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 while your notebook is turned on, while the batteries are installed, and while the modem cable, network cable, and AC power adapter are connected.
Make sure that you are correctly grounded before accessing internal components. For more information about preventing damage from static electricity, see "Preventing static electricity discharge".
After you complete any maintenance tasks where you remove the memory bay cover or hard drive kit, make sure that you replace the cover or hard drive kit, reinstall any screws, then replace the battery before you start your notebook.

Warning

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.

Help and Support

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

    Your notebook may include the following support tool to help you diagnose and fix problems:

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 correctly seated 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 completely inserted 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.
If you are trying to play a DVD, make sure that you have a DVD drive. See "Identifying drive types" for more information.
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.
Clean the disc. For more information, see "Cleaning CDs or DVDs".

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 "System key combinations".
Make sure that the Windows volume control is turned up. For more information, see "Adjusting the volume in Windows XP" and "Adjusting the volume in Windows 2000".
Make sure that Mute controls are turned off. For more information about the mute setting, see "System key combinations" or "Adjusting the volume in Windows XP" and "Adjusting the volume in Windows 2000".
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.
Clean the CD. For more information, see "Cleaning CDs or DVDs".
Your notebook may be experiencing some temporary memory problems. Shut down and restart your notebook.
Reinstall the audio device drivers. For more information, see "Reinstalling device drivers".

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.
Clean the DVD. For more information, see "Cleaning CDs or DVDs".
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:

    1. Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens. If your Control Panel is in Category View, click Performance and Maintenance.

    2. Click/Double-click System, click the Hardware tab, then click Device Manager. The Device Manager window opens.

    3. Click View, then click Resources by type. Double-click Interrupt request (IRQ). All IRQs and their hardware assignments are displayed.

Help and Support

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:

    1. Click Start, Settings, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.

    2. Double-click the System icon, click the Hardware tab, then click Device Manager. The Device Manager window opens.

    3. 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:

    1. 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.

    2. Remove the device you are trying to install, then determine which one of the existing devices or ports you can disable.

    3. 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 completely inserted 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.
Run Error checking on the diskette. For more information, see "Checking the hard drive for errors". If errors are detected and corrected, try using the diskette again.

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

Adjust the brightness using the system keys. For more information, see "System key combinations".

The screen resolution is not correct

Change the screen resolution from the Display Properties dialog box. For more information, see "Adjusting the screen resolution".

Help and Support

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

Adjust the brightness and contrast using the system keys. For more information, see "System key combinations".
Change the display settings. For more information, see "Adjusting the screen and desktop settings".
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:

    1. Double-click the Recycle Bin icon.

    2. 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.

Help and Support

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.

Caution

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.

Help and Support

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 is correctly installed. 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 completely inserted 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.

Help and Support

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

    Many factors can affect Internet performance:

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

Make sure that the memory modules are inserted correctly in the memory bay slot. For more information, see "Adding or replacing memory".
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.

Help and Support

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.

To check the dialing properties in Windows XP:

      1. Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens. If your Control Panel is in Category View, click Printers and Other Hardware.

      2. Click/Double-click the Phone and Modem Options icon, then click the Dialing Rules tab.

      3. Click the location from which you are dialing, then click Edit.

      4. Make sure that all settings are correct.

Help and Support

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:

      1. Click Start, Settings, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.

      2. Click/Double-click the Modems icon, then click Dialing Properties tab. The Dialing Properties dialog box opens.

      3. 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:

    1. Insert the red Gateway CD into the CD or DVD drive.

    2. Click Help, then click Support Web Site.

    3. 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:

      1. Close all open programs.

      2. Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens. If your Control Panel is in Category View, click Printers and Other Hardware.

      3. Click/Double-click the Phone and Modem Options icon, then click the Modems tab.

      4. Click your modem, then click Properties. The Modem Properties dialog box opens.

      5. 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.

Help and Support

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:

      1. Close all open programs.

      2. Click Start, Settings, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.

      3. Double-click the Modems icon. The Modems Properties window opens.

      4. 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:

    1. Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens. If your Control Panel is in Category View, click Printers and Other Hardware.

    2. Click/Double-click the Phone and Modem Options icon, then click the Modems tab.

    3. Click the modem you want to adjust, then click Properties.

    4. Click the Modem tab, then adjust the Speaker volume control.

    5. Click OK twice to close the Phone and Modem Options dialog box.

To turn down the modem volume in Windows 2000:

    1. Click Start, Settings, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.

    2. Double-click the Modems icon. The Modems Properties dialog box opens.

    3. Click the General tab, click the modem you want to adjust, then click Properties.

    4. Adjust the Speaker volume control.

    5. 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

Clean the mouse. For more information, see "Cleaning the mouse".
Use a mouse pad with an optical mouse. Optical mice do not work well on shiny surfaces.

Help and Support

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.

Help and Support

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

Make sure that your AC power adapter is connected correctly to your notebook. For more information, see "Connecting the AC adapter".
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".
Make sure that the optional secondary battery is installed correctly. For more information, see "Installing a secondary battery".
Make sure that the batteries are fully recharged. For more information, see "Recharging the battery".
Make sure that the battery is calibrated correctly. For more information, see "Recalibrating the battery".

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:

      1. Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens. If your Control Panel is in Category View, click Printers and Other Hardware.

      2. Click/Double-click the Printers and Faxes icon. The Printers and Faxes window opens.

      3. 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:

      1. Click Start, Settings, then click Printers.

      2. 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:

      1. Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens. If your Control Panel is in Category View, click Printers and Other Hardware.

      2. Click/Double-click the Printers and Faxes icon. The Printers and Faxes window opens.

      3. 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.

Help and Support

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:

      1. Click Start, Settings, then click Printers.

      2. 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 "Status indicators".
Make sure that the Windows volume control is turned up. For more information, see "Adjusting the volume in Windows XP" or "Adjusting the volume in Windows 2000".
Make sure that Mute controls are turned off. For more information, see "Status indicators" or "Adjusting the volume in Windows XP" or "Adjusting the volume in Windows 2000".

Help and Support

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

    Attaching a PS/2 mouse to your notebook or port replicator may deactivate the touchpad.

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 you have activated TV out. For more information, see "Viewing the display on a television".
Make sure that the television is turned on and that the RCA video cable or S-Video cable is correctly connected.
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.

Warning

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

    You can access the following services through your telephone to get answers to your questions:

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

Help and Support

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

    Gateway provides the following in-person and computerized 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/