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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

2 Getting Started. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Connecting the AC adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Protecting from power source problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Starting your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Waking up your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Turning off your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Restarting (rebooting) your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Status indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Using the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Key types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 System key combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Multi-function buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Using the audio controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Using the EZ Pad touchpad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Using the touchpad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Connecting the modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Connecting to a wired Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Broadband Internet connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Installing a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

3 Getting Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Help and Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Searching for a topic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Do More With Gateway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

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Online help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Gateway Web site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 Using eSupport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

4 Windows Basics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

About the Windows environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 Using the desktop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Using the Start menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Adding icons to the desktop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 Identifying window items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 Working with files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 Viewing drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 Creating folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52 Copying and moving files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 Deleting files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 Browsing for files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 Searching for files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58 Using the Windows Search utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59 Working with documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61 Creating a new document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61 Saving a document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 Opening a document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 Printing a document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 Shortcuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

5 Using the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

Learning about the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68 Setting up an Internet account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69 Accessing your Internet account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70 Using the World Wide Web . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71 Connecting to a Web site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72 Downloading files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73 Using e-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74 Sending e-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74 Checking your e-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75

6 Using Multimedia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77

Adjusting the volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78 Adjusting the volume in Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78 Adjusting the volume in Windows 2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81 Recording and playing audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83 Playing audio and video files with the Windows Media Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85

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Using the CD or DVD drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Identifying drive types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Inserting a CD or DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 Listening to CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 Listening to CDs in Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 Listening to CDs in Windows 2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Using MUSICMATCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 Playing CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 Creating MP3 music files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 Editing track information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 Building a music library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Changing the music library display settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 Listening to Internet radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 Using advanced features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 Playing a DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 Creating CDs and DVDs using Roxio Easy CD Creator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 Creating data CDs and DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 Creating video DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 Creating music CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Copying CDs and DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112 Creating CDs and DVDs using Nero Express . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 Creating a data CD or DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116 Copying a CD or DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120 Copying music tracks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123 Creating a music CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126 Creating video DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130 Advanced features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131 Using the optional diskette drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132 Using the optional memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133 Memory card types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134 Using a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135 Connecting a digital camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136 Connecting a digital video camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137

7 Sending and Receiving Faxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

Installing and configuring Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140 Installing Fax in Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140 Configuring Fax in Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141 Configuring Fax in Windows 2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144 Sending a simple fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145 Setting up your cover page template . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147 Faxing from programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148 Faxing a scanned document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148

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Receiving and viewing a fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	149
Canceling a fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	149
Automatically retry sending a fax in Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	150
Automatically cancelling a fax in Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	151

8 Managing Power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .153

Monitoring the battery charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .154 Recharging the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .155 Recalibrating the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .156 Changing batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .157 Replacing the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .157 Extending battery life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .159 Conserving battery power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .159 Using alternate power sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .159 Changing power modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .160 Changing power settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .161 Changing the power scheme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .161 Changing alarm options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .163 Changing advanced settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .164 Activating and using Hibernate mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .165 Changing SpeedStep settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .167

9 Travel Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .169

Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .170 Radio frequency wireless connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .170 Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .171 Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .171 Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .172 Additional tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .173

10 Customizing Your Notebook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175

Adjusting the screen and desktop settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176 Adjusting the color depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176 Adjusting the screen resolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .178 Changing the colors on your Windows desktop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .179 Changing the desktop background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .182 Selecting a screen saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .185

Changing the touchpad settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .187 Adding and modifying user accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .189

11 Networking Your Notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .191

Benefits of networking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .192

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Sharing a single Internet connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192 Sharing drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192 Sharing peripheral devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193 Streaming audio and video files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193 Playing multi-player games . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193

Selecting a network connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194 Wired Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194 Wireless Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194 Using a wired Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195 Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, or Gigabit Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195 Example wired Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196 Equipment you need for a wired Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197 Using a wireless Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198 Wireless Ethernet speed and frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199 Example access point wireless Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 Equipment you need for an access point wireless Ethernet network . . . . . . 201 Example peer-to-peer wireless Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202 Equipment you need for a peer-to-peer wireless Ethernet network . . . . . . . 203 For more information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203 Using your notebook on a network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204 Installing and configuring your notebook for Ethernet networking . . . . . . . . . 204 Turning your wireless Ethernet emitter on or off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204

12 Moving From Your Old Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	207
Using the Windows XP Files and Settings Transfer Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	208
Transferring files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	208
Finding your files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	209
Transferring Internet settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	210
Setting up your ISP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	210
Transferring your e-mail and address book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	211
Transferring your Internet shortcuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	211
Installing your old printer or scanner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	211
Installing a USB printer or scanner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	212
Installing a parallel port printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	212
Installing your old programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	213

13 Maintaining Your Notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215

Caring for your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216 Protecting your notebook from viruses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218 Managing hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221 Checking hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221 Using Disk Cleanup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222 Checking the hard drive for errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223

v

Defragmenting the hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .225 Backing up files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .227 Using the Scheduled Task Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .227 Cleaning your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .229 Cleaning the exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .229 Cleaning the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .229 Cleaning the computer screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .230 Cleaning the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .230

14 Restoring Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .233

Using the Restoration CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .234 Reinstalling device drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .235 Updating device drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .237 Reinstalling programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .238 Reinstalling Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .240

15 Upgrading Your Notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .243

Adding and removing a PC Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .244 Preventing static electricity discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .246 Adding or replacing memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .247 Adding or replacing memory in the memory bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .248 Replacing memory under the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .251 Replacing the hard drive kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .259

16 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .265

Safety guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .266 First steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .267 Software support tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .267 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .268 CD or DVD drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .268 Cleaning CDs or DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .270 Device installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .270 Diskette drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .271 Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .272 File management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .273 Hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .274 Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .275 Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .276 Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .277 Memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .277 Modem (dial-up) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .277 Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .282

vi

Networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283 Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283 PC Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284 Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284 Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285 Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287 Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287

Telephone support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288 Before calling Gateway Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288 Telephone numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289 Tutoring and training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290 Self-help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290 Tutoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290 Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291

A Safety, Regulatory, and Legal Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307

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viii

Checking Out

Gateway M350Your 1

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 available for your notebook

Tips & Tricks You can download an electronic copy of this

guide from support.gateway.com/support/manlib/.

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Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway M350

Front

Speaker		Audio		LCD panel			Power		Speaker
		controls		release latch			indicator
						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 control multimedia programs such as
											Windows Media Player, Windows CD Player,
											MUSICMATCH, and the DVD Player. For more
											information, see “Using the audio controls” on page 29.
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 indicator											The LED shows your notebook’s power status.
											■ LED on - notebook is on.
											■ LED blinking - notebook is in Standby mode.
											■ LED off - notebook is off.

2	www.gateway.com

Left side

Left side

Modem jack				Headphone jack		Diskette drive		CD, DVD, DVD/CD-RW, or
						or memory		DVD-RW/CD-RW drive
Ethernet jack			Microphone jack			card reader

Component	Icon							Description
Modem jack								Plug a modem cable into this jack. For more information,
								see “Connecting the modem” on page 33.
Ethernet jack								Plug a 10/100 Ethernet network cable into this jack. For
								more information, see “Connecting to a wired Ethernet
								network” on page 34 and “Networking Your Notebook” on
								page 191.
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 Your Gateway M350

Component	Icon	Description
Diskette drive or memory		Insert a standard 3.5-inch diskette into the optional
card reader		diskette drive. For more information, see “Using the
		optional diskette drive” on page 132.
		Insert a memory card from a digital camera, MP3 player,
		PDA, or cellular telephone into the optional memory card
		reader. For more information, see “Using the optional
		memory card reader” on page 133.
		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 drive. To order a USB diskette
		drive, visit the Accessory Store at
		accessories.gateway.com.
CD, DVD, DVD/CD-RW, or		Insert CDs or DVDs into this drive. For more information,
DVD-RW/CD-RW drive		see “Using the CD or DVD drive” on page 87.
		This drive may be a CD, DVD, combination DVD/CD-RW,
		or DVD-RW/CD-RW drive. To determine the type of drive
		in the notebook, examine the drive tray’s plastic cover
		and compare the logo to those listed in “Identifying drive
		types” on page 87.

4	www.gateway.com

Right side

Right side

IEEE 1394 port PC Card slot USB ports

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 137.
PC Card slot			Insert one Type II PC Card into this slot. For more
			information, see “Adding and removing a PC Card” on
			page 244.
USB ports			Plug USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices (such as a
			diskette drive, flash drive, Iomega™ Zip™ drive, printer,
			scanner, camera, keyboard, or mouse) into these ports.

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5

Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway M350

Back

Power	Parallel	Monitor	Ventilation	Kensington
connector	port	port	fan	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 slots.
Kensington™ lock slot							Secure your notebook to an object by connecting a
							Kensington cable lock to this slot.

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Bottom

Bottom

Ventilation fan

Memory bay cover

Reset hole

Hard drive bay

Battery

latch

Battery bay

Component	Icon	Description
Ventilation fan		Helps cool internal components. Do not block or insert
		objects into these slots.
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 248.
Reset hole		Insert a straightened paper clip into this hole to manually
		restart the notebook.

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7

Chapter 1: Checking Out Your 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 259.
Battery latch											Slide to release the battery.
Battery bay											Insert the battery into this bay. For more information, see
											“Changing batteries” on page 157.

8	www.gateway.com

Keyboard area

Keyboard area

For information on using your keyboard, see “Using the keyboard” on page 24.

Multi-function buttons

Status indicators

Power button

Keyboard

		Touchpad
Component	Icon	Description
Multi-function buttons		Press these buttons to open programs assigned to them.
		These buttons are set to open your default e-mail
		program, your default Web browser, online help, and the
		My Computer window. For more information, see
		“Multi-function buttons” on page 28.
Status indicators		Inform you when a drive is in use or when a button has
		been pressed that affects how the keyboard is used. For
		more information, see “Status indicators” on page 22.

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9

Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway M350

Component	Icon	Description
Power button		Press to turn the power on or off. You can also configure
		the power button for Standby/Resume mode. For more
		information on configuring the power button mode, see
		“Changing power settings” on page 161.
Keyboard		Provides all the features of a full-sized 86-key keyboard.
		For more information, see “Using the keyboard” on
		page 24.
Touchpad		Provides all the functionality of a mouse. For more
		information, see “Using the EZ Pad touchpad” on
		page 30.

10	www.gateway.com

Identifying your model

Identifying your model

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

Gateway model number

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

Gateway model number

FOR USE WITH FSP150-1ADE11or ADP -150CB B

POUR UTILSER AVEC MODEL FSP150-1ADE11 ou ADP-150CB B INPUT:19V --- 7.9A

M O D E L N o.: M350WVN

This class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian interference-Causing Equipment Regulations. Cet appareil numerique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Reglement sur le Materiel brouilieur du 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 viewing uses only.

CONFORMS TO

ANSI/UL STD.60950

CERTIFIED TO

CAN/CSA STD

C22.2 NO.60950

300 961 5

Fitted with internal AMBIT Microsystems Corp.

modem model number T60M283.00

Fitted with Gemtek

Complies with 47 CFR part 68

model xxxxxxx

REN:0.6B

6CT TAI-36146-M5-E

802.11g WLAN card

Complies with Industry Canada

P /N.:

FCC ID: xxxxxxxxxx

CS03 IC: 2878 11538 A

IC: xxxxxxxxx

MEX SCT TTDAMT603-128

SCT: xxxxxxxx

T H10 C M

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Chapter 1: Checking Out Your 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 Help and Support in Windows XP. Click Start, Help and Support, then click View product serial number.

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 specifications

Finding your specifications

For more information about your notebook, such as memory size, memory type, and hard drive size, go to the See your PC’s configuration link in Help and Support in Windows XP or visit Gateway’s eSupport page at support.gateway.com. The eSupport page also has links to additional Gateway documentation and detailed specifications.

In Windows XP, view your notebook’s serial number by clicking Start, Help and Support, then clicking View system serial number. Check your specifications by clicking Start, Help and Support, then clicking See your PC’s configuration.

You can also find out more about your notebook at the Gateway eSupport site. Visit support.gateway.com. For more information, see “Using eSupport” on page 42.

www.gateway.com

13

Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway M350

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. See “Changing batteries” on page 157 for more information.

Carrying cases

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

Peripheral devices

You can attach devices (such as a keyboard, mouse, printer, or monitor) to your notebook.

Memory

Large programs, such as multimedia games or graphics programs, use a lot of memory. If your programs are running more slowly than you think they should, try adding more memory. See “Adding or replacing memory in the memory bay” on page 248 and “Replacing memory under the keyboard” on page 251 for more information.

Printers

You can attach almost any type of printer to your notebook. The most common types are inkjet and laser printers, which print in color or black and white. See “Installing a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device” on page 35 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.

14	www.gateway.com

Getting Started 2

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

15

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 battery life may be much shorter than you expect. If the battery life seems short even after being charged for 24 hours, the battery may need to be recalibrated. For more information, see “Recalibrating the battery” on page 156.

To connect the AC adapter:

1 Connect the power cord to the AC adapter.

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.

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Connecting the AC adapter

2

3

4

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

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.

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 after 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 that
		can cause serious injury or death. Contact Gateway about
		returning defective AC adapters.

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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	Your AC adapter may have a built-in ventilation fan. Do not
	block or insert objects into these holes or the slots at the
	opposite end of the AC adapter.

Ventilation fan

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Starting your notebook

Starting your notebook

To start your notebook:

1

2

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

Press the power button located above the keyboard.

Power button

The power button is preset to On/Off mode. However, you can also set it to function in Standby/Resume mode. For instructions on changing the power button mode, see “Changing power settings” on page 161.

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

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Chapter 2: Getting Started

Waking up your notebook

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

If your notebook is in Standby mode, pressing the power button to “wake” it up. For more information on changing power-saving settings, see “Changing power settings” on page 161.

Turning off your notebook

To turn off your notebook in Windows XP:

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

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

To turn off your notebook in Windows 2000:

1 Click Start, then click Shut Down. The Shut Down Windows dialog box opens.

2 Click the arrow button to open the What do you want your computer to do list, then click Shut down.

3 Click OK. Windows shuts down and turns off your notebook.

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

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Restarting (rebooting) your notebook

Restarting (rebooting) your notebook

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

To close unresponsive programs and restart your notebook:

1 Press CTRL+ALT+DEL. A window opens that lets you close a program that is not responding.

2

3

4

Click the program that is not responding.

Click End Task.

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

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

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

2Insert a straightened paper clip into the reset hole on the bottom of your notebook.

3Unplug the power cord and remove the battery for more than 10 seconds.

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

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Chapter 2: Getting Started

Status indicators

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

Diskette drive

Disc drive Caps lock

Pad lock

Hard drive

Scroll lock

Indicator	Icon				Description
Hard drive					The hard drive is in use.
Disc drive					The CD or DVD drive is in use.
Diskette drive					The diskette drive or the memory card reader is in use.
Caps Lock					Caps Lock is turned on.

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				Status indicators
Indicator	Icon			Description
Pad Lock				Numeric keypad is turned on. For more information, see “System
	1			key combinations” on page 26.
Scroll Lock				Scroll Lock is turned on. For more information, see “System key
				combinations” on page 26.

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Chapter 2: Getting Started

Using the keyboard

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

You can attach an external keyboard to your notebook using a USB port. You do not need to shut down your notebook to connect a USB keyboard.

Function keys/System keys

Navigation keys/Volume keys

FN key Windows	Numeric	Application	Arrow keys/LCD
key	keypad	key	brightness keys

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Using the keyboard

Key types

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

Key type	Icon			Description
Function keys				Press these keys labeled F1 to F12 to perform actions in
				programs. For example, pressing F1 may open help.
				Each program uses different function keys for different purposes.
				See the program documentation to find out more about the
				function key actions.
System keys				Press these colored keys in combination with the FN key to
				perform specific actions. For more information, see “System key
				combinations” on page 26.
Navigation keys				Press these keys to move the cursor to the beginning of a line,
				to the end of a line, up the page, down the page, to the beginning
				of a document, or to the end of a document.
Volume keys				Press these colored keys in combination with the FN key to
				increase or decrease the volume or to turn off all sound.
FN key				Press the FN key in combination with a colored system key (such
				as STATUS, STANDBY, or PAUSE) to perform a specific action.
Windows key				Press this key to open the Windows Start menu. This key can
				also be used in combination with other keys to open utilities like
				F (Search utility), R (Run utility), and E (Explorer utility).
Numeric keypad				Use these keys to type numbers when the numeric keypad is
				turned on. Press FN+PAD LOCK to turn on the numeric keypad.
Application key				Press this key for quick access to shortcut menus and help
				assistants in Windows.
Arrow keys				Press these keys to move the cursor up, down, right, or left.
LCD brightness				Press these colored keys in combination with the FN key to
keys				control the screen brightness.

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Chapter 2: Getting Started

System key combinations

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

Press and hold FN, then		To...
press this system key...
		Display the power status box in the upper-left corner of your
		display. The box shows the battery charge level, the BIOS version,
		and whether the AC adapter is being used. Press the key
		combination again to close this box.
		Toggle your notebook’s display between the LCD, an external
		monitor, or both displays at the same time. A monitor must be
		plugged into the monitor port on your notebook.
		Enter Standby mode. Press the power button to leave Standby
		mode. For more information, see “Changing power modes” on
		page 160.
		Turn on Pad Lock so you can use the numeric keypad. Press this
		key combination again to turn off Pad Lock. The Pad Lock status
		indicator appears when this function is turned on.
		Pause the text scrolling in a DOS screen. Press this key
		combination again to continue scrolling. The Scroll Lock status
		indicator appears when this function is turned on. (This function
		is only available in some programs.)
		Pause execution of a DOS program. (This function is only available
		in some programs.)
		Stop the currently running DOS program. (This function is only
		available in some programs.)
		Increase the brightness of the display.

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	Using the keyboard
Press and hold FN, then	To...
press this system key...
	Decrease the brightness of the display.
Home	Mute the sound. Press the key combination again to restore the
	sound. For more information, see “Adjusting the volume” on
	page 78.
PgUp	Increase volume. For more information, see “Adjusting the
	volume” on page 78.
PgDn	Decrease volume. For more information, see “Adjusting the
	volume” on page 78.

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Chapter 2: Getting Started

Multi-function buttons

Press the multi-function buttons to open the programs associated with them.

E-mail

Internet

Help

My Computer

Button	Icon	Press to...
E-mail		Open your default e-mail program.
Internet		Open your default Web browser.
Help		Open online help.
My Computer		Open the My Computer window.

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Using the audio controls

Using the audio controls

The audio controls are located on the front of your notebook.

Stop

Play/

Pause Next

Back				Volume

Component	Icon			Description
Back				Skip back one song or track.
Play/Pause				Start or pause playing.
Stop				Stop playing.
Next				Skip ahead one song or track.
Volume down				Press to decrease the volume.
Volume up				Press to increase the volume.
Mute				Press the volume down and volume up buttons to mute the sound.
				Press the button combination again to restore the sound.

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Chapter 2: Getting Started

Important	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
	control multimedia programs such as Windows Media
	Player, Windows CD Player, MUSICMATCH, and the
	InterVideo DVD Player.

Using the EZ Pad touchpad

The EZ Pad™ consists of a touchpad, two buttons, and a rocker switch.

Touchpad

Left touchpad	Rocker	Right touchpad
button	switch	button

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Using the EZ Pad touchpad

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

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

You can assign a function to the rocker switch between the touchpad buttons. This function can be to scroll up or down, maximize or minimize the active window, or open and close the Start menu. For more information about programming the rocker switch, see “Changing the touchpad settings” on page 187.

Using the touchpad

To...	Do this...
Move the pointer							Move your finger around on the
on the screen.							touchpad. If you run out of space
							and need to move the pointer
							farther, lift your finger, move it to the
							middle of the touchpad, then
							continue moving your finger.

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Chapter 2: Getting Started

To...	Do this...
Select an object						Position the pointer over the object.
on the screen.						Quickly press and release the left
						button once. This action is called
						clicking.

Start a program or open a file or folder.

Position the pointer over the object. Press the left button twice in rapid succession. This action is called double-clicking.

Access a shortcut							Position the pointer over the object.
menu or find							Quickly press and release the right
more information							button once. This action is called
about an object							right-clicking.
on the screen.

Move an object			Position the pointer over the object.
on the screen.			Press the left button and hold it
			down, then use the touchpad to
			move (drag) the object to the
			appropriate part of the screen.
			Release the button to drop the
			object where you want it.

For instructions on how to adjust the double-click speed, pointer speed, right-hand or left-hand configuration, and other touchpad settings, see “Changing the touchpad settings” on page 187.

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Connecting the modem

Connecting the modem

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

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

To connect the modem:

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

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

3 Start your notebook, then start your communications program.

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Chapter 2: Getting Started

Connecting to a wired Ethernet network

Your notebook has a network jack that you can use to connect to a 10/100 wired Ethernet network.

Important Your notebook may be equipped with built-in wireless Ethernet or you may have a wireless Ethernet PC Card. For information about connecting to a wired or wireless Ethernet network, see “Networking Your Notebook” on page 191. For information about installing a wireless Ethernet PC Card, see “Adding and removing a PC Card” on page 244.

To connect to a wired Ethernet network:

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

2 Insert the other end of the network cable into a network jack. Ask your network administrator to help you select the correct network jack.

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Installing a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device

Broadband Internet connections

You can use your notebook’s Ethernet jack for more than just networking. Many broadband Internet connections, such as cable modems and DSL modems, connect to your notebook’s Ethernet jack. For more information, see “Using the Internet” on page 67 and “Networking Your Notebook” on page 191.

Installing a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device

Important Before you install a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device, see the device documentation and installation instructions.

Your notebook has one or more of the following ports: IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire® or i.Link®), Universal Serial Bus (USB), and parallel. You use these ports to connect peripheral devices such as printers, scanners, and digital cameras to your notebook. For more information about port locations, see “Checking Out Your Gateway M350” on page 1.

IEEE 1394 and USB ports support plug-and-play and hot-swapping, which means that your notebook will usually recognize such a device whenever you plug it into the appropriate port. When you use an IEEE 1394 or USB device for the first time, your notebook will prompt you to install any software the device needs. After doing this, you can disconnect and reconnect the device at any time.

Parallel port devices are not plug-and-play. See the device documentation for detailed information and installation instructions.

Help and For more information about installing peripheral devices in

Support Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.

Type the keyword installing devices in the Help and Support Search box , then click the arrow.

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Chapter 2: Getting Started

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Getting Help 3

This chapter tells you about additional information resources available to help you use your notebook. Read this chapter to learn how to access:

■Help and Support

■Do More With Gateway

■Online help

■Gateway Web site

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Chapter 3: Getting Help

Help and Support

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

To start Help and Support:

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

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

Searching for a topic

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Do More With Gateway

Do More With Gateway

Your notebook may include Do More With Gateway, a tool that provides additional information about using your Gateway notebook for digital music, digital photography, digital video, gaming, and other programs. To access Do More With Gateway in Windows XP, click Start, then click

Do More With Gateway. Click the topics listed on the left-side of the page to learn more about the software already installed on your notebook as well as partnerships and special offers available through Gateway.

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Chapter 3: Getting Help

Online help

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

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

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