Gateway m405 User Manual

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Upgrading Your
Gateway M405
This chapter provides information about adding hardware 
devices to your notebook. Read this chapter to learn 
how to:
■Add and remove PC Cards
■Add and replace memory
■Replace the hard drive 

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Adding and removing a PC Card
Your notebook has a PC Card slot (also known as a PCMCIA card slot). This 
slot accepts one Type II or Type III card.
You do not need to restart your notebook when changing most cards because 
your notebook supports hot-swapping. Hot-swapping means that you can insert 
a PC Card while your notebook is running. If your PC Card does not work after 
hot-swapping, see the PC Card manufacturer’s documentation for further...

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Adding and removing a PC Card
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To remove a PC Card:
1Click the remove hardware icon in the taskbar, the PC Card name, then 
click
Stop.
-OR-
Turn off your notebook.
2Press the PC Card eject button once to release the eject button.
3Press the PC Card eject button again to eject the PC Card.
ImportantIf the remove hardware icon does not appear on the 
taskbar, click the show hidden icons button. 

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Preventing static electricity 
discharge
The components inside your notebook are extremely sensitive to static 
electricity, also known as electrostatic discharge (ESD).
Before installing memory or replacing the hard drive, follow these guidelines:
■Turn off your notebook.
■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...

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Adding or replacing memory
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Before working with computer 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...

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To add or replace memory modules:
1Follow the instructions under “Preventing static electricity discharge” on 
page 234.
2Turn off your notebook and disconnect the AC adapter and modem and 
network cables.
3Disconnect your notebook from the optional port replicator (see 
“Disconnecting from the port replicator” on page 251).
4Turn your notebook over so the bottom is facing up.
5Remove the battery. For more information, see “Replacing the...

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Adding or replacing memory
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8Pull the memory module out of the slot.
9Hold 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. 

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10Gently push the module down until it clicks in place.
11Replace the memory bay cover and tighten the cover screw.
12Insert the battery, then turn your notebook over.
13Reattach the optional port replicator.
14Connect the power adapter and modem and network cables, then turn on 
your notebook.
ImportantUse only memory modules designed for the 
Gateway M405. 

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Replacing the hard drive kit
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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:
1Back up any data you want to transfer to the new hard drive. For more 
information, see “Backing up files” on page 215.
2Follow the instructions under “Preventing static electricity discharge” on 
page 234.
3Turn off your notebook and disconnect the AC adapter and modem and 
network...

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6Remove the battery. For more information, see “Replacing the battery” on 
page 143.
7Remove the two hard drive kit screws.
Tips & TricksUse a magnetic screwdriver or turn the notebook over to 
remove the screws.
Screws