Gateway 400 series User Manual

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Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway 400
www.gateway.com
Finding your specifications
For more information about your computer, such as memory size, memory type, 
and hard drive size, go to the 
See your PC’s configuration link in HelpSpot or visit 
Gateway’s eSupport page at support.gateway.com
. The eSupport page also has 
links to additional Gateway documentation and detailed specifications.
View your computer’s serial number by clicking 
Start, Help and Support, then 
clicking 
View system serial...

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Finding your specifications
www.gateway.com
You can also find out more about your computer at the Gateway eSupport site. 
Visit support.gateway.com
. For more information, see “Using eSupport” on 
page 42. 

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Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway 400
www.gateway.com
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 127 for more information about using an...

2
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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 

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Chapter 2: Getting Started
www.gateway.com
Connecting the AC adapter
You can run your notebook using an AC adapter or the notebook 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.
To connect the AC adapter:
1Connect the power cord to the AC adapter.
ImportantIf the battery is not fully charged before you use your 
notebook on battery power for the first time, the battery...

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Connecting the AC adapter
www.gateway.com
2Connect the AC adapter to your notebook’s power connector.
3Plug 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.
4When you finish using your notebook for the first time, turn your 
notebook off and leave your notebook connected to AC power for at...

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Chapter 2: Getting Started
www.gateway.com
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.
WarningHigh voltages can enter your notebook through both the 
power cord and the modem connection....

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Starting your notebook
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Starting your notebook 
To start your notebook:
1Open your notebook by pressing the latch on the front of your notebook 
and lifting the LCD panel.
2Press the power button located above the keyboard.
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 131.
3If you are starting your notebook for the first time, follow...

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Chapter 2: Getting Started
www.gateway.com
Waking up your notebook 
When you have not used your notebook for several minutes, it may enter a 
power-saving mode called Standby. While in Standby, the power indicator 
flashes.
If your notebook is in Standby mode, “wake” it up by pressing the power 
button. For more information on changing power-saving settings, see 
“Changing power settings” on page 131.
Turning off your notebook
To turn off your notebook:
1Click Start, then click Turn Off Computer. The...

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Restarting (rebooting) your notebook
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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 computer.
To close unresponsive programs and restart your computer: 
1Press CTRL+ALT+DEL. A window opens that lets you close a program that 
is not responding.
2Click...