|
Troubleshooting
|
This chapter provides some solutions to common notebook problems. Read this chapter to learn how to:
|
Troubleshoot typical hardware and software problems
|
|
Get telephone support
|
|
Use automated troubleshooting systems
|
|
Get tutoring and training
|
If the suggestions in this chapter do not correct the problem, see "Getting Help" for more information about how to get help.
Safety guidelines
While troubleshooting your notebook, follow these safety guidelines:
|
Never remove the memory bay cover or hard drive kit while your notebook is turned on, while the batteries are installed, and while the modem cable, network cable, and AC power adapter are connected.
|
|
After you complete any maintenance tasks where you remove the memory bay or hard drive cover, make sure that you replace the cover, reinstall any screws, then replace the battery before you start your notebook.
|
|
|
Do not try to troubleshoot your problem if power cords or plugs are damaged, if your notebook was dropped, or if the case was damaged. Instead, unplug your notebook and contact a qualified computer technician.
|
First steps
If you have problems with your notebook, try these things first:
|
Make sure that the AC power adapter is connected to your notebook and an AC outlet and that the AC outlet is supplying power.
|
|
If you use a power strip or surge protector, make sure that it is turned on.
|
|
If a peripheral device (such as a keyboard or mouse) does not work, make sure that all connections are secure.
|
|
Make sure that your hard drive is not full.
|
|
If an error message appears on the screen, write down the exact message. The message may help Gateway Technical Support in diagnosing and fixing the problem.
|
|
If you added or removed modules or peripheral devices, review the installation procedures you performed and make sure that you followed each instruction.
|
|
If an error occurs in a program, see the program's printed documentation or the online help.
|
|
|
For more information about troubleshooting in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type
the keyword
troubleshooting
in the HelpSpot
Search
box , then
click the arrow.
|
Software support tools
|
PC Doctor is a comprehensive hardware diagnostic and system information tool that can test your notebook and determine its configuration. PC Doctor provides 85 professional diagnostic tests directly from your notebook.
|
This support tool is available from HelpSpot or by clicking Start, All Programs, then clicking Gateway Utilities.
Troubleshooting
CD or DVD drives
Your notebook does not recognize a disc or the drive
|
The disc may not be seated correctly in the tray. When you place a disc on the tray, make sure that you press the disc firmly onto the spindle so that the retainers hold the disc in place.
|
|
The modular drive may not be inserted completely into the modular bay. Press the module into the bay, then try to access the disc again.
|
|
Make sure that the disc label is facing up, then try again.
|
|
Try a different disc. Occasionally discs are flawed and cannot be read by the drive.
|
|
Some music CDs have copy protection software. You may not be able to play these CDs on your notebook.
|
|
Your notebook may be experiencing some temporary memory problems. Shut down and restart your notebook.
|
An audio CD does not produce sound
|
Make sure that the CD label is facing up, then try again.
|
|
Make sure that the volume control on your notebook is turned up. For more information, see "Audio DJ controls".
|
|
Make sure that headphones are not plugged into the headphone jack. For the location of the headphone jack, see "Left side" and "Back".
|
|
If you are using powered speakers, make sure that they are plugged in and turned on.
|
|
Your notebook may be experiencing some temporary memory problems. Shut down and restart your notebook.
|
A DVD movie will not play
|
Make sure that the label or side you want to play is facing up, then try again.
|
|
Make sure that a DVD or DVD/CD-RW combination drive is inserted into the modular bay. See "Identifying drive types" for more information.
|
|
Shut down and restart your notebook.
|
|
DVD discs and drives contain regional codes that help control DVD title exports and help reduce illegal disc distribution. To be able to play a DVD, the disc's regional code and your DVD drive's regional code must match.
|
The regional code on your DVD drive is determined by your notebook's
delivery address. The regional code for the United States and Canada is 1.
The regional code for Mexico is 2. Your DVD drive's regional code must
match the regional code of the disc. The regional code for the disc is on
the disc, disc documentation, or packaging.
If the DVD movie does not play, the disc's regional code and your DVD
drive's regional code may not match.
|
Make sure that the InterVideo program has been installed on your notebook. See "Playing a DVD" for more information.
|
A DVD does not produce sound on a TV
|
Audio is not transmitted through the TV out jack. Use the built-in speakers, a set of headphones or external powered speakers, or connect your notebook to a stereo system to hear sound while playing a DVD.
|
Cleaning CDs or DVDs
Wipe from the center to the edge, not around in a circle, using a product made especially for the purpose.
Device installation
You have computer problems after adding a new device
Sometimes a new device, such as a PC Card, can cause a system resource (IRQ) conflict. Check IRQ usage to determine if there is an IRQ conflict.
To check IRQ usage
in Windows XP:
-
Click
Start,
then click
Control Panel.
The
Control Panel
window opens. If your Control Panel is in Category View, click
Performance
and Maintenance.
-
Click/Double-click
System,
click the
Hardware
tab, then click
Device Manager.
The
Device Manager
window opens.
-
Click View, then click Resources by type. Double-click Interrupt request (IRQ). All IRQs and their hardware assignments are displayed.
|
|
For more information about IRQs in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type
the keyword
IRQs
in the HelpSpot
Search
box , then
click the arrow.
|
To check IRQ usage
in Windows 2000:
-
Click
Start,
Settings,
then click
Control Panel.
The
Control Panel
window opens.
-
Double-click
the
System
icon, click the
Hardware
tab, then click
Device Manager.
The
Device Manager
window opens.
-
Click View, then click Resources by type. Double-click Interrupt request (IRQ). All IRQs and their hardware assignments are displayed.
To free IRQ resources
for the new device:
-
In the
Device Manager
window, check the device list for a resource conflict. A resource
conflict appears as a black exclamation point in a yellow circle.
-
Remove
the device you are trying to install, then determine which one of
the existing devices or ports you can disable.
-
Right-click the device or port you want to disable, then click Disable. The device or port is disabled.
Diskette drive
The diskette drive is not recognized
|
Shut down and restart your notebook.
|
|
The modular drive may not be inserted completely into the modular bay. Press the module into the bay, then try to access the diskette again.
|
You see an "Access Denied" or "Write protect" error message
|
Move the write-protection tab in the upper-right corner of the diskette down (unprotected).
|
|
The diskette may be full. Delete unnecessary files on the diskette and try again.
|
|
Not all diskettes are IBM-compatible. Make sure that the diskette you are using is IBM-compatible.
|
|
Try a different diskette. Occasionally diskettes are flawed and cannot be read by the diskette drive.
|
You see a "Disk is full" error message
|
Delete unnecessary files on the diskette.
|
|
Try a different diskette. Occasionally diskettes are flawed and cannot be read by the diskette drive.
|
You see a "Non-system disk", "NTLDR is missing", or "Disk error" error message
|
Eject the diskette from the diskette drive, then press Enter.
|
|
Make sure that the diskette you are using is IBM-compatible.
|
The modular drive status indicator is lit continuously
|
Remove the diskette from the drive. If the indicator stays on, try restarting your notebook.
|
Display
The screen is too dark
The screen resolution is not correct
|
|
For more information about changing the screen resolution in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type
the keyword
screen resolution
in the HelpSpot
Search
box , then
click the arrow.
|
The text on the display is dim or difficult to read
|
Move your notebook away from sources of electrical interference, such as televisions, unshielded speakers, microwaves, fluorescent lights, and metal beams or shelves.
|
The display has pixels that are always dark or too bright
|
This condition is normal and inherent in the TFT technology used in active-matrix LCD screens. Gateway's inspection standards keep these to a minimum. If you feel these pixels are unacceptably numerous or dense on your display, contact Gateway Technical Support to identify whether a repair or replacement is justified based on the number of pixels affected.
|
File management
A file was accidentally deleted
If a file was deleted at a DOS prompt or in Windows while holding down the Shift key, the file cannot be restored.
To restore deleted
files:
-
Double-click
the
Recycle Bin
icon.
-
Right-click the file you want to restore, then click Restore. The file is restored to the place where it was originally deleted from.
If the Recycle Bin was emptied before you tried to restore a file, the
file cannot be restored.
|
|
For more information about restoring deleted files in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type
the keyword
System Restore
in the HelpSpot
Search
box , then
click the arrow.
|
Hard drive
You see an "Insufficient disk space" error message
|
Delete unnecessary files from the hard drive using Disk Cleanup. For more information, see "Using Disk Cleanup".
|
|
Empty the Recycle Bin by right-clicking the Recycle Bin icon, then clicking Empty Recycle Bin.
|
|
|
All deleted files will be lost when you empty the Recycle Bin.
|
|
Save your files to a diskette or another drive. If the hard drive is full, copy any files not regularly used to diskettes or other backup media, then delete them from the hard drive.
|
|
|
For more information about file management in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type
the keyword
file management
in the HelpSpot
Search
box , then
click the arrow.
|
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 more information, see "Checking the hard drive for errors".
|
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.
|
|
Make sure that the hard drive kit is installed correctly. Remove it, firmly reinsert it, then restart your notebook. For more information, see "Replacing the main hard drive kit".
|
|
If your notebook has been subjected to static electricity or physical shock, you may need to reinstall the operating system.
|
You see a "Non-system disk", "NTLDR is missing", or "disk" error message
|
Eject the diskette from the diskette drive, then press Enter.
|
The secondary hard drive is not recognized
|
The modular drive may not be inserted completely into the drive bay. Press the drive into the bay, then try to access the drive again.
|
Internet
You cannot connect to the Internet
|
Make sure that the modem cable is plugged into the modem jack and not the Ethernet network jack. See "Back" and "Back" to make sure that the connections have been made correctly.
|
|
Make sure that your notebook is connected to the telephone line and the telephone line has a dial tone.
|
|
If you have the call waiting feature on your telephone line, make sure that it is disabled.
|
|
Make sure that you are not using a digital, rollover, or PBX line. These lines do not work with your modem.
|
|
Make sure that your account with your Internet service provider (ISP) is set up correctly. Contact your ISP technical support for help.
|
|
Make sure that you do not have a problem with your modem. For more information, see Modem.
|
|
|
For more information about troubleshooting Internet connections in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type
the keyword
troubleshooting connections
in the HelpSpot
Search
box , then
click the arrow.
|
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
|
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
The built-in keyboard does not work
|
Attaching a PS/2 keyboard to your notebook or port replicator while your notebook is running may deactivate the built-in keyboard.
|
The external keyboard does not work
|
Make sure that the keyboard cable is plugged in correctly.
|
|
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.
|
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.
|
Memory
You see a "Memory error" message
|
Use PC Doctor or a third-party diagnostic program to help determine if a memory module is failing. For more information, see "Adding or replacing memory".
|
You see a "Not enough memory" error message
|
Close all programs, then restart your notebook.
|
|
|
For more information about troubleshooting memory errors in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type
the keyword
memory error
in the HelpSpot
Search
box , then
click the arrow.
|
Modem
Your modem does not dial or does not connect
|
Make sure that the modem cable is plugged into the modem jack and not the Ethernet network jack. See "Back" and "Back" to make sure that the connections have been made correctly.
|
|
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.
|
Tocheck the dialing
properties in Windows XP:
-
Click
Start,
then click
Control Panel.
The
Control Panel
window opens. If your Control Panel is in Category View, click
Printers and
Other Hardware.
-
Click/Double-click
the
Phone and Modem
Options
icon, then click the
Dialing Rules
tab.
-
Click
the location from which you are dialing, then click
Edit.
-
Make sure that all settings are correct.
|
|
For more information about dialing properties in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type
the keyword
dialing
in the HelpSpot
Search
box , then
click the arrow.
|
To check the dialing
properties in Windows 2000:
-
Click
Start,
Settings,
then click
Control Panel.
The
Control Panel
window opens.
-
Click/Double-click
the
Modems
icon, then click
Dialing Properties
tab. The
Dialing Properties
dialog box opens.
-
Make 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.
|
|
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.
|
You cannot connect to the Internet
|
The ISP may be having technical difficulties. Contact your ISP for technical support.
|
|
See if the modem works with a different communications program. The problem may be with just one program.
|
Your 56K modem does not connect at 56K
Current FCC regulations restrict actual data transfer rates over public telephone lines to 53K. Other factors, such as line noise, telephone service provider equipment, or ISP limitations, may lower the speed even further.
If your notebook has a v.90 modem, the speed at which you can upload (send) data is limited to 33.6K. If your notebook has a v.92 modem, the speed at which you can upload data is limited to 48K. Your ISP may not support 48K uploads.
You can check modem connection speeds and dial-up network (DUN) connections by accessing the gateway.your.way dial-up server. The server also contains drivers, patches, and updates for current Gateway hardware and software.
The server provides a secure connection and is a stand-alone server. You cannot use it to access the Internet. The server cannot be accessed Mondays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. CT.
To access the gateway.your.way
dial-up server:
-
Insert
the red Gateway CD into the DVD or recordable CD drive.
-
Click
Help,
then click
Support Web
Site.
-
To check your modem connection speed, click the Direct Dial option. After your modem connects, move the mouse pointer over the Dial-Up Networking icon (located next to the clock on your taskbar). Your modem connection speed appears.
Your fax communications program only sends and receives faxes at 14,400 bps when you have a 56K modem
Current fax technology only supports a maximum send and receive rate of 14,400 bps.
The modem is not recognized by your notebook
|
Make sure that the line connected to the modem is working and plugged into the appropriate port on your notebook. See "Back" and "Back" to make sure that the connections have been made correctly.
|
|
If the modem shares the telephone line with another device, make sure that the telephone line is not in use (for example, someone is on the telephone, or another modem is in use).
|
|
Use the modem cable that came with your notebook. Some telephone cables do not meet required cable standards and may cause problems with the modem connection.
|
|
Shut down and restart your notebook.
|
|
Run Windows modem diagnostics.
|
To run modem diagnostics
in Windows XP:
-
Close
all open programs.
-
Click
Start
, then click
Control Panel
. The
Control Panel
window opens. If your Control Panel is in Category View, click
Printers and
Other Hardware
.
-
Click/Double-click
the
Phone and Modem
Options
icon, then click the
Modems
tab.
-
Click
your modem, then click
Properties
. The
Modem Properties
dialog box opens.
-
Click the Diagnostic tab, then click Query Modem. If information about the modem appears, the modem passed diagnostics. If no modem information is available, a white screen appears with no data, or if you get an error such as port already open or the modem has failed to respond, the modem did not pass diagnostics.
|
|
For more information about modem troubleshooting in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type
the keyword
modem troubleshooting
in the HelpSpot
Search
box , then
click the arrow.
|
To run modem diagnostics
in Windows 2000:
-
Close
all open programs.
-
Click
Start,
Settings,
then click
Control Panel.
The
Control Panel
window opens.
-
Double-click
the
Modems
icon. The
Modems Properties
window opens.
-
Click the Diagnostic tab, click the COM port next to the name of the modem, then click More Info. The Modem Info dialog box opens. If information about the modem appears, the modem passed diagnostics. If no modem information is available, a white screen appears with no data, or if you get an error such as port already open or the modem has failed to respond, the modem did not pass diagnostics.
The modem is noisy when it dials and connects
When your modem tries to connect to another modem, it begins handshaking. Handshaking is a digital "getting acquainted" conversation between the two modems that establishes connection speeds and communication protocols. You may hear unusual handshaking sounds when the modems first connect. If the handshaking sounds are too loud, you can turn down the modem volume.
To turn down the
modem volume in Windows XP:
-
Click
Start,
then click
Control Panel.
The
Control Panel
window opens. If your Control Panel is in Category View, click
Printers and
Other Hardware.
-
Click/Double-click
the
Phone and Modem
Options
icon, then click the
Modems
tab.
-
Click
the modem you want to adjust, then click
Properties.
-
Click
the
Modem
tab, then adjust the
Speaker volume
control.
-
Click OK twice to close the Phone and Modem Options dialog box.
To turn down the
modem volume in Windows 2000:
-
Click
Start,
Settings,
then click
Control Panel.
The
Control Panel
window opens.
-
Double-click
the
Modems
icon. The
Modems Properties
dialog box opens.
-
Click
the
General
tab, click the modem you want to adjust, then click
Properties.
-
Adjust
the
Speaker volume
control.
-
Click OK.
Mouse
The external mouse does not work
|
Make sure that the mouse cable is plugged in correctly.
|
|
Shut down and restart your notebook.
|
|
Remove all extension cables and switch boxes.
|
|
Try a mouse you know is working to make sure that the mouse port works.
|
The external mouse works erratically
|
Use a mouse pad with an optical mouse. Optical mice do not work well on shiny surfaces.
|
|
|
For a video tutorial about cleaning the mouse, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type
the keyword
mouse troubleshooting
in the HelpSpot
Search
box , then
click the arrow.
|
Networks
You cannot connect to your company network
|
Every network is unique. Contact your company computer department or network administrator for help.
|
|
|
For more information about network troubleshooting in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type
the keyword
network troubleshooting
in the HelpSpot
Search
box , then
click the arrow.
|
Passwords
Your notebook does not accept your password
|
Make sure that Caps lock and Pad lock are turned off, then retype the password.
|
You forgot your startup password
|
The password feature (which is set in the BIOS Setup utility) is very secure, with no easy way to recover a forgotten password. You must return your notebook for repair. Call Gateway Technical Support for instructions.
|
PC Cards
You installed a PC Card and now your notebook is having problems
|
Make sure that you have correctly installed required software for the PC Card. For more information, see your PC Card's documentation.
|
|
Make sure that the PC Card you installed is not causing a system resource conflict. For more information on resource conflicts, see "Device installation".
|
Power
Your notebook is not working on AC power
|
If your notebook is plugged into a surge protector, make sure that the surge protector is connected securely to an electrical outlet, turned on, and working correctly. To test the outlet, plug a working device, such as a lamp, into the outlet and turn it on.
|
|
Make sure that the AC power adapter cables are free from cuts or damage. Replace any damaged cables.
|
Your notebook is not working on battery power
|
Make sure that the main battery is installed correctly. For more information, see "Changing batteries".
|
Your notebook will not turn off, even after pressing the power button for five seconds
|
If your notebook has "frozen," and pressing the power button for five seconds does not turn it off, insert a straightened paper clip into the reset hole on the bottom of your notebook. For the location of the reset hole, see "Bottom".
|
Printer
The printer will not turn on
|
Make sure that the printer is online. Many printers have an online/offline button that you may need to press.
|
|
Make sure that the power cable is plugged into an AC power source.
|
The printer is on but will not print
|
Check the cable between the printer and your notebook. Make sure that it is connected to the correct port.
|
|
Make sure that the printer is online. Many printers have an online/offline button that you may need to press so that the printer can start printing. Press the button to put the printer online.
|
|
Check the port and cable for bent or broken pins.
|
|
If the printer you want to print to is not the default printer, make sure that you have selected it in the printer setup.
|
To set a default
printer in Windows XP:
-
Click
Start,
then click
Control Panel.
The
Control Panel
window opens. If your Control Panel is in Category View, click
Printers and
Other Hardware.
-
Click/Double-click
the
Printers and
Faxes
icon. The
Printers and Faxes
window opens.
-
Right-click the name of the printer you want to be the default printer, then click Set as Default Printer.
To set a default
printer in Windows 2000:
-
Click
Start,
Settings,
then click
Printers.
-
Right-click on the name of the printer you want to be the default printer, then click Set as Default.
|
Reinstall the printer driver. See the guide that came with your printer for instructions on installing the printer driver.
|
You see a "Printer queue is full" error message
|
Make sure that the printer is not set to work offline.
|
To make sure that
the printer is not set to work offline in Windows XP:
-
Click
Start,
then click
Control Panel.
The
Control Panel
window opens. If your Control Panel is in Category View, click
Printers and
Other Hardware.
-
Click/Double-click
the
Printers and
Faxes
icon. The
Printers and Faxes
window opens.
-
Right-click the name of the printer you want to use. If the menu shows a check mark next to Use Printer Offline, click Use Printer Offline to clear the check mark.
|
|
For more information about printer troubleshooting in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type
the keyword
printer troubleshooter
in the HelpSpot
Search
box , then
click the arrow.
|
To make sure that
the printer is not set to work offline in
Windows 2000:
-
Click
Start,
Settings,
then click
Printers.
-
Right-click the name of the printer you want to use. If the menu shows a check mark next to Use Printer Offline, click Use Printer Offline to clear the check mark.
|
Wait until files have been printed before sending additional files to the printer.
|
|
If you print large files or many files at one time, you may want to add additional memory to the printer. See the printer documentation for instructions for adding additional memory.
|
You see a "Printer is out of paper" error message
|
After adding paper, make sure that the printer is online. Most printers have an online/offline button that you need to press after adding paper.
|
Sound
You are not getting sound from the built-in speakers
|
Make sure that headphones are not plugged into the headphone jack. For the location of the headphone jack, see "Left side" and "Back".
|
|
Make sure that the volume control on your notebook is turned up. For more information, see "Audio DJ controls".
|
|
|
For more information about troubleshooting sound issues in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type
the keyword
sound troubleshooter
in the HelpSpot
Search
box , then
click the arrow.
|
You are not getting sound from headphones plugged into the port replicator
|
Make sure that headphones are not plugged into your notebook's headphone jack. For the location of the headphone jack, see "Left side".
|
Touchpad
The touchpad does not work
Video
The external monitor is not working
|
Make sure that you have pressed Fn+LCD/CRT to activate the external monitor option.
|
|
Make sure that the monitor power is turned on and that the video cable is correctly connected.
|
TV out is not working
|
Make sure that the television is turned on and that the RCA video cable or S-Video cable is connected correctly.
|
|
Televisions in different countries use different standards. If you are traveling, you may need to change the TV Out mode. For more information, see "Viewing the display on a television".
|
Telephone support
Before calling Gateway Technical Support
If you have a technical problem with your notebook, follow these recommendations before contacting Gateway Technical Support:
|
Make sure that your notebook is connected correctly to a grounded AC outlet that is supplying power. If you use a surge protector, make sure that it is turned on.
|
|
If a peripheral device, such as a keyboard or mouse, does not appear to work, make sure that all cables are plugged in securely.
|
|
If you have recently installed hardware or software, make sure that you have installed it according to the instructions provided with it. If you did not purchase the hardware or software from Gateway, see the manufacturer's documentation and technical support resources.
|
|
If you have "how to" questions about using a program, see:
|
|
Online Help
|
|
Printed documentation
|
|
The Microsoft Windows documentation
|
|
The software publisher's Web site
|
|
See the troubleshooting section of this chapter.
|
|
|
To
avoid bodily injury, do not attempt to troubleshoot your notebook
problem if:
Power cords or plugs are damaged
Liquid
has been spilled into your notebook
Your
notebook was dropped
The
case was damaged
Instead,
unplug your notebook and contact a qualified computer technician.
|
|
Have your customer ID, serial number, and order number available, along with a detailed description of your problem, including the exact text of any error messages, and the steps you have taken.
|
|
Make sure that your notebook is nearby at the time of your call. The technician may have you follow troubleshooting steps.
|
Telephone numbers
Gateway offers a wide range of customer service, technical support, and information services.
Automated troubleshooting system
Service description
|
How to reach
|
|
Use an automated menu system and your telephone keypad to find answers to common problems.
|
800-846-2118
(US)
877-709-2945
(Canada)
|
Telephone numbers
Resource
|
Service description
|
How to reach
|
|
Fax on demand support
|
Order a catalog of documents on common problems, then order documents by document numbers. The documents will be faxed to you.
|
800-846-4526
(US)
877-709-2951
(Canada)
|
|
Gateway's fee-based software tutorial service
|
Get tutorial assistance for software issues billed by the minute.
|
800-229-1103
(charged to your credit card)
900-555-4695
(charged to your telephone bill)
|
|
Gateway Technical Support
|
Talk to a Gateway Technical Support representative about a non-tutorial technical support question. (See "Before calling Gateway Technical Support" before calling.)
TDD Technical Support (for hearing impaired) is available:
Weekdays 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Central Time
Weekends 6:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Central Time
|
800-846-2301
(US)
800-846-3609
(Canada and Puerto Rico)
605-232-2191
(all other countries)
800-846-1778
(TDD)
|
|
America Online
|
Get support for your America Online ISP account
|
800-827-6364
(US)
888-265-4357
(Canada)
|
|
CompuServe
|
Get support for your CompuServe ISP account
|
800-848-8990
(US)
|
|
Sales, accounting, and warranty
|
Get information about available systems, pricing, orders, billing statements, warranty service, or other non-technical issues.
|
800-846-2000
(US)
888-888-2037
(Canada)
|
Tutoring and training
Gateway's Technical Support professionals cannot provide hardware and software training or tutorial services. Instead, Gateway recommends the following tutoring and training resources.
Self-help
If you have how-to questions about using your Gateway-supplied hardware or software, see the following resources:
|
The printed or online documentation that came with your hardware or software. In many cases, additional product information and online documentation for Gateway-supplied hardware can be found in our Web site's Documentation Library
|
|
This user's guide
|
|
The software publisher's Web site
|
|
|
For more how-to information about Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type
the keyword
practice
in the HelpSpot
Search
box , then
click the arrow.
|
Tutoring
For help on using hardware or software that came with your Gateway notebook, contact Gateway's fee-based tutorial hotline:
|
800-229-1103
(rate charged per minute; charged to a major credit card) |
|
900-555-4695
(rate charged per minute; charged to your telephone bill) |
Training
Resource
|
Service description
|
For more information
|
|
In-Store Training at Gateway stores
|
Our friendly and knowledgeable software trainers can teach you how to use the Internet and the most popular software programs, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
|
www.gateway.com/country
|
|
Gateway Learning Libraries
|
A variety of courses and tutorials are available on CD. Select from several easy-to-use learning libraries.
|
www.gateway.com/training
|
|
Online Training from Learn@Gateway
|
More than 450 online courses are available from Learn@Gateway. All you have to do is go online and log in. You select the subject matter, and the learning format (self-paced tutorials or virtual classrooms), all from the comfort of your notebook.
|
www.learnatgateway.com/
|
|