Gateway 400 series User Manual
Have a look at the manual Gateway 400 series User Manual online for free. It’s possible to download the document as PDF or print. UserManuals.tech offer 54 Gateway manuals and user’s guides for free. Share the user manual or guide on Facebook, Twitter or Google+.
232 Chapter 16: Troubleshooting www.gateway.com 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 189. 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 217. 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 Eject the diskette from the diskette drive, then press ENTER. 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. Help and SupportFor more information about file management in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type the keyword file management in the HelpSpot Search box , then click the arrow.
233 Troubleshooting www.gateway.com Make sure that you do not have a problem with your modem. For more information, see “Modem” on page 235. 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 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. Help and SupportFor more information about troubleshooting Internet connections in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type the keyword troubleshooting connections in the HelpSpot Search box , then click the arrow.
234 Chapter 16: Troubleshooting www.gateway.com 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 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. Memory You see a “Memory error” message Make sure that the memory modules are inserted correctly in the memory bay slot. For more information, see “Adding or replacing memory” on page 213. 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 213. You see a “Not enough memory” error message Close all programs, then restart your notebook.
235 Troubleshooting www.gateway.com Memory card reader Drive letters for the memory card slots do not appear in the My Computer window Reboot your notebook. Modem 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. 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: 1Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens. If your Control Panel is in Category View, click Printers and Other Hardware . Help and SupportFor more information about troubleshooting memory errors in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type the keyword memory error in the HelpSpot Search box , then click the arrow.
236 Chapter 16: Troubleshooting www.gateway.com 2Click/Double-click the Phone and Modem Options icon, then click the Dialing Rules tab. 3Click the location from which you are dialing, then click Edit. 4Make 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. 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. Help and SupportFor more information about dialing properties in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type the keyword dialing in the HelpSpot Search box , then click the arrow.
237 Troubleshooting www.gateway.com 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. To access the gateway.your.way dial-up server: 1Insert the red Gateway CD into the DVD drive. 2Click Help, then click Support Web Site. 3To 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.
238 Chapter 16: Troubleshooting www.gateway.com 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: 1Close all open programs. 2Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens. If your Control Panel is in Category View, click Printers and Other Hardware . 3Click/Double-click the Phone and Modem Options icon, then click the Modems tab. 4Click your modem, then click Properties. The Modem Properties dialog box opens. 5Click 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 SupportFor more information about modem troubleshooting in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type the keyword modem troubleshooting in the HelpSpot Search box , then click the arrow.
239 Troubleshooting www.gateway.com 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. To turn down the modem volume: 1Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens. If your Control Panel is in Category View, click Printers and Other Hardware . 2Click/Double-click the Phone and Modem Options icon, then click the Modems tab. 3Click the modem you want to adjust, then click Properties. 4Click the Modem tab, then adjust the Speaker volume control. 5Click OK twice to close the Phone and Modem Options dialog box. Mouse The external mouse does not work 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. The external mouse works erratically Clean the mouse. For more information, see “Cleaning the mouse” on page 196. Some mouse pad patterns “confuse” optical mice. Try the mouse on a different surface.
240 Chapter 16: Troubleshooting www.gateway.com Networks You cannot connect to your company network Every network is unique. Contact your company computer department or network administrator for help. Passwords Your notebook does not accept your password Make sure that CAPS LOCK and PAD LOCK are turned off, then retype the password. 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. 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 228. Help and SupportFor a video tutorial about cleaning the mouse, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type the keyword mouse troubleshooting in the HelpSpot Search box , then click the arrow. Help and SupportFor more information about network troubleshooting in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type the keyword network troubleshooting in the HelpSpot Search box , then click the arrow.
241 Troubleshooting www.gateway.com 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 127. Make sure that the battery is fully recharged. For more information, see “Recharging the battery” on page 125. Make sure that the battery is calibrated correctly. For more information, see “Recalibrating the battery” on page 126. 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. 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.