Gateway M350 User Manual
Gateway M350 Notebook
user'sguide
Customizing
Troubleshooting
Contents
1 Checking Out Your Gateway M350. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Left side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Right side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Bottom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Keyboard area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Identifying your model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Gateway model number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Gateway serial number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Internal wireless label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Finding your specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
2Getting Started. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Connecting the AC adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Protecting from power source problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Starting your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Waking up your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Turning off your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Restarting (rebooting) your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Status indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Using the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Key types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
System key combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Multi-function buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Using the audio controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Using the EZ Pad touchpad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Using the touchpad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Connecting the modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Connecting to a wired Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Broadband Internet connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Installing a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
3Getting Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
HelpSpot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Searching for a topic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
HelpSpot videos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
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Do More With Gateway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
Online help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
Gateway Web site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Using eSupport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
4 Windows Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
About the Windows environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Using the desktop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
Using the Start menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
Adding icons to the desktop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Identifying window items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Working with files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
Viewing drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
Creating folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Copying and moving files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Deleting files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
Browsing for files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
Searching for files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
Using the Windows Search utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63
Working with documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65
Creating a new document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65
Saving a document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66
Opening a document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
Printing a document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68
Shortcuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
5 Using the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
Learning about the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
Setting up an Internet account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73
Accessing your Internet account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74
Using the World Wide Web . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
Connecting to a Web site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76
Downloading files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
Using e-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78
Sending e-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78
Checking your e-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79
6 Using Multimedia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81
Adjusting the volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82
Adjusting the volume in Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82
Adjusting the volume in Windows 2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85
Recording and playing audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87
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Playing audio and video files with the Windows Media Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Using the CD or DVD drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Identifying drive types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Inserting a CD or DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Listening to CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Listening to CDs in Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Listening to CDs in Windows 2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Using MusicMatch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Playing CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Creating MP3 music files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Editing track information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Building a music library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Changing the music library display settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Listening to Internet radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Using advanced features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Playing a DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Creating CDs and DVDs using Roxio Easy CD Creator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Creating data CDs and DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Creating video DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Creating music CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Copying CDs and DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Creating CDs and DVDs using Nero Express . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Creating a data CD or DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Copying a CD or DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Copying music tracks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Creating a music CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Advanced features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Using the optional diskette drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Using the optional memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Memory card types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Using a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Connecting a digital camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Connecting a digital video camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
7 Sending and Receiving Faxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Installing and configuring Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Installing Fax in Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Configuring Fax in Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Configuring Fax in Windows 2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Sending a simple fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Setting up your cover page template . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Faxing from programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Faxing a scanned document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
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Receiving and viewing a fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .153
Canceling a fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .153
Automatically retry sending a fax in Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .154
Automatically cancelling a fax in Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .155
8 Managing Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .157
Monitoring the battery charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .158
Recharging the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .159
Recalibrating the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .160
Changing batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .161
Replacing the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .161
Extending battery life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .163
Conserving battery power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .163
Using alternate power sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .163
Changing power modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .164
Changing power settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .165
Changing the power scheme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .165
Changing alarm options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .167
Changing advanced settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .168
Activating and using Hibernate mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .169
Changing SpeedStep settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .171
9 Travel Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .173
Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174
Radio frequency wireless connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174
Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176
Additional tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .177
10 Customizing Your Notebook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .179
Adjusting the screen and desktop settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .180
Adjusting the color depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .180
Adjusting the screen resolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .182
Changing the colors on your Windows desktop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .183
Changing the desktop background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .186
Selecting a screen saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .189
Changing the touchpad settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .191
Adding and modifying user accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .193
11 Networking Your Notebook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .195
Benefits of networking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .196
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Sharing a single Internet connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Sharing drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Sharing peripheral devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Streaming audio and video files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Playing multi-player games . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Selecting a network connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Wired Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Wireless Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Using a wired Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, or Gigabit Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Example wired Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Equipment you need for a wired Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Using a wireless Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Wireless Ethernet speed and frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Example access point wireless Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Equipment you need fo r an access point wireles s Ethernet network . . . . . . 20 5
Example peer-to-peer wireless Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Equipment you need fo r a peer-to-peer wireless Ethernet network . . . . . . . 20 7
For more information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Using your notebook on a network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Installing and configu ring your notebook fo r Ethernet networking . . . . . . . . . 208
Turning your wireless Ethernet emitter on or off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
12 Moving From Your Old Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Using the Windows XP Files and Settings Transfer Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Transferring files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Finding your files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Transferring Internet settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Setting up your ISP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Transferring your e-mail and address book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Transferring your Internet shortcuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Installing your old printer or scanner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Installing a USB printer or scanner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Installing a parallel port printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Installing your old programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
13 Maintaining Your Notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Caring for your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Protecting your notebook from viruses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Managing hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Checking hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Using Disk Cleanup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Checking the hard drive for errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
v
Defragmenting the hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .229
Backing up files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .231
Using the Scheduled Task Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .231
Cleaning your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .233
Cleaning the exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .233
Cleaning the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .233
Cleaning the computer screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .234
Cleaning the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .234
14 Restoring Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .237
Using the Restoration CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .238
Reinstalling device drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .239
Updating device drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .241
Reinstalling programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .242
Reinstalling Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .244
15 Upgrading Your Notebook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .247
Adding and removing a PC Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .248
Preventing static electricity discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250
Adding or replacing memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .251
Adding or replacing memory in the memory bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .252
Replacing memory under the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .255
Replacing the hard drive kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .263
16 Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .269
Safety guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .270
First steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .271
Software support tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .271
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .272
CD or DVD drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .272
Cleaning CDs or DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .274
Device installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .274
Diskette drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .275
Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .276
File management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .277
Hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .278
Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .279
Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .280
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .281
Memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .281
Modem (dial-up) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .281
Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .286
vi
Networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
PC Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Telephone support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Before calling Gateway Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Telephone numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Tutoring and training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Self-help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Tutoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
A Safety, Regulatory, and Legal Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
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viii
Checking Out
Your
Gateway M 350
This chapter introduces you to the basic features of your
notebook. Read this chapter to learn:
■ How to identify the features of your Gateway
notebook
■ How to locate your notebook’s model and serial
number
■ How to locate the Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity
■ How to locate the specifications for your notebook
■ What accessories are ava ilable for your notebook
Tips & Tricks Y ou can do wnload an electronic copy of thi s
guide from
support.gateway.com/support/manlib/
.
1
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Chapter 1: Checking Out Yo ur Gateway M350
Front
Speaker
Audio
controls
LCD panel
release la tch
Power
indicator
Speaker
Battery charge indicator
Component Icon Description
Speakers Provide audio output when headphones or amplified
speakers are not plugged in.
Audio controls The volume buttons control the volume level of the
built-in speakers and headphones plugged into the
headphone jack. The play/pause, back, next, and stop
buttons may c ontrol mul timedia pr ograms such as
Windows Media Player, Windows CD Player,
MusicMatch, and the DVD Player. For more information,
see “Using the audio controls” on page31.
LCD panel release latch Open the LCD panel by pressing the release latch.
Battery charge indicator The LED shows the battery activity and status.
■
LED green - battery is fully charged.
■
LED orange - battery is charging.
■
LED blinking red - battery charge is very low.
■
LED solid red - battery is malfunctioning.
This LED only lights up when your notebook is connected
to AC power or the battery charge is very low.
Power indi cator The LED sho ws your note book’s powe r status.
■
LED on - notebook is on.
■
LED blinking - notebook is in Standby mode.
■
LED off - notebook is off.
2
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Left side
Left side
Modem jack
Ethernet jack
Headphone jack
Microphon e jack
Diskette drive
or memory
card reader
CD, DVD, DVD/CD-RW, or
DVD-RW/CD-RW drive
Component Icon Description
Modem jack Plug a modem cable i nto this jac k. For more inform ation,
see “Connecting the modem” on page 35.
Ethernet jack Plug a 10/100 Ethernet network cable into this jack. For
more information, see “Connecting to a wired Ethernet
network” on page 36 and “Networking Your Notebook”
on page 195.
Microphone jack Plug a microphone into this jack.
Headphone jack Plug amplified speakers or headphones into this jack.
The built-in speakers are turned off when speakers or
headphones are plugged into this jack.
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Chapter 1: Checking Out Yo ur Gateway M350
Component Icon Description
Diskette drive or memory
card reader
CD, DVD, DVD/CD-RW , or
DVD-RW/CD-RW drive
Insert a standard 3.5-inch diskette into the optional
diskette drive. For more information, see “Using the
optional diskette drive” on page 136.
Insert a memory c ard from a digital camera, MP3 player,
PDA, or cellular tele phone into the op tional memory card
reader. For more information, see “Using the optional
memory card reader” on page 137.
Important: Your notebook comes with either a built-in
diskette drive or a built-in memory card reader. If your
notebook has a built-in memory card reader and you
need to use a diskette drive, Gateway recommends
purchasing a USB diskette driv e. T o order a USB diskette
drive, vis it the Acce ssory Stor e at
accessories.gateway.com
Insert CDs or DVDs into this drive. Fo r more informatio n,
see “Using the CD or DVD drive” on page 91.
This drive may be a CD, DVD, combination DVD/CD-RW,
or DVD-RW/CD-R W drive. T o determ ine the type of drive
in the noteb ook, exam ine the dr ive tray’s pl astic cove r
and compare the logo to th ose l isted in “Identifying drive
types” on page 91.
.
4
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Right side
Right side
IEEE 1394 port
Component Icon Description
IEEE 1394 port Plug an IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire® or i.Link®)
device (such as a digital camcorder) into this 4-pin
IEEE 1394 port. For more information, see “Connecting
a digital video camera” on page 141.
PC Card slot Insert one Type II PC Card into this slot. For more
information, see “Adding and removing a PC Card” on
page 248.
USB ports Plug USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices (such as a
diskette drive, flash drive, Iomega™ Zi p™ drive, printer,
scanner, camera, keyboard, or mouse) into these ports.
PC Card slot
USB ports
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Chapter 1: Checking Out Yo ur Gateway M350
Back
Power
connector
Parallel
port
Monitor
port
Ventilation
fan
Kensington
lock slot
Component Icon Description
Power connector Plug the AC adapter cable into this connector.
Parallel port Plug a parallel device (such as a printer) into this port.
Monitor port Plug an analog VGA monitor into this port.
Ventilation fan Helps cool internal components. Do not block or insert
objects into these slo ts.
Kensington™ lock slot Secure your notebook to an object by connecting a
Kensington cable lock to this slot.
6
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Bottom
Bottom
Reset hole
Hard drive
bay
Battery
latch
Ventilation fan
Memory bay cover
Battery bay
Component Icon Description
Ventilation fan Helps cool internal components. Do not block or insert
objects into these slo ts.
Memory bay cover Open this cover to install a memory module. For more
information, see “Adding or replacing memory in the
memory bay” on page 252.
Reset hole Insert a straightene d paper clip into this ho le to manually
restart th e notebook .
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Chapter 1: Checking Out Yo ur Gateway M350
Component Icon Description
Hard drive bay The hard drive is located in this bay. For more
information, see “Replacing the hard drive kit” on
page 263.
Battery latch Slide to release the battery.
Battery bay Insert the battery into this bay . For more information, see
“Changing batteries” on page 161.
8
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Keyboard area
For information on using your keyboard, see “Using the keyboard” on page 26.
Multi-function buttons
Status
indicators
Power button
Keyboard
Keyboard area
Touchpad
Component Icon Description
Multi-function buttons Press these buttons to open progra ms assigned to them.
These buttons are set to open your default e-mail
program, your default W eb browser , onl ine help, and the
My Computer window. For more information, see
“Multi-function buttons” on page 30.
Status indicators Inform you when a drive is in use or when a button has
been pressed that affec ts how t he keyboard is used. For
more information, see “Status indicators” on page 24.
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9
Chapter 1: Checking Out Yo ur Gateway M350
Component Icon Description
Power button Press to turn the power on or of f. You can also configure
the power button for Standby/Resume mode. For more
information on configuring the power button mode, see
“Changing power settings” on page 165.
Keyboard Provides all the fe atures of a full-siz ed 86-key k eyboard.
For more information, see “Using the keyboard” on
page 26.
Touchpad Provides all the functionality of a mouse. For more
information, see “Using the EZ Pad touchpad” on
page 32.
10
www.gateway.com
Identifying your mo del
Identifying your model
Important The labels shown in this section are for informational
purposes only . Label information varie s by model, featur es
ordered, and location.
Gateway model number
The label on the bottom of your notebook conta ins informa tion that identifies
your notebook model and its features. Gateway T echnical Support will need this
information if you call for assistance.
Gateway
model
number
FOR USE WITH FSP150-1ADE11 or ADP-150CB B
POUR UTILSER AVEC MODEL FSP150-1ADE11 ADP-150CB B
INPUT:19V 7.9A
MODEL No.:
This class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian interference-
Cet appareil numerique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Reglement sur le
Canada.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference. and (2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Apparatus Claims of U.S. Patent Nos. 4,631,603; 4,577,216; 4,819,098 and 4,907,093 licensed for limited
uses only.
P/N.:
M350WVN
CONFORMS TO
ANSI/UL STD.60950
CERTIFIED TO
CAN/CSA STD
C22.2 NO.60950
Fitted with internal AMBIT Microsystems Corp.
modem model number T60M283.00
Complies with 47 CFR part 68
REN:0.6B 6CT TAI-36146-M5-E
Complies with Industry Canada
CS03 IC: 2878 11538 A
MEX SCT TTDAMT603-128
---
300961 5
Causing Equipment Regulations.
Materiel brouilieur du
Fitted with Gemtek
model xxxxxxx
802.11g WLAN card
FCC ID: xxxxxxxxxx
IC: xxxxxxxxx
SCT: xxxxxxxx
ou
viewing
TH10 C M
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11
Chapter 1: Checking Out Yo ur Gateway M350
Gateway serial number
You can locate the Gateway serial number:
■ Printed on a white sticker on the bottom or back of your notebook.
■ Printed on the customer invoice that came with your notebook. The
invoice also contains your customer ID number.
■ Displayed in HelpSpot in Windows XP. Click Start, Help and Support, then
View product serial number.
click
Internal wireless label
A label similar to the following indicates your notebook contains a wireless
communications device. The label is located on the bottom of your notebook.
Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity
The Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity label found on the bottom of your
notebook includes the product key code for your operating system.
12
www.gateway.com
Finding your sp ecifications
Finding your specifications
For more information about your notebook, such as memory size, memory type ,
and hard drive size, go to the
Windows XP or visit Gateway’s eSupport page at support.gateway.com
eSupport page also has links to additional Gateway documentation and detailed
specifications.
See your PC’s configuration link in HelpSpot in
. The
In Windows XP, view your notebook’s serial number by clicking
Support
clicking
, then clicking View system serial number. Check your specifications by
Start, Help and Support, then clicking See your PC’s configuration.
Start, Help and
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13
Chapter 1: Checking Out Yo ur Gateway M350
You can also find out more about your notebook at the Gateway eSupport site.
Visit support.gateway.com
page 47.
. For more information, see “Using eSupport” on
14
www.gateway.com
Accessories
Gateway offers accessories that can help you make the most of using your
notebook. To order accessories, visit the Accessory Store at
accessories.gateway.com
Batteries
If you run your notebook on battery power for extended periods, you may want
to buy an additional battery so you can swap batteries when necessary. Se e
“Changing batteries” on page 161 for more information.
Carrying cases
Gateway has large-capacity carrying cases if you need additional space for
accessories or supplies.
Peripheral devices
Y ou c an attach devices ( such as a keyboard, mous e, printer , or monitor) to your
notebook.
Memory
Large programs, such as multimedia games or graphics programs, use a lot of
memory . If your programs a re running more slo wly than you think they sho uld,
try adding more memory. See “Adding or re placing memory in the me mory
bay” on page 252 and “Replacing memory under the keyboard” on page 255
for more information.
.
Accessories
Printers
Y ou ca n attach almost an y type of printer to your notebook. The mo st common
types are inkjet and laser printers, which print in color or black and white. See
“Installing a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device” on page 37 for more
information about attaching a printer to your notebook.
Inkjet printers and cartridges are relatively inexpensive, but they are slower than
laser printers. Using an inkjet color printer, you can print pictures, banners,
and greeting cards, as well as documents.
Laser printers and cartridges are more expensive, but they print much faster
than inkjet printers. Laser printers are better than inkjet printers when you are
printing large documents.
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Chapter 1: Checking Out Yo ur Gateway M350
16
www.gateway.com
Getting Started
This chapter provides basic information about your
Gateway notebook. Read this chapter to find out how to:
■ Connect the AC adapter
■ Start and turn off your notebook
■ Identify the status indicators
■ Use the keyboard
■ Use the EZ Pad touchpad
■ Connect the modem
■ Connect to an Ethernet network
■ Install peripheral devices
2
17
Chapter 2: Getting Started
Connecting the AC adapter
You can run your notebook using an AC adapter or your notebook’s battery.
The battery was shipped to you partially charged. You should use the
AC adapter right away to fully charge the battery . Allow 24 hours for the battery
to fully charge.
Important If the battery is not fully charged before you use your
notebook on battery power for the first time, the batt ery life
may be much shorter than you expect. If the battery life
seems short even after being charged for 24 hours, the
battery may need to be recalibrat ed. For m ore information ,
see “Recalibrating the battery” on page 160.
To connect the AC adapter:
1 Connect the power cord to the AC adapter.
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Warning Make sure that you use the AC adapter that came with
your notebook or one of the same type purchased from
Gateway.
Replace the power cord if it becomes damaged. The
replacement cord must be of the same type and voltage
rating as the original cord or your notebook may be
damaged.
www.gateway.com
Connecting the AC a dapter
2 Connect the AC adapter to your notebook’s power connector.
3 Plug the power cord into a wall outlet.
The battery charge indicator turns on (see “Front” on page 2 for the
location of the battery charge indicator). If the battery charge indicator
does not turn on, unplug the adapter from your notebook, then plug it
back in.
4 When you finish using your notebook for the first time, turn your
notebook off and leave your notebook connected to AC power for at least
24 hours.
5 If the battery charge indicator does not show a full charge a fter 24 hours,
contact Gateway Technical Support at
support.gateway.com/support/ask_gateway.asp
Warning Do not attempt to disassemble the AC adapter. The
AC adapter has no user-replaceable or user-serviceable
parts inside. The AC adapter has dangerous voltages tha t
can cause serious i njury or de ath. Con tact Gatew ay about
returning defective AC adapters.
www.gateway.com
.
19
Chapter 2: Getting Started
Protecting from power source problems
During a power surge, the voltage level of electricity coming into your notebook
can increase to far above normal levels and cause data loss or system damage.
Protect your notebook and peripheral devices by connecting them to a surge
protector, which absorbs voltage surges and prevents them from reaching your
notebook.
Warning High voltages can enter your notebook through both the
power cord and the modem connection. Protect your
notebook by using a surge protector. If you have a
telephone modem, use a surge protector that has a
modem jack. If you have a cable modem, use a surge
protector that has an antenna/cable TV jack. During an
electrical storm, unplug both the surge protector and the
modem.
Warning Y our AC adapter may hav e a built-in ventilation fan. Do not
block or inser t o bjec ts i nto thes e ho les or the slot s a t th e
opposite end of the AC adapter.
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Ventilation
fan
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