Gateway M505 User Manual
Gateway M505 Notebook
user'sguide
Customizing
Troubleshooting
Contents
1 Checking Out Your Gateway M505. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Left side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Right side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Bottom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Keyboard area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Identifying your model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Gateway model number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Gateway serial number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Finding your specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
2Getting Started. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
General tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Using the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Using the AC adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Basic safety precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Connecting the AC adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Protecting from power source problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Starting your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Waking up your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Turning off your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Restarting (rebooting) your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Status indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Keyboard status indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
LCD panel status indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Using the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Key types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
System key combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Multi-function buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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
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Using fast infrared . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
3Getting Help. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Help and Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Searching for a topic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Do More With Gateway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Online help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Gateway Web site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
Using eSupport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Viewing drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
Creating folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Copying and moving files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Deleting files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
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
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6 Sending and Receiving Faxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Installing and configuring Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Installing Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Configuring Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Sending a simple fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Setting up your cover page template . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Faxing from programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Faxing a scanned document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Receiving and viewing a fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Canceling a fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Automatically retry sending a fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Automatically cancelling a fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
7 Using Multimedia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Adjusting the volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Recording and playing audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Playing audio and video files with the Windows Media Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Using the audio/video controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Locating the controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Understanding the AV controls LCD panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Using the subwoofer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Using the Gateway M505 Music Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Using the DVD/CD-RW or DVD-RW/CD-RW drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Identifying drive types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Inserting a CD or DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Listening to CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Using MUSICMATCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Playing CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Creating MP3 music files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Editing track information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Building a music library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Changing the music library display settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Listening to Internet radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Using advanced features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Playing a DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Creating CDs and DVDs using Nero Express . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Creating a data CD or DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Copying a CD or DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Copying music tracks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Creating a music CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Advanced features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Using the optional diskette drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
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Using the SD memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .134
Using an SD memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .134
Connecting a digital camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .135
Connecting a digital video camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .137
Editing videos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138
Viewing the display on a projector or monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .139
Viewing the display on a television . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .141
8 Managing Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .145
Monitoring the battery charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .146
Recharging the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .146
Changing batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147
Replacing the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .148
Extending battery life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .150
Conserving battery power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .150
Using alternate power sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .150
Changing power modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .151
Changing power settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .152
Changing the power scheme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .153
Changing alarm options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .154
Changing advanced settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .155
Activating and using Hibernate mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .156
9 Traveling with Your Gateway M505 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .159
Packing your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .160
Traveling by air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .160
Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .160
Radio frequency wireless connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .161
Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .161
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .162
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .163
Additional tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .163
10 Customizing Your Gateway M505. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .165
Adjusting the screen and desktop settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .166
Adjusting the color depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .166
Adjusting the screen resolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .168
Changing the colors on your Windows desktop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .169
Changing the desktop background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .170
Selecting a screen saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .172
Changing the touchpad settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174
Programming the multi-function buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176
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Adding and modifying user accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
11 Networking Your Gateway M505 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Benefits of networking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Sharing a single Internet connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Sharing drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Sharing peripheral devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Streaming audio and video files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Playing multi-player games . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Selecting a network connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Wired Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Wireless Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Using a wired Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, or Gigabit Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Example wired Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Equipment you need for a wired Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Using a wireless Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Wireless Ethernet speed and frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Example access point wireless Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Equipment you need fo r an access point wireles s Ethernet network . . . . . . 18 9
Example peer-to-peer wireless Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Equipment you need fo r a peer-to-peer wireless Ethernet network . . . . . . . 19 1
For more information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Using your notebook on a network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Installing and configu ring your notebook fo r Ethernet networking . . . . . . . . . 192
Turning your wireless Ethernet emitter on or off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
12 Moving From Your Old Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Using the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Transferring files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Finding your files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Transferring Internet settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Setting up your ISP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Transferring your e-mail and address book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Transferring your Internet shortcuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Installing your old printer or scanner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Installing a USB printer or scanner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Installing a parallel port printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Installing your old programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
13 Maintaining Your Gateway M505 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Caring for your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
v
Maintenance schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .203
Protecting your notebook from viruses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .204
Managing hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .207
Checking hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .207
Using Disk Cleanup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .208
Checking the hard drive for errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .209
Defragmenting the hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .211
Backing up files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .213
Using the Scheduled Task Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .213
Cleaning your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .215
Cleaning the exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .215
Cleaning the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216
Cleaning the notebook screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216
Cleaning the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216
14 Restoring Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .219
Using the Restoration CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .220
Reinstalling device drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .220
Updating device drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .222
Reinstalling programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .223
Reinstalling Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .225
15 Upgrading Your Gateway M505. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .229
Adding and removing a PC Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .230
Preventing static electricity discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .232
Adding or replacing memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .234
Replacing the hard drive kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .238
16 Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .243
Safety guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .244
First steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .245
Software support tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .245
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .246
Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .246
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .246
Device installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .246
Diskette drive (external) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .247
Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .248
DVD/CD-RW or DVD-RW/CD-RW drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .249
File management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .251
Hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .252
Interface/Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .253
vi
Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Modem (dial-up) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Operating system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
PC Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Telephone support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Before calling Gateway Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Telephone numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Tutoring and training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Self-help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Tutoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
A Safety, Regulatory, and Legal Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
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viii
Checking Out
Your
Gateway M 505
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/
.
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Chapter 1: Checking Out Yo ur Gateway M505
Front
LCD panel
release latch
DVD/CD-RW or
DVD-RW/CD-RW drive
IR sensor
Subwoofer bay
Component Icon Description
DVD/CD-RW or
DVD-RW/CD-RW drive
LCD panel release latch Open the LCD panel by sliding the release latch.
IR sensor Sends and receives data in conjunction with an IR
Subwoofer bay The subwoofer is located in this bay.
Insert CDs or DVDs into this drive. Fo r more informatio n,
see “Using the DVD/CD-RW or DVD-RW/CD-RW drive”
on page 103.
To determine the type of drive, examine the drive tray’s
plastic cover and compare the logo to those listed in
“Identifying drive types” on page 103.
(infrared) device, such as a PDA or IR printer.
2
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Left side
Left side
PC Card slot
Component Icon Description
PC Card slot Insert one Type II PC Card into this slot. For more
SD memory card reader SD Insert an SD (Secure Digital ) memory card fro m a digital
Kensington™ lock slot Secure your notebook to an object by connecting a
SD memory
card reader
information, see “Adding and removing a PC Card” on
page 230.
camera, MP3 player , PD A, or cellular tel ephone into this
memory card reader. For more information, see “Using
the SD memory card reader” on page 134.
Kensington cable lock to this slot.
Kensington
lock slot
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Chapter 1: Checking Out Yo ur Gateway M505
Right side
USB ports
Component Icon Description
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.
Ventilation fan Helps cool internal components. Do not block or insert
objects into these slo ts.
Ventilation fan
4
www.gateway.com
Back
Back
Power
connector
Monitor
port
S-Video
out jack
Modem jack
Ethernet jack Line in jack
Microphon e jack
USB
Parallel port
port
Headphone jack
IEEE 1394
port (6-pin)
IEEE 1394
port (4-pin)
Component Icon Description
Power connector Plug the AC adapter cable into this connector.
Monitor port Plug an analog VGA monitor into this port.
S-Video out jack Plug a standard S-V ideo c able into this ja ck and th e jack
on an S-Video dev ice ( such as a telev ision or VCR). For
more information, see “Viewing the display on a
television” on page 141.
Modem jack Plug a modem c able into thi s jack. For more information,
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
Gateway M505” on page 179.
Microphone jack Plug a microphone into this jack.
Line in jack Connect an external audio input source (such as a
stereo) to this jack so tha t you can rec ord sound on your
notebook or play sound through the notebook speakers.
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Chapter 1: Checking Out Yo ur Gateway M505
Component Icon Description
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.
USB port Plug USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices (such as a
diskette drive, flash drive, Iomega™ Zi p™ drive, printer,
scanner, camera, keyboard, or mouse) into this port.
Parallel port Plug a parallel device (such as a printer) into this port.
IEEE 1394 ports Plug an IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire
device (such as a digital camcorder, Iomega™ Zip™
drive, or MP3 player) into the 4-pin or 6-pin IEEE 1394
port. For more information, see “Connecting a digital
video camera” on page 137.
®
or i.Link®)
6
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Bottom
Bottom
Memory bay cover
Hard drive protector
Hard drive
bay
Battery bay
Battery
release
latch
Battery lock
latch
Component Icon Description
Memory bay co ver Open this cove r to install memory module s. For more
information, see “Adding or replacing memory” on
page 234.
Hard drive protector Protects the hard drive from accidental bumps and
vibrations.
Hard drive bay The hard drive is located in this bay. For more
information, see “Replacing the hard drive kit” on
page 238.
Battery bay Insert the battery into this bay . For more information, see
“Changing batteries” on page 147.
Battery release latch Slide to release the battery.
Battery lock latch Slide to unlock the battery.
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Chapter 1: Checking Out Yo ur Gateway M505
Keyboard area
For information on using your keyboard, see “Using the keyboard” on page 28.
Status
indicators
Keyboard
Power button
Audio
controls
Speaker Speaker
Touchpad
Multi-function
buttons
Component Icon Description
Keyboard Provides all the featu res of a fu ll-sized 86 -key key board.
For more information, see “Using the keyboard” on
page 28.
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 152.
8
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Keyboard area
Component Icon Description
Multi-function buttons Press these buttons to open programs you assign to
them. These buttons are set to turn on your wireless
Ethernet emitter, open your e-mail application and your
Web browser, and open two other programs that you
assign. For more information, see “Multi-function
buttons” on page31 and
Speakers Provide audio output when headphones or amplified
speakers are not plugged in.
Touchpad Provides all the functionality of a mouse. For more
information, see “Using the EZ Pad touchpad” on
page 32.
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/video controls” on page 97.
Status indicators Inform you of the power status, when a drive is being
used, or when a button has been pressed that affects
how the keyboard is used. For more information, see
“Status indicators” on page 25.
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Chapter 1: Checking Out Yo ur Gateway M505
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
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.
10
www.gateway.com
Identifying your mo del
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.
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Chapter 1: Checking Out Yo ur Gateway M505
Finding your specifications
For more information about your notebook, such as memory size, memory type,
and hard drive size, visit Gateway’s eSupport page at support.gateway.com
eSupport page also has links to additional Gateway documentation and detailed
specifications. For more information, see “Using eSupport” on page 43.
. The
12
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. See
“Changing batteries” on page 147 for more information.
Carrying cases
Gateway has large-capacity carrying cases if you need additional space for
accessories or supplies.
Drives
Use a diskette drive or USB flash drive for storing files or transferring files to
another computer. See “Using the optional diskette drive” on page 132.
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 replacing memory” on page 234 for
more information.
.
Accessories
Peripheral devices
Y ou c an attach devices ( such as a keyboard, mous e, printer , or monitor) to your
notebook.
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.
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Chapter 1: Checking Out Yo ur Gateway M505
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
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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
15
Chapter 2: Getting Started
Safety instructions
Certain precautions should be observed to further reduce the risk of personal
injury or damage to your notebook.
General tips
■ When setting up your notebook for work, place it on a level surface.
■ Before you clean your notebook, turn if off, unplug it f rom its power source,
and remove the battery. For more information, see “Cleaning your
notebook” on page 215.
■ Do not push objects into air vents or openings of your notebook. Doing
so can cause fire or electric shock by shorting out interior components.
■ When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector, not on the cable itself.
As you pull out the connector, keep it evenly aligned to avoid bending
any connector pins. Al so, before you connect a cab le make sure both
connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.
■ Use of mobile phones can interfere with the sound system. Your notebook
operation is not impaired but we recommend that a distance of 12 inches
(30 cm) be maintained between your notebook and the mobile phone.
16
■ When you move your notebook between environments with very different
humidity or temperature ranges, condensation may form on or within your
notebook. T o avoid damaging your notebook, allow sufficient time for the
moisture to evaporate before using your notebook.
■ When traveling, do not check your notebook as baggage. You can put your
notebook through an X-ray security machine, but never put your notebook
through a metal detector. If you have your notebook checked by hand, be
sure to have a charged battery available in case you are asked to turn on
your notebook. For more information, see “Traveling with Your
Gateway M505” on page 159.
■ When traveling, do not place your notebook in overhead storage
compartments where it could slide around. For more information, see
“Traveling with Your Gateway M505” on page 159.
■ Do not drop your notebook or subject it to other physical shocks.
■ T o completely turn off all notebook power , turn your notebook off, remove
the battery, and disconnect the AC adapter from the electrical outlet.
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■ The bottom of your notebook can become warm with use.
■ Do not apply heavy pressure to your notebook or subject it to strong
impact. Excessive pressure or impact can cause damage to notebook
components or otherwise caus e malfunctions.
■ Some PC Cards can become hot with p rolonged use. Overheating of a
PC Card can result in errors or instability in the card’s operation. Be careful
when you remove a PC Card that has been used for extended periods.
Using the battery
■ Do not carry a battery in your pocket, purse, or other container where
metal objects (such as car keys) could short-circuit the battery terminals.
The resulting excessive current flow can cause extremely high temperatures
and may result in he at damage.
■ Protect your notebook, battery, and hard drive from environmental
hazards such as dirt, dust, food, liquids, temperature extremes, and
overexposure to sunlight.
■ Replace only with a Gateway M505 battery to avoid risk of fire or
explosion. For more information, see “Changing batteries” on page 147.
Safety instructio ns
■ Dispose of used batteries according to the manufacturer’ s in structions. Do
not dispose of batteries in a fire. They may explode. For more information,
see “Changing batteries” on page 147.
Using the AC adapter
■ Place the adapter in a ven tilated area, such as a d esktop or on the floor,
when you use it to run your notebook or to charge the battery. Do not
cover the adapter with papers or other items that will reduce cooling, and
do not use the adapter while it is inside a carrying case.
■ Make sure that nothing rests on your adapter's power cable and that the
cable is not located where it can be tripped over or stepped on.
■ Use only the adapter and power cord approved for use with this notebook.
Use of another type of adapte r may create a risk of fire or explosion.
■ If you use an extension cable with your adapter, ensure that the total
ampere rating of the products plugged in to the extension cable does not
exceed the ampere rating of the extension cable.
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17
Chapter 2: Getting Started
Basic safety precautions
When using your notebook and peripheral devices, basic safety precautions
should always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and injury
to persons, including the following:
■ Do not use your notebook near water. For example, do not use it near a
bathtub or kitchen sink.
■ Avoid using the wired modem or LAN during an electrical storm. There
may be a remote risk of electric shock from lightning.
■ The cable used with the modem should be manufactured with a minimum
wire size of 26 American wire gauge (AWG) and an FCC-compliant RJ-11
modular plug.
■ To help avoid the potential hazard of electric shock, do not connect or
disconnect any cables or perform maintenance or reconfiguration of your
notebook during an electrical storm.
Warning When working with peripheral devices or replacing
memory modules, always follow installation instructions
closely. Except for replacing memory or the hard drive, do
not attempt to service y our notebook yourself. (See “Using
eSupport” on page 43 and “Telephone support” on
page 267 for service information.)
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.
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Connecting the AC a dapter
To connect the AC adapter:
1 If the battery is not installed, turn your notebook over so the bottom is
facing up.
-ORIf the battery is installed, go to Step 4.
2 Place the battery into the battery bay and press down until it snaps into
place.
3 Slide the battery lock into the locked position.
4 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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19
Chapter 2: Getting Started
5 Connect the AC adapter to your notebook’s power connector.
6 Plug the power cord into a wall outlet.
The battery charge indicator turns on (see “Keyboard area” on page 8 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.
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7 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.
8 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 tha t
can cause serious i njury or de ath. Con tact Gatew ay about
returning defective AC adapters.
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