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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 combinations” on page 28.
■Change the display settings. For more information, see “Adjusting the 
screen and desktop settings” on page 162.
■Move your notebook away from sources of electrical interference, such as 
televisions, unshielded speakers, microwaves, fluorescent lights, and metal 
beams or shelves.
The display has pixels that are always dark or too bright
This condition is normal and inherent in the TFT technology used in 
active-matrix LCD screens. Gateway’s inspection standards keep these to a 
minimum. If you feel these pixels are unacceptably numerous or dense on your 
display, contact Gateway Technical Support to identify whether a repair or 
replacement is justified based on the number of pixels affected.
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.
Help and 
SupportFor more information about changing the screen resolution 
in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword screen resolution in the Search box 
, then click the arrow. 
						

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Hard drive
You see an “Insufficient disk space” error message
■Delete unnecessary files from the hard drive using Disk Cleanup. For more 
information, see “Using Disk Cleanup” on page 210.
■Empty the Recycle Bin by right-clicking the Recycle Bin icon, then clicking 
Empty Recycle Bin.
■Save your files to a diskette or another drive. If the hard drive is full, copy 
any files not regularly used to diskettes or other backup media, then delete 
them from the hard drive.
You see a “Data error” message
This may be the result of a defective area on the hard drive. To fix hard drive 
problems, run the Error checking program. For more information, see 
“Checking the hard drive for errors” on page 211.
The hard drive cannot be accessed, or you see a “General failure 
reading drive C” error message
■If a diskette is in the diskette drive, eject it and restart your notebook.
■Make sure that the hard drive is installed correctly. Remove it, firmly 
reinsert it, then restart your notebook. For more information, see 
“Replacing the hard drive kit” on page 239.
Help and 
SupportFor more information about restoring deleted files in 
Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword System Restore in the Search box 
, then click the arrow.
CautionAll deleted files will be lost when you empty the Recycle 
Bin.
Help and 
SupportFor more information about file management in 
Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword file management in the Search box 
, then click the arrow. 
						

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■If your notebook has been subjected to static electricity or physical shock, 
you may need to reinstall the operating system.
You see a “Non-system disk”, “NTLDR is missing”, or “disk” error 
message
■Eject the diskette from the diskette drive, then press ENTER.
Interface/Ports
The notebook does not recognize the PC Card
■The card is incorrectly inserted. Eject the card and re-insert it with the label 
side up. For more information, see “Adding and removing a PC Card” on 
page 232.
The notebook does not recognize a USB peripheral device
■The peripheral device is not connected to the notebook correctly. Check 
the connection cable, and be sure it is inserted in the correct port on the 
notebook or port replicator and the peripheral device.
■The correct driver is not built into Windows XP. Use the device’s 
installation CD or check the manufacturer’s Web site for the correct driver.
Internet
You cannot connect to the Internet
■Make sure that the modem cable is plugged into the modem jack and not 
the Ethernet network jack. See “Back” on page 6 and “Back” on page 248 
to make sure that the connections have been made correctly.
■Make sure that your notebook is connected to the telephone line and the 
telephone line has a dial tone.
■If you have the call waiting feature on your telephone line, make sure that 
it is disabled.
■Make sure that you are not using a digital, rollover, or PBX line. These lines 
do not work with your modem.
■Make sure that your account with your Internet service provider (ISP) is 
set up correctly. Contact your ISP technical support for help.
■Make sure that you do not have a problem with your modem. For more 
information, see “Modem (dial-up)” on page 266 
						

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You see an “Unable to locate host” message and are unable to browse 
the Internet
This problem can occur when you have typed a URL (Web address) incorrectly, 
you have lost your Internet connection, or your ISP is having technical 
difficulties.
Double-check the URL or try a different URL. If the error message still appears, 
disconnect from the ISP connection and close your browser, then reconnect 
and open the browser. If you still get the error, your ISP may be having technical 
difficulties.
Connecting to a Web site takes too long
Many factors can affect Internet performance:
■The condition of the telephone lines in your residence or at your local 
telephone service
■The condition of the Internet computers to which you connect and 
the number of users accessing those computers
■The complexity of graphics and multimedia on Web pages
■Having multiple Web browsers open, performing multiple downloads, and 
having multiple programs open on your notebook
People are sending you e-mail messages, but you have not received 
any mail
■Click the receive button in your e-mail program.
■Make sure that your account with your Internet service provider (ISP) is 
set up correctly. Contact your ISP for technical support.
Keyboard
The external keyboard does not work
■Make sure that the keyboard cable is plugged in correctly.
■Remove all extension cables and switchboxes.
Help and 
SupportFor more information about troubleshooting Internet 
connections in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help 
and Support.
Type the keyword troubleshooting connections in the 
Search box  , then click the arrow. 
						

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■Clean the keyboard by using an aerosol can of air with a narrow, straw-like 
extension to remove dust and lint trapped under the keys.
■Try a keyboard that you know works to make sure that the keyboard port 
works.
■If you spilled liquid in the keyboard, turn off your notebook and unplug 
the keyboard. Clean the keyboard and turn it upside down to drain it. Let 
the keyboard dry before using it again. If the keyboard does not work after 
it dries, you may need to replace it.
A keyboard character keeps repeating or you see a “Keyboard stuck” 
or “Key failure” error message
■Make sure that nothing is resting on the keyboard.
■Make sure that a key is not stuck. Press each key to loosen a key that might 
be stuck, then restart your notebook.
Memory
You see a “Memory error” message
■Make sure that the memory modules are inserted correctly in the memory 
bay slots. For more information, see “Adding or replacing memory” on 
page 235.
■Use PC Doctor or a third-party diagnostic program to help determine if a 
memory module is failing. For more information, see “Adding or replacing 
memory” on page 235.
You see a “Not enough memory” error message
■Close all programs, then restart your notebook.
Help and 
SupportFor more information about troubleshooting memory errors 
in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword memory error in the Search box 
, then click the arrow. 
						

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Memory card reader
Drive letters for the memory card slots do not appear in the My 
Computer window
■Reboot your notebook.
Modem (dial-up)
Your modem does not dial or does not connect
■Make sure that the modem cable is plugged into the modem jack and not 
the Ethernet network jack. See “Back” on page 6 to make sure that the 
connections have been made correctly.
■Make sure that your notebook is connected to the telephone line and the 
telephone line has a dial tone.
■Make sure that the modem cable is less than 6 feet (1.8 meters) long.
■Remove any line splitters or surge protectors from your telephone line, 
then check for a dial tone by plugging a working telephone into the 
telephone wall jack.
■If you have additional telephone services such as call waiting, call 
messaging, or voice mail, make sure that all messages are cleared and call 
waiting is disabled before using the modem. Contact your telephone 
service to get the correct code to temporarily disable the service. Also make 
sure that the modem dialing properties are set appropriately.
To check the dialing properties in Windows XP:
1Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens. 
If your Control Panel is in Category View, click 
Printers and Other 
Hardware
.
2Click/Double-click the Phone and Modem Options icon, then click the 
Dialing Rules tab.
3Click the location from which you are dialing, then click Edit.
4Make sure that all settings are correct. 
						

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To check the dialing properties in Windows 2000:
1Click Start, Settings, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel 
window opens.
2Click/Double-click the Modems icon, then click Dialing Properties tab. 
The Dialing Properties dialog box opens.
3Make sure that all settings are correct.
■Disconnect any answering machine, fax machine, or printer that is on the 
same line as the modem. Do not connect these devices to the same 
telephone line as the modem.
■Make sure that you are not using a digital, rollover, or PBX line. These lines 
do not work with your modem.
■Check for line noise (scratchy, crackling, or popping sounds). Line noise 
is a common problem that can cause the modem to connect at a slower 
rate, abort downloads, or even disconnect. The faster the modem, the less 
line noise it can tolerate and still work correctly.
Listen to the line using your telephone. Dial a single number (such as 1). 
When the dial tone stops, listen for line noise. Wiggle the modem cable 
to see if that makes a difference. Make sure that the connectors are free 
from corrosion and all screws in the wall or telephone wall jack are secure.
You can also call your telephone service and have the telephone line 
checked for noise or low line levels.
■Try another telephone line (either a different telephone number in your 
house or a telephone line at a different location). If you can connect on 
this line, call your telephone service.
■Try connecting with the modem at a lower connection speed. If reducing 
the connect speed lets you connect, call your telephone service. The 
telephone line may be too noisy.
Help and 
SupportFor more information about dialing properties in 
Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword dialing in the Search box 
, then click the arrow. 
						

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You cannot connect to the Internet
■The ISP may be having technical difficulties. Contact your ISP for technical 
support.
■See if the modem works with a different communications program. The 
problem may be with just one program.
Your 56K modem does not connect at 56K
Current FCC regulations restrict actual data transfer rates over public telephone 
lines to 53K. Other factors, such as line noise, telephone service provider 
equipment, or ISP limitations, may lower the speed even further.
If your notebook has a v.90 modem, the speed at which you can upload (send) 
data is limited to 33.6K. If your notebook has a v.92 modem, the speed at which 
you can upload data is limited to 48K. Your ISP may not support 48K uploads.
You can check modem connection speeds and dial-up network (DUN) 
connections by accessing the gateway.your.way dial-up server. The server also 
contains drivers, patches, and updates for current Gateway hardware and 
software.
The server provides a secure connection and is a stand-alone server. You cannot 
use it to access the Internet. The server cannot be accessed Mondays from 
8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. CT.
To access the gateway.your.way dial-up server:
1Insert the red Drivers and Applications CD into the CD or DVD drive.
2Click Help, then click Support Web Site.
3To check your modem connection speed, click the Direct Dial option. 
After your modem connects, move the mouse pointer over the 
Dial-Up Networking icon (located next to the clock on your taskbar). 
Your modem connection speed appears.
Your fax communications program only sends and receives faxes at 
14,400 bps when you have a 56K modem
Current fax technology only supports a maximum send and receive rate of 
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The modem is not recognized by your notebook
■Make sure that the line connected to the modem is working and plugged 
into the appropriate port on your notebook. See “Back” on page 6 and 
“Back” on page 248 to make sure that the connections have been made 
correctly.
■If the modem shares the telephone line with another device, make sure 
that the telephone line is not in use (for example, someone is on the 
telephone, or another modem is in use).
■Use the modem cable that came with your notebook. Some telephone 
cables do not meet required cable standards and may cause problems with 
the modem connection.
■Shut down and restart your notebook.
■Run Windows modem diagnostics.
To run modem diagnostics in Windows XP:
1Close all open programs.
2Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens. 
If your Control Panel is in Category View, click 
Printers and Other 
Hardware
.
3Click/Double-click the Phone and Modem Options icon, then click the 
Modems tab.
4Click your modem, then click Properties. The Modem Properties dialog 
box opens.
5Click the Diagnostic tab, then click Query Modem. If information 
about the modem appears, the modem passed diagnostics. If no 
modem information is available, a white screen appears with no 
data, or if you get an error such as port already open or the modem 
has failed to respond, the modem did not pass diagnostics.
Help and 
SupportFor more information about modem troubleshooting in 
Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword modem troubleshooting in the 
Search box  , then click the arrow. 
						

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To run modem diagnostics in Windows 2000:
1Close all open programs.
2Click Start, Settings, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel 
window opens.
3Double-click the Modems icon. The Modems Properties window opens.
4Click the Diagnostic tab, click the COM port next to the name of the 
modem, then click 
More Info. The Modem Info dialog box opens. If 
information about the modem appears, the modem passed 
diagnostics. If no modem information is available, a white screen 
appears with no data, or if you get an error such as port already open 
or the modem has failed to respond, the modem did not pass 
diagnostics.
The modem is noisy when it dials and connects
When your modem tries to connect to another modem, it begins handshaking. 
Handshaking is a digital “getting acquainted” conversation between the two 
modems that establishes connection speeds and communication protocols. You 
may hear unusual handshaking sounds when the modems first connect. If the 
handshaking sounds are too loud, you can turn down the modem volume.
To turn down the modem volume in Windows XP:
1Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens. 
If your Control Panel is in Category View, click 
Printers and Other 
Hardware
.
2Click/Double-click the Phone and Modem Options icon, then click the 
Modems tab.
3Click the modem you want to adjust, then click Properties.
4Click the Modem tab, then adjust the Speaker volume control.
5Click OK twice to close the Phone and Modem Options dialog box.