Upgrading Your Notebook

    This chapter provides information about adding hardware devices to your notebook, including:

PC Cards
Bay modules (for example, a drive or a secondary battery)
Memory
Hard drive

Adding PC Cards

    Your notebook has two PC Card slots (also known as PCMCIA card slots). These slots accept Type  II and Type III cards.

    You do not need to restart your notebook when changing most cards because your notebook supports hot-swapping. Hot-swapping means that you can insert a PC Card while your notebook is running. If your PC Card does not work after hot-swapping, refer to the PC Card manufacturer's documentation for further information.

To insert a PC Card:

Push the card firmly into the PC Card slot label-side up until the outer edge of the card is flush with the side of the notebook.

To remove a PC Card:

    1. Click the remove hardware   icon in the taskbar, then select the PC Card name and click Stop.
      -OR-
      Turn off the notebook.

    Important

    If the remove hardware icon does not appear on the taskbar, click the show hidden icons   button.

      1. Release the eject button by pressing the PC Card eject button once.

      2. Eject the PC Card by pressing the eject button again.

    Changing drives

      Your notebook's modular bays support different bay modules, such as a CD, CD-RW, DVD, or combination DVD/CD-RW drive, a second hard drive, a diskette drive, or a secondary battery.

      Important

      The diskette drive and secondary battery can only be used in the right-side modular bay. All other drives can be used in either the left or right-side modular bay.

      To change bay modules:

        1. If you are removing a CD, CD-RW, DVD, combination DVD/CD-RW or diskette drive, make sure the drive is empty.

        2. Make sure your notebook is off (not in Standby or Hibernate mode).

        3. Close the LCD panel, disconnect from the port replicator (see "Disconnecting from the port replicator"), and turn your notebook over.

        4. Slide the bay module latch and press the bay module release button.

        1. Slide the bay module out.

        2. Firmly push the new bay module straight into the bay until the latch clicks into place.
        1. Open your notebook and press the power button.

      Preventing static electricity discharge

        The components inside your computer are extremely sensitive to static electricity, also known as electrostatic discharge (ESD).

        Caution

        ESD can permanently damage electrostatic discharge-sensitive components in the computer. Prevent ESD damage by following ESD guidelines every time you open the computer case.

          Warning

          To 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.

            Before installing memory or replacing the hard drive, 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 the computer.

            Warning

            To prevent risk of electric shock, do not insert any object into the vent holes of the notebook.

            Touch a bare metal surface on the back of the computer.
            Unplug the power cord and modem and network cables.
            Remove the batteries.

              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.

            Installing 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 any available slot. Use only memory modules designed for the Gateway 600 for upgrading your memory.

            To add or replace memory modules:

              1. Follow the instructions under "Preventing static electricity discharge".

              2. Shut down your notebook, then disconnect the power adapter and modem and network cables.

              3. Disconnect from the optional port replicator (see "Disconnecting from the port replicator").

              4. Turn the notebook over, then remove the main battery (and secondary battery, if installed).

              Warning

              Disconnect the power adapter, disconnect the modem and network cables, and remove the main battery and optional secondary battery before you remove the memory bay cover. Replace the cover before you restore power or reconnect the modem and network cables.

                1. Remove the memory bay cover screw, then remove the memory bay cover.

                2. If you are removing a module, gently press outward on both clips at either end of the memory module until the module tilts upward. Pull the memory module out of the slot.
                1. Hold the new or replacement module at a 30-degree angle and press it into the empty memory slot. This module is keyed so that it can only be inserted in one direction. If the module does not fit, make sure the notch in the module lines up with the tab in the memory bay.

                Important

                Use only memory modules designed for the Gateway 600.

                  1. Gently push the module down until it clicks in place.

                  2. Replace the memory bay cover and cover screw, insert the batteries, connect the power adapter and modem and network cables, and turn on your notebook.

                Replacing the main hard drive

                  If you would like more hard drive capacity, you can replace your original drive with a higher-capacity drive.

                To replace the main hard drive:

                  1. Follow the instructions under "Preventing static electricity discharge" for important precautions.

                  2. Shut down your notebook, then disconnect the power adapter and modem and network cables.

                  3. Disconnect from the optional port replicator (see "Disconnecting from the port replicator"), turn the notebook over, then remove the main battery (and secondary battery, if installed).

                  Warning

                  Disconnect the power adapter, disconnect the modem and network cables, and remove the main battery and optional secondary battery before you remove the hard drive cover. Replace the cover before you restore power or reconnect the modem and network cables.

                    1. Remove the hard drive bay cover screw, then remove the hard drive bay cover.
                    1. Slide the hard drive kit away from the connector.
                    1. Lift the end of the hard drive kit furthest from the connector, then remove the drive kit from the bay.

                    1. Place the new hard drive kit in the bay and slide it into the connector.

                    2. Replace the screw that secures the hard drive kit to the notebook.

                    3. Replace the hard drive bay cover and cover screw.

                    4. Insert the batteries, then connect the AC adapter, modem and network cables, and turn on your notebook.