Gateway E-475m Manual

							CHAPTER8
83
Upgrading Your Notebook
•Preventing static electricity discharge
•Adding or replacing memory modules
•Replacing the hard drive kit 
						

							CHAPTER8: Upgrading Your Notebook
84
Preventing static electricity 
discharge
The components inside your notebook are extremely sensitive 
to static electricity, also known as electrostatic discharge 
(ESD).
Before installing or replacing 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.
•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. War ning
To avoid exposure to dangerous electrical voltages and moving parts, 
turn off your notebook, unplug the power cord, modem cable, and network 
cable, and remove the main and optional secondary batteries before opening 
the case.
War ningTo prevent risk of electric shock, do not insert any object into the vent 
holes of the notebook.
ImportantBefore installing or replacing components, you should read and 
understand the information in this section. 
						

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Adding or replacing memory 
modules
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 slot.
To add or replace memory modules:  
1Follow the guidelines under “Preventing static 
electricity discharge” on page 84.
2Turn off your notebook.
3Disconnect from the optional port replicator.
4Disconnect the AC adapter, modem cable, and network 
cable, if they are connected to the notebook.
5Disconnect all peripheral devices connected to the 
notebook and remove any PC cards.
6Turn your notebook over so the bottom is facing up, 
then remove the main and optional secondary batteries. 
For more information, see “Changing batteries” on 
page 59. Important
Use only memory modules designed for your Gateway notebook.
ToolsYou need a small Phillips screwdriver to replace memory modules.
Memory 
bay 
						

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7Loosen the eight or nine (depending on model) memory 
bay cover screws (these screws cannot be removed).
8Lift the memory bay cover, then remove it.
Screw Screw
Screw
Screw
Screw
Screw
Screw Screw 
						

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9If you are removing a module, gently press outward on 
the clip at each end of the memory module until the 
module tilts upward.
Clip
Clip 
						

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10Pull the memory module out of the slot.
11Hold 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.
12Replace the memory bay cover, then tighten the cover 
screws.
13Insert the main and optional secondary batteries, then 
turn your notebook over.
14Connect to the optional port replicator.
-OR-
Connect the power adapter, modem cable, and network 
cable.
15Reconnect all peripheral devices and replace any 
PC cards. 
						

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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:  
1Create a Drivers and Applications Recovery disc. For 
more information, see “Creating Drivers and 
Applications Recovery discs” in your online User Guide.
2Print the “Recovering Your System” chapter from your 
online User Guide for use in Step 24.
3Back up any data you want to transfer to the new hard 
drive. For more information, see “Backing up files” in 
your online User Guide.
4Follow the guidelines under “Preventing static 
electricity discharge” on page 84.
5Turn off your notebook.
6Disconnect from the optional port replicator.
7Disconnect the AC adapter, modem cable, and network 
cable, if they are connected to the notebook. Tools
You need a small Phillips screwdriver and the Windows XP CD to replace 
the hard drive kit.
ImportantYour notebook may have shipped with a Drivers and Applications 
Recovery disc. 
Hard drive 
bay 
						

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8Disconnect all peripheral devices connected to the 
notebook and remove any PC cards.
9Turn your notebook over so the bottom is facing up, 
then remove the main and optional secondary batteries. 
For more information, see “Changing batteries” on 
page 59.
10Loosen the 8 or 9 hard drive bay cover screws (these 
screws cannot be removed).
Screw Screw
Screw
Screw
Screw
Screw
Screw Screw 
						

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11Lift the hard drive bay cover, then remove it. 
12Remove the two screws connecting the hard drive to 
the notebook.
Screw
Screw 
						

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13Using the plastic tab, slide the old hard drive, then 
remove it.
14If your new hard drive already includes the hard drive 
bracket, go to Step 19.
-OR-
If you need to move the hard drive bracket from your 
old hard drive to your new hard drive, go to Step 15.
15Remove the four screws that secure the hard drive to 
the hard drive bracket.
Screw Screw Screw
Screw