Gateway SOLO 5100 User Manual

Maintaining & Troubleshooting Your Solo 5100

Part #8502415 MAN SYS US SL51 TECH REF R0 12/97

In our ef for t t o use na tu re’s resourc e s e ff icie nt ly and wisel y, G a tewa y 2000 pri nts al l manuals on rec yc le d pape r s t ha t m eet the

mini mum requ ire me nt s e stablished by the Federal EP A in its guide li ne s f or r e cy cle d pa pe r produc ts.

Notices

All Rights Reserved

This publication is protected by copyright and all rights are reserved. No part of it may be r eproduced or transmitt ed by any means or in an y form, without prior consent in writing from Gat ew ay 2000.

The information in this manual has been carefully checked and is believed to be accurate. However, changes are made periodically. The se changes are incorporated in newer publication editions. Gateway 2000 may improve and/or change products described in this publi cation at any time. Due to continuing s ystem improve ments , Gateway 2000 is not responsible for inaccurate information which may appear in this manual. For the latest product updates, consult the Gatewa y 2000 web site at w ww. ga tew ay.com. In no event will Ga tew ay 2000 be liable for direc t, indir e ct, specia l, exemplary , incide nta l, or conse quent ia l damages resulting from any defect o r 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 noti ces or obligation.

Trademark Acknowledgments

AnyKe y, black-and-white spot design, ColorBook, CrystalScan, Des tination, EZ Pad, EZ Point, Field Mouse, Gateway 2000, HandBook, Liberty , TelePath, Vivit ron, 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, GA TEWA Y, 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.

All Rights Reserved

This publication is protected by copyright and all rights are reserved. No part of it may be r eproduced or transmitt ed by any means or in an y 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. The se changes are incorporated in newer publication editions. ALR may improve and/or change products described in this publication a t any time. Due to c ontinuing 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 incidental, or consequential damages resulting from any defect or omission in this manual, even if advised of the possi bility of s uch damag es.

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.

www.alr. com

ii Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Solo Notebook

. In no event will ALR be liable for direct, indirect, special, exemplary,

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

Chapter 1:

Maintaining Your Solo Notebook

Using This Book...................................................... 6

Identifying Your Model ..........................................7

Maintaining Your System ....................................... 8

Virus checking.................................................. 9

Hard drive utilities ............................................9

Using This Book

Welcome to designed this manual to help you understand technical details not covered in the

Using Your Notebook

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 reinstall ing 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.

Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Notebook

guide.

Guide. We have

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

V ersion

Model Number

Identifying your notebook model and serial number

Gateway Serial Number

Chapter 1: Maintaining Your Solo Notebook 7

Maintaining Your System

Caution!

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

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.

♦

8 Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Solo Notebook

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 concent ration 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.

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 f ile 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.

T o use Disk Defragmenter from Windows 95

Note:

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

Security

the

Note:

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

menu.

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

Select Drive window appears.

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

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

Click Yes if you are ready to quit Disk Defragmenter.

Chapter 1: Maintaining Your Solo Notebook 9

ScanDisk

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

T o use ScanDisk from Windows 95

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

Select the drive you want to have checked for errors. Click Automatically fix

errors

check box if you want to use that option.

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

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

10 Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Solo Notebook

Chapter 2:

Reinstalling Windows 95 System Software

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

Reinstalling Your Windows 95

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.

System

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

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

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

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

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

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

Before starting the reinstall process, m ake 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.

♦ ♦

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.exe to set up a primary DOS partition, extended DOS partitions, and logical drives within the extended DOS partitions.

12 Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Solo Notebook

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.

♦

A Primary D OS p artiti on contains the essential files to start your system from the hard drive (system f iles). 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. Yo u 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.

Fo rm a t t i n g 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 conf igure 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.

Chapter 2: Reinstalling Windows 95 System Software 13

Note:

To help ensure a clean installation, we recommend that you partition and format the hard drive before reinstalling Windows 95. Howeve r, 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 “Insta lling 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.

These operating systems do not recognize FAT32:

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.

♦

Windows for Workgroups 3.1x

♦

Windows NT

♦

Windows 95A

Deleting partitions on the hard drive

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

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

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

Type:

cd dos

then press <Enter>.

At the A:\DOS prompt type:

fdisk

14 Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Solo Notebook

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

FDISK Options menu

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. Ty pe 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.

•

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

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

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)

Chapter 2: Reinstalling Windows 95 System Software 15

Note:

If the Pri ma ry DO S Part iti on 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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

Press <Esc> to exit the FDISK program.

Chapter 2: Reinstalling Windows 95 System Software 17

Formatting the hard drive

Note:

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

se t 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 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

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

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

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

Type:

cd dos

then press <Enter>.

At the A:\DOS prompt type:

format c: /s

-OR-

18 Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Solo Notebook

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

format d: /s

then press <Enter>.

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

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>

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

Chapter 2: Reinstalling Windows 95 System Software 19

Swapping to the CD-ROM module

Insert the CD-ROM module and restart the system.

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.

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

Removing the config.sys and aut oexec.bat fi les

At the DOS prompt type:

del config.sys

then press <Enter>

Type:

del autoexec.bat

then press <Enter>.

Copying .cab files to the hard drive

Type:

md win95

then press <Enter>

Type:

e: (where e: is assumed to be your CD-ROM drive)

then press <Enter>

Type:

copy e:\win95\*.* c:\win95

press <Enter>

When the files are finished copying,

20 Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Solo Notebook

Swapping to the floppy m odule

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

Press the power button to restart your system.

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

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

Insert the Solo 5100 VXD / INF diskette.

Type:

a:\

then press <Enter>

Type:

copy . c:\win95

then press <Enter>

Press the power button to shutdown the system.

Starting Windows 95 Setup program

Press the power button to restart your system.

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

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.

Type:

cd win95

then press <Enter>

Type:

setup

then press <Enter>

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

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

The Windows 95 Setup window appears. Click Continue.

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.

14.

15.

22 Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Solo Notebook

16.

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.

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

Setup Wizard m ay 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.

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.

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 f iles 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 f inished configuring your system, it asks you to restart your computer. Click OK to restart. When the system restarts to Windows, the screen may displ ay 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 Startup Disk tab. Follow the

instructions.

, and select the

Chapter 2: Reinstalling Windows 95 System Software 23

24 Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Solo Notebook

Chapter 3:

Reinstalling Windows NT System Software

Reinstalling Your Windows NT System.............. 26

Partitioning and formatting the hard drive..... 26

Partition formatting with FAT file system .... 26

Installing Windows NT.................................. 27

Reinstalling Your

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.

Windows NT System

This chapter includes the process of reinstalling Windows NT. We recommend that you use the Windows NT Workstation CD-ROM t o 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) f ile 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

Install the CD-ROM module in the notebook.

Start the computer.

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

Highlight the Boot menu by pressing the right arrow key.

Press the down arrow key to highlight CD-ROM Drive selection. Press <Shift+> to move CD-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.

Press the arrow key to highlight the Advanced menu.

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

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

Note:

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

Security

Installing Windows NT

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

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.

Chapter 3: Reinstalling Windows NT System Software 27

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

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

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.

Once completed with the Microsoft Windows NT installation, click Start,

Shut Down, and then OK to exit Windows NT.

Setting the syste m to boot to the diskette drive

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

Press the right arrow key to highlight the Boot menu.

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.

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.

Press the arrow key to highlight the Advanced menu.

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.

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

Chapter 4:

Installing Drivers and Related Software

About Device Drivers............................................ 30

Installing device drivers ................................. 30

Installing CD-ROM drivers ........................... 31

Installing for Windows 95.............................. 32

Installing for Windows NT............................ 45

About Device Drivers

Device drivers are programs used to control devices attached to the computer such as printers, keyboards, LCD display, and PC Cards. Drivers translate between the devices and the programs. Many drivers come with the operating system while other drivers must be loaded when a new device is added. Thi s chapter discusses how to load additional device drivers.

This chapter is divided into three main sections. Before installing drivers specific to your operating system, read the next section “Installing device drivers.” Then you can m ove on to the appropriate section for your system: “Installing for Windows 95” on page 32 or “Installing for Windows NT” on page 45.

Installing device drivers

There are two methods you can use to install the drivers:

♦

Install from the System CD Browser

♦

Install using driver diskettes that may have shipped with your system

Installing drivers using the Solo System CD

Installing drivers from the System CD is the simplest way to load drivers. The System CD provides online instructions to step you through the process of loading each driver. When you launch the System CD a window appears providing you a choice of Windows 95 or Windows NT operating system. Select the operating system your notebook uses, then choose your Solo notebook model. The drivers for your system are listed. Follow the online instructions to load the drivers.

You may have also received some drivers on diskette. If so, they are likely to be newer than the ones on the Solo System CD. Use the instructions “Installing drivers using the driver diskettes” on page 30 to install from diskette.

Installing drivers using the driver diskettes

Your system may have shipped with driver diskettes. Sometimes these diskettes are included with your system because they are updated drivers from the ones included on the system CD. If we shipped drivers on diskette see “Installing for Windows 95” on page 32 and “Installing for Windows NT” on page 45 to install them from diskette.

30 Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Solo Notebook

Installing CD-ROM drivers

To install other drivers and software, it’s important to first get the CD-ROM driver installed so you can use the CD-ROM drive. If you have just reinstalled Windows NT or Windows 95, the drivers are installed along with the operating system.

If, however, you are having difficulty getting the CD-ROM drive to work and have not installed a new operating system, then use the following instructions to install the CD-ROM driver. Once the CD-ROM drive is accessible by the computer, you can move on with other installation processes.

Installing the CD-ROM driver

Place the Solo Boot Diskette in the diskette drive.

Start the notebook or restart the system if you already have the power on. If the power button is configured for Suspend/Resume, then press and hold the power button for about four seconds to restart the system. The Main menu appears.

Use the arrow key to highlight the Install CD-ROM Drivers On Your Hard Drive, then press <Enter>. An information screen appears.

Solo Boot disk Main menu options. Installing CD-ROM drivers.

Chapter 4: Installing Drivers and Related Software 31

CD-ROM drivers information screen

Press <F1> to continue.

The installation is complete. Press any key to return to the Main menu.

At the Main menu, use the arrow keys to select Exit Program, Go Back To DOS.

Installing for Windows 95

If you have reinstalled Windows 95, you will need to install device drivers and take steps to enable devices that support the notebook hardware components. Use the procedures discussed in this section to load and enable the following devices:

♦

Video

♦

Audio

♦

Mouse (touchpad)

♦

Enable PCMCIA sockets

♦

Enable USB ports

♦

Install software updates

If you have not reinstalled Windows 95, but are having difficulty with a video, sound, or others, then try reinstalling the device driver by using the procedures covered in this section.

32 Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Solo Notebook

Windows 95 display drivers

When Windows 95 is installed on a newly formatted hard drive it detects t he display as a Standard PCI Graphics Adapter. Use the following instructions to install the Windows 95 display driver that optimizes your Solo display. If the Solo System CD shipped with your system, you may use it to install the driver instead of installing from diskette.

Installing the Solo 5100 Chips and T echnologies video driver

If the floppy drive module is not already installed, shut down the system and install. Restart Windows.

Click Start, Settings, then Control Panel. Double-click the Display icon and click the Settings tab in the Display Properties window.

Click Advanced Properties.

On the Adapter tab, click Change.

Insert the display driver disk in drive A:\ and then click Have Disk....

Click OK in the Install From Disk dialog box.

Chips and Tech. 65555 PCI appears in the Models list of the Select Device

dialog box. Click OK.

The files copy to the hard drive. Click Apply.

If Windows asks if you want to restart your computer now, select No.

10.

Click Monitor tab, then click Change.

11.

Select (Standard monitor types) under the Manufacturers list, click Laptop

Display Panel (1024 x 768)

12.

In the Monitor tab dialog box click Apply, then click OK to return back the

Settings tab.

13.

Change the Color palette by clicking the Color palette drop-down l ist box. Click High Color (16 bit) or the color depth of your choice.

14.

Change the Desktop area (display resolution) by sliding the Desktop area slider to the right to adjust pixel resolution to 1024 x 768 to get full use of the display area.

. Click OK.

Chapter 4: Installing Drivers and Related Software 33

15.

Click Apply, then Yes to restart the computer. If you are reinstalling the Windows 95 operating system and need to inst all additional drivers, you can click No to restart the computer. Continue installing the other drivers before restarting.

Windows 95 audio and game port drivers

If you have re-installed Windows 95 operating system you will need to re-install the audio driver. When Windows 95 is installed on a newly formatted and partitioned hard drive the audio chips are not properly detected. Use the following instructions to remove the “Unknown Devices” and install the audio drivers. If the Solo System CD shipped with your system, you may use it to install the driver instead of installing the drivers from diskette.

If you are experiencing problems with audio or game ports re-installing the drivers may correct the problem.

Installing the Solo 5100 ESS Audio Driver

If the floppy drive module is not already installed, shut down the system and install the floppy drive. Restart Windows.

Click Start, Settings, Control Panel. Double-click System icon and select the

Device Manager tab.

(Only required if Windows 95 has been reinstalled) On Device Manager tab click the + next to Other Devices. You will see ?Unknown Device in the list.

34 Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Solo Notebook

Locating and removing the Unknown Devices

(Only required if Windows 95 has been reinstalled) Click and click

(Only required if Windows 95 has been reinstalled) Click OK to confirm that

Remove

?Unknown Device

you want to remove the unknown device.

Next, scroll down the list of devices and click the + next to

game controllers

Insert the ESS 1879 Audio driver diskette in the floppy drive module.

Click the

Update Driver

Click

The Update Device Driver Wizard appears asking if you want Windows to

Driver

tab in the

. Double-click

search for the driver. Click

10.

Direct the path to the A: drive by typing:

!ESS 1688 Plug and Play AudioDrive

ESS ES1688 AudioDrive Properties

Yes, Next

, then

Finish

Sound, video and

dialog box.

a:\

in the dialog box. Click OK.

Chapter 4: Installing Drivers and Related Software 35

Click Yes to restart your computer. If you are reinstalling the Windows 95 operating system and need to install additional drivers, you can click No to restart the computer. Continue installing the other drivers before restarting.

Enabl ing the s oftw are w a ve tabl e

Click Start, Settings, Control Panel. Double-click System icon and select the

Device Manager tab.

On Device Manager tab click the + next to Sound, video and game controllers. You will see ?ES1879 Plug and Play AudioDrive in the list.

Double-c lick ES1879 Plug and Play AudioDrive.

The ES1879 Plug and Play AudioDrive Properties box appears. Click the

Wavetable tab.

Click the Enable check box under ESS Software Wavetable.

Enabling ESS Software Wavetable

Click OK to close the properties box, then click OK to close System Properties.

36 Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Solo Notebook

Windows 95 EZ Pad Plus (touchpad) drivers

Use the following instructions to install the Windows 95 touchpad driver that supports your touchpad. If the Solo System CD shipped with your system, you may use it to install the driver instead of installing the drivers from diskette.

Installing the touchpad Driver

If the floppy drive module is not already installed, shut down the system and install the floppy drive. Restart Windows.

Click Start, Settings, Control Panel. Double-click Mouse icon.

Select the General tab. Click Change.

Changing the mouse device driver

Insert the touchpad driver disk in drive A:\ then click Have Disk....

Make sure the path is directed to the a:\ directory in the Copy Manufacturers

Files From

Select the Hagiwara Point Pad driver from the Models list. Click OK .

The files will copy to the hard drive. Click Close.

box. Click OK in the Install From Disk dialog box.

Chapter 4: Installing Drivers and Related Software 37

Click Yes to restart Windows. If you are reinstalling the Windows 95 operating system and need to install additional drivers, you can click No to restart the computer. Continue installing the other drivers before restarting.

Enabling PCMCIA socket for Windows 95

The only time it should be necessary to enable the PCMCIA socket is if you have formatted the hard drive and reinstalled Windows 95.

Enabling the TI PCI-1250 CardBus Controller

Click Start, Settings, Control Panel. Double-click the System icon and select the Device Manager tab.

Click the + next to PCMCIA socket to expand the list. Double-click PCIC or

compatible PCMCIA controller

Selecting the PCIC or compatible PCMCIA controller properties

In the Controller Properties dialog box under Device usage click Disable in

this hardware profile

38 Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Solo Notebook

to clear the check box. Click OK.

Clearing the check box to enable the PCIC controller properties

When the PC Card (PCMCIA) Wizard appears, read the dialog box and click

No, then click Next.

Click No then click Next again in the following wizard dialog box.

Follow the PC Card Wizard prompts, then click Finish.

When asked to shutdown Windows, click Yes. Windows shuts the system down.

Press the Power Button to restart the system.

The figure below shows how your Texas Instruments PCI-1250 CardBus Controller appears in the Device Manager when properly installed

Chapter 4: Installing Drivers and Related Software 39

Properly installed TI PCI-1250 CardBus Controller drivers in the Device Manager

USB (Universal Serial Bus)

USB is a new type of serial interface that serves as a single-port alternative to connecting devices that traditionally have required their own specific ports, such as printers, joystick/MIDI devices, external mouse, or keyboards.

The USB detects when devices are added or removed, then automatically determines what host resources are needed. The USB makes those resources, including driver software and bus bandwidth, available to the peripheral without any user intervention.

Your notebook has two USB ports where two peripheral devices plug directly into the notebook. If you have an expansion hub built into an external keyboard or monitor, or if you have a stand-alone USB box, you can connect even more peripherals (currently up to 127 different devices) at the same time.

Examples of common devices that can connect to the USB include keyboards, joysticks, mice and peripherals such as telephones, modems, printers, microphones, digital speakers, scanners, digital cameras, and game controllers.

40 Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Solo Notebook

Enabling USB ports

Your Gateway computer shipped with the USB ports enabled. However, if for some reason you have to reload Windows, use the following instructions to reload the USB driver supplement.

In addition, if you are adding a new USB device, you must load the USB device driver according to the device manufacturer's instructions. If the Solo System CD shipped with your system, you may use it to install the driver instead of installing the drivers from diskette.

Enabling the USB ports for Windows 95

If not already installed, shut down and install the floppy drive module. Restart Windows.

Click Start, Settings, Control Panel. Double-click System icon and select the

Device Manager tab.

Under Device Manager tab click + next to Other Devices. You will see ?PCI

Universal Serial Bus

in the list.

Locating and removing the Unknown Devices

Click ?PCI Universal Serial Bus and click Remove.

Chapter 4: Installing Drivers and Related Software 41

Click OK to confirm that you want to remove the unknown device. Click

Close.

Place the usbsupp.exe driver disk in drive A.

Click Start, Run, then type:

a:\ usbsupp.exe

then click OK.

Click Yes on the next two windows if you want to continue with the installation and you agree to the warranty terms.

When the USB drivers finish installing, remove the diskette. Click OK to restart.

10.

The Update Device Driver Wizard appears. Click Next.

11.

Wait a few seconds for the Update Device Driver Wizard to find the drivers. Click Finish.

12.

When Windows restarts, the Copying Files dialog box appears and displays a message that it is looking for file uhcd.sys. Redirect the path by typing:

C:\W indows\System

Click OK.

Redirecting the path in the Copying Files dialog box

13.

Next you must install a USB update. Click Start, Run, then type:

a:\ usbupd1.exe

click OK.

14.

The Updating Windows dialog box appears. Click Ye s to continue.

42 Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Solo Notebook

15.

Once the update is complete, click OK.

16.

Click Start, Shutdown, Restart the computer? to initialize the USB installation.

When completed, the correct USB driver appears in the Device Manager as shown below.

Properly installed USB drivers shown in the Device Manager

Installing software updates

Install the following software updates to complete the system install.

Installing the UHCD.SYS update

Place the uhcdupd.exe driver disk in drive A.

Click Start, Run, then type:

a:\ uhcdupd.exe

then click OK.

Click Yes to continue with the installation.

Chapter 4: Installing Drivers and Related Software 43

When the UHCD drivers finish installing, remove the diskett e. Click OK.

Click Start, Shut Down, Restart the computer? to initialize the update.

Installing the VMMUSB supplement

Place the vmmusbup.exe driver disk in drive A.

Click Start, Run, then type:

a:\ vmmusbup.exe

then click OK.

Click Yes to continue with the installation.

When the supplement completes the installation, remove the diskette. Click

OK.

Click Start, Shut Down, Restart the computer? to initialize the supplement.

44 Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Solo Notebook

Installing for Windows NT

If you have reinstalled Windows NT, next you will need to install device drivers to support the notebook hardware components. (The video, audio, and touchpad are not functional after reinstalling Windows.) Also, you will need to install Card Wizard software for controlling the PC Card slots and Power Profiler software for power management.

To make these components and software functional, use the procedures discussed in this section to load the following drivers and software:

♦

Video

♦

Audio

♦

Card Wizard and Power Profiler

♦

Windows NT Service Pack 3

♦

Mouse (EZ Pad Plus)

If you have not reinstalled Windows NT, but are experiencing difficulty with a specific hardware device(s) such as video, sound or others, then try reinstalling the device driver by using the procedures in this section.

Windows NT display drivers

When Windows NT is installed on a newly formatted hard drive it detects the display as a Standard PCI Graphics Adapter. Use the following instructions to install the Windows NT display drivers that optimize your Solo display.

If the Solo System CD shipped with your system, you may use it to install the driver instead of installing the drivers from diskette.

Installing the Solo 5100 Chips and T echnologies video driver

If the floppy drive module is not already installed, shut down the system and install.

Restart Windows.

Click Start, Settings, Control Panel. Double-click Display icon. The Display

Properties

dialog box appears.

Chapter 4: Installing Drivers and Related Software 45

Selecting the Display icon

Click the Settings tab in the Display Properties window.

Selecting the Settings tab for display configuration

Click Display Type.

In the Display Type window, click Change under Adapter Type.

46 Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Solo Notebook

Insert the Windows NT 4.0 Video Driver disk in drive A:\ and click Have

Disk...

The Install From Disk window appears. A:\ will be the default path listed. Click OK.

A Change Display dialog box appears showing the Chips Video Accelerator driver. Click OK.

10.

A warning window appears stating the driver is a third-party driver and asks if the installation should proceed. Click Ye s.

11.

Files will be copied, then a window appears stating the drivers were successfully installed. Click OK.

12.

Close the Display Properties setup boxes and take out the disk.

13.

Click Yes to restart the system for changes to take effect.

14.

After restarting the computer, an Invalid Display Settings window appears stating a new graphics driver has been installed and a display resolution must be set. Click OK to remove the error message.

15.

The Display Properties window opens automatically. Set the display resolution and colors. Click Color palette list box arrow and click 65536

Colors

or the color depth of your choice.

16.

Move the Desktop area (display resolution) slider to the right to adjust pixel resolution to 1024 x 768 to get full use of the display area. Click Test, OK to make sure your settings work.

17.

Click Yes if you saw the test screen properly or make changes to the settings and test again if the settings did not work.

18.

Click Apply, OK.

Windows NT audio drivers

When Windows NT is installed on a hard drive with a new Windows NT operating system load, the audio chips are not properly detected. Use the following instructions to install the audio drivers that support your Solo audio and game ports. If the Solo System CD shipped with your system, you may use it to install the driver instead of installing the drivers from diskette.

Chapter 4: Installing Drivers and Related Software 47

Installing the Solo 5100 ESS Audio Driver

Click Start, Settings, Control Panel. Double-click Multimedia icon.

Selecting the Multimedia icon

Click Devices tab.

Selecting the Devices tab for audio configuration

48 Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Solo Notebook

Highlight Audio Devices and then click Add.

In the Add dialog box highlight Unlisted or Updated Driver and click OK.

Type the default path of A:\, insert the Windows NT 4.0 Audio driver disk, click OK.

Click to highlight ES1879/1869/1878/1868/1887/1888 AudioDrive. Click OK.

A window appears stating that the driver has been installed and the system needs to be restarted for changes to take effect. Remove the disk and click

Restart Now. If you are reinstalling the Windows NT operating system and

need to install additional drivers, you can click Don’t Restart Now and continue installing the other drivers before restarting.

After rebooting, sounds should play when entering Windows NT. If you do not hear sound, verify the volume settings in software and the volume level on the volume wheel control on the left side of the system.

Installing CardWizard and PowerProfiler

CardWizard for Windows NT aids with PC Card configuration and PowerProfiler for Windows NT handles power management issues. Your notebook has been factory configured with CardWizard and PowerProfiler.

CardWizard and PowerProfiler programs are located on a three-disk set. Both programs are installed through a single setup process. To reinstall CardWizard for Windows NT insert the diskette into the appropriate drive and follow the on-screen prompts. If you need assistance, refer to the following instructions.

Installing CardWizard & PowerProfiler software

If the floppy drive module is not already installed, shut down the system and install the floppy drive. Restart Windows.

With Windows NT running, insert Windows NT 4.0 CardWizard Drivers Disk 1of 3 in drive A:. Click Start, Run, and on the command line type:

a:\setup

then Click OK.

The SystemSoft logo appears with a window stating that the InstallShield Wizard is being prepared. This may take a minute.

Chapter 4: Installing Drivers and Related Software 49

Note:

After adding a new device such as a network card or others, reinstall the Windows NT Service Pack to update drivers and associated files.

A window appears stating this program installs PowerProfiler and CardWizard. Close all other Windows programs before continuing. Click

Next to continue.

The next window asks what options to install. Checkmark the boxes for PowerProfiler and CardWizard. Click Next.

Choose the destination directory. The default path is C:\Program Files\Systemsoft. Click Next to accept the default.

A CardWizard logo window appears. Click Next to continue. A welcome to installation window appears. Click Next to continue.

The next window states CardWizard cannot be installed if there are cards in the PCMCIA slots. Remove all cards and click Ye s to continue.

The Select Type of Platform window appears. Click to checkmark the box for

Gateway Solo 5100, then click Next.

10.

The files copy, then a window appears stating the CardWizard readme file should be viewed. Click No to continue.

11.

Insert disk 2 when prompted. Click OK.

12.

Insert disk 3 when prompted. Click OK.

13.

Click Yes or No to view the PowerProf iler readme file.

14.

Windows NT Service Pack CD

The Service Pack CD-ROM disc contains updates to Windows NT features and for products operating with Windows NT. Use this CD-ROM to update the Windows NT install.

50 Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Solo Notebook

A window appears stating the system should be restarted. Remove the diskette in drive A: and click Finish. The system restarts with Windows NT. The CardWizard and PowerProfiler icons appear on the Program menu.

Installing WindowsNT Service Pack (NT updates)

If not already installed, shut down and install the CD-ROM module. Restart Windows.

With Windows NT running, insert Windows NT Service Pack CD-ROM into the CD drive. The service pack automatically launches into Microsoft Internet Explorer.

Read the information that further details the contents of the service pack, then scroll down the screen to the Install Service Pack link. Click the Install Service

Pack

link.

Read the onscreen message and click Open to continue.

A DOS screen launches, then a Welcome screen appears. Click Next.

The Software License Agreement appears. Click Yes to continue.

The Service Pack Setup wi ndow appears. Click Next to continue.

Next click Yes or No to install an uninstall directory. Click Next to continue.

Click Finish to complete the installation. During the f inal install process a WindowNT Service Pack Setup window appears asking if you would like to overwrite the PCMCIA.SYS file that is already on your system. Click No.

10.

The final setup window asks you to remove any disks from the floppy drive. Eject any diskettes that may be in the a: drive.

Windows NT EZ Pad Plus (touchpad) drivers

Use the following instructions to install the Windows NT touchpad drivers that support your touchpad. If the Solo System CD shipped with your system, you may use it to install the driver instead of installing the drivers from diskette.

Installing the Solo 5100 touchpad drive r

If the floppy drive module is not already installed, shut down the system and install the floppy drive. Restart Windows.

Insert the Solo Mouse Driver for Windows NT 4.0 diskette into the floppy drive.

Click Start, Run, and on the command line type:

a:\mouse\setup

then click OK.

Microsoft IntelliPoint Setup window appears. Click Next to continue.

Chapter 4: Installing Drivers and Related Software 51

The next window displays the IntelliPoint identification number. Copy this number down for future product support reference. Click Next.

Keep the default installation directory. Click Next.

Click Finish to start copying driver files.

Click Close to exit the setup program.

Click Restart Windows to complete the driver installation. If you are reinstalling the Windows NT operating system and need to install additional drivers, you can click Return to Windows and continue installing the other drivers before restarting.

Windows NT Intel BusMaster IDE drivers

Use the following instructions to install the Windows NT Intel BusMaster IDE drivers. If the Solo System CD shipped with your system, you may use it to install the driver instead of installing the drivers from diskette.

Installing the Solo 5100 Intel BusMaster IDE drivers

If the floppy drive module is not already installed, shut down the system and install the floppy drive. Restart Windows.

Insert the Solo 5100 Windows NT Intel BusMaster IDE diskette into the floppy drive.

Click Start, Run, and on the command line type:

a:\setup

then click OK.

PIIX IDE Bus Master Driver File Installation Setup window appears. Click

Yes to continue the installation.

Click Yes if you agree to the license agreement.

The default installation location appears. Click OK to continue.

Click Yes to view the README.TXT file which supplies further installation instructions. Close the file and continue with the instruction in this procedure.

Click Start, Settings, Control Panel. Double-click SCSI Adapters icon.

52 Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Solo Notebook

Selecting the SCSI Adapters icon

Click Drivers tab.

Selecting the Drivers tab for BusMaster IDE configuration

10.

Click to highlight the IDE CD-ROM (ATAPI 1.2)/Dual-channel PCI IDE Co... , then click Remove.

11.

Click Yes to remove.

12.

Click Add. When the Install Driver window appears, click Have Disk....

Chapter 4: Installing Drivers and Related Software 53

13.

Type:

c:\piixide

then click OK.

14.

The Install Driver dialog box appears with the Intel PIIX PCI Bus Master IDE

Controller

15.

Click Yes to restart your system and initialize the drivers.

highlighted. Click OK.

54 Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Solo Notebook

Chapter 5:

Managing System Resources

Port/IRQ Configurations ....................................... 56

Solo notebook interrupts (IRQs).................... 56

Checking Windows 95 resources .................. 57

Port/IRQ Configurations

Your notebook supports the use of multiple peripheral devices. By default, your system has two free IRQs (normally IRQ 10 and 11). 16-bit and 32-bit devices (PC Cards) cannot share the same interrupt. The IRQs that may be used by normal 16bit PC Cards are 3, 4, 5, 7, 10 and 11. IRQ 9 is not available for 16-bit PC Cards because they are reserved as PCI style interrupts for USB and 32-bit Cardbus PC Cards.

Solo notebook interrupts (IRQs)

Use this information to help determine which IRQ(s) to disable if you need to freeup resources for a new device.

5100 IRQs Dev ice us e

0 System timer 1 Keyboard 2 Programmable interrupt controller 3 IR port (COM2) - shipped disabled 4 Serial communications port (COM1) 5 Sound 6 Floppy disk controller 7 Parallel port (printer) 8 System CMOS/Real time clock 9 USB - IRQ holder (32-bit PCI style IRQ)

10 Free 11 Free 12 Touchpad (mouse) 13 Numeric data processor 14 Hard disk 15 CD-ROM drive

56 Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Solo Notebook

CardBus - (32-bit PCI style IRQ)

Checking Windows 95 resources

You may also check your current system resources (IRQ) information using the

Windows Device Manager under the System icon.

Checking IRQ usa ge in the Windows 95

System Properties Device Manager

Click Start, Settings, Control Panel. Double-click System icon and click Device

Manager Computer, Properties in the item list.

tab. Under Device Manager tab click View devices by type. Click

Selecting computer properties

The Computer Properties dialog box appears. Click Interrupt request (IRQ). This provides you with a current list of system IRQ usage and helps you determine which interrupts you may want to disable to free system resources.

Chapter 5: Managing System Resources 57

Viewing system resources properties

If you install a PC Card and it does not work (freeing up

resources)

Make sure the card was installed properly. Check the PC Card's documentation if you have any installation questions.

Plug in a second PC Card. If it does not work there may be a resource problem (unavailable IRQ).

Click Start, Settings, Control Panel. Click System icon, click Device Manager tab.

Check the properties for the PC Card you installed. A PC Card with a resource conflict “appears” as an exclamation point in a yellow circle. A PC Card that is disabled “appears” with an X through the icon.

If there is a resource conflict, remove the second PC Card you are trying to install.

Determine which one of your ports that you do not need to use for the time being, possibly the IR port, serial port, or parallel port. You also can disable the sound chip if you prefer.

To disable a device, select the port you want to disable (for example, COM1) and click Properties.

58 Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Solo Notebook

Selecting a port to free up resources (IRQs)

Place a check in the box next to check box, then click OK.

Disabling a port to free up resources

Disabled in this profile

in the

Device usage

Chapter 5: Managing System Resources 59

Re-install the second PC Card. You should hear a two-tone beep, indicating that the card is enabled.

To later use the port you disabled, go back into Device Manager and remove the check in the Disabled box. The port should be immediately available for use.

If the PC Card is still not configured correctly, try shutting down and restarting your system.

If you are running the Windows 95 operating system, check the BIOS Setup to see that the setting for Plug and Play OS is set to Yes see “Advanced menu” on page 73.

If Plug and Play OS was set to no, then try Steps 1-9 again. If you are running the Windows NT operating system do not set the CMOS to Plug and Play OS.

60 Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Solo Notebook

Chapter 6:

Using Modem Documentation

Accessing Modem Documentation ...................... 62

To access online modem documentation

in Windows 95................................................ 60

To load online modem documentation

in Windows 95................................................ 61

Accessing Modem Documentation

Online modem documentation is available with additional information regarding:

♦

Sending and Receiving Data

♦

Sending and Receiving Faxes

♦

Setup under Microsoft Windows NT 4.0

♦

Using the Internet

♦

AT commands

♦

S Registers

♦

Troubleshooting

♦

Gateway Online

♦

Glossary

To access online modem documentation in Windows 95

Click Start, Programs, then click Gateway Reference Library icon. A list of titles appears.

Click Gateway 2000 TelePath User Guide and follow any on-screen instructions.

Accessing the Gateway Reference Library

62 Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Solo Notebook

To load online modem documentation in Windows 95

The online modem documentation is already loaded on your portable system when shipped. If this file ever needs to be reinstalled, use the following instructions to reload the online documentation.

Insert the installation diskette into the floppy drive.

Click Start, then Run....Type:

a:\install

on the command line. Click OK. The Installation window appears.

Click OK to accept the destination drive and directory defaults. The

Installation window reappears.

Click OK to confirm the source drive. The Done window appears verifying installation.

Note:

Make sure the floppy disk drive module is installed in the system.

Chapter 6: Using Modem Documentation 63

64 Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Solo Notebook

Chapter 7:

Adding Memory Modules

Installing Additional Memory............................... 66

To install memory modules ........................... 66

To remove memory modules......................... 68

Installing Additional Memory

Caution!

T o help av oid possible damage to your computer from static electricity, follow these procedures every time you work inside your computer.

Your notebook supports two 144-pin memory modules called

SO-DIMMs

(Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Modules). The modules are available in various capacities and can be placed in either slot.

To install memory modules

Save all work.

Use your operating system’s Shut Down procedure to turn your notebook completely off.

Close the LCD lid. Before opening your system case, read and follow these precautions to prevent damage from static electricity.

Caut io n ! Preventing Stati c Electricity Damage

The components inside your system are extremely sensitive to static electricity, also known as electrostatic discharge (ESD). Static electricity can cause irreparable damage to your system; however, if you follow these preventions and precautions, you should prevent such damage.

Static Electricity Preventions

♦

WEAR A G RO UNDING WRIS T STR AP (available at most electronic sto res).

♦

Turn off the system power.

♦

REMOVE THE BATTERY PACK.

♦

Remove all external cords and cables.

Static Electricity Precautions

♦ ♦

66 Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Solo Notebook

Avoid static-causing surfaces such as plastic and styrofoam in your work area. Remove the parts from their antistatic bags only when you are ready to use them. Do not lay

parts on the outside of antistatic bags since only the inside provides antistatic protection. Always hold cards by their edges and their metal mounting bracket. Avoid touching components on the cards and the edge connectors that connect to expansion slots. Never slide cards or other parts over any surface.

Remove the battery pack, disconnect the AC power, and then turn your notebook over.

Remove the screw on the memory bay door, then use your fingernail or flathead screw driver to pop the door off.

Remove screw

Removing the memory bay door

To insert a memory module, hold it at a 30-degree angle and slide it into an empty memory slot. Align the memory module slot with the key. The “key slot” prevents incorrect installation.

Memory module slot aligned with key

Inserting memory module

Gently push down on the memory module until it clicks into place under the two clips on either side of the memory module.

Chapter 7: Adding Memory Modules 67

Seating the memory module

Replace the memory module door and power connections.

T o remove memory modules

Save all work.

Use your operating system’s Shut Down procedure to turn your notebook completely off.

68 Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Solo Notebook

Close the LCD lid. Before opening your system case, read and follow these precautions to prevent damage from static electricity.

Caut io n ! Preventing Stati c Electricity Damage

Static Electricity Preventions

♦

WEAR A G RO UNDING WRIS T STR AP (available at most electronic sto res).

♦

Turn off the system power.

♦

REMOVE THE BATTERY PACK.

♦

Remove all external cords and cables.

Static Electricity Precautions

♦

Avoid static-causing surfaces such as plastic and styrofoam in your work area.

♦

Remove the parts from their antistatic bags only when you are ready to use them. Do not lay parts on the outside of antistatic bags since only the inside provides antistatic protection.

♦

Always hold cards by their edges and their metal mounting bracket. Avoid touching components on the cards and the edge connectors that connect to expansion slots.

♦

Never slide cards or other parts over any surface.

Remove the battery pack, disconnect the AC power, and then turn your notebook over.

Caution!

T o help av oid possible damage to your computer from static electricity, follow these procedures every time you work inside your computer.

Remove the screw on the memory bay door, then use your fingernail or flathead screwdriver to pop off the door.

Remove screw

Removing the memory bay door

To remove the memory modul e, gently press outward on both clips at either end of the memory module at the same time until the memory module snaps out of the memory socket and tilts upward.

Chapter 7: Adding Memory Modules 69

Removing the memory module

Pull the memory module out of the slot.

Replace the memory module door and power connections.

Memory module clips

70 Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Solo Notebook

Chapter 8:

BIOS Setup

Setup (BIOS) Screens............................................ 72

Main menu...................................................... 72

Advanced menu.............................................. 73

Security menu................................................. 74

Power menu .................................................... 75

Exit menu........................................................ 77

Setup (BIOS) Screens

Your notebook contains a series of Setup menus that control basic setup, security, and power settings. Using these menus you can adjust options such as the system clock, your Boot Password, virus check reminder, power management option, and others.

The menu screens include the Main, Advanced, Se curity, Pow e r , Boot, and Exit. Entering the Setup menus disables all function (Fn) keys and power saving functions.

The menu screens shown in this chapter may differ somewhat from those shown on your computer. If so, you may have a newer BIOS than described here but the screens will be similar enough to get the information you need. Follow the onscreen instructions and helps to navigate through the menus.

To access the Setup menus

Start your notebook.

Press the <F2> key when prompted to do so. The “Entering Setup...” message briefly shows and then the Main menu appears.

Follow the instructions along the bottom of the menus to navigate through the different options and menus. An Item Specific Help area providing additional information is also located along the right side of each menu.

Main menu

The Main menu controls a variety of basic setup options.The following provides a view of the options controlled through the Main menu:

72 Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Solo Notebook

PhoenixBIOS Setup Utility

Main

Advanced S ecurity Power Boot E xit

Item Specific Help

System Time:

System Date: Floppy Disk Drive A: Floppy Disk Drive B:

>Primary Master:

>Secondary Master:

Memor y Cache:

System Memory:

>System Information:

Numlock:

TV Out:

Display Device:

Text Mode Expansion:

Graphics Mode Expansion:

QuickBoot Mode:

Floppy check:

Boot-time Diagnostic Screen:

F1 Help ↑↓ S elect I tem -/ + Change Values F9 S etup De fault ESC Exits ←→ Select Menu Enter Select > Sub-Menu F10 Save and Exit

[HH :MM:SS ] [MM/DD/YYYY] [1.44/1.25 MB 31/2”] [D isabl ed] [NNN MB] [None] [Enabled] NNN KB

[O ff] [D isabl ed] [Simultaneous] [Enabled] [Enabled] [Enabled] [Enabled] [Enabled]

Enter System Time. <Tab>, <Shift-Tab>, or <Enter> selects field.

Main menu

Press the <Esc> key to access the Exit menu and accept or discard changes. Press <F9> to return to the factory defaults, or <No> to return to the previous settings. Use the right arrow key to move over to the next menu.

Note:

The Setup menu screen shown may differ somewhat from that shown here. If there are differences, follow the onscreen instructions and helps.

Advanced menu

The Advanced menu contains operating system, system al location (IRQ and register settings) and port assignment (COM and LPT) information.

To access the Setup menus

Start your notebook.

Press the <F2> key when prompted to do so. The “Entering Setup...” message briefly shows and then the Main menu appears.

Chapter 8: BIOS Setup 73

PhoenixBIOS Setup Utility

Caution!

Setting items on this menu to incorrect values may cause your system to malfunction.

Note:

The Setup menu screen shown may differ somewhat from that shown here. If there are differences, follow the onscreen instructions and helps.

Advanced

Main

Setting items on this menu to

incorrect values may cause your

>I/O Device Configuration

F1 Help ↑↓ S elect I tem -/ + Change Values F9 S etup De fault ESC Exits ←→ Select Menu Enter Select > Sub-Menu F10 Save and Exit

Security Power Boot Exit

Setup Warning

system to malfunction

Plug & Play O/S:

USB Keyboard

>PCI Configuration

Local B us IDE adapter:

Large Disk Access Mode:

>Audio Options Menu

[Ye s] [D isabl ed] [Enabled]

[Both] [D OS]

Item Specific Help

Select ‘Yes’ if you are using a Plug & Play capable operating system.

Select ‘No’ if you need the BIOS to configure non-boot devices.

Advanced menu

Security menu

The Security menu primarily lets you set passwords, either Supervisor or user, that limit access to your BIOS setup and thus protect your system.

74 Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Solo Notebook

To access the Setup menus

Start your notebook.

Press the <F2> key when prompted to do so. The “Entering Setup...” message briefly shows and then the Main menu appears.

Follow the instructions at the bottom of the menus to navigate through the different options and menus. An Item Specific Help area providing additional information is also located along the right side of each menu.

PhoenixBIOS Setup Utility

Advanced

Main

F1 Help ↑↓ S elect I tem -/ + Change Values F9 S etup De fault ESC Exits ←→ Select Menu Enter Select > Sub-Menu F10 Save and Exit

Security Power Boot Exit

Supervisor password is:

User password is:

Set supervisor password

Set user password

Password on Boot:

Fixed disk boot sector:

HDD Password Is:

Set HDD Password

Disabled Disabled

[Enter] [Enter]

[D isabl ed] [N orma l]

Disabled [Enter]

Item Specific Help

Supervisor Password controls access to the setup utility and enables User Password. If you forget the password, your computer may have to be sent in for service.

Security menu

Note:

The Setup menu screen shown may differ somewhat from that shown here. If there are differences, follow the onscreen instructions and helps.

Caution!

We have made the password function very secure with no easy way to erase a forgotten password. If you forget your password and have not used the Backup password: function, you must send your notebook back to us for a time-consuming repair.

Power menu

The Power menu contains the power management and system timeouts settings.

To access the Setup menus

Start your notebook.

Press the <F2> key when prompted to do so. The “Entering Setup...” message briefly shows and then the Main menu appears.

Chapter 8: BIOS Setup 75

PhoenixBIOS Setup Utility

Note:

The Setup menu screen shown may differ somewhat from that shown here. If there are differences, follow the onscreen instructions and helps.

Main Advanc ed Security

Low Battery Beep:

Cooling Control:

> AC Mode Power Savings:

>DC Mode Power Savings:

Resume On Time:

Resume On Modem Ring:

F1 Help ↑↓ S elect I tem -/ + Change Values F9 S etup De fault ESC Exits ←→ Select Menu Enter Select > Sub-Menu F10 Save and Exit

Power

Power Switch:

Lid Switch:

Resume Time:

Boot Exit

Item Specific Help

[O n/Off] [Backlight Off] [Enabled] [Performance]

[O ff] [00:00:00] [O ff]

Power menu

Boot menu

The Boot menu allows you to change the sequence of devices from which your notebook is to boot.

76 Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Solo Notebook

To access the Setup menus

Turn on your notebook.

Press the <F2> key when prompted to do so. The “Entering Setup...” message briefly shows and then the Main menu appears.

PhoenixBIOS Setup Utility

Main Advanced S ecurity Power

1. [Diskette Drive]

2. [Hard Drive]

3. [CD ROM Drive]

F1 Help ↑↓ S elect I tem -/ + Change Values F9 S etup De fault ESC Exits ←→ Select Menu Enter Select > Sub-Menu F10 Save and Exit

Boot

Exit

Item Specific Help

Use <Up Arrow> or <Down Arrow> to s elect a device, then press <+> to move it up the list or <-> to move it down the list. Press <Esc> to exit this menu.

Boot menu

Exit menu

The Exit menu contains the options available once you have made changes t o the Setup menus. Use the arrow keys to make your selection and follow all screen prompts.

PhoenixBIOS Setu p Utility

Main Advanced Security Power Boot Exit

Item Specific Help

Exit Saving Changes

Exit Discarding Changes

Load Setup Defaults

Discard Changes

Save Changes

Exit System Setup and

save your cha nge s to CMOS.

Note:

The Setup menu screen shown may differ somewhat from that shown here. If there are differences, follow the onscreen instructions and helps.

Note:

The Setup menu screen shown may differ somewhat from that shown here. If there are differences, follow the onscreen instructions and helps.

F1 H elp ¦Ø Select Item -/+ Ch ange Va lues F9 S etup Defau lt ESC Exits ¨Æ Select Menu Enter Select > Sub-Menu F10 Save and Exit

Exit menu

Chapter 8: BIOS Setup 77

78 Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Solo Notebook

Chapter 9:

Troubleshooting Your Notebook

Troubleshooting..................................................... 80

Start up ............................................................ 80

General............................................................81

Frequently asked questions............................ 82

Error messages................................................ 86

Troubleshooting

This section includes tips and solutions from our technical support organization as well as information that may answer your questions without you having to make a technical support call.

Other sources of helpful information include our web site at www.gateway.com; and other online information found on your system CD (if available).

If these solutions do not solve your problem, see the warranty that shipped with your notebook that describes several ways to request help, including traditional Portables Technical Support and our FaxBack service.

Start up

When your notebook is turned on, the hard disk makes a whirring noise, the screen shows various images (words or graphics), and the system LED is lit. If any of these do not occur, check the following components and their connectors:

The CD-ROM or floppy disk module won't work

Make sure that the module is correctly seated in the modular option bay. To do this, remove the module, re-insert it firmly into the drive bay (you should hear it click into place), then restart your notebook.

The hard disk drive can’t be accessed

Make sure that the hard disk drive is correctly seated. Remove and firmly reinstall (you should hear it click into place), then restart your notebook.

If your notebook has recently been subjected to an excessive amount of static electricity or physical shock, you may need to reinstall the system files from the Windows 95 CD.

The system may be attempting to start from the floppy drive first. Go to the Setup menus and check the Boot sequence: setting under the Boot menu.

Your notebook isn't working from the battery (if using battery power)

Make sure the battery is installed properly.

Make sure the battery is charged.

Your notebook isn't working from AC power (if using AC power)

Make sure all connections are secure.

80 Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Solo Notebook

Make sure electricity is supplied to the outlet for the power cord.

Make sure the cables are free from cuts or damage. Replace any damaged cables.

Something is wrong with the display

Press <Fn+F3> to cycle the system back to LCD panel mode. It is possible it is in CRT or TV mode.

Make sure that the brightness is turned up. The screen simply may be too dark t o see.

If you want the screen to be brighter when starting your system with the battery, make sure the “Auto dim with battery” option in the Power menu is set to OFF.

General

Even after your notebook is on and running, you may encounter one or more of the following problems. If any of these happen, check the appropriate parts and their connectors, then try the solutions suggested:

The notebook won't accept your password.

Check the LED indicators for Caps Lock and Pad Lock. If either one is on, turn it off (you can do this before entering the password). Then try retyping the password.

You forgot your password.

We made the password feature very secure with no easy way to erase a forgotten password. Call Customer Support for instructions.

The screen looks a little dark.

Check the brightness control. If powered by battery, the notebook's auto-dim function could be enabled.

The system locks up and nothing seems to work to get it restarted.

Whether your notebook is on or off, the system does a cold restart after you press this internal reset button. Use a small prod (such as a straightened paper clip) to depress the reset button in the recessed area located on the right side between the Fast IR and the PS/2 ports.

Chapter 9: Troubleshooting Your Notebook 81

Frequently asked questions

V ideo display

Suspend

Note:

If you use a docking station, you will want to select a setting that shows the Suspend option ONLY when the notebook is undocked.

Question

Why is the video display on SVGA systems loaded with MS Office appear to be “washed out” when switching between applications (the screen appears to have only 16 colors instead of 65,000 or 256 colors)?

Answer:

Right click MS Office Toolbar control box.

Select Customize..., then the View tab.

Deselect the Use Gradient Fill box.

Question:

How do I change the video resolution on my LCD or my external monitor?

Answer:

In Windows 95, right-click the desktop, and select Properties.

Click Settings tab of the Display Properties, then adjust the resolution and color depth. Remember, at the highest resolutions, not all color depths may be available.

Question

Answer:

82 Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Solo Notebook

Why doesn't the Suspend option appear on my Windows 95 Start Menu?

Click Start, Settings, then Control Panel.

Double click Power icon.

Make sure that Always is selected under Show Suspend command on the Start menu; then click OK.

The Suspend option always appears on the Start menu.

Question

How do I set up a printer on my notebook?

Answer:

Click Start, Settings, then Printers.

Double-click Add Printer icon, then follow the instructions from the Add Printer Wizard.

Printer setup

Question

Why can’t I print after the mini-docking station is disconnected from my system?

Answer:

Click Start, and Settings.

Right click Printer icon for your printer.

Make sure that Set as Default is selected. If Work Offline is selected, click it to deselect it. Now, your print job sent when you were docked should print.

Question

I accidentally deleted a file. Can I get it back?

Answer:

Double-c lick Recycle Bin icon.

Highlight the file you deleted by clicking on it.

Click Edit and Undo Delete and the file will be retrieved.

Recovering deleted files

If the file was deleted at a DOS prompt, however, the f ile is gone.

Question

How do I get rid of the Windows 95 password box that appears every time I start my notebook?

Passwords

Chapter 9: Troubleshooting Your Notebook 83

Answer:

ScanDisk

Sound

Connecting to the Internet

Type your first name in the User Name box. Don’t type anything in the

Password box and click OK. Windows 95 asks you to confirm your password.

Click OK again.

Question:

When I started my notebook, it ran ScanDisk? What’s happening?

Answer:

The notebook may have been disconnected from power, had its power interrupted, or was im properly shut down. Windows 95 automatically runs Scan Disk when it senses that the notebook was improperly shut down. This is usually a good thing because ScanDisk fixes any errors on your notebook’s hard disk drive and minimizes data loss.

Question:

I started my new notebook, and I’m not getting any sound from my speakers. What can I do?

Answer:

Question:

Answer:

84 Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Solo Notebook

If you are using external speakers, check your speaker connections, making sure the connectors are in the correct ports. Make sure the volume is turned up for the speakers (using the volume wheel) and in Windows 95. Click

Speaker icon in the lower right corner of the screen and drag the volume

slider up if necessary. Also make sure that the mute box is not checked.

How do I connect to my Internet provider?

To get access to the Internet, you need an Internet Service Provider (ISP). It may be a service like AOL, CompuServe, or the Microsoft Network, or a local company. You already have the basic software needed to browse, but the ISP actually connects you.

Most ISPs provide a packet of information when you subscribe to their service. This information, in most cases, contains detailed instructions for configuring your computer to connect to their service. Most ISPs allow you to use Windows Dial Up Networking to make the connection to the ISP. Generally it is a good idea to contact the specific ISP if you are having difficulties connecting.

Question:

I have a very large hard drive and I’m using WindowsNT 4.0. I am trying to use the smallest number of partitions possible. How large can I make my bootable partition?

Answer:

The largest bootable partition in Windows NT 4.0 is 4 GB. This is true if you format with FAT or NTFS. When you create the partition during Windows NT setup, the system is running in DOS Real Mode which allows 4 GB as the maximum partition size.

Question:

My CD-ROM drive is not reading any CD’s. How can I get it to work?

Answer:

The CD may not be properly seated in the CD tray. There are retaining clips built into the CD spindle. When you place a CD into the CD-ROM drive, ensure you press the CD firmly onto the spindle so the retaining clips hold the CD in place.

Bootable hard drive partition (Windows NT)

CD ROM drive

Question:

How can I use both the floppy drive and my CD-ROM drive on my notebook?

Answer:

A cable is available that fits on the back of the floppy drive and plugs into the parallel port. This lets you access the floppy drive while using the CD-ROM drive.

External floppy drive

Chapter 9: Troubleshooting Your Notebook 85

Question:

Battery life

Note:

Message text appears in the margin.

Access denied

Bad command or file name

Why is my battery life so short? My battery is reporting 100% charged, then loosing power shortly after?

Answer:

In most cases, this may be caused by the battery not being conditioned properly. To properly condition the battery, it must be fully charged until the battery charge light goes out. Then ensure the Battery Low Suspend and the

Power Management Control options are disabled in the BIOS setup.

To make changes to the BIOS setup:

Press <F2> when the message Press <F2> to enter SETUP appears during star tup.

Arrow to the Power menu, then arrow down to the PM Control option; change the value to Disabled.

Arrow down to the Battery Low Suspend option; change the value to Off.

Arrow to the Exit menu and select Save Changes & Exit.

Leave the system operating using only battery power until the system shuts down on its own.

Error messages

This section alphabetically lists commonly occurring error messages with the suggested solution or referral instructions provided opposite the error message. Many times these messages indicate only procedural errors: an incorrect keystroke, a write protect tab not removed, etc.

Try saving to a new file or diskette, or move the write protection tab over the hole on the back of the diskette.

Check to make sure you typed the correct command. Verify which drive was specified and retry. A bad command or file name may be in the AUTOEXEC.BAT or the CONFIG.SYS file. The boot sector may have been altered by a virus. To exit

from MS-DOS to Windows 95 type exit and press <Enter>.

86 Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Solo Notebook

Plug in the AC adapter and fully charge the battery; this conditions the battery. You many want to enter the BIOS setup again to enable the PM

Control

and the Battery Low Suspend options.

This is usually a result of a defective area on the disk. To fix disk problems click Start button in Windows 95, click Programs, click Accessories, click System

Tools

, and click ScanDisk.

Data error

You need to make a change in the BIOS setup menu. To do this press <F2> to enter the Setup menu during startup. A message appears that reads “Warning the CMOS checksum is invalid. Default values will be loaded.” Then press <Enter> to go to the Exit menu and choose Save the changes and exit. The system restarts and the error message will not appear.

Try restarting a couple of times by pressing <Ctrl+Alt+Del>. Reseat the hard drive. Make sure your notebook isn't too cold. If nothing works, call Customer Support.

If possible, save your files to another disk or drive. To check the space left on the disk or diskette click Start button, click Programs, click Windows Explore. Click the appropriate disk icon that you would like to check. To create more storage space, delete the unnecessary files you no longer need. If the hard disk drive (C:\) is full, copy any files not used regularly to floppy drive or other backup device, and delete them from the hard disk drive.

Carefully re-enter the password again. If it is a software program that is asking for a password consult the documentation that shipped with it for the specific instructions to clear the password so you may enter a new one.

Remove any objects resting on the keyboard and restart the computer. If you are already in Windows 95, restart the computer.

Restart the computer and press <F2> when the computer restarts to enter the Setup Program. Upon entering the Setup Program, the computer automatically recognizes the amount of memory installed. To exit the Setup Program, go to the Exit menu and save the changes.

Divide overflow error

General failure reading drive C:

Insufficient disk space

Invalid password

Keyboard stuck or key failure

Memory size error

Make sure the memory modules are inserted correctly and securely on the system board. See “Installing Additional Memory” on page 66. for instructions on inserting memory modules.

Eject the diskette from the floppy drive and press <Enter>.

Close any programs you are not using.

Chapter 9: Troubleshooting Your Notebook 87

Memory error

Non-system disk or disk error

Not enough memory

Wait until some files have been printed before sending additional files to the

Print queue is full

Printer is out of paper

Required parameter missing Syntax error

Time and date not set

Write protect error

printer. Make sure the printer is not set to work “off-line.” If you print large or many files at one time to the printer you may want to add additional memory to the printer. Consult the printer documentation for instructions for adding additional memory.

Make sure the printer is turned on, then add paper to the printer. After adding paper, make sure the printer is “online.” Most printers have an “online/offline” button you need to press after adding paper.

Carefully re-enter the command and check the spelling. To exit from MS-DOS to Windows 95 type exit and press <Enter>.

Re-type the command and make sure the command is spelled correctly and any other parts of the command are. To exit from MS-DOS, type exit and press <Enter>.

The internal battery that keeps the clock/calendar going ran completely down. This can happen if you leave the battery pack out of your notebook or fully discharged for a day or more. To correct the problem, restart the computer and press <F2> to enter the Setup Program. At the Main menu, change the time and/or date to the proper settings. After changing the settings, go to the Exit menu and save the changes.

Remove the write protection or use another diskette. To remove the write protection from the diskette, slide the tab over the hole on the back of the diskette.

88 Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Solo Notebook

Appendix A:

Contacting Gateway

Contacting Gateway.............................................. 90

Calling Gateway............................................. 90

Calling Gateway when outside the U.S......... 90

Contacting Gateway

Note:

Y our C ustomer ID number and order number can be found on your invoice; the serial number can be found on the bottom of your notebook; see “Identifying Your Model” on page 7.

If you experience any trouble while using your Gateway Solo Multimedia Notebook, feel free to contact Gateway. You will need to supply your Customer ID, serial number, and order number to the customer support technicians. Make a note of these numbers here.

If your computer is ever stolen, be sure to contact your local police and a Gateway representative at once. We can put a note on the account, so that if anyone calls in using the serial number for your notebook we can contact you immediately.

Customer ID: __________________________

Serial Number: _________________________

Order Number: _________________________

Calling Gateway

Gateway offers a wide range of customer service, technical support and information services. If you have questions or problems, contact the Gateway service that is most appropriate for your needs:

Assistance resource

Sales & Customer Support

Portables Technical Support

Toll free from the US Toll free from Canada

World Wide Web

US and Canada UK

Calling Gateway when outside the U.S.

90 Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Solo Notebook

Please refer to your Gateway Warranty Booklet for information and the contact numbers for Gateway outside the U.S.

How to reach Information

available

800-846-2000 Information about systems,

pricing, orders, billing statements, warranty service and other non-technical issues.

Call this number if you have

800-846-2302 800-846-3609

http://www. gateway.com http://www. gw2k.co.uk

a problem with hardware or software.

Modem required. The Gateway Web site contains a variety of information about Gateway.

Index

AC power 80 access denied 86 accessing modem documentation 62 advanced setup menu 72, 73 assistance resources 90 audio drivers

installing 47

autoexec.bat

removing 20

bad command or file name 86 batteries

auto dim with battery 81

battery life

FAQs 86 boot password 75 boot setup menu 72 bootable hard drive

FAQs 85 BusMaster

IDE drivers 52

cab files

copying 20 calling Gateway 90 CardBus controller

enabling Cirrus Logic 38 CardWizard

installing 49 care and maintenance 8 CD ROM drive

FAQ s 85 CD-ROM

FAQs 85

installing driver 31 checking IRQ usage 57 Chips and Technologies

installing 45 installing video drivers 33 Windows NT 45

cleaning

exterior 8 LCD display 8

config.sys

removing 20

connecting to the internet

FAQ s 84 contacting Gateway 90 copying files

cab 20

inf 21

vxd 21 creating

hard drive partitions 16 customer ID 90

data error 87 defragment 9 deleting

hard drive partitions 14 device drivers

how to install 30

installing CD-ROM 31

installing Chips and Technologies

video 45 installing ESS audio 34 installing from CD-ROM 30 installing from diskettes 30 installing Windows 95 32

disk defragmenter

using 9

diskettes

setup for Windows NT 26

display 7 display drivers

Windows 95 33

Index 91

Windows NT 45 display type/processor speed 7 divide overflow error 87 DOS drive

logical 13 DOS partition

extended 13

primary 13 driver diskettes

installing drivers from 30 drivers. See device drivers.

enabling

PCMCIA socket 38 enabling USB ports

Windows 95 41 error messages 86

access denied 86

bad command or file name 86

data error 87

divide overflow error 87

general failure reading drive C 87

insufficient disk space 87

invalid password 87

keyboard stuck or key failure 87

memory error 87

memory size error 87

non-system disk or disk error 87

not enough memory 87

print queue is full 88

printer is out of paper 88

required parameter missing 88

syntax error 88

time and date not set 88

write protect error 88 ESS audio driver

installing 34 exit setup menu 72, 77 extended DOS partition 13 exterior

cleaning 8 external floppy drive

FAQs 85

EZ Pad Plus

installing drivers 51

FAQs

battery life 86 bootable hard drive 85 CD ROM drive 85 connecting to the internet 84 external floppy drive 85 password 83 printer setup 83 recovering deleted files 83 ScanDisk 84 sound 84 suspend 82 video display 82

FAT16 file system

partitioning with 13

formatting

hard drive 12

partition with FAT16 file system 13 formatting drive for NT 26 formatting hard drive 18 formatting with FAT file system 26 freeing up resources 58 frequently asked questions (FAQs) 82

Gateway

contacting 90 Gateway serial number 7 Gateway System CD 12 general

troubleshooting 81 general failure reading drive C 87

hard drive

formatting 18

partitioning 13 hard drive partitions

creating 16

92 Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Solo Notebook

deleting 14 hard drive utilities 9 how to

access modem online documenta-

tion 62 create partitions 16 delete partitions 14 enable Cirrus Logic CardBus con-

troller 38 enable USB ports in Windows 95

41 format hard drive and install Win-

dows 95 21 identify your model 7 install device drivers 30 install memory modules 66 install Windows 95 12 install Windows NT 27 remove memory modules 68

http://www.gateway.com (US site) 90 http://www.gw2k.co.uk 90

IDE

BusMaster drivers 52

identifying your model 7 inf files

copying 21

installing

audio ESS driver 34 CardWizard 49 CD-ROM driver 31 Chips and Technologies video driv-

ers 33, 45 drivers from driver diskettes 30 drivers from Solo system CD 30 EZ Pad Plus drivers 51 memory 66 PC Cards 58 PowerProfiler 49 Windows 95 12, 19 Windows 95 audio drivers 34 Windows 95 display drivers 33

Windows 95 drivers 32 Windows 95 game port drivers 34 Windows NT 27 Windows NT audio drivers 47 Windows NT display drivers 45 Windows NT Service Pack CD 51

installing drivers

using Solo system CD 30 installing Windows 95 12 installing Windows NT 26 insufficient disk space 87 Intel BusMaster

IDE drivers 52 interrupt request (IRQ) 57 invalid password 87 IRQs

checking usage 57

freeing up resources 58

interrupt request 57

keyboard stuck or key failure 87

LCD display

cleaning 8 logical DOS drive 13

main setup menu 72 maintaining your system 8 memory

installing 66 memory error 87 memory module clips 70 memory modules

installing 66

removing 68 memory size error 87 messages

error messages 86 model identification 7 model number 7

Index 93

modem documentation

online (how to access) 62

non-system disk or disk error 87 not enough memory 87

online modem documentation 62 order number 90

partition with FAT16 file system 13 partitioning

hard drive 12, 13 partitioning drive for NT 26 password

FAQs 83

troubleshooting 81, 83 PC Cards

installation problems 58 PCMCIA

enabling 38 PCMCIA cards. See PC Cards. portables technical support 90 power

auto dim with battery 81 power setup menu 72 PowerProfiler

installing 49 primary DOS partition 13 print queue is full 88 printer is out of paper 88 printer setup

FAQs 83 processor 7

recovering deleted files

FAQs 83 reinstalling Windows 95 12 reinstalling Windows NT 26 removing

config.sys and autoexec.bat files 20

required parameter missing 88

sales & customer support 90 ScanDisk

FAQs 84

using 10 security setup menu 72 serial number 90 Service Pack CD

for Windows NT 26

installing 51, 52 setup menus

advanced 72, 73

boot 72

exit 72, 77

main 72

power 72, 75

security 72 SO-DIMM 66 Solo boot diskette 19

startup 19

Windows 95 12 Solo system CD

installing drivers 30 sound

FAQs 84 startup

troubleshooting 80

using Solo boot diskette 19 suspend

FAQs 82 syntax error 88

technical support 90 time and date not set 88 troubleshooting 80

general 81

password 81, 83

startup 80

USB (Universal Serial Bus) 40

94 Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Solo Notebook

using

disk defragmenter 9

video display

FAQs 82 virus checking 9 vxd files

copying 21

Website

http://www.gateway.com (US site)

http://www.gw2k.co.uk 90 Window NT

installing 27 Windows 95

audio drivers 34

game port drivers 34

installing 12, 19

installing display drivers 33

installing drivers 32

reinstalling 12

Solo boot diskette 12 Windows 95 driver diskettes 12 Windows 95 drivers

installing 32 Windows NT

bootable hard drive (FAQs) 85

formatting drive 26

formatting with FAT file system 26

how to install 27

installing 27

installing audio drivers 47

installing Chips and Technologies

video drivers 45 installing display drivers 45 installing EZ Pad Plus drivers 51 partitioning drive 26 reinstalling 26 Service Pack CD 26, 51, 52 setup diskettes 26 workstation CD 26

workstation CD

Windows NT 26

write protect error 88

Index 95

Gateway SOLO 5100 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Maintaining & Troubleshooting Your Solo 5100

Notices

All Rights Reserved

Trademark Acknowledgments

All Rights Reserved

Trademark Acknowledgments

Contents

Maintaining Your Solo Notebook

Contents

Using This Book

Identifying Your Model

Maintaining Your System

Virus checking

Hard drive utilities

Disk Defragmenter

Click Yes if you are ready to quit Disk Defragmenter.

ScanDisk

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

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

Contents

Partitioning and formatting the hard drive

Partitioning the hard drive

Formatting the partition with FAT16 file system

Deleting partitions on the hard drive

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

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

Type:

cd dos

At the A:\DOS prompt type:

fdisk

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

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

Creating partitions on the hard drive

a. Create Primary DOS Partition

b. Create Extended DOS Partition

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

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

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

Press <Esc> to exit the FDISK program.

Formatting the hard drive

Formatting the hard drive

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

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

Type:

cd dos

At the A:\DOS prompt type:

format c: /s

format d: /s

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

Startup with the Solo Boot Diskette

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

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

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

Swapping to the CD-ROM module

Insert the CD-ROM module and restart the system.

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

Removing the config.sys and aut oexec.bat fi les

At the DOS prompt type:

del config.sys

Type:

del autoexec.bat

Copying .cab files to the hard drive

Type:

md win95

Type:

Type:

When the files are finished copying,

Swapping to the floppy m odule

Press the power button to restart your system.

Copying .vxd and .inf files to the hard drive

Insert the Solo 5100 VXD / INF diskette.

Type:

Type:

copy *.* c:\win95

copy . c:\win95