebook is off.

Caps lock

CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

Indicator Icon Description

Battery charge

■

LED blue - Battery is fully charged.

■

LED purple - Battery is charging.

■

LED blinking red - Battery charge is very low.

■

LED solid red - Battery is malfunctioning.

Num lock

Caps lock

■

LED on - Numeric keypad is turned on.

■

LED off - Numeric keypad is turned off.

■

LED on - Caps lock is turned on.

■

LED off - Caps lock is turned off.

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

key

Windows key

Numeric keypad

Application key

Arrow keys/ Navigation keys

Tip

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

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