Getting Started


Getting your system running

To get the computer started, you'll need to install the battery pack, connect to AC power, open the LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel, and turn on the power.

Installing the battery pack

Your notebook is shipped to you with the battery partially charged. When you first get started, you may want to use the AC adapter to fully charge the battery and provide a constant supply of power while you are checking out some of your notebook's features.

If your battery is not installed, you need to install the battery pack and charge it. The battery charges whenever your notebook is connected to AC power.

The notebook can run on a fully charged battery for about 2.5 to 3 hours, but battery life varies depending on configuration, power management settings, and features used. Click the battery gauge icon in the taskbar to track the available battery power.

Battery life is affected by how much you use the system components such as the hard drive, CD/DVD drive, LCD display, and other components. Other factors such as the power management settings also affect battery life.

To install the battery pack

  1. Turn the notebook over so the battery bay is facing up.
  2. Insert the front end of the battery into the battery bay, then press the battery down until it securely latches.

Connecting the AC power

Your AC adapter comes in two parts, the power cord and the AC power adapter.

Warning!

Replace the power cord if it becomes damaged. The replacement cord must be of the same type and voltage rating as the original cord.

Warning!

The AC adapter has dangerous voltages that can cause serious personal injury or death. Do not attempt to disassemble the AC adapter. The AC adapter has no user-replaceable or user-serviceable parts inside. Contact Gateway about returning defective AC adapters.

To connect the AC adapter

  1. Connect the power cord to the AC power adapter.
  2. Plug the AC power adapter into the notebook power connector on the left side of the notebook.
  3. Plug the power cord into an electrical outlet.

Turning on the power

You can turn on the power after the battery is installed and the AC power adapter is plugged in.

To start up the computer

  1. Release the LCD panel by sliding the latch to the right, then adjust the LCD panel for the proper viewing angle by tilting it.

    Important!

    2. The power button is preset to On/Off mode. You can set it to function either in On/Off or Standby/Resume mode using the BIOS setup program.

  2. Press the power button. Windows® starts.
  3. Change display brightness for suitable viewing by pressing Fn+_ or Fn+_.

    Important!

    4. This system ships with the "Auto dim with battery" feature enabled. Auto dim cuts LCD power 50% when your notebook is operating on battery power.

  4. If you are starting the computer for the first time, complete the Windows setup by following the on-screen instructions. (You can disregard the Printer Setup dialog boxes.)
  5. When the Certificate of Authenticity dialog box opens, type in the Product ID number located on the Certificate of Authenticity on the cover of the Windows manual.

For more information about how to use Windows, see your Microsoft Windows manual.

Important!

The software for your computer has been installed at the factory. Use your software CDs or diskettes only when re-installing a program or if a program prompts you to use it.