Replacing Case Components

This guide provides information about installing replacement case components. Read this guide to learn how to:

Remove and install the left side panel

Remove and install the right side panel

Remove and install the main bezel

Remove and install the secondary bezel

Remove and install the power button

Remove and install the power supply clamp

You must open your computer case to replace these case components. If you are not comfortable with these procedures, get help from a more experienced computer user or computer service technician.

Selecting a place to work

Work on your computer in an area that:

Is clean (avoid dusty areas)

Is a low-static environment (avoid carpeted areas)

Has a stable surface on which to set your computer

Has enough room to place all the computer parts

Is near a grounded outlet so that you can test your computer after installation

Is near a telephone (in case you need help from Gateway Technical Support). The telephone must be directly connected to a telephone jack and cannot be connected to your computer

Gathering the tools you need

Some tools and supplies that you may need to work on your computer are:

A Phillips screwdriver

A flat-blade screwdriver

A notebook to take notes

Small containers to store various types of screws

A grounding wrist strap (available at most electronic stores)

The documentation that came with your computer

Tips & Tricks

If you do not have printed documentation, go to the Gateway Web site (www.gateway.com) and print the appropriate document before starting the installation procedure.

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 the computer. Prevent ESD damage by following ESD guidelines every time you open the computer case.

Warning

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

Before opening the computer case, follow these guidelines:

Turn off the computer power.

Wear a grounding wrist strap (available at most electronics stores) and attach it to a bare metal part of the computer.

Warning

To prevent risk of electric shock, do not insert any object into the vent holes of the power supply.

Touch a bare metal surface on the back of the computer.

Unplug the power cord and modem and network cables.

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.

Your computer case

The Gateway Micro Tower can be set vertically into its removable base, or set horizontally using the rubber feet found on its right side.

For information on the Gateway Micro Tower case, see the documentation that came with your computer.

Tips & Tricks

When cleaning the case, do not use abrasive or solvent cleaners because they can damage the finish. Use soap and water or a dilution of water and isopropyl alcohol.

Replacing the left side panel

Warning

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

To replace the left side panel:

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

2. Shut down your computer, then disconnect the power, modem, network, and all peripheral device cables.

3. Drain any residual power from your computer by pressing the power button.

4. If your case cover has a shipping screw installed on the back of the case, remove the screw. For information about the location of the screw, see the documentation that came with your computer. You do not need to replace this screw.

5. If the computer is standing in the base, lift up on the front of the computer case, then pull the case forward and off the base.

6. For more stability, place your computer on its side with the rubber feet resting on your workspace.

7. Push in on the cover release handle.

8. Lift the side panel up.

9. Lift the side panel away from the case.

10. Make sure that all of the internal cables are arranged inside the case so they will not be pinched when you close the case.

11. Align the tabs on the new side panel with the case notches.

12. Swing the side panel toward the case until the release handle locks.

13. Return the case to its normal position.

14. If you removed the computer case from the base, lower the case onto the base, then push the case back and onto the base.

15. Reconnect the cables and power cord.

Replacing the right side panel

Warning

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

To replace the right side panel:

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

2. Shut down your computer, then disconnect the power cord and the modem, network, and all peripheral device cables.

3. Drain any residual power from your computer by pressing the power button.

4. Remove the left side panel by following the instructions in "Replacing the left side panel".

5. Disconnect the hard drive cables, noting their locations and orientation. You will reconnect the cables later.

6. Slide the release lever toward the rear of the case.

7. Lift the hard drive out of the drive bay.

8. Press the two tabs on the inside of the case.

9. Place the computer on its side so you can easily access the side panel retaining tabs. Rotate the computer's position as required.

10. Using a flat-blade screwdriver, unsnap the seven remaining right side panel retaining tabs (three on the front and two on each side).

11. Pull up on the right side panel, and remove it from the case.

12. Install the new side panel.

13. Reassemble your case.

14. Reconnect the power cord and all other cables.

Replacing the main bezel

Warning

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

To replace the main bezel:

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

2. Shut down your computer, then disconnect the power cord and the modem, network, and all peripheral device cables.

3. Drain any residual power from your computer by pressing the power button.

4. Remove the left side panel by following the instructions in "Replacing the left side panel".

5. Push the bezel release tab and pull the right side of the bezel forward.

6. Swing the front bezel outward and to the left of the computer case.

7. Insert the left tab into the bezel slot, then swing the main bezel closed so that the right tab locks into place.

8. Reassemble your case.

9. Reconnect the power cord and all other cables.

Replacing the secondary bezel

Warning

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

To replace the secondary bezel:

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

2. Shut down your computer, then disconnect the power cord and the modem, network, and all peripheral device cables.

3. Drain any residual power from your computer by pressing the power button.

4. Remove the left side panel by following the instructions in "Replacing the left side panel".

5. Remove the right side panel by following the instructions in "Replacing the right side panel".

6. Remove the main bezel by following the instructions in "Replacing the main bezel".

7. Squeeze the secondary bezel between your thumb and finger, then push the bottom of the bezel away from the case until the bezel tab clears the case.

8. Swing the secondary bezel outward, then remove the bezel.

9. Insert the new secondary bezel tabs into the slots on the case, then swing the bezel closed so that the bezel locks into place.

10. Reassemble your case.

11. Reconnect the power cord and all other cables.

Replacing the power button

The power button assembly consists of three parts.

Warning

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

To replace the power button:

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

2. Shut down your computer, then disconnect the power cord and the modem, network, and all peripheral device cables.

3. Drain any residual power from your computer by pressing the power button.

4. Remove the main bezel by following the instructions in "Replacing the main bezel".

5. Use one hand to hold the bezel and cover the front of the power button with your fingers so that the spring does not pop the power button out of the bezel.

6. Pull the power button cap off. You may need to rock the cap back and forth to release it.

7. Push on the back of the power button until it comes out of the front of the bezel.

8. Place the spring onto the new power button stem, then insert the new power button into the front of the bezel and snap the power button cap onto the power button stem on the back side of the bezel.

9. Reassemble your case.

10. Reconnect the power cord and all other cables.

Replacing the power supply clamp

Warning

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

To replace the base:

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

2. Shut down your computer, then disconnect the power cord and the modem, network, and all peripheral device cables.

3. Drain any residual power from your computer by pressing the power button.

4. Remove the left side panel by following the instructions in "Replacing the left side panel".

5. Disconnect the power supply cables from all components (such as hard drives, CD, DVD, or recordable drives, and the system board), noting their locations and orientation. You will reconnect the cables later.

6. Rotate the power supply retention clip away from the power supply.

7. Slide the power supply toward the front of the case, then slide it up and out of the case.

8. Using a small flat-blade screwdriver, pry the bottom side of the clamp away from the case and turn the clamp counter-clockwise until the notches in the clamp line up with the metal tabs on the case.

9. Remove the clamp.

10. Install the new clamp.

11. Reassemble your case.

12. Reconnect the power cord and all other cables.

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