Gateway m520 User Manual
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85www.gateway.com 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. Display The screen is too dark Adjust the brightness using the system keys. For more information, see “System key combinations” on page 32. The screen resolution is not correct Change the screen resolution from the Display Properties dialog box. 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 32. ■Change the display settings. Help and SupportFor more information about IRQs, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type the keyword IRQs in the Search box , then click the arrow. Tips & TricksFor instructions on changing the screen resolution, see “Adjusting the screen resolution” in Using Your Computer which has been included on your hard drive. To access this guide, click Start, All Programs, then click Gateway Documentation.
86www.gateway.com ■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 Customer Care to identify whether a repair or replacement is justified based on the number of pixels affected. DVD drives Your notebook does not recognize a disc ■The disc may not be seated correctly in the tray. When you place a disc on the tray, make sure that you press the disc firmly onto the spindle so the retainers hold the disc in place. ■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 “Cleaning CDs or DVDs” on page 76. An audio CD does not produce sound ■Make sure that the CD label is facing up, then try again. ■Some music CDs have copy protection software. You may not be able to play these CDs on your notebook. Tips & TricksFor instructions on changing the display settings, see “Adjusting the screen and desktop settings” in Using Your Computer which has been included on your hard drive. To access this guide, click Start, All Programs, then click Gateway Documentation.
87www.gateway.com ■Make sure that the volume control on your notebook is turned up. For more information, see “Multi-function buttons” on page 34. ■Make sure that the Windows volume control is turned up. ■Make sure that Mute controls are turned off. For more information about the mute setting, see “Multi-function buttons” on page 34. ■Make sure that headphones are not plugged into the headphone jack. For the location of the headphone jack, see “Back” on page 13. ■If you are using powered speakers, make sure that they are plugged in and turned on. ■Clean the disc. For more information, see “Cleaning CDs or DVDs” on page 76. ■Your notebook may be experiencing some temporary memory problems. Shut down and restart your notebook. ■Reinstall the audio device drivers. For more information, see “Downloads” on page 4. 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 76. ■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 drive’s regional code must match. Tips & TricksFor instructions on how to adjust the volume control in Windows, see “Adjusting the volume” in Using Your Computer which has been included on your hard drive. To access this guide, click Start, All Programs, then click Gateway Documentation.
88www.gateway.com The regional code on your DVD drive is determined by your notebook’s delivery address. The regional code for the United States a n d C a n a d a i s 1 . T h e r e g io n a l c o d e f o r M e x i c o i s 4 . Yo u r D V D d r i v e ’s regional code must match the regional code of the disc. The regional code for the disc is on the disc, disc documentation, or packaging. If the DVD movie does not play, the disc’s regional code and your DVD drive’s regional code may not match. ■Make sure that a DVD player program has been installed on your notebook. A DVD does not produce sound on a TV Audio is not transmitted through the S-Video jack. Use the built-in speakers, a set of headphones or external powered speakers, or connect your notebook to a stereo system to hear sound while playing a DVD. 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. Tips & TricksFor instructions on playing a DVD, see “Playing a DVD” on page 44.
89www.gateway.com Hard drive You see an “Insufficient disk space” error message ■Delete unnecessary files from the hard drive using Disk Cleanup. ■Empty the Recycle Bin by right-clicking the Recycle Bin icon, then clicking Empty Recycle Bin. ■Save your files to another drive. If the hard drive is full, copy any files not regularly used to 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. Help and SupportFor more information about restoring deleted files, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type the keyword System Restore in the Search box , then click the arrow. Tips & TricksFor instructions on deleting unnecessary files, see “Using Disk Cleanup” in Using Your Computer which has been included on your hard drive. To access this guide, click Start, All Programs, then click Gateway Documentation. CautionAll deleted files will be lost when you empty the Recycle Bin. Help and SupportFor more information about file management, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type the keyword file management in the Search box , then click the arrow.
90www.gateway.com The hard drive cannot be accessed, or you see a “General failure reading drive C” error message ■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 70. ■If your notebook has been subjected to static electricity or physical shock, you may need to reinstall the operating system. Internet You cannot connect to the Internet ■If you are using a dial-up modem, make sure that the modem cable is plugged into the modem jack and not the Ethernet network jack. See “Back” on page 13 to make sure that the connections have been made correctly. -OR- If you are using a cable or DSL modem, make sure that the modem cable is plugged into the Ethernet network jack and not the modem jack. See “Back” on page 13 to make sure that the connections have been made correctly. ■Make sure that you do not have a problem with your modem. For more information, see “Modem (dial-up)” on page 93. ■Make sure that your account with your Internet service provider (ISP) is set up correctly. Contact your ISP technical support for help. Tips & TricksFor instructions on fixing hard drive problems, see “Checking the hard drive for errors” in Using Your Computer which has been included on your hard drive. To access this guide, click Start, All Programs, then click Gateway Documentation. Help and SupportFor more information about troubleshooting Internet connections, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type the keyword troubleshooting connections in the Search box , then click the arrow.
91www.gateway.com 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. ■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.
92www.gateway.com ■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. You are pressing a letter key and a number appears on the screen ■The numeric keypad is turned on. See “System key combinations” on page 32 for instructions on turning off your numeric keypad. Memory You see a “Memory error” message ■Make sure that the memory module is inserted correctly in the memory bay slot. For more information, see “Adding or replacing memory” on page 68. ■Use a third-party diagnostic program to help determine if the memory module is failing. You see a “Not enough memory” error message Close all programs, then restart your notebook. Memory card reader Drive letters for the memory card slots do not appear in the My Computer window ■Reboot your notebook. Help and SupportFor more information about troubleshooting memory errors, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type the keyword memory error in the Search box , then click the arrow.
93www.gateway.com 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 13 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: 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. Help and SupportFor more information about dialing properties, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type the keyword dialing in the Search box , then click the arrow.
94www.gateway.com ■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. 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. ■Review the troubleshooting information under “Internet” on page 90. 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.