Gateway Profile 4 User Manual

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Upgrading Your
Computer
This chapter provides information about upgrading and 
replacing components in your computer. Read this chapter 
to learn how to:
■Add PC Cards
■Open your computer case
■Remove and install drives
■Replace the Mini PC card
■Add memory
You must open the computer case to change or upgrade 
components. If you are not comfortable with these 
procedures, get help from a more experienced computer 
user or computer service technician. 
						

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Adding and removing PC Cards
Your computer has one PC Card slot (also known as a PCMCIA card slot). This 
slot accepts Type I and Type II PC Cards.
You do not need to restart your computer when changing most cards because 
your computer supports hot-swapping. Hot-swapping means that you can insert 
a PC Card while your computer is running. If the PC Card does not work after 
hot-swapping, see the PC Card manufacturer’s documentation for further 
information.
Adding a PC Card
To insert a PC Card:
■Push the card firmly into the PC Card slot label-side facing toward the back 
of your computer until the outer edge of the card is flush with the side of 
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Adding and removing PC Cards
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Removing a PC Card
To remove a PC Card:
1Click the remove hardware icon in the taskbar, then select the PC Card 
name and click
Stop.
-OR-
Turn off your computer.
2Release the eject button by pressing the PC Card eject button once.
3Eject the PC Card by pressing the eject button again.
ImportantIf the remove hardware icon does not appear on the 
taskbar, click the show hidden icons button. 
						

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Selecting a place to work
Work on your computer in an area that:
■Is clean (avoid dusty areas)
■Is a low-static environment (avoid carpeted areas)
■Has a stable surface on which to set your computer
■Has enough room to place all the computer parts
■Is near a grounded outlet so you can test your computer after installation
■Is near a telephone (in case you need help from Gateway Technical 
Support)
Gathering the tools you need
Some tools and supplies that you may need to work on your computer are:
■A Phillips screwdriver
■A flat-head screwdriver
■A notebook to take notes
■A soft towel to lay your computer on
■Small containers to store various types of screws
■A grounding wrist strap (available at most electronic stores) 
						

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Preventing static electricity discharge
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Preventing static electricity 
discharge
The components inside your computer are extremely sensitive to static 
electricity, also known as electrostatic discharge (ESD).
Before opening the computer case, follow these guidelines:
■Turn off the computer power.
■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 modem and network cables.
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.
■Avoid touching the edge connectors and components on the Mini-PCI 
cards. Never slide Mini-PCI cards or components over any surface.
WarningESD can permanently damage electrostatic 
discharge-sensitive components in your computer. Prevent 
ESD damage by following ESD guidelines every time you 
open the computer case.
WarningTo avoid exposure to dangerous electrical voltages and 
moving parts, turn off your computer and unplug the power 
cord and modem cable before opening the case.
WarningTo prevent risk of electric shock, do not insert any object 
into the vent holes of the power supply. 
						

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Opening the computer case
To open the computer case:
1Turn off your computer.
2Following all static electricity discharge precautions, disconnect the power 
cord and all other external cables.
3Press the power button to drain any residual power from your computer.
Tips & TricksWhen cleaning the case, do not use abrasive or solvent 
cleaners because they can damage the finish. Use soap 
and water or a dilution of water and isopropyl alcohol. For 
more information, see “Cleaning your computer” on 
page 181.
WarningTo avoid exposure to dangerous electrical voltages and 
moving parts, turn off your computer, then unplug the 
power cord and modem cable before opening the case. 
						

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Opening the computer case
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4Remove the two screws on the back of the computer case.
5With your hands positioned on each side of the case, swing the access panel 
up and away from the case and set the panel aside.
ScrewScrew 
						

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Closing the computer case
To close the computer case:
1Make sure that all of the internal cables are arranged inside the case so 
they will not be pinched when you close the case.
2Align the access panel tabs into the case notches.
Access panel tabs 
						

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Closing the computer case
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3Swing the access panel down into place.
4Replace the two screws removed previously.
5Reconnect the external cables and power cord. 
						

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Replacing drives
Use the procedures in this section to replace the:
■Removable drive pack
■Hard drive
Replacing the removable drive pack
The removable drive pack contains the diskette drive, drive adapter card, and 
either a CD or DVD drive.
To replace the drive pack:
1Remove the two retaining screws located on either side of the Microsoft 
Certificate of Authenticity label on the rear of your computer.
WarningTo avoid exposure to dangerous electrical voltages, turn 
off your computer, then unplug the power cord and modem 
cable before removing the drive pack.
ScrewScrew