Gateway 450rog 450rgh User Manual

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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 41 for more 
information about how to get help. 

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Safety guidelines
While troubleshooting your notebook, follow these safety guidelines:
■Never remove the memory bay cover or hard drive if your notebook is 
turned on, the batteries are 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...

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First steps
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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...

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Troubleshooting
Audio
See “Sound” on page 274.
Battery
See “Power” on page 271.
CDs, DVDs, or disc 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.
■The modular drive may not be inserted completely into the modular bay. 
Press the module into the bay, then try to access the...

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■Make sure that the volume control on your notebook is turned up. For 
more information, see “System key combinations” on page 28.
■Make sure that the Windows volume control is turned up. For more 
information, see “Adjusting the volume” on page 96.
■Make sure that Mute controls are turned off. For more information about 
the mute setting, see “System key combinations” on page 28 or “Adjusting 
the volume” on page 96.
■Make sure that headphones are not plugged into the...

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■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...

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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.
Checking IRQ usage
To check IRQ usage:
1Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens. 
If your Control Panel is in Category View, click 
Performance and 
Maintenance
.
2Click/Double-click System, click the Hardware tab, then...

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Diskette drive
The diskette drive is not recognized
■Shut down and restart your notebook.
■The modular drive may not be inserted completely into the modular bay. 
Press the module into the bay, then try to access the diskette again.
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...

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Display
The screen is too dark
Adjust the brightness using the system keys. For more information, see “System 
key combinations” on page 28.
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 177.
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...

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File management
A file was accidentally deleted
If a file was deleted at a DOS prompt or in Windows while holding down the 
S
HIFT key, the file cannot be restored.
To restore deleted files:
1Double-click the Recycle Bin icon.
2Right-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....