Gateway E4500d Manual

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Chapter 5: Maintaining Your Computer
Installing memory
When you upgrade the computer memory, make sure that you install the correct type of 
memory module for your computer. Your computer uses DIMM memory.
To install or replace DIMM memory:
1Remove the side panel by following the instructions in “Removing the side panel” 
on page 51.
2For more stability, place your computer on its side. To avoid scratching the case, place 
it on a towel or other non-abrasive surface.
3Find the memory module banks on your system board.
4If you are removing a DIMM from the memory module bank, gently pull the plastic 
tabs away from the sides of the memory module and remove it.
- OR -
If you are adding a DIMM to an empty memory module bank, gently pull the plastic 
tabs away from the sides of the memory module bank.
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Installing memory
5Align the notches on the new DIMM with the notches on the memory module bank 
and press the module firmly into the bank. The tabs on the sides of the memory 
module should secure the memory module automatically. When the module is secure, 
you hear a click.
6Replace the side panel by following the instructions in “Replacing the side panel” on 
page 55.
7Return your computer to its upright position.
8Reconnect the cables and the power cord.
9Turn on your computer. Windows starts and the Windows desktop appears.
10Click Start, Control Panel, then click Performance and Maintenance (if in Category view). 
Click/Double-click 
System. The amount of memory in your computer is shown at the 
bottom of the System Properties dialog box in the General tab.
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Chapter 5: Maintaining Your Computer
Replacing the system battery
If the computer clock does not keep time or the settings in the BIOS Setup utility are not 
saved when you turn off your computer, replace the system battery. Use a battery of the 
same size and voltage as the original battery that was in your computer.
To replace the battery:
1Restart your computer.
2During the restart, press and hold the F1 key. The main menu of the BIOS Setup utility 
opens.
3Write down all the values in the menus and submenus, then exit from the utility.
4Shut down your computer.
5Remove the side panel by following the instructions in “Removing the side panel” 
on page 51.
6For more stability, place your computer on its side. To avoid scratching the case, place 
it on a towel or other non-abrasive surface.
Wa rn i n g Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced.
Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the 
manufacturer. Dispose of used batteries following the manufacturer’s 
instructions.
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Replacing the system battery
7Locate the old battery on the system board and note its orientation. You will need 
to install the new battery the same way.
8Push the battery release tab. The battery pops out of the socket.
9Make sure that the positive (+) side of the new battery is facing up, then press the 
battery into the socket until it snaps into place.
10Replace the side panel by following the instructions in “Replacing the side panel” on 
page 55.
11Reconnect all external cables and the power cord.
12Turn on your computer.
13Open the BIOS Setup utility.
14In the BIOS Setup utility, restore any settings that you wrote down in Step 3.
15Save all your settings and exit the BIOS Setup utility.
Battery release tab
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Chapter 5: Maintaining Your Computer
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							Chapter 6
61
Troubleshooting
 Troubleshooting typical hardware and 
software problems
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Chapter 6: Troubleshooting
Safety guidelines
While troubleshooting your computer, follow these safety guidelines:
■Never remove your computer case cover while your computer is turned on and 
while the modem cable and the power cord are connected.
■Make sure that you are correctly grounded before accessing internal components. 
For more information about preventing damage from static electricity, see 
“Preventing static electricity discharge” on page 50.
Wa rn i n g To avoid bodily injury, do not attempt to troubleshoot your computer 
problem if:
■Power cords or plugs are damaged■Liquid has been spilled into your computer■Your computer was dropped■The case was damaged
Instead, unplug your computer and contact a qualified computer 
technician.
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First steps
First steps
If you have problems with your computer, try these things first:
■Make sure that the power cord is connected to your computer 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 screen, write down the exact message. The 
message may help Gateway Customer Care in diagnosing and fixing the problem.
■If you added or removed peripheral devices, review the installation procedures you 
performed and make sure that you followed each instruction.
■If an error occurs in a program, see the program’s printed documentation or the 
online help.
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Chapter 6: Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
Add-in cards
The computer does not recognize an add-in card
■Shut down and restart your computer.
■Make sure that you have installed the required software. For more information, 
see the documentation that came with your add-in card.
Audio
Audio troubleshooting is covered under “Sound” on page 78.
CD or DVD drives
The computer does not recognize a disc or the CD or DVD drive
■Make sure that the disc label is facing up, then try again.
■Try a different disc. Occasionally discs are flawed or become scratched and cannot 
be read by the CD or DVD drive.
■If you are trying to play a DVD, make sure that you have a DVD drive. To identify 
your drive type, see “Identifying drive types” on page 34.
■Your computer may be experiencing some temporary memory problems. Shut 
down and restart your computer.
■Some music CDs have copy protection software. You may not be able to play these 
CDs on your computer.
■Clean the disc. For more information, see “Cleaning CDs or DVDs” on page 47.
■Make sure that the drive is configured correctly by following the instructions in 
the drive documentation.
■Reinstall the device driver.
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Troubleshooting
Audio CD does not produce sound
■Make sure that the disc label is facing up, then try again.
■Some music CDs have copy protection software. You may not be able to play these 
CDs on your computer.
■Make sure that the volume controls are turned up. For more information, see 
“Adjusting the volume” on page 26.
■Make sure that the mute controls are turned off. For more information, see 
“Adjusting the volume” on page 26.
■Make sure that the speaker cables are connected correctly and securely.
■Shut down and restart your computer.
■Clean the disc. For more information, see “Cleaning CDs or DVDs” on page 47.
■Reinstall the audio device drivers.
A DVD movie will not play
■Make sure that you have a DVD drive. To identify your drive type, see “Identifying 
drive types” on page 34.
■Make sure that the disc label is facing up, then try again.
■Try a different disc. Occasionally discs are flawed or become scratched and cannot 
be read by the DVD drive.
■Shut down and restart your computer.
■Clean the disc. For more information, see “Cleaning CDs or DVDs” on page 47.
■Reinstall the device driver.
■Make sure that the DVD program has been installed on your computer.
■DVDs and DVD 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 computer’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 code for 
the disc. The regional code for the disc is on the disc, disc documentation, or disc 
packaging.
If the DVD movie does not play, the disc’s regional code and your DVD drive’s 
regional code may not match.
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