Gateway 400 series User Manual

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Chapter 15: Upgrading Your Notebook
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Preventing static electricity 
discharge
The components inside your computer are extremely sensitive to static 
electricity, also known as electrostatic discharge (ESD).
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.

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 127.

Disconnect all peripheral devices and remove any PC Cards.
WarningESD 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.
WarningTo avoid exposure to dangerous electrical voltages and 
moving parts, turn off your notebook and unplug the power 
cord and modem and network cable before opening the 
case.
WarningTo prevent risk of electric shock, do not insert any object 
into the vent holes of the notebook. 
						

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Adding or replacing memory
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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 400VTX for upgrading your memory.
Memory 
bay 
						

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To add or replace memory modules:
1Follow the instructions under “Preventing static electricity discharge” on 
page 212.
2Turn off your notebook and disconnect the AC adapter and modem and 
network cables.
3Turn your notebook over so the bottom is facing up.
4Remove the battery.
5Loosen the memory bay cover screw, then remove the memory bay cover.
6If 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
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7Pull the memory module out of the slot.
8Hold 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.
ImportantUse only memory modules designed for the 
Gateway 400VTX. 
						

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9Gently push the module down until it clicks in place.
10Replace the memory bay cover and tighten the cover screw.
11Insert the battery, then turn your notebook over.
12Connect the power adapter and modem and network cables, then turn on 
your notebook. 
						

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Replacing the hard drive kit
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Replacing the hard drive kit
If you would like more hard drive capacity, you can replace your original drive 
with a higher-capacity drive.
To replace the hard drive kit:
1Follow the instructions under “Preventing static electricity discharge” on 
page 212.
2Turn off your notebook and disconnect the AC adapter and modem and 
network cables.
3Turn your notebook over so the bottom is facing up.
4Remove the battery.
Hard 
drive 
						

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5Remove the hard drive kit screws.
6Slide the old hard drive kit out of your notebook.
Screws 
						

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Replacing the hard drive kit
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7If your new hard drive already includes the hard drive kit bracket, go to 
Step 12.
-OR-
If you need to move the hard drive kit bracket from your old hard drive 
kit to your new hard drive, go to Step 8.
8Remove the two screws that secure the hard drive to the hard drive kit 
bracket.
Screws 
						

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9Remove the bracket from the old drive. 
						

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10Insert the new drive into the bracket so the screw holes line up and the 
plastic strip on the top of the bracket is positioned as shown.
11Replace the two screws that secure the bracket to the drive.
12Slide the new hard drive kit into your notebook.
13Replace the screws that secure the hard drive kit to your notebook.
14Insert the battery and turn your notebook over.
15Connect the power adapter and modem and network cables, then turn on 
your notebook.
Plastic strip