Gateway m520 User Manual

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Cleaning your notebook
Keeping your notebook clean and the vents free from dust helps keep 
your notebook performing at its best. You may want to gather these items 
and put together a notebook cleaning kit:
■A soft, lint-free cloth
■An aerosol can of air that has a narrow, straw-like extension
■Cotton swabs
■A DVD drive cleaning kit
Cleaning the exterior
Always turn off your notebook and other peripherals before cleaning any 
components. Also, remove the battery before cleaning any...

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If you spill liquid on the keyboard, turn off your notebook and turn the 
notebook upside down. Let the liquid drain, then let the keyboard dry 
before trying to use it again. If the keyboard does not work after it dries, 
you may need to replace it.
Cleaning the notebook screen
To clean a notebook LCD screen, use a soft cloth and water to clean the 
LCD screen. Squirt a little water on the cloth (never directly on the 
screen), and wipe the screen with the cloth.
Cleaning CDs or DVDs...

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Protecting your computer from 
viruses
A virus is a program that attaches itself to a file on a computer, then 
spreads from one computer to another. Viruses can damage data or cause 
your computer to malfunction. Some viruses go undetected for a period 
of time because they are activated on a certain date.
Protect your computer from a virus by:
■Registering your copy of Norton AntiVirus and subscribing to the 
virus definition update service. You received a free limited time...

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To scan for viruses:
1Click Start, All Programs, Norton AntiVirus, then click Norton 
AntiVirus 2004
. Norton AntiVirus opens.
2Click Scan for Viruses.
3Click the type of scan you want to make in the Scan for Viruses area, 
then under Actions, click 
Scan.
Scan for
viruses
Scan 

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To remove a virus:
1If Norton AntiVirus finds a virus, follow all on-screen instructions 
to remove the virus.
2Turn off your computer and leave it off for at least 30 seconds.
3Turn on your computer and rescan for the virus.
To update Norton AntiVirus:
1Make sure that you are connected to the Internet.
2Click Start, All Programs, Norton AntiVirus, then click LiveUpdate - 
Norton AntiVirus
. The LiveUpdate wizard opens.
3Follow the on-screen instructions to update your Norton AntiVirus...

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Updating Windows
Windows Update is the online extension of Windows that helps you to 
keep your computer up-to-date. Use Windows Update to choose updates 
for your computer’s operating system, software, and hardware. New 
content is added to the site regularly, so you can always get the most 
recent updates and fixes to protect your computer and keep it running 
smoothly. Windows Update scans your computer and provides you with 
a tailored selection of updates that apply only to the...

Chapter 8
81
 

■Troubleshooting typical hardware and 
software problems
■Getting telephone support
■Using automated troubleshooting 
systems 

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Safety guidelines
While troubleshooting your notebook, follow these safety guidelines:
■Never remove the memory bay cover or hard drive while your 
notebook is turned on, while the battery is installed, and while the 
modem cable, network cable, and AC power adapter are connected 
to your notebook.
■Make sure that you are correctly grounded before accessing internal 
components. For more information about preventing damage from 
static electricity, see “Preventing static electricity...

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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 screen, write...

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Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting topics are listed in alphabetical order.
Audio
Audio troubleshooting is covered under “Sound” on page 100.
Battery
Battery troubleshooting is covered under “Power” on page 98.
CD drives
CD drive troubleshooting is covered under “DVD drives” on page 86.
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...