Gateway m505 User Manual

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Replacing the hard drive kit
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9Remove the bracket from the old drive.
10Insert the new drive into the bracket so the screw holes line up.
11Replace the two screws that secure the bracket to the drive.
12Slide the new hard drive kit into the bay.
13Replace the screws that secure the hard drive kit to your notebook.
14Insert the battery and turn your notebook over.
15Connect the power adapter and modem and network cables, then turn on 
your notebook.
16See “Reinstalling Windows” on page...

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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 39 for more 
information about how to get help. 

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Safety guidelines
While troubleshooting your notebook, follow these safety guidelines:
■Never remove the memory bay cover or 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 
electricity, see “Preventing...

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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
Audio
See “Sound” on page 265.
Battery
See “Power” on page 262.
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:
1Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens. 
If your Control Panel is in Category View, click 
Performance and...

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Troubleshooting
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To free IRQ resources for the new device:
1In the Device Manager window, check the device list for a resource 
conflict. A resource conflict appears as a black exclamation point in 
a yellow circle.
2Remove the device you are trying to install, then determine which 
one of the existing devices or ports you can disable.
3Right-click the device or port you want to disable, then click Disable. 
The device or port is disabled.
Diskette drive (external)
The diskette drive...

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You see a “Non-system disk”, “NTLDR is missing”, or “Disk error” 
error message
■Eject the diskette from the diskette drive, then press ENTER.
■Make sure that the diskette you are using is IBM-compatible.
The diskette drive status indicator is lit continuously
Remove the diskette from the drive. If the indicator stays on, try restarting your 
notebook.
Display
The screen is too dark
Adjust the brightness using the system keys. For more information, see...

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Troubleshooting
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DVD/CD-RW or DVD-RW/CD-RW drive
Your notebook does not recognize a disc
■Make sure that the disc label is facing up, then try again.
■Try a different disc. Occasionally discs are flawed and cannot be read by 
the drive.
■Some music CDs have copy protection software. You may not be able to 
play these CDs on your notebook.
■Your notebook may be experiencing some temporary memory problems. 
Shut down and restart your notebook.
■Clean the disc. For more information, see...

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A DVD movie will not play
■Make sure that the label or side you want to play is facing up, then try 
again.
■Shut down and restart your notebook.
■Clean the DVD. For more information, see “Cleaning CDs or DVDs” on 
page 251.
■DVD discs and 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/CD-RW or DVD-RW/CD-RW drive’s 
regional code...