Gateway E-5400 User Manual

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E-5400 Mid Tower

System Manual

Contents

Preface

Conventions used in this manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v

Getting additional information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi

System Features

Standard features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Front panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Rear panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

System board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

System Setup

Setting up your system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Starting your system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Turning off your system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Resetting your system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Case Access

Preventing static electricity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Opening the case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Closing the case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Understanding the Power-On Self-Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Setting up the operating system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

System Components

The system board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Removing the system board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Replacing or adding a processor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Adding or replacing memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Adding an expansion card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Replacing the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Troubleshooting the battery installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Preparing to replace or add a drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Drive cabling information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

3.5-inch diskette or CD/DVD drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Removing and replacing the 3.5-inch diskette or CD/DVD drive . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Installing an additional 3.5-inch device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Installing an additional 5.25-inch device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Hard drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Removing and replacing the hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Installing an additional hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Power supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Removing and replacing the power supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

System fans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Removing and replacing the system fans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Control panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Removing and replacing the control panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Using the BIOS Configuration Manager

About the BIOS Configuration Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Updating the BIOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Setting the system board jumpers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

BIOS recovery mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Managing Your System

Protecting against power source problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Surge suppressors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Line conditioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Uninterruptible power supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Maintain and manage your hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Hard drive maintenance utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Hard drive management practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

System integrity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Protecting your computer from viruses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Monitoring system health with LANDesk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

System Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Creating a startup diskette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Using your System Restoration CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Cleaning Your System

Cleaning the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Cleaning the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Cleaning the monitor screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Cleaning the computer and monitor cases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Troubleshooting

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Troubleshooting checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Verifying your configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Troubleshooting guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

CD/DVD problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Hard drive problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Memory/Processor problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Modem problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Peripheral/Adapter problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Printer problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

System problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Video problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Error messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Safety, Regulatory, and Notices

American users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Canadian users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

European users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Japanese users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

Australia and New Zealand users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

Appendix

System specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

Index

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

iii

Preface

Conventions used in this manual

Throughout this manual, you will see the following conventions:

Convention Description

NTER

TRL+ALT+DEL

Setup

User’s Guide Names of publications are printed in italic.

Viewpoint All references to front, rear, left or right on the computer are based

Keyboard key names are printed in small capitals.

A plus sign means to press the keys at the same time.

Commands to be entered, options to select, and messages that appear on your monitor are printed in bold.

on the computer being in a normal, upright position, as viewed from the front.

Conventions used in this manual

Important

A note labeled important informs you of special circumstances.

Caution

Warning

A caution warns you of possible damage to equipment or loss of data.

A warning indicates the possibility of personal injury.

Getting additional information

Log on to the Gateway Support Center at www.gateway.com/support to find information about your system or other Gateway products. Some types of information you can access are:

Hardware driver and software application updates

■

Technical tips

■

Service agreement information

■

Technical documents and component information

■

Preface

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Documentation for peripherals or optional components

Online access to technical support

System Features

Standard features

Up to two Intel® Pentium III processors with 133 MHz Front Side Bus

■

(FSB) in Slot 1 processor sockets

Four Rambus™ In-line Memory Module (RIMM™) sockets that support

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up to 2 Gigabytes (GB) of Rambus Dynamic Random Access Memory (RDRAM) up to 400 Mhz

Intel 840 chipset

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Integrated Intel 82259 10/100 LAN support with Cape lookout

■

AGP Slot (AGP 2.0 compliant)

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Matrox G400 AGP graphics controller with 32 MB of SGRAM and support

■

for two monitors

Five PCI slots

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ATX form factor system board and mid-tower chassis

■

One 3.5 inch 1.44 MB diskette drive, one CD-ROM drive, and one hard

■

drive

Keyboard port (PS/2), mouse port (PS/2), serial port, parallel port, two

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Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports, RJ-45 Ethernet port, Audio line-out, Audio line-in, and Microphone-in

Integrated core logic (ICH) audio using AC’97 2.1 compliant digital

■

controller and AC’97 compliant Codec chip soft audio

Standard features

Front panel

The front panel of the mid-tower case includes the following features:

Audio-out jack

CD-ROM volume

control

Power button and

Power-on LED

Hard drive LED

CD/DVD drive CD/DVD eject

button

Diskette drive Diskette

eject button

Reset button

Audio-out jack connects headphones or powered speakers that you use to listen to an audio CD (directly from the CD/DVD drive).

CD/DVD volume control controls the volume of an audio CD.

Power button turns the computer on and off.

Power on LED lights when the computer is turned on. The green light means

your computer is using full power. The amber light means your computer is in power conservation mode.

Hard drive LED lights when the hard drive is active.

System Features

CD/DVD drive plays data or audio CDs.

CD/DVD eject button ejects a CD from the CD/DVD drive.

Diskette drive writes to and reads from 3.5-inch, 1.44 MB diskettes.

Diskette eject button ejects diskettes from the diskette drive.

Reset button restarts a system that has become non-responsive.

Front panel

Rear panel

The mid-tower case rear panel includes the following Input/Output (I/O) ports, connectors, and switches:

Power connector

Voltage selector

Mouse port

Keyboard port

USB ports

Parallel port

Serial port

RJ-45 LAN

connector

Audio Line-out

Microphone-in

Secondary video

port

Primary video port

Padlock tab Thumbscrew

Audio Line-in

Thumbscrew

Voltage selector sets the voltage for your area, either 115 V or 230 V.

Power connector connects the computer power cord. The other end of the

power cord plugs into an AC outlet or power strip.

Mouse port connects a PS/2-compatible mouse.

Keyboard port connects a Personal System/2

USB ports connect external Plug-and-Play devices, such as keyboards and

pointing devices, that are automatically configured when they are plugged into the computer through one of these ports.

Parallel (printer) port connects a printer or other parallel device.

System Features

Kennsington lock slot

(PS/2) compatible keyboard.

Serial port connects to a serial device.

RJ-45 LAN connector lets you connect to a network, and the adjacent

Indicator LEDs show LAN activity (yellow) and 100 Mbit speed (green).

Microphone-in, Audio Line-out, and Audio Line-in jacks connect audio devices such as speakers, tape players, and microphones.

Secondary video port connects the second monitor interface cable.

Primary video port connects the first (or only) monitor interface cable.

Padlock tab permits the use of a padlock to secure the system. To use the

padlock tab it must be removed from it’s shipping position and reinstalled in the active position, as shown below.

Active position

Shipping position

Thumbscrews must be loosened to remove the cover from the system.

Kennsington lock slot lets you use a cable lock to secure the system.

Rear panel

System board

The following figure and list identify system board components.

M N

A B C D E

System Features

Processor fan 1 connector

Processor fan 2 connector

Processor slot 1

Processor slot 2

Processor fan 3 connector (not used)

Voltage regulator module (VRM) for second processor

ATX power connector

Supplementary AGP Pro50 power connector

Auxiliary power connector

RIMM slots 1 and 2 (Channel A)

AGP (accelerated graphics processor) slot

SCSI LED connector

Diskette drive connector

Secondary IDE connector

Primary IDE connector

Internal speaker

Front system fan connector

Front panel connector

Front chassis intrusion connector (not used)

Auxiliary LED connector

Configuration jumper (J1F2)

Internal MIDI connector

Telephony connector

CD/DVD audio connector

PCI slots (5)

Battery

System fan (not used)

Rear chassis intrusion connector

Rear system fan

RIMM slots 3 and 4 (Channel B)

Microphone-in connector

System board

Audio line-in (right) and Audio line-out (left) connectors

RJ-45 Ethernet LAN connector and LEDs

Serial port

Parallel port

USB ports

PS/2 Mouse and Keyboard ports

System Features

System Setup

Setting up your system

Use the instructions on the poster that came with your system to assemble your system. You can prepare a safer working environment before assembling your system by following the guidelines listed below.

Provide a clean, flat, and stable surface for your system. Allow at

■

least 12 inches at the rear of the computer for cabling and air circulation.

Obtain a grounded (three-prong) AC surge-protected power strip.

■

A surge-protected power strip helps protect against AC line spikes.

Protect your system from extreme temperature and humidity. Do

■

not expose your system to direct sunlight, heater ducts, or other heat-generating objects.

Keep your computer away from equipment that generates magnetic

■

fields, such as unshielded stereo speakers. Even a telephone placed too close to the computer may cause interference.

Plug the computer into a wall outlet or power strip that is easily

■

accessible. When you turn off the computer with the power button, some electricity still flows through the computer. To remove all power from the computer, you need to unplug the power cord.

Important

Keep the computer boxes and packing material, in case you need to send the computer to Gateway for repairs. If you return your computer in different packaging, your warranty may be void.

Setting up your system

Starting your system

Before you start your system for the first time:

Make sure that the voltage selector switch on the back of the

■

computer is still set to the correct voltage for your area. This switch is set at the factory to the correct voltage (see “Rear panel” on page 4 for voltage selector switch location).

Make sure all cables are firmly connected to the proper ports on

■

the rear panel of the computer.

Caution

Make sure the computer and monitor are plugged into an AC outlet

■

or power strip and that the power strip is turned on.

Make sure your computer and peripherals are turned off and unplugged from the power outlet when you connect peripherals to the computer.

To start the system:

If you have connected the system components to a power strip, make

sure all the system components are turned off, then turn on the power strip.

Turn on the monitor by pressing its power button.

System Setup

Turn on the computer by pressing its power button. The light-emitting

diode (LED) in the power button is lit when the power is on.

Power button

and power LED

Turn on any other components connected to the computer, such as

speakers, a printer, or a scanner.

If nothing happens when you turn on the system:

Recheck the power cables to make sure that they are securely

■

plugged in and that your power strip (if you are using one) is plugged in and turned on.

Make sure the monitor is connected to the computer, plugged into

■

the power strip or AC outlet, and turned on. You may also need to adjust the brightness and contrast controls on the monitor.

Important

Wait until the startup procedure is finished before loading a diskette in the diskette drive, or the computer may search the diskette for startup information.

Starting your system

Understanding the Power-On Self-Test

When you turn on your computer, the power-on self-test (POST) routine checks the system memory and components. To see this information on the screen, press T count.

The system displays an error message if POST finds any problems. Write down the error message that appears. If you continue to experience problems, this error message may help technical support diagnose the cause.

during POST. Press ESC to bypass the remaining memory

Setting up the operating system

The first time you start your computer, the operating system takes a few minutes to set up.

Refer to your software documentation for specific questions regarding software.

To complete the operating system setup:

After the computer starts, the start-up wizard opens. Continue by clicking

Type the requested information in the appropriate text boxes. When you

have finished typing the information, continue by clicking

Continue following the instructions and selecting options in the start-up

wizard dialog boxes, clicking the wizard tells you to restart your computer.

Most of the dialog boxes that open in the start-up wizard have a button that takes you back to previous dialog boxes, in case you need to change or correct the information you typed.

Restart your system. The setup is complete.

System Setup

to move through the dialog boxes, un til

Turning off your system

Every time you turn off your system, shut down the operating system first. You may lose data if you do not follow the proper procedure.

To turn off your system in Windows NT:

Click

Down

Start

, then click

Shut down the computer?

(Windows NT), then select

Shut

Click OK. The computer turns off. If you see a message saying

to turn off your computer

Turn off the monitor and peripherals.

Warning

, turn off the computer by pressing the power button.

When you turn the computer off by pressing the power button, some electric current still flows through the computer. Before opening the computer case or connecting or removing any peripherals, turn off the computer, then unplug the power cord and modem cord (if installed).

It is now safe

Turning off your system

Resetting your system

If your computer does not respond to keyboard or mouse input, you may have to close a program or programs that may not be responding. If closing unresponsive programs does not restore your computer to normal operation, you may have to reset the system.

To reset your system in Windows NT:

Press C

that is not responding.

TRL+ALT+DEL

. A window opens that lets you to close a program

Click

2 3 4

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

Task Manager

Close the program by clicking

If the computer does not respond, press the reset button to restart the computer.

, then select the program that is not responding.

End Task

System Setup

Case Access

Preventing static electricity

Before opening the computer case, read and follow these precautions to prevent damage from static electricity. When opening your computer case, always perform the following procedure.

Caution

To prevent static electricity discharge:

Turn off the computer power.

Touch a bare metal surface on the back of the computer.

Unplug all power cords from AC outlets and disconnect the modem cable

(if installed).

Static electricity can permanently damage electronic components in your computer. Prevent electrostatic damage to your computer by following static electricity precautions every time you open your computer case.

Preventing static electricity

Also follow these static electricity precautions:

Avoid static-causing surfaces such as plastic and styrofoam in your work

■

area.

Remove the parts from their antistatic bag or container only when you

■

are ready to use them. Do not lay parts on the outside of an antistatic bag or container because only the inside provides antistatic protection.

Always hold cards by their edges and their metal mounting brackets.

■

Avoid touching components on the cards and the edge connectors that connect to expansion slots. Never slide cards or other parts over any surface.

Case Access

Opening the case

Important

To work on the internal components of the computer, you must open the case, which has two removable parts:

A left side cover panel that permits access to the interior of the case

■

A bezel that covers the front of the chassis

■

Because the components inside your computer are extremely sensitive to static electricity, make sure to follow the precautions at the beginning of this chapter for avoiding static electricity damage. Only qualified personnel should open the system for maintenance. If you feel you are qualified to maintain the system yourself, make sure you are properly grounded before opening the system chassis.

Warning

All references to front, rear, left or right on the computer are based on the computer being in a normal, upright position, as viewed from the front.

Avoid exposure to dangerous electrical voltages and moving parts, by turning off your computer and unplugging the power cord and modem cable (if installed) before removing the chassis cover.

To remove the left side cover panel:

Turn off the computer and disconnect all power cords.

Remove the thumbscrews from the back of the side panel and unlock

the chassis lock (if applicable).

Opening the case

Thumbscrews

Slide the left side panel to the rear (approximately 3/4-inch), disengaging the retaining tabs on the top edge of the panel from the top of the chassis.

Lift the panel up and away from the chassis.

Case Access

To remove the bezel:

With the left side panel removed, disengage the retention tabs on the

left side of the bezel by prying outward on each tab.

Swing the bezel out from the front of the chassis and disengage the hinge

tabs on the right side of the bezel by moving the bezel to the right.

Remove the bezel.

RetentionTabs

Opening the case

Closing the case

Replace the chassis cover as soon as you finish installing or removing components so that dust and dirt (which can damage the computer) do not collect inside the computer.

To replace the bezel:

Holding the bezel at an angle to the front of the chassis, place the hinge

tabs on the right side of the bezel in the appropriate slots in the front of the chassis.

Swing the left side of the bezel toward the chassis until the retaining tabs

snap into place.

Four hinge tabs are located on the right side of the bezel and are not visible in this illustration

Case Access

To replace the chassis cover:

Holding the left side panel at an angle to the chassis and 3/4-inch to the

rear, engage the retaining strip on the bottom edge of the panel with the lip at the bottom edge of the chassis.

Swing the top of the panel toward the chassis, engaging the retaining

tabs on the top edge of the side panel with the slots on the chassis.

Slide the panel toward the front of the chassis 3/4-inch, securing it into

place.

Reinstall the thumbscrews and lock the case (if applicable).

Closing the case

Case Access

System Components

The system board

The system board is the heart of the computer, which integrates the other elements of the system, such as the processor, memory, storage, networking, and communications, and lets them operate in a coordinated and useful way.

Removing the system board

The system board is mounted on stand-off retention hooks on the right side of the chassis. The board is secured by two screws, one located on the back-right of the chassis, and one located inside the case.

Important

To remove the system board:

Turn off the system and disconnect the power cord, modem cord (if

installed), and all external peripheral devices.

All references to front, rear, left or right on the computer are based on the computer being in a normal, upright position, as viewed from the front.

Open the case by following the instructions on page 17. (See “Preventing

static electricity” on page 15.)

Place the chassis gently on its right side.

The system board

Remove all expansion cards from the system board (See “Adding an

expansion card” on page 34).

Disconnect all cables from the system board, including the power cables

from the power supply. Note where the cables are connected.

Remove the retaining screw securing the board to the right side of the

chassis.

Remove retaining screw from this hole

System Board -

components

Rear

removed for clarity

Front

System Components

Loosen the retaining screw at the back (right side) of the chassis.

System board

retaining screw

Slide the system board toward the front of the chassis slightly, to

disengage it from the stand-off retention hooks (see illustration under “To install the system board:”), then remove it carefully.

Remove the system board mounting bracket (shown below) and place the

board in a static-free bag or container.

The system board

To install the system board:

Install the system board mounting bracket on the rear edge of the system

board by inserting the tabs into the corresponding holes in the board and rotating the bracket into place.

Tabs

Mounting bracket

System Components

Holding the system board by the top and bottom edges, place it in the

case by aligning the mounting holes on the board with the stand off (threaded) and stand off retention hooks on the right side of the case.

Holding the system board in place, tighten the retaining screw on the

right rear of the case.

Replace the retention screw previously removed from the system board,

then tighten the screw until the board is secured.

Reconnect peripherals, the modem cord, and the power cord, then turn

on the system.

The system board

Replacing or adding a processor

The system is compatible with the Intel® Pentium® III 667 and 733 MHz and faster processors with 133 MHz front-side bus (FSB). Up to two processors may be installed in the system.

When replacing a processor, or adding an additional processor, order a Pentium III processor upgrade kit from Gateway. The kit includes the Pentium III processor, a fan/heatsink, and a disposable electrostatic wrist strap.

Caution

A heatsink or fansink must be installed on each processor. Installing a processor without a heatsink or fansink could result in damage to, or failure of the processor.

To replace a processor:

Turn off the system and disconnect the power cord and modem cord (if

installed) and all other external peripheral devices.

Open the case by following the instructions on page 17. (See “Preventing

static electricity” on page 15.)

Disconnect the power supply cable of the processor fan from the CPU

fan connector on the system board.

Place the head of a flat-bladed screwdriver behind the tab on one side

of the processor retention bracket holding the processor to be removed.

Screwdriver

Push the handle of the screwdriver toward the processor. When the tab

that locks the processor in place opens, lift up slightly on the side of the processor.

System Components

Ta b

Repeat the previous two steps for the other side of the processor.

Pull the processor up and out of the slot.

Align the new processor with the processor slot (note that the processor

slot is keyed so the processor can only be installed one way) and press firmly to install it.

The system board

Reconnect the power supply cable of the processor fan to the CPU fan

connector on the system board.

Close the case, as described in Chapter 3.

Reconnect the power cord and all other cords you removed, then turn

on the system.

To add an additional processor:

Turn off the system and disconnect the power cord and modem cord (if

installed) and all other external peripheral devices.

Open the case by following the instructions on page 17. (See “Preventing

static electricity” on page 15.)

Remove the terminator card from the second processor slot to make room

for the additional processor.

Align the new processor with the processor slot (note that the processor

slot is keyed so the processor can only be installed one way) and press firmly to install it.

Connect the power supply cable of the processor fan to the second CPU

fan connector on the system board (See “System board” on page 6 for location).

Close the case, as described in Chapter 3.

Reconnect the power cord and all other cords you removed, then turn

on the system.

Adding or replacing memory

The Rambus Dynamic Random Access Memory (RDRAM) Rambus In-line Memory Modules (RIMMs) supported by your system board conform to the following standards:

32 MB, 64 MB, 128 MB, 256 MB, and 512 MB ECC or non-ECC RIMMs

■

Single- or double-sided configurations

■

2 GB maximum system memory

■

When you are selecting and installing RIMMs, keep the following in mind:

System Components

RIMM modules must be installed symetrically into both channels, that

■

is, if a RIMM is installed in RIMM-1 (Channel A), the same size, density, type, and speed RIMM must be installed in RIMM-3 (Channel B), likewise for RIMM-2 and RIMM-4. If RIMMs are not installed in this manner, the computer will not boot. Using the encoded part numbers on the RIMM modules is the best way to make sure that the parts are the same.

RIMM-3 RIMM-4

RIMM-1 RIMM-2

To optimize memory performance, RIMM-1 and RIMM-3 must be

■

Channel B

Channel A

populated first.

ECC memory cannot be combined with non-ECC memory.

■

Continuity Modules (CRIMMs) are required in all blank memory slots. If

■

CRIMMs are not installed in blank slots, the computer will not boot.

No jumper settings are required for the memory size or type because this

■

information is automatically detected by the BIOS.

At the time this manual was printed, some RIMM module configurations

■

were not available for testing or sale. The following chart is not intended to imply either availability or compatibility. As new RIMM configurations become available, check with Gateway’s website (www.gateway.com) for updated information.

RIMM Modules To ta l

Memory

2 - 32 MB RIMMs, 2 - CRIMMs 64 MB

4 - 32 MB RIMMs, 128 MB

2 - 64 MB RIMMs, 2 - 32 MB RIMMs 192 MB

4 - 64 MB RIMMs 256 MB

2 - 96 MB RIMMs, 2 - 64 MB RIMMs 320 MB

The system board

4 - 96 MB RIMMs 384 MB

2 - 128 MB RIMMs, 2 - 96 MB RIMMs 448 MB

4 - 128 MB RIMMs 512 MB

2 - 256 MB RIMMs, 2 - 128 MB RIMMs 768 MB

4 - 256 MB RIMMs 1 GB

2 - 512 MB RIMMs, 2 - 256 MB RIMMs 1.5 GB

4 - 512 MB RIMMs 2 GB

To add or remove RIMMs:

Turn off the system and disconnect the power cord and modem cord (if

installed) and all other external peripheral devices.

Open the case by following the instructions on page 17. (See “Preventing

static electricity” on page 15.)

System Components

If you are adding a RIMM, pull open the socket clamps on each side of

the RIMM socket and remove the CRIMM.

Socket clamps

If you are replacing a RIMM, pull open the socket clamps on each side

of the RIMM socket, then lift the RIMM out of the socket.

RIMM

Store the RIMM in a static-free container.

The system board

Insert the new RIMM into the socket and align the two notches in the

RIMM with the two notches in the RIMM socket.

RIMM

Gently press the RIMM into the socket until it’s firmly seated. Inserting

the RIMM automatically locks each of the socket clamps on each end of the RIMM.

Close the case, as described in Chapter 3.

Reconnect peripherals, the modem cord, and the power cord, then turn

on the system.

Adding an expansion card

The E-5400 computer has five PCI expansion slots on the system board, which may be used for a variety of add-on cards. These cards may include a SCSI controller card, a modem, a high-end sound card, or an additional IDE controller card. The computer also has a single AGP slot which contains the graphics controller card for the system.

To add an expansion card:

Set any jumpers and switches on the card, if required in the card

instructions. Turn off the computer, disconnect the power cord, modem cord (if installed), and all external peripheral devices.

System Components

Open the case by following the instructions on page 17. (See “Preventing

static electricity” on page 15.)

Locate an available slot and remove the slot cover by removing the screw

that secures it to the back of the chassis.

Insert the bottom edge of the expansion card (the keyed edge with the

contacts) into the slot on the system board and push in firmly to seat the card.

Screw

After seating the card firmly, use the screw you removed to secure the

card to the rear of the chassis.

Connect any cables to the card (see card documentation for proper

jumper settings and cable orientation).

Close the case, as described in Chapter 3.

Reconnect peripherals, the modem cord, and the power cord, then turn

on the system.

The system board

You may need to reconfigure your system after installing some expansion cards. You may also need to install software that came with the card. Check the card documentation for additional information.

Replacing the battery

The battery provides power for the system real-time clock and CMOS memory, which holds the system configuration information.

If your battery is failing you may notice your system clock slowing down and giving you the incorrect time. If so, open the BIOS Configuration Manager and write down all the values in the various tabs before replacing the battery. Replacing the battery resets the BIOS Configuration Manager to its default values.

Caution

There is a danger of explosion if the battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace the battery only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Dispose of used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

To replace the battery:

Restart the computer and start the BIOS Configuration Manager program

by selecting

Write down the CMOS values from the

Integrated Floppy, Peripheral Ports, Power Events, General

in the BIOS Configuration Manager so you can reenter them after you replace the battery. For more information about the BIOS Configuration Manager program, see “Using the BIOS Configuration Manager” on page 65.

Turn off the computer, disconnect the power cord, modem cord (if

installed), and all external peripheral devices.

Open the case by following the instructions on page 17. (See “Preventing

static electricity” on page 15.)

Locate the battery on the system board (see “System board” on page 6).

The battery is circular and has the positive pole mark (+) on the top.

Enter Setup

when you are prompted to do so.

Boot Options, Integrated IDE,

and

Security

tabs

System Components

Using a small, flat-bladed screwdriver, carefully remove the battery from

its socket on the system board.

Press the new battery in the socket with the positive pole up. Be sure you

have pressed the battery down far enough for it to contact the base of the socket (it should snap into place).

Close the case, as described in Chapter 3.

Reconnect peripherals, the modem cord, and the power cord, then turn

on the system.

If the CMOS data is not correct, change the information in the BIOS

Configuration Manager using the data you recorded in Step 2.

Troubleshooting the battery installation

If you have problems after installing the new battery, try each of the items listed below, restarting the computer after each try.

Turn off the computer and make sure that all exterior cables are

■

attached and secured to the correct connectors.

Make sure that all power switches are on. If the computer is plugged

■

into a power strip or surge protector, make sure it is turned on also.

Enter the BIOS Configuration Manager program and compare the

■

settings on the screen with your notes or the system hardware manuals. Correct any discrepancies.

The system board

Turn off the computer, remove the cover, and make sure that all

■

cables inside the case are attached securely. Also, make sure that the colored cable edges are aligned correctly and that the connectors didn’t miss any pins. Disconnect and reconnect the cables. Close the case as described in Chapter 3, reconnect the modem and power cords, then turn on the computer.

Turn off the computer, remove the cover and, if you have the

■

proper test equipment, make sure that the new battery has power. (Although unlikely, your new battery may be defective.) Close the case as described in Chapter 3, reconnect the modem and power cords, then turn on the computer.

System Components

Preparing to replace or add a drive

One 3.5-inch diskette drive, one 3.5-inch hard drive, and one CD-ROM drive are included with your computer. You can add additional drives of the following types:

Half-height 3.5-inch diskette drives - The floppy controller supports

■

up to two diskette drives, one of which is the 3.5-inch diskette drive that comes with your computer.

Half-height 3.5-inch hard drives - The system board has two IDE

■

connectors that support up to two drives each, for a total of four IDE drives. To use another type of hard drive, such as a SCSI drive, an add-in card must be installed.

Half-height 3.5-inch tape storage or disk storage devices.

■

Half-height 5.25-inch devices.

■

5.25-inch drive cage

Middle 3.5-inch drive cage

Bottom 3.5-inch hard drive cage

Preparing to replace or add a drive

As you prepare to install drives, keep the following in mind:

To remove and install drives, you need a grounding wrist strap and

■

a Phillips screwdriver.

If you remove a drive, place it in an antistatic bag or container.

■

Before you install a drive, see the drive’s documentation for

■

information on configuring the drive, setting any jumpers on the drive, and attaching cables to the drive.

If you are installing a drive that uses an add-in controller, install

■

the add-in card before you install the drive.

IDE hard drives can be configured as single, master, or slave. IDE

■

CD-ROM dr ive s ca n be configu red as master o r slav e. C onfig ure the drives by using the drive-select jumpers located on the drives.

If only one drive is attached to a controller cable, configure the

■

drive as single if it is a hard drive or master if it is a CD-ROM drive. If two drives of any type are attached to the cable, configure one as master and one as slave.

You may need to configure the drives you install using the BIOS

■

Configuration Manager program. Select

Enter Setup

access the BIOS Configuration Manager program.

at start up to

System Components

Drive cabling information

Three drive cables are included with your system. The diskette drive connector cable is used to connect diskette drives and other non-IDE devices such as tape backup drives. The two IDE connector cables are used to connect IDE devices such as CD-ROM drives and hard drives.

If you want to add additional drives, you can replace the drive connector cables with ones that contain three connectors, which would let you add a total of four IDE devices or two diskette drives.

To floppy

connector on

system board

End of data

cable with

twisted

conductors

To diskette

drive that

came with

your system

Diskette Drive Connector Cable

IDE Connector Cables (two cables)

Blue to secondary IDE connector on system board

80 wire cable

Gray to CD-ROM drive

Black to CD-ROM drive

Blue to primary IDE connector on system board

Gray to IDE drive

Black to IDE drive

Preparing to replace or add a drive

3.5-inch diskette or CD/DVD drives

Removing and replacing the 3.5-inch diskette or CD/DVD drive

To replace the drives:

Turn off the system and disconnect the power cord and modem cord (if

installed) and all other external peripheral devices.

Open the case by following the instructions on page 17. (See “Preventing

static electricity” on page 15.)

Remove the bezel, as described in “To remove the bezel:” on page 19.

Locate the 3.5-inch diskette or 5.25-inch CD/DVD drive.

Remove the power and data cables from the back of the drive, noting

their location and orientation. (You will reconnect these cables after you install the new drive.)

System Components

Both the 3.5-inch diskette drive and 5.25-inch CD/DVD drives are secured in the chassis by sets of removable rails. The rails let the drives slide into and out of the guides in the front bays. Extra rails are included with your system and are clipped to the outsides of the drive cages, inside the case.

Disengage the rail locking tabs by pressing inward on both front rail

extensions, then move the drive slightly out of the bay by pushing on the back of the drive. Pull the drive out of the chassis.

Remove the rails on both sides of the drive and snap them onto the new

drive in the same positions. Make sure the front rail extensions are towards the front of the drive.

CD/DVD Drive

3.5-inch Diskette Drive

Important

Align the rails with the appropriate open bay, and slide the drive into

The rails on the 3.5-inch drive are different from those on the CD/DVD drive. Make sure you install the correct rails on each drive.

the bay until the locking tabs snap into place.

Connect the power and data cables, making sure the cables match their

original position. (See your drive documentation for proper drive jumper settings and cable orientation.)

Close the case, as described in Chapter 3.

Reconnect the power and modem cords, then turn on the system.

3.5-inch diskette or CD/DVD drives

Installing an additional 3.5-inch device

The second, externally accessible 3.5-inch drive bay can be used to install a

3.5-inch device such as a tape drive, a 100 MB or 120 MB disk storage device, or an additional 3.5-inch diskette drive. Extra sets of rails are included with your system (clipped to the drive cage) and are used for the installation. You will have to purchase an additional cable with three connectors and of sufficient length to connect the existing devices and the new device to the connector on the system board.

To install an additional device in the 3.5-inch drive bay:

Turn off the system and disconnect the power cord and modem cord (if

installed) and all other external peripheral devices.

Open the case by following the instructions on page 17. (See “Preventing

static electricity” on page 15.)

Remove the bezel, as described in “To remove the bezel:” on page 19.

Remove the plastic bezel insert covering the open bay by disengaging the

retaining tab and pushing the insert out from the back of the bezel. Save the insert so that you can replace it if you remove the added device.

Remove the metal EMI shield from the front of the drive bay, if installed,

by unscrewing the retaining screw on the right side of the shield and swinging it out to disengage it from the chassis..

Caution

Snap the rails onto the drive, making sure the front rail extensions are

towards the front of the device.

System Components

Your system was designed to adhere to electromagnetic interference requirements and the shield is an integral part of the system. Installing an approved device should continue to maintain those standards. If you remove the device you should reinstall the shield.

Align the rails with the open bay, and slide the drive into the chassis until

the locking tabs snap into place.

Connect the power and data cables to the back of the drive. (See drive

documentation for proper drive jumper settings and cable orientation.)

Close the case, as described in Chapter 3.

Reconnect the power and modem cords, then turn on the system.

Run the configuration software, if required.

3.5-inch diskette or CD/DVD drives

Installing an additional 5.25-inch device

Two additional, externally accessible 5.25-inch drive bays can be used to install additional 5.25-inch devices such as a CD-ROM writer or a tape backup. Extra sets of rails are included with your system (clipped to the drive cage) and are used for the installation. You may need to purchase an additional cable of sufficient length to connect the existing devices and the new device to the connector on the system board.

To install an additional device in the 5.25-inch drive bay:

Turn off the system and disconnect the power cord and modem cord (if

installed) and all other external peripheral devices.

Open the case by following the instructions on page 17. (See “Preventing

static electricity” on page 15.)

Remove the bezel, as described in “To remove the bezel:” on page 19.

Remove the plastic bezel insert covering the open bay by disengaging the

retaining tab and pushing the insert out from the back of the bezel.

System Components

Remove the metal EMI shield from the front of the drive bay, if installed,

by placing a finger in the hole on the left side of the shield and pulling out to disengage it from the chassis.

Metal EMI shield

Pull out on the left side of the metal EMI shield

Caution

Snap the rails onto the drive, making sure the front rail extensions are

towards the front of the device.

3.5-inch diskette or CD/DVD drives

Align the rails with the bay, and slide the drive into the chassis until the

locking tabs snap into place.

Connect the power and data cables, making sure the cables match their

original position. (See your drive documentation for proper drive jumper settings and cable orientation.)

Close the case, as described in Chapter 3.

Reconnect the power and modem cords, then turn on the system.

Run the configuration software, if required.

System Components

Hard drives

Removing and replacing the hard drive

The hard drive that is included with your system is mounted in the bottom drive cage in the chassis.

To replace the hard drive:

Turn off the system and disconnect the power cord and modem cord, if

installed.

Open the case by following the instructions on page 17. (See “Preventing

static electricity” on page 15.)

Locate the 3.5-inch hard drive in the bottom drive cage.

Remove the power and data cables from the hard drive.

Grip the plastic mounting rails firmly with thumb and index finger and

pull the drive carefully straight out of the drive cage.

Remove the small, plastic mounting rails from the hard drive.

Hard drives

Place the old drive in an antistatic bag or container, then place the new

hard drive on a static-free surface with the top up and the connectors facing you.

Install two small, plastic drive mounting rails (“L” rail on the left and

“R” rail on the right) to the new hard drive, making sure the front rail extensions are towards the front of the device. Align the wire retention clips to the mounting holes in the drive and pressing the rails to the sides of the drive.

“R” rail

“L” rail

Align the rails with an open bay in the bottom drive cage, and slide the

drive into the cage until the locking tabs snap into place (be sure that the data and power connectors on the drive face outward).

Connect the power and data cables to the drive. (See drive documentation

for proper drive jumper settings and cable orientation.)

Close the case, as described in Chapter 3.

Reconnect the power and modem cords, then turn on the system.

Installing an additional hard drive

The system comes equipped with a drive cage that will accept additional internal hard drives. You will have to purchase an IDE cable with three connectors and of sufficient length to connect the existing hard drive and the new drive to the IDE connector on the system board.

System Components

To install an additional hard drive:

Turn off the system and disconnect the power cord and modem cord, if

installed.

Open the case by following the instructions on page 17. (See “Preventing

static electricity” on page 15.)

Place the new hard drive on a static-free surface with the top up and the

connectors facing you.

Install two small, plastic drive mounting rails (“L” rail on the left and

Align the rails with an open bay in the bottom drive cage, and slide the

drive into the chassis until the locking tabs snap into place.

Connect the data and power cables to the drive. (See drive documentation

for proper drive jumper settings and cable orientation.)

Close the case as described in Chapter 3.

Reconnect the power and modem cords, then turn on the system.

Hard drives

Power supply

Removing and replacing the power supply

To remove the power supply:

Turn off the system and disconnect the power cord and modem cord, if

installed.

Open the case by following the instructions on page 17. (See “Preventing

static electricity” on page 15.)

Lay the case on its right side, if possible.

Locate and disconnect the power supply connectors from all internal

devices, including the 3.5-inch diskette drive, the CD-ROM drive and all hard drives.

Locate and disconnect the main power supply connector to the system

board, by pressing on the tab to release the connector, then gently pulling the connector from the board.

System Components

Locate and remove the two supporting screws securing the power supply

to the top of the chassis.

Screws

While supporting the power supply with one hand, locate and remove

the two screws securing the power supply to the rear of the chassis.Carefully lift the power supply out of the chassis.

To install the new power supply:

Before installing the new power supply, verify that it matches the one

you previously removed. The mounting holes should line up correctly, and the specifications and power output connectors should be the same.

Make sure that the red voltage switch on the back of the new power

supply is set to the proper voltage for your area.

Place the new power supply in the proper position in the chassis and line

up the mounting holes with the holes in the chassis.

Power supply

Replace the two screws securing the power supply to the back of the

chassis, leaving them slightly loose.

Replace the two supporting screws securing the power supply to the top

of the chassis, then tighten all screws.

Reconnect the power connectors to the system board and to all internal

devices.

Place the case upright, then close the case as described in Chapter 3.

Reconnect the power and modem cords, then turn on the system.

System Components

System fans

Removing and replacing the system fans

The front system fan is mounted on the front of the bottom drive cage. The rear system fan is mounted on a fan mounting bracket attached to the rear of the system.

To remove the front system fan:

Turn off the system and disconnect the power cord and modem cord, if

installed.

Open the case by following the instructions on page 17. (See “Preventing

static electricity” on page 15.)

Remove the bezel, as described in “To remove th e bezel:” on page 19.

Disconnect the front fan power cable from the system board.

Remove the power and data cables from any hard drives mounted in the

bottom drive cage.

Remove the drives from the bottom drive cage and place them in

anti-static bags or containers.

System fans

Remove the plastic card guide attached to the bottom drive cage by

depressing the locking tabs (from the rear of the guide) and pivoting the top of the guide toward the back of the system. (You may have to remove one or more add-in cards from the system board.)

Ta b

Remove the two screws securing the bottom drive cage to the front of

the chassis and the two screws securing it to the right side of the chassis.

System Components

Slide the bottom drive cage toward the left side of the chassis, then toward

the back, disengaging it from the middle drive cage and the chassis.

Carefully remove the bottom drive cage from the chassis.

Remove the four screws securing the front system fan to the bottom drive

cage and lift the fan from the cage. Note the routing of the fan power cable.

System fans

To install the new front system fan:

Place the new front system fan into the recess in the front of the bottom

drive cage. Orient the fan with the label toward the inside of the chassis (toward the system board), and the fan power cable to the right side of the drive cage.

Secure the fan to the drive cage with the four screws previously removed.

Place the bottom drive cage into the chassis under the middle drive cage

and slide it forward so that the support tabs on top of the bottom cage engage the middle drive cage, then slide it right to align the screw holes with the holes on the front of the chassis.

Secure drive cage with the four screws previously removed. Make sure to

correctly route the fan power cable.

Replace the plastic card guide and any add-in cards removed previously.

Replace the hard drives into the bottom drive cage.

Replace the data and power cables on the hard drives.

Plug the fan power cable into the appropriate connector on the system

board.

Replace the bezel and close the case as described in Chapter 3.

Reconnect the power and modem cords, then turn on the system.

To remove the rear system fan:

Turn off the system and disconnect the power cord and modem cord, if

installed.

Open the case by following the instructions on page 17. (See “Preventing

static electricity” on page 15.)

Disconnect the rear fan power cable from the system board.

System Components

Depress the two locking tabs on the plastic fan bracket (from the back

of the chassis), then move the fan bracket to the left (from the inside) to disengage the four retaining tabs from the back of the chassis.

Retaining tab

Locking tab

Retaining tab

System fans

Carefully remove the fan and bracket from the chassis.

Remove the fan from the bracket by carefully prying up on each corner

with a flat-bladed screwdriver.

Remove the fan guard by removing the four screws securing it to the fan.

To install the new rear system fan:

Install the fan guard on the new fan with the four screws you removed

from the old fan.

Place the new fan into the recess in the rear fan bracket and press it firmly

into place. Orient the fan with the fan label toward the rear of the chassis.

System Components

Replace the fan bracket unit into the chassis by engaging the four

retaining tabs with the holes in the back of the chassis and sliding the unit to the right until the two locking tabs click into place.

Plug the fan power cable into the appropriate connector on the system

board.

Close the case as described in Chapter 3.

Reconnect the power and modem cords, then turn on the system.

System fans

Control panel

Removing and replacing the control panel

To remove the control panel:

Turn off the system and disconnect the power cord and modem cord, if

installed.

Open the case by following the instructions on page 17. (See “Preventing

static electricity” on page 15.)

Remove the bezel, as described in “To remo v e the bez e l :” on page 19.

After noting the position of the cables, disconnect the front panel

connector from J13J2 on the system board.

System Components

Pull out on the retention tab and slide the control panel unit to the left,

then pull it away from the front of the chassis, taking care not to damage the control panel cables or connectors as you pull them from the chassis.

Retention tab (shown with part of bracket cut away for clarity)

To install the new control panel:

Feed the control panel connector and cables through the opening in the

front of the chassis.

Noting the position of the cables, plug the control panel connector into

J13J2 on the system board.

Control panel

Insert the mounting tabs of the control panel unit into the proper slots

on the front of the chassis, then slide the unit to the right until it locks into place.

Replace the bezel and close the case as described in Chapter 3.

Reconnect the power and modem cords, then turn on the system.

System Components

Using the BIOS Configuration Manager

About the BIOS Configuration Manager

The computer’s BIOS has a built-in configuration manager that lets you configure several basic system characteristics. The settings are stored in battery-backed RAM and are retained even when the power is off.

Enter the BIOS Configuration Manager by restarting the computer, then selecting Upon entering BIOS Configuration Manager, the screen on the following page is initially displayed.

Enter Setup

Important

with your mouse when the Gateway Logo screen appears.

This BIOS will not display the usual system messages on the screen when the system is first started. If you require this information, you must enter the BIOS Configuration Manager to obtain it.

About the BIOS Configuration Manager

BIOS Configuration Manager

Help System Processors System Memory Boot Options System Even

BIOS Configuration Manager General Help

Tab Navigation:

Use the left mouse button or Left/Right Arrow keys to select a tab. Use the scroll buttons (upper right corner) to display additional tabs.

Field Navigation:

Use the left mouse button or Tab and Shift + Tab keys to select a field.

Changing Settings:

Use the left mouse button to change field values or use the Space bar for check boxes and Up/Down Arrow keys for list boxes.

Save/Exit:

Select the appropriate button on the Save/Exit tab. The Esc key will activate the Save/Exit tab.

Tab Specific Help:

For tab-specific Help press F1 or the right mouse button.

< >

This BIOS Configuration Manager Help tab provides information on how to navigate through the various tabs, as well as how to change settings and exit the BIOS setup.

The BIOS Configuration Manager also has the following tabs available at the top of the main screen. Each tab provides specific information or provides access to specific options, as described in the following list:

Help

■

provides information on using the Configuration Manager.

System Processors

provides information on the processor with which

your system is configured, as well as the host bus speed.

System Memory

■

provides information on your system’s current memory

configuration.

Using the BIOS Configuration Manager

Boot Options

■

gives you access to information and settings for boot features

and boot sequences.

System Event Log

■

provides information on event log capability and

validity, as well as event log options. Allows the user to view the event log.

Integrated IDE

■

lets you to enable or disable the integrated IDE controller. Also lets you enable, disable or configure, primary and secondary drives. Lets you change the spin delay.

Integrated Floppy

■

lets you enable or disable the integrated diskette drive controller, provides a selection of drive size options, and lets you write-protect the drive.

System BIOS

■

Peripheral Ports

■

provides information on the BIOS and SMBIOS versions.

lists all available peripheral ports and configuration

options for each.

Power Events

■

Time/Date

■

General

■

Security

■

Save/Exit

■

lets you enable or disable all power-on options.

shows current time and date and allows you to change both.

lets you configure general platform options.

gives you access to settings related to system access passwords.

gives you access to options for exiting the BIOS Configuration

Manager.

About the BIOS Configuration Manager

Updating the BIOS

Flash memory simplifies distributing BIOS upgrades. If you need a new version of the BIOS, you can download the BIOS update from technical support on the Gateway Web site and install the new version from a diskette.

To update the BIOS you need to perform the following tasks in sequence:

Create a bootable diskette

■

Note the current BIOS settings

■

Create the BIOS update diskette

■

Update the BIOS

■

Restore the BIOS settings

■

To create a bootable diskette:

Insert a blank, 3½-inch diskette into drive A:.

Insert the System Restoration CD into the CD drive, go to the

then select

Boot Disk

to format the diskette and make it bootable.

utilities

To note the current BIOS settings:

Remove the bootable diskette and restart your computer.

Enter the BIOS Configuration Manager by selecting

mouse when the Gateway Logo screen appears.

Write down the settings for each of the fields. (At the end of the BIOS

update process, you will reset the fields back to the values you recorded.)

Exit the BIOS Configuration Manager.

Enter Setup

To create the BIOS update diskette:

Go to the Gateway Web site

(www.gateway.com/product/drivers/BIOS/pentium.shtml).

Download the appropriate file (you will need to know your BIOS version

number) to your hard drive.

Double-click on the file to unzip it, then copy autoexec.bat,

newflash.exe, and wpgbios.bin to the diskette.

tab,

with your

Using the BIOS Configuration Manager

To update the BIOS:

Place the bootable diskette containing the BIOS files into drive A: then

restart the computer.

The BIOS update program will run.

The BIOS update program will let you know what to expect when you

attempt to update the BIOS and will give you a choice to update or not. Select

The system will automatically reboot and find the wpgbios.bin file on

the diskette, then it will load the file to update the BIOS.

When the process is completed the system will beep. If the BIOS update

was successful, you will hear three groups of three beeps (3-3-3). If you hear anything else, the BIOS update was not successful and the old version of the BIOS is still in place. If this happens, try the update procedure again. If the update is still unsuccessful, call technical support.

Once the BIOS files have been loaded, remove the diskette from drive

A:, then restart the computer.

As the computer starts up, enter the BIOS Configuration Manager by

selecting appears.

to update the BIOS.

Enter Setup

with your mouse when the Gateway Logo screen

Go to the

version reported on the screen is the number of the new BIOS you downloaded from the Gateway Web site.

BIOS Version

tab and make sure that the number of the BIOS

To restore the BIOS settings:

Enter the BIOS Configuration Manager by restarting the computer, then

selecting appears.

Once in BIOS Configuration Manager, select the

Go to the appropriate tabs and select any BIOS fields you want to change,

then reenter the values you wrote down at the beginning of this process.

Exit the BIOS Configuration Manager and restart the computer.

Enter Setup

Load Factory Settings

with your mouse when the Gateway Logo screen

Save/Exit

Updating the BIOS

tab and click

Setting the system board jumpers

The J1F2 configuration jumper on the system board lets you clear passwords and recover the BIOS. (See the figure on page 6 for the location of the jumper.) The table below shows the settings required to perform those tasks. Make sure you turn off the computer and unplug the power cord before moving the jumper.

Caution

J1F2 Mode Jumper

Normal

Configure

Recovery

Moving the jumper while the computer’s power is on can damage your computer. Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the computer before changing the jumper.

Setting

Pins 1-2

Pins 2-3

No jumper

BIOS recovery mode

If you are trying to update the BIOS and have a problem such as a power outage, the update may not be successful. You can then try to recover the BIOS by setting the J1F2 jumper.

Action When Set

Normal operation

Adds a Maintenance menu to BIOS Setup utility with options to clear passwords

Causes computer to attempt BIOS update or recovery from diskette

When you are trying to recover the BIOS, no image appears on your monitor.

To recover the BIOS:

Turn off the system and disconnect the power cord, modem cord (if

installed), and all external peripheral devices.

Open the case by following the instructions on page 17. (See “Preventing

static electricity” on page 15.)

Using the BIOS Configuration Manager

Remove the jumper from the J1F2 (See “System board” on page 6 for

location) and set it aside. You will use it in a later step.

Close the case (see “Closing the case” on page 20 for instructions), then

reconnect the power cord.

Place the previously created bootable diskette containing the BIOS files

into drive A:, then turn on the computer. The recovery process may take a few minutes.

When you hear three groups of three beeps (3-3-3), the BIOS has been

successfully recovered. Remove the diskette from drive A:, turn off the computer, and disconnect the power cord.

If you do not hear three groups of three beeps (3-3-3), the BIOS recovery was not successful. See the troubleshooting section at the end of this procedure for futher information.

Open the case again by following the instructions on page 17. (See

“Preventing static electricity” on page 15.)

Place the jumper back on pins 1-2 on the J1F2 jumper.

Close the case, reconnect the cords, then turn on the computer.

Enter the BIOS Configuration Manager by selecting

mouse when the Gateway Logo screen appears.

Once in BIOS Configuration Manager, select the

Load Factory Settings

Go to the appropriate tabs and select any BIOS fields you want to change,

then reenter the values you wrote down at the beginning of this process.

Troubleshooting: If the BIOS recovery was unsuccessful the computer beeps continously, beeps other than three groups of three beeps (3-3-3), or does not beep at all. If the computer beeps continously, make sure all the BIOS files you downloaded are on your diskette. If the computer does not beep at all and the diskette drive light stays on, make sure your BIOS update diskette is a bootable diskette. You will need another system to verify this.

Setting the system board jumpers

Enter Setup

Save/Exit

with your

tab and click

Using the BIOS Configuration Manager

Managing Your System

Protecting against power source problems

Surge suppressors, line conditioners, and uninterruptible power supplies can help protect your system against power source problems.

Surge suppressors

During a power surge, the voltage level of electricity coming into your system can increase far above normal levels and cause data loss or system damage.

Protect you computer and peripherals by connecting them to a surge supressor, which will absorb voltage surges and prevent them from reaching your computer.

When purchasing a surge suppressor:

Make sure the surge suppressor meets the appropriate product safety

■

certification for your location, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Conformite European (CE).

Check the maximum amount of voltage the suppressor allows to pass

■

through the line. The lower the voltage that the suppressor allows to pass through, the better the protection for your system.

Protecting against power source problems

Check the energy absorption, or dissipation, rating. The higher the energy

■

absorption rating, the better the protection for your system.

Check for line-conditioner capabilities. A line conditioner smooths out

■

some of the normal line noise (small voltage fluctuations) of an electrical supply.

Line conditioners

A line conditioner protects your system from the small daily fluctuations in voltage from an electrical supply. Most systems can handle this variation, or line noise, without problems. However, some electrical sources include more line noise than normal. Line noise can also be a problem if your system is located near, or shares a circuit with, a device that causes electromagnetic interference, such as a television or a motor.

Some surge suppressors and uninterruptible power supplies include simple line-conditioning capabilities.

Uninterruptible power supplies

Use a standby uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to protect your computer from data loss during a total power failure. A UPS uses a battery to keep your computer running during a power failure and lets you save your work and shut down your computer. You cannot run your computer for an extended period of time while using the UPS.

Managing Your System

Maintain and manage your hard drive

Regular maintenance can keep your hard drive operating efficiently and good file management can keep your system free of unwanted files while making important files secure and easier to find.

Hard drive maintenance utility

By regularly using Check Disk, you can help maintain the performance of your hard drive.

Using Check Disk in Windows NT

Check Disk checks the hard drive for bad sectors or lost allocation units and lets you fix them. Bad sectors are parts of a hard drive or diskette that will not hold data. A lost allocation unit is a group of sectors that has lost its place in the table that the operating system uses to locate files.

Use Check Disk from once a week to once a month, depending on how often you use your system. Also use Check Disk if you have any hard drive problems.

To use Check Disk:

Double-click the

My Computer

icon. The My Computer window opens.

Right-click the drive you want to check.

Select

Click the

Select

drive.

Click

Follow any on-screen instructions for completing the scan.

Properties

Error-checking

Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors

Start.

. The drive’s properties window opens.

Tools

tab.

Check Now

click

Check Disk checks the drive for errors.

. The Check Disk window opens.

Maintain and manage your hard drive

to scan the entire hard

Hard drive management practices

By deleting unneeded files from your hard drive and managing the space that is automatically allocated for saving certain files, you can help maintain the performance of the hard drive.

Checking hard drive space

In Windows, you can see a chart of the available hard drive space.

To check hard drive space:

Double-click on the

window opens.

Right-click the drive you want to check.

My Computer

icon on the desktop. The My Computer

Select

shows you the available and used space on the drive.

Properties

Backing up files

Regularly backing up your files protects you from losing data and lets you keep fewer files on your hard drive. Back up old files to a large capacity disk drive or tape drive and delete the files from your hard drive. You can use the software that came with your tape backup drive or your large capacity disk drive to back up the files.

You can also back up files by running the Backup utility that came with your operating system. In Windows NT, Backup copies files to a tape drive.

To run Backup in Windows NT:

Start

Click

Follow the on-screen instructions.

then select

Deleting unneeded files

By deleting unneeded files from the hard drive, you free up space on the hard drive and help improve hard-drive performance. The following sections give you some simple ways to delete unneeded files.

. The drive’s properties window opens. The

Programs, Administrative Tools,

then

General

Backup

tab

Deleting Windows temporary files

During normal operation, Windows constantly creates new temporary (temp) files. You can safely delete all but the most recent temp files.

Managing Your System

To delete temp files:

Open Windows Explorer, and select

Tools

Find

then

Files and Folders

2 3 4 5

In the

Click

Named

Look in

Find Now

Modified

text box, type *.tmp

drop down list, select your drive letter.

. The list of temp files appears.

above the list. To see the

Modified

button, you may need

to maximize the Find window. The list is sorted by date.

Highlight all the files in the list except those with today’s date.

6 7

Press S

HIFT

+ D

. A dialog box opens asking if you want to delete the

ELETE

files.

Click

. The files are deleted.

Ye s

Deleting temporary internet files

As you visit Web sites, your browser stores temporary internet files on your hard drive in a memory cache and a disk cache. Files in the memory cache are removed when you turn off your computer. Files are saved in the disk cache until the space designated for the cache is full. See your browser’s Help files for instructions on emptying the disk cache.

You can save space on the hard drive by decreasing the size of the internet file disk cache. See your browser’s Help files for instructions.

Emptying the Recycle Bin

When you delete a file from your hard drive in Windows, it is not immediately removed from the hard drive. Instead, the file is moved into the Recycle Bin. Because files are stored in the Recycle Bin and not deleted from the hard drive immediately, you can retrieve a file that you accidentally delete from the hard drive.

To delete all the files from the Recycle Bin, right-click the on the desktop, then click

Empty Recycle Bin

You can save space on the hard drive by decreasing the size of the Recycle Bin.

Maintain and manage your hard drive

Recycle Bin

icon

To decrease the size of the Recycle Bin:

Right-click the

Recycle Bin,

then select

Properties

from the pop-up menu.

At the Global tab, select either

setting for all drives.

If you are configuring drives independently, click the tab for the drive

you want to configure.

Move the slider to set the size of the Recycle Bin. 5% is a good initial

setting.

Click OK.

Configure drives independently

Use one

Managing Your System

System integrity

It’s important to protect your system against electrical problems and physical hazards such as heat, moisture, and dust. It’s also important to protect it against less obvious hazards such as viruses and hardware overloads.

Protecting your computer from viruses

A virus is a prog ram that a tta ches it self t o a p rogram or data fi le on a com put er, then spreads from one computer to another. Viruses can damage data, cause computers to malfunction, and can display annoying or offensive messages. Some viruses can go unnoticed for long periods of time because they are activated by a certain date or time. Protect your computer from viruses by:

Using the Norton® AntiVirus to check files and programs that are on

■

diskettes, attached to e-mail messages, or downloaded from the Internet. After you run Norton AntiVirus you can back up your files to diskettes, a separate hard drive, or a high-capacity storage drive.

Updating Norton AntiVirus periodically to keep up with new viruses.

■

Obtaining all software from reputable sources and checking the software

■

for viruses before installing it.

Disabling macros on suspicious Microsoft Word and Excel files. These

■

programs will warn you if a document that you are opening contains a macro that might have a virus.

To remove a virus:

Find and remove the virus immediately using Norton AntiVirus.

Turn off your computer and leave it off for at least 30 seconds.

Turn on the computer and rescan for the virus.

System integrity

Monitoring system health with LANDesk

Intel LANDesk® Client Manager is a desktop management interface (DMI) that lets you monitor the health of your system components. Through LANDesk, you can view software and hardware properties. You can also set LANDesk to notify you when system resources reach certain levels.

To install LANDesk Client Manager:

Double-click the

InstallShield

Follow the on-screen instructions.

If you are prompted for a password during the installation process, type

lowtco.

LANDesk Client Manager comes with complete documentation and online help. Refer to these sources for more information on using the software.

Setup

wizard starts.

icon in the c:\dmi folder on your hard drive. The

Managing Your System

System Recovery

In the event that your hard drive is damaged, or if your BIOS or system files get corrupted, it’s important to take advanced precautions that will allow you to restart your system and recover damaged files.

Creating a startup diskette

If your computer hard drive is damaged, you may not be able to start the computer from the hard drive. A startup diskette is a bootable diskette that lets you start the computer and attempt to fix the problem.

When you set up Windows NT you are prompted to create a startup diskette. If you did not choose to create a startup diskette at that time, you may create one later by running the Windows NT upgrade/installation program. This is done by going to the DOS Command Prompt, changing to the C:\I386 subdirectory and typing “winnt32/ox”. Press

Using your System Restoration CD

The System Restoration CD included with your system can be used to:

Install hardware drivers for Windows NT

■

and follow the prompts.

ENTER

Reinstall selected software applications, such as LANDesk Client

■

Manager

Instructions for each operating system are provided with the System Restoration CD.

System Recovery

Managing Your System

Cleaning Your System

Cleaning the mouse

If the mouse pointer on the screen moves erratically when you move the mouse, the inside of the mouse may be dirty.

To clean the mouse:

Turn off the computer, then disconnect the mouse cable from the mouse

port.

Turn your mouse upside down and remove the roller ball cover.

Cup your hand under the mouse and turn your mouse right-side up. The

roller ball should drop into your hand. If it does not, gently shake the mouse until the ball drops out of the socket.

Use adhesive tape to pick up any dust or lint on the surface of the ball

and wipe away dirt or lint inside the ball socket. You can also blow into the socket to remove dirt and lint. Use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to clean the rollers inside the socket.

Let surfaces dry completely.

Return the ball to the socket and replace the cover.

Cleaning the mouse

Cleaning the keyboard

You should clean the keyboard occasionally to free it of dust and lint particles trapped under the keys. The easiest way to do this is to blow trapped dirt from under the keys using an aerosol can of air with a narrow, straw-like extension.

If you spill liquid on the keyboard, turn off the computer, then disconnect it. Turn the keyboard upside down to let the liquid drain. Let the keyboard dry for a few days before trying to use it again. If the keyboard does not work after it is dry, you may need a new one.

Cleaning the monitor screen

Use a soft cloth and window cleaner to clean the monitor screen. Squirt a little cleaner on the cloth (never directly on the screen), then wipe the screen with the cloth.

Cleaning the computer and monitor cases

Warning

Always turn off the computer and other peripherals before cleaning any components.

Use a damp, lint-free cloth to clean the computer case, monitor case, keyboard, speakers, and other parts of your system. Avoid abrasive or solvent cleaners because they can damage the finish on your components.

Your computer is cooled by air drawn in through the vents on the chassis and blown out through the power supply exhaust fan. Keep vents on the front and back of the chassis free of dust. With the computer turned off and unplugged, brush the dust away from the vents with a slightly damp cloth. Be careful not to drip any water into the vents. Do not attempt to clean dust from the inside the computer.

Cleaning Your System

When you clean the system, turn off the computer, monitor, and peripherals, then unplug the power cord and modem cord (if installed). Be careful not to drip liquid into the computer, monitor, and peripherals when cleaning the system.

Troubleshooting

Introduction

If your system does not operate correctly, re-read the instructions for the procedures you have performed. If an error occurs within an application, consult the documentation supplied with the software. This section identifies solutions to some possible problems.

Introduction

Troubleshooting checklist

Before turning on the system, make sure that:

The power cord is connected to the AC power-in connector and

■

an AC outlet.

The AC outlet is supplying power.

■

If a power strip is used it is turned on, setting the circuit breaker.

■

The voltage selection switch on the system power supply reflects

■

the proper voltage.

Verifying your configuration

If your system is not operating correctly, the BIOS may contain an invalid configuration parameter. Enter the BIOS Setup utility and check your configuration settings.

Troubleshooting guidelines

As you troubleshoot your system, keep the following guidelines in mind:

Never remove the chassis cover while the computer is turned on.

■

Troubleshooting

Do not attempt to open the monitor; it is extremely dangerous. Even if the monitor’s power is disconnected, stored energy within the monitor’s components can be dangerous.

If a peripheral, such as the keyboard, mouse, drive, or printer does not appear to work, make sure that all connections are secure.

If an error message appears on the screen, write it down, word for word. You may be asked about it when calling Gateway Client Care.

Only qualified personnel should open the system for maintenance.

If you feel you are qualified to maintain the system yourself, make sure you are properly grounded before opening the system chassis. See Chapter 3, Case Access, for more information on preventing electrostatic damage to the system.

CD/DVD problems

An audio CD produces no sound

Probable Cause Solution

The CD/DVD is loaded incorrectly.

The speakers are not connected.

The speaker volume is turned down.

The speakers may be muted via the Multimedia volume control.

The speakers may be faulty.

The sound card may not be installed correctly.

The CD/DVD drive audio cable may be installed incorrectly.

Important

Some systems do not have sound cards because sound capabilities are built into the system board.

Make sure that the label is facing upward, then try again.

Make sure that the speaker cables are connected properly and securely.

Check the volume control.

From the Accessories menu (Start | Programs |

Accessories), select Multimedia, then select Volume Control. Make sure that the volume is

turned up.

Connect a set of headphones to the line-out jack on the rear of the computer to test the output. If they work, replace the speakers.

Open the system, then reseat the sound card. Make sure that the cables are connected properly.

Open the system and make sure that the cables are connected properly.

The CD/DVD drive is not recognized by the system

Probable Cause Solution

The CD/DVD is not intended for PC use.

The CD/DVD is loaded incorrectly.

The CD/DVD is scratched or dirty.

Make sure that the disc is PC compatible.

Make sure that the label is facing upward, then try again.

Try cleaning the disc with a lint-free cloth. Check the disk for scratches.

CD/DVD problems

Probable Cause Solution

The CD/DVD drive needs to be added as new hardware.

The secondary IDE device may be disabled.

The CD/DVD drive cables are not installed correctly.

The CD/DVD drive may be defective.

From the Control Panel window (Start |

Settings | Control Panel), double-click Add New Hardware. Follow the directions for adding the

drive. If you are not experienced with this procedure, call Gateway Client Care.

Restart your computer, then press F1 to enter the BIOS Setup utility program. From the

Advanced | IDE Configuration

IDE Controller

the

Secondary IDE Master

Open the system, then check all cables between the IDE controller and the CD/DVD drive.

Replace the CD/DVD drive.

Both

menu, set

and the

Auto

Troubleshooting

Hard drive problems

The SCSI drive is not recognized by the system

Probable Cause Solution

The SCSI bus is not properly terminated.

The drive is configured with a conflicting SCSI address.

The cables are not connected correctly.

Make sure that the last device on the SCSI chain is properly terminated.

Change the device’s SCSI address to one that is not currently being used by the system.

Open the system, then check the cable connections.

The IDE drive is not recognized by the system

Probable Cause Solution

The primary IDE device may be configured incorrectly.

The drive may not be configured properly.

The drive cables are not connected properly.

The drive controller is not seated properly.

Restart your computer, then press F1 to enter the BIOS Setup utility program. From the

Advanced | IDE Configuration menu, set the IDE Controller to

Auto

Consult the hard drive user’s guide for instructions on how to configure the drive.

Open the system, then check all cables connected to the controller card.

Open the system, then reseat the drive controller.

Both

and the Primary IDE Master

Important

Some systems do not have IDE controller cards because the IDE controller is built into the system board.

Hard drive problems

Memory/Processor problems

Memory errors were detected during system start up

Probable Cause Solution

Memory was added or removed, and the new configuration was not saved in BIOS Setup utility.

The memory was installed incorrectly.

A memory chip is faulty. Replace the card on which the faulty chip

Enter the BIOS Setup utility and save the new memory configuration.

Check the memory for proper seating and orientation.

resides. Third-party diagnostic programs can help determine which chip or memory segment is failing.

A new processor is not recognized by the system

Probable Cause Solution

The processor was installed incorrectly.

The processor speed was not set correctly in the BIOS Setup utility configuration mode.

The processor was not seated correctly in the socket.

Check the installation. The processor should be recognized automatically if it was installed correctly.

If your system BIOS lets you to select the processor speed, make sure that you have selected the speed properly.

Make sure that the processor is fully seated in its socket.

Troubleshooting

Modem problems

The modem is not recognized by the system

Probable Cause Solution

The modem has not been added as new hardware.

The modem is not connected to a live phone jack.

The phone jack is shared by another modem or telephone.

The modem is not configured with a valid interrupt or address.

Add the modem as new hardware.

Make sure that the line connected to the modem is live and plugged into the appropriate port on the modem (line port).

If the modem shares the jack with another device, make sure that the other device does not have the port open (for instance, someone is on the phone, or another modem is in use).

Check the system settings for possible conflicts. If one exists, correct the problem by selecting an available interrupt and address.

Modem problems

Peripheral/Adapter problems

A SCSI device is not recognized by the system

Probable Cause Solution

The device needs to be added as new hardware.

The SCSI ID may be invalid.

The SCSI chain is not terminated.

The device cables are not installed correctly.

From the Control Panel window (Start |

Settings | Control Panel), double-click Add New Hardware. Follow the directions for adding the

device. If you are not experienced with this procedure, call technical support.

Assign an available SCSI ID to the device.

Make certain the last device on the SCSI chain is terminated.

Open the system, then check all cables between the controller and the device.

The diskette drive is not recognized by the system

Probable Cause Solution

The diskette drive may be configured incorrectly.

The drive cables are not connected properly.

The drive controller is not seated properly.

Restart your computer, then press F1 to enter the BIOS Setup utility program. From the Boot | Removable Devices menu, make sure that the diskette drive parameters are set correctly.

Open the system, then check all cables connected to the controller card.

Open the system, then reseat the drive controller.

Important

Troubleshooting

Some systems do not have a floppy controller card because the floppy controller is built into the system board.

The diskette drive will not read, write, or format

Probable Cause Solution

The diskette is not IBM-formatted.

The disk is write protected.

The diskette is corrupted.

Make sure that the diskette you are trying to format is IBM compatible. If it is, try reformatting it.

Make sure that the write-protection window on the upper-right corner of the diskette is closed (unprotected).

Run ScanDisk on the diskette. If errors are detected and corrected, try accessing the diskette again.

The diskette drive LED illuminates continuously

Probable Cause Solution

The diskette is corrupted.

The cable to the drive is not connected properly.

Remove the diskette from the drive. If the light remains on, try restarting the system.

Open the system, then check the cable between the diskette drive and its controller. Make sure that the pins are not bent or misaligned.

An adapter card is not recognized by the system

Probable Cause Solution

The interrupt and/or I/O address is set incorrectly.

The card has not been configured through the software.

The card was not installed correctly.

Check the address configuration of the adapter card and make sure that it does not conflict with another card in the system.

Configure the card with the appropriate software.

Reseat the card, then make sure that its jumpers are configured appropriately.

Peripheral/Adapter problems

Gateway E-5400 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Preface

Conventions used in this manual

Getting additional information

System Features

Standard features

Front panel

Rear panel

System board

System Setup

Setting up your system

Starting your system

Understanding the Power-On Self-Test

Setting up the operating system

Turning off your system

Resetting your system

Case Access

Preventing static electricity

Opening the case

Closing the case

System Components

The system board

Removing the system board

Replacing or adding a processor

Adding or replacing memory

Adding an expansion card

Replacing the battery

Troubleshooting the battery installation

Preparing to replace or add a drive

Drive cabling information

3.5-inch diskette or CD/DVD drives

Removing and replacing the 3.5-inch diskette or CD/DVD drive

Installing an additional 3.5-inch device

Installing an additional 5.25-inch device

Hard drives

Removing and replacing the hard drive

Installing an additional hard drive

Power supply

Removing and replacing the power supply

System fans

Removing and replacing the system fans

Control panel

Removing and replacing the control panel

Using the BIOS Configuration Manager

About the BIOS Configuration Manager

Updating the BIOS

Setting the system board jumpers

BIOS recovery mode

Managing Your System

Protecting against power source problems

Surge suppressors

Line conditioners

Uninterruptible power supplies

Maintain and manage your hard drive

Hard drive maintenance utility

Using Check Disk in Windows NT

Hard drive management practices

Checking hard drive space

Backing up files

Deleting unneeded files

Deleting Windows temporary files

Deleting temporary internet files

Emptying the Recycle Bin

System integrity

Protecting your computer from viruses

Monitoring system health with LANDesk

System Recovery

Creating a startup diskette

Using your System Restoration CD

Cleaning Your System

Cleaning the mouse

Cleaning the keyboard

Cleaning the monitor screen

Cleaning the computer and monitor cases

Troubleshooting

Introduction

Troubleshooting checklist