Gateway ML3108, ML3109, ML3706, MT3410, MT3700 Quick Reference Guide
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NOTEBOOK
REFERENCEGUIDE
®
Contents
Chapter 1: About This Reference. . . . . . . . . . . . 1
About this guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Accessing your online User Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Gateway contact information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Gateway model and serial number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
For more information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Notebook . . . . . 5
Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Left . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Right . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Bottom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Keyboard area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Chapter 3: Setting Up and Getting Started . . 13
Working safely and comfortably . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Reducing eye strain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Setting up your computer desk and chair . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Sitting at your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Avoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive strain . 15
Connecting the AC adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Protecting from power source problems . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Connecting the dial-up modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Connecting to a broadband modem or network . . . . . . . . 19
Starting your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Waking up your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Turning off your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Restarting (rebooting) your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Using the status indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Using the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Key types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
System key combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
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Using the EZ Pad touchpad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Adjusting brightness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Adjusting the volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Turning your wireless radio on or off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
IEEE 802.11 wireless network radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Chapter 4: Using Drives and Accessories . . . . . 35
Using the CD or DVD drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Identifying drive types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Using a CD or DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Using the memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Memory card types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Inserting a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Using a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Removing a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Adding and removing an Express Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Installing a printer or other peripheral device . . . . . . . . . . 41
Connecting a USB device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Viewing the display on a projector or monitor . . . . . . . . . . 42
Adjusting the display properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Using the projector or monitor for a presentation . . . . 44
Ordering accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Chapter 5: Managing Power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Monitoring the battery charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Recharging the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Changing the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Replacing the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Recalibrating the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Getting the most from your battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Maximizing battery performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Conserving battery power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Using alternate power sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Changing power modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Changing notebook power settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Changing the power plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Changing advanced settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
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Chapter 6: Traveling with Your Notebook . . . 57
Packing your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Traveling by air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Dial-up modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Radio frequency wireless connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Additional tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Chapter 7: Maintaining Your Notebook . . . . . 63
Caring for your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Cleaning your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Cleaning the exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Cleaning the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Cleaning the notebook screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Maintaining the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Storing batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Cleaning CDs or DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Recovering your system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Recovering pre-installed software and drivers . . . . . . . 69
Using Microsoft System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Recovering your system to its factory condition . . . . . 78
Recovering your system using the Windows DVD . . . . 79
Chapter 8: Upgrading Your Notebook. . . . . . . 81
Preventing static electricity discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Adding or replacing memory modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Replacing the hard drive kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Chapter 9: Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Safety guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
First steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
CD drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
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Diskette drive (external) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
DVD drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Express cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
File management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Media Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Modem (cable or DSL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Modem (dial-up) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Networks (wired) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Networks (wireless) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Pointing device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Status indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Touchpad or pointing device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Telephone support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Before calling Gateway Customer Care . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Appendix A: Legal Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
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CHAPTER1
About This Reference
• About this guide
• Accessing your online User Guide
• Gateway contact information
• Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity
• For more information
1
CHAPTER 1: About This Reference
About this guide
This guide includes information and maintenance instructions
that are specific to your model of Gateway notebook. For all
other notebook information, see your online User Guide.
Accessing your online User Guide
In addition to this guide, your online User Guide has been
included on your hard drive. Your User Guide is an in-depth,
easy-to-read manual that includes information on the
following topics:
• Help and technical support
• Using and customizing Windows and other software
• Using the Internet
• Protecting your files
• Playing and recording media
• Networking
To access your online User Guide:
• Click (Start), All Programs, then click Gateway
Documentation.
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Gateway contact information
Important
The labels shown in this sect ion are for informational purposes only. Label
information varies by model, features ordered, and location.
Gateway model and serial number
The label on the bottom of your notebook contains
information that identifies your notebook model and its
features. Gateway Customer Care will need this information
if you call for assistance.
Online Support:
Tech Support Phone:
Hours:
Model:
S/No:
Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity
The Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity label found on the
bottom of your notebook includes the product key code for
your operating system.
For more information
For more information about your notebook, visit Gateway’s
Support page at www.gateway.com
shown on your notebook’s label. The Support page also has
links to additional Gateway documentation and detailed
specifications.
or the Web address
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CHAPTER 1: About This Reference
4
CHAPTER2
Checking Out Your Notebook
• Front
• Left
• Right
• Back
• Bottom
• Keyboard area
5
Front
CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Notebook
LCD panel release latch
Microphone
Speaker Battery
Headphone
jack
jack
indicator
charge
indicator
SpeakerPower
Component Icon Description
LCD panel release
latch
Speakers Provide audio output when headphones or
Microphone jack Plug a microphone into this jack.
Headphone jack Plug amplified speakers or headphones into this
Power indicator
Battery charge
indicator
Press to open the LCD panel.
amplified speakers are not plugged in.
jack. The built-in speakers are turned off when
speakers or headphones are plugged into this
jack.
■
LED on - Notebook is on.
■
LED blinking - Notebook is in Sleep or Hybrid
Sleep mode.
■
LED off - Notebook is off.
■
LED blue - Battery is fully charged.
■
LED purple - Battery is charging.
■
LED blinking red - Battery charge is very low.
■
LED solid red - Battery is malfunctioning.
Important: This LED only lights up when your
notebook is connected to AC power or the
battery charge is very low.
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Ventilation fan Memory card
USB ports
Express Card
slot
reader
Component Icon Description
Ventilation fan Helps cool internal components.
USB ports Plug USB devices (such as a diskette drive, flash
Express Card slot Insert one Type 54 Express Card into this slot.
Memory card
reader
Warning: Do not work with the notebook
resting on your lap. If the air vents are blocked,
the notebook may become hot enough to harm
your skin.
Caution: Do not block or insert objects into
these slots. If these slots are blocked, your
notebook may overheat resulting in unexpected
shutdown or permanent damage to the
notebook.
Caution: Provide adequate space around your
notebook so air vents are not obstructed. Do
not use the notebook on a bed, sofa, rug, or
other similar surface.
drive, printer, scanner, camera, keyboard, or
mouse) into these ports.
For more information, see “Adding and
removing an Express Card” on page 40.
Insert a memory card from a digital camera,
MP3 player, PDA, or cellular telephone into the
memory card reader. For more information, see
“Using the memory card reader” on page 38.
The memory card reader supports Memory
Stick®, Memory Stick Pro®, Mini Secure
Digital®, MultiMediaCard™,
RS-MultiMediaCard™, and Secure Digital™
cards.
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Right
CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Notebook
CD or DVD drive Modem
jack
jack
Monitor portEthernet
Component Icon Description
CD or DVD drive Insert CDs or DVDs into this drive. For more
Ethernet jack Plug an Ethernet network cable into this jack.
Modem jack Plug a dial-up modem cable into this jack. For
Monitor port Plug an analog VGA monitor or projector into
information, see “Using the CD or DVD drive” on
page 36. To determine the type of drive in your
notebook, examine the drive tray’s plastic cover
and compare the logo to those listed in
“Identifying drive types” on page 36.
The other end of the cable can be plugged into
a cable modem, DSL modem, or an Ethernet
network jack. For more information, see
“Connecting to a broadband modem or
network” on page 19.
more information, see “Connecting the dial-up
modem” on page 18.
this port. For more information, see “Viewing
the display on a projector or monitor” on
page 42.
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Back
Power connector Kensington lock slot
Component Icon Description
Power connector Plug the AC adapter cable into this connector.
Kensington™
lock slot
Secure your notebook to an object by
connecting a Kensington cable lock to this slot.
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CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Notebook
Bottom
Hard drive bay
Memory
bay
Customer care/
system label
Battery lock
Component Icon Description
Battery latch
Battery
Battery lock Slide to unlock the battery. For more information, see
Customer
Care label
Memory bay Install a memory module into this bay. For more
Hard drive
bay
Battery latch Slide to release the battery. For more information, see
Battery Provides power when the notebook is not plugged
“Changing the battery” on page 49.
Includes the Customer Care contact information. For
more information, see “Gateway contact information”
on page 3.
information, see “Adding or replacing memory
modules” on page 83.
The hard drive is located in this bay. For more
information, see “Replacing the hard drive kit” on
page 86.
“Changing the battery” on page 49.
into AC power.
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Keyboard area
Keyboard
Power
button
Touchpad
Status indicators
Component Icon Description
Keyboard Provides all the features of a full-sized, computer
Power button Press to turn the power on or off. You can also
Status
indicators
Touchpad Provides all the functionality of a mouse. For more
keyboard. For more information, see “Using the
keyboard” on page 25.
configure the power button for Sleep/Resume mode.
For more information on configuring the power button
mode, see “Changing advanced settings” on page 55.
Inform you when a drive is in use or when a button
has been pressed that affects how the keyboard is
used. For more information, see “Using the status
indicators” on page 23.
information, see “Using the EZ Pad touchpad” on
page 29.
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CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Notebook
12
CHAPTER3
Setting Up and Getting Started
• Working safely and comfortably
• Connecting the AC adapter
• Connecting the dial-up modem
• Connecting to a broadband modem or
network
• Starting your notebook
• Turning off your notebook
• Restarting (rebooting) your notebook
• Using the status indicators
• Using the keyboard
• Using the EZ Pad touchpad
• Adjusting brightness
• Adjusting the volume
• Turning your wireless radio on or off
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CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started
Working safely and comfortably
Before using your notebook, follow these general guidelines
for setting up a safe and comfortable work area and avoiding
discomfort and strain:
• Keep hands and arms parallel to the floor.
• Adjust the screen so it is perpendicular to your line of
sight.
• Place your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest.
• Although notebooks are sometimes called “laptops,” do
not use your notebook while it rests on your
unprotected lap. Notebook operating temperatures can
become quite high, increasing the risk of burns to your
legs. Instead, use a laptop desk to protect your legs.
• Do not use the notebook on any soft, conforming
surface, such as your lap, a blanket, carpet, or a sofa.
Soft surfaces can block your notebook’s ventilation
openings, leading to overheating, permanent damage
to your notebook, and fire danger. Instead, place your
notebook on a rigid, hard surface, and make sure that
you keep the ventilation openings on the sides clear.
War ning
Do not use your notebook on a soft surface, such as your lap,
a blanket, carpet, or a sofa. You must keep your notebook’s ventilation
openings clear of obstructions, or your notebook may overheat,
increasing the risk of fire and personal injury.
Reducing eye strain
Sunlight or bright indoor lighting should not reflect on the
screen or shine directly into your eyes.
• Position the computer desk and screen so you can avoid
glare on your screen and light shining directly into your
eyes. Reduce glare by installing shades or curtains on
windows, and by installing a glare screen filter.
• Use soft, indirect lighting in your work area. Do not use
your notebook in a dark room.
• Avoid focusing your eyes on your screen for long
periods of time. Every 10 or 15 minutes, look around
the room, and try to focus on distant objects.
• Where feasible, keep your head vertical while looking
at the screen. If you use an external keyboard, raise the
notebook so the top of its screen is no higher than eye
level.
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Setting up your computer desk and chair
When you are setting up your computer desk and chair, make
sure that the desk is the appropriate height and the chair helps
you maintain good posture.
• Select a flat surface for your computer desk.
• Adjust the height of the computer desk so your hands
and arms are positioned parallel to the floor when you
use the keyboard and touchpad. If the desk is not
adjustable or is too tall, consider using an adjustable
chair to control your arm’s height above the keyboard.
• Use an adjustable chair that is comfortable, distributes
your weight evenly, and keeps your body relaxed.
• Position your chair so the keyboard is at or slightly
below the level of your elbow. This position lets your
shoulders relax while you type.
• Adjust the chair height, adjust the forward tilt of the
seat, or use a footrest to distribute your weight evenly
on the chair and relieve pressure on the back of your
thighs.
• Adjust the back of the chair so it supports the lower
curve of your spine. You can use a pillow or cushion to
provide extra back support.
Sitting at your notebook
• Avoid bending, arching, or angling your wrists. Make
sure that they are in a relaxed position when you type.
• Do not slouch forward or lean far back. Sit with your
back straight so your knees, hips, and elbows form right
angles when you work.
• Take breaks to stand and stretch your legs.
• Avoid twisting your torso or neck.
Avoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive strain
• Vary your activities to avoid excessive repetition.
• Take breaks to change your position, stretch your
muscles, and relieve your eyes.
• Find ways to break up the work day, and schedule a
variety of tasks.
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CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started
Connecting the AC adapter
You can run your notebook using an AC adapter or your
notebook’s battery. The battery was shipped to you partially
charged. You should use the AC adapter right away to fully
charge the battery. Allow three hours for the battery to fully
charge.
War ning
Do not attempt to disassemble the AC adapter. The AC adapter has no
user-replaceable or user-serviceable parts inside. The AC adapter has dangerous
voltages that can cause serious injury or death. Contact Gateway about
returning defective AC adapters.
Caution
Make sure that you use the AC adapter that came with your notebook
or one of the same type purchased from Gateway. Replace the power cord if
it becomes damaged. The replacement cord must be of the same type and
voltage rating as the original cord or your notebook may be damaged.
Important
If the battery is not fully charged before you use your notebook on
battery power for the first time, the battery life may be much shorter than you
expect. If the battery life seems short even after being charged for three hours,
the battery may need to be recalibrated. For information on recalibrating the
battery, see “Recalibrating the battery” on page 50.
To connect the AC adapter:
1 Connect the power cord to the AC adapter.
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2 Connect the AC adapter to your notebook’s power
connector.
3 Plug the power cord into a wall outlet. The battery
charge indicator turns on (see “Front” on page 6 for the
location of the battery charge indicator). If the battery
charge indicator does not turn on, complete the
following steps until it turns on:
a Unplug the adapter from your notebook, then plug
it back in.
b Press FN+F1 to toggle the status lights on and off.
4 When you finish using your notebook for the first time,
turn off your notebook and leave your notebook
connected to AC power until the battery charge
indicator turns blue.
Important
If the battery charge indicator does not turn blue after three
hours, contact Gateway Customer Care at the location shown on the
Customer Care label. For more information, see “Gateway contact
information” on page 3.
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CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started
Protecting from power source problems
During a power surge, the voltage level of electricity coming
into your notebook can increase to levels far above normal
levels and cause data loss or system damage. Protect your
notebook and peripheral devices by connecting them to a
surge protector, which absorbs voltage surges and prevents
them from reaching your notebook.
War ning
High voltages can enter your notebook through both the power cord and
the modem connection. To protect your notebook and avoid electrical shock,
use a surge protector. If you have a telephone modem, use a surge protector
that has a modem jack. If you have a cable modem, use a surge protector that
has an antenna/cable TV jack. During an electrical storm, unplug both the surge
protector and the modem.
Connecting the dial-up modem
Your notebook has a built-in 56K modem that you can use to
connect to a standard telephone line.
War ning
To reduce the risk of fire, use only No. 26 AWG or larger
telecommunications line cord.
18
To connect the modem:
1 Insert one end of the modem cable into the modem
jack on your notebook.
2 Insert the other end of the modem cable into a
telephone wall jack.
Important
The modem will not work with digital or PBX telephone lines.
www.gateway.com
Connecting to a broadband modem or network
Your notebook has a network jack that you can use to connect
to a cable or DSL modem or to a wired Ethernet network.
To connect to a cable or DSL modem or to a wired
Ethernet network:
1 Insert one end of the network cable into the network
jack on your notebook.
2 Insert the other end of the network cable into a cable
modem, DSL modem, or Ethernet network jack.
19
CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started
Starting your notebook
War ning
Do not work with the notebook resting on your lap. If the air vents are
blocked, the notebook may become hot enough to harm your skin.
Caution
Provide adequate space around your notebook so air vents are not
obstructed. Do not use the notebook on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar
surface.
To start your notebook:
1 Slide the latch on the front of your notebook, then lift
the LCD panel.
2 Press the power button located above the keyboard.
Power button
20
Tip
For more information about changing the power button mode,
see “Changing advanced settings” on page 55.
3 If you are starting your notebook for the first time,
follow the on-screen instructions to select the language
and time zone and to create your first user account.
4 Attach and turn on any peripheral devices, such as
printers, scanners, and speakers.
Tip
For more information about connecting peripheral devices, see
“Installing a printer or other peripheral device” on page 41.
Tip
See the documentation that came with each device for its setup
instructions.
www.gateway.com
5 To open the main menu, click (Start). From that
menu, you can run programs and search for files. For
more information on using Windows, see “Using
Windows” and “Customizing Windows” in your online
User Guide.
Waking up your notebook
When you have not used your notebook for several minutes
or if you close the LCD panel without turning off your
notebook, it may enter a power-saving mode called Sleep.
While in Sleep mode, the power indicator flashes. If your
notebook is in Sleep mode, press the power button to “wake”
it up.
Tip
For more information about Sleep mode, see “Changing power modes”
on page 52.
Turning off your notebook
Putting your notebook into Sleep mode is the easiest way to
power down your notebook. Although it does not turn your
notebook completely off, it turns off or slows down most
system operations to save power. Sleep mode saves your
desktop layout so the next time you restore power, the
programs are laid out just as you left them. Waking your
notebook from a Sleep state is much faster than turning on
your notebook after it has been turned completely off.
Hibernate mode is an alternative to Sleep mode. In Hibernate
mode, your notebook is turned completely off. When you
wake your notebook from Hibernate mode, however, the
programs that were running when your notebook entered
Hibernate mode are running just as you left them.
To put your notebook to sleep:
• Click (Start), then click (power). The
notebook saves your session and partially shuts down
to save power.
-OR-
Press F
N+F3.
Tip
You can change the Sleep mode from the standard Sleep mode (default)
to Hybrid Sleep. For more information about Sleep mode, see “Changing power
modes” on page 52.
21
CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started
To put your notebook into hibernation:
• Click (Start), click the arrow next to the lock icon,
then click Hibernate. The notebook saves your session
and shuts down to save power.
To turn off your notebook:
• Click (Start), click the arrow next to the lock icon,
then click Shut Down. The notebook turns off.
Important
If for some reason you cannot use the Shut Down option in
Windows to turn off your notebook, press and hold the power button
for about five seconds, then release it.
Restarting (rebooting) your notebook
If your notebook does not respond to keyboard, touchpad, or
mouse input, you may have to close programs that are not
responding. If closing unresponsive programs does not
restore your notebook to normal operation, you may have to
restart (reboot) your notebook.
To close unresponsive programs on your notebook:
1 Press CTRL+ALT+DEL.
2 Click Start Task Manager. The Windows Task Manager
dialog box opens.
3 Click the program that is not responding.
4 Click End Task.
5 Click X in the top-right corner of the Windows Task
Manager dialog box.
22
www.gateway.com
To restart your notebook:
• Click (Start), click the arrow next to the lock icon,
then click Restart. The notebook turns off, then turns
on again.
Important
If your notebook does not turn off immediately, complete the
following steps until the notebook turns off:
1. Press and hold the power button for about five seconds, then release
it.
2. Unplug the power cord and remove the battery for more than 10
seconds.
Using the status indicators
Important
Status indicators vary by model and features ordered.
Important
If none of the indicators are on, you may need to press FN+F1 to toggle
the status indicators on.
Status indicators for select models
Status indicators inform you when a drive is being used or
when a button has been pressed that affects how the
keyboard is used. The status indicators are located below the
touchpad.
Wireless network
Caps lock
Scroll lock
Num lock
Hard drive
23
CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started
A
1
A
1
Indicator Icon Description
Wireless
network
(optional)
■
LED on - Wireless IEEE 802.11 radio is
turned on.
■
LED off - Wireless IEEE 802.11 radio is
turned off.
■
Caps lock
Num lock
Scroll lock
Hard drive
LED on - Caps lock is turned on.
■
LED off - Caps lock is turned off.
■
LED on - Numeric keypad is turned on.
■
LED off - Numeric keypad is turned off.
■
LED on - Scroll lock is turned on.
■
LED off - Scroll lock is turned off.
■
LED blinking - Hard drive is being
accessed.
■
LED off - Hard drive is not being
accessed.
Status indicators for select models
Wireless network
Caps lock
Disc drive
Num lock
Hard drive
Indicator Icon Description
Wireless
network
(optional)
Caps lock
Num lock
■
LED on - Wireless IEEE 802.11 radio is
turned on.
■
LED off - Wireless IEEE 802.11 radio is
turned off.
■
LED on - Caps lock is turned on.
■
LED off - Caps lock is turned off.
■
LED on - Numeric keypad is turned on.
■
LED off - Numeric keypad is turned off.
24
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