Upgrading Your Notebook

    This chapter provides information about adding hardware devices to your notebook. Read this chapter to learn how to:

Add and remove PC Cards
Add and replace memory
Replace the hard drive

Adding and removing a PC Card

    Your notebook has a PC Card slot (also known as a PCMCIA card slot). This slot accepts a single Type II or Type III card.

    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, see the PC Card manufacturer's documentation for further information.

To insert a PC Card:

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

To remove a PC Card:

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

    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 your notebook. Prevent ESD damage by following ESD guidelines every time you install memory or replace the hard drive.

        Warning

        To avoid exposure to dangerous electrical voltages and moving parts, turn off your notebook and unplug the power cord and modem and network cable before opening the case.

          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.

          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 your workbench or other grounded object.
          Unplug the power cord and the modem and network cables.
          Remove the battery. For more information, see "Changing the battery".
          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.

          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 any available slot. Use only memory modules designed for the Gateway 400SD4 for upgrading your memory.

          To add or replace memory modules:

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

            2. Turn off your notebook, disconnect the AC adapter and modem and network cables.

            3. Turn your notebook over so that the bottom is facing up.

            4. Remove the battery. For more information, see "Changing the battery".

            5. Loosen the memory bay cover screw, then remove the memory bay cover.

            6. If you are removing a module, gently press outward on the clip at each end of the memory module until the module tilts upward.
            1. 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 that the notch in the module lines up with the tab in the memory bay.

            Important

            Use only memory modules designed for the Gateway 400SD4.

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

              2. Replace the memory bay cover and tighten the cover screw.

              3. Insert the battery, then turn your notebook over.

              4. Connect the power adapter and modem and network cables, then turn on your notebook.

            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:

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

              2. Turn off your notebook, disconnect the AC adapter and modem and network cables.

              3. Turn your notebook over so that the bottom is facing up.

              4. Remove the battery. For more information, see "Changing the battery".

              5. Remove the hard drive kit screws.
              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 into the bay.

              2. Slide the hard drive kit into the connector.

              3. Replace the screws that secure the hard drive kit to your notebook.

              4. Insert the battery and turn your notebook over.

              5. Connect the power adapter and modem and network cables, then turn on your notebook.