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.

Adding 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 your PC Card does not work after hot-swapping, see 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 facing toward the back of your computer until the outer edge of the card is flush with the side of your computer.

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 your computer.

    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.

    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)

    Preventing static electricity discharge

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

      Warning

      ESD can permanently damage electrostatic discharge-sensitive components in your 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 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.

          Warning

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

          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.

          Opening the computer case

            Tips & Tricks

            When 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.

              Warning

              To 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.

              To open the computer case:

                1. Turn off your computer.

                2. Following all static electricity discharge precautions, disconnect the power cord and all other external cables.

                3. Press the power button to drain any residual power from your computer.

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

              Closing the computer case

              To close the computer case:

                1. Make sure that all of the internal cables are arranged inside the case so they will not be pinched when you close the case.
                1. Align the access panel tabs into the case notches.
                1. Swing the access panel down into place.

                1. Replace the two screws removed previously.

                2. Reconnect the external cables and power cord.

              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, DVD, or recordable drive.

              To replace the drive pack:

                1. Open the case by following the instructions in "Opening the computer case".

                Warning

                Make sure that you removed all external cables and the power cord.

                  1. Remove the two retaining screws located on either side of the Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity label on the rear of your computer.
                  1. Slide the drive pack forward, then down.
                  1. Disconnect the two drive cables from the drive adapter card.
                  1. Connect the drive cables to the drive adapter card on the new drive pack. The drive cables and connectors are "keyed," which means that they can only be plugged in one way.

                  1. Push the cables carefully up into the top of the drive bay.

                  2. Align the tabs on the drive pack with the notches on the drive bay, then slide the drive pack back until it is flush with the front of the case.
                  1. Replace the two retaining screws.

                Replacing the hard drive

                  Use this procedure to replace the hard drive.

                  Tips & Tricks

                  For more stability, place your computer face down to perform this procedure. Avoid scratching the computer display by placing it on a towel or other non-abrasive surface.

                  To replace the hard drive:

                    1. Open the case by following the instructions in "Opening the computer case".

                    Warning

                    Make sure that you removed all external cables and the power cord.

                      1. Unsnap the two drive cage tabs.

                      1. Remove the drive cage from your computer.

                      2. Disconnect the drive cable and power cable.
                      1. Remove the four screws that hold the drive into drive cage.
                      1. Remove the drive.
                      1. Make sure that the jumpers on the new drive are set the same as the drive you are replacing.

                      1. Insert the new drive into the drive cage and secure it with the four screws removed earlier.

                      2. Connect the drive cable and power cable to the drive.

                      3. Align the single drive cage tab into the case notch, then swing the drive cage down until the two drive cage tabs on the other side snap into place.
                      1. Close the case by following the instructions in "Closing the computer case".

                    Replacing the Mini PCI card

                      The modem in your computer is a Mini PCI card. If you need to install a new Mini PCI card, you must first remove the existing card. Perform this procedure only if Gateway Technical Support tells you to.

                      Warning

                      Replace the Mini PCI card with only Gateway-approved cards. Perform this procedure only if Gateway Technical Support tells you to.

                      To replace the Mini PCI card:

                        1. Open the case by following the instructions in "Opening the computer case".

                        Warning

                        Make sure that you removed all external cables and the power cord.

                          1. Remove the drive cage by following the instructions in "Replacing the hard drive".

                          2. Press outward on both of the retaining clips holding the Mini-PCI card until the card tips up at an angle.
                          1. Remove the Mini-PC card.
                          1. Remove the cable from the Mini-PCI card.
                          1. Connect the cable to the new Mini-PCI card.
                          1. Carefully press the new Mini-PCI card into the card slot.

                          Important

                          The card must be fully seated in the slot before the retaining clips will snap into place.

                            1. Replace the drive cage by following the instructions in "Replacing the hard drive".

                            2. Close the case by following the instructions in "Closing the computer case".

                          Installing or replacing DIMM memory

                            When you upgrade your computer memory, make sure that you install the correct type of memory module for your computer. Your computer uses DIMM memory.

                            A DIMM memory module has several memory chips on one or both sides.

                          To install or replace DIMM memory:

                            1. Open the case by following the instructions in "Opening the computer case".

                            Warning

                            Make sure that you removed all external cables and the power cord.

                              1. Find the memory module banks, sometimes called add-in slots, on your system board.
                              1. If you are removing a memory module from the memory module bank, gently pull the plastic tabs away from the sides of the memory module and remove it.
                                - OR -
                                If you are adding a memory module to an empty memory module bank, gently pull the plastic tabs away from the sides of the memory module bank.
                              1. Align the notch on the new memory module with the notch on the memory module bank and press firmly into the bank. The tabs on the sides of the memory module should secure the memory module automatically. When the module is secure, you hear a click.

                              1. Close the case by following the instructions in "Closing the computer case".

                              2. Turn on your computer. Windows starts and the Windows desktop appears.

                              3. In Windows XP, click Start, Control Panel, then click Performance and Maintenance (if in Category View). Click/Double-click System. The amount of memory in your computer is shown at the bottom of the System Properties window in the General tab.
                                - OR -
                                In Windows 2000, right-click the My Computer icon, then click Properties. The amount of memory in your computer is shown at the bottom of the System Properties window in the General tab.

                            Using the BIOS Setup utility

                              The BIOS Setup utility stores basic settings for your computer. These settings include basic system hardware configuration, system resource settings, and password security. These settings are stored and saved even when the power is off.

                              Caution

                              The options in the BIOS Setup utility have been set at the factory for optimal performance. Changes to these settings will affect the performance of your computer.

                              Before changing any settings, write them down in case you need to restore them later.

                              To open BIOS Setup utility:

                              Restart your computer. As soon as you see a startup screen, press F1. The BIOS Setup utility opens.

                                The following illustration shows the main menu screen of a typical BIOS Setup utility. Your BIOS Setup utility may vary from the illustration below.

                              BIOS Setup Utility
                              Main Advanced Security Power Boot Exit




                              		Item Specific Help
                              BIOS Version

                              Processor Type
                              Processor Speed
                              Front Side Bus Speed
                              Cache Ram

                              System Memory
                              Memory Bank 0
                              Memory Bank 1
                              Memory Bank 2

                              Language:
                              Cache ECC Support:

                              System Time:
                              System Date:

                                                             		4W4SB0X0.15A.0004.P02

                              Pentium (R) III
                              933 MHz
                              133 MHz
                              512 KB

                              128 MB
                              128 MB SDRAM
                              Not Installed
                              Not Installed

                              [English (US)]
                              [Disabled]

                              [11:09:31]
                              [10/15/2000]                                                             		Select the display language for the BIOS.
                              F1 Help
                              ESC Exit                                                             		Select Item
                              Select Menu                                                             		-/+ Change Values
                              Enter Select > Sub-Menu                                                             		F9 Setup Defaults
                              F10 Save and Exit

                                Use the navigation keys displayed at the bottom of the BIOS Setup utility screen to move through the BIOS menus and make selections. Press F1 to get more help about options.