Gateway P-7805U Service Manual
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www.gateway.com 113 Make sure that the disc’s regional code and your DVD drive’s regional code match. Make sure that a DVD player program has been installed on your notebook. For instructions on playing a DVD, see “Playing music and movies” in your online User Guide. You cannot eject a CD or DVD Your notebook must be turned on to remove CDs and DVDs. If you do not want to turn on your notebook, manually eject the disc by inserting an opened paper clip into the manual eject hole. For the location of the manual eject hole, see “Using the DVD drive” on page 50. Ethernet Ethernet troubleshooting is covered under “Networks (wired)” on page 125. Express Cards You installed an Express Card and now your notebook is having problems Make sure that you have correctly installed required software for the Express Card. For more information, see your Express Card’s documentation. File management A file was accidentally deleted Recover the file from the Recycle Bin by following the instructions in “Deleting files and folders” in your online User Guide. Caution If a file was deleted while holding down the SHIFT key or if the Recycle Bin has been emptied, the file cannot be restored. HelpFor more information about restoring deleted files, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type the keyword System Restore in the Search Help box, then press E NTER.
CHAPTER 9: Troubleshooting 114 Fingerprint reader The fingerprint reader does not recognize your fingerprint Make sure that you are using the correct method for swiping your finger. For more information, see “Running the TouchStrip Tutorial” on page 29. Make sure that you are using a finger that you have enrolled. For more information, see “Enrolling your fingerprints” on page 30. For more information about troubleshooting the fingerprint reader, click (Start), All Programs, Protector Suite QL, then click Help. Hard drive You see an “Insufficient disk space” error message Delete unnecessary files from the hard drive using Disk Cleanup. For instructions on deleting unnecessary files, see “Deleting unnecessary files” in your online User Guide. 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. For instructions on fixing hard drive problems, see “Checking the hard drive for errors” in your online User Guide. The hard drive cannot be accessed, or you see a “General failure reading drive C” error message If a diskette is in the diskette drive, eject it and restart your notebook.Caution All deleted files will be lost when you empty the Recycle Bin. HelpFor more information about file management, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type the keyword file management in the Search Help box, then press E NTER.
www.gateway.com 115 Make sure that the hard drive is installed correctly. Remove it, firmly reinsert it, then restart your notebook. For more information about removing your hard drive, see “Replacing a hard drive kit” on page 102. If your notebook has been subjected to static electricity or physical shock, you may need to reinstall the operating system. The eSATA drive is not recognized Shut down and restart your notebook. Disconnect the drive cable, then reconnect it. Internet You cannot connect to the Internet If you are using the optional dial-up modem, make sure that the modem cable is plugged into the modem jack and not the Ethernet network jack. For the location of your modem jack, see “Back” on page 9. -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. For the location of your network jack, see “Right” on page 8. Make sure that you do not have a problem with your modem. For more information, see “Modem (dial-up)” on page 121. Make sure that your account with your Internet service provider (ISP) is set up correctly. Contact your ISP technical support for help. Help For more information about troubleshooting Internet connections, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type the keyword troubleshooting connections in the Search Help box, then press E NTER.
CHAPTER 9: Troubleshooting 116 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 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. An external keyboard does not work Make sure that the keyboard cable is plugged in correctly.
www.gateway.com 117 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. 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. Media Center This section only covers problems relating to Media Center mode. Media Center mode is available only on Windows Vista Home Premium and Windows Vista Ultimate versions. To view Media Center troubleshooting information that is not covered in this section, go to the Gateway support Web Site at www.gateway.com . The Media Center video display looks bad on your TV Many factors, such as the display type, quality of the video source, type of connection used, quality of video cables, display device screen resolution, size of TV, age of the TV, or the type of TV (interlaced or progressive scan), can affect the video quality significantly: Display type—Some retail TVs may provide lower quality video. A progressive scan display device with a VGA input is the best choice. Help For more information about Windows Media Center, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type the phrase Media Center in the Search Help box, then press E NTER.
CHAPTER 9: Troubleshooting 118 Type of connection used—You can connect the notebook video output to a TV. However, the connection type has an affect on the video quality. The notebook has two video outputs: HDMI—If your TV includes an HDMI port, connect the HDMI cable from the notebook’s optional HDMI Out port to the TV’s HDMI In port. HDMI display quality is usually superior for TV images. HDMI also transmits audio to your television. Many older TVs do not have an HDMI port. VGA—If your TV or notebook does not include and HDMI port, but does include a VGA port, connect the VGA cable from the notebook’s VGA (monitor) port to the TV’s VGA In port. Many older TVs do not have a VGA port. VGA only transmits video. You should use the built-in speakers, a set of headphones or external powered speakers, or connect your notebook to a stereo system to hear sound. Quality of video cables—Poor quality or the incorrect type of video cables can cause problems and affect the video quality. Gateway recommends using high-quality video cables that can be purchased from Gateway. Screen resolution—By default, the notebook uses a screen resolution optimized for the LCD screen. Many older TVs cannot display this high of a resolution and may shift, scramble, or scroll the picture. For a better picture on a TV display, you may need to lower the screen resolution to 800 × 600 or 640 × 480. For more information about changing the screen resolution, see “Changing color depth and screen resolution” in your online User Guide. Important Cable connections must be made correctly for optimal video quality. A poor cable connection can lower video quality. HelpFor more information about adjusting display settings, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type the keyword changing display settings in the Search Help box, then press E NTER.
www.gateway.com 119 Size of display device—Small computer monitors for standard computer applications are generally not optimized for motion video playback. Although they offer excellent resolutions and refresh rates, they are designed to make static white backgrounds with black text look readable. Some small display devices do not make colorful motion video look its best. Generally, video will look better on a larger display device. Age of the TV—Newer TVs usually have more advanced features, produce a better quality picture, and support higher screen resolutions. The video display will likely be better on a newer model TV. Typ e o f T V (interlaced or progressive scan) Many CRT (tube) TVs use interlaced video. Interlaced video displays a video frame with two passes of alternating scan lines. The TV screen first displays the video image odd lines one at a time, sequentially from top to bottom, then it fills in the other half of the video image with the even lines. Because most TVs use this interlaced method to display the picture on the screen, a standard interlaced analog TV will most likely flicker when displaying thin lines and small text. An interlaced video display device will produce a lower quality display, especially when viewing and using the notebook functions. Progressive scan video displays a video frame with one pass of sequential scan lines. A progressive scan TV displays the entire picture, drawn sequentially from top to bottom, without the odd/even interlacing. This results in a fuller, sharper picture and better display quality for viewing and using the Media Center functions. The progressive scan picture is also brighter and easier on your eyes. You need to configure your notebook to output to a TV In Media Center mode, your notebook detects whether you are using a VGA or an HDMI display device and automatically changes the display settings for the type of display device you are using. For more information, review the FAQ topic at www.gateway.com . You want to change display settings to get better TV or DVD image quality Adjust the display device brightness, contrast, hue, and saturation. For more information review the FAQ topic at www.gateway.com .
CHAPTER 9: Troubleshooting 120 You want to know whether you can burn videos that were recorded in Media Center mode to a DVD Yes, you can. The Media Center saves recorded videos in the DVR-MS format. You can burn a DVR-MS file to a DVD with DVD recording (burning) software, such as Power2Go, and with the Media Center itself. You want to know whether you can play recorded videos on other computers Yes, you can. A DVR-MS file recorded to DVD can be replayed on another computer with Media Center or on a computer without Media Center provided that it has a DVD player and DVD decoder software (such as PowerDVD). The computer without Media Center must also have Windows Vista or Windows XP with Service Pack (SP) 1 or 2, Windows Media Player 9 or later, and the Windows patch Q810243 Update. You want to know whether you can play recorded videos on your home DVD player Yes, you can. DVDs recorded with the Media Center can be played on a home DVD player. Memory You see a “Memory error” message Make sure that the memory module is inserted correctly in the memory bay slot. For more information about installing memory, see “Adding or replacing memory modules” on page 99. Use the Memory Diagnostics Tool to help determine if a memory module is failing. To check the memory: 1Click (Start), then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens. 2Click System and Maintenance. 3Click Administrative Tools. 4Double-click Memory Diagnostics Tool, then follow the on-screen instructions. Help For more information about troubleshooting memory errors, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type the keyword memory error in the Search Help box, then press E NTER.
www.gateway.com 121 You see a “Not enough memory” error message Close all programs, then restart your notebook. Memory card reader Drive letter for the memory card slot does not appear in the My Computer window Reboot your notebook. Modem (cable or DSL) The modem does not connect Make sure that the modem cable is plugged into the Ethernet network jack and not the modem jack. For the location of your network jack, see “Right” on page 8. See the documentation that came with your modem for additional troubleshooting information. Modem (dial-up) Your modem does not dial or does not connect Make sure that the modem cable is plugged into the optional modem jack and not the Ethernet network jack. For the location of your modem jack, see “Back” on page 9. 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. Help For more information about dialing properties, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type the keyword dialing in the Search Help box, then press E NTER.
CHAPTER 9: Troubleshooting 122 To check the dialing properties: 1Click (Start), then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens. 2Click Hardware and Sound. 3Click the Phone and Modem Options. The Phone and Modem Options dialog box opens. 4Click the Dialing Rules tab. 5Click the location from which you are dialing, then click Edit. The Edit Location dialog box opens. 6Make sure that all settings are correct. 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 to fix the original line. 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.