Gateway MX3100, MX3300, MX3410, MX3420, MX3700 Quick Reference Guide

HARDWARE REFERENCE
Gateway Notebook

Contents

Chapter 1: About this reference. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
About this guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Accessing the online User Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Gateway contact information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Gateway model and serial number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
For more information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Gateway Notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Identifying features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Left . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Right . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Bottom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Keyboard area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Connecting the AC adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Protecting from power source problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Connecting the dial-up modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Connecting to a cable or DSL modem or to an Ethernet network . . . . . . . . 13
Starting your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Waking up your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Turning off your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Restarting (rebooting) your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Using the status indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Using the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Key types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
System key combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Using the EZ Pad touchpad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Adjusting the volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Turning your wireless radio on or off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Using the CD or DVD drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Identifying drive types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Inserting a CD or DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Using the memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Memory card types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Inserting a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Using a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Removing a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Inserting and removing an Express Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Installing a printer, scanner, digital camera, or other peripheral device . . 28
Viewing the display on a projector or monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Changing batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Replacing the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
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Contents www.gateway.com
Recalibrating the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Ordering accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Chapter 3: Maintaining and Upgrading Your Notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Preventing static electricity discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Adding or replacing memory modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Replacing the CD or DVD drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Replacing the hard drive kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Replacing the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Removing the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Installing the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
Appendix A: Safety, Regulatory, and Legal Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
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CHAPTER 1

About this reference

•About this guide
Accessing the online User Guide
Gateway contact information
Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity
•For more information
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CHAPTER 1: About this reference www.gateway.com

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 the online User Guide

In addition to this guide, the online User Guide has been included on your hard
drive. The 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
Controlling audio and video settings
Using the Internet
Protecting your files
Playing and recording media
Networking
Maintenance and troubleshooting
To access the online User Guide:
Click Start, All Programs, then click Gateway Documentation.

Gateway contact information

Gateway model and serial number

The label shown in this section is for
informational purposes only. Label
information varies by model, features
Important
ordered, and location.
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:
2
www.gateway.com

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
Support page also has links to additional Gateway documentation and detailed specifications.
or the Web address shown on your notebook’s label. The
Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity
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CHAPTER 1: About this reference www.gateway.com
4
CHAPTER 2
Checking Out Your Gateway Notebook
•Identifying features
Connecting the AC adapter
Connecting the dial-up modem
Connecting to a cable or DSL modem or to an Ethernet 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 the volume
Turning your wireless radio on or off
Using the CD or DVD drive
Using the memory card reader
Inserting and removing an Express Card
Changing batteries
Recalibrating the battery
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CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Gateway Notebook www.gateway.com

Identifying features

Front

LCD panel release latch
Power
Speaker
Microphone jack
Headphone
indicator
Battery charge indicator
jack
Component Icon Description
Speaker
LCD panel release
Press to open the LCD panel.
latch
Speakers Provide audio output when headphones or
amplified speakers are not plugged in.
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.
Power indicator
Battery charge indicator
LED on - notebook is on.
LED blinking - notebook is in Standby 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.
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Left

Identifying features
Express Card slot
Ventilation fan
USB ports
Memory card reader
Component Icon Description
Ventilation fan Helps cool internal components.
Warning: Do not work for long periods 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.
USB ports Plug USB devices (such as a diskette drive, flash drive,
printer, scanner, camera, keyboard, or mouse) into these ports.
Memory card reader
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 25. The memory card reader supports Memory Stick®,
Memory Stick Pro®, MultiMediaCard™, Secure Digital™, Mini Secure Digital™, and RS-MultiMediaCard™. Note: RS-Multimedia Card and Mini Secure Digital cards require the use of an adapter that is available with the media.
Express Card slot
Insert one Type 54 Express Card into this slot. For more information, see “Inserting and removing an Express Card”
on page 27.
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CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Gateway Notebook www.gateway.com

Right

CD or DVD drive
Ethernet
jack
Modem jack
Monitor port
Component Icon Description
CD or DVD drive Insert CDs or DVDs into this drive. For more information,
see “Using the CD or DVD drive” on page 24. 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 24.
Ethernet jack Plug an Ethernet network cable into this jack. You can
plug the other end of the cable into a cable modem, DSL modem, or an Ethernet network jack. For more information, see “Connecting to a cable or DSL modem
or to an Ethernet network” on page 13.
Modem jack Plug a dial-up modem cable into this jack. For more
information, see “Connecting the dial-up modem” on
page 12.
Monitor port Plug an analog VGA monitor or projector into this port.
For more information, see “Viewing the display on a
projector or monitor” on page 28.

Back

8
Power connector
Component Icon Description
Power connector
Kensington™ lock slot
Plug the AC adapter cable into this connector.
Secure your notebook to an object by connecting a Kensington cable lock to this slot.
Kensington lock slot
www.gateway.com

Bottom

Memory bay
Customer care/
system label
Battery
lock
Identifying features
Hard drive bay
Battery latch
Battery
Component Description
Hard drive bay The hard drive is located in this bay. For more information, see
“Replacing the hard drive kit” on page 39.
Customer care/system label
Battery latch Slide to release the battery. For more information, see “Changing
Battery Provides power when the notebook is not plugged into AC power.
Battery lock Slide to unlock the battery. For more information, see “Changing
Memory bay Install a memory module into this bay. For more information, see
Includes the product model number and Customer Care contact information. For more information, see “Gateway model and serial
number” on page 2 and “Gateway contact information” on page 2.
batteries” on page 30.
batteries” on page 30.
“Adding or replacing memory modules” on page 34.
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Keyboard area

Keyboard
Power button
Status indicators
To uc h pa d
Component Icon Description
Power button
Touchpad Provides all the functionality of a mouse. For more
Status indicators
Keyboard Provides all the features of a full-sized, computer keyboard.
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-Saving Settings” in the online User Guide.
information, see “Using the EZ Pad touchpad” on page 21.
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 16.
For more information, see “Using the keyboard” on
page 18.
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Connecting the AC adapter
Connecting the AC adapter
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
Warnin g
the original cord or your notebook may
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 31.
If the battery charge indicator does not
turn blue after three hours, contact
Gateway Customer Care at
be damaged.
Important
Important
www.gateway.com
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.
To connect the AC adapter:
1 Connect the power cord to the AC adapter.
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.
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Protecting from power source problems

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.
Warnin g
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.

Connecting the dial-up modem

To reduce the risk of fire, use only No. 26
AWG or larger telecommunications line
Warnin g
cord.
Your notebook has a built-in 56K modem that you can use to connect to a standard telephone line.
To connect the modem:
1 Insert one end of the modem cable into the modem jack on the right
side of your notebook.
12
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.
www.gateway.com

Connecting to a cable or DSL modem or to an Ethernet network

Connecting to a cable or DSL modem or to an Ethernet network
Your notebook has a network jack that you can use to connect to a cable or DSL modem or to an Ethernet network.
To connect to a cable or DSL modem or to an Ethernet network:
1 Insert one end of the network cable into the network jack on the right
side of your notebook.
2 Insert the other end of the network cable into a cable modem, DSL
modem, or Ethernet network jack.
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CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Gateway Notebook www.gateway.com

Starting your notebook

Do not work for long periods with the
notebook resting on your lap. If the air
vents are blocked, the notebook may
become hot enough to harm your skin.
Provide adequate space around your
notebook so air vents are not obstructed.
Do not use the notebook on a bed, sofa,
For more information about changing
the power button mode, see “Changing
Power-Saving Settings” in the online User
rug, or other similar surface.
Warnin g
Caution
Tips & Tricks
Guide.
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.
3 If you are starting your notebook for the first time, follow the on-screen
instructions to set up your notebook.

Waking up your notebook

For more information about Standby
mode, see “Changing power modes” in
Tips & Tricks
the online User Guide.
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 Standby. While in Standby, the power indicator flashes. If your notebook is in Standby mode, press the power button to “wake” it up.

T urning off your notebook

If for some reason you cannot use the
Turn Off Computer option in Windows to
turn off your notebook, press and hold
the power button for about five seconds,
Important
then release it.
To turn off your notebook:
1 Click Start, then click Turn Of f Computer. The Turn Off Computer dialog
box opens.
2 Click Turn O ff. Windows shuts down and turns off your notebook.
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Restarting (rebooting) your notebook

Restarting (rebooting) your notebook
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 re move the battery for more than 10 seconds.
Important
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 and restart your notebook:
1 Press CTRL+ALT+DEL. The Windows Security dialog box opens.
2 Click Task Man ager. 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.
6 If your notebook does not respond, turn it off, wait ten seconds, then turn
it on again.
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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A
1

Using the status indicators

Status indicators vary by model and
If none of the indicators are on, you may need to press F
features ordered.
Important
N+F1 to toggle the status
indicators on.
Important

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
Num lock
Disc drive
Hard drive
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
Disc drive
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 - drive is in use.
LED off - drive is not in use.
LED blinking - hard drive is in use.
LED off - hard drive is not in use.
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A
1
Using the status indicators

Status indicators for select models

Wireless network
Caps lock
Num lock
Scroll lock
Indicator Icon Description
Wireless network (optional)
Caps lock
Num lock
Scroll lock
Hard drive
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.
LED on - Scrolllock is turned on.
LED off - Scroll lock is turned off.
LED blinking - hard drive is in use.
LED off - hard drive is not in use.
Hard drive
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