Gateway m305 User Manual

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Replacing the hard drive kit
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14Insert the battery and turn your notebook over.
15Connect the power adapter and modem and network cables, then turn on 
your notebook. 

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Chapter 15: Upgrading Your Notebook
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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 35 for more 
information about how to get help. 

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Safety guidelines
While troubleshooting your notebook, follow these safety guidelines:
■Never start any disassembly, remove any covers, or remove the hard drive 
if your notebook is turned on, the battery is 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...

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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
CD or DVD 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.
■Make sure that the disc label is facing up, then try again.
■If you are trying to play a DVD, make sure that you have a DVD drive. 
See “Identifying drive types” on page 85 for more information.
■Try...

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Troubleshooting
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■Clean the CD. For more information, see “Cleaning CDs or DVDs” on 
page 258.
■Your notebook may be experiencing some temporary memory problems. 
Shut down and restart your notebook.
■Reinstall the audio device drivers. For more information, see “Reinstalling 
device drivers” on page 231.
A DVD movie will not play
■Make sure that the label or side you want to play is facing up, then try 
again.
■Make sure that you have a DVD drive. See “Identifying drive types” on...

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Cleaning CDs or DVDs
Wipe from the center to the edge, not around in a circle, using a product made 
especially for the purpose.
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.
To check IRQ usage in Windows XP:
1Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens. 
If...

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Troubleshooting
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To check IRQ usage in Windows 2000:
1Click Start, Settings, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel 
window opens.
2Double-click the System icon, click the Hardware tab, then click 
Device Manager. The Device Manager window opens.
3Click View, then click Resources by type. Double-click Interrupt request 
(IRQ)
. All IRQs and their hardware assignments are displayed.
To free IRQ resources for the new device:
1In the Device Manager window, check the device list for a...

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You see a “Disk is full” error message
■Delete unnecessary files on the diskette.
■Try a different diskette. Occasionally diskettes are flawed and cannot be 
read by the diskette drive.
■Run Error checking on the diskette. For more information, see “Checking 
the hard drive for errors” on page 219. If errors are detected and corrected, 
try using the diskette again.
You see a “Non-system disk”, “NTLDR is missing”, or “Disk error” 
error message
■Eject the...