Gateway SOLO 5100 User Manual

Maintaining &

Troubleshooting

Your Solo 5100

Part #8502415

MAN SYS US SL51 TECH REF R0

12/97

In our effort to use nature’s resources efficiently and wisely, Gateway 2000 prints all manuals on recycled papers that meet the minimum requirements established by the Federal EPA in its guidelines for recycled paper products.

Notices

Copyright © 1997 Gateway 2000, Inc.

All Rights Reserved

610 Gateway Drive

N. Sioux City, SD 57049 USA

All Rights Reserved

This publication is protected by copyright and all rights are reserved. No part of it may be reproduced or transmitted by any means or in any form, without prior consent in writing from Gateway 2000.

The information in this manual has been carefully checked and is believed to be accurate. However, changes are made periodically. These changes are incorporated in newer publication editions. Gateway 2000 may improve and/or change products described in this publication at any time. Due to continuing system improvements, Gateway 2000 is not responsible for inaccurate information which may appear in this manual. For the latest product updates, consult the Gateway 2000 web site at www.gateway.com. In no event will Gateway 2000 be liable for direct, indirect, special, exemplary, incidental, or consequential damages resulting from any defect or omission in this manual, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.

In the interest of continued product development, Gateway 2000 reserves the right to make improvements in this manual and the products it describes at any time, without notices or obligation.

Trademark Acknowledgments

AnyKey, black-and-white spot design, ColorBook, CrystalScan, Destination, EZ Pad, EZ Point, Field Mouse, Gateway 2000, HandBook, Liberty, TelePath, Vivitron, stylized “G” design, and “You’ve got a friend in the business” slogan are registered trademarks and “All the big trends start in South Dakota” slogan, GATEWAY, and Gateway Solo are trademarks of Gateway 2000, Inc. Intel, Intel Inside logo, and Pentium are registered trademarks and MMX is a trademark of Intel Corporation. Microsoft, MS, MS-DOS, and Windows are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. All other product names mentioned herein are used for identification purposes only, and may be the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Copyright © 1997 Advanced Logic Research, Inc. (ALR)

All Rights Reserved

9401 Jeronimo

Irvine, CA 92618 USA

All Rights Reserved

This publication is protected by copyright and all rights are reserved. No part of it may be reproduced or transmitted by any means or in any form, without prior consent in writing from ALR.

The information in this manual has been carefully checked and is believed to be accurate. However, changes are made periodically. These changes are incorporated in newer publication editions. ALR may improve and/or change products described in this publication at any time. Due to continuing system improvements, ALR is not responsible for inaccurate information which may appear in this manual. For the latest product updates, consult the ALR web site at www.alr.com. In no event will ALR be liable for direct, indirect, special, exemplary, incidental, or consequential damages resulting from any defect or omission in this manual, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.

In the interest of continued product development, ALR reserves the right to make improvements in this manual and the products it describes at any time, without notices or obligation.

Trademark Acknowledgments

ALR is a registered trademark of Advanced Logic Research, Inc. All other product names mentioned herein are used for identification purposes only, and may be the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

ii Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Solo Notebook

Contents
Notices .....................................................................................................	ii
Chapter 1: Maintaining Your Notebook ........................................	5
Using This Book......................................................................................	6
Identifying Your Model ..........................................................................	7
Maintaining Your System.......................................................................	8
Virus checking..................................................................................	9
Hard drive utilities............................................................................	9
Chapter 2: ReinstallingWindows 95 System Software ...............	11
Reinstalling Your Windows 95 System ...............................................	12
Partitioning and formatting the hard drive ....................................	12
Partitioning the hard drive..............................................................	13
Formatting the hard drive...............................................................	18
Installing Windows 95...................................................................	19
Chapter 3: Reinstalling Windows NT System Software ............	25
Reinstalling Your Windows NT System..............................................	26
Partitioning and formatting the hard drive ....................................	26
Partition formatting with FAT file system ....................................	26
Installing Windows NT..................................................................	27
Chapter 4: Installing Drivers and Related Software ..................	29
About Device Drivers............................................................................	30
Installing device drivers .................................................................	30
Installing CD-ROM drivers ...........................................................	31
Installing for Windows 95 .............................................................	32
Installing for Windows NT ............................................................	45
Chapter 5: Managing System Resources ......................................	55
Port/IRQ Configurations.......................................................................	56
Solo notebook interrupts (IRQs)....................................................	56
Checking Windows 95 resources ..................................................	57

iii

Chapter 6: Using Modem Documentation ...................................	61
Accessing Modem Documentation.....................................................	62
Chapter 7: Adding Memory Modules ..........................................	65
Installing Additional Memory..............................................................	66
Chapter 8: BIOS Setup ...................................................................	71
Setup (BIOS) Screens...........................................................................	72
Main menu .....................................................................................	72
Advanced menu .............................................................................	73
Security menu ................................................................................	74
Power menu ...................................................................................	75
Boot menu......................................................................................	76
Exit menu .......................................................................................	77
Chapter 9: Troubleshooting Your Notebook ...............................	79
Troubleshooting....................................................................................	80
Start up ...........................................................................................	80
General ...........................................................................................	81
Frequently asked questions ...........................................................	82
Error messages...............................................................................	86
Appendix A: Contacting Gateway ................................................	89
Contacting Gateway..............................................................................	90
Calling Gateway ............................................................................	90
Calling Gateway when outside the U.S. .......................................	90
Index ..................................................................................................	91

iv Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Solo Notebook

Maintaining
Your Solo
Notebook
Contents
Using This Book......................................................	6
Identifying Your Model ..........................................	7
Maintaining Your System .......................................	8
Virus checking..................................................	9
Hard drive utilities ............................................	9

Using This Book

Welcome to Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Notebook Guide. We have designed this manual to help you understand technical details not covered in the

Using Your Notebook guide.

Chapter 1, “Maintaining Your Solo Notebook”, contains information about identifying which notebook model you have and includes basic maintenance information.

Chapter 2, “Reinstalling Windows 95 System Software”, contains basic information about partitioning, formatting, and reinstalling Windows 95 operating system software.

Chapter 3, “Reinstalling Windows NT System Software”, contains basic information about reinstalling Windows NT operating system software.

Chapter 4, “Installing Drivers and Related Software”, contains information about drivers and instructions to install drivers from the System CD and driver diskettes.

Chapter 5, “Managing System Resources”, contains information about PC Cards (including CardBus), USB (Universal Serial Bus), Port/IRQ configurations, and help with configuration conflicts.

Chapter 6, “Using Modem Documentation”, contains information about how to get to the online information about a particular modem model.

Chapter 7, “Adding Memory Modules”, contains information about the memory modules and instructions for removing or adding memory modules.

Chapter 8, “BIOS Setup”, contains information about the individual Setup menu screens for checking and changing BIOS settings.

Chapter 9, “Troubleshooting Your Notebook”, contains Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and information about error messages.

6 Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Solo Notebook

Identifying Your Model

To make sure you know the correct model and serial number for your notebook, check the label on the bottom of the notebook.

Display Type/

Processor Speed

Version						Gateway
						Serial
Model						Number
Number

Identifying your notebook model and serial number

Chapter 1: Maintaining Your Solo Notebook 7

Caution!

The LCD display is made of specially coated glass and can be scratched or damaged by abrasive or ammonia-based window cleaners.

Maintaining Your System

The Gateway Solo Multimedia Notebook is a durable product. However, when transporting your notebook, we recommend that you put it in a computer carrying case or briefcase.

Other ways to extend the life of your system:

♦Don't subject your notebook to shock and don't put objects on top of your notebook. The case, although tough, isn’t made to support a lot of extra weight.

♦Keep diskettes and modular drives away from magnetic fields. Magnetic fields can erase data on both diskettes and hard drives.

♦Set up a maintenance schedule for your system. Routinely run virus checks, ScanDisk and disk defragmenter. This keeps your system performing smoothly and prevent the loss of vital data.

♦Never turn off your notebook when the Hard Disk Drive LED is on because data on the hard drive could be lost or corrupted.

♦Avoid subjecting your notebook to extreme temperature changes. The cases become very brittle and easy to break in the cold and could melt in the high temperatures. Damages due to either extreme are not covered by your warranty.

♦Don't get your notebook wet or expose to water, coffee, or soft drinks. These fluids are particularly damaging to the electronic components and can result in extremely expensive repair charges that are not covered under your warranty.

♦Avoid areas with a high concentration of dust and dirt. Dust and dirt clogs the internal mechanisms.

♦Keep the port covers closed when you are not using the external device ports so that the connectors remain clean and the pins are not bent or broken.

♦Clean the exterior with a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth moistened with water. Gently dry with a soft cloth.

♦Clean the LCD display with a soft cloth moistened only with water. Wet the cloth, wipe the display, and then dry the LCD with a soft cloth.

8 Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Solo Notebook

Virus checking

A “virus” is a hidden program that is usually attached to an executable file (the file extension is .exe). Some viruses could destroy information or damage your system. Other viruses simply print out a message or prevent you from performing normal computing functions. When you start the file that contains the virus, it becomes active. Your system can catch a virus from shared disks or downloaded files.

Setting up a maintenance schedule will make running your virus check a habit. Once a month might be often enough to run a check. If you use your system more often, once a week might be more appropriate.

Hard drive utilities

Some system tools can help you preserve the performance of your hard drive. Set up a maintenance schedule and perform these functions regularly.

Disk Defragmenter

A disk defragmenter program finds file fragments and puts them together. This saves hard drive space and lets the system run faster and more efficiently.

To use Disk Defragmenter from Windows 95

1.Click Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, then Disk Defragmenter. The

Select Drive window appears.

2.Use the <Down Arrow> button to select the drive you want to defragment, and click OK. The Disk Defragmenter window appears.

3.Click Start to begin the program. The screen follows the program's progress. When the program has finished running, another Disk Defragmenter window appears.

4.Click Yes if you are ready to quit Disk Defragmenter.

Note:

You can program your notebook to remind you to perform a virus check using the Virus check reminder on the Security menu.

Note:

Disk Defragmenter cannot defragment your CD-ROM or any network drive.

Chapter 1: Maintaining Your Solo Notebook 9

ScanDisk

This disk scan program checks your hard drive and fixes most errors.

To use ScanDisk from Windows 95

1.Click Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, then ScanDisk. The ScanDisk window appears.

2.Select the drive you want to have checked for errors. Click Automatically fix errors check box if you want to use that option.

3.Click Start to begin the program. You can follow the program's progress and when the program has finished running, the ScanDisk Results window appears.

4.Click Close after you have read the screen, then click Close again to exit the program.

10 Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Solo Notebook

Reinstalling

Windows 95

System Software

Contents
Reinstalling Your Windows 95 System ...............	12
Partitioning and formatting the hard drive.....	12
Partitioning the hard drive..............................	13
Formatting the hard drive...............................	18
Installing Windows 95 with the
Solo Boot diskette...........................................	18

Warning!

Partitioning and formatting erases all files on the hard drive. Before partitioning or formatting the hard drive, make sure any software that you may need is backed up.

Reinstalling Your Windows 95

System

This chapter discusses the process of reinstalling Windows 95. To accomplish the installation, we recommend that you use the following process:

1.Remove the hard drive partitions. See “Deleting partitions on the hard drive” on page 14.

2.Create new hard drive partitions. See “Creating partitions on the hard drive” on page 16.

3.Format the hard drive. See “Formatting the hard drive” on page 18.

4.Install Windows 95. See “Installing Windows 95” on page 19.

5.Install device drivers and related software. See “Installing device drivers” on page 30.

Before starting the reinstall process, make sure you have the necessary diskettes and/or CDs readily available to partition, format, and install device drivers on the hard drive. You’ll need the following diskettes:

♦Solo Boot Diskette to start your system from the A: drive and use menu options to install your operating system.

♦Windows 95 CD to load the operating system.

♦Gateway System CD to install the device drivers.

♦Gateway Windows 95 Driver diskettes to install recently updated drivers that may be newer than those on the Gateway System CD.

Partitioning and formatting the hard drive

For an operating system (such as MS-DOS or Windows) to store files on a hard drive, the hard drive must be partitioned and formatted.

Partitioning a hard drive designates which areas of the disk are used for the operating system files. Windows uses the MS-DOS partition file fdisk.exeto set up a primary DOS partition, extended DOS partitions, and logical drives within the extended DOS partitions.

12 Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Solo Notebook

♦A Primary DOS partition contains the essential files to start your system from the hard drive (system files). To start Windows from your hard drive, you must have a primary DOS partition and it must be set to active.

♦An Extended DOS partition is a portion of a hard drive where non-system files can be stored. Unlike a primary DOS partition, you cannot start your system from an extended DOS partition. Your system does not require an extended partition to function.

♦A Logical DOS Drive is an area of an Extended DOS partition that you can set up to group directories and files. It does not increase disk storage capacity. You must set up an extended DOS partition before you can establish a logical drive. You can create up to 23 logical drives in an extended DOS partition.

Formatting a hard drive prepares the partition(s) to receive files. Windows uses the MS-DOS file format.com to format disks. You may use format.com to format your hard drive or your hard drive automatically formats when using the Install An Operating System On Your Hard Drive option on the Solo Boot Disk menu. See “Installing Windows 95” on page 19. for further information.

Partitioning the hard drive

Partitioning your hard drive using fdisk.exe lets you set up hard drives larger than 2 GB by setting up a primary DOS partition, extended DOS partition, and logical drives within the extended DOS partition.

To configure a hard disk using fdisk.exe you will complete the following tasks:

♦Delete DOS partitions, logical drives, any extended DOS partitions, and the existing primary DOS partition.

♦Create a new primary DOS partition

♦Create an extended partition and logical drives, if you want any.

Formatting the partition with FAT16 file system

When partitioning the hard drive using fdisk.exe you may be provided the option to use the FAT16 or FAT32 file system. Your system has been shipped from Gateway with the FAT16 file system. To reinstall your system as it shipped from the factory, use the FAT 16 file system. FAT 16 provides access to other operating systems. You must have Windows 95B or Windows 95C as your operating system to use FAT 32.

Note:

To help ensure a clean installation, we recommend that you partition and format the hard drive before reinstalling Windows 95. However, if you are want to preserve valuable data by not erasing files on the hard drive, you can first try installing the operating system using the procedure “Installing Windows 95” on page 19. If you continue to have difficulty with the operating system working properly, then return to the partitioning and formatting procedures before installing Windows 95.

Chapter 2: Reinstalling Windows 95 System Software 13

Caution!

Partitioning the hard drive erases all information on the drive! Back up your files on the drive before partitioning.

Note:

An Important Note screen may appear that gives information on the FAT32 file system. If so, the software asks if you wish to enable large disk support (Y/N)? We recommend you select [N] (default value). Selecting [N] formats your hard drive with FAT16 as it was shipped from Gateway. See “Formatting the partition with FAT16 file system” on page 13.

These operating systems do not recognize FAT32:

♦Windows for Workgroups 3.1x

♦Windows NT

♦Windows 95A

Deleting partitions on the hard drive

1.Place the Solo Boot Diskette or the MS-DOS Setup disk in the diskette drive.

2.Power up the computer or restart the system if you already have the power on.

3.The boot disk main menu appears. Select Exit Program, Go Back to DOS. The A:\> prompt appears on the screen.

4.Type: cd dos

then press <Enter>.

5.At the A:\DOS prompt type: fdisk

then press <Enter>. The FDISK Options menu appears.

FDISK Options menu

14 Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Solo Notebook

6.Select option [4] Display partition information, then press <Enter>.When the Display Partition Information screen appears, write down the following information to help you later in this process:

•Partition shows the number of partitions currently existing on the hard drive.

•Type shows the type of partition used for logical, extended or primary DOS drive.

•Volume Label shows the label (name) used for the hard drive partition.

7.Press <Esc>. The program returns you to the FDISK Options menu.

8.Select option [3] Delete partition or Logical DOS Drive, then press <Enter>. The Delete DOS Partition or Logical DOS Drive menu appears.

Delete DOS Partition or Logical DOS Drive menu

9.Select option 1 through 4 to delete a specific type of partition. Follow the onscreen instructions and repeat the Delete partition or Logical DOS Drive steps to delete any additional logical drives or partitions. Delete partitions in the following order of priority:

a.Delete Non-DOS Partition (see item four in above figure)

b.Delete Logical DOS Drive(s) in the Extended DOS Partition (see item three in above figure)

c.Delete Extended DOS Partition (see item two in above figure)

d.Delete Primary DOS Partition (see item one in above figure)

Note:

If the Primary DOS Partition will not delete due to the Volume Label not matching (when you are typing the correct label information in the delete process), try formatting the hard drive and give it a new volume label. See “Formatting the hard drive” on page 18.

Chapter 2: Reinstalling Windows 95 System Software 15

Use the information displayed at the top of the screen to answer the onscreen questions. Key information you need to know is the Partition Number, Partition Type, and the Volume Label on your hard drive.

10.Once you have deleted each of the logical drives or partitions, you’re ready to create new partitions. Press <Esc> to return to FDISK Options menu. Continue to the next section “Creating partitions on the hard drive.”

Creating partitions on the hard drive

1.If you have already exited the FDISK utility, then follow steps one through five of “Deleting partitions on the hard drive” on page 14 to restart it.

2.Select option [1], Create DOS Partition or Logical DOS Drive from the FDISK Options menu and press <Enter>.

3.Next choose from options 1 through 3 to create the type of partition you want. (It’s likely you will want to create the same type of partition(s) that existed originally on your system. Refer to the information you noted in Step 6 of “Deleting partitions on the hard drive.” to determine the original hard drive settings).

.

Create DOS Partition or Logical DOS Drive menu

16 Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Solo Notebook

Follow the onscreen instructions and repeat the steps for creating any additional logical drives or partitions. You should create partitions in the following order:

a.Create Primary DOS Partition

b.Create Extended DOS Partition

c.Create Logical DOS Drive(s) in the Extended DOS Partition

To read more about the partition types, see “Partitioning and formatting the hard drive” on page 12.

Remember that if you choose to make the primary DOS partition less than the maximum size, you must create an extended DOS partition to make full use of the hard drive.

4.If you created more than one hard disk partition or logical drive you must set the partitions to active. You are prompted to set disk 1 partition to active. Select [2] to go to the Set Active Partition menu.

5.When prompted to enter partition number to make active, enter [1].

6.Press <Esc> to return to the FDISK Options menu.

7.Press <Esc> to exit the FDISK program.

Chapter 2: Reinstalling Windows 95 System Software 17

Note:

To help ensure a clean installation, we recommend that you partition and format the hard drive before reinstalling Windows 95. However, if you are want to preserve valuable data by not erasing files on the hard drive, you can first try installing the operating system using the procedure “Installing Windows 95” on page 19. If you continue to have difficulty with the operating system working properly, then return to the partitioning and formatting procedures before installing Windows 95.

Warning!

Formatting the hard drive erases all information on the drive! Back up your files on the drive before formatting.

Note:

If the Fixed disk boot sector option in the Security menu is set to Write protect, the boot sector of the hard disk drive is write-protected, and you cannot format the hard drive. Refer to the “Security menu” section on page 71 to enable.

Formatting the hard drive

Formatting your hard drive using format.exe creates a new root directory and File Allocation Table (FAT) on the hard drive. You will need to reformat the hard drive and reinstall Windows 95 if your operating system has been damaged.

Formatting the hard drive

1.Place the Solo Boot Diskette or the MS-DOS Setup diskette in the drive.

2.Start the computer or restart the system if you already have the power on.

3.The boot disk Main menu appears. Select Exit Program, Go Back to DOS. The A:\> prompt appears on the screen.

4.Type: cd dos

then press <Enter>.

5.At the A:\DOS prompt type: format c: /s

-OR-

type the letter of the partition you want to format. Example: format d: /s

then press <Enter>.

6.The format program asks if you wish to proceed with the format. Press Y to continue.

7.When the hard drive is formatted, the system asks you to label the hard drive. Labeling is optional:

If you want to clear the question press <Enter> -OR-

If you want to give the hard drive a label name, type a label name and press <Enter>.

18 Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Solo Notebook

Installing Windows 95

Once you have partitioned and formatted your hard drive, you’re ready to install Windows 95. Use the following instructions to install Windows 95

Startup with the Solo Boot Diskette

1.Make sure the Floppy disk drive module is in the modular option bay.

2.If not already installed, place the Solo Boot Diskette or the MS-DOS Setup disk in the diskette drive.

3.Start up the notebook or reboot the system if you already have the power on. If the power button is configured for Suspend/Resume, press and hold the power button for about four seconds to restart the system.

4.Select Install an operating system on your hard drive, then press <Enter>.

Solo Boot disk Main menu options. Installing the operating system.

5.The next screen message describes the operating system install process which takes place in two phases. The first phase partitions and formats the hard drive if it’s not already done (this takes few minutes). The percent completed appears as the program progresses. The second phase steps through the Windows installation process. Press <F1> to continue.

6.When you are prompted to do so, turn off your notebook and remove the floppy drive module.

Note:

The Solo Boot Diskette will automatically partition and format the hard drive (if not already done) during the

Install An Operating System On Your Hard Drive procedure. The boot disk program will only create a primary DOS partition on the hard drive (up to 2.0 GB maximum partition). The remaining hard drive space should be partitioned and formatted after the Windows 95 installation is completed.

Chapter 2: Reinstalling Windows 95 System Software 19

Swapping to the CD-ROM module

1.Insert the CD-ROM module and restart the system.

2.The next screen message tells you that you are about to install an operating system. Insert the Windows 95 CD-ROM and press <F1> to continue.

3.Press <Esc> when you are asked if you want to continue or quit Setup.

Removing the config.sys and autoexec.bat files

1.At the DOS prompt type: del config.sys

then press <Enter>

2.Type:

del autoexec.bat then press <Enter>.

Copying .cab files to the hard drive

1.Type:

md win95

then press <Enter>

2.Type:

e:

(where e: is assumed to be your CD-ROM drive) then press <Enter>

3.Type:

copy e:\win95\*.* c:\win95 press <Enter>

4.When the files are finished copying,

20 Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Solo Notebook

Swapping to the floppy module

1.Press the power button to shutdown the system. Remove the CD-ROM module and install the floppy drive module.

2.Press the power button to restart your system.

3.When prompted to enter the mm/dd/yy, press <Enter>. You can set the clock later after Windows is installed.

4.When prompted to enter the time. Press <Enter>. You can set the time later after Windows is installed.

Copying .vxd and .inf files to the hard drive

1.Insert the Solo 5100 VXD / INF diskette.

2.Type:

a:\

then press <Enter>

3.Type:

copy *.* c:\win95 then press <Enter>

4.Press the power button to shutdown the system.

Starting Windows 95 Setup program

1.Press the power button to restart your system.

2.When prompted to enter the mm/dd/yy, press <Enter>. You can set the clock later when Windows is installed.

3.When prompted to enter the time. Press <Enter>. You can set the time later after Windows is installed.

Chapter 2: Reinstalling Windows 95 System Software 21

Note:

You may add or remove Windows 95 program components later by clicking

Start, Settings, Control Panel, double-click Add/ Remove Programs, and select the Windows Setup tab. Follow the instructions.

4.Type:

cd win95

then press <Enter>

5.Type: setup

then press <Enter>

6.Windows Setup tells you it will perform a routine check on your system. Press <Enter> to continue.

7.When ScanDisk is finished follow the onscreen prompts to continue loading.

8.The Windows 95 Setup window appears. Click Continue.

9.The Software License Agreement appears. Click Yes if you agree to the terms and want to continue. Click Next to continue.

10.The Windows Setup Wizard starts. Click Next to continue.

11.The Setup Wizard opens a dialog box to select the directory to install Windows in. Make your selection and click Next to continue.

12.The Windows 95 Setup Options dialog box appears with setup preference options. Select the type of Windows load you want: Typical, Portable, Compact, or Custom. Click Next to continue.

13.Setup Wizard prompts you to enter the serial number from the Certificate of Authenticity located on the cover of the Windows 95 manual. Type the serial number.

14.The next dialog box asks for a name and company information. Fill-in appropriate information.

15.Setup Wizard may ask you if you want to install a CD-ROM Drive. If so, click the check box to install it. The Setup Wizard also provides options for

Network Adapter and Sound, Midi, or Video Capture card. Click Network Adapter if you plan to use a network card. Click the check box for Sound, Midi, or Video Capture card. Click Next. The Setup Wizard begins analyzing your computer for available hardware.

16.Next, the Setup Wizard opens a Windows Components dialog box. Select the option you prefer. (We recommend you select the Install the most common components option.) Click Next and follow the prompts.

22 Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Solo Notebook

17.The next dialog box provides an option to create a Startup Disk. Click No to skip creating a Startup disk. Click Next to continue.

18.The Setup Wizard is ready to start copying Windows 95 files to your hard drive. Click Next to continue.

19.Windows begins copying files to the hard drive. A progress indicator appears showing installation progress. Follow the onscreen prompts.

20.After Setup Wizard has completed the installation and is ready to restart the computer to complete the setup. Click Finish.

21.Windows restarts the system, begins detecting hardware, and setting up software. You’ll be prompted to select information such as the time-zone you’re in and the printer you’ll be using. Follow the onscreen prompts.

22.When Windows 95 Setup Wizard is finished configuring your system, it asks you to restart your computer. Click OK to restart. When the system restarts to Windows, the screen may display at 640 x 480, leaving a black area around the display. This corrects itself after the proper display driver is installed later in this procedure.

23.Last you’ll need to enable some hardware, install the remaining Windows 95 device drivers and software from the diskettes or Solo System CD. For more information about installing device drivers, see “Installing device drivers” on page 30.

Note:

It is best to create a Startup disk after installing Windows because the CD-ROM drive is installed in your system during the Windows install process. To create a Startup disk later click Start,

Settings, Control Panel, double-click Add/Remove Programs, and select the Startup Disk tab. Follow the instructions.

Chapter 2: Reinstalling Windows 95 System Software 23

24 Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Solo Notebook

Reinstalling

Windows NT

System Software

Contents
Reinstalling Your Windows NT System..............	26
Partitioning and formatting the hard drive.....	26
Partition formatting with FAT file system ....	26
Installing Windows NT..................................	27

Warning!

Partioning and formatting erases all files on the hard drive. Before partitioning or formatting the hard drive, make sure any software that you may need is backed up.

Reinstalling Your

Windows NT System

This chapter includes the process of reinstalling Windows NT. We recommend that you use the Windows NT Workstation CD-ROM to partition and format the hard drive and install Windows NT. Once you’ve installed Windows NT, you’ll need to install some device drivers to get all the system hardware working.

♦The Windows NT setup program steps you through the process of partitioning and formatting your hard drive. Use the Solo boot disk to start your system from the A: drive.

Make sure you have the necessary diskettes and/or CDs available before starting to install Windows NT and the device drivers on the hard drive. You’ll need:

♦Windows NT Workstation Start Here guide for further information on installing Windows NT.

♦Windows NT Workstation CD to continue the Windows NT install process.

♦Windows NT Service Pack CD to install the device drivers. In some cases, newer drivers may be shipped on additional diskettes.

♦Windows NT Setup Diskettes to partition and format the hard drive and begin the operating system load. (Optional. The instructions in this chapter instruct you to install Windows NT using the Windows NT CD-ROM only.)

Partitioning and formatting the hard drive

For an operating system such as MS-DOS or Windows to store files on a hard drive, the hard drive must be partitioned and formatted. Windows NT steps you through the process during the Windows NT setup process. Refer to the Windows NT manual for more information about partitioning, formatting and setting up Windows NT.

Partition formatting with FAT file system

Your system has been installed from the factory to operate using the File Allocation Table (FAT) file system. This provides access to other operating systems and supports a wider variety of software.

26 Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Solo Notebook

During the Windows NT install process, you will have the option to use the File Allocation Table (FAT) file system or Windows NT File System (NTFS). Refer to the section “Choosing a File System for the Windows NT partition” in the Windows NT manual for information about each file system.

Installing Windows NT

If your operating system has been damaged, you may need to reinstall Windows NT. Use the following installation instructions to do this.

Setting system to boot to CD-ROM disc

1.Install the CD-ROM module in the notebook.

2.Start the computer.

3.Press <F2> at the prompt. The BIOS Setup Utility opens.

4.Highlight the Boot menu by pressing the right arrow key.

5.Press the down arrow key to highlight CD-ROM Drive selection. Press <Shift+> to moveCD-ROM Drive to the top of the list. Moving the CD-ROM drive to the top of the list will cause the system to boot to the CD-ROM drive.

6.Press the arrow key to highlight the Advanced menu.

7.Highlight Plug & Play O/S, then press <Enter> and arrow up to highlight No. Press <Enter>.

8.Press <F10>, select Yes to save the new configuration, then press <Enter> to exit.

Installing Windows NT

1.Install the Windows NT Workstation CD in the CD-ROM module. The system begins the Windows NT Workstation Setup menu.

2.Refer to the Installation section in the “Start Here Microsoft Windows NT Workstation” manual to continue the install process. The manual steps you through important information to consider throughout the Windows NT installation process.

Note:

If the Fixed disk boot sector: option in the Security menu is set to Write protect, the boot sector of the hard disk drive is write-protected, and you cannot format the hard drive.

Chapter 3: Reinstalling Windows NT System Software 27

3.After first part of the setup is completed, eject the Windows NT Workstation CD-ROM, then press <Enter> to restart the system.

4.When prompted, select NT 4.0 Operating System. Press <Enter>.

5.Follow the remaining Windows NT Setup screens. Refer to the Installation section in the “Start Here Microsoft Windows NT Workstation” manual to continue the install process.

6.Once completed with the Microsoft Windows NT installation, click Start, Shut Down, and then OK to exit Windows NT.

Setting the system to boot to the diskette drive

1.Restart your system and press <F2> when prompted to enter BIOS Setup Utility.

2.Press the right arrow key to highlight the Boot menu.

3.Press the down arrow key to highlight the Diskette Drive selection. Press <Shift+> to move Diskette Drive to the top of the list. This will cause the system to boot to the Diskette drive.

4.Once the Diskette Drive is first in the list, continue pressing <Shift+> to move Hard Drive to the second position. This will cause the system to boot to the Diskette Drive first, the Hard Drive second, and the CD-ROM Drive last.

5.Press the arrow key to highlight the Advanced menu.

6.Press the right arrow key to highlight the Exit menu. Highlight Exit Saving Changes and press <F10>, <Yes>, and then <Enter> to exit. Windows NT restarts.

7.Install the remaining Windows NT device drivers and software from the diskettes or Solo System CD. For more information about installing device drivers, see “Installing device drivers” on page 30.

28 Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Solo Notebook

Installing

Drivers and

Related Software

Contents
About Device Drivers............................................	30
Installing device drivers .................................	30
Installing CD-ROM drivers ...........................	31
Installing for Windows 95..............................	32
Installing for Windows NT ............................	45