Page 1: Table Of Contents
Using Your Solo 2550 Contents Using Your Learning about Your Solo 2550 Notebook Contents This chapter shows features and options that are available on your notebook. It also Learning about describes the various resources that you can access for more information.
Page 2 Thank you for purchasing this Factory Service Manual CD/DVD from servicemanuals4u.com. Please check out our eBay auctions for more great deals on Factory Service Manuals: servicemanuals4u...
Page 3 Using Your Solo 2550 Contents Changing the audio · source Playing CDs · Playing DVDs · Using video Changing screen · resolution Connecting the modem Using PC Component Description Cards Microphone Use to record sound when the system is recording.
Page 4 Using Your Solo 2550 Contents Using the Parallel port Connect a parallel device such as a WorldWideWeb (LPT1) printer to this port. Connecting to a · Website Connect an optional docking station to Docking port Downloading files · this port.
Page 5 Using Your Solo 2550 Contents Press the eject button to PC Card eject buttons remove PC Cards from PC Card slots. See "Using PC Cards for more information. Insert PC Cards Type I, II, or PC Card slots III into these slots.
Page 6 Using Your Solo 2550 Contents Connect an external audio Audio Line In input source (computer, stereo, VCR, etc.) to this port to record or play audio through the notebook speakers (1/8- inch/3.5-mm jack). Speaker Out/ Connect external speakers or headphones to this port.
Page 7 Using Your Solo 2550 Contents System identification Find the product model number, serial number, label display type, and processor speed on this label. Insert either a standard Diskette drive slot diskette drive or LS120 drive into this slot. Slide to release battery Battery release latch pack.
Page 8 In addition to this user guide, these resources are available to help you get the most from your Gateway notebook: Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Gateway Solo Notebook This manual contains information about managing system resources, preserving your system performance, reinstalling your operating system and drivers, and troubleshooting.
Page 9 Using Your Solo 2550 Contents The interactive Windows tutorial helps you become more familiar with Windows features and learn more about using and getting the most out of your notebook. The tutorial opens when you first start Windows. If you want to use the tutorial later, click Start, then select Programs, Accessories, System Tools, then Welcome to Windows.
Page 10 Using Your Solo 2550 Contents Memory modules External keyboards External monitors Speakers Carrying cases Printers Tape backup units Hard drives Modems Network cards Software Uninterruptable Power Supplies (UPS) For more information on these or other Gateway accessories for your notebook, visit our Web site at www.gateway.com...
Page 11: Learning About Your Notebook
Learning about Your Notebook Learning about Your Notebook This chapter shows features and options that are available on your notebook. It also describes the various resources that you can access for more information. Keyboard and LCD Component Description http://support.gateway.com/s/Mobile/Solo_Series/p2550/8505460/05460ch0.htm (1 of 11)7/28/2004 7:11:50 AM...
Page 12 Learning about Your Notebook TFT Color Liquid Crystal Display Backlit anti-glare screen (LCD) Provides the full functionality of a Keyboard desktop computer keyboard. Controls the pointer movement on the EZ Pad touchpad or EZ Point screen. stickpoint Front Component Description Microphone Use to record sound when the system is recording.
Page 13: Back
Learning about Your Notebook Insert data or audio CD discs into this drive. Optional DVD CD/DVD drive drive reads DVD and CD discs. CD/DVD Eject Press to eject the CD/DVD tray from the drive. button Back Component Icon Description Parallel port Connect a parallel device such as a (LPT1) printer to this port.
Page 14: Right Side
Learning about Your Notebook Connect an optional serial device to Serial port this port. Right side Component Icon Description Diskette drive or LS120 Insert either a standard or LS120 diskette (for LS120 drive drives only) into this slot. Diskette drive eject Press the eject button to remove a diskette from the button...
Page 15: Left Side
Learning about Your Notebook Insert PC Cards Type I, II, or PC Card slots III into these slots. See "Using PC Cards for more information. PS/2 port Connect the keyboard, mouse, numeric keypad, or other external device to this port. Connect the AC power adapter Power connector to this port.
Page 16: Bottom
Learning about Your Notebook Connect an external Mic In microphone to this port to record audio (1/8-inch/3.5- mm jack). Connect an external audio Audio Line In input source (computer, stereo, VCR, etc.) to this port to record or play audio through the notebook speakers (1/8- inch/3.5-mm jack).
Page 17 Learning about Your Notebook Component Icon Description System identification Find the product model number, serial number, label display type, and processor speed on this label. Insert either a standard Diskette drive slot diskette drive or LS120 drive into this slot. Slide to release battery Battery release latch pack.
Page 18: System Status Indicators
Learning about Your Notebook Open the memory bay Memory bay cover to install or remove SO-DIMM memory modules. System status indicators This indicator icon appears... when... A battery is installed. It shows battery Battery gauge activity and status. A battery is charging on AC power. Turns Charge off when battery is fully charged.
Page 19: For More Information
In addition to this user guide, these resources are available to help you get the most from your Gateway notebook: Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Gateway Solo Notebook This manual contains information about managing system resources, preserving your system performance, reinstalling your operating system and drivers, and troubleshooting.
Page 20 Learning about Your Notebook system, getting help, using applications, organizing your files, troubleshooting, maintaining your notebook, and learning about advanced features such as connecting to a network. Welcome to Windows The interactive Windows tutorial helps you become more familiar with Windows features and learn more about using and getting the most out of your notebook.
Page 21: Accessories
Learning about Your Notebook Accessories Gateway offers various accessories that can help you make the most of using your Solo notebook: Port replicators Docking stations Battery packs Battery chargers Automobile/airplane adapters Memory modules External keyboards External monitors Speakers Carrying cases...
Page 22: Using Your Notebook
Using Your Notebook Using Your Notebook Connecting AC power Your notebook battery was shipped to you partially charged and ready to use. You may want to use the AC adapter while you are checking out some of the features to complete charging the battery.
Page 23 Using Your Notebook Plug the AC power adapter into the notebook power connector on the right side of the notebook near the back. http://support.gateway.com/s/Mobile/Solo_Series/p2550/8505460/05460cha.htm (2 of 30)7/28/2004 7:12:13 AM...
Page 24: Turning On The Notebook
Using Your Notebook Plug the power cord into an electrical outlet. Turning on the notebook To turn on the notebook: Open your notebook by sliding the latch on the front face of your notebook to the right and releasing the cover. http://support.gateway.com/s/Mobile/Solo_Series/p2550/8505460/05460cha.htm (3 of 30)7/28/2004 7:12:13 AM...
Page 25: Using The Keyboard
Using Your Notebook Press the power button. 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 utility. See "Using the Power menu for more information about changing power button modes. Using the keyboard http://support.gateway.com/s/Mobile/Solo_Series/p2550/8505460/05460cha.htm (4 of 30)7/28/2004 7:12:13 AM...
Page 26 Using Your Notebook Your notebook features a full-size keyboard that has the full functionality of a desktop computer keyboard. Many of the keys have been assigned alternate functions, including shortcut keys for Windows, function keys for specific system operations, and pad lock keys for the numeric keypad.
Page 27: Function Combination Keys
Using Your Notebook Press to activate the Windows Start button Windows logo key menu. This key can be used with other keys on the keyboard to open the Windows Help (H), Find (F), and Run (R) or Explorer (E). Press n key plus another n Combination key Fn (function) keys...
Page 28 Using Your Notebook Toggles between the LCD display, external monitor, or both at the same time. The monitor must be plugged into the VGA port on the notebook. Enters Standby mode for Windows 98 and Suspend mode for Windows 95 and Windows NT. Press the power button to exit Standby or Suspend mode.
Page 29: Pad Lock Keys
Using Your Notebook Sends you to the end point of your text. (This is only available in some programs.) Prints the screen if you are connected to a printer or, in Windows, puts the screen content into the clipboard. Increases LCD brightness. Decreases LCD brightness.
Page 30: Using The Ez Pad Touchpad
Using Your Notebook Your notebook came with either the EZ Pad touchpad or the EZ Point stickpoint pointing device. Like a mouse, these pointing devices control the cursor movements on the display. Using the EZ Pad touchpad Touchpad actions Use the touchpad to select, click, and drag items on your notebook screen. The following table shows the various actions you can perform with your touchpad: To...
Page 31: Using The Ez Point
Using Your Notebook Move cursor Slide finger. Left button click Tap one finger. Middle button click Tap 2 fingers. Right button click Tap 3 fingers. Left button double Double tap 1 finger. click Left button drag Double tap and drag. Double tap and move the finger along Scroll up and down the right edge of the touchpad.
Page 32: Connecting An External Mouse
Using Your Notebook The EZ Point pointing device (U.S. keyboards only) provides an easy way to move the cursor across the screen and navigate through software. The EZ Point consists of a stick located on the keyboard between the keys and two click buttons below the spacebar.
Page 33: Adjusting Volume
Using Your Notebook You can attach an external mouse to the notebook using the PS/2, USB, or serial port. You do not have to shut down the notebook before connecting to an external PS/2 mouse. If you connect an external scrolling mouse to the notebook, you need to disable the notebook EZ Pad or EZ Point pointing device.
Page 34 Using Your Notebook Select Show Volume Control on the Taskbar, then click OK. The speaker icon appears on the taskbar. Double-click on the taskbar. The volume control dialog box opens. http://support.gateway.com/s/Mobile/Solo_Series/p2550/8505460/05460cha.htm (13 of 30)7/28/2004 7:12:13 AM...
Page 35 Using Your Notebook Drag the volume control slider up or down to increase or decrease the volume. To adjust specific volume levels: Double-click the speaker icon on the taskbar. The Volume Control dialog box opens. http://support.gateway.com/s/Mobile/Solo_Series/p2550/8505460/05460cha.htm (14 of 30)7/28/2004 7:12:13 AM...
Page 36 Using Your Notebook Check to see if the device you want to adjust appears in the Volume Control dialog box. If the device appears in the Volume Control dialog box, go to Step 5. - OR - If the device does not appear in the Volume Control dialog box, go to Step 3. Select Options, then Properties.
Page 37: Making An Audio Recording
Using Your Notebook Select the audio device you want to appear in the Volume Control dialog box, then click OK. Drag the volume level and balance sliders for the device you want to adjust, then close the window. Making an audio recording To make an audio recording, use the built-in microphone or connect an external microphone to the Mic port.
Page 38: Changing The Audio Source
Using Your Notebook To play back a recording: Click Start, then select Programs, Accessories, Multimedia, then Sound Recorder. The Sound Recorder window opens. Click File, then Open. The Open dialog box opens. Select the file to play back. Click Open. Click (Play).
Page 39: Playing Cds
Using Your Notebook In the Line Balance section, click the Select checkbox. In the Line Balance section, adjust the balance or volume as necessary using the appropriate slider. Close the Recording Control window. Playing CDs CD/DVD drives accept standard data and music CDs. You can play an audio CD using the Windows 98 or Windows 95 CD Player application.
Page 40 Using Your Notebook A Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) is similar to a standard CD, but has greater data capacity. Because of this increased capacity, full-length movies can fit on a single disc. You must have a DVD drive, a DVD controller card, and DVD Player software installed to use DVDs.
Page 41: Using Video
Using Your Notebook To control the DVD or adjust the volume, use the controls in the DVD Player application. For more information on using the DVD Player application, click the question mark icon on the DVD player control panel. Using video Changing screen resolution Your notebook features a color LCD TFT panel with a resolution up to 262,000 colors.
Page 42: Connecting The Modem
Using Your Notebook To change the display resolution: Right-click your desktop screen. Select Properties. Select the Settings tab. Drag the slider to change the display resolution. Click OK. Connecting the modem Your notebook may have an optional built-in V.90 56K modem and a telephone cable. To connect the modem: Insert one end of the telephone cable into the modem jack on the right side of the notebook.
Page 43: Using Pc Cards
Using Your Notebook "Getting Online." Using PC Cards The PC Card slots (also known as PCMCIA card slots) are located on the right side of your notebook. Install Type I or Type II PC Cards in either the top or bottom PC Card slot.
Page 44 Using Your Notebook Follow the Windows Setup Wizard installation steps the first time you insert a PC Card. Operate the device as recommended in the manual from the PC Card manufacturer. To remove a PC Card: Click the PC Card icon in the taskbar. Click the card you want to remove, then click OK.
Page 45: Using The Infrared Port
Using Your Notebook Reset the eject button by pressing the eject button again. Using USB ports The Universal Serial Bus (USB) port lets you connect devices such as mice, joysticks, keyboards, scanners, cameras, and speakers that traditionally have required their own specific ports.
Page 46: Replacing The Hard Disk Drive
Using Your Notebook Click Start, then select Settings, then Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens. Double-click the Infrared icon. The Infrared Monitor dialog box opens. Click the Options tab. Select Enable infrared communication. Click OK. The notebook searches for nearby IR devices. Replacing the hard disk drive You can remove the hard disk drive from your notebook to swap to a second hard disk drive.
Page 47 Using Your Notebook Caution Do not expose the hard disk drive to liquid or magnetic fields. Exposure could damage the data on the hard disk drive. Preventing static electricity To prevent static electricity: Before opening the computer case, read and follow these precautions to prevent damage from static electricity.
Page 48 Using Your Notebook Turn the notebook over. Remove the screw that holds the hard disk drive panel to the notebook case. Remove the two screws that hold the hard disk drive kit to the notebook case. http://support.gateway.com/s/Mobile/Solo_Series/p2550/8505460/05460cha.htm (27 of 30)7/28/2004 7:12:13 AM...
Page 49 Using Your Notebook Slide the hard disk drive kit out and lift it up. http://support.gateway.com/s/Mobile/Solo_Series/p2550/8505460/05460cha.htm (28 of 30)7/28/2004 7:12:13 AM...
Page 50 Using Your Notebook Remove the four screws on the sides of the kit. Remove the old hard disk drive from the drive kit. Place the new hard disk drive into the drive kit. Secure the new hard disk drive to the kit with the four screws. Insert the new hard disk drive kit into the notebook case by plugging the pins into the connector in the bay.
Page 51 Using Your Notebook Secure the hard disk drive kit to the notebook case with the two screws. Replace the hard disk drive panel on the notebook. Secure the panel with the panel screw. Turn on the notebook when you are ready to use it. If this is a first-time installation, then follow the instructions that came with the hard disk drive to prepare the drive for use.
Page 52: Checking Battery Status
Managing Power Use Managing Power Checking battery status The notebook can run on a fully charged battery (normal operation) for about 3 to 4 hours for a Li Ion battery and 1.5 to 2 hours for a NiMH battery before the battery needs recharging.
Page 53: Swapping Batteries
Managing Power Use If your notebook is relying only on the battery for power, try these tips to conserve power: Dim the display brightness as low as is comfortable. Make sure that the "Auto dim with battery" feature is enabled. Auto dim cuts LCD power 50% when your notebook is operating on battery power.
Page 54: Recalibrating The Battery
Open the cover. Turn on the notebook. Warning Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the Gateway Solo 2550 Li-Ion or NiMH battery pack. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer's instructions. If the battery is used incorrectly in this device, it may present a fire or chemical burn hazard.
Page 55 Managing Power Use Recalibrate the battery gauge once a year using the Battery Learning Software to increase the accuracy of the battery gauge, which loses this accuracy over time. The process of recalibrating the battery can take as long as 8 hours. You may want to let the Battery Learning Software run overnight.
Page 56: Managing Power
Managing Power Use Select Exit to DOS. When you are asked to do a virus scan, select Y. At the A: prompt, remove the Portable System Restoration CD from the CD/DVD drive. Turn off your notebook by pressing the power button. Managing power Power management is handled differently in Windows 98 than in Windows 95 and Windows NT.
Page 57 Managing Power Use Click the appropriate tab to view and modify settings. Setting power schemes Within the Power Management Properties window you can change power saving options such as when the monitor or hard disk is turned off. You can select one of the pre-defined power schemes from the Power schemes drop- down list, or you can make your changes and save it as a power scheme.
Page 58 Managing Power Use - OR - Set your power saving options, then save the power scheme by clicking Save As and typing in a name. Click OK to apply the change. Alarm settings Your notebook is equipped with alarms that can alert you if your battery power is running low.
Page 59 Managing Power Use message). Click OK to apply the change. Using Standby mode in Windows 98 Windows 98 uses Standby mode (which is called "Suspend" mode in Windows 95). When in Standby, your notebook cuts off power to most devices except memory. The following table shows how to change the system modes in Windows 98.
Page 60: Using The Power Menu
Managing Power Use Windows NT. If your notebook ...and you want then do this is... to... Start up Press the power button. Suspend Click Start, then select Suspend. In Suspend mode Resume power Press the power button briefly. Click Start, then select Shut Down, Shut down Shut down the computer, then click Yes.
Page 61 Managing Power Use Power button mode: [On/Off] Select Power button PM Control: [Battery] functionality. Power Savings: [Customized] [On/Off]: Button functions as an Sleep Timeout: [5 Minutes] `On/Off' switch. Standby Timeout: [10 Minutes] [Standby/Resume]: Hard Disk Timeout: [2 Minutes] Button functions as an Video Timeout: [2 Minutes] `Standby/Resume'...
Page 62: Using The Internet
Using the Internet Using the Internet This chapter provides information about the Internet and basic instructions about ® setting up Gateway.net or America Online (AOL) Internet services. These services give you access to the World Wide Web (WWW), e-mail, and other Internet resources. Learning about the Internet The Internet is a worldwide network of computers linked together to provide information to people everywhere.
Page 63: Setting Up An Internet Account
Using the Internet A Web browser - a program that displays information from the World Wide Web. An e-mail program - a program that lets you create, send, and receive e-mail messages over the Internet. Setting up an Internet account Before you can view the information on the Web, you need to set up an account with an ISP (Internet Service Provider).
Page 64: Using The World Wide Web
Using the Internet Click X in the top right corner of the Web browser. Your computer disconnects from the Internet. Important Make sure that your computer disconnects properly from your Internet account. If you do not have an "unlimited hours" ISP account, you may have to pay for the time that you...
Page 65: Connecting To A Web Site
Using the Internet Connecting to a Web site After you set up an account with an Internet Service Provider (ISP) such as Gateway. net or AOL, you are ready to begin accessing the many information sources on the World Wide Web. To connect to a Web site: Connect to your ISP account.
Page 66 To protect your computer against viruses, make sure that you run a virus scan on files that you download. For more information about scanning for viruses, see Maintaining and Troubleshooting your Gateway Solo Notebook for information on checking files for viruses.
Page 67 Using the Internet The Internet never closes, so you can send e-mail messages at any time of the day or night. Your e-mail messages arrive at most e-mail addresses in minutes. An e-mail address consists of a user name, the @ symbol, and the Internet domain name of the Internet Service Provider (ISP) or company that "hosts"...
Page 68 Using the Internet Click Read. For more information about managing and organizing your e-mail messages, see the online help in your e-mail program. http://support.gateway.com/s/Mobile/Solo_Series/p2550/8505460/05460chc.htm (7 of 7)7/28/2004 7:12:23 AM...
Page 69: Important Safety Information
Safety, Regulatory, and Notices Safety, Regulatory, and Notices Important safety information Your Gateway system is designed and tested to meet the latest standards for safety of information technology equipment. However, to ensure safe use of this product, it is important that the safety instructions marked on the product and in the documentation are followed.
Page 70 Safety, Regulatory, and Notices If your computer has a voltage selector switch, make sure that the switch is in the proper position for your area. The voltage selector switch is set at the factory to the correct voltage. Openings in the computer case are provided for ventilation. Do not block or cover these openings.
Page 71: Regulatory Compliance Statements
Safety, Regulatory, and Notices Liquid has been spilled into the system. The system does not operate properly when the operating instructions are followed. The system was dropped or the cabinet is damaged. The system performance changes. Replacement parts and accessories Use only replacement parts and accessories recommended by Gateway.
Page 72 (605) 232-2000 Fax: (605) 232-2023 Product: Gateway Solo 2550 This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation of this product is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Page 73 Safety, Regulatory, and Notices Caution The Federal Communications Commission warns the users that changes or modifications to the unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment. Caution Since the laser beam used in this CD-ROM/DVD-ROM drive unit is harmful to the eyes, do not attempt to disassemble the cabinet.
Page 74 Safety, Regulatory, and Notices of this equipment. If this happens the telephone company will provide advance notice in order for you to make necessary modifications to maintain uninterrupted service. This equipment cannot be used on telephone company-provided coin service. Connection to party line service is subject to state tariffs.
Page 75 Safety, Regulatory, and Notices The Industry Canada label identifies certified equipment. This certification means that the equipment meets certain telecommunications network protective, operation, and safety requirements. The Department does not guarantee the equipment will operate to the users' satisfaction. Before installing this equipment, users should make sure that it is permissible to be connected to the facilities of the local telecommunications company.
Page 76 Safety, Regulatory, and Notices appropriate. The Ringer Equivalence Number (REN) assigned to each terminal device provides an indication of the maximum number of terminals allowed to be connected to a telephone interface. The termination on an interface may consist of any combination of devices subject only to the requirement that the sum of the Ringer Equivalence Numbers of all the devices does not exceed 5.
Page 77 Safety, Regulatory, and Notices European telecommunication information (for products fitted with EU approved modems) Marking by the symbol indicates compliance of this equipment to the Telecom Terminal Equipment and Satellite Earth Stations Directive 98/13/EEC. Such marking is indicative that this equipment meets or exceeds the following technical standards: CTR 21 (1998) - Attachment requirements for pan-European approval for connection to the analogue Public Switched Telephone...
Page 78 Safety, Regulatory, and Notices DTMF signaling also provides faster call setup. This equipment has been approved to Council Decision 98/482/ EEC--"CTR 21" for Pan-European single terminal connection to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). However, due to differences between the individual PSTNs provided in different countries, the approval does not, of itself, give an unconditional assurance of successful operation on every PSTN termination point.
Page 79 Safety, Regulatory, and Notices New Zealand telecommunication statement (for products fitted with Telepermit approved modems) The grant of a Telepermit for any item of terminal equipment indicates only that Telecom has accepted that the item complies with minimum conditions for connection to its network. It indicates no endorsement of the product by Telecom, nor does it provide any sort of warranty.
Page 80: Laser Safety Statement
Safety, Regulatory, and Notices (b) The equipment shall go on-hook for a period of not less than 30 seconds between the end of one attempt and the beginning of the next attempt. The equipment shall be set to make sure that automatic calls to different numbers are spaced such that there is no less than 5 seconds between the end of one call attempt and the beginning of another.
Page 81 Trademark Acknowledgments AnyKey, black-and-white spot design, CrystalScan, Destination, EZ Pad, EZ Point, Field Mouse, Solo, TelePath, Vivitron, stylized "G" design, and "You've got a friend in the business" slogan are registered trademarks and GATEWAY, Gateway Profile,...
Page 82 Safety, Regulatory, and Notices are registered trademarks and MMX is a trademark of Intel Corporation. Microsoft, MS, MS-DOS, and Windows are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. All other product names mentioned herein are used for identification purposes only, and may be the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
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