Gateway M305 Users Manual Using Your M305CRV

Gug-Gateway-1-0-En-M305 gug-gateway-1-0-en-m305

M305 to the manual 4e0c4d52-a449-4840-80ff-a596172d76bd

2015-02-05

: Gateway Gateway-M305-Users-Manual-403244 gateway-m305-users-manual-403244 gateway pdf

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Gateway M305 Notebook

user'sguide

Customizing

Troubleshooting

Contents
1 Checking Out Your Gateway M305 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Left side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Right side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Bottom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Keyboard area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Identifying your model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Gateway model number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Gateway serial number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Internal wireless label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Finding your specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

2 Getting Started. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Connecting the AC adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Protecting from power source problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Waking up your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turning off your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Restarting (rebooting) your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Status indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System key combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Multi-function buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using the EZ Pad touchpad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using the touchpad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting the modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting to a wired Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Broadband Internet connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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3 Getting Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Help and Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Searching for a topic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Do More With Gateway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Online help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Gateway Web site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Using eSupport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

4 Windows Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
About the Windows environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
Using the desktop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
Using the Start menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
Adding icons to the desktop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Identifying window items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
Working with files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
Viewing drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
Creating folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Copying and moving files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
Deleting files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Browsing for files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
Searching for files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Using the Windows Search utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Working with documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
Creating a new document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
Saving a document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
Opening a document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
Printing a document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
Shortcuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

5 Using the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65
Learning about the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66
Setting up an Internet account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
Accessing your Internet account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68
Using the World Wide Web . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
Connecting to a Web site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
Downloading files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
Using e-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
Sending e-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
Checking your e-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73

6 Using Multimedia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
Adjusting the volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76
Adjusting the volume in Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76
Adjusting the volume in Windows 2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79
Recording and playing audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81
Playing audio and video files with the Windows Media Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83
Using the CD or DVD drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85

Identifying drive types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Inserting a CD or DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Listening to CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Listening to CDs in Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Listening to CDs in Windows 2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Using MUSICMATCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Playing CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Creating MP3 music files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Editing track information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Building a music library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Changing the music library display settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Listening to Internet radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Using advanced features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Playing a DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Creating CDs using Roxio Easy CD Creator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Creating data CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Creating music CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Copying CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Creating CDs using Nero Express . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Creating a data CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Copying a CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Copying music tracks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Creating a music CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Advanced features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Using the optional diskette drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Using the optional memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Memory card types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Using a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Connecting a digital camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133

7 Sending and Receiving Faxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Installing and configuring Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing Fax in Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Configuring Fax in Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Configuring Fax in Windows 2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sending a simple fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Setting up your cover page template . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Faxing from programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Faxing a scanned document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Receiving and viewing a fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Canceling a fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatically retry sending a fax in Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatically cancelling a fax in Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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8 Managing Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .149
Monitoring the battery charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .150
Recharging the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .151
Recalibrating the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .152
Changing batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .153
Replacing the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .153
Extending battery life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .155
Conserving battery power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .155
Using alternate power sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .155
Changing power modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .156
Changing power settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .157
Changing the power scheme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .157
Changing alarm options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .159
Changing advanced settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .160
Activating and using Hibernate mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .161
Changing SpeedStep settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .163

9 Travel Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .165
Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .166
Radio frequency wireless connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .166
Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .167
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .167
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .168
Additional tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .169

10 Customizing Your Notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .171
Adjusting the screen and desktop settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .172
Adjusting the color depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .172
Adjusting the screen resolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174
Changing the colors on your Windows desktop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175
Changing the desktop background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .178
Selecting a screen saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .181
Changing the touchpad settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .183
Adding and modifying user accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .185

11 Networking Your Notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .187
Benefits of networking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .188
Sharing a single Internet connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .188
Sharing drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .188
Sharing peripheral devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .189
Streaming audio and video files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .189
Playing multi-player games . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .189

Selecting a network connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wired Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wireless Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using a wired Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, or Gigabit Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Example wired Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equipment you need for a wired Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using a wireless Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wireless Ethernet speed and frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Example access point wireless Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equipment you need for an access point wireless Ethernet network . . . . . .
Example peer-to-peer wireless Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equipment you need for a peer-to-peer wireless Ethernet network . . . . . . .
For more information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using your notebook on a network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing and configuring your notebook for Ethernet networking . . . . . . . . .
Turning your wireless Ethernet emitter on or off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

190
190
190
191
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
199
200
200
200

12 Moving From Your Old Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Using the Windows XP Files and Settings Transfer Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transferring files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finding your files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transferring Internet settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Setting up your ISP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transferring your e-mail and address book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transferring your Internet shortcuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing your old printer or scanner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing a USB printer or scanner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing a parallel port printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing your old programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

204
204
204
206
206
207
207
207
208
208
209

13 Maintaining Your Notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Caring for your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Protecting your notebook from viruses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Managing hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using Disk Cleanup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the hard drive for errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defragmenting the hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Backing up files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using the Scheduled Task Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning the exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

212
214
217
217
218
219
221
223
223
225
225

Cleaning the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .225
Cleaning the computer screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .226
Cleaning the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .226

14 Restoring Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .229
Using the Restoration CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .230
Reinstalling device drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .231
Updating device drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .233
Reinstalling programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .234
Reinstalling Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .236

15 Upgrading Your Notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .239
Adding and removing a PC Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .240
Preventing static electricity discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .242
Adding or replacing memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .243
Replacing the hard drive kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .247

16 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .253
Safety guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .254
First steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .255
Software support tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .255
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .256
CD or DVD drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .256
Cleaning CDs or DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .258
Device installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .258
Diskette drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .259
Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260
File management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .261
Hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .262
Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .263
Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .264
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .265
Memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .265
Modem (dial-up) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .265
Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .270
Networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .271
Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .271
PC Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .272
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .272
Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .273
Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .275
Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .275

Telephone support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before calling Gateway Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Telephone numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tutoring and training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Self-help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tutoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

276
276
277
278
278
278
279

A Safety, Regulatory, and Legal Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295

vii

viii

Checking Out
Your
Gateway M305

This chapter introduces you to the basic features of your
notebook. Read this chapter to learn:
■

How to identify the features of your Gateway
notebook

■

How to locate your notebook’s model and serial
number

■

How to locate the Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity

■

How to locate the specifications for your notebook

■

What accessories are available for your notebook
Tips & Tricks

You can download an electronic copy of this
guide from
support.gateway.com/support/manlib/.

Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway M305

Front

Speaker

Battery
charge
indicator

Component
Speakers
Battery charge indicator

Power
indicator

Icon

LCD panel
release latch

Speaker

Description
Provide audio output when headphones or amplified
speakers are not plugged in.
The LED shows the battery activity and status.
LED green - battery is fully charged.
LED orange - battery is charging.
■ LED blinking red - battery charge is very low.
■
LED solid red - battery is malfunctioning.
This LED only lights up when your notebook is connected
to AC power or the battery charge is very low.
■
■

Power indicator

The LED shows your notebook’s power status.
■
■
■

LCD panel release latch

LED on - notebook is on.
LED blinking - notebook is in Standby mode.
LED off - notebook is off.

Open the LCD panel by pressing the release latch.

www.gateway.com

Left side

Microphone jack

USB ports

PC Card slot

Headphone jack

Component

Icon

Diskette drive
or memory
card reader

Description

Microphone jack

Plug a microphone into this jack.

Headphone jack

Plug amplified speakers or headphones into this jack.
The built-in speakers are turned off when speakers or
headphones are plugged into this jack.

USB ports

Plug USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices (such as a
diskette drive, flash drive, Iomega™ Zip™ drive, printer,
scanner, camera, keyboard, or mouse) into these ports.

PC Card slot

Insert one Type II or one Type III PC Card into this slot.
For more information, see “Adding and removing a
PC Card” on page 240.

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Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway M305

Component
Diskette drive or memory
card reader

Icon

Description
Insert a standard 3.5-inch diskette into the optional
diskette drive. For more information, see “Using the
optional diskette drive” on page 129.
Insert a memory card from a digital camera, MP3 player,
PDA, or cellular telephone into the optional memory card
reader. For more information, see “Using the optional
memory card reader” on page 130.
Important: Your notebook comes with either a built-in
diskette drive or a built-in memory card reader. If your
notebook has a built-in memory card reader and you
need to use a diskette drive, Gateway recommends
purchasing a USB diskette drive. To order a USB diskette
drive, visit the Accessory Store at
accessories.gateway.com.

www.gateway.com

Right side

CD, DVD, or
DVD/CD-RW drive

Component
CD, DVD, or DVD/CD-RW
drive

Icon

Kensington
lock slot

Description
Insert CDs or DVDs into this drive. For more information,
see “Using the CD or DVD drive” on page 85.
This drive may be a CD, DVD, or combination
DVD/CD-RW drive. To determine the type of drive in the
notebook, examine the drive tray’s plastic cover and
compare the logo to those listed in “Identifying drive
types” on page 85.

Kensington™ lock slot

Secure your notebook to an object by connecting a
Kensington cable lock to this slot.

www.gateway.com

Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway M305

Back

Modem jack

Parallel
port

Monitor
port

Ventilation
fan

Ethernet jack
Power
connector

Component

Icon

Description

Modem jack

Plug a modem cable into this jack. For more information,
see “Connecting the modem” on page 32.

Ethernet jack

Plug a 10/100 Ethernet network cable into this jack. For
more information, see “Connecting to a wired Ethernet
network” on page 33 and “Networking Your Notebook”
on page 187.

Power connector

Plug the AC adapter cable into this connector.

Parallel port

Plug a parallel device (such as a printer) into this port.

Monitor port

Plug an analog VGA monitor into this port.

Ventilation fan

Helps cool internal components. Do not block or insert
objects into these slots.

www.gateway.com

Bottom

System
label

Memory
bay cover
Reset hole

Battery
bay

Battery latch

Component

Icon

Hard drive bay

Description

Memory bay

Install as many as two memory modules into this bay. For more
information, see “Adding or replacing memory” on page 243.

Reset hole

Insert a straightened paper clip into this hole to manually restart
the notebook.

Hard drive bay

The hard drive is located in this bay. For more information, see
“Replacing the hard drive kit” on page 247.

Battery latch

Slide to release the battery.

Battery bay

Insert the battery into this bay. For more information, see
“Changing batteries” on page 153.

System label

Includes the product model number. For more information, see
“Identifying your model” on page 10.

www.gateway.com

Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway M305

Keyboard area
For information on using your keyboard, see “Using the keyboard” on page 24.
Multi-function buttons

Status
indicators
Power
button

Keyboard

Touchpad

Component

Icon

Description

Multi-function buttons

Press these buttons to open programs assigned to them.
These buttons are set to open your default e-mail
program, your default Web browser, online help, and the
My Computer window. For more information, see
“Multi-function buttons” on page 28.

Touchpad

Provides all the functionality of a mouse. For more
information, see “Using the EZ Pad touchpad” on
page 29.

www.gateway.com

Keyboard area

Component

Icon

Description

Keyboard

Provides all the features of a full-sized, 86-key keyboard.
For more information, see “Using the keyboard” on
page 24.

Power button

Press to turn the power on or off. You can also configure
the power button for Standby/Resume mode. For more
information on configuring the power button mode, see
“Changing power settings” on page 157.

Status indicators

Inform you when a drive is in use or when a button has
been pressed that affects how the keyboard is used. For
more information, see “Status indicators” on page 22.

www.gateway.com

Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway M305

Identifying your model
Important

The labels shown in this section are for informational
purposes only. Label information varies by model, features
ordered, and location.

Gateway model number
The label on the bottom of your notebook contains information that identifies
your notebook model and its features. Gateway Technical Support will need this
information if you call for assistance.

Gateway
model
number

www.gateway.com

Identifying your model

Gateway serial number
You can locate the Gateway serial number:
■

Printed on a white sticker on the bottom or back of your notebook.

■

Printed on the customer invoice that came with your notebook. The
invoice also contains your customer ID number.

■

Displayed in Help and Support in Windows XP. Click Start, Help and
Support, then click View product serial number.

Internal wireless label
A label similar to the following indicates your notebook contains a wireless
communications device. The label is located on the bottom of your notebook.

Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity
The Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity label found on the bottom of your
notebook includes the product key code for your operating system.

www.gateway.com

Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway M305

Finding your specifications
For more information about your notebook, such as memory size, memory type,
and hard drive size, go to the See your PC’s configuration link in Help and Support
in Windows XP or visit Gateway’s eSupport page at support.gateway.com. The
eSupport page also has links to additional Gateway documentation and detailed
specifications.
In Windows XP, view your notebook’s serial number by clicking Start, Help and
Support, then clicking View system serial number. Check your specifications by
clicking Start, Help and Support, then clicking See your PC’s configuration.
You can also find out more about your notebook at the Gateway eSupport site.
Visit support.gateway.com. For more information, see “Using eSupport” on
page 40.

www.gateway.com

Accessories

Accessories
Gateway offers accessories that can help you make the most of using your
notebook. To order accessories, visit the Accessory Store at
accessories.gateway.com.

Batteries and automobile/airplane power adapters
If you run your notebook on battery power for extended periods, you may want
to buy an additional battery so you can swap batteries when necessary. See
“Changing batteries” on page 153 for more information.
With an automobile/airplane power adapter, you can save battery power by
plugging your notebook into an automobile cigarette lighter or an airplane
in-flight power receptacle.

Carrying cases
Gateway has large-capacity carrying cases if you need additional space for
accessories or supplies.

Memory
Large programs, such as multimedia games or graphics programs, use a lot of
memory. If your programs are running more slowly than you think they should,
try adding more memory. See “Adding or replacing memory” on page 243 for
more information.

Printers
You can attach almost any type of printer to your notebook. The most common
types are inkjet and laser printers, which print in color or black and white. See
“Installing a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device” on page 34 for more
information about attaching a printer to your notebook.
Inkjet printers and cartridges are relatively inexpensive, but they are slower than
laser printers. Using an inkjet color printer, you can print pictures, banners,
and greeting cards, as well as documents.
Laser printers and cartridges are more expensive, but they print much faster
than inkjet printers. Laser printers are better than inkjet printers when you are
printing large documents.

www.gateway.com

Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway M305

www.gateway.com

Getting Started

This chapter provides basic information about your
Gateway notebook. Read this chapter to find out how to:
■

Connect the AC adapter

■

Start and turn off your notebook

■

Identify the status indicators

■

Use the keyboard

■

Use the EZ Pad touchpad

■

Connect the modem

■

Connect to an Ethernet network

■

Install peripheral devices

Chapter 2: Getting Started

Connecting the AC adapter
You can run your notebook using an AC adapter or your notebook’s battery.
The battery was shipped to you partially charged. You should use the
AC adapter right away to fully charge the battery. Allow 24 hours for the battery
to fully charge.
Important

If the battery is not fully charged before you use your
notebook on battery power for the first time, the battery life
may be much shorter than you expect. If the battery life
seems short even after being charged for 24 hours, the
battery may need to be recalibrated. For more information,
see “Recalibrating the battery” on page 152.

To connect the AC adapter:

Connect the power cord to the AC adapter.

Warning

Make sure that you use the AC adapter that came with
your notebook or one of the same type purchased from
Gateway.
Replace the power cord if it becomes damaged. The
replacement cord must be of the same type and voltage
rating as the original cord or your notebook may be
damaged.

www.gateway.com

Connecting the AC adapter

Connect the AC adapter to your notebook’s power connector.

Plug the power cord into a wall outlet.
The battery charge indicator turns on (see “Front” on page 2 for the
location of the battery charge indicator). If the battery charge indicator
does not turn on, unplug the adapter from your notebook, then plug it
back in.

When you finish using your notebook for the first time, turn your
notebook off and leave your notebook connected to AC power for at least
24 hours. The battery charge meter may not show a charge for several
hours. For more information about the battery charge meter on your
model, see “Monitoring the battery charge” on page 150.

If the battery charge meter does not show a full charge after 24 hours,
contact Gateway Technical Support at
support.gateway.com/support/ask_gateway.asp.
Warning

Do not attempt to disassemble the AC adapter. The
AC adapter has no user-replaceable or user-serviceable
parts inside. The AC adapter has dangerous voltages that
can cause serious injury or death. Contact Gateway about
returning defective AC adapters.

www.gateway.com

Chapter 2: Getting Started

Protecting from power source problems
During a power surge, the voltage level of electricity coming into your notebook
can increase to far above normal levels and cause data loss or system damage.
Protect your notebook and peripheral devices by connecting them to a surge
protector, which absorbs voltage surges and prevents them from reaching your
notebook.
Warning

High voltages can enter your notebook through both the
power cord and the modem connection. Protect your
notebook by using a surge protector. If you have a
telephone modem, use a surge protector that has a
modem jack. If you have a cable modem, use a surge
protector that has an antenna/cable TV jack. During an
electrical storm, unplug both the surge protector and the
modem.

www.gateway.com

Starting your notebook

Starting your notebook
To start your notebook:

1
2

Press the latch on the front of your notebook, then lift the LCD panel.
Press the power button located above the keyboard.
Power button

The power button is preset to On/Off mode. However, you can also set it
to function in Standby/Resume mode. For instructions on changing the
power button mode, see “Changing power settings” on page 157.

If you are starting your notebook for the first time, follow the on-screen
instructions to set up your notebook.

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Chapter 2: Getting Started

Waking up your notebook
When you do not use your notebook for several minutes, or if you close the
LCD panel without turning your notebook off, it may enter a power-saving
mode called Standby. While in Standby, the power indicator flashes.
If your notebook is in Standby mode, pressing the power button to “wake” it
up. For more information on changing power-saving settings, see “Changing
power settings” on page 157.

Turning off your notebook
To turn off your notebook in Windows XP:

Click Start, then click Turn Off Computer. The Turn Off Computer dialog box
opens.

Click Turn Off. Windows shuts down and turns off your notebook.

To turn off your notebook in Windows 2000:

1
2

Click Start, then click Shut Down. The Shut Down Windows dialog box opens.

Click OK. Windows shuts down and turns off your notebook.

Click the arrow button to open the What do you want your computer to do
list, then click Shut down.

Important

If for some reason you cannot use the Turn Off Computer
or Shut Down Windows option in Windows to turn off your
notebook, press and hold the power button for about
five seconds, then release it.

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Restarting (rebooting) your notebook

Restarting (rebooting) your
notebook
If your notebook does not respond to keyboard or touchpad input, you may
have to close programs that are not responding. If closing unresponsive
programs does not restore your notebook to normal operation, you may have
to restart (reboot) your notebook.

To close unresponsive programs and restart your notebook:

Press CTRL+ALT+DEL. A window opens that lets you close a program that
is not responding.

2
3
4

Click the program that is not responding.
Click End Task.
If your notebook does not respond, turn it off, wait ten seconds and turn
it on again.
Important

If your notebook does not turn off immediately, complete
the following steps until your notebook turns off:
1 Press and hold the power button for about five seconds,
then release it.
2 Insert a straightened paper clip into the reset hole on
the bottom of your notebook.
3 Unplug the power cord and remove the battery for more
than 10 seconds.

As a part of the regular startup process, a program to check the disk status
runs automatically. When the checks are finished, Windows starts.

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Chapter 2: Getting Started

Status indicators
Status indicators inform you when a drive is being used or when a button has
been pressed that affects how the keyboard is used.
Hard drive
Caps lock
Disc drive
Scroll lock
Diskette drive
Pad lock

Indicator

Icon

Description

Diskette drive

The diskette drive or the memory card reader is in use.

Disc drive

The CD or DVD drive is in use.

Hard drive

The hard drive is in use.

Caps Lock

Caps Lock is turned on.

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Status indicators

Indicator

Icon

Description

Scroll Lock

Scroll Lock is turned on. For more information, see “System key
combinations” on page 26.

Pad Lock

Numeric keypad is turned on. For more information, see “System
key combinations” on page 26.

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Chapter 2: Getting Started

Using the keyboard
Your notebook features a full-size keyboard that functions the same as a desktop
computer keyboard. Many of the keys have been assigned alternate functions,
including shortcut keys for Windows, function keys for specific system
operations, and the Pad Lock keys for the numeric keypad.
You can attach an external keyboard to your notebook using a USB port. You
do not need to shut down your notebook to connect a USB keyboard.
Function keys/System keys

FN key

Windows
key

Navigation keys/Volume keys

Numeric
keypad

Application
key

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Arrow keys/LCD
brightness keys

Using the keyboard

Key types
The keyboard has several different types of keys. Some keys perform specific
actions when pressed alone and other actions when pressed in combination
with another key.
Key type
Function keys

Icon

Description
Press these keys labeled F1 to F12 to perform actions in
programs. For example, pressing F1 may open help.
Each program uses different function keys for different purposes.
See the program documentation to find out more about the
function key actions.

System keys

Press these colored keys in combination with the FN key to
perform specific actions. For more information, see “System key
combinations” on page 26.

Navigation keys

Press these keys to move the cursor to the beginning of a line,
to the end of a line, up the page, down the page, to the beginning
of a document, or to the end of a document.

Volume keys

Press these colored keys in combination with the FN key to
increase or decrease the volume or to turn off all sound.

FN key

Press the FN key in combination with a colored system key (such
as STATUS, STANDBY, or PAUSE) to perform a specific action.

Windows key

Press this key to open the Windows Start menu. This key can
also be used in combination with other keys to open utilities like
F (Search utility), R (Run utility), and E (Explorer utility).

Numeric keypad

Use these keys to type numbers when the numeric keypad is
turned on. Press FN+PAD LOCK to turn on the numeric keypad.

Application key

Press this key for quick access to shortcut menus and help
assistants in Windows.

Arrow keys

Press these keys to move the cursor up, down, right, or left.

LCD brightness
keys

Press these colored keys in combination with the FN key to
control the screen brightness.

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Chapter 2: Getting Started

System key combinations
When you press the FN key and a system key at the same time, your notebook
performs the action identified by the colored text or icon on the key.
Press and hold FN, then
press this system key...

To...
Display the power status box in the upper-left corner of your
display. The box shows the battery charge level, the BIOS version,
and whether the AC adapter is being used. Press the key
combination again to close this box.
Toggle your notebook’s display between the LCD, an external
monitor, or both displays at the same time. A monitor must be
plugged into the monitor port on your notebook.
Enter Standby mode. Press the power button to leave Standby
mode. For more information, see “Changing power modes” on
page 156.
Turn on Pad Lock so you can use the numeric keypad. Press this
key combination again to turn off Pad Lock. The Pad Lock status
indicator appears when this function is turned on.
Pause the text scrolling in a DOS screen. Press this key
combination again to continue scrolling. The Scroll Lock status
indicator appears when this function is turned on. (This function
is only available in some programs.)
Pause execution of a DOS program. (This function is only available
in some programs.)

Stop the currently running DOS program. (This function is only
available in some programs.)

Increase the brightness of the display.

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Using the keyboard

Press and hold FN, then
press this system key...

To...
Decrease the brightness of the display.

Home

Mute the sound. Press the key combination again to restore the
sound. For more information, see “Adjusting the volume” on
page 76.

PgUp

Increase volume. For more information, see “Adjusting the
volume” on page 76.

PgDn

Decrease volume. For more information, see “Adjusting the
volume” on page 76.

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Chapter 2: Getting Started

Multi-function buttons
Press the multi-function buttons to open the programs associated with them.
Help
Internet
E-mail

Button

Icon

My Computer

Press to...

E-mail

Open your default e-mail program.

Internet

Open your default Web browser.

Help

Open online help.

My Computer

Open the My Computer window.

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Using the EZ Pad touchpad

Using the EZ Pad touchpad
The EZ Pad™ consists of a touchpad, two buttons, and a rocker switch.

Touchpad

Left touchpad
button

Rocker
switch

Right touchpad
button

When you move your finger on the touchpad, the pointer (arrow) on the screen
moves in the same direction.

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Chapter 2: Getting Started
You can use the EZ-Pad left and right buttons below the touchpad to select
objects.
You can assign a function to the rocker switch between the touchpad buttons.
This function can be to scroll up or down, maximize or minimize the active
window, or open and close the Start menu. For more information about
programming the rocker switch, see “Changing the touchpad settings” on
page 183.

Using the touchpad
To...

Do this...

Move the pointer
on the screen.

Move your finger around on the
touchpad. If you run out of space
and need to move the pointer
farther, lift your finger, move it to the
middle of the touchpad, then
continue moving your finger.

Select an object
on the screen.

Position the pointer over the object.
Quickly press and release the left
button once. This action is called
clicking.

Start a program
or open a file or
folder.

Position the pointer over the object.
Press the left button twice in rapid
succession. This action is called
double-clicking.

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Using the EZ Pad touchpad

To...

Do this...

Access a shortcut
menu or find
more information
about an object
on the screen.

Position the pointer over the object.
Quickly press and release the right
button once. This action is called
right-clicking.

Move an object
on the screen.

Position the pointer over the object.
Press the left button and hold it
down, then use the touchpad to
move (drag) the object to the
appropriate part of the screen.
Release the button to drop the
object where you want it.

For instructions on how to adjust the double-click speed, pointer speed,
right-hand or left-hand configuration, and other touchpad settings, see
“Changing the touchpad settings” on page 183.

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Chapter 2: Getting Started

Connecting the modem
Your notebook has a built-in 56K modem that you can use to connect to a
standard telephone line.
Important

To reduce the risk of fire, use only No. 26 AWG or larger
telecommunications line cord.

To connect the modem:

Insert one end of the modem cable into the modem jack
side of your notebook.

Insert the other end of the modem cable into a telephone wall jack. The
modem will not work with digital or PBX telephone lines.

Start your notebook, then start your communications program.

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on the left

Connecting to a wired Ethernet network

Connecting to a wired Ethernet
network
Your notebook has a network jack that you can use to connect to a 10/100
wired Ethernet network.
Important

Your notebook may be equipped with built-in wireless
Ethernet or you may have a wireless Ethernet PC Card.
For information about connecting to a wired or wireless
Ethernet network, see “Networking Your Notebook” on
page 187. For information about installing a wireless
Ethernet PC Card, see “Adding and removing a PC Card”
on page 240.

To connect to a wired Ethernet network:

Insert one end of the network cable into the network jack
side of your notebook.

Insert the other end of the network cable into a network jack. Ask your
network administrator to help you select the correct network jack.

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on the left

Chapter 2: Getting Started

Broadband Internet connections
You can use your notebook’s Ethernet jack for more than just networking. Many
broadband Internet connections, such as cable modems and DSL modems,
connect to your notebook’s Ethernet jack. For more information, see “Using
the Internet” on page 65 and “Networking Your Notebook” on page 187.

Installing a printer, scanner, or
other peripheral device
Important

Before you install a printer, scanner, or other peripheral
device, see the device documentation and installation
instructions.

Your notebook has one or more of the following ports: Universal Serial Bus
(USB) and parallel. You use these ports to connect peripheral devices such as
printers, scanners, and digital cameras to your notebook. For more information
about port locations, see “Checking Out Your Gateway M305” on page 1.
USB ports support plug-and-play and hot-swapping, which means that your
notebook will usually recognize such a device whenever you plug it into the
appropriate port. When you use a USB device for the first time, your notebook
will prompt you to install any software the device needs. After doing this, you
can disconnect and reconnect the device at any time.
Parallel port devices are not plug-and-play. See the device documentation for
detailed information and installation instructions.
Help and
Support

For more information about installing peripheral devices in
Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword installing devices in the Help and
Support Search box
, then click the
arrow.

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Getting Help

This chapter tells you about additional information
resources available to help you use your notebook. Read
this chapter to learn how to access:
■

Help and Support

■

Do More With Gateway

■

Online help

■

Gateway Web site

Chapter 3: Getting Help

Help and Support
Your computer includes Help and Support, an easily accessible collection of help
information, troubleshooters, and automated support. Use Help and Support
to answer questions about Windows and to help you quickly discover and use
the many features of your Gateway computer.

To start Help and Support:
■

Click Start, then click Help and Support. Help and Support opens.

You can find help information by clicking a link, performing a search, or
browsing the index.

Searching for a topic
To search for a topic in Help and Support, type a word or phrase (keyword) in
the Search box located at the top of any Help and Support screen, then click
the arrow
button.
For each search, you receive the following search result types:
■

Suggested Topics - These topics are located in Help and Support and are
relevant to your search topic.

■

Full-text Search Matches - These topics are located in Help and Support
and contain the words you entered in the Search box.

■

Microsoft Knowledge Base - These topics are located on the Microsoft Web
site and contain the words you entered in the Search box. You must be
connected to the Internet to search for and access these topics.

To view a list of your search results, click the results header for the type of results
you want to view.
To view a topic, click the topic name in the Search Results list.

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Do More With Gateway

Do More With Gateway
Your notebook may include Do More With Gateway, a tool that provides
additional information about using your Gateway notebook for digital music,
digital photography, digital video, gaming, and other programs. To access Do
More With Gateway in Windows XP, click Start, then click
Do More With Gateway. Click the topics listed on the left-side of the page to learn
more about the software already installed on your notebook as well as
partnerships and special offers available through Gateway.

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Chapter 3: Getting Help

Online help
Many programs provide information online so you can research a topic or learn
how to perform a task while you are using the program. You can access most
online help information by selecting a topic from a Help menu or by clicking
a Help button.

You can search for information by viewing the help contents, checking the
index, searching for a topic or keyword, or browsing through the online help.

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Gateway Web site

Gateway Web site
Gateway’s online support is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week and
provides the most current drivers, product specifications, tutorials, and
personalized information about your system. Visit the Gateway eSupport
Web site at support.gateway.com. For more information about connecting to
the Internet, see “Using the Internet” on page 65.

www.gateway.com

Chapter 3: Getting Help

Using eSupport
The eSupport site is divided into five major areas:
■

Support Home

■

Downloads

■

Account Info

■

PC Tools

Each of these areas is represented by a menu across the top of the Web page.

Support Home
To get specific information about your notebook, type your serial number into
the My Support box, then click Continue, or click Look up my serial number for
me. For more information, see “Finding your specifications” on page 12.
Click Support Home, then click All Support Documents to access product
documentation, specifications, and guides. By entering your serial number, you
get specific documents related to your system. You can also browse through
the reference area to locate an article specific to the question you have.
Click Support Home, then click General Tutorials to access an extensive library
of how-to articles and videos on topics such as making audio CDs and installing
a hard drive.

Downloads
Click Downloads, then click My Downloads to get the latest software updates for
BIOS and driver upgrades. By entering your serial number you get drivers
specific to your system. Click All Downloads to walk through a step-by-step
wizard to locate your drivers.

Contact Us
Click Contact Us to access links to technical support with a live technician,
including chat and e-mail. Click Call Us to get a list of Gateway telephone
numbers for both sales and support. For more information, see “Telephone
numbers” on page 277.

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Gateway Web site

Account Info
Click Account Info to access support for non-technical issues, like the status of
your order or changing your account address.

PC Tools
Click PC Tools to access utilities to help you manage your notebook.

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Chapter 3: Getting Help

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Windows Basics

Read this chapter to learn how to:
■

Use the Windows desktop

■

Manage files and folders

■

Work with documents

■

Use shortcuts

Chapter 4: Windows Basics

About the Windows environment
After your notebook starts, the first screen you see is the Windows desktop. The
desktop is like the top of a real desk. Think of the desktop as your personalized
work space where you open programs and perform other tasks.
Your desktop may be different from this example, depending on how your
notebook is set up.
Help and
Support

For more information about the Windows XP desktop, click
Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword Windows desktop in the Help and
Support Search box
, then click the
arrow.

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Using the desktop

Using the desktop
The desktop contains the taskbar, the Start button, and the Recycle Bin icon.
Desktop elements

Description

The taskbar is the bar at the bottom of the computer display containing the
Start button on the left and a clock on the right. Other buttons on the taskbar
represent programs that are running.
Click a program’s button on the taskbar to open the program’s window.
The Start button provides access to programs, files, help for Windows and
other programs, and computer tools and utilities.
Click the Start button, then open a file or program by clicking an item on
the menu that opens.
The Recycle Bin is where files, folders, and programs that you discarded
are stored. You must empty the Recycle Bin to permanently delete them from
your notebook. For instructions on how to use the Recycle Bin, see “Deleting
files and folders” on page 53.

Using the Start menu
You can start programs, open files, customize your system, get help, search for
files and folders, and more using the Start menu.

To use the Start menu:

Click the Start button on the lower left of the Windows desktop. The Start
menu opens showing you the first level of menu items.

Click All Programs or Programs to see all programs and files in the Start
menu. When you move the mouse pointer over any menu item that has
an arrow next to it, another menu, called a submenu, opens and reveals
related files, programs, or commands.

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Chapter 4: Windows Basics

Click a file or program to open it.

Help and
Support

For more information about the Windows XP Start menu,
click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword Windows Start menu in the Help and
Support Search box
, then click the
arrow.

Adding icons to the desktop
You may want to add an icon (shortcut) to the desktop for a program that you
use frequently.

To add icons to the desktop:

1
2

Click Start, then click All Programs.
Right-click (press the right touchpad button) the program that you want
to add to the desktop.

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Identifying window items

Click Send To, then click Desktop (create shortcut). A shortcut icon for that
program appears on the desktop.

Help and
Support

For more information about desktop icons in Windows XP,
click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword desktop icons in the Help and Support
Search box
, then click the arrow.

Identifying window items
When you double-click the icon for a drive, folder, file, or program, a window
opens on the desktop. This example shows the Local Disk (C:) window, which
opens after you double-click the Local Disk (C:) icon in the My Computer
window.
Title bar
Menu bar

Close
Maximize
Minimize

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Chapter 4: Windows Basics
Every program window looks a little different because each has its own menus,
icons, and controls. Most windows include these items:
Window item

Description
The title bar is the horizontal bar at the top
of a window that shows the window title.
Clicking the minimize button reduces the
active window to a button on the taskbar.
Clicking the program button in the taskbar
opens the window again.
Clicking the maximize button expands the
active window to fit the entire computer
display. Clicking the maximize button again
restores the window to its former size.
Clicking the close button closes the active
window or program.
Clicking an item on the menu bar starts an
action such as Print or Save.

Help and
Support

For more information about windows in Windows XP, click
Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword window in the Help and Support
Search box
, then click the arrow.

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Working with files and folders

Working with files and folders
You can organize your files and programs to suit your preferences much like
you would store information in a file cabinet. You can store these files in folders
and copy, move, and delete the information just as you would reorganize and
throw away information in a file cabinet.

Viewing drives
Drives are like file cabinets because they hold files and folders. A notebook
almost always has more than one drive. Each drive has a letter, usually Local
Disk (C:) for the hard drive and 3½ Floppy (A:) for the optional diskette drive.
You may also have more drives such as a CD, DVD, or recordable drive.

To view the drives on your notebook:
■

In Windows XP, click Start, then click My Computer on the Start menu.
- OR In Windows 2000, double-click the My Computer icon on the desktop.

Drives

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Chapter 4: Windows Basics

To see the files and folders on a drive:
■

Double-click the drive icon. If you do not see the contents of a drive after
you double-click its icon, click Show the contents of this drive.

Help and
Support

For more information about files and folders in
Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword files and folders in the Help and
Support Search box
, then click the
arrow.

Creating folders
Folders are much like the folders in a file cabinet. They can contain files and
other folders.
Files are much like paper documents—letters, spreadsheets, and pictures—that
you keep on your notebook. In fact, all information on a computer is stored
in files.

Folders
Files

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Working with files and folders

To create a folder:

In Windows XP, click Start, then click My Computer on the Start menu.
- OR In Windows 2000, double-click the My Computer icon on the desktop.

Double-click the drive where you want to put the new folder. Typically,
Local Disk (C:) is your hard drive and 3½ Floppy (A:) is your optional
diskette drive. If you do not see the contents of the drive, click Show the
contents of this drive.

If you want to create a new folder inside an existing folder, double-click
the existing folder. If you do not see the contents of the folder, click Show
the contents of this drive or Show the contents of this folder.

4
5

Click File, New, then click Folder. The new folder is created.
Type a name for the folder, then press ENTER. The new folder name appears
by the folder icon.

Help and
Support

For more information about creating files and folders in
Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword creating files and folders in the Help
and Support Search box
, then
click the arrow.

For information about renaming folders, see “Shortcuts” on page 63.

Copying and moving files and folders
The skills you need to copy and move files are called copying, cutting, and pasting.
When you copy and paste a file or folder, you place a copy of the file or folder
on the Windows clipboard, which temporarily stores it. Then, when you decide
what folder you want the copy to go in (the destination folder), you paste it there.
When you cut and paste a file or folder, you remove the file or folder from its
original location and place the file or folder on the Windows clipboard. When
you decide where you want the file or folder to go, you paste it there.

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Chapter 4: Windows Basics

Important

The clipboard stores whatever you cut or copy until you
cut or copy again. Then the clipboard contains the new
information only. Therefore, you can paste copies of a file
or folder into more than one place, but as soon as you copy
or cut a different file or folder, the original file or folder is
deleted from the clipboard.

To copy a file or folder to another folder:

Locate the file or folder you want to copy. For more information, see
“Viewing drives” on page 49 and “Searching for files” on page 56.

Right-click (press the right touchpad button) the file or folder that you
want to copy. A pop-up menu opens on the desktop.

3
4
5
6

Click Copy on the pop-up menu.
Open the destination folder.
With the pointer inside the destination folder, right-click.
Click Paste. A copy of the file or folder appears in the new location.

To move a file or folder to another folder:

Locate the file or folder you want to move. For more information, see
“Viewing drives” on page 49 and “Searching for files” on page 56.

Right-click (press the right touchpad button) the file or folder that you
want to move. A pop-up menu opens on the desktop.

3
4
5
6

Click Cut on the pop-up menu.
Open the destination folder.
With the pointer inside the destination folder, right-click.
Click Paste. The file or folder you moved appears in its new location and
is removed from its old location.

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Working with files and folders

Help and
Support

For more information about copying files and folders or
moving files and folders in Windows XP, click Start, then
click Help and Support.
Type the keyword copying files and folders or moving
files and folders in the Help and Support Search box
, then click the arrow.

Deleting files and folders
When you throw away paper files and folders, you take them from the file
cabinet and put them in a trash can. Eventually the trash can is emptied.
In Windows, you throw away files and folders by first moving them to the
Windows trash can, called the Recycle Bin, where they remain until you decide
to empty the bin.
You can recover any file in the Recycle Bin as long as the bin has not been
emptied.

To delete files or folders:

In My Computer or Windows Explorer, click the files or folders that you
want to delete. For instructions on how to select multiple files and folders,
see “Shortcuts” on page 63.
If you cannot find the file you want to delete, see “Searching for files” on
page 56.

Click File, then click Delete. Windows moves the files and folders to the
Recycle Bin.

Help and
Support

For more information about deleting files and folders in
Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword deleting files and folders in the Help
and Support Search box
, then
click the arrow.

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Chapter 4: Windows Basics

To recover files or folders from the Recycle Bin:

Double-click the Recycle Bin icon. The Recycle Bin window opens and lists
the files and folders you have thrown away since you last emptied it.

Click the files or folders that you want to restore. For instructions on how
to select multiple files and folders, see “Shortcuts” on page 63.

Click File, then click Restore. Windows returns the deleted files or folders
to their original locations.

To empty the Recycle Bin:
Caution

Emptying the Recycle Bin permanently erases any files or
folders in the bin. These files cannot be restored.

Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on the desktop. The Recycle Bin window
opens.

Click File, then click Empty Recycle Bin. Windows asks you if you are sure
that you want to empty the bin.

Click Yes. Windows permanently deletes all files in the Recycle Bin.

Help and
Support

For more information about emptying the Recycle Bin in
Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword emptying Recycle Bin in the Help and
Support Search box
, then click the
arrow.

Browsing for files and folders
A file or folder that you need is rarely right on top of your Windows desktop.
It is usually on a drive inside a folder that may be inside yet another folder,
and so on.

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Working with files and folders
Windows drives, folders, and files are organized in the same way as a real file
cabinet in that they may have many levels (usually many more levels than a
file cabinet, in fact). So you usually will have to search through levels of folders
to find the file or folder that you need. This is called browsing.

To browse for a file:

In Windows XP, click Start, then click My Computer. The My Computer
window opens.
- OR In Windows 2000, double-click the My Computer icon on the desktop. The
My Computer window opens.

Double-click the drive or folder that you think contains the file or folder
that you want to find. If you do not see the contents of a folder, click Show
the contents of this drive or Show the contents of this folder.

Continue double-clicking folders and their subfolders until you find the
file or folder you want.

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Chapter 4: Windows Basics

Help and
Support

For more information about browsing for files and folders
in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword files and folders in the Help and
Support Search box
, then click the
arrow.

Searching for files
If you are looking for a particular file or folder or a set of files or folders that
have characteristics in common, but you do not remember where they are
stored on your hard drive, you can use the Search utility to search by:
■

Name or part of a name

■

Creation date

■

Modification date

■

File type

■

Text contained in the file

■

Time period in which it was created or modified

You can also combine search criteria to refine searches.
Files and folders found using this utility can be opened, copied, cut, renamed,
or deleted directly from the list in the results window.

www.gateway.com

Searching for files

Using the Windows Search utility
To find files and folders using the Search utility:

In Windows XP, click Start, then click Search. The Search Results window
opens. Click All files and folders.
- OR In Windows 2000, click Start, Search, then click For Files or Folders. The
Search Results window opens.

If you want to search by file or folder name, type in all or part of the file
or folder name in the name box in the left pane of the window.
■

If you type all of the name, Search will list all files and folders of that
name.

■

If you type part of the name, Search will list all of the file and folder
names containing the letters you typed.

www.gateway.com

Chapter 4: Windows Basics

Click Search or Search Now. When the search is completed, Windows lists
the files and folders whose names contain the text that you searched for.

Open a file, folder, or program by double-clicking the name in the list.

Help and
Support

For more information about searching for files and folders
in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword searching in the Help and Support
Search box
, then click the arrow.

Using advanced search options
Search can find files meeting more criteria than file name. You can narrow your
search by selecting the search options that you want. You can search by the:

■

Date the file was created or modified.

■

Size of the file.

■

Type of file, such as a program or a text document.

www.gateway.com

Working with documents

Working with documents
Computer documents include word processing files, spreadsheet files, or other
similar files. The basic methods of creating, saving, opening, and printing a
document apply to most of these types of files.
The following examples show how to create, save, open, and print a document
using Microsoft® WordPad. Similar procedures apply to other programs such
as WordPerfect, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel.
For more information about using a program, click Help on its menu bar.

Creating a new document
To create a new document:

Click Start, All Programs, Accessories, then click WordPad. Microsoft
WordPad starts and a blank document opens.

Begin composing your document. Use the menus and toolbar buttons at
the top of the window to format the document.

www.gateway.com

Chapter 4: Windows Basics

Saving a document
After you create a document, you need to save it if you want to use it later.

To save a document:

Click File, then click Save. The Save As dialog box opens.

Save in
list

File
name

Click the arrow button to open the Save in list, then click the folder where
you want to save the file. If you do not see the folder you want, browse
through the folders listed below the Save in list.

3
4

Type a new file name in the File name box.
Click Save.

Help and
Support

For more information about saving documents in
Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword saving in the Help and Support Search
box
, then click the arrow.

www.gateway.com

Working with documents

Opening a document
To view, revise, or print an existing document, first you need to open it. Open
the document in the program that it was created in.

To open a document:

1
2
3

Start the program.
Click File, then click Open.
Click the arrow button to open the Look in list, then click the folder you
want to open. If you do not see the folder you want, browse through the
folders listed below the Look in list.

Look in
list

Double-click the document file name. The document opens.

Help and
Support

For more information about opening documents in
Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword opening files in the Help and Support
Search box
, then click the arrow.

www.gateway.com

Chapter 4: Windows Basics

Printing a document
To print a document, you must have a printer connected to your notebook or
have access to a network printer. For more information about installing or using
your printer, see the printer documentation.

To print a document:

1
2
3
4

Make sure that the printer is turned on and loaded with paper.
Start the program and open the document.
Click File, then click Print. The Print dialog box opens.
Set the print options, then click OK. The document prints.

Help and
Support

For more information about printing documents in
Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword printing in the Help and Support
Search box
, then click the arrow.

www.gateway.com

Shortcuts

Shortcuts
The following table shows a few shortcuts that you can use in Windows and
almost all programs that run in Windows. For more information about
shortcuts, see your Windows or program documentation.
To...

Do this...

Copy a file, folder, text, or graphic

Click the item, then press CTRL + C.

Cut a file, folder, text, or graphic

Click the item, then press CTRL + X.

Paste a file, folder, text, or graphic

Click inside the folder or window where you want to paste
the object, then press CTRL + V.

Select multiple items in a list or window

Click the first item, press and hold down the CTRL key,
then click each of the remaining items.

Select multiple adjacent items in a list
or window

Click the first item in the list, press and hold down the
SHIFT key, then click the last item in the list.

Permanently delete a file or folder

Click the file or folder, then press SHIFT + DELETE. The
file or folder is permanently deleted. The file or folder is
not stored in the Recycle Bin.

Rename a file or folder

Click the file or folder, press F2, type the new name, then
press ENTER.

Close the active window or program

Press ALT + F4.

Switch to a different file, folder, or
running program

Press ALT + TAB.

Help and
Support

For more information about Windows keyboard shortcuts
in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword Windows keyboard shortcuts in the
Help and Support Search box
,
then click the arrow.

www.gateway.com

Chapter 4: Windows Basics

www.gateway.com

Using the
Internet

This chapter provides information about the Internet and
the World Wide Web. Read this chapter to learn how to:
■

Set up and access an Internet account using
America Online®

■

Connect to a Web site using a browser

■

Download files from the Internet

■

Send and receive e-mail using America Online

Chapter 5: Using the Internet

Learning about the Internet
The Internet is a worldwide network of computers linked together to provide
information to people everywhere. The two most popular services on the
Internet are e-mail and the World Wide Web. You can access this network by
connecting your notebook to a telephone, DSL (Digital Subscriber Line), or
cable line and signing up with an Internet service provider (ISP).
Cable and DSL modems, a connection known as broadband, use your TV cable
or special telephone lines to connect to your ISP and access the Internet. Cable
and DSL modems connect to your notebook through an Ethernet jack and
provide a faster connection speed than a standard telephone modem.
Important

For the location of your modem and Ethernet jacks, see
“Back” on page 6.

Internet Servers
store information so other
computers can access it
from the Internet.

Your computer
connects to the
Internet through
an ISP.

ISP Servers
let you connect to
the Internet and
access your e-mail
messages.

www.gateway.com

Setting up an Internet account
If you want to access the Internet you need:
■

A modem – a device that connects your notebook to other computers or
servers using a telephone, DSL, or cable line.

■

An Internet service provider – a company that provides access to the
Internet through an ISP server. When you connect to an ISP, the ISP server
lets you access the Internet and your e-mail messages.

■

A Web browser – a program that displays information from the World
Wide Web.

■

An e-mail program – a program that lets you create, send, and receive
e-mail messages over the Internet.

Setting up an Internet account
Before you can view the information on the World Wide Web, you need to
set up an Internet account with an Internet service provider (ISP). If you have
chosen America Online as an ISP, follow these instructions to set up and
connect to your account. To set up a different ISP service or to transfer an
existing account to this notebook, contact the ISP directly.
If you set up an account with America Online, an Internet e-mail address is
created for you. After completing the setup, you are ready to access the Internet.

To set up an Internet account with America Online:

1
2

Click Start, All Programs, then click America Online.
Follow the on-screen instructions. After setting up your account, you can
connect to the Internet and access your e-mail services.

www.gateway.com

Chapter 5: Using the Internet

Accessing your Internet account
To connect to your America Online Internet account:

1
2

Click Start, All Programs, then click America Online.
Complete the member name and password information, then click
Connect. Your notebook dials the Internet account telephone number. After
connecting, the Welcome window opens.

If you are using a service other than America Online, check with your ISP for
the correct procedure for connecting.

To disconnect from your America Online Internet account:
■

Click X in the top-right corner of the America Online window. Your
notebook disconnects from the Internet.
Important

Make sure that your notebook disconnects correctly from
your Internet account. If you do not have an “unlimited
hours” ISP account, you may have to pay for the time that
you are connected, even if you are not at your notebook.

If you are using a service other than America Online, check with your ISP for
the correct procedure for disconnecting.
Help and
Support

For general information about using Internet accounts in
Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword ISP in the Help and Support Search box
, then click the arrow.

www.gateway.com

Using the World Wide Web

Using the World Wide Web
The World Wide Web is a multimedia window to the Internet that gives you
access to millions of information sources.
Information on the Web comes to you on Web pages, which are electronic
documents that you view using a Web page display program called a browser.
You can use any of the commercially available Web browsers, like Microsoft
Internet Explorer (which comes installed on your new notebook), Netscape
Navigator, or the browser built into America Online.
Web pages can contain text, animations, music, and other multimedia features.
A group of related Web pages is called a Web site. You can access Web sites to
shop, track investments, read the news, download programs, and much more.
You can explore a Web site or visit other Web sites by clicking areas on a Web
page called links or hyperlinks. A link may be colored or underlined text, a
picture, or an animated image. You can identify a link by moving the mouse
pointer over it. If the pointer changes to a hand, the item is a link.
To learn more about using the Web browser features, click Help in the menu bar.
Link

Web
page

Linked Web
page

www.gateway.com

Chapter 5: Using the Internet

Connecting to a Web site
After you set up an account with an Internet service provider (ISP) such as
America Online, you can access the many information sources on the World
Wide Web.

To connect to a Web site:

Connect to your Internet account. After your notebook connects, a default
opening page or welcome screen opens.

To go to a different Web site, type the address (called a URL for “Universal
Resource Locator”) in the browser address bar (for example
www.gateway.com), then click GO on the browser address bar.

- OR On the current Web page, click a link to a Web site.
The Web browser locates the server computer on the Internet, downloads
(transfers) data to your notebook, and displays the page on the site that
you requested.

Help and
Support

For more information about connecting to a Web site in
Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword connecting to Web site in the Help
and Support Search box
, then
click the arrow.

Sometimes Web pages display slowly. The speed that a Web page displays on
your screen depends on the complexity of the Web page and other Internet
conditions. Additionally, the speed of your connection will determine how fast
Web pages display.

www.gateway.com

Using the World Wide Web

Downloading files
Downloading is the process of transferring files from a computer on the Internet
to your notebook.
To protect your notebook against viruses, make sure that you scan the files you
download. For more information, see “Protecting your notebook from viruses”
on page 214.

To download files or programs from a Web site:

1
2

Connect to your Internet account.
In the address bar, type the address of the Web site that contains the file
or program you want to download, then click GO on the browser address
bar.
- OR Click a link on a Web page to navigate to the Web site containing the file
that you want to download.

Create or locate the folder where you want to store the file on your
notebook. For more information, see “Working with files and folders” on
page 49.

4
5

Click the link on the Web page for the file that you want to download.

6
7

Open the folder that you created.

Follow the on-screen instructions for saving the file in the folder that you
want. A copy of the file is downloaded to your notebook. The time that
it takes to transfer the file to your notebook depends on file size and
Internet conditions.

Install or view the downloaded file by double-clicking it. If applicable,
follow the instructions provided on the Web site to run or install the
program.

Help and
Support

For more information about downloading files in
Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword downloading files in the Help and
Support Search box
, then click the
arrow.

www.gateway.com

Chapter 5: Using the Internet

Using e-mail
E-mail (electronic mail) lets you send messages to anyone who has an Internet
connection and e-mail address. E-mail is usually a free service of your Internet
account.
The Internet never closes, so you can send e-mail messages at any time. Your
e-mail messages arrive at most e-mail addresses in minutes.
An e-mail address consists of a user name, the @ symbol, and the Internet domain
name of the Internet service provider (ISP) or company that “hosts” that user.
Your e-mail address is assigned when you sign up for an account with an ISP.
For example, a person with an account with America Online might have an
e-mail address that is similar to this one:

jdoe@aol.com
User name

Internet domain name

Sending e-mail
To send e-mail using America Online:

1
2
3

Connect to your America Online account.

4
5
6

Type the subject of your e-mail in the Subject box.

Click Write.
Type the e-mail address of the recipient you want to send e-mail to in the
Send To box.

Type the e-mail message.
When finished, click Send Now. Your e-mail is sent over the Internet to
the e-mail address you specified.

www.gateway.com

Using e-mail

Checking your e-mail
To check your e-mail using America Online:

1
2
3

Connect to your America Online account.
Click Read.
Double-click the message you want to read.

For more information about managing and organizing your e-mail messages,
see the online help in your e-mail program.
Help and
Support

For general information about using e-mail in Windows XP,
click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword e-mail in the Help and Support Search
box
, then click the arrow.

www.gateway.com

Chapter 5: Using the Internet

www.gateway.com

Using Multimedia

This chapter provides information on using the multimedia
capabilities of your notebook. Read this chapter to learn
how to:
■

Adjust the volume

■

Record and play audio files

■

Use Windows Media Player

■

Use a CD or DVD drive

■

Play CDs

■

Use MUSICMATCH

■

Play DVDs

■

Create CDs

■

Use the optional diskette drive or memory card reader

■

Attach a digital camera or digital video camera to your
notebook

Chapter 6: Using Multimedia

Adjusting the volume
Adjusting the volume in Windows XP
You can use the volume controls to adjust the overall volume and the volume
of specific sound devices in your notebook.

To adjust the overall volume level using hardware controls:
■

If you are using external speakers, turn the knob on the front of the
speakers.
-ORUse the mute and volume control buttons on the keyboard. For more
information, see “System key combinations” on page 26.

To adjust the overall volume level from Windows:

Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens. If your
Control Panel is in Category View, click Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices.

Click/Double-click the Adjust the system volume or Sounds and Audio
Devices. The Sounds and Audio Devices Properties dialog box opens.

www.gateway.com

Adjusting the volume

Click the Volume tab.

Drag the Device Volume slider to change the volume or click to select the
Mute check box, then click OK.

Help and
Support

For more information about adjusting the volume in
Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword adjusting volume in the Help and
Support Search box
, then click the
arrow.

To adjust specific volume levels:

Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens. If your
Control Panel is in Category View, click Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices.

Click/Double-click the Adjust the system volume or Sounds and Audio
Devices. The Sounds and Audio Devices Properties dialog box opens.

www.gateway.com

Chapter 6: Using Multimedia

Click the Volume tab.

Click Advanced in the Device volume area.

If the device you want to adjust does not appear in the window, click
Options, Properties, the check box next to the audio device you want to
adjust, then click OK.

Drag the volume level and balance sliders for the device you want to adjust.
For more information about the volume controls, click Help in the window.

Click X in the top-right corner of the window to close it.

www.gateway.com

Adjusting the volume

Adjusting the volume in Windows 2000
You can use the volume controls to adjust the overall volume and the volume
of specific sound devices in your notebook.

To adjust overall volume level using hardware controls:
■

To adjust overall volume level from Windows:
■

Click the speaker icon
on the taskbar, then drag the slider to change
the volume or click to select the Mute check box.

www.gateway.com

Chapter 6: Using Multimedia

To adjust specific volume levels:

Double-click the speaker icon
window opens.

on the taskbar. The Volume Control

If the device you want to adjust does not appear in the Volume Control
window, click Options, Properties, the audio device you want to adjust, then
click OK.

Drag the volume level and balance sliders for the device you want to adjust.
For more information about the volume controls, click Help in the Volume
Control window.

Click X in the top-right corner of the window to close it.

www.gateway.com

Recording and playing audio

Recording and playing audio
Use the following instructions to make an audio recording by speaking into a
microphone.

To make an audio recording:

Plug a microphone into the Microphone jack on your notebook. For the
location of the Microphone jack, see “Left side” on page 3.

Click Start, All Programs, Accessories, Entertainment, then click Sound
Recorder. The Sound Recorder opens.

Rewind

Fast Forward

3
4
5
6

Click

Record

Play
Stop

(record), then speak into the microphone.

When you finish recording, click

(stop).

Click File, then click Save As. The Save As dialog box opens.
Name the recording, specify the location where you want to save the
recording, then click Save. The recording is saved.

www.gateway.com

Chapter 6: Using Multimedia

To play an audio recording in Sound Recorder:

1
2
3
4

Open the Sound Recorder.
Click File, then click Open. The Open dialog box opens.
Click the file you want to play, then click Open.
Play the file by clicking
clicking (stop).

Help and
Support

(play), then stop playing the file by

For more information about making or playing an audio
recording in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and
Support.
Type the keyword recording audio or playing audio in
the Help and Support Search box
,
then click the arrow.

www.gateway.com

Playing audio and video files with the Windows Media Player

Playing audio and video files with
the Windows Media Player
The Windows Media Player can play several types of audio and video files,
including WAV, MIDI, MP3, AU, AVI, and MPEG formats. For more information
about the using the Windows Media Player, click Help.

To play a file using the Windows Media Player:

In Windows XP, click Start, All Programs, then click Windows Media Player.
The Windows Media Player opens.
- OR In Windows 2000, click Start, Programs, Accessories, Entertainment, then
click Windows Media Player. The Windows Media Player opens.

Video file
information

Video
screen

Play
Stop

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Chapter 6: Using Multimedia

Click File, then click Open. The Open dialog box opens.
Important

3
4

If the menu bar does not appear, click the show menu
bar
button.

Click the file you want to play, then click Open.
Play the file by clicking
clicking (stop).

Help and
Support

(play), then stop playing the file by

For more information about playing audio and video using
the Windows Media Player in Windows XP, click Start, then
click Help and Support.
Type the keyword Media Player in the Help and Support
Search box
, then click the arrow.

www.gateway.com

Using the CD or DVD drive

Using the CD or DVD drive
You can use your notebook to enjoy a wide variety of multimedia features.

Identifying drive types
Your Gateway notebook contains one of the following drive types. Look on the
front of the drive for one of the following logos:
CD drive

Use a CD drive for installing programs,
playing audio CDs, and accessing data.
You cannot use this drive to create CDs
or DVDs or play DVDs.

DVD drive

Use a DVD drive for installing programs,
playing audio CDs, playing DVDs, and
accessing data.
You cannot use this drive to create CDs
or DVDs.

Combination
DVD/CD-RW
drive

Use a combination DVD/CD-RW drive for
installing programs, playing audio CDs,
playing DVDs, accessing data, and
recording music and data to CD-R or
CD-RW discs.
You cannot use this drive to create DVDs.
For more information, see “Creating CDs
using Nero Express” on page 113.

www.gateway.com

Chapter 6: Using Multimedia

Inserting a CD or DVD

Important

Some music CDs have copy protection software. You may
not be able to play these CDs on your notebook.

To insert a CD or DVD:

Press the eject button on the CD or DVD drive. After the disc tray opens
slightly, pull the tray completely open.

Place the disc in the tray with the label facing up, then press down carefully
on the disc until it snaps into place
Important

When you place a single-sided disc in the tray, make sure
that the label side is facing up. If the disc has two playable
sides, place the disc so the name of the side you want to
play is facing up.

Push the tray in until it is closed.

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Listening to CDs

Listening to CDs
You can use the CD or DVD drive on your notebook to listen to music CDs.
Important

Some music CDs have copy protection software. You may
not be able to play these CDs on your notebook.

Listening to CDs in Windows XP
Use the Windows Media Player to listen to CDs in Windows XP. For more
information about using the Windows Media Player, click Help. You can also
use MusicMatch to listen to CDs in Windows XP. For more information, see
“Using MUSICMATCH” on page 90.

To play a CD:

1
2

Insert a CD into the CD or DVD drive.
If a dialog box opens with a list of CD players, click Windows Media Player.
The Windows Media Player opens.
- OR If a dialog box does not open with a list of CD players, click Start, All
Programs, then click Windows Media Player. The Windows Media Player
opens.

www.gateway.com

Chapter 6: Using Multimedia

When the media player opens, click

(play).

Play
Stop

Volume

Mute

If you do not hear sound or you want to change the volume, see “Adjusting
the volume in Windows XP” on page 76.

Help and
Support

For more information about playing CDs in Windows XP,
click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword playing CDs in the Help and Support
Search box
, then click the arrow.

www.gateway.com

Listening to CDs

Listening to CDs in Windows 2000
Use the Windows CD Player to play an audio CD in Windows 2000.

To play a CD:
■

Insert a CD into the CD or DVD drive. The CD Player opens and the CD
plays.
- OR If the CD does not start playing automatically, click Start, Programs,
Accessories, Entertainment, then click CD Player. When the CD Player opens,
click (play).
Play

Rewind

Stop

Eject CD

Skip Forward
Next
Previous

If you do not hear sound or you want to change the volume, see “Adjusting
the volume in Windows 2000” on page 79.

www.gateway.com

Chapter 6: Using Multimedia

Using MUSICMATCH
Using MUSICMATCH®, you can:
■

Play music CDs

■

Create MP3 music files from your music CDs

■

Edit music track information

■

Use your music files to build a music library

■

Listen to Internet Radio

For more information on using MUSICMATCH, see its online help.

Playing CDs
You can use the MUSICMATCH program to play music CDs.
Important

Some music CDs have copy protection software. You may
not be able to play these CDs on your computer.

To play a music CD in Windows XP:

To have MUSICMATCH automatically list the album, artist, and track
names of your CD, connect to the Internet before inserting your CD.

Insert the music CD into the CD or DVD drive on your computer.

www.gateway.com

Using MUSICMATCH

If an Audio CD dialog box opens, click Play Audio CD using MUSICMATCH
Jukebox, then click OK. The musicmatch window opens, the CD begins
playing, and the names of the music tracks appear in the playlist area.
- OR If a dialog box does not open, click Start, All Programs, MUSICMATCH, then
click MUSICMATCH Jukebox. The musicmatch window opens, the CD begins
playing, and the names of the music tracks appear in the playlist area.

www.gateway.com

Chapter 6: Using Multimedia

Creating MP3 music files
Using MUSICMATCH, you can copy the tracks from a music CD to your
computer’s hard drive as MP3 files. MP3 (MPEG Layer 3) is a standard for
digitally compressing high-fidelity music into compact files without noticeably
sacrificing quality. MP3 files end in the file extension .MP3.
Important

Some music CDs have copy protection software. You
cannot copy tracks from these CDs.

To create MP3 files:

To have MUSICMATCH automatically list the album, artist, and track
names of your CD, then use that information for naming and storing your
MP3 files, connect to the Internet before inserting your CD.

2
3

Insert a music CD into your CD or DVD drive.
If an Audio CD dialog box opens, click Play Audio CD using MUSICMATCH
Jukebox, then click OK. The musicmatch window opens.
- OR If a dialog box does not open, click Start, All Programs, MUSICMATCH, then
click MUSICMATCH Jukebox. The musicmatch window opens.

www.gateway.com

Using MUSICMATCH

4
5

If the CD is playing, click Stop.

6
7
8

Click to clear the check box for any track you do not want to record.

In the MUSIC CENTER area, under COPY, click CD -> Files. The
MUSICMATCH recorder opens.

Click Start.
When a message appears that tells you the CD drive needs to be configured,
click OK. After the drive is configured, MUSICMATCH records the tracks
to your hard drive as MP3 files. A progress bar appears next to each track
as it is recorded.

Editing track information
After you add a CD track as an MP3 file to your music library, you can edit
the track’s information.

To edit track information:

1
2
3

Open MUSICMATCH.
If a CD is playing, click the stop button.
In the MUSIC CENTER area, click the track you want to edit.

www.gateway.com

Chapter 6: Using Multimedia

Click Options, Music Library, then click Edit Track Tag(s). The Edit Track Tag(s)
dialog box opens.

5
6

Enter information such as track title, lead artist, album, and genre.
Click OK. The new track information appears in the MUSICMATCH
playlist, music library, and recorder window.

www.gateway.com

Using MUSICMATCH

Building a music library
Use MUSICMATCH to build a music library. You can organize your music tracks
by categories, find a track quickly by using the sort features, and add
information to a music file.
You can add music tracks to your music library by:
■

Creating MP3 files – When you create MP3 files from the tracks on your
music CD, MUSICMATCH automatically adds these files to your music
library.

■

Dragging and Dropping – Drag and drop files from Windows Explorer
or your desktop to the music library.

■

Downloading files from the Internet – When you are connected to the
Internet, MP3 files that you download are automatically added to your
music library.
Caution

During the download process, MP3 files may become
corrupt. If you are having trouble listening to, or working
with, a downloaded file, try downloading the file again.

www.gateway.com

Chapter 6: Using Multimedia

Changing the music library display settings
To change the music library display settings:

In MUSICMATCH, click Options, then click Settings. The Settings window
opens.

Click the Music Library tab.

Click an arrow button to open a column list, then click the category that
you want to display in the column.

When you have finished selecting categories, click OK.

www.gateway.com

Using MUSICMATCH

Listening to Internet radio
To listen to an Internet radio station:

Connect to the Internet, then open MUSICMATCH.

2
3

In the MUSIC CENTER area, under PLAY, click Online Music.
To select one of the MUSICMATCH Internet radio stations, click Featured
Radio Stations or Radio Stations, the radio station, then click the arrow in
the play this station box. MUSICMATCH connects to the station and plays
the audio. If you do not see Featured Radio Stations or Radio Stations, drag
the scroll bar on the left.
- OR To play another Internet radio station, click Broadcast Radio, the
appropriate category in the Broadcast Stations list, the radio station, then
click the arrow in the play this station box. MUSICMATCH connects to the
station and plays the audio. If you do not see Broadcast Radio, drag the
scroll bar on the left.

Using advanced features
You can also use MUSICMATCH to create your own music CDs and to download
MP3 files to your portable MP3 player. For more information, see the
MusicMatch online help.

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Chapter 6: Using Multimedia

Playing a DVD
A Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) is similar to a standard CD but has greater data
capacity. Because of this increased capacity, full-length movies, several albums
of music, or several gigabytes of data can fit on a single disc. If your notebook
has a DVD drive, you can play DVDs with the InterVideo DVD Player program
or Windows Media Player. For more information about playing DVDs, click Help
in the DVD player program.

To play a DVD:

Make sure that the speakers are turned on or headphones are plugged in
and that the volume is turned up.

2
3

Turn off your screen saver and standby timers.
To play a DVD using InterVideo DVD, click Start, All Programs, DVD, then
click DVD Player. The InterVideo DVD Player video screen and control panel
open.
-ORTo play a DVD using Windows Media Player in Windows XP, click Start,
All Programs, then click Windows Media Player. The Windows Media Player
opens.
- OR To play a DVD using Windows Media Player in Windows 2000, click Start,
Programs, Accessories, Entertainment, then click Windows Media Player. The
Windows Media Player opens.
Important

If the InterVideo DVD player is not on your Start menu, or
if Windows Media Player cannot play a DVD, you will need
to install the InterVideo DVD program. To install the
InterVideo DVD program, insert the InterVideo DVD
Software disc into your DVD drive and follow the on-screen
instructions.

Insert a DVD into the DVD drive, then click (play). The DVD plays. Use
the volume controls in the DVD player to adjust the volume. For more
information on using the DVD player, see its online help.

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Playing a DVD

Help and
Support

For more information about playing DVDs in Windows XP,
click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword playing DVDs in the Help and Support
Search box
, then click the arrow.

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Chapter 6: Using Multimedia

Creating CDs using Roxio Easy CD
Creator
You can use your DVD/CD-RW drive to create data CDs, music CDs, or copies
of CDs. For more information about your drive’s capabilities, see “Identifying
drive types” on page 85.

Creating data CDs
Use Roxio Easy CD Creator to create data CDs. Data CDs are ideal for backing
up important files such as tax records, letters, MP3s, digital movies, or photos.
For information on creating music CDs, see “Creating music CDs” on page 105.
Important

We recommend that you do not use your notebook for
other tasks while creating CDs.

Important

If you record copyrighted material on a CD, you need
permission from the copyright owner. Otherwise, you may
be violating copyright law and be subject to payment of
damages and other remedies. If you are uncertain about
your rights, contact your legal advisor.

To create a data CD:

100

Insert a blank, writable CD into your recordable CD drive.

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Creating CDs using Roxio Easy CD Creator

If a CD Drive dialog box opens, click Create a CD using Roxio Easy CD Creator,
then click OK. The Select a Project window opens.
- OR If a dialog box does not open, click Start, All Programs, Roxio Easy CD Creator,
then click Project Selector. The Select a Project window opens.

make a data CD dataCD project

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Chapter 6: Using Multimedia

Move your pointer over make a data CD, then click dataCD project. The Easy
CD Creator window opens.
Select Source Files

Source Pane

102

Add

Click the arrow button to open the Select Source Files list, then click the
drive or folder where the files you want to add to the writable CD are
located. If you do not see the folder you want, browse through the folders
in the Source pane.

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Creating CDs using Roxio Easy CD Creator

Click the file you want to record (hold down the CTRL or SHIFT key when
you click to select multiple files) in the Source pane, then click Add.

record

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Chapter 6: Using Multimedia

After you have added all of your files, click record. The Record CD Setup
dialog box opens.
Start Recording

Click Start Recording.

Help and
Support

For more information about creating CDs in Windows XP,
click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword creating CDs in the HelpSpot Search
box
, then click the arrow.

104

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Creating CDs using Roxio Easy CD Creator

Creating music CDs
Use Roxio Easy CD Creator to create music CDs from other music CDs or MP3
files. For information on creating data CDs, see “Creating data CDs” on
page 100.
Important

We recommend that you do not use your notebook for
other tasks while creating CDs.

Important

If you record copyrighted material to a CD, you need
permission from the copyright owner. Otherwise, you may
be violating copyright law and be subject to payment of
damages and other remedies. If you are uncertain about
your rights, contact your legal advisor.

Important

Some CDs have copy protection software. You cannot
create MP3 files from these CDs and you may not be able
to listen to these CDs on your notebook.

To create music CDs:

Insert a blank, writable CD into your recordable CD drive.
Tips & Tricks

Most home and car stereos can read CD-R discs, but
cannot read CD-RW discs. To make sure that the CD that
you create will play on home and car CD players, use a
CD-R disc.

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Chapter 6: Using Multimedia

make a music CD

106

musicCD project

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Creating CDs using Roxio Easy CD Creator

Move your pointer over make a music CD, then click musicCD project. The
Easy CD Creator window opens.
Select Source Files

Source pane

Add

Click the arrow button to open the Select Source Files list, then click the
drive or folder where the music files that you want to add to the writable
CD are located. If you do not see the folder you want, browse through the
folders in the Source pane.

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Chapter 6: Using Multimedia

Click the file you want to record (hold down the CTRL or SHIFT key when
you click to select multiple files) in the Source pane, then click Add.
Tips & Tricks

You can add any combination of music tracks or MP3 files
to a music CD project. You can add up to 99 tracks and
files, or up to 650 MB (74-minute CD) or 700 MB
(80-minute CD) of tracks and files to a music CD project.

record

108

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Creating CDs using Roxio Easy CD Creator

After you have added all of your tracks and files, click record. The Record
CD Setup dialog box opens.
Start Recording

Click Start Recording. When the recording is complete, you may see a Record
Complete dialog box. Select the appropriate option.

Help and
Support

For more information about creating CDs in Windows XP,
click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword creating CDs in the HelpSpot Search
box
, then click the arrow.

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Chapter 6: Using Multimedia

Copying CDs
CD Copier can make backup copies of almost any type of CD.
Important

We recommend that you do not use your notebook for
other tasks while creating a CD.

Important

To copy a CD:

1
2

110

Insert the CD you want to copy into your recordable CD drive.
If a dialog box opens, click Take no action.

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Creating CDs using Roxio Easy CD Creator

CD copier

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Chapter 6: Using Multimedia

Move your pointer over CD copier, then click CD copier. The CD Copier
window opens.

Copy

On the Source and Destination tab, click the arrow button to open the Copy
from list, then click the recordable drive.

Click the arrow button to open the Record to list, then click the recordable
drive.

Click Copy. CD Copier copies the information on the source CD to your
hard drive, prompts you to insert the blank CD, then copies the
information from the hard drive to the blank CD.

Help and
Support

For more information about copying CDs in Windows XP,
click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword copying CDs in the HelpSpot Search
box
, then click the arrow.

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Creating CDs using Nero Express

Creating CDs using Nero Express
You can use Nero Express to copy tracks from a music CD to your hard drive,
copy or create data CDs, create music CDs, and more.
Important

We recommend that you do not use your notebook for
other tasks while creating CDs.

Important

Some CDs have copy protection software. You cannot
create MP3 files from these CDs and you may not be able
to listen to these CDs on your notebook.

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Chapter 6: Using Multimedia

Creating a data CD
To create a data CD:

114

Click Start, All Programs, Burn a CD, Nero Programs, then click Nero Express.
Nero Express opens.

2
3

Insert a blank, writable CD into your recordable drive.
If a dialog box opens, click Take no action, then click OK.

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Creating CDs using Nero Express

Move your pointer over Data, then click Data Disc. The Disc Content screen
opens.

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Chapter 6: Using Multimedia

116

Click Add. The Select Files and Folders dialog box opens.

Browse to the folder that contains the files you want to add. You can click
the arrow to open the Location list, then click a drive or folder, or you can
click folders in the Name list. Press and hold the CTRL key to select multiple
files.

7
8

Click Add. You can continue to select files and click Add.
After you select all your files, click Finished.

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Creating CDs using Nero Express

Click Next. The Final Burn Settings screen opens.

Click the arrow to open the Current recorder list, then click your recordable
drive.

Click Burn. The Burning Process screen opens and Nero Express burns the
files to the CD.

12
13
14

When a message tells you that the recording is complete, click OK.
Click Next to return the main Nero Express screen.
Click Exit.

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Chapter 6: Using Multimedia

Copying a CD
To copy a music CD or data CD:

118

Click Start, All Programs, Burn a CD, Nero Programs, then click Nero Express.
Nero Express opens.

Click Copy entire disc. The Select source and destination screen opens.

Insert the music CD or data CD you want to copy into your recordable
drive.

Click the arrow to open the Source drive list, then click the drive that
contains your source disc.

Click the arrow to open the Destination drive list, then click your recordable
drive.

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Creating CDs using Nero Express

Click Burn. The Nero’s Title and CD Database dialog box opens.

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Chapter 6: Using Multimedia

Wait until the dialog box closes.
- OR Click Cancel.
The Burning Process screen opens. Nero Express copies the tracks or files to
your hard drive.

8
9
10
11

120

A message prompts you to insert a CD. Remove the source CD, insert a
blank, writable CD, then wait for the message box to close. Nero Express
copies the files from your hard drive to the writable CD.
When a message tells you that the recording is complete, click OK.
Click Next to return to the main Nero Express screen.
Click Exit.

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Creating CDs using Nero Express

Copying music tracks
To copy music CD tracks to your hard drive:

Click Start, All Programs, Burn a CD, Nero Programs, then click Nero Express.
Nero Express opens.

Insert the music CD that has the tracks you want to copy into your CD
drive.

3
4

If an Audio CD dialog box opens, click Take no action, then click OK.
Click More. The Nero Toolbar opens.

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Chapter 6: Using Multimedia

Click the Save Tracks icon. The Nero’s Title and CD Database dialog box
opens.

Wait until the dialog box closes.
- OR Click Cancel.

122

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Creating CDs using Nero Express

If a message box opens, click OK. The Save Tracks dialog box opens.

Click the arrow button to open the Output file format list, then click the
format you want for the saved tracks.

To record all the tracks, click GO. The recording process begins.
- OR To record selected tracks, hold down the CTRL key, click the tracks you
want, then click GO. The recording process begins.

After the recording is complete, click Close.

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Chapter 6: Using Multimedia

Creating a music CD
To create a music CD:

Click Start, All Programs, Burn a CD, Nero Programs, then click Nero Express.
Nero Express opens.

2
3
4

Insert a blank, writable CD into your recordable drive.
If a dialog box opens, click Take no action, then click OK.
Move your pointer over Music, then click one of the following options:
■

Audio CD to create a music CD that will play on all CD players. Nero
Express converts MP3 and WMA files to Audio CD format.

■

Audio and Data CD to create a CD that contains tracks and data files.
You can play the music files in a CD player and you can view all files
on your notebook.

■

MP3 Disc to create a CD using MP3 files. You can play the CD on your

notebook or a player that supports MP3 files.
■

124

WMA disc to create a CD using WMA files. You can play the CD on
your notebook or a player that supports WMA files.

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Creating CDs using Nero Express
The screen you use to add files opens.

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Chapter 6: Using Multimedia

126

Click Add. The Select Files and Folders dialog box opens.

7
8

Click Add. You can continue to select files and click Add.
After you select all your files, click Finished.

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Creating CDs using Nero Express

Click Next. The Final Burn Settings screen opens.

Click the arrow to open the Current recorder list, then click your recordable
drive.

Click Burn. The Burning Process screen opens and Nero Express burns the
files to the CD.

12
13
14

When a message tells you that the recording is complete, click OK.
Click Next to return the main Nero Express screen.
Click Exit.

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Chapter 6: Using Multimedia

Advanced features
In addition to Nero Express, you can use:
■

Nero BackItUp to create a backup of files on your hard drive, then use
BackItUp to restore the files you backed up in case of a hard drive failure,
virus, or other problem.

■

Nero CD-DVD Speed to test your CD and DVD drives for transfer rates,
load and eject times, seek and access times, and more.

■

Nero Cover Designer to create labels for your CDs and DVDs, covers for
your CD and DVD cases, booklets to include with your CDs and DVDs,
and more.

■

Nero DriveSpeed to control CD or DVD drive read speed and spin down
time.

■

Nero InfoTool to find out about your drive capabilities and your notebook
configuration.

To use these programs, click Start, All Programs, Burn a CD, Nero Programs, then
click the program you want.
For more information, see the online help in the programs and the online user’s
guides. To access the user’s guides, click Start, All Programs, Burn a CD, User’s
Guides, then click the guide you want.

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Using the optional diskette drive

Using the optional diskette drive
The diskette drive uses 3.5-inch diskettes (sometimes called floppy disks).
Diskettes are useful for storing files or transferring files to another computer.
Warning

Important

Do not expose diskettes to water or magnetic fields.
Exposure could damage the data on the diskette.

Your notebook comes with either a built-in diskette drive
or a built-in memory card reader. If your notebook has a
built-in memory card reader and you need to use a diskette
drive, Gateway recommends purchasing a USB diskette
drive. To order a USB diskette drive, visit the Accessory
Store at accessories.gateway.com.

To use a diskette:

1
2

Insert the diskette into the diskette drive with the label facing up.
To access a file on the diskette in Windows XP, click Start, then click My
Computer. Double-click the drive letter (for example, the A: drive), then
double-click the file name.
- OR To access a file on the diskette in Windows 2000, double-click the My
Computer icon, the drive letter (for example, the A: drive), then double-click
the file name.

To remove the diskette, make sure that the diskette drive status indicator
(see “Status indicators” on page 22) is off, then press the diskette eject
button.

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Chapter 6: Using Multimedia

Using the optional memory card
reader
Important

Your notebook comes with either a built-in diskette drive
or a built-in memory card reader. If your notebook has a
built-in diskette drive and you need to use a memory card
reader, Gateway recommends purchasing a USB memory
card reader. To order a USB memory card reader, visit the
Accessory Store at accessories.gateway.com.

You can use memory cards to transfer pictures from a digital camera to your
notebook. You can also use the memory card reader to transfer data between
your notebook and a device that uses memory cards, such as a PDA, MP3 player,
or cellular telephone.
Left slot

130

Right slot

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Using the optional memory card reader

Memory card types
The memory card reader supports the following card types.
Card Type

Slot
®

CompactFlash

right

IBM Microdrive™

right

Memory Stick

left

MultiMediaCard™

left

Secure Digital™

left

SmartMedia™ (3.3V only)

left

Each slot is assigned a different drive letter (for example, the E: and F: drives)
so data can be transferred from one card type to another.

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Chapter 6: Using Multimedia

Using a memory card
To insert a memory card:

Insert the memory card into the memory card slot with the label facing
up and the arrow on the label pointing towards your notebook.
Important

Insert the SmartMedia card with the label facing down.
Your notebook only accepts 3.3V SmartMedia cards.

To access a file on the memory card in Windows XP, click Start, then click
My Computer. Double-click the drive letter (for example, the E: drive), then
double-click the file name.
- OR To access a file on the memory card in Windows 2000, double-click the
My Computer icon, the drive letter (for example, the E: drive), then

double-click the file name.

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Connecting a digital camera

To remove a memory card:
■

Make sure that diskette drive status indicator (see “Status indicators” on
page 22) is off, then pull the memory card out of the notebook.

Important

Do not use the remove hardware
to remove the memory card.

icon in the taskbar

Connecting a digital camera
You can connect most digital cameras to your notebook’s USB port to transfer
pictures.

To connect a digital camera:

Connect one end of the USB cable to your digital camera, and connect
the other end of the cable to the USB port on the right side of your
notebook.

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Chapter 6: Using Multimedia

Use the program that came with your digital camera to transfer the pictures
to your notebook.
-ORIn Windows XP, use the Scanner and Camera Wizard to transfer the
pictures to your notebook.
-ORIf your digital camera appears as a drive on your notebook in the
My Computer window, see “Working with files and folders” on page 49 for
information about moving files to your hard drive.

Help and
Support

For more information about using the Scanner and Camera
Wizard in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and
Support.
Type the keyword digital picture in the Help and Support
Search box
, then click the arrow.

Tips & Tricks

134

In Windows XP, see Do More With Gateway for more
information about using your notebook to edit, store, and
print digital photos. Click Start, then click Do More With
Gateway. If you are in the Business Solutions view, click
Consumer Solutions. Click Digital Photos.

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Sending and
Receiving Faxes

Microsoft Fax lets you send and receive faxes using the
modem. Read this chapter to learn how to:
■

Install and configure Fax

■

Create and send a new fax

■

Set up a fax cover page template

■

Fax a document you scanned or created in another
program

■

Receive, view, and print a fax

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Chapter 7: Sending and Receiving Faxes

Installing and configuring Fax
Important

Your modem cable must be installed before you can send
and receive faxes. You cannot use your standard telephone
modem to connect to the Internet while sending and
receiving faxes.

Help and
Support

For more information about sending and receiving faxes
in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword Fax in the Help and Support Search box
, then click the arrow.

If you are using Windows XP, complete the following instructions for installing
and configuring Fax. If you are using Windows 2000, go to “Configuring Fax
in Windows 2000” on page 140.

Installing Fax in Windows XP
Microsoft Fax lets you send and receive faxes using your modem. When
Windows XP was originally installed on your notebook, Fax was not installed.
You need to install Fax from your blue Operating System CD.

To install Fax:

1
2

Insert the blue Operating System CD in your CD or DVD drive.
If the Welcome to Microsoft Windows XP dialog box opens, click Install
optional Windows components. The Windows Components Wizard opens.
-ORIf the Welcome to Microsoft Windows XP dialog box does not open, click
Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.
Click/Double-click Add and Remove Programs. The Add or Remove Programs
dialog box opens. Click Add/Remove Windows Components. The Windows

Components Wizard opens.

3
4

136

Click Fax Services, then click Next.
Click Finish to exit the Windows Components Wizard.

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Installing and configuring Fax

Click Exit to close the Welcome to Microsoft Windows XP dialog box.
-ORClick Close to close the Add or Remove Programs dialog box.

Configuring Fax in Windows XP
Before you send your first fax, you need to set up your user information. Your
fax cover sheets and fax headers contain this information, some of which is
required by law. The Fax Configuration Wizard opens the first time you try to
send a fax.
Important

The first time you run the Fax Configuration Wizard, you
may need to provide information in the Location
Information and the Phone and Modem Options dialog
boxes.

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Chapter 7: Sending and Receiving Faxes

To configure Microsoft Fax:

138

Click Start, All Programs, Accessories, Communications, Fax, then click Fax
Console. The Fax Configuration Wizard opens.

On the Welcome to Fax Configuration Wizard screen, click Next. The Sender
Information screen opens.

Type the information about yourself that you want to appear on your fax
cover page, then click Next. The Select Device for Sending or Receiving Faxes
screen opens.

Click the arrow to open the Please select the fax device list, then click the
modem you are using to send and receive faxes.

If you want the modem to automatically answer the telephone in order
to receive faxes, click the Enable Receive check box.

Click Next. The Transmitting Subscriber Identification (TSID) screen opens.

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Installing and configuring Fax

Type the transmitting fax identifier information. This identifier
information is required by law. You can type up to 20 characters in the
text box. We suggest using eight characters for your identifier name,
followed by 12 characters for your telephone number.
Important

8
9

Some fax machines cannot use special characters such
as hyphens. We suggest using spaces instead of hyphens
in telephone and fax numbers.

Click Next.
If you set up your notebook to receive faxes, type the receiving fax
identifier information, then click Next. This identifier information is
required by law and can be the same identifier that you typed in Step 7.
The Routing Options screen opens.

If you set up your notebook to receive faxes, select a folder you want to
store received faxes in and a printer you want to print received faxes on,
then click Next. The Configuration Summary screen opens.

Click Finish.

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Chapter 7: Sending and Receiving Faxes

Configuring Fax in Windows 2000
Before you send your first fax, you need to set up your user information. Your
fax cover sheets and fax headers contain this information, some of which is
required by law.

To configure Microsoft Fax:

Click Start, Settings, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window
opens.

2
3
4

Double-click the Fax icon. The Fax Properties dialog box opens.

5
6

Click the Advanced Options tab.

7
8
9
10

Click the User Information tab.
Type the information about yourself that you want to appear on the fax
cover page.

Click Open Fax Service Management Console. The Fax Service Management
window opens.
Click Devices in the left column.
Double-click the name of your modem. The Modem Properties dialog box
opens.
Click Enable send.
Type the transmitting fax identifier information. This identifier
information is required by law. You can type up to 20 characters in the
text box. We suggest using eight characters for your identifier name,
followed by 12 characters for your telephone number.
Important

Some fax machines cannot use special characters such
as hyphens. We suggest using spaces instead of hyphens
in telephone and fax numbers

If you want to receive faxes, click Enable receive.
-ORIf you do not want to receive faxes, go to Step 14.

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Sending a simple fax

Type the receiving fax identifier information. This identifier information
is required by law and can be the same identifier that you typed in Step 10.

Click the Received Faxes tab and select a folder you want to store received
faxes in.

14
15

Click OK.

Click the X in the top-right corner to close the Fax Service Management
window.
Click OK.

Sending a simple fax
You can use the Send Fax Wizard to send a simple one-page fax to one or more
recipients.

To send a simple fax:

In Windows XP, click Start, All Programs, Accessories, Communications, Fax,
then click Send a Fax. The Send Fax Wizard opens.
- OR In Windows 2000, click Start, Programs, Accessories, Communications, Fax,
then click Send Cover Page Fax. The Send Fax Wizard opens.

On the Welcome to Fax Configuration Wizard screen, click Next. The Recipient
Information screen opens.

3
4

Type the name and fax number of the recipient of your fax.
If you need to use the area code for your recipient, click Use dialing rules
to type the full ten-digit fax number.

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Chapter 7: Sending and Receiving Faxes

142

If you want to send your fax to more than one recipient, click Add and
type the name and fax number of the next recipient.

When you have added all your recipients, click Next. The Preparing the Cover
Page screen opens.

Click the arrow to open the Cover page template, then click the cover page
template you want to use.

8
9

Type the subject text in the Subject line area.
Type the message text in the Note area, then click Next. The Schedule screen
opens.

Select when you want to send the fax and a priority for the fax, then click
Next. The Completing the Send Fax Wizard screen opens.

Click Finish.

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Setting up your cover page template

Setting up your cover page
template
You can create your own cover page template that you can use in place of the
cover page templates that Microsoft Fax provides for you. To create a cover page
template, you use the Fax Cover Page Editor. On this template, you insert
information fields that automatically import values you enter in both the Send
Fax Wizard and the Fax Configuration Wizard (Windows XP) or Fax Properties
User Information tab (Windows 2000) when you send your fax.

To set up your fax cover page template:

In Windows XP, click Start, All Programs, Accessories, Communications, Fax,
then click Fax Cover Page Editor. The Cover Page-Fax Cover Page Editor
opens. If the Cover Page Editor Tips dialog box opens, click OK.
-ORIn Windows 2000, click Start, Settings, then click Control Panel. The Control
Panel window opens. Double-click the Fax icon. The Fax Properties dialog
box opens. Click the Cover Pages tab. Click New. The Cover Page-Fax Cover
Page Editor opens.

If you want to include fields that are imported from either the Send Fax
Wizard or the Fax Configuration Wizard (such as To or From), add them
to the page by using the Insert menu, then move them to the appropriate
place on your template. You can also use the Insert menu to include
information that is automatically calculated (such as number of pages or
date and time sent).

If you want to include text that always appears on your cover page (such
as a letterhead or address), draw a box using the text box tool, type your
text inside of it, then move the box to the appropriate place on your
template.

If you want to include a logo that appears on your cover page, copy it to
the Windows clipboard, then paste it into the Cover Page Editor and move
it to the appropriate place on your template.

To save your cover page template, click File, then click Save As. The Save
As dialog box opens with your personal cover pages folder already in the
Save in list.

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6
7

Type the new cover page template name.
Click Save.

Faxing from programs
To fax a document directly from most programs:

1
2
3
4
5

Open your document in the program it was created in.
Click File, then click Print. The Print dialog box opens.
Click the arrow button to open the Name list, then click the Fax printer.
Click Print or OK. The Send Fax Wizard opens.
Complete the wizard by following the instructions in “Sending a simple
fax” on page 141.

Faxing a scanned document
To fax a document that you have scanned:

1
2
3
4
5

144

Scan the document using the program for your scanner.
With the scanned file open, click File, then click Print. The Print dialog box
opens.
Click the arrow button to open the Name list, then click the Fax printer.
Click Print or OK. The Send Fax Wizard opens.
Complete the wizard by following the instructions in “Sending a simple
fax” on page 141.

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Receiving and viewing a fax

Receiving and viewing a fax
To receive and view a fax in Windows XP:

Click Start, All Programs, Accessories, Communications, Fax, then click Fax
Console. The Fax Console opens. When the Fax Console is open, it detects
incoming faxes and stores them in the Inbox.

To view a fax, click Inbox, then double-click the fax you want to view. The
fax viewer opens, where you can view and print the fax.

To receive and view a fax in Windows 2000:

Click Start, Programs, Accessories, Communications, Fax, then click My Faxes.
The My Faxes folder opens.

To view a fax, double-click Received Faxes, then double-click the fax you
want to view. The fax viewer opens, where you can view and print the fax.

Canceling a fax
You can cancel a fax that you have set up to send at a time in the future.

To cancel a fax that has not been sent in Windows XP:

If Fax is not open, click Start, All Programs, Accessories, Communications,
Fax, then click Fax Console. The Fax Console opens.

2
3
4

Click Outbox, then right-click the fax you want to cancel.
Click Delete to cancel the fax.
Click Yes.

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To cancel a fax that has not been sent in Windows 2000:

If Fax is not open, click Start, Programs, Accessories, Communications, Fax,
then click Fax Queue. The Fax Queue opens.

2
3

Right-click the fax you want to cancel.
Click Cancel.

Automatically retry sending a fax
in Windows XP
You can set up Fax so it continues to try sending your fax if the receiving fax
machine is busy.
Important

Fax is automatically set up to retry three times at ten
minute intervals.

To automatically retry sending a fax in Windows XP:

1
2

Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.
If your Control Panel is in Category View, click Printers and Other Hardware.
Click View installed printers or fax printers. The Printers and Faxes window
opens.
-ORIf your Control Panel is in Classic View, double-click the Printers and Faxes
icon. The Printers and Faxes window opens.

3
4

146

Right-click Fax, then click Properties. The Fax Properties dialog box opens.
Click the Devices tab, then click Properties. The Modem dialog box opens.

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Automatically cancelling a fax in Windows XP

5
6

Specify the number of retries and the amount of time between retries.
Click OK.

Automatically cancelling a fax in
Windows XP
If your notebook tried to send a fax and failed to connect to a fax machine,
you can automatically cancel a failed fax.

To automatically cancel a failed fax in Windows XP:

1
2

3
4
5
6

Right-click Fax, then click Properties. The Fax Properties dialog box opens.

Click OK.

Click the Devices tab, then click Properties. The Modem dialog box opens.
Click the Cleanup tab.
Click to select the Automatically delete failed faxes after check box and specify
the number of days.

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148

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Managing Power

While your notebook is running on battery power, you
should manage power consumption to get the most use out
of the battery. Read this chapter to learn how to:
■

Check and recharge the battery

■

Recalibrate the battery

■

Change batteries

■

Extend the life of the battery by conserving battery
power and using alternate power sources

■

Change power-saving settings

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Monitoring the battery charge
Closely monitor the battery charge. When the battery charge gets low, change
the battery or connect to AC power immediately to prevent losing any unsaved
work.
Monitor the battery charge by:
■

Double-clicking the power cord icon
The Power Meter dialog box opens.
Important

in the taskbar.

If the power cord or battery icon does not appear on the
taskbar, click the show hidden icons
button. If the icon
still does not appear, make sure that Always show icon
on the taskbar is checked on the Power Options
Properties Advanced tab. See “Changing advanced
settings” on page 160 for more information.

■

Pressing FN+STATUS to view the power status box, which opens in the
upper-left corner of the screen. The power status box shows the current
power source, the battery charge level, and the power management mode.

■

Looking at the battery charge indicator:
■

LED green - battery is fully charged.

■

LED orange - battery is charging.

■

LED blinking red - battery charge is very low.

■

LED solid red - battery is malfunctioning.

Important

150

or battery icon

This LED only lights up when your notebook is connected
to AC power or the battery charge is very low. For the
location of the battery charge indicator, see “Front” on
page 2.

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Recharging the battery
■

Pressing the battery meter buttons on the battery. The battery meter lights
indicate the percentage of battery charge remaining.

Press
here

■

Waiting for a Low Battery warning message to appear.

If your battery charge indicator displays what looks like an inaccurate charge,
you may need to recalibrate the battery. For more information, see
“Recalibrating the battery” on page 152.

Recharging the battery
The battery recharges while it is installed and your notebook is connected to
AC power. While the battery is recharging, the battery charge indicator turns
orange and the battery icon in the taskbar has a lightning bolt
.
Important

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Recalibrating the battery
If your notebook unexpectedly goes into Standby mode while you are using it
but the battery charge is not low, you may need to recalibrate your battery.
You should also recalibrate the battery periodically to maintain the accuracy
of the battery gauge.

To recalibrate the battery:

1
2

Connect the AC adapter, then turn on your notebook.

3
4

Open the Advanced menu.

5
6

Open the Exit menu, then highlight Exit Saving Changes and press ENTER.

As soon as it starts and you see a startup screen, press F2. The BIOS Setup
utility opens.

Highlight Battery Auto Learning, then select Enabled by pressing the
spacebar.

Select Yes, then press ENTER.
The battery recalibration process begins and a screen opens showing you
the progress. The entire process will take several hours.
Important

Do not interrupt the battery recalibration process. If
recalibration is interrupted, you must start the process over
again.

When the recalibration has finished, the message “Press [Esc] key to exit”
appears.

152

Press ESC. The battery charge indicator now displays an accurate battery
charge. If the battery charge indicator does not show an accurate charge,
contact Gateway Technical Support.

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Changing batteries

Changing batteries
If your notebook is plugged into an AC outlet, you can change the battery while
your notebook is turned on. If your notebook is not plugged into an AC outlet,
you must turn your notebook off while changing the battery.
Warning

Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced.
Replace only with a Gateway M305 battery. Discard used
batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
The battery used in this device may present a fire or
chemical burn hazard if mishandled. Do not disassemble,
heat above 212°F (100°C), or incinerate. Dispose of used
battery promptly. Keep away from children.

Replacing the battery
To replace the battery:

If your notebook is on and is connected to AC power, go to Step 2.
-ORIf your notebook is on and is not connected to AC power, save your work
and turn off your notebook.

2
3

Close the LCD panel.
Turn your notebook over so the bottom is facing up.

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Chapter 8: Managing Power

154

Slide the battery release latch.

Lift the battery out of the bay.

Place a recharged battery into the bay and press down until it snaps into
place.

7
8

Turn your notebook over.
Open the LCD panel and press the power button.

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Extending battery life

Extending battery life
Conserving battery power
While using the battery to power your notebook, conserve power by:
■

Dimming the display as low as is comfortable.

■

Removing PC Cards and IBM Microdrive cards when you do not need
them. Many PC Cards and Microdrive cards use a small amount of power
while inserted, even if they are not being used.

■

Modifying the power management settings for maximum power savings.
For more information, see “Changing power settings” on page 157.

■

Closing the LCD panel to turn off the display while you are not using your
notebook. The display stays off until you open the panel again.

■

Using Hibernate mode for maximum power savings while your notebook
is not in use. For more information, see “Activating and using Hibernate
mode” on page 161.

■

Using the CD, DVD, or recordable drive only when necessary. These drives
use a large amount of power.

■

Recharging the battery often, taking an extra battery, and fully recharging
the batteries before traveling. For more information, see “Recharging the
battery” on page 151 and “Changing batteries” on page 153.

Using alternate power sources
To extend battery life, use alternate power sources whenever possible.
■

If traveling internationally, take electrical adapters. Save the battery for
times when you cannot use a power adapter. If you plan on taking your
AC power adapter, also take a single-plug surge protector.

■

If you will have access to an EmPower™ in-flight power receptacle or an
automobile cigarette lighter, use an airplane/automobile power adapter or
power inverter. Save the battery for times when you cannot use a power
adapter.

■

To find AC power outlets in airports, look for them next to support pillars,
in large areas such as boarding gates, and under banks of telephones.

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Chapter 8: Managing Power

Changing power modes
You can use the following power modes to lengthen the life of your notebook’s
battery:
■

Standby - while your notebook is in Standby, it switches to a low power
state where devices, such as the display and drives, turn off.

■

Hibernate - (also called save to disk) writes all current memory (RAM)
information to the hard drive, then turns your notebook completely off.
The next time you turn on your notebook, it reads the memory
information from the hard drive and opens the programs and documents
that were open when you activated Hibernate mode. For more information
on using Hibernate mode, see “Activating and using Hibernate mode” on
page 161.

Using power saving modes
Always save your work before using Standby mode. In Standby mode, your
notebook reduces or turns off the power to most devices except memory.
However, the information in memory is not saved to the hard drive. If power
is interrupted, the information is lost.
When in Hibernate mode, your notebook saves all memory information to the
hard drive, then turns the power completely off.
If your notebook
is...

...and you want to...

...then

Enter Standby mode

Press FN+STANDBY.
-ORClose the LCD panel.

Enter Hibernate mode
(must be activated)

In Windows XP, click Start, then click
Turn Off Computer. Press and hold SHIFT, then
click Hibernate.
- OR In Windows 2000, click Start, then click Shut
Down. Click the arrow button to open the What do
you want your computer to do list, then click
Hibernate. Click OK.

In Standby or
Hibernate mode

156

Exit Standby or
Hibernate mode

Press the power button.

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Changing power settings

Changing power settings
You can change the function of the power button, Standby system key, and
power-saving timers by changing power settings on your notebook.
You can customize power settings from the Windows Control Panel by selecting
power schemes, setting power alarms, adjusting advanced power settings, and
activating Hibernate mode.
Power schemes (groups of power settings) let you change power saving options
such as when the display or hard drive is automatically turned off. You can
select one of the defined power schemes or create a custom power scheme. In
Windows XP, power schemes also set the speed of an Intel®
SpeedStep™-equipped processor. For more information, see “Changing
SpeedStep settings” on page 163.
Alarms can alert you when the battery charge is low.
Advanced power settings let you assign different power saving modes to the power
button and Standby system key. You can also select which power saving mode
is activated when you close the LCD panel.

Changing the power scheme
To change the power scheme:

In Windows XP, click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel
window opens. If your Control Panel is in Category View, click Performance
and Maintenance.
- OR In Windows 2000, click Start, Settings, then click Control Panel. The Control
Panel window opens.

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Chapter 8: Managing Power

Click/Double-click the Power Options or Power Management icon. The Power
Options Properties dialog box opens.

Click the arrow button to open the Power Schemes list, then click the power
scheme you want.
- OR Set the timers, then click Save As and type a name for the scheme.

Click OK.

Help and
Support

For more information about changing the power scheme
in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword power scheme in the Help and Support
Search box
, then click the arrow.

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Changing power settings

Changing alarm options
To change the alarm options:

Click/Double-click the Power Options or Power Management icon. The Power
Options Properties dialog box opens.

Click the Alarms tab.

4
5

Adjust the alarm settings.
Click OK.

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Chapter 8: Managing Power

Help and
Support

For more information about changing the alarm options in
Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword alarm options in the Help and Support
Search box
, then click the arrow.

Changing advanced settings
To change advanced power management settings:

160

Click/Double-click the Power Options or Power Management icon. The Power
Options Properties dialog box opens.

Click the Advanced tab.

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Changing power settings

Click the arrow button to open a Power buttons list, then click the power
setting mode you want to use.

Click OK.

Help and
Support

For more information about changing the power
management settings in Windows XP, click Start, then
click Help and Support.
Type the keyword power management in the Help and
Support Search box
, then click the
arrow.

Activating and using Hibernate mode
To activate Hibernate mode:

Click/Double-click the Power Options or Power Management icon. The Power
Options Properties dialog box opens.

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Chapter 8: Managing Power

Click the Hibernate tab.

Click the Enable hibernation check box, then click Apply. Hibernate mode is
now an option you can select on the Advanced tab in the Power Options
Properties dialog box and in the Turn Off Computer or Shut Down Windows
dialog box.

To use Hibernate mode:
■

As an automatic power savings mode:
Open the Power Options Properties dialog box, then click the Power Schemes
tab. Click the arrow button to open a System hibernates list, then click the
time you want to use.
- OR Open the Power Options Properties dialog box, then click the Advanced tab.
Hibernate is now an option in the Power buttons lists.

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Changing power settings
■

As a manually-selected power savings mode:
In Windows XP, click Start, then click Turn Off Computer. Press and hold
SHIFT, then click Hibernate.
- OR In Windows 2000, click Start, then click Shut Down. Click the arrow button
to open the What do you want your computer to do list, then click Hibernate.
Click OK.

Help and
Support

For more information about using Hibernate mode in
Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword hibernate in the Help and Support
Search box
, then click the arrow.

Changing SpeedStep settings
The processor installed in your notebook may use Intel® SpeedStep™
technology to conserve battery power. A SpeedStep-equipped processor can
change its operating speed according to the power source. Your notebook’s
default settings operate the processor at full speed while connected to AC power
and at reduced speed (which uses less power) while using battery power.
If you are using Windows XP, you can modify the Intel SpeedStep settings by
the power scheme you select. For more information, see “Changing power
settings” on page 157. If you are using Windows 2000, you can change the
SpeedStep settings using the Intel SpeedStep technology tab.

To change SpeedStep settings in Windows 2000:

Click Start, Settings, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window
opens.

Double-click the Power Management icon. The Power Options Properties dialog
box opens.

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Chapter 8: Managing Power

Click the Intel SpeedStep technology tab.

Change any of the following settings:

164

■

To run the processor at full speed regardless of the power source, click
the arrow button to open the Running on batteries list, then click
Maximum Performance.

■

To run the processor at reduced speed (using less power) regardless of
the power source, click the arrow button to open the Plugged in list,
then click Battery Optimized Performance.

■

To turn off the SpeedStep technology control, click the Advanced
button, click the Disable Intel SpeedStep technology control check box,
then click Apply.

■

To remove the SpeedStep icon from the taskbar, click the Advanced
button, click the Remove icon from taskbar check box, then click Apply.

Click OK.

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Travel Tips

These tips can make traveling with your notebook more
convenient and trouble-free. Read this chapter to learn
about:
■

Using the modem

■

Using your radio frequency wireless connections

■

Transferring files

■

Protecting your notebook from loss and theft

■

Managing your notebook’s power efficiently
Tips & Tricks

You can download an electronic copy of this
guide from
support.gateway.com/support/manlib/.

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Chapter 9: Travel Tips

Modem
■

Take a telephone cord to connect the modem to telephone jacks. If you
are traveling internationally, take telephone jack adapters or an acoustic
handset coupler.

■

Take a telephone line protector.

■

Take a telephone line tester to check for unsafe lines, especially if you are
traveling internationally.

■

Take remote access information with you so you can connect to your ISP
while outside of your usual calling area. A list of country dialing codes may
be especially useful if you are traveling internationally.

Radio frequency wireless
connections

166

■

Every country has different restrictions on the use of wireless devices. If
your notebook is equipped with a wireless device, check with the local
radio approval authorities prior to your trip for any restrictions on the use
of a wireless device in the destination country.

■

If your notebook came equipped with an internal embedded wireless
device, see “Safety, Regulatory, and Legal Information” on page 281 for
general wireless regulatory guidelines.

■

Wireless communication can interfere with equipment on commercial
aircraft. Current aviation regulations require wireless devices to be turned
off while traveling in an airplane. IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, and
IEEE 802.11g communication devices are examples of devices which use
wireless to communicate. For instructions on how to turn off your wireless
device, see “Turning your wireless Ethernet emitter on or off” on page 200.

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Files

Files
■

Copy your working files from your desktop computer to your notebook
before you travel.

■

If you need to access your desktop computer files from your notebook
while traveling, set up your desktop computer for remote access. Contact
your network administrator for more information about remote access.

■

Take extra recordable media for transferring files between computers and
backing up files.

Security
■

Get a locking cable for your notebook so you can attach a cable lock and
leave your notebook in your hotel room while you are away.

■

Always keep your notebook with you while waiting in airports, train
stations, or bus terminals. Be ready to claim your notebook as soon as it
passes through the x-ray machine in security checkpoints.

■

Write down your notebook model number and serial number (see
“Identifying your model” on page 10) in case of theft or loss, and keep the
information in a safe place. Also, tape your business card or an address
label to your notebook and accessories.

■

Whoever sits next to you or behind you can see your notebook display.
Avoid working with confidential files until you can be sure of privacy.

■

Use a startup password to restrict access to your notebook.
Important

Use a password that you can remember, but that is difficult
for someone else to guess. The password feature is very
secure, with no easy way to recover a forgotten password.
If you forget your password, you must return your notebook
to Gateway for service. Call Gateway Technical Support for
instructions.

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Chapter 9: Travel Tips

To create a startup password:

Restart your notebook. As soon as you see a startup screen, press F2.
The BIOS Setup utility opens.

Open the Security menu, then highlight Set Supervisor Password,
then press ENTER and follow the instructions. You must set the
supervisor password in order to set the user (startup) password.

Highlight Set User Password, then press ENTER and follow the
instructions. This is the password you need to enter at startup.

4
5
6

Highlight Password on boot, then press ENTER.
Highlight Enabled, then press ENTER.
Open the Exit menu, highlight Exit Saving Changes, then press ENTER.
When you start your notebook, you are prompted to enter the user
password you set in Step 3.

Power

168

■

Take your AC power adapter to recharge the battery. If you are traveling
internationally, take power plug adapters.

■

Take a portable surge protector to protect your notebook from power
surges.

■

To get the best performance from your notebook, avoid using the battery
whenever possible, monitor the battery charge, and use the most efficient
power management settings.
■

For information on conserving battery power, see “Conserving battery
power” on page 155.

■

For information on using alternate power sources, see “Using alternate
power sources” on page 155.

■

For information on monitoring the battery charge, see “Monitoring
the battery charge” on page 150.

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Additional tips

Additional tips
■

If you plan to use several USB peripheral devices, take a portable USB hub
to provide additional USB ports.

■

Take a network cable if you need to connect to a network. Some hotels
provide Internet connectivity only through their networks.

■

If your notebook has been exposed to cold temperatures, allow it to warm
to room temperature before turning it on.

■

Take your System Restoration CDs in case you need to install an additional
driver or software.

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Customizing
Your Notebook

This chapter provides information about customizing your
notebook by changing settings in Windows. Read this
chapter to learn how to:
■

Change screen and display settings

■

Change the background and screen saver

■

Adjust the touchpad settings

■

Add, change, and switch user accounts in Windows XP

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Chapter 10: Customizing Your Notebook

Adjusting the screen and desktop
settings
Adjusting the color depth and screen area are two of the most basic display
settings you may need to change. You can also adjust settings such as the screen
background and screen saver.

Adjusting the color depth
Color depth is the number of colors your screen displays. Various image types
require various color depths for optimum appearance. For example, simple color
drawings may appear adequately in 256 colors while color photographs need
millions of colors to be displayed with optimum quality.
Windows lets you choose from several color depth settings. We recommend
that you use the 32-bit True Color setting at all times.
If the color in your images seems “false” or “jumpy,” especially after you have
played a game or run a video-intensive program, check the color depth setting
and return it to 32-bit True Color, if necessary.

To change the color depth:

In Windows XP, click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel
window opens. If your Control Panel is in Category View, click
Appearance and Themes.
- OR In Windows 2000, click Start, Settings, then click Control Panel. The Control
Panel window opens.

172

Click/Double-click the Display icon. The Display Properties dialog box opens.

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Adjusting the screen and desktop settings

Click the Settings tab.

Click the arrow button to open the Color quality or Colors list, then click
the color depth you want.

To save your changes in Windows XP, click OK, then click Yes.
- OR To save your changes in Windows 2000, click OK, then click OK again.

Help and
Support

For more information about adjusting display settings in
Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword changing display settings in the Help
and Support Search box
, then
click the arrow.

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Adjusting the screen resolution
You can increase the screen resolution to fit more icons on your desktop, or
you can decrease the resolution to make reading the display easier. The higher
the resolution, the smaller individual components of the screen (such as icons
and menu bars) appear.

To adjust the screen resolution:

2
3

174

Click/Double-click the Display icon. The Display Properties dialog box opens.
Click the Settings tab.

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Adjusting the screen and desktop settings

4
5

Drag the Screen resolution or Screen area slider to the size you prefer.
To save your changes in Windows XP, click OK, then click Yes.
- OR To save your changes in Windows 2000, click OK, then click OK again.

Help and
Support

For more information about adjusting screen resolution in
Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword changing screen resolution in the
Help and Support Search box
,
then click the arrow.

Changing the colors on your Windows
desktop
You can change the colors of Windows desktop items, such as the background
color and dialog box title bars.

To change desktop colors in Windows XP:

Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens. If your
Control Panel is in Category View, click Appearance and Themes.

Click/Double-click the Display icon. The Display Properties dialog box opens.

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Chapter 10: Customizing Your Notebook

Click the Appearance tab.

Click the arrow button to open the Color scheme list, click the color scheme
you want, then click OK. The new colors appear on your desktop.
- OR If you want to create a new color scheme as part of a desktop theme:

176

a
b

Click Advanced. The Advanced Appearance dialog box opens.

c
d
e

Change the color or font settings for the item.

Click the arrow button to open the Item list, then click the item you
want to change.

Click OK, then click the Themes tab.
Click Save As, type a name for the new theme, then click OK twice.
The new colors appear on your desktop.

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Adjusting the screen and desktop settings

To change desktop colors in Windows 2000:

Click Start, Settings, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window
opens.

2
3

Double-click the Display icon. The Display Properties dialog box opens.

If you want to apply one of Windows’ color schemes, click the arrow
button to open the Scheme list, click the scheme you want, then click OK.
The new scheme appears on your desktop.

Click the Appearance tab.

- OR If you want to create a new color scheme:

Click the arrow button to open the Item list, then click the item you
want to change.

b
c
d

Change the color or font settings for the item.
Click Save As, type a name for the new scheme, then click OK.
Click OK again. The new colors appear on your desktop.

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Chapter 10: Customizing Your Notebook

Changing the desktop background
In Windows XP, you can change the Windows desktop background picture.
Windows provides several backgrounds, or you can use pictures that you have
created or retrieved from other sources.
In Windows 2000, you can change the Windows desktop background to a
picture or an HTML document. Windows provides several background pictures.
You can also use pictures or HTML documents that you have created or retrieved
from other sources.

To change the desktop background in Windows XP:

178

Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens. If your
Control Panel is in Category View, click Appearance and Themes.

2
3

Click/Double-click the Display icon. The Display Properties dialog box opens.
Click the Desktop tab.

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Adjusting the screen and desktop settings

Click a background picture in the Background list.
- OR Click Browse to select a background picture from another location.

If you want the picture you chose to cover the entire screen, click the arrow
button to open the Position list, then click Stretch or Tile.

If the picture you chose does not cover the entire screen and you did not
choose to stretch or tile the image in Step 5, you can change the solid color
behind the picture by clicking the arrow button to open the Color list, then
clicking a color.

Click OK.

Help and
Support

For more information about changing the desktop
background in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help
and Support.
Type the keyword changing desktop background in the
Help and Support Search box
,
then click the arrow.

To change the desktop background in Windows 2000:

Click Start, Settings, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window
opens.

Double-click the Display icon. The Display Properties dialog box opens.

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Chapter 10: Customizing Your Notebook

Click the Background tab.

Click a background picture in the Select a background picture or HTML
document as Wallpaper list.

- OR Click Browse to select a background picture from another location.

180

If you want the picture you chose to cover the entire screen, click the arrow
button to open the Picture Display list, then click Tile.

If the picture you chose does not cover the entire screen and you did not
choose to tile the image in Step 5, you can change the solid color behind
the picture by clicking Pattern, clicking a pattern in the Pattern list, then
clicking OK.

Click OK.

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Adjusting the screen and desktop settings

Selecting a screen saver
You can use a screen saver to keep others from viewing your display while you
are away from your notebook. Windows supplies a variety of screen savers that
you can choose from, and many more are available from the Internet and as
commercial products.

To select a screen saver:

2
3

Click/Double-click the Display icon. The Display Properties dialog box opens.
Click the Screen Saver tab.

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Chapter 10: Customizing Your Notebook

Click the arrow button to open the Screen Saver list, then click the screen
saver you want. Windows previews the screen saver.

If you want to customize the screen saver, click Settings, then make your
changes. If the Settings button is not available, you cannot customize the
screen saver you selected.

In Windows XP, if you want to display the Welcome (Login) screen
whenever you exit the screen saver, click the On resume, display Welcome
screen check box.

If you want to change the time before the screen saver is activated, click
the up or down arrows next to the Wait box.

Click OK.

Help and
Support

For more information about selecting a screen saver in
Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword screen savers in the Help and Support
Search box
, then click the arrow.

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Changing the touchpad settings

Changing the touchpad settings
You can adjust the double-click speed, pointer speed, left-hand or right-hand
configuration, and other touchpad settings.

To change your touchpad settings:

In Windows XP, click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel
window opens. If your Control Panel is in Category View, click Printers
and Other Hardware.
- OR In Windows 2000, click Start, Settings, then click Control Panel. The Control
Panel window opens.

Click/Double-click the Mouse icon. The Mouse Properties dialog box opens.

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Chapter 10: Customizing Your Notebook

Click the Device Settings tab, then click Settings to change your touchpad
settings.

To modify a touchpad setting, click the + in front of a setting, then modify
the setting.

To assign a function to the rocker switch, click the + in front of Buttons,
click the up or down button, then click the action you want.

Click OK to save changes.

Help and
Support

For more information about changing mouse settings in
Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword mouse settings in the Help and Support
Search box
, then click the arrow.

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Adding and modifying user accounts

Adding and modifying user
accounts
In Windows XP, you can create and customize a user account for each person
who uses your notebook. You can also switch (change) user accounts without
turning off your notebook.

User account tips
■

If you want to create an account for someone, but you do not want that
user to have full access to your notebook, be sure to make that account
limited. Remember that limited accounts may not be able to install some
older programs.

■

If a program or peripheral device is installed in one account, it may not
be available in other accounts. If this happens, install the program or
device in the accounts that need it.

■

Files created in one account are not accessible from other accounts unless
the files are stored in the Shared Documents folder. The Shared Documents
folder is accessible from all accounts on that computer and from other
computers on the network.

To add, delete, or modify user accounts in Windows XP:

1
2

Click Start, then click Control Panel.

Follow the on-screen instructions to add, delete, or modify a user account.

Click/Double-click the User Accounts icon. The User Accounts window
opens.

Help and
Support

For more information about user accounts in Windows XP,
click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword user accounts in the Help and Support
Search box
, then click the arrow.

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Chapter 10: Customizing Your Notebook

To switch user accounts in Windows XP:

186

Click Start, then click Log Off. The Log Off Windows dialog box opens.

2
3

Click Switch User. The Windows Welcome screen opens.
Click the user account that you want to use. When you switch between
user accounts, any programs that were running for the previous user
continue to run.

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Networking Your
Notebook

Connecting your home, small office, or home office
computers lets you share drives, printers, and a single
Internet connection among the connected computers.
Read this chapter to learn about:
■

Benefits of using a network in your home, small office,
or home office

■

Types of network connections

■

Purchasing additional network equipment

■

Installing and configuring your notebook for Ethernet
networking

■

Turning the wireless Ethernet emitter on and off

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Benefits of networking
A network lets you:
■

Share a single Internet connection

■

Share computer drives

■

Share peripheral devices

■

Stream audio and video files

■

Play multi-player games

Sharing a single Internet connection
Each computer that is connected to the network can share the same broadband
connection or modem and telephone line and access the Internet at the same
time. This saves on the cost of installing another telephone line for your second
computer and paying for a second Internet service provider (ISP) account.
Help and
Support

For more information about sharing an Internet connection
in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword internet sharing in the Help and
Support Search box
, then click the
arrow.

Sharing drives
With a network, you can copy files from computer to computer by copying
and pasting or dragging and dropping. You will no longer waste your time
transferring files by using recordable media. In addition, you can map a drive
on a networked computer to another computer, and access the files as if they
were located on the hard drive of the computer you are using.
Help and
Support

For more information about sharing network drives in
Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword sharing network drives in the Help
and Support Search box
, then
click the arrow.

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Benefits of networking

Sharing peripheral devices
Each computer that is connected to the network can share the same peripheral
devices, such as a printer. Select print from the computer you are currently using
and your file is automatically printed on your printer no matter where it is
located on your network.
Help and
Support

For more information about sharing network devices in
Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword sharing in the Help and Support Search
box
, then click the arrow.

Streaming audio and video files
With a network, you can store audio files (such as the popular .MP3 files) and
video files on any networked computer, then play them on any of the other
computers or devices connected to your network. This process is called
streaming.
Help and
Support

For more information about streaming files in Windows XP,
click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword streaming in the Help and Support
Search box
, then click the arrow.

Playing multi-player games
With a home network, you can play multi-player games. Load a game like
Microsoft Midtown Madness 2 on your computers, and in minutes, you and your
friends can race in competing cars through the streets of San Francisco.
Help and
Support

For more information about playing multi-player games in
Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword games or network games in the Help
and Support Search box
, then
click the arrow.

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Chapter 11: Networking Your Notebook

Selecting a network connection
The biggest decision you need to make when creating your network is what
type of connection you will use. Gateway supports both wired and wireless
Ethernet networks. Use the following criteria as a guide when selecting a
network connection.

Wired Ethernet network
Create a wired Ethernet network if:
■

You are building a new home or your existing home already has Ethernet
cable installed in each room that has a device you want to connect

■

You are creating a network in an office or business where network speed
is more important than moving about with your computer

■

Your computer has an Ethernet jack for connecting to the network

Wireless Ethernet network
Create a wireless Ethernet (IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, or IEEE 802.11g)
network if:
■

You are looking for an alternative to installing cable for connectivity

■

The ability to move about with your computer is as important as network
speed

■

Your computer has wireless Ethernet for networking
Help and
Support

For more information about selecting network connections
in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword networks or network types in the Help
and Support Search box
, then
click the arrow.

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Using a wired Ethernet network

Using a wired Ethernet network
A wired Ethernet network consists of two or more computers connected
together through an Ethernet cable. This connection type is commonly used
in offices around the world and can be used to build computer networks in
the home.

Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, or Gigabit Ethernet
Ethernet is available at three different speeds. Standard Ethernet runs at
10 Mbps, Fast Ethernet runs at 100 Mbps, and Gigabit Ethernet runs at
1000 Mbps. Most home networks are built using Standard or Fast Ethernet
components. Business networks are typically built using Fast or Gigabit Ethernet
components.
To create a wired Ethernet network, you or your electrician must:
■

Install special Ethernet cables in your home or office
Important

Check local code requirements before installing Ethernet
cable or other wiring in your home or office. Your
municipality may require you to obtain a permit and hire
a licensed installer.

■

Install an Ethernet card in each of your desktop computers (if your
computers do not already have built-in Ethernet jacks)

■

Install an Ethernet PC Card in each of your notebooks (if your notebooks
do not already have built-in Ethernet jacks)

■

Install an Ethernet router, switch, or hub
Tips & Tricks

If you are connecting just two computers (known as a
peer-to-peer wired Ethernet network), you can eliminate
the router, switch, or hub and use a special crossover
cable.

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Chapter 11: Networking Your Notebook

Example wired Ethernet network
The following is an example of a wired Ethernet network. The network is made
up of a router, a cable or DSL modem, your computers, and cables connecting
each of these components. The router is the central control point for the
network. Attached to the router are all of your computers or Ethernet-ready
devices. Also connected to the router is a cable or DSL modem that provides
access to the Internet.

Cable/DSL modem

Router,
switch,
or hub

Tips & Tricks

192

To add the ability to access a wireless Ethernet network
to your wired Ethernet network, connect an access point
to the router, switch, or hub. For more information about
accessing a wireless Ethernet, see “Using a wireless
Ethernet network” on page 194.

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Using a wired Ethernet network

Equipment you need for a wired Ethernet
network
For a wired Ethernet network you need:
■

An Ethernet jack on each desktop computer, notebook, and tablet PC.
- OR An Ethernet card (also called network interface cards or NICs) installed in
each desktop computer.
- OR An Ethernet PC Card installed in each notebook.

■

An Ethernet router. Select a router that gives you the following features:
■

A jack for connecting to a cable or DSL modem.

■

The ability to assign IP addresses to your networked computers
dynamically. This prevents intruders from seeing the computers over
the Internet.

■

A built-in firewall to protect the computers on your network from
intruders trying to access your data over the Internet.

■

Built-in switching (with enough ports for all computers and devices
on the network) so you will not have to purchase a hub or switch.

■

If you did not purchase a router that includes built-in switching or if the
router does not have enough ports to attach all your computers, an
Ethernet hub or switch with enough ports for all computers and devices
in the network.

■

Ethernet cable going from each computer to the router, hub, or switch.
Important

For best results, all Ethernet components should be either
standard Ethernet (10 Mbps), Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps or
10/100), or Gigabit Ethernet (1000 Mbps or 10/100/1000).
A mixture of components rated at different speeds will
result in your network running at the speed of the slowest
rated component.

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Chapter 11: Networking Your Notebook

Using a wireless Ethernet network
A wireless Ethernet network is ideal for creating a home or office network or
adding mobility to an existing wired Ethernet network. A wireless Ethernet
network allows you the freedom to move about your home or office with your
notebook or tablet PC. For example, you can take your notebook or tablet PC
from your home office to your patio without having an Ethernet jack available.

194

Warning

Radio frequency wireless communication can interfere
with equipment on commercial aircraft. Current aviation
regulations require wireless devices to be turned off while
traveling in an airplane. IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, and
IEEE 802.11g communication devices are examples of
devices that provide wireless communication. For
instructions to turn wireless Ethernet on and off, see
“Turning your wireless Ethernet emitter on or off” on
page 200.

Important

If your notebook came equipped with an internal radio
frequency wireless device, see “Safety, Regulatory, and
Legal Information” on page 281 for general wireless
regulatory and safety guidelines. To find out if your
notebook has an internal wireless device, check the label
(see “Identifying your model” on page 10) or the device
manager.

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Using a wireless Ethernet network

Wireless Ethernet speed and frequency
Wireless Ethernet is available at two different speeds and at two different
frequencies. The following table compares the various wireless Ethernet
network types.
Network Type

Speed

Frequency

Advantages

Disadvantages

IEEE 802.11a

54 Mbps

5 GHz

Less possible
interference than
IEEE 802.11b and
IEEE 802.11g

■

IEEE 802.11b

11 Mbps

2.4 GHz

■

IEEE 802.11g

54 Mbps

2.4 GHz

■

Important

Large number of
access points already
exist in airports,
college campuses, and
businesses
Compatible with
IEEE 802.11g
networks
Longer range (100 to
150 feet) than
IEEE 802.11a

■

Compatible with
IEEE 802.11b
networks
Longer range (100 to
150 feet) than
IEEE 802.11a

■

Shorter range (25 to
75 feet) than
IEEE 802.11b and
IEEE 802.11g
Not compatible with
IEEE 802.11b or
IEEE 802.11g
networks
Possible interference
from cordless phones
and microwaves
Not compatible with
IEEE 802.11a
networks

Possible interference
from cordless phones
and microwaves
Not compatible with
IEEE 802.11a
networks

The speed of a wireless network is related to signal
strength. Signal strength is affected by the distance
between your wireless network devices, by radio
interference, and by interference from natural obstructions
such as walls, floors, and doors.

The two most common types of wireless Ethernet networks are access point
and peer-to-peer.

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Chapter 11: Networking Your Notebook

Example access point wireless Ethernet
network
By using an access point, you can join a wireless Ethernet network and access
a wired Ethernet network. The following example shows how an access point
also lets you access the Internet.
The following is an example of an access point wireless Ethernet network. The
network is made up of an access point, a cable or DSL modem, and your
computers. The access point is the central control point for the network.
Attached to the access point is the cable or DSL modem that provides access
to the Internet. Each of the computers or Ethernet-ready devices communicate
with the access point using radio waves. If your computer does not have built-in
wireless Ethernet capabilities, you need to add a wireless PCI card (desktop),
PC card (notebook), or USB adapter.
Cable/DSL modem

Access point

USB wireless
adapter

Tips & Tricks

196

If you want to access a wireless Ethernet network from
your wired Ethernet network, connect an access point to
the router, switch, or hub. For more information about
accessing a wired Ethernet, see “Using a wired Ethernet
network” on page 191.

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Using a wireless Ethernet network

Equipment you need for an access point
wireless Ethernet network
For an access point wireless Ethernet network you need:
■

A wireless Ethernet PCI card installed in each desktop computer
- OR A wireless Ethernet USB adapter attached to each desktop or notebook
computer
- OR A notebook or tablet PC with wireless Ethernet built-in
- OR A wireless Ethernet PC Card installed in each notebook that does not have
wireless Ethernet built-in

■

A wireless Ethernet access point to connect your wireless Ethernet network
to the Internet or a wired Ethernet network
Important

IEEE 802.11b and IEEE 802.11g use the same radio
frequency. IEEE 802.11a uses a different radio frequency
than IEEE 802.11b and IEEE 802.11g. All wireless
Ethernet components must use the same frequency. A
combination of IEEE 802.11a and IEEE 802.11b or
IEEE 802.11a and IEEE 802.11g components will
not work. Some wireless devices can broadcast and
receive signals on both frequencies.
A mixture of IEEE 802.11b and IEEE 802.11g components
will result in your network running at the speed of the
slower IEEE 802.11b components.

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Chapter 11: Networking Your Notebook

Example peer-to-peer wireless Ethernet
network
Use a peer-to-peer (also known as ad hoc) wireless Ethernet network if you are
setting up or joining a temporary computer-to-computer network. This type of
network does not include access into a wired network or the Internet. You can
create this type of network to quickly move files from one computer to another.

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Using a wireless Ethernet network

Equipment you need for a peer-to-peer
wireless Ethernet network
For a peer-to-peer wireless Ethernet network you need:
■

For more information
For more information about purchasing equipment for your home or office
Ethernet network, discuss your particular needs with your Gateway store
representative. In addition, several books and Internet sites are dedicated to
networking (for example: www.homenethelp.com). See these sources for more
information about networking your home or office with wired or wireless
Ethernet.
Help and
Support

For more information about networking in Windows XP,
click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword networking in the Help and Support
Search box
, then click the arrow.

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Chapter 11: Networking Your Notebook

Using your notebook on a network
Installing and configuring your notebook for
Ethernet networking
A networking guide called Setting Up Your Windows Network has been included
on your hard drive. This guide provides instructions for installing and
configuring both wired and wireless Ethernet networking on your notebook.
To access this guide, click Start, All Programs, then click Gateway Documentation.

Turning your wireless Ethernet emitter on or
off
Warning

To turn the wireless Ethernet emitter on or off in Windows XP:

200

Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens. If your
Control Panel is in Category View, click Network and Internet Connections.
The Network and Internet Connections window opens.

Click/Double-click Network Connections. The Network Connections window
opens.

Right-click Wireless Network Connection, then click Enable to turn on
wireless Ethernet or click Disable to turn off wireless Ethernet.

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Using your notebook on a network

To turn the wireless Ethernet emitter on or off in Windows 2000 using the
Realtek Wireless Configuration Utility:

1
2
3

Double-click the Realtek Wireless Configuration Utility icon on the taskbar.
Click the Advanced Config tab.
Click to check the Radio off check box to turn off the wireless emitter.
-ORClick to clear the Radio off check box to turn on the wireless emitter.

To turn the wireless Ethernet emitter on or off in Windows 2000 using the
Broadcom Wireless Configuration Utility:

Right-click the Broadcom Wireless Configuration Utility icon
taskbar.

Click Enable Radio to turn on the wireless emitter or Disable Radio to turn
off the wireless emitter.

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on the

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Moving From
Your Old
Computer

If your new notebook is replacing an old computer, you
may have personal data files, Internet settings, a printer or
other peripheral devices, and other unique computer
settings that you want to move from your old computer
to your new one. Read this chapter to learn about:
■

Using the Windows XP Files and Settings Transfer
Wizard

■

Transferring Files

■

Transferring Internet Settings

■

Installing your old printer or scanner

■

Installing your old programs

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Chapter 12: Moving From Your Old Computer

Using the Windows XP Files and
Settings Transfer Wizard
If your new notebook is running Windows XP, you can move your data files
and personal settings, such as display, Internet, and e-mail settings, from your
old computer to your new one by using the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard.
The wizard also moves specific files or entire folders, such as My Documents,
My Pictures, and Favorites.

To open the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard:
■

Click Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, then click Files and
Settings Transfer Wizard.

Help and
Support

For more information about using the Files and Settings
Transfer Wizard in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help
and Support.
Type the keyword using transfer wizard in the Help and
Support Search box
, then click the
arrow.

Transferring files
You can manually transfer your personal data files by copying them to
removable media, such as a diskette, writable CD, USB flash drive, or Zip disk,
or by using a home network. For more information, see “Creating CDs using
Nero Express” on page 113 and “Networking Your Notebook” on page 187.

Finding your files
Many programs automatically save your personal data files in the
My Documents folder. Look in your old computer’s My Documents folder for
personal data files. Use Windows Find or Search to locate other personal data
files. For more information, see “To find files using Find or Search:” on page 206,
or “Searching for files” on page 56.

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Transferring files

To find files in the My Documents folder:

In Windows XP, click Start, then click My Documents. The My Documents
window opens and displays many of your saved personal data files. Go to
Step 4.
- OR In Windows 98, Windows Me, or Windows 2000, double-click the
My Computer icon on the desktop. Go to the next step.

2
3
4

Double-click the C:\ drive icon.
Double-click the My Documents folder. The My Documents window opens
and displays many of your saved personal data files.
Copy your personal data files to removable media or to another computer
on your network.

You can often identify different data file types by looking at the file’s extension
(the part of the file name following the last period). For example, a document
file might have a .DOC extension and a spreadsheet file might have an .XLS
extension.
File type

File usually ends in...

Documents

.DOC, .TXT, .RTF, .HTM, .HTML, .DOT

Spreadsheets

.XLS, .XLT, .TXT

Pictures

.JPG, .BMP, .GIF, .PDF, .PCT, .TIF, .PNG, .EPS

Movies

.MPEG, .MPG, .AVI, .GIF, .MOV

Sound and Music

.WAV, .CDA, .MP3, .MID, .MIDI, .WMA

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To find files using Find or Search:

In Windows XP, click Start, then click Search. The Search Results window
opens.
- OR In Windows 98, Windows Me, or Windows 2000, click Start, Find or Search,
then click For Files or Folders. The Search Results window opens.

Use Windows Find or Search to locate data files by file name or file type.
For help on finding files, click Help, then click Help and Support Center or
Help Topics. For more information, see “Searching for files” on page 56.

Help and
Support

For more information about finding files in Windows XP,
click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword searching for files in the Help and
Support Search box
, click the
arrow, then click the Full-text Search Matches button.

Transferring Internet settings
You can use different methods to transfer your Internet account from your old
computer to your new one.

Setting up your ISP

206

■

If your current Internet service provider (ISP) software came preinstalled
on your new notebook, run that setup program. If it asks to set up a new
account or an existing one, choose to set up an existing account.

■

If your current ISP software is not preinstalled on your new notebook,
locate the original Internet setup program provided by your local ISP, or
contact your ISP to see if they have an updated version of their software,
and install it on your new notebook.

■

If you use MSN as your ISP, or if you know your ISP settings, use the
Windows Internet Connection Wizard.

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Installing your old printer or scanner

To use the Internet Connection Wizard:

Click Start, All Programs, Accessories, Communications, then click New
Connection Wizard. The New Connection wizard opens.

Configure your Internet settings by following the on-screen instructions.

Help and
Support

For more information about setting up an Internet
connection in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and
Support.
Type the keyword Internet connection in the Help and
Support Search box
, then click the
arrow.

Transferring your e-mail and address book
See your old e-mail program’s online help for information on exporting and
importing e-mail messages and the address book. You can often export all of
your old e-mail messages or address book to recordable media, then import
them into your new notebook’s e-mail program. You may also want to consider
printing the old information or using your old computer to send the e-mail
messages to yourself, then using your new notebook to retrieve the e-mail
messages.

Transferring your Internet shortcuts
You can export and import your old Netscape Navigator bookmarks or
Microsoft Internet Explorer favorites. For more information, see your Internet
browser program’s online help.

Installing your old printer or
scanner
Windows may have built-in support for older printers, scanners, or other
peripheral devices. This means you do not need any additional software. Newer
devices, however, usually require your original software installation CDs or
diskettes.

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Chapter 12: Moving From Your Old Computer
If you have trouble after you install the software for your old devices, you can
use System Restore to restore your notebook’s previous settings.
Help and
Support

For information about restoring your notebook’s previous
settings in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and
Support.
Type the keyword System Restore in the Help and Support
Search box
, then click the arrow.

Installing a USB printer or scanner
USB devices may have special installation instructions. See your USB device’s
installation guide.

Installing a parallel port printer
You can usually install parallel port printers by following these steps.

To install your old printer:

1
2
3
4

Shut down and turn off your notebook.
Connect your parallel port printer.
Turn on your printer, then turn on your notebook.
If Windows detects your printer, install your printer by following the
on-screen instructions. You are finished.
- OR If Windows does not detect the printer, go to the next step.

208

Click/Double-click the Printers and Faxes or Printers icon, then click Add a
printer or Add Printer. The Add Printer wizard opens.

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Installing your old programs

Install your printer by following the on-screen instructions.

Help and
Support

For more information about installing a printer in
Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword installing a printer in the Help and
Support Search box
, then click the
arrow.

See your peripheral device’s user guide for installation information and tips.
Because most installation software is periodically updated, you should also
check the manufacturer’s Web site for software updates.

Installing your old programs
You probably use some programs that did not come installed on your new
notebook, such as personal finance software, graphics programs, or games.
Spend some time going through your old computer’s Start and Programs menus,
making note of any programs you want to install on your new notebook. Locate
your original program installation CDs and installation guides. Your original
CDs and guides should contain any serial numbers or product ID keys that may
be required for program installation and registration. Remember to check the
publisher’s Web site for important program updates.
Tips & Tricks

If your new notebook comes with a newer version of a
program, it is usually better to use the newer version than
to reinstall the old one.

If you have trouble after installing your old programs, you can restore your
notebook’s previous settings using System Restore.
Help and
Support

For more information about restoring your notebook’s
previous settings in Windows XP, click Start, then click
Help and Support.
Type the keyword System Restore in the Help and Support
Search box
, then click the arrow.

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Maintaining Your
Notebook

This chapter provides basic information about maintaining
your notebook hardware and software. Read this chapter
to learn how to:
■

Care for your notebook

■

Protect your notebook from viruses

■

Manage hard drive space

■

Back up files

■

Clean your notebook

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Chapter 13: Maintaining Your Notebook

Caring for your notebook
To extend the life of your system:

212

■

Be careful not to bump or drop your notebook, and do not put any objects
on top of it. The case, although strong, is not made to support extra weight.

■

When transporting your notebook, we recommend that you put it in a
carrying case.

■

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

■

Never turn off your notebook when the hard drive light is on because data
on the hard drive could be lost or corrupted.

■

Avoid subjecting your notebook to extreme temperature changes. The case
and LCD panel can become brittle and easy to break in cold temperatures
and can melt or warp in high temperatures. Damage due to either extreme
is not covered by your warranty. As a general rule, your notebook is safest
at temperatures that are comfortable for you.

■

Keep all liquids away from your notebook. When spilled onto computer
components, almost any liquid can result in extremely expensive repairs
that are not covered under your warranty.

■

Avoid dusty or dirty work environments. Dust and dirt can clog the
internal mechanisms.

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Caring for your notebook
Use the following table to set up a regular maintenance schedule.
Maintenance task

Monthly

When needed

See...

Check for viruses

page 214

page 217

Manage hard drive space
Clean up hard drives

page 218

Scan hard drive for errors

page 219

Defragment hard drive

page 221

Back up files

page 223

Recalibrate the battery

page 152

Clean computer case

page 225

Clean keyboard

page 225

Clean computer screen

page 226

Clean mouse

page 226

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Protecting your notebook from
viruses
A virus is a program that attaches itself to a file on a computer, then spreads
from one computer to another. Viruses can damage data or cause your notebook
to malfunction. Some viruses go undetected for a period of time because they
are activated on a certain date.
Protect your notebook from a virus by:
■

Using the Norton® AntiVirus program to check files and programs that are
on diskettes, attached to e-mail messages, or downloaded from the
Internet.

■

Checking all programs for viruses before installing them.

■

Disabling macros on suspicious Microsoft Word and Excel files. These
programs will warn you if a document that you are opening contains a
macro that might have a virus.

■

Periodically updating the Norton AntiVirus program to protect against the
latest viruses.
Help and
Support

For more information about protecting your notebook
against viruses in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help
and Support.
Type the keyword viruses in the Help and Support Search
box
, then click the arrow.

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Protecting your notebook from viruses

To scan for viruses:

Click Start, All Programs, Norton AntiVirus, then click Norton AntiVirus 2003.
Norton AntiVirus opens.

Scan for
viruses

Click Scan for Viruses.

Scan

Click the type of scan you want to make in the Scan for Viruses area, then
under Actions, click Scan.

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To remove a virus:

If Norton AntiVirus finds a virus, follow all on-screen instructions to
remove the virus.

2
3

Turn off your notebook and leave it off for at least 30 seconds.
Turn on your notebook and rescan for the virus.

To update Norton AntiVirus:

216

1
2

Make sure that you are connected to the Internet.

Follow the on-screen instructions to update your Norton AntiVirus
program with the latest virus protection files.

When the program has finished, click Finish.

Click Start, All Programs, Norton AntiVirus, then click LiveUpdate - Norton
AntiVirus. The LiveUpdate wizard opens.

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Managing hard drive space

Managing hard drive space
Windows provides several utilities you can use to manage your hard drive.

Checking hard drive space
To check hard drive space:

In Windows XP, click Start, then click My Computer. The My Computer
window opens.
- OR In Windows 2000, double-click the My Computer icon. The My Computer
window opens.

Right-click the drive that you want to check for available file space, then
click Properties. Drive space information appears.

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Using Disk Cleanup
Delete unnecessary files, such as temporary Windows files, to free hard drive
space.

To use the WindowsDisk Cleanup program:

In Windows XP, click Start, then click My Computer. The My Computer
window opens.
- OR In Windows 2000, double-click the My Computer icon. The My Computer
window opens.

218

Right-click the hard drive that you want to delete files from, for example
Local Disk (C:), then click Properties. The Properties dialog box opens at the
General tab.

Click Disk Cleanup. The Disk Cleanup dialog box opens.

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Managing hard drive space

Make sure that the check box beside each file type you want to delete is
selected. For more information about file types you can delete, read the
descriptions in the Disk Cleanup dialog box.

Click OK, then click Yes.

Help and
Support

For more information about keeping the hard drive space
free of unnecessary files in Windows XP, click Start, then
click Help and Support.
Type the keyword disk cleanup in the Help and Support
Search box
, then click the arrow.

Checking the hard drive for errors
The Error-checking program examines the hard drive for physical flaws and file
and folder problems. This program corrects file and folder problems and marks
flawed areas on the hard drive so Windows does not use them.
If you use your notebook several hours every day, you probably want to run
Error-checking once a week. If you use your notebook less frequently, once a
month may be adequate. Also use Error-checking if you encounter hard drive
problems.

To check the hard drive for errors:

In Windows XP, click Start, then click My Computer. The My Computer
window opens.
- OR In Windows 2000, double-click the My Computer icon. The My Computer
window opens.

Right-click the hard drive that you want to check for errors, for example
Local Disk (C:), then click Properties. The Properties dialog box opens.

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Chapter 13: Maintaining Your Notebook

Click the Tools tab.

4
5

Click Check Now.

Correct any problems that are found by following the on-screen
instructions.

Click OK.

Click the options you want to use, then click Start. For help, press F1.
Windows checks the drive for errors. This process may take several minutes.
After Windows has finished checking the drive for errors, it provides a
summary of the problems that it found.

Help and
Support

For more information about checking the hard drive for
errors in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and
Support.
Type the keyword checking for disk errors in the Help
and Support Search box
, then
click the arrow.

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Managing hard drive space

Defragmenting the hard drive
When working with files, sometimes Windows divides the file information into
pieces and stores them in different places on the hard drive. This is called
fragmentation, and it is normal. In order for your notebook to use a file,
Windows must search for the pieces of the file and put them back together.
This process slows the hard drive performance.
The Disk Defragmenter program organizes the data on the drive so each file is
stored as one unit rather than as multiple pieces scattered across different areas
of the drive. Defragmenting the information stored on the drive can improve
hard drive performance.
While the Disk Defragmenter program is running, do not use your keyboard
or mouse because using them may continuously stop and restart the
defragmenting process. Also, if you are connected to a network, log off before
starting Disk Defragmenter. Network communication may stop the
defragmentation process and cause it to start over.

To defragment the hard drive:

In Windows XP, click Start, then click My Computer. The My Computer
window opens.
- OR In Windows 2000, double-click the My Computer icon. The My Computer
window opens.

Right-click the hard drive that you want to defragment, for example Local
Disk (C:), then click Properties. The Properties dialog box opens.

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Click the Tools tab.

4
5

Click Defragment Now.
If Disk Defragmenter does not start automatically, click Defragment or Start.
Disk Defragmenter shows its progress on the computer display. When
finished, Disk Defragmenter asks if you want to quit the program.

Click Close or Yes, then click the X in the top-right corner to close the
Disk Defragmenter window.

Help and
Support

For more information about defragmenting the hard drive
in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword defragmenting in the Help and Support
Search box
, then click the arrow.

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Managing hard drive space

Backing up files
Backing up files and removing them from the hard drive frees space for new
files on the hard drive. It also protects you from losing important information
if the hard drive fails or you accidentally delete files.
You should back up your files regularly to a writable CD (if you have a recordable
drive) or to diskettes. Use a backup device, such as a recordable drive or Zip
drive, to do a complete hard drive backup. For more information, see “Creating
CDs using Nero Express” on page 113. If you do not have a high-capacity
backup device and you want to purchase one, you can contact Gateway’s
Add-on Sales department or visit the Accessories Store at
accessories.gateway.com.
Help and
Support

For more information about backing up files in
Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword saving files in the Help and Support
Search box
, then click the arrow.

Using the Scheduled Task Wizard
The Scheduled Task Wizard lets you schedule maintenance tasks such as
running Disk Defragmenter and Error-checking.

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To start the Scheduled Task Wizard:

Click Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, then click Scheduled
Tasks. The Scheduled Tasks window opens.

Double-click the Add Scheduled Task icon. The Scheduled Task Wizard
opens.

Click Next, then click the task or program you want to schedule and follow
the on-screen instructions to customize the task.
Important

Your notebook must be on during scheduled tasks. If your
notebook is off, scheduled tasks will not run.

Help and
Support

For more information about using the Scheduled Tasks
Wizard in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and
Support.
Type the keyword Scheduled Task Wizard in the Help
and Support Search box
, then
click the arrow.

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Cleaning your notebook

Cleaning your notebook
Keeping your notebook clean and the vents free from dust helps keep your
system performing at its best. You may want to gather these items and put
together a computer cleaning kit:
■

A soft, lint-free cloth

■

An aerosol can of air that has a narrow, straw-like extension

■

Isopropyl alcohol

■

Cotton swabs

■

A CD or DVD drive cleaning kit

Cleaning the exterior
Warning

When you shut down your notebook, the power turns off,
but some electrical current still flows through your
notebook. To avoid possible injury from electrical shock,
unplug the power cord and modem cable from the wall
outlets.

Always turn off your notebook and other peripherals, then remove the battery
before cleaning any components.
Use a damp, lint-free cloth to clean your notebook and other parts of your
system. Do not use abrasive or solvent cleaners because they can damage the
finish on components.
Your notebook is cooled by air circulated through the vents on the case, so
keep the vents free of dust. With your notebook turned off and unplugged,
brush the dust away from the vents with a damp cloth. Be careful not to drip
any water into the vents. Do not attempt to clean dust from the inside of your
notebook.

Cleaning the keyboard
You should clean the keyboard occasionally by using an aerosol can of air with
a narrow, straw-like extension to remove dust and lint trapped under the keys.

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Chapter 13: Maintaining Your Notebook
If you spill liquid on the keyboard, turn off your notebook and turn your
notebook upside down. Let the liquid drain, then let the keyboard dry before
trying to use it again. If the keyboard does not work after it dries, you may
need to replace it.

Cleaning the computer screen
Use a soft cloth and water to clean the computer screen. Squirt a little water
on the cloth (never directly on the screen), and wipe the screen with the cloth.
Warning

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

Cleaning the mouse
If you have a mouse and the mouse pointer begins moving erratically across
the computer screen or becomes difficult to control precisely, cleaning the
mouse will likely improve its accuracy.
Clean your optical mouse by wiping the bottom of the mouse with a damp
lint-free cloth.
Help and
Support

For a video tutorial about cleaning the mouse in
Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword Video tutorials in the Help and Support
Search box
, then click the arrow.
Click Cleaning the mouse.

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Cleaning your notebook

To clean your trackball mouse:

1
2

Turn the mouse upside down.

3
4

Remove any dust, lint, or dirt from the mouse ball with a soft cloth.

Rotate the retaining ring on the bottom of the mouse counter-clockwise,
then remove the retaining ring and mouse ball.

Clean the mouse rollers with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol.

Mouse rollers

Replace the mouse ball and lock the retaining ring into place.

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Restoring
Software

Read this chapter to learn how to:
■

Reinstall device drivers

■

Update device drivers

■

Reinstall programs

■

Reinstall Windows

If you are not comfortable with the procedures covered in
this chapter, seek help from a more experienced computer
user or a computer service technician.

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Using the Restoration CDs
Use the Gateway Restoration CDs to reinstall device drivers, your operating
system, and other programs that were preinstalled at the factory.
Important

Before you try to fix a problem by reinstalling software from
your Gateway Restoration CDs, make sure that you have
tried these steps first:
Use the diagnostics and troubleshooting tools found in
Help and Support. For more information about
diagnostics and troubleshooting tools in Windows XP,
click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword troubleshooting in the Help and
Support Search box
, then click
the arrow.
■
Run System Restore. For more information about
System Restore in Windows XP, click Start, then click
Help and Support.
Type the keyword System Restore in the Help and
Support Search box
, then click
the arrow.
■
See the Troubleshooting chapter of this guide.
If these steps do not resolve the problem, use the Gateway
Restoration CDs to reinstall device drivers or programs.
■

If reinstalling device drivers or programs does not resolve
the problem, reinstall Windows.

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Reinstalling device drivers

Reinstalling device drivers
Device drivers are programs that control devices such as the computer display,
CD or DVD drives, and modems. Drivers translate information between
computer devices and programs.
Drivers for your original notebook hardware are installed at Gateway. If you
install a new device, you need to install the drivers provided by the device
manufacturer.
You should reinstall device drivers:
■

If directed to do so while troubleshooting

■

If you see a message indicating that there is a problem with a device driver

If you need to reinstall device drivers because you are directed to do so while
troubleshooting or if a message tells you that there is a problem with a device
driver, reinstall the device drivers by following the instructions below.
If you just reinstalled Windows XP or Windows 2000, the device drivers were
automatically reinstalled.

To reinstall device drivers:

Insert the red Drivers and Applications CD into the CD or DVD drive. If the
program starts automatically, go to Step 5.
- OR If the program does not start automatically, go to Step 2.

2
3
4
5

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Select a single device driver to reinstall.
- OR Click Automatic Installation, then select multiple device drivers to reinstall.
(Grayed out drivers are not available for Automatic Installation. To select
these drivers, click Manual Installation.)

7
8

Click Install.
Follow any additional on-screen instructions. Depending on the device
driver you are reinstalling, you may only need to restart your notebook
to complete the installation. However, if a setup wizard opens when you
restart your notebook, follow the on-screen instructions.

Help and
Support

For more information about reinstalling device drivers in
Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword drivers in the Help and Support Search
box
, then click the arrow.

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Updating device drivers

Updating device drivers
The Restoration CDs contain a device driver update utility that works over the
Internet. If you do not have an Internet service provider, the update utility
works by direct-dialing the device driver update service.
Important

If your system came equipped with a wireless device, only
use the drivers approved for the country the device will be
used in. See the red Drivers and Applications CD or the
Gateway Technical Support Web site
(support.gateway.com).
If your system came equipped with an internal embedded
wireless device, see “Safety, Regulatory, and Legal
Information” on page 281 for general wireless regulatory
and safety guidelines.To find out if your system has an
internal wireless device, check the label (see “Identifying
your model” on page 10).

To update device drivers:

Insert the red Drivers and Applications CD into the CD or DVD drive. If the
program starts automatically, go to Step 5.
- OR If the program does not start automatically, go to Step 2.

2
3
4
5

6
7

Click Start, then click Run. The Run dialog box opens.
In the Open text box, type d:\runmenu.exe (where d is the drive letter of
the CD or DVD drive).
Click OK.
If this is the first time you have inserted the red Drivers and Applications
CD, accept the End User License Agreement (EULA) by clicking Yes, I accept
it, then clicking Continue. The Gateway Driver and Application Recovery
program starts and the Drivers and Application Recovery tab appears.
Click the Web Updates tab.
Click Check Now. The Connect window opens.

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Chapter 14: Restoring Software

Install available updated device drivers by following the on-screen
instructions. Depending on the device driver you are updating, you may
only need to restart your notebook to complete the installation. However,
if a setup wizard opens when you restart your notebook, follow the
on-screen instructions.

Help and
Support

For more information about updating device drivers in
Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword updating drivers in the Help and
Support Search box
, then click the
arrow.

Reinstalling programs
If you have problems running a program or if you have reinstalled your
operating system, you can reinstall programs from the red Drivers and
Applications CD and other program CDs. If you are reinstalling programs from
other program CDs, follow the installation instructions on each CD. If you want
to reinstall a program, uninstall the old version first.

To reinstall programs from the Drivers and Applications CD:

If you just reinstalled Windows, go to Step 4. Otherwise, go to the next
step.

In Windows XP, click Start, Control Panel, then click
Add or Remove Programs.
- OR In Windows 2000, click Start, Settings, Control Panel, then double-click the
Add or Remove Programs icon.

234

In the Currently Installed Programs list, click the program you want to
uninstall, then click Change/Remove and follow the on-screen instructions.

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Reinstalling programs

Insert the red Drivers and Applications CD into the CD or DVD drive. If the
program starts automatically, go to Step 8.
- OR If the program does not start automatically, go to Step 5.

5
6
7
8

Click Start, then click Run. The Run dialog box opens.
In the Open text box, type d:\runmenu.exe (where d is the drive letter of
your CD or DVD drive).
Click OK.
If this is the first time you have inserted the red Drivers and Applications
CD, accept the End User License Agreement (EULA) by clicking Yes, I accept
it, then clicking Continue. The Gateway Driver and Application Recovery
program starts and the Drivers and Application Recovery tab appears.
Select a single program to reinstall.
- OR Click Automatic Installation, then select multiple programs to reinstall.
(Grayed out programs are not available for Automatic Installation. To select
these programs, click Manual Installation.)

10
11

Click Install.
Follow any additional on-screen instructions. Depending on the programs
you are reinstalling, you may only need to restart your notebook to
complete the installation. However, if a setup wizard opens when you
restart your notebook, follow the on-screen instructions.

Help and
Support

For more information about reinstalling programs in
Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword installing programs in the Help and
Support Search box
, then click the
arrow.

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To reinstall other programs from a CD:

If you just reinstalled Windows, go to Step 4. Otherwise, go to the next
step.

In Windows XP, click Start, Control Panel, then click
Add or Remove Programs.
- OR In Windows 2000, click Start, Settings, Control Panel, then double-click the
Add or Remove Programs icon.

In the Currently Installed Programs list, click the program you want to
uninstall, then click Change/Remove and follow the on-screen instructions.

4
5

Insert the program CD into the CD or DVD drive.
Complete the program reinstallation by following the instructions
included with the program CD.

Reinstalling Windows
If your notebook is not working correctly, try the following options to correct
the problem:
■

Troubleshooting. For more information, see “Troubleshooting” on
page 253.

■

Running System Restore.

■

Reinstalling device drivers. For more information, see “Reinstalling device
drivers” on page 231.

If the options above do not correct the problem, you can use the Restoration
CDs to reinstall Windows and other software.

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Reinstalling Windows
The Restoration CDs step you through reinstalling Windows XP or
Windows 2000. If you are reinstalling Windows XP or Windows 2000, the
Restoration CDs automatically reinstall the hardware device drivers and some
programs as well. You can install any remaining programs by using the program
CDs that came with your notebook. To reinstall your programs, follow the
instructions in “Reinstalling programs” on page 234.
Important

If you are prompted for your Windows product key when
you reinstall Windows, you can find the key on the
Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity label located on the
bottom of your notebook case. For more information, see
“Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity” on page 11.

To reinstall Windows XP or Windows 2000, and the device drivers:
Caution

Back up your personal files before you use this option.
All files on your notebook will be deleted!

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11

Insert the red Drivers and Applications CD into the CD or DVD drive.

When prompted, accept the License Agreement by pressing Y.

Restart your notebook.
Select 2. Boot from CD-ROM.
Select a language option.
Select 1. Delete all files (Automated Fdisk/Format).
Select 1. Continue deleting all files and restart.
When prompted, press any key to continue.
Select 2. Boot from CD-ROM.
Select a language option.
Select 2. Automated installation of Windows (XP or 2000).
When prompted, remove the red Drivers and Applications CD and insert
the blue Operating System CD into the CD or DVD drive, then press any
key to continue.

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238

Wait while the setup program copies files to your hard drive. When your
notebook restarts, do NOT press any key to boot from CD.

When prompted, insert the red Drivers and Applications CD, then click
Continue. The Gateway Application Loader automatically installs your
drivers and programs. Your notebook restarts several times during this
process. Do not press any keys or buttons during this process unless
prompted to do so.

When the Gateway Application Loader has finished, go to the Windows
desktop by clicking OK.

Install additional programs by following the instructions in “Reinstalling
programs” on page 234.

Install other software, such as Microsoft Works Suite and gaming software,
by following the instructions in “To reinstall other programs from a CD:”
on page 236.

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Upgrading Your
Notebook

This chapter provides information about adding hardware
devices to your notebook. Read this chapter to learn
how to:
■

Add and remove PC Cards

■

Add and replace memory

■

Replace the hard drive

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Adding and removing a PC Card
Your notebook has a PC Card slot (also known as a PCMCIA card slot). This
slot accepts one Type II or Type III card.
You do not need to restart your notebook when changing most cards because
your notebook supports hot-swapping. Hot-swapping means that you can insert
a PC Card while your notebook is running. If your PC Card does not work after
hot-swapping, see the PC Card manufacturer’s documentation for further
information.

To insert a PC Card:
■

240

Push the card firmly into the PC Card slot label-side up until the outer edge
of the card is flush with the side of your notebook.

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Adding and removing a PC Card

To remove a PC Card:

Click the remove hardware
click Stop.

icon in the taskbar, the PC Card name, then

-ORTurn off your notebook.
Important

2
3

If the remove hardware icon does not appear on the
taskbar, click the show hidden icons
button.

Press the PC Card eject button once to release the eject button.
Press the PC Card eject button again to eject the PC Card.

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Preventing static electricity
discharge
The components inside your notebook are extremely sensitive to static
electricity, also known as electrostatic discharge (ESD).
Warning

ESD can permanently damage electrostatic
discharge-sensitive components in your notebook. Prevent
ESD damage by following ESD guidelines every time you
install memory or replace the hard drive.

Warning

To avoid exposure to dangerous electrical voltages and
moving parts, turn off your notebook and unplug the power
cord and modem and network cables before opening the
case.

Before installing memory or replacing the hard drive, follow these guidelines:
■

Turn off your notebook.

■

Wear a grounding wrist strap (available at most electronics stores) and
attach it to a bare metal part of your workbench or other grounded
connection.
Warning

242

To prevent risk of electric shock, do not insert any object
into the vent holes of your notebook.

■

Touch a bare metal surface on your workbench or other grounded object.

■

Unplug the power cord and the modem and network cables.

■

Remove the battery. For more information, see “Changing batteries” on
page 153.

■

Disconnect all peripheral devices and remove any PC Cards.

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Adding or replacing memory
Before working with computer components, follow these guidelines:
■

Avoid static-causing surfaces such as carpeted floors, plastic, and packing
foam.

■

Remove components from their antistatic bags only when you are ready
to use them. Do not lay components on the outside of antistatic bags
because only the inside of the bags provide electrostatic protection.

■

Always hold components by their edges. Avoid touching the edge
connectors. Never slide components over any surface.

Adding or replacing memory
Your notebook uses memory modules called SO-DIMMs (Small Outline Dual
Inline Memory Modules). The modules are available in various capacities and
any module can be placed in any available slot. Use only memory modules
designed for the Gateway M305 for upgrading your memory.

Memory
bay

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To add or replace memory modules:

244

Follow the instructions under “Preventing static electricity discharge” on
page 242.

Turn off your notebook and disconnect the AC adapter and modem and
network cables.

3
4

Turn your notebook over so the bottom is facing up.

5
6

Loosen the memory bay cover screw, then remove the memory bay cover.

Remove the battery. For more information, see “Replacing the battery” on
page 153.

If you are removing a module, gently press outward on the clip at each
end of the memory module until the module tilts upward.

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Adding or replacing memory

Pull the memory module out of the slot.

Hold the new or replacement module at a 30-degree angle and press it into
the empty memory slot. This module is keyed so it can only be inserted
in one direction. If the module does not fit, make sure that the notch in
the module lines up with the tab in the memory bay.

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Important

9
10
11
12

246

Use only memory modules designed for the
Gateway M305.

Gently push the module down until it clicks in place.
Replace the memory bay cover and tighten the cover screw.
Insert the battery, then turn your notebook over.
Connect the power adapter and modem and network cables, then turn on
your notebook.

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Replacing the hard drive kit

Replacing the hard drive kit
If you would like more hard drive capacity, you can replace your original drive
with a higher-capacity drive.

Hard drive

To replace the hard drive kit:

Follow the instructions under “Preventing static electricity discharge” on
page 242.

Turn off your notebook and disconnect the AC adapter and modem and
network cables.

3
4

Turn your notebook over so the bottom is facing up.
Remove the battery. For more information, see “Replacing the battery” on
page 153.

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Remove the two hard drive kit screws.

Screws

Tips & Tricks

248

Use a magnetic screwdriver or turn the notebook over to
remove the screws.

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Replacing the hard drive kit

Slide the old hard drive kit out of your notebook.

If your new hard drive already includes the hard drive kit bracket, go to
Step 12.
-ORIf you need to move the hard drive kit bracket from your old hard drive
kit to your new hard drive, go to Step 8.

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Remove the two screws that secure the hard drive to the hard drive kit
bracket.

Screw

10
11
12
13

250

Remove the bracket from the old drive.

Insert the new drive into the bracket so the screw holes line up.
Replace the two screws that secure the bracket to the drive.
Place the new hard drive kit into the bay and slide it into the connector.
Replace the screws that secure the hard drive kit to your notebook.

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Replacing the hard drive kit

14
15

Insert the battery and turn your notebook over.
Connect the power adapter and modem and network cables, then turn on
your notebook.

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Troubleshooting

This chapter provides some solutions to common notebook
problems. Read this chapter to learn how to:
■

Troubleshoot typical hardware and software problems

■

Get telephone support

■

Use automated troubleshooting systems

■

Get tutoring and training

If the suggestions in this chapter do not correct the
problem, see “Getting Help” on page 35 for more
information about how to get help.

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Safety guidelines
While troubleshooting your notebook, follow these safety guidelines:
■

Never start any disassembly, remove any covers, or remove the hard drive
if your notebook is turned on, the battery is installed, or while the modem
cable, network cable, or AC power adapter are connected to the notebook.

■

Make sure that you are correctly grounded before accessing internal
components. For more information about preventing damage from static
electricity, see “Preventing static electricity discharge” on page 242.

■

After you complete any maintenance tasks where you remove the memory
bay cover or hard drive kit, make sure that you replace the cover or hard
drive kit, reinstall any screws, then replace the battery before you start your
notebook.
Warning

254

Do not try to troubleshoot your problem if power cords or
plugs are damaged, if your notebook was dropped, or if
the case was damaged. Instead, unplug your notebook
and contact a qualified computer technician.

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First steps

First steps
If you have problems with your notebook, try these things first:
■

Make sure that the AC power adapter is connected to your notebook and
an AC outlet and that the AC outlet is supplying power.

■

If you use a power strip or surge protector, make sure that it is turned on.

■

If a peripheral device (such as a keyboard or mouse) does not work, make
sure that all connections are secure.

■

Make sure that your hard drive is not full.

■

If an error message appears on the screen, write down the exact message.
The message may help Gateway Technical Support in diagnosing and
fixing the problem.

■

If you added or removed peripheral devices, review the installation
procedures you performed and make sure that you followed each
instruction.

■

If an error occurs in a program, see the program’s printed documentation
or the online help.
Help and
Support

For more information about troubleshooting in
Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword troubleshooting in the Help and
Support Search box
, then click the
arrow.

Software support tools
Your notebook may include the following support tool to help you diagnose
and fix problems:
■

PC Doctor is a comprehensive hardware diagnostic and system information
tool that can test your notebook and determine its configuration.
PC Doctor provides 85 professional diagnostic tests directly from your
notebook.

This support tool is available from Help and Support or by clicking Start, All
Programs, then clicking Gateway Utilities.

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Chapter 16: Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting
CD or DVD drives
Your notebook does not recognize a disc
■

The disc may not be seated correctly in the tray. When you place a disc
on the tray, make sure that you press the disc firmly onto the spindle so
the retainers hold the disc in place.

■

Make sure that the disc label is facing up, then try again.

■

If you are trying to play a DVD, make sure that you have a DVD drive.
See “Identifying drive types” on page 85 for more information.

■

Try a different disc. Occasionally discs are flawed and cannot be read by
the drive.

■

Some music CDs have copy protection software. You may not be able to
play these CDs on your notebook.

■

Your notebook may be experiencing some temporary memory problems.
Shut down and restart your notebook.

■

Clean the disc. For more information, see “Cleaning CDs or DVDs” on
page 258.

An audio CD does not produce sound

256

■

Make sure that the CD label is facing up, then try again.

■

Some music CDs have copy protection software. You may not be able to
play these CDs on your notebook.

■

Make sure that the volume control on your notebook is turned up. For
more information, see “System key combinations” on page 26.

■

Make sure that the Windows volume control is turned up. For more
information, see “Adjusting the volume” on page 76.

■

Make sure that Mute controls are turned off. For more information about
the mute setting, see “System key combinations” on page 26 or “Adjusting
the volume” on page 76.

■

Make sure that headphones are not plugged into the headphone jack. For
the location of the headphone jack, see “Left side” on page 3.

■

If you are using powered speakers, make sure that they are plugged in and
turned on.

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Troubleshooting
■

Clean the CD. For more information, see “Cleaning CDs or DVDs” on
page 258.

■

Your notebook may be experiencing some temporary memory problems.
Shut down and restart your notebook.

■

Reinstall the audio device drivers. For more information, see “Reinstalling
device drivers” on page 231.

A DVD movie will not play
■

Make sure that the label or side you want to play is facing up, then try
again.

■

Make sure that you have a DVD drive. See “Identifying drive types” on
page 85 for more information.

■

Shut down and restart your notebook.

■

Clean the DVD. For more information, see “Cleaning CDs or DVDs” on
page 258.

■

DVD discs and drives contain regional codes that help control DVD title
exports and help reduce illegal disc distribution. To be able to play a DVD,
the disc’s regional code and your DVD drive’s regional code must match.
The regional code on your DVD drive is determined by your notebook’s
delivery address. The regional code for the United States and Canada is 1.
The regional code for Mexico is 4. Your DVD drive’s regional code must
match the regional code of the disc. The regional code for the disc is on
the disc, disc documentation, or packaging.
If the DVD movie does not play, the disc’s regional code and your DVD
drive’s regional code may not match.

■

Make sure that the InterVideo program has been installed on your
notebook. See “Playing a DVD” on page 98 for more information.

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Cleaning CDs or DVDs
Wipe from the center to the edge, not around in a circle, using a product made
especially for the purpose.

Device installation
You have computer problems after adding a new device
Sometimes a new device, such as a PC Card, can cause a system resource (IRQ)
conflict. Check IRQ usage to determine if there is an IRQ conflict.

To check IRQ usage in Windows XP:

Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.
If your Control Panel is in Category View, click Performance and
Maintenance.

Click/Double-click System, click the Hardware tab, then click Device
Manager. The Device Manager window opens.

Click View, then click Resources by type. Double-click Interrupt request
(IRQ). All IRQs and their hardware assignments are displayed.

Help and
Support

For more information about IRQs in Windows XP, click
Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword IRQs in the Help and Support Search
box
, then click the arrow.

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Troubleshooting

To check IRQ usage in Windows 2000:

Click Start, Settings, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel
window opens.

Double-click the System icon, click the Hardware tab, then click
Device Manager. The Device Manager window opens.

Click View, then click Resources by type. Double-click Interrupt request
(IRQ). All IRQs and their hardware assignments are displayed.

To free IRQ resources for the new device:

In the Device Manager window, check the device list for a resource
conflict. A resource conflict appears as a black exclamation point in
a yellow circle.

Remove the device you are trying to install, then determine which
one of the existing devices or ports you can disable.

Right-click the device or port you want to disable, then click Disable.
The device or port is disabled.

Diskette drive
The diskette drive is not recognized
■

Shut down and restart your notebook.

You see an “Access Denied” or “Write protect” error message
■

Move the write-protection tab in the upper-right corner of the diskette
down (unprotected).

■

The diskette may be full. Delete unnecessary files on the diskette and try
again.

■

Not all diskettes are IBM-compatible. Make sure that the diskette you are
using is IBM-compatible.

■

Try a different diskette. Occasionally diskettes are flawed and cannot be
read by the diskette drive.

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Chapter 16: Troubleshooting

You see a “Disk is full” error message
■

Delete unnecessary files on the diskette.

■

Try a different diskette. Occasionally diskettes are flawed and cannot be
read by the diskette drive.

■

Run Error checking on the diskette. For more information, see “Checking
the hard drive for errors” on page 219. If errors are detected and corrected,
try using the diskette again.

You see a “Non-system disk”, “NTLDR is missing”, or “Disk error”
error message
■

Eject the diskette from the diskette drive, then press ENTER.

■

Make sure that the diskette you are using is IBM-compatible.

The diskette drive status indicator is lit continuously
Remove the diskette from the drive. If the indicator stays on, try restarting your
notebook.

Display
The screen is too dark
Adjust the brightness using the system keys. For more information, see “System
key combinations” on page 26.

The screen resolution is not correct
Change the screen resolution from the Display Properties dialog box. For more
information, see “Adjusting the screen resolution” on page 174.
Help and
Support

For more information about changing the screen resolution
in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword screen resolution in the Help and
Support Search box
, then click the
arrow.

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Troubleshooting

The text on the display is dim or difficult to read
■

Adjust the brightness and contrast using the system keys. For more
information, see “System key combinations” on page 26.

■

Change the display settings. For more information, see “Adjusting the
screen and desktop settings” on page 172.

■

Move your notebook away from sources of electrical interference, such as
televisions, unshielded speakers, microwaves, fluorescent lights, and metal
beams or shelves.

The display has pixels that are always dark or too bright
This condition is normal and inherent in the TFT technology used in
active-matrix LCD screens. Gateway’s inspection standards keep these to a
minimum. If you feel these pixels are unacceptably numerous or dense on your
display, contact Gateway Technical Support to identify whether a repair or
replacement is justified based on the number of pixels affected.

File management
A file was accidentally deleted
If a file was deleted at a DOS prompt or in Windows while holding down the
SHIFT key, the file cannot be restored.

To restore deleted files:

1
2

Double-click the Recycle Bin icon.
Right-click the file you want to restore, then click Restore. The file
is restored to the place where it was originally deleted from.
If the Recycle Bin was emptied before you tried to restore a file, the
file cannot be restored.

Help and
Support

For more information about restoring deleted files in
Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword System Restore in the Help and Support
Search box
, then click the arrow.

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Hard drive
You see an “Insufficient disk space” error message
■

Delete unnecessary files from the hard drive using Disk Cleanup. For more
information, see “Using Disk Cleanup” on page 218.

■

Empty the Recycle Bin by right-clicking the Recycle Bin icon, then clicking
Empty Recycle Bin.
Caution

■

All deleted files will be lost when you empty the Recycle
Bin.

Save your files to a diskette or another drive. If the hard drive is full, copy
any files not regularly used to diskettes or other backup media, then delete
them from the hard drive.
Help and
Support

For more information about file management in
Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword file management in the Help and
Support Search box
, then click the
arrow.

You see a “Data error” message
This may be the result of a defective area on the hard drive. To fix hard drive
problems, run the Error checking program. For more information, see
“Checking the hard drive for errors” on page 219.

The hard drive cannot be accessed, or you see a “General failure
reading drive C” error message
■

If a diskette is in the diskette drive, eject it and restart your notebook.

■

Make sure that the hard drive is installed correctly. Remove it, firmly
reinsert it, then restart your notebook. For more information, see
“Replacing the hard drive kit” on page 247.

■

If your notebook has been subjected to static electricity or physical shock,
you may need to reinstall the operating system.

You see a “Non-system disk”, “NTLDR is missing”, or “disk” error
message
■

262

Eject the diskette from the diskette drive, then press ENTER.

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Troubleshooting

Internet
You cannot connect to the Internet
■

Make sure that the modem cable is plugged into the modem jack and not
the Ethernet network jack. See “Back” on page 6 to make sure that the
connections have been made correctly.

■

Make sure that your notebook is connected to the telephone line and the
telephone line has a dial tone.

■

If you have the call waiting feature on your telephone line, make sure that
it is disabled.

■

Make sure that you are not using a digital, rollover, or PBX line. These lines
do not work with your modem.

■

Make sure that your account with your Internet service provider (ISP) is
set up correctly. Contact your ISP technical support for help.

■

Make sure that you do not have a problem with your modem. For more
information, see “Modem (dial-up)” on page 265
Help and
Support

For more information about troubleshooting Internet
connections in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help
and Support.
Type the keyword troubleshooting connections in the
Help and Support Search box
,
then click the arrow.

You see an “Unable to locate host” message and are unable to browse
the Internet
This problem can occur when you have typed a URL (Web address) incorrectly,
you have lost your Internet connection, or your ISP is having technical
difficulties.
Double-check the URL or try a different URL. If the error message still appears,
disconnect from the ISP connection and close your browser, then reconnect
and open the browser. If you still get the error, your ISP may be having technical
difficulties.

Connecting to a Web site takes too long
Many factors can affect Internet performance:
■

The condition of the telephone lines in your residence or at your local
telephone service

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Chapter 16: Troubleshooting
■

The condition of the Internet computers to which you connect and
the number of users accessing those computers

■

The complexity of graphics and multimedia on Web pages

■

Having multiple Web browsers open, performing multiple downloads, and
having multiple programs open on your notebook

People are sending you e-mail messages, but you have not received
any mail
■

Click the receive button in your e-mail program.

■

Make sure that your account with your Internet service provider (ISP) is
set up correctly. Contact your ISP for technical support.

Keyboard
The external keyboard does not work
■

Make sure that the keyboard cable is plugged in correctly.

■

Remove all extension cables and switchboxes.

■

Clean the keyboard by using an aerosol can of air with a narrow, straw-like
extension to remove dust and lint trapped under the keys.

■

Try a keyboard that you know works to make sure that the keyboard port
works.

■

If you spilled liquid in the keyboard, turn off your notebook and unplug
the keyboard. Clean the keyboard and turn it upside down to drain it. Let
the keyboard dry before using it again. If the keyboard does not work after
it dries, you may need to replace it.

A keyboard character keeps repeating or you see a “Keyboard stuck”
or “Key failure” error message

264

■

Make sure that nothing is resting on the keyboard.

■

Make sure that a key is not stuck. Press each key to loosen a key that might
be stuck, then restart your notebook.

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Troubleshooting

Memory
You see a “Memory error” message
■

Make sure that the memory modules are inserted correctly in the memory
bay slots. For more information, see “Adding or replacing memory” on
page 243.

■

Use PC Doctor or a third-party diagnostic program to help determine if a
memory module is failing. For more information, see “Adding or replacing
memory” on page 243.

You see a “Not enough memory” error message
■

Close all programs, then restart your notebook.
Help and
Support

For more information about troubleshooting memory errors
in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword memory error in the Help and Support
Search box
, then click the arrow.

Memory card reader
Drive letters for the memory card slots do not appear in the My
Computer window
■

Reboot your notebook.

Modem (dial-up)
Your modem does not dial or does not connect
■

Make sure that the modem cable is plugged into the modem jack and not
the Ethernet network jack. See “Back” on page 6 to make sure that the
connections have been made correctly.

■

Make sure that your notebook is connected to the telephone line and the
telephone line has a dial tone.

■

Make sure that the modem cable is less than 6 feet (1.8 meters) long.

■

Remove any line splitters or surge protectors from your telephone line,
then check for a dial tone by plugging a working telephone into the
telephone wall jack.

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Chapter 16: Troubleshooting
■

If you have additional telephone services such as call waiting, call
messaging, or voice mail, make sure that all messages are cleared and call
waiting is disabled before using the modem. Contact your telephone
service to get the correct code to temporarily disable the service. Also make
sure that the modem dialing properties are set appropriately.

To check the dialing properties in Windows XP:

Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.
If your Control Panel is in Category View, click Printers and Other
Hardware.

Click/Double-click the Phone and Modem Options icon, then click the
Dialing Rules tab.

3
4

Click the location from which you are dialing, then click Edit.
Make sure that all settings are correct.

Help and
Support

For more information about dialing properties in
Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword dialing in the Help and Support Search
box
, then click the arrow.

To check the dialing properties in Windows 2000:

266

Click Start, Settings, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel
window opens.

Click/Double-click the Modems icon, then click Dialing Properties tab.
The Dialing Properties dialog box opens.

Make sure that all settings are correct.

■

Disconnect any answering machine, fax machine, or printer that is on the
same line as the modem. Do not connect these devices to the same
telephone line as the modem.

■

Make sure that you are not using a digital, rollover, or PBX line. These lines
do not work with your modem.

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Troubleshooting
■

Check for line noise (scratchy, crackling, or popping sounds). Line noise
is a common problem that can cause the modem to connect at a slower
rate, abort downloads, or even disconnect. The faster the modem, the less
line noise it can tolerate and still work correctly.
Listen to the line using your telephone. Dial a single number (such as 1).
When the dial tone stops, listen for line noise. Wiggle the modem cable
to see if that makes a difference. Make sure that the connectors are free
from corrosion and all screws in the wall or telephone wall jack are secure.
You can also call your telephone service and have the telephone line
checked for noise or low line levels.

■

Try another telephone line (either a different telephone number in your
house or a telephone line at a different location). If you can connect on
this line, call your telephone service.

■

Try connecting with the modem at a lower connection speed. If reducing
the connect speed lets you connect, call your telephone service. The
telephone line may be too noisy.

You cannot connect to the Internet
■

The ISP may be having technical difficulties. Contact your ISP for technical
support.

■

See if the modem works with a different communications program. The
problem may be with just one program.

Your 56K modem does not connect at 56K
Current FCC regulations restrict actual data transfer rates over public telephone
lines to 53K. Other factors, such as line noise, telephone service provider
equipment, or ISP limitations, may lower the speed even further.
If your notebook has a v.90 modem, the speed at which you can upload (send)
data is limited to 33.6K. If your notebook has a v.92 modem, the speed at which
you can upload data is limited to 48K. Your ISP may not support 48K uploads.
You can check modem connection speeds and dial-up network (DUN)
connections by accessing the gateway.your.way dial-up server. The server also
contains drivers, patches, and updates for current Gateway hardware and
software.
The server provides a secure connection and is a stand-alone server. You cannot
use it to access the Internet. The server cannot be accessed Mondays from
8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. CT.

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Chapter 16: Troubleshooting

To access the gateway.your.way dial-up server:

1
2
3

Insert the red Drivers and Applications CD into the CD or DVD drive.
Click Help, then click Support Web Site.
To check your modem connection speed, click the Direct Dial option.
After your modem connects, move the mouse pointer over the
Dial-Up Networking icon (located next to the clock on your taskbar).
Your modem connection speed appears.

Your fax communications program only sends and receives faxes at
14,400 bps when you have a 56K modem
Current fax technology only supports a maximum send and receive rate of
14,400 bps.

The modem is not recognized by your notebook
■

Make sure that the line connected to the modem is working and plugged
into the appropriate port on your notebook. See “Back” on page 6 to make
sure that the connections have been made correctly.

■

If the modem shares the telephone line with another device, make sure
that the telephone line is not in use (for example, someone is on the
telephone, or another modem is in use).

■

Use the modem cable that came with your notebook. Some telephone
cables do not meet required cable standards and may cause problems with
the modem connection.

■

Shut down and restart your notebook.

■

Run Windows modem diagnostics.

To run modem diagnostics in Windows XP:

268

1
2

Close all open programs.

Click/Double-click the Phone and Modem Options icon, then click the
Modems tab.

Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.
If your Control Panel is in Category View, click Printers and Other
Hardware.

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Troubleshooting

Click your modem, then click Properties. The Modem Properties dialog
box opens.

Click the Diagnostic tab, then click Query Modem. If information
about the modem appears, the modem passed diagnostics. If no
modem information is available, a white screen appears with no
data, or if you get an error such as port already open or the modem
has failed to respond, the modem did not pass diagnostics.

Help and
Support

For more information about modem troubleshooting in
Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword modem troubleshooting in the Help
and Support Search box
, then
click the arrow.

To run modem diagnostics in Windows 2000:

1
2

Close all open programs.

3
4

Double-click the Modems icon. The Modems Properties window opens.

Click Start, Settings, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel
window opens.

Click the Diagnostic tab, click the COM port next to the name of
the modem, then click More Info. The Modem Info dialog box opens.
If information about the modem appears, the modem passed
diagnostics. If no modem information is available, a white screen
appears with no data, or if you get an error such as port already open
or the modem has failed to respond, the modem did not pass
diagnostics.

The modem is noisy when it dials and connects
When your modem tries to connect to another modem, it begins handshaking.
Handshaking is a digital “getting acquainted” conversation between the two
modems that establishes connection speeds and communication protocols. You
may hear unusual handshaking sounds when the modems first connect. If the
handshaking sounds are too loud, you can turn down the modem volume.

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Chapter 16: Troubleshooting

To turn down the modem volume in Windows XP:

Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.
If your Control Panel is in Category View, click Printers and Other
Hardware.

Click/Double-click the Phone and Modem Options icon, then click the
Modems tab.

3
4
5

Click the modem you want to adjust, then click Properties.
Click the Modem tab, then adjust the Speaker volume control.
Click OK twice to close the Phone and Modem Options dialog box.

To turn down the modem volume in Windows 2000:

Click Start, Settings, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel
window opens.

Double-click the Modems icon. The Modems Properties dialog box
opens.

Click the General tab, click the modem you want to adjust, then click
Properties.

4
5

Adjust the Speaker volume control.
Click OK.

Mouse
The external mouse does not work

270

■

Make sure that the mouse cable is plugged in correctly.

■

Shut down and restart your notebook.

■

Remove all extension cables and switch boxes.

■

Try a mouse you know is working to make sure that the mouse port works.

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Troubleshooting

The external mouse works erratically
■

Clean the mouse. For more information, see “Cleaning the mouse” on
page 226.

■

Some mouse pad patterns “confuse” optical mice. Try the mouse on a
different surface.
Help and
Support

For a video tutorial about cleaning the mouse, click Start,
then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword mouse troubleshooting in the Help
and Support Search box
, then
click the arrow.

Networks
You cannot connect to your company network
Every network is unique. Contact your company computer department or
network administrator for help.
Help and
Support

For more information about network troubleshooting in
Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword network troubleshooting in the Help
and Support Search box
, then
click the arrow.

Passwords
Your notebook does not accept your password
Make sure that CAPS
password.

LOCK

and PAD

LOCK

are turned off, then retype the

You forgot your startup password
The password feature (which is set in the BIOS Setup utility) is very secure, with
no easy way to recover a forgotten password. You must return your notebook
for repair. Call Gateway Technical Support for instructions.

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PC Cards
You installed a PC Card and now your notebook is having problems
■

Make sure that you have correctly installed required software for the
PC Card. For more information, see your PC Card’s documentation.

■

Make sure that the PC Card you installed is not causing a system resource
conflict. For more information on resource conflicts, see “Device
installation” on page 258.

Power
Your notebook is not working on AC power
■

Make sure that your AC power adapter is connected correctly to your
notebook. For more information, see “Connecting the AC adapter” on
page 16.

■

If your notebook is plugged into a surge protector, make sure that the surge
protector is connected securely to an electrical outlet, turned on, and
working correctly. To test the outlet, plug a working device, such as a lamp,
into the outlet and turn it on.

■

Make sure that the AC power adapter cables are free from cuts or damage.
Replace any damaged cables.

Your notebook is not working on battery power
■

Make sure that the battery is installed correctly. For more information, see
“Changing batteries” on page 153.

■

Make sure that the battery is fully recharged. For more information, see
“Recharging the battery” on page 151.

■

Make sure that the battery is calibrated correctly. For more information,
see “Recalibrating the battery” on page 152.

Your notebook will not turn off, even after pressing the power button
for five seconds
If your notebook has “frozen,” and pressing the power button for five seconds
does not turn it off, insert a straightened paper clip into the reset hole on the
bottom of your notebook. For the location of the reset hole, see “Bottom” on
page 7.

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Printer
The printer will not turn on
■

Make sure that the printer is online. Many printers have an online/offline
button that you may need to press.

■

Make sure that the power cable is plugged into an AC power source.

The printer is on but will not print
■

Check the cable between the printer and your notebook. Make sure that
it is connected to the correct port.

■

Make sure that the printer is online. Many printers have an online/offline
button that you may need to press so the printer can start printing. Press
the button to put the printer online.

■

Check the port and cable for bent or broken pins.

■

If the printer you want to print to is not the default printer, make sure
that you have selected it in the printer setup.

To set a default printer in Windows XP:

Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.
If your Control Panel is in Category View, click Printers and Other
Hardware.

Click/Double-click the Printers and Faxes icon. The Printers and Faxes
window opens.

Right-click the name of the printer you want to be the default
printer, then click Set as Default Printer.

To set a default printer in Windows 2000:

1
2

Click Start, Settings, then click Printers.
Right-click on the name of the printer you want to be the default
printer, then click Set as Default.

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Chapter 16: Troubleshooting
■

Reinstall the printer driver. See the guide that came with your printer for
instructions on installing the printer driver.

You see a “Printer queue is full” error message
■

Make sure that the printer is not set to work offline.

To make sure that the printer is not set to work offline in Windows XP:

Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.
If your Control Panel is in Category View, click Printers and Other
Hardware.

Click/Double-click the Printers and Faxes icon. The Printers and Faxes
window opens.

Right-click the name of the printer you want to use. If the menu
shows a check mark next to Use Printer Offline, click Use Printer Offline
to clear the check mark.

Help and
Support

For more information about printer troubleshooting in
Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword printer troubleshooter in the Help and
Support Search box
, then click the
arrow.

To make sure that the printer is not set to work offline in
Windows 2000:

1
2

274

Click Start, Settings, then click Printers.
Right-click the name of the printer you want to use. If the menu
shows a check mark next to Use Printer Offline, click Use Printer Offline
to clear the check mark.

■

Wait until files have been printed before sending additional files to the
printer.

■

If you print large files or many files at one time, you may want to add
additional memory to the printer. See the printer documentation for
instructions for adding additional memory.

www.gateway.com

Troubleshooting

You see a “Printer is out of paper” error message
After adding paper, make sure that the printer is online. Most printers have an
online/offline button that you need to press after adding paper.

Sound
You are not getting sound from the built-in speakers
■

Make sure that headphones are not plugged into the headphone jack. For
the location of the headphone jack, see “Left side” on page 3.

■

Make sure that the volume control on your notebook is turned up. For
more information, see “System key combinations” on page 26.

■

Make sure that the Windows volume control is turned up. For more
information, see “Adjusting the volume” on page 76.

■

Make sure that Mute controls are turned off. For more information about
the mute setting, see “System key combinations” on page 26 or “Adjusting
the volume” on page 76.
Help and
Support

For more information about troubleshooting sound issues
in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword sound troubleshooter in the Help and
Support Search box
, then click the
arrow.

Video
The external monitor is not working
■

Make sure that you have pressed FN+LCD/CRT to activate the external
monitor option.

■

Make sure that the monitor is turned on and that the video cable is
connected correctly.

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Chapter 16: Troubleshooting

Telephone support
Before calling Gateway Technical Support
If you have a technical problem with your notebook, follow these
recommendations before contacting Gateway Technical Support:
■

Make sure that your notebook is connected correctly to a grounded
AC outlet that is supplying power. If you use a surge protector, make sure
that it is turned on.

■

If a peripheral device, such as a keyboard or mouse, does not appear to
work, make sure that all cables are plugged in securely.

■

If you have recently installed hardware or software, make sure that you
have installed it according to the instructions provided with it. If you did
not purchase the hardware or software from Gateway, see the
manufacturer’s documentation and technical support resources.

■

If you have “how to” questions about using a program, see:

■

Online Help

■

Printed documentation

■

The Microsoft Windows documentation

■

The software publisher’s Web site

See the troubleshooting section of this chapter.
Warning

To avoid bodily injury, do not attempt to troubleshoot your
notebook problem if:
Power cords or plugs are damaged
Liquid has been spilled into your notebook
■
Your notebook was dropped
■ The case was damaged
Instead, unplug your notebook and contact a qualified
computer technician.
■
■

276

■

Have your customer ID, serial number, and order number available, along
with a detailed description of your problem, including the exact text of
any error messages, and the steps you have taken.

■

Make sure that your notebook is nearby at the time of your call. The
technician may have you follow troubleshooting steps.

www.gateway.com

Telephone support

Telephone numbers
Gateway offers a wide range of customer service, technical support, and
information services.

Automated troubleshooting system
Service description

How to reach

Use an automated menu system and your telephone
keypad to find answers to common problems.

800-846-2118 (US)
877-709-2945 (Canada)

Telephone numbers
You can access the following services through your telephone to get answers
to your questions:
Resource

Service description

How to reach

Fax on demand
support

Order a catalog of documents on common
problems, then order documents by document
numbers. The documents will be faxed to you.

800-846-4526 (US)
877-709-2951 (Canada)

Gateway’s
fee-based
software tutorial
service

Get tutorial assistance for software issues
billed by the minute.

800-229-1103 (charged to
your credit card)
900-555-4695 (charged to
your telephone bill)

Gateway
Technical Support

Talk to a Gateway Technical Support
representative about a non-tutorial technical
support question. (See “Before calling
Gateway Technical Support” on page 276
before calling.)

800-846-2301 (US)
800-846-3609 (Canada
and Puerto Rico)
605-232-2191
(all other countries)

TDD Technical Support (for hearing impaired)
is available:

800-846-1778 (TDD)

Weekdays 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Central Time
Weekends 6:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Central Time
America Online

Get support for your America Online ISP
account

800-827-6364 (US)

CompuServe

Get support for your CompuServe ISP account

800-848-8990 (US)

Sales,
accounting, and
warranty

Get information about available systems,
pricing, orders, billing statements, warranty
service, or other non-technical issues.

800-846-2000 (US)
888-888-2037 (Canada)

www.gateway.com

888-265-4357 (Canada)

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Tutoring and training
Gateway’s Technical Support professionals cannot provide hardware and
software training or tutorial services. Instead, Gateway recommends the
following tutoring and training resources.

Self-help
If you have how-to questions about using your Gateway-supplied hardware or
software, see the following resources:
■

The printed or online documentation that came with your hardware or
software. In many cases, additional product information and online
documentation for Gateway-supplied hardware can be found in our Web
site’s Documentation Library

■

This user’s guide

■

The software publisher’s Web site
Help and
Support

For more how-to information about Windows XP, click
Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword practice in the Help and Support
Search box
, then click the arrow.

Tutoring
For help on using hardware or software that came with your Gateway notebook,
contact Gateway’s fee-based tutorial hotline:

278

■

800-229-1103 (rate charged per minute; charged to a major credit card)

■

900-555-4695 (rate charged per minute; charged to your telephone bill)

www.gateway.com

Tutoring and training

Training
Gateway provides the following in-person and computerized training:
Resource

Service description

For more information

In-Store Training at
Gateway stores

Our friendly and knowledgeable software
trainers can teach you how to use the
Internet and the most popular software
programs, including Microsoft Word, Excel,
and PowerPoint.

www.gateway.com/store

Gateway Learning
Libraries

A variety of courses and tutorials are
available on CD. Select from several
easy-to-use learning libraries.

www.gateway.com/training

Online Training
from
Learn@Gateway

More than 450 online courses are available
from Learn@Gateway. All you have to do is
go online and log in. You select the subject
matter, and the learning format (self-paced
tutorials or virtual classrooms), all from the
comfort of your notebook.

www.learnatgateway.com/

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Safety,
Regulatory, and
Legal Information

Important safety
information
Your Gateway system is designed and tested to meet the latest standards
for safety of information technology equipment. However, to ensure safe
use of this product, it is important that the safety instructions marked on
the product and in the documentation are followed.

Warning

Always follow these instructions to help
guard against personal injury and damage
to your Gateway system.

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Appendix A: Safety, Regulatory, and Legal Information
Setting up your system
■

Read and follow all instructions marked on the product and in the documentation before you
operate your system. Retain all safety and operating instructions for future use.

■

Do not use this product near water or a heat source such as a radiator.

■

Set up the system on a stable work surface.

■

The product should be operated only from the type of power source indicated on the rating label.

■

If your notebook has a voltage selector switch, make sure that the switch is in the proper position
for your area. The voltage selector switch is set at the factory to the correct voltage.

■

Openings in the computer case are provided for ventilation. Do not block or cover these
openings. Make sure you provide adequate space, at least 6 inches (15 cm), around the system for
ventilation when you set up your work area. Never insert objects of any kind into the computer
ventilation openings.

■

Some products are equipped with a three-wire power cord to make sure that the product is
properly grounded when in use. The plug on this cord will fit only into a grounding-type outlet.
This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug into an outlet, contact an electrician
to install the appropriate outlet.

■

If you use an extension cord with this system, make sure that the total ampere rating on the
products plugged into the extension cord does not exceed the extension cord ampere rating.

■

If your system is fitted with a TV Tuner, cable, or satellite receiver card, make sure that the
antenna or cable system is electrically grounded to provide some protection against voltage
surges and buildup of static charges.

Care during use

282

■

Do not walk on the power cord or allow anything to rest on it.

■

Do not spill anything on the system. The best way to avoid spills is to avoid eating and drinking
near your system.

■

Some products have a replaceable CMOS battery on the system board. There is a danger of
explosion if the CMOS battery is replaced incorrectly. Replace the battery with the same or
equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Dispose of batteries according to the
manufacturer’s instructions.

■

When the computer is turned off, a small amount of electrical current still flows through the
computer. To avoid electrical shock, always unplug all power cables and modem cables from the
wall outlets before cleaning the system.

■

Unplug the system from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified personnel if:
■

The power cord or plug is damaged.

■

Liquid has been spilled into the system.

■

The system does not operate properly when the operating instructions are followed.

■

The system was dropped or the cabinet is damaged.

■

The system performance changes.

www.gateway.com

Important safety information
Replacement parts and accessories
Use only replacement parts and accessories recommended by Gateway.

Important

Warning

Do not use Gateway products in areas classified as
hazardous locations. Such areas include patient care
areas of medical and dental facilities, oxygen-laden
environments, or industrial facilities.

To reduce the risk of fire, use only No. 26 AWG or larger
telecommunications line cord.

www.gateway.com

283

Appendix A: Safety, Regulatory, and Legal Information

Regulatory compliance
statements
Wireless Guidance
Low power, Radio transmitting type devices (radio frequency (RF) wireless communication
devices), may be present (embedded) in your notebook system. These devices may operate in the
2.4 GHz (i.e. 802.11B/G LAN & Bluetooth), 5.2 GHz (i.e. 802.11A LAN), and traditional cellular or
PCS cellular bands (i.e. Cellular data modem). The following section is a general overview of
considerations while operating a wireless device.
Additional limitations, cautions, and concerns for specific countries are listed in the specific
country sections (or country group sections). The wireless devices in your system are only qualified
for use in the countries identified by the Radio Approval Marks on the system rating label. If the
country you will be using the wireless device in, is not listed, please contact your local Radio
Approval agency for requirements. Wireless devices are closely regulated and use may not be
allowed.
The power output of the wireless device or devices that may be embedded in your notebook is well
below the RF exposure limits as known at this time. Because the wireless devices (which may be
embedded into your notebook) emit less energy than is allowed in radio frequency safety standards
and recommendations, Gateway believes these devices are safe for use. Regardless of the power
levels, care should be taken to minimize human contact during normal operation.
As a general guideline, a separation of 20 cm (8 inches) between the wireless device and the body,
for use of a wireless device near the body (this does not include extremities) is typical. This device
should be used more than 20 cm (8 inches) from the body when wireless devices are on and
transmitting.
The wireless devices installed in this system are intended to be used indoors. In some areas, use of
these devices outdoors is prohibited.
Some circumstances require restrictions on wireless devices. Examples of common restrictions are
listed below:

Caution

284

Radio frequency wireless communication can interfere
with equipment on commercial aircraft. Current aviation
regulations require wireless devices to be turned off while
traveling in an airplane. 802.11B (also known as wireless
Ethernet or Wifi) and Bluetooth communication devices are
examples of devices that provide wireless communication.
For more information, see “Turning your wireless Ethernet
emitter on or off” on page 200.

www.gateway.com

Regulatory compliance statements

Caution

In environments where the risk of interference to other
devices or services is harmful or perceived as harmful, the
option to use a wireless device may be restricted or
eliminated. Airports, Hospitals, and Oxygen or flammable
gas laden atmospheres are limited examples where use
of wireless devices may be restricted or eliminated. When
in environments where you are uncertain of the sanction
to use wireless devices, ask the applicable authority for
authorization prior to use or turning on the wireless device.

Caution

Every country has different restrictions on the use of
wireless devices. Since your system is equipped with a
wireless device, when traveling between countries with
your system, check with the local Radio Approval
authorities prior to any move or trip for any restrictions on
the use of a wireless device in the destination country.

Caution

If your system came equipped with an internal embedded
wireless device, do not operate the wireless device unless
all covers and shields are in place and the system is fully
assembled.

Caution

Wireless devices are not user serviceable. Do not modify
them in any way. Modification to a wireless device will void
the authorization to use it. Please contact Gateway for
service.

Caution

Only use drivers approved for the country in which the
device will be used. See the Gateway System Restoration
Kit, or contact Gateway Technical Support for additional
information.

Caution

In order to comply with FCC requirements this transmitter
must not be operated (or co-located) in conjunction with
any other transmitter or antenna installed in the notebook.

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285

Appendix A: Safety, Regulatory, and Legal Information

United States of America
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Intentional emitter per FCC Part 15
Low power, Radio transmitter type devices (radio frequency (RF) wireless communication devices),
operating in the 2.4 GHz band and/or 5.15 – 5.35 GHz band, may be present (embedded) in your
notebook system. This section is only applicable if these devices are present. Refer to the system
label to verify the presence of wireless devices.
Wireless devices that may be in your system are only qualified for use in the United States of
America if an FCC ID number is on the system label.
The FCC has set a general guideline of 20 cm (8 inches) separation between the device and the
body, for use of a wireless device near the body (this does not include extremities). This device
should be used more than 20 cm (8 inches) from the body when wireless devices are on. The power
output of the wireless device (or devices), which may be embedded in your notebook, is well below
the RF exposure limits as set by the FCC.
The wireless devices installed in this system are intended to be used indoors. In some areas, use of
these devices outdoors is prohibited.
Operation of this device is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

Caution

Wireless devices are not user serviceable. Do not modify
them in any way. Modification to a wireless device will void
the authorization to use it. Contact Gateway for service.

Unintentional emitter per FCC Part 15
This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions,
may cause harmful interference to radio or television reception. However, there is no guarantee
that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause
interference to radio and television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment
off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
■

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna

■

Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver

■

Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected

■

Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Compliance Accessories: The accessories associated with this equipment are: shielded video cable
when an external monitor is connected. These accessories are required to be used in order to
ensure compliance with FCC rules.

286

www.gateway.com

Regulatory compliance statements
FCC declaration of conformity
Responsible party:
Gateway Companies, Inc.
610 Gateway Drive, North Sioux City, SD 57049
(605) 232-2000 Fax: (605) 232-2023
Product:
■

Gateway M305

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation of this product is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device
must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Caution

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by
Gateway could void the FCC compliance and negate your
authority to operate the product.

www.gateway.com

287

Appendix A: Safety, Regulatory, and Legal Information
Telecommunications per FCC part 68
(applicable to products fitted with USA modems)
Your modem complies with Part 68 of the code of federal regulations part 47 (CFR 47). On the
computer or modem card is a label that contains the registration number and Ringer Equivalence
Number (REN) for this device. If requested, this information must be provided to the telephone
company.
A telephone line cord with a modular plug is required for use with this device. The modem is
designed to be connected to the telephone network or premises wiring using a compatible modular
jack which is Part 68-compliant. See installation instructions for details.
The Ringer Equivalence Number (REN) is used to determine the number of devices which may be
connected to the telephone line. Excessive RENs on a telephone line may result in the devices not
ringing in response to an incoming call. In most areas, the sum of RENs should not exceed five
(5.0). To be certain of the number of devices that may be connected to a line, as determined by the
total RENs, contact the local telephone company.
If this device causes harm to the telephone network, the telephone company will notify you in
advance that temporary discontinuance of service may be required. The telephone company may
request that you disconnect the equipment until the problem is resolved.
The telephone company may make changes in its facilities, equipment, operations, or procedures
that could affect the operation of this equipment. If this happens, the telephone company will
provide advance notice in order for you to make necessary modifications to maintain
uninterrupted service.
This equipment cannot be used on telephone company-provided coin service. Connection to party
line service is subject to state tariffs. Contact the state public utility commission or public service
commission for information.
When programming or making test calls to emergency numbers:
■

Remain on the line and briefly explain to the dispatcher the reason for the call.

■

Perform such activities in the off-peak hours such as early morning or late evenings.

The United States Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 makes it unlawful for any person to
use a computer or other electronic device to send any message via a telephone fax machine unless
such message clearly contains, in a margin at the top or bottom of each transmitted page or on the
first page of the transmission, the date and time it is sent, an identification of the business, other
entity, or other individual sending the message, and the telephone number of the sending
machine or such business, other entity, or individual. Refer to your fax communication software
documentation for details on how to comply with the fax-branding requirement.

288

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Regulatory compliance statements

Canada
Industry Canada (IC)
Intentional emitter per RSS 210
Low power, Radio transmitter type devices (radio frequency (RF) wireless communication devices),
operating in the 2.4 GHz band and/or 5.15 – 5.35 GHz band, may be present (embedded) in your
notebook system. This section is only applicable if these devices are present. Refer to the system
label to verify the presence of wireless devices.
Wireless devices that may be in your system are only qualified for use in Canada if an Industry
Canada ID number is on the system label.
As a general guideline, a separation of 20 cm (8 inches) between the wireless device and the body,
for use of a wireless device near the body (this does not include extremities) is typical. This device
should be used more than 20 cm (8 inches) from the body when wireless devices are on. The power
output of the wireless device (or devices), which may be embedded in your notebook, is well below
the RF exposure limits as set by Industry Canada.
Operation of this device is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

Caution

To prevent radio interference to licensed service or
co-channel Mobile Satellite systems, this device is
intended to be operated indoors and away from windows
to provide maximum shielding. Equipment (or its transmit
antenna) that is installed outdoors is subject to licensing.

Caution

Wireless devices are not user serviceable. Do not modify
them in any way. Modification to a wireless device will void
the authorization to use it. Contact Gateway for service.

Caution

The transmitting device embedded in this system may not
be used with any antenna other than provide with the
system.

Caution

The 802.11A radio LAN your system may have been
equipped with operates in the same frequency range as
high power radar, which has priority use, and may damage
the radio LAN if both are present and being used in the
same area.

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Appendix A: Safety, Regulatory, and Legal Information
Unintentional emitter per ICES-003
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital
apparatus as set out in the radio interference regulations of Industry Canada.
Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites
applicables aux appareils numériques de Classe B prescrites dans le règlement sur le brouillage
radioélectrique édicté par Industrie Canada.

Telecommunications per Industry Canada CS-03
(for products fitted with an IC-compliant modem)
The Industry Canada label identifies certified equipment. This certification means that the
equipment meets certain telecommunications network protective, operation, and safety
requirements. The Department does not guarantee the equipment will operate to the users’
satisfaction.
Before installing this equipment, users should make sure that it is permissible to be connected to
the facilities of the local telecommunications company. The equipment must also be installed
using an acceptable method of connection. In some cases, the inside wiring associated with a
single-line individual service may be extended by means of a certified connector assembly. The
customer should be aware that compliance with the above conditions may not prevent
degradation of service in some situations.
Repairs to certified equipment should be made by an authorized Canadian maintenance facility
designated by the supplier. Any repairs or alterations made by the user to this equipment, or
equipment malfunctions, may give the telecommunications company cause to request the user to
disconnect the equipment.
Users should make sure, for their own protection, that the electrical ground connections of the
power utility, telephone lines, and internal metallic water pipe system, if present, are connected
together. This precaution may be particularly important in rural areas.

Warning

To avoid electrical shock or equipment malfunction do not
attempt to make electrical ground connections by yourself.
Contact the appropriate inspection authority or an
electrician, as appropriate.

The Ringer Equivalence Number (REN) assigned to each terminal device provides an indication of
the maximum number of terminals allowed to be connected to a telephone interface. The
termination on an interface may consist of any combination of devices subject only to the
requirement that the sum of the Ringer Equivalence Numbers of all the devices does not exceed 5.

290

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Regulatory compliance statements

Mexico
Intentional emitter
Low power, Radio transmitter type devices (radio frequency (RF) wireless communication devices),
operating in the 2.4 GHz band, may be present (embedded) in your notebook system. This section
is only applicable if these devices are present. Refer to the system label to verify the presence of
wireless devices.
Wireless devices that may be in your system are only qualified for use in Mexico if a COFETEL ID is
on the system label.
As a general guideline, a separation of 20 cm (8 inches) between the wireless device and the body,
for use of a wireless device near the body (this does not include extremities) is typical. This device
should be used more than 20 cm (8 inches) from the body when wireless devices are on. The power
output of the wireless device (or devices), which may be embedded in your notebook, is well below
the RF exposure limits as set by SCT.

Unintentional emitter
At this time there are no mandatory requirements for Unintentional Emitters. However, this device
does comply with multiple requirements for other countries and regions as listed on the system
label and in the user’s manual.

Laser safety statement
All Gateway systems equipped with CD and DVD drives comply with the appropriate safety
standards, including IEC 825. The laser devices in these components are classified as “Class 1 Laser
Products” under a US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Radiation Performance
Standard. Should the unit ever need servicing, contact an authorized service location.

Warning

Use of controls or adjustments or performance of
procedures other than those specified in this manual may
result in hazardous radiation exposure. To prevent
exposure to laser beams, do not try to open the enclosure
of a CD or DVD drive.

EPA ENERGY STAR
As an ENERGY STAR® Partner, Gateway has determined that this product
meets the ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency when used with a
computer equipped with a Display Power Management System.

www.gateway.com

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Appendix A: Safety, Regulatory, and Legal Information

California Proposition 65 Warning
Warning

292

This product contains chemicals, including lead, known to
the State of California to cause cancer and/or birth defects
or reproductive harm.

www.gateway.com

Notices

All Rights Reserved
This publication is protected by copyright and all rights are reserved. No part of it may be reproduced or
transmitted by any means or in any form, without prior consent in writing from Gateway.
The information in this manual has been carefully checked and is believed to be accurate. However, changes are
made periodically. These changes are incorporated in newer publication editions. Gateway may improve and/or
change products described in this publication at any time. Due to continuing system improvements, Gateway is
not responsible for inaccurate information which may appear in this manual. For the latest product updates,
consult the Gateway Web site at www.gateway.com. In no event will Gateway be liable for direct, indirect,
special, exemplary, incidental, or consequential damages resulting from any defect or omission in this manual,
even if advised of the possibility of such damages.
In the interest of continued product development, Gateway reserves the right to make improvements in this
manual and the products it describes at any time, without notices or obligation.

Trademark Acknowledgments
1-800-GATEWAY, ActiveCPR, ALR, AnyKey, black-and-white spot design, CrystalScan, Destination, DestiVu, EZ
Pad, EZ Point, Field Mouse, Gateway 2000, Gateway Country, gateway.net, Gateway stylized logo, Perfect
Scholar, Solo, TelePath, Vivitron, stylized “G” design, and “You’ve got a friend in the business” slogan are
registered trademarks and black-and-white spotted box logo, GATEWAY, Gateway Astro, Gateway@Work,
Gateway Connected touch pad, Gateway Connected music player, Gateway Cyber:)Ware, Gateway
Education:)Ware, Gateway Flex Case, Gateway Gaming:)Ware, Gateway GoBack, Gateway Gold, Gateway
Learning:)Ware, Gateway Magazine, Gateway Micro Server, Gateway Money:)Ware, Gateway Music:)Ware,
Gateway Networking Solutions, Gateway Online Network (O.N.) solution, Gateway Photo:)Ware, Gateway
Professional PCs, Gateway Profile, Gateway Solo, green stylized GATEWAY, green stylized Gateway logo,
Gateway Teacher:)Ware, Gateway Video:)Ware, HelpSpot, InforManager, Just click it!, Learn@Gateway, Kids
BackPack, SERVE-TO-ORDER, Server Watchdog, the Spotted G Gateway Logo and the Spotted G Logo,
SpotShop, Spotshop.com, and Your:)Ware are trademarks of Gateway, 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.

Macrovision statement
If your notebook has a DVD drive and an analog TV Out port, the following paragraph applies:
This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by method claims of certain U.S.
patents and other intellectual property rights owned by Macrovision Corporation and other rights owners. Use of
this copyright protection technology must be authorized by Macrovision Corporation, and is intended for home
and other limited viewing uses only unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision Corporation. Reverse
engineering or disassembly is prohibited.

www.gateway.com

293

Appendix A: Safety, Regulatory, and Legal Information

294

www.gateway.com

Index
A
AC adapter
connecting 16
connector 6
damaged 16
defective 17
international adapters 155
access point network 196
accessories
purchasing 13
safety precautions 283
accounts
America Online 67
ISP 67
user 185
acoustic handset coupler 166
ad hoc networking 198, 199
adding
icons to desktop 46
user accounts 185
See also installing
address
e-mail 72
Web 70
airplane power adapter 13, 155
alarms 157, 159
America Online 68
application key 24, 25
arrow keys 24, 25
AU file 83
audio
adjusting volume 27
headphone jack 3
microphone jack 3
muting 27, 76, 79
playing 81, 83, 87, 89
recording 81
streaming 189
troubleshooting 275
volume down button 27

volume up button 27
audio CD
adding tracks to library 95
copying 110
creating 105
editing track information 93
playing with MusicMatch 90
See also CD
audio file
streaming 189
automobile power adapter 13, 155
AVI file 83

B
background 178
backing up files 128, 223
battery 13
alarm options 157, 159
alternate power sources 155
bay 7, 153
changing 153
charge indicator 2, 17, 150
charge status 150
charging 16, 151
conserving power 155
icons 150
installing 153
latch 7
managing power 155
meter 17, 151
monitoring charge 150
recalibrating 152
recharging 16, 151
release latch 7
replacing 153
bays
battery 7, 153
hard drive 7
memory 7, 243
BIOS Setup utility 152, 168

295

break system key 26
brightness system keys 24, 26, 27
broadband Internet connection 34, 66,

188
browser
Web 67, 69
browsing for files and folders 54

C
cable lock
notebook 5
using while traveling 167
cable modem 34, 66, 192, 196
camera
See digital camera
Caps Lock indicator 22
cards
adding memory card 132
adding PC Card 240
inserting memory card 132
inserting PC Card 240
installing memory card 132
installing PC Card 240
memory card slots 4, 130
PC Card eject button 241
PC Card slot 3
reinstalling PC Card 240
removing memory card 132
removing PC Card 240
replacing memory card 132
replacing PC Card 240
troubleshooting memory card 265
troubleshooting PC Card 272
carrying case 13
CD
adding tracks to your library 95
cleaning 258
copying 110, 118
creating audio 105, 124
creating data 100, 114
creating label 128
creating music 105, 124
drive 85

296

editing track information 93
inserting 86
playing audio with MusicMatch 90
playing music 87, 89
troubleshooting 256
CD Copier 110
CD drive
identifying 85
locating 5
status indicator 22
testing 128
testing speed 128
troubleshooting 256
using 85
CD Player 89
CD-RW
See CD
CD-RW drive
See DVD/CD-RW drive
cellular telephone
memory cards 130
Certificate of Authenticity 11
cleaning
audio CD 258
case 225
CD 258
computer exterior 225
computer screen 226
DVD 258
keyboard 225
LCD panel 226
mouse 226
screen 226
clicking 30
clipboard 51
close button 48
closing
program 48, 63
unresponsive program 21
window 48, 63
color
changing depth 172
changing desktop 178

changing number of 172
changing scheme 175
connecting
AC adapter 16
camera 133
digital camera 133
external keyboard 24
keyboard 24
modem 32
printer 34, 207
scanner 34, 207
surge protector 18
to Ethernet 33
to Internet 34, 68
to network 33
to Web site 70
connections
audio 3
digital camera 3
diskette drive 3
Ethernet 6, 33
external audio 3
external speakers 3
flash drive 3
headphone 3
keyboard 3
microphone 3
modem 6, 32
monitor (VGA) 6
mouse 3
network 6, 33
parallel 6
power 6, 16
printer 3, 6
scanner 3
speaker 3
USB 3, 34
VGA 6
Zip drive 3
copying
CD 110, 118
data CD 110, 118
files and folders 51, 63

music CD 110, 118
music tracks 121
text and graphics 63
copyright notice 293
creating
CD label 128
data CD 100, 114
desktop icons 46
desktop shortcuts 46
documents 59
folders 50
MP3 files 92
music CD 105, 124
music files 92
Customer Service
Accounting 277
Sales 277
Warranty 277
customizing 171
cutting
files and folders 51, 63
text and graphics 63

D
default printer 273
defragmenting hard drive 221
deleting files and folders 45, 53, 54, 63,

218
desktop
adding icons 46
adding shortcuts 46
adjusting settings 172
changing background 178
changing color depth 172
changing color scheme 175
changing number of colors 172
selecting screen saver 181
using 44, 45
using Start menu 45
device drivers
See drivers
dialing codes 166
digital camera

297

connecting 133
USB port 3
digital photography
connecting a digital camera 133
using memory card reader 130
directional keys 25
Disk Cleanup 218
Disk Defragmenter 221
diskette
inserting 129
status indicator 22
troubleshooting 259
diskette drive
eject button 129
locating 4
troubleshooting 259
using 129
display
changing resolution 174
settings 172
switching 26
troubleshooting 260
using screen saver 181
Do More With Gateway 37
documentation
eSupport 39
Gateway Web site 39
help 36
Help and Support 36
online help 38
documents
creating 59
opening 61
printing 62
saving 60
double-clicking 30
downloading files 71
dragging 31
drivers
reinstalling 231
updating 40, 233
drives
backing up files 223

298

CD 5, 85
checking for errors 219
checking for free space 217
defragmenting 221
deleting files 218
diskette 4, 129
DVD 5, 85
DVD/CD-RW 5, 85, 100, 113
hard drive 7, 247
identifying drive types 85
replacing hard drive 247
sharing 188
status indicators 22
troubleshooting 256, 259, 262
types 85
viewing contents 49
viewing files and folders 49
DSL modem 34, 66, 192, 196
DVD
cleaning 258
inserting 86
playing 98
troubleshooting 256
DVD drive
identifying 85
locating 5
status indicator 22
testing 128
testing speed 128
troubleshooting 256
using 85
DVD/CD-RW drive
identifying 85
locating 5
status indicator 22
testing 128
testing speed 128
troubleshooting 256
using 85, 100, 113

E
Easy CD Creator 100
electrostatic discharge (ESD) 242

e-mail
address 72
button 28
checking for messages 73
program 67
sending 72
transferring settings from old
computer 207
using 72
EmPower power adapter 155
Error-checking 219
eSupport
finding specifications 12
using 40
Ethernet
connecting 33
jack 6, 33
turning wireless Ethernet on or off

200
wired network 190, 191
wireless network 190, 194
external monitor 6, 26
EZ Pad touchpad
See touchpad

F
fan 6
Fast Ethernet 191
faxes
automatically canceling 147
canceling 145
configuring Fax 137, 140
failed transmission 146
installing Fax 136
receiving and viewing 145
retrying 146
sending 141
sending from program 144
sending scanned image 144
setting up cover page template 143
troubleshooting 268
files
backing up 223

copying 51, 63
cutting 51, 63
deleting 45, 53, 63, 218
downloading 71
finding 54, 56
moving 51
opening 30, 45
pasting 51, 63
recovering 53
renaming 63
searching for 54, 56, 204
transferring 167, 204
troubleshooting 261
types 204
viewing list 49
Files and Settings Transfer Wizard 204
finding
files and folders 54, 56, 204
Help and Support topics 36
specifications 12
floppy disk
See diskette
Fn key 24, 25, 26
folders
copying 51, 63
creating 50
cutting 51, 63
deleting 45, 53, 63
finding 54, 56
moving 51
opening 30, 49
pasting 51, 63
recovering 53
renaming 63
searching for 54, 56
viewing list 49
fragmentation 221
function keys 24, 25

G
game
multi-player 189
Gateway

299

eSupport 12
model number 7, 10
serial number 11, 12
Web address 39
Web site 39
gateway.your.way dial-up server 267
gigabit Ethernet 191

H
hard drive
backing up files 223
bay 7
checking for errors 219
checking for free space 217
defragmenting 221
deleting files and folders 218
installing 247
replacing 247
scanning for errors 219
status indicator 22
troubleshooting 262
headphone jack 3
help
button 28
online 38
using 36
Help and Support 36
searching 36
starting 36
Using your computer link 36
Hibernate mode 156, 161
home office network 187
hot-swapping 34, 240
hyperlinks 69

I
IEEE 802.11
creating a network 190
speed and frequency 195
using a network 194
using while traveling 166
indicators
See status indicators

300

inkjet printer 13
installing
battery 153
camera 133
cards 130, 240
device drivers 231
devices 34, 258
digital camera 34, 133
digital video camera 34
drivers 231
Fax 136
hard drive 247
InterVideo DVD player 98
memory 243
Microsoft Fax 136
PC Card 240
peripheral devices 34, 207
printer 34, 207
programs 209, 234
scanner 34, 207
Windows 236
Internal wireless label 11
Internet
account 67
broadband connection 34
button 28
connecting to 68
downloading files 71
requirements to access 67
sharing access 188
transferring settings from old
computer 206
troubleshooting 263
using 66
Internet connection
sharing 188
troubleshooting 263, 267
Internet radio 97
Internet service provider (ISP)
connecting to 68
disconnecting from 68
setting up account 67
transferring settings from old

computer 206
using 66, 67
InterVideo DVD Player 98
IRQ conflicts 258
ISP
See Internet service provider

Status 26
system 24, 25
system key combinations 26
toggle display 26
volume control 25
Windows 24, 25

jacks
See connections

label
internal wireless 11
Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity

K
Kensington cable lock
lock slot 5
using while traveling 167
key combinations 26
keyboard
buttons 24
cleaning 225
connecting 24
features 24
locating 9
shortcuts 63
troubleshooting 264
USB port 3
keys
application 24, 25
arrow 24, 25
battery status 26
Break 26
brightness 24, 25, 26, 27
directional 25
Fn 24, 25, 26
function 25
LCD brightness 25, 27
LCD/CRT 26
navigation 24, 25
numeric keypad 25
Pad Lock 26
Pause 26
power status 26
Scroll Lock 26
Standby 26

11
model number 7, 10
serial number 11
wireless networking 11
laser printer 13
latch
battery 7
LCD panel release 2
LCD brightness system keys 25
LCD panel
changing resolution 174
cleaning 226
release latch 2
switching display 26
troubleshooting 260
using screen saver 181
LCD/CRT system key 26
lights
See status indicators
line protector 166
line tester 166
links 69
lock
Kensington cable 5, 167

M
maintenance
backing up files 223
checking for drive errors 219
checking hard drive space 217
cleaning case 225
cleaning component exteriors 225

301

cleaning computer display 226
cleaning keyboard 225
cleaning mouse 226
defragmenting 221
deleting files 218
suggested schedule 213
using Scheduled Task Wizard 223
virus protection 214
maximize button 48
Media Player 83, 87
memory
adding 243
bay 7, 243
installing 243
purchasing 13
replacing 243
troubleshooting 265
upgrading 243
memory card reader
locating 4
memory card types supported 131
status indicator 22
using 130
memory cards
See cards
menu bar 48
messages
checking e-mail 73
sending e-mail 72
microphone jack 3
Microsoft
Certificate of Authenticity 11
Fax 135
Wordpad 59
MIDI file 83
minimize button 48
model number 10, 167
modem
cable 34, 66
connecting 32
connection speed 267
DSL 34, 66
international adapter 166

302

jack 6, 32
protecting from power surge 18
troubleshooting 265
using 67
monitor
changing resolution 174
controls 172
port 6
using screen saver 181
mouse
cleaning 226
troubleshooting 270
USB port 3
See also touchpad
moving
files 51
files from old computer 203, 204
folders 51
Internet settings from old computer

206
pointer 30
screen objects 31
settings from old computer 203
MP3 file
creating 92
editing track information 93
playing 83
streaming 189
MP3 player
memory cards 130
MPEG file
See MP3 file
multi-function buttons 8, 28
multimedia
adjusting volume 76, 79
playing audio CD 87, 89
playing DVD 98
recording audio 81
using CD drive 85
using diskette drive 129
using DVD drive 85
using Windows Media Player 83, 87,

multi-player game
playing 189
music
See audio
music library
building 95
changing settings 96
music tracks
copying 121
MusicMatch
building music library 95
changing library settings 96
creating MP3 files 92
creating music files 92
editing track information 93
listening to Internet radio 97
playing audio CD 90
muting sound 27, 76, 79
My Computer button 28

N
navigation keys 24, 25
Nero Express 113
network
jack 6, 33
troubleshooting 271
network equipment shopping list 193,

197, 199
networking
access point 196, 197
ad hoc 198, 199
computers 187
data transfer speed 191, 194
Ethernet 190, 191
games 189
internal wireless label 11
peer-to-peer 198, 199
selecting connection type 190
sharing devices 189
sharing drives 188
sharing Internet connections 188
sharing printers 189
signal strength 194

streaming audio 189
streaming video 189
turning off wireless Ethernet 200
turning on wireless Ethernet 200
wired connections 190, 191
wireless connections 190, 194
non-technical support
Accounting 277
Sales 277
Warranty 277
Norton Antivirus 214
numeric keypad
status indicator 23
using 24, 25

O
online help 36
button 28
using 38
opening
documents 61
files 30, 45
folders 30, 49
LCD panel 2
notebook 2
programs 30, 45
shortcut menu 31

P
Pad Lock
status indicator 23, 26
system key 26
parallel port 6, 34
password 167, 271
pasting
files and folders 51, 63
text and graphics 63
pause text scrolling 26
PC Card
See cards
PC Doctor 255
PCMCIA card
See cards

303

PDA
memory cards 130
peer-to-peer networking 198, 199
peripheral devices 34
photography
See digital photography
playing
audio CD 87, 89
audio CD with MusicMatch 90
audio file 81, 83
DVD 98
Media Player file 83
multimedia files 83
multi-player games 189
music CD 87, 89
Windows Media Player file 83
Plug and Play devices
USB support for 34
pointer
moving 30
ports
See connections
power
AC adapter 16, 155
advanced settings 157, 160
alarms 157, 159
automobile/airplane adapter 155
battery 21, 150, 151, 152, 153,

155
button 9, 26, 157
changing modes 156
changing schemes 157
changing settings 157
connector 6, 16
conserving battery power 155
damaged cord 16, 17
EmPower adapter 155
extending battery life 155
Hibernate mode 156, 161
indicator 2, 20
international adapter 168
management 149, 155
schemes 157

304

source problems 18
SpeedStep settings 163
Standby mode 20, 156
Standby/Resume 26
status box 26
status indicator 2, 20
surge protector 18
troubleshooting 272
turning off notebook 20
turning on notebook 19
power adapter
airplane 13
automobile 13
printer
default 273
inkjet 13
installing 34, 207
laser 13
parallel port 6
sharing 189
troubleshooting 273
USB port 3
printing documents 62
programs
closing 63
closing unresponsive 21
installing 209, 234
opening 30, 45
reinstalling 209, 234

R
radio
listening with MusicMatch 97
radio approval authorities 166
radio frequency wireless connections

166
RAM
See memory
rebooting notebook 21
recalibrating battery 152
recharging battery 151
recordable drive
identifying drive 85

status indicator 22
troubleshooting 256
using 85, 100, 113
recording
audio file 81
CD tracks 92, 121
data CD 100, 114
music CD 105, 124
recovering files and folders 53
Recycle Bin
deleting files and folders 53
emptying 54
recovering files and folders 53
using 45
re-dialing telephone 146
reinstalling
drivers 231
peripheral devices 207
printer 207
programs 209, 234
scanner 207
software 209, 234
Windows 236
See also installing
removing files and folders 45, 53, 54,

63, 218
renaming files and folders 63
replacing
See installing
reset hole
location 7
using 21
resetting notebook 21
resolution
changing 174
restarting notebook 21
Restoration CDs 230
restoring files and folders 53
right-clicking 31
rocker switch
changing settings 184
location 29
using 30

router 192, 193
Roxio Easy CD Creator 100

S
safety
caring for computer 212
general precautions 281
guidelines for troubleshooting 254
static electricity 242
saving documents 60
ScanDisk
See Error-checking
scanner
installing 34, 207
USB port 3
scanning drive
for errors 219
for viruses 214
Scheduled Tasks Wizard 223
screen
adjusting settings 172
changing color depth 172
changing number of colors 172
changing resolution 174
saver 181
troubleshooting 260, 275
screen objects
getting information 31
moving 31
selecting 30
Scroll Lock
status indicator 23, 26
system key 26
Search utility 57
searching
for files and folders 54, 56, 57, 204
in Help and Support 36
security features
Kensington cable lock 5
security while travelling 167
serial number 11, 12, 167
serial port 34
setting up

305

safety precautions 282
sharing
devices 189
drives 188
Internet connection 188
printer 189
See also networking
shortcut menus
accessing 31
shortcuts
adding to desktop 46
buttons 28
closing programs 63
closing windows 63
copying 63
cutting 63
deleting files and folders 63
keyboard 63
opening menu 31
pasting 63
renaming files and folders 63
selecting adjacent items in list 63
selecting items in list 63
switching between files, folders, or
programs 63
shutting down notebook 20, 21
small office network 188
SO-DIMM 243
software
See programs
sound
adjusting 27, 76, 79
controls 25, 76, 79
muting 27, 76, 79
troubleshooting 275
Sound Recorder
making audio recordings 81
playing file 81
speakers
built-in 2
jack 3
specifications 12
SpeedStep technology 157, 163

306

Standby mode 20, 26, 156
Standby system key 26
Start button 45
Start menu 45
starting
notebook 19
programs 30, 45
startup password 167
static electricity 242
status indicators
battery charge 2, 150
Caps Lock 22
CD drive 22
diskette drive 22
drive activity 22
DVD drive 22
DVD/CD-RW drive 22
hard drive 22
location 9
memory card reader 22
numeric keypad 23, 26
Pad Lock 23, 26
power 2, 20
Scroll Lock 23, 26
streaming audio and video 189
support tool
PC Doctor 255
surge protector 18
Suspend 26
system identification label 7, 10
system keys 24, 25
combinations 26

T
taskbar 45
Technical Support 277
technical support
automated troubleshooting 277
eSupport 12
FaxBack support 277
resources 276
Technical Support 277
tips before contacting 276

tutorial service 277
telephone
acoustic handset coupler 166
automatically canceling fax 147
canceling fax 145
configuring Fax 137, 140
installing Fax 136
line protector 166
line tester 166
receiving and viewing faxes 145
retrying fax 146
sending fax 141
sending faxes from program 144
sending scanned image fax 144
setting up fax cover page template

143
using Fax 135
telephone support 276
testing
CD drive 128
DVD drive 128
title bar 48
touchpad
buttons 29, 30
changing settings 183
clicking 30
double-clicking 30
dragging screen objects 31
locating 8
moving pointer 29, 30
moving screen objects 31
opening files, folders, and programs

30
opening shortcut menu 31
right-clicking 31
rocker switch 29, 30
selecting screen objects 30
training
CD 279
classroom 279
Gateway Learning Libraries 279
Learn@Gateway 279
transferring

files from Internet 71
files from old computer 203, 204
Internet settings from old computer

206
settings from old computer 203
travel tips 165
troubleshooting
audio 275
automated system 277
CD drive 256
cleaning CD 258
cleaning DVD 258
device installation 258
diskette drive 259
display 260
DVD drive 256
DVD/CD-RW drive 256
Error-checking 219
faxed answers 277
faxes 268
files 261
gateway.your.way dial-up server 267
general guidelines 255
hard drive 262
Internet connection 263, 267
IRQ conflict 258
keyboard 264
LCD panel 260
memory 265
memory card reader 265
modem 265
mouse 270
network 271
passwords 271
PC Cards 272
PC Doctor 255
power 272
printer 273
reinstalling drivers 231
safety guidelines 254
screen 260, 275
screen area 260
screen resolution 260

307

sound 275
support tool 255
technical support 276
telephone support 276
video 275
Web site connection speed 263
turning off
notebook 20, 21
wireless Ethernet 200
turning on
notebook 19
wireless Ethernet 200
tutoring
fee-based 278

U
updating
device drivers 40
Norton AntiVirus 214
upgrading 239
USB port 3, 34
user accounts
adding in Windows XP 185
switching in Windows XP 185

V
VGA port 6
video
playing 83, 98
streaming 189
troubleshooting 275
video file
streaming 189
virus
protecting against 214
removing with Norton AntiVirus

214
volume
adjusting 27, 76, 79
adjusting modem 269
controls 25, 76, 79
muting 27, 76, 79
system keys 24, 27

308

troubleshooting 275

W
waking up notebook 20
WAV file 83
Web browser
button 28
using 67, 69
Web page 69
Web site
connecting to 70
defined 69
downloading files 71
Gateway 39
window
close button 48
closing 48, 63
identifying components 47
maximize button 48
menu bar 48
minimize button 48
title bar 48
Windows
clipboard 51
desktop 44
Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

204
installing 236
Product Key Code 11
reinstalling 236
reinstalling drivers 231
Search utility 57
updating drivers 233
Windows key 24, 25
Windows Media Player 83, 87, 98
wired Ethernet network
creating a network 190
equipment list 193
example 192
using 191
wireless Ethernet
label 11
using while traveling 166

wireless Ethernet network
access point equipment list 197
access point example 196
ad hoc equipment list 199
ad hoc example 198
creating a network 190
peer-to-peer equipment list 199
peer-to-peer example 198
turning off 200
turning on 200
using 194
Wordpad 59
World Wide Web (WWW)
downloading files 71
using 69

Z
Zip drive
backing up files 223
USB port 3

309

310

MAN SYS M305 USR GDE R1 9/03

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Modify Date                     : 2003:11:13 10:32:56-06:00
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Metadata Date                   : 2003:11:13 10:32:56-06:00
Document ID                     : uuid:b038064c-16d7-4973-bb7b-2882c8501c0c
Format                          : application/pdf
Title                           : Using Your Gateway M305CRV
Creator                         : Gateway - Information Solutions
Description                     : Revision 1
Author                          : Gateway - Information Solutions
Subject                         : Revision 1

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Gateway M305 Users Manual Using Your M305CRV

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