CHAPTER 3: Maintaining and Upgrading Your Notebook

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Preventing static electricity discharge

Warning

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

Warning

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

Important

Before installing or replacing components, you should read and understand the information in this section.

The components inside your notebook are extremely sensitive to static electricity, also known as electrostatic discharge (ESD).

Before installing or replacing 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.

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.

Touch a bare metal surface on your workbench or other grounded object.

Adding or replacing memory

Important

Use only memory modules designed for your Gateway notebook.

Tools Required

You need a small Phillips screwdriver to replace 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 slot.

Memory bay

To add or replace memory modules:

1Follow the guidelines under “Preventing static electricity discharge” on page 32.

2Turn off your notebook.

3Disconnect the AC adapter, modem cable, and network cable.

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