Gateway m520 User Manual

							Chapter 6
65
	

■Adding and replacing memory
■Replacing the hard drive 
						

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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 grounded 
object.
■Unplug the power cord and the modem and network cables.
ImportantBefore installing memory or replacing the hard 
drive, you should read and understand the 
information in this section.
WarningTo avoid exposure to dangerous electrical voltages 
and moving parts, turn off your notebook and 
unplug the power cord and modem and network 
cables before opening the case.
CautionESD can permanently damage electrostatic 
discharge-sensitive components in your notebook. 
Prevent ESD damage by following ESD guidelines 
every time you install memory or replace the hard 
drive.
WarningTo prevent risk of electric shock, do not insert any 
object into the vent holes of the notebook. 
						

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■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 protection.
■Always hold components by their edges. Avoid touching the edge 
connectors. Never slide components over any surface. 
						

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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 
network cables.
3Turn your notebook over so the bottom is facing up.
4Remove the battery. For more information, see “Changing batteries” 
on page 59.
5Remove the memory bay cover screw, then remove the memory bay 
cover. For the location of the memory bay, see “Bottom” on page 15.
6If you are removing a module, gently press outward on the clip at 
each end of the memory module until the module tilts upward. 
						

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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.
12Connect the power adapter and modem and network cables, then 
turn on your notebook.
ImportantUse only memory modules designed for your 
Gateway notebook. 
						

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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 electricity 
discharge” on page 66.
3Turn off your notebook, disconnect the AC adapter and modem and 
network cables.
4Turn your notebook over so the bottom is facing up.
5Remove the battery.
6Remove the hard drive kit screw. For the location of the hard drive 
bay, see “Bottom” on page 15.
7Slide the old hard drive kit out of your notebook. 
						

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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 your notebook.
14Replace the screw that secures the hard drive kit to your notebook.
15Insert the battery and turn your notebook over.
16Connect the power adapter and modem and network cables, then 
turn on your notebook.
17For instructions on installing Windows, your drivers, and your 
applications, see the instructions that were included with the Restore 
DVD. 
						

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							Chapter 7
73


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

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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 could be lost or corrupted.
■Avoid subjecting your notebook to extreme temperature changes. 
The case (and LCD panel) can become brittle and easy to break in 
cold temperatures and can melt or warp in high temperatures. 
Damage due to either extreme is not covered by your warranty. As 
a general rule, your notebook is safest at temperatures that are 
comfortable for you.
■Keep all liquids away from your notebook. When spilled onto 
computer components, almost any liquid can result in extremely 
expensive repairs that are not covered under your warranty.
■Avoid dusty or dirty work environments. Dust and dirt can clog the 
internal mechanisms.
■Do not block the ventilation fan slots. If these slots are blocked, your 
notebook may overheat resulting in unexpected shutdown or 
permanent damage to the notebook.
■When storing your notebook for an extended period of time, unplug 
AC power and remove the battery after discharging it partway.