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
Swap a bay module (for example, a drive or a secondary battery)
Add and replace memory
Replace the hard drive

Adding and removing a PC Card

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

    Changing drives

      Your notebook's modular bay supports 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.

    To change bay modules:

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

      2. Click the remove hardware   icon in the taskbar, the drive you are removing, then click Stop.
        -OR-
        Turn off your notebook (do not place it in Standby or Hibernate mode).

      Important

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

        1. Close the LCD panel.

        2. Disconnect your notebook from the optional port replicator (see "Disconnecting from the port replicator").

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

        4. Slide and hold the bay module latch closest to the back of your notebook.

        5. Slide the other bay module release latch. The module moves out slightly.
        1. Slide the bay module out.
        1. Firmly push the new bay module straight into the bay until the latch clicks into place.

        1. Turn your notebook over, then open the LCD panel.

        2. If your notebook is on, click OK to continue working on your notebook.
          - OR -
          If your notebook is off, turn it on.

      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 main battery (and secondary battery, if installed). For more information, see "Changing batteries".
            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 450SX4 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. Disconnect your notebook from the optional port replicator (see "Disconnecting from the port replicator").

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

              5. Remove the main and optional secondary batteries.

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

              7. 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 450SX4.

                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 batteries, then turn your notebook over.

                4. Reconnect the optional port replicator.

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

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

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

                5. Remove the main and optional secondary batteries.

                6. Remove the hard drive kit screw.
                1. Slide the hard drive kit out of your notebook.

                1. Slide the hard drive kit into your notebook.

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

                3. Insert the batteries and turn your notebook over.

                4. Reconnect the optional port replicator.

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