Gateway m520 User Manual

Chapter 6
65
	

■Adding and replacing memory
■Replacing the hard drive 

66www.gateway.com
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 surface on your workbench or other...

67www.gateway.com
■Remove the battery. For more information, see “Changing batteries” 
on page 59.
■Disconnect all peripheral devices and remove any PC Cards.
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...

68www.gateway.com
Adding or replacing memory
Your notebook uses memory modules called SO-DIMMs (Small Outline 
Dual Inline Memory Modules). The modules are available in various 
capacities and any module can be placed in the slot. Use only memory 
modules designed for your Gateway notebook for upgrading your 
memory.
To add or replace memory modules:
1Follow the instructions under “Preventing static electricity 
discharge” on page 66.
2Turn off your notebook, disconnect the AC adapter and modem and...

69www.gateway.com
7Pull the memory module out of the slot.
8Hold 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.
9Gently push the module down until it clicks in place.
10Replace the memory bay cover and replace the cover screw.
11Insert the battery, then turn your notebook over....

70www.gateway.com
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” in Using Your Computer 
which has been included on your hard drive. To access this guide, 
click 
Start, All Programs, then click Gateway Documentation.
2Follow the instructions under “Preventing static...

71www.gateway.com
8If your new hard drive already includes the hard drive kit bracket, 
go to Step 13.
-OR-
If you need to move the hard drive kit bracket from your old hard 
drive kit to your new hard drive, go to Step 9.
9Remove the screws that secure the hard drive to the hard drive kit 
bracket.
10Remove the bracket from the old drive.
11Insert the new drive into the bracket so the screw holes line up.
12Replace the two screws that secure the bracket to the drive.
13Slide the new hard drive kit into...

72www.gateway.com 

Chapter 7
73


■Caring for your notebook
■Cleaning your notebook
■Protecting from viruses
■Updating Windows
■Restoring your system 

74www.gateway.com
Caring for your notebook
To extend the life of your notebook:
■Be careful not to bump or drop your notebook, and do not put any 
objects on top of it. The case, although strong, is not made to support 
extra weight.
■When transporting your notebook, we recommend that you put it 
in a carrying case.
■Keep your notebook away from magnetic fields. Magnetic fields can 
erase data on hard drives.
■Never turn off your notebook when the hard drive light is on because 
data on the hard drive...