Gateway 450SX4 Guide

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Replacing the Gateway 450 Keyboard
This package includes a replacement keyboard for your Gateway 450 notebook
and these printed instructions.
Tools you need
You need a small Phillips and flat blade screwdriver to replace the keyboard.
Preventing static electricity discharge
The components inside your computer are extremely sensitive to static
electricity, also known as electrostatic discharge (ESD).
Before replacing the keyboard, 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.
■Touch a bare metal surface on the back of the computer.
■Unplug the power cord and modem and network cables.
■Remove the battery.
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 and network cables before opening the
case.
Warning To prevent risk of electric shock, do not insert any object
into the vent holes of the notebook.

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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.
Removing the keyboard
To remove the keyboard:
1Follow the guidelines under “Preventing static electricity discharge” on
page 1.
2Shut down your notebook.
3Unplug the AC adapter and modem and network cables.
4Remove the main battery and optional secondary battery.
5Open the LCD panel to the normal viewing position.
Warning To avoid injury, disconnect the AC adapter and modem and
network cables before removing the keyboard. Replace the
keyboard before reconnecting power.

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Replacing the Gateway 450 Keyboard
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6Insert a small flat blade screwdriver under the bottom-right corner of the
keyboard bezel, between the INS and DEL keys, and gently pry it up.
Important Inserting a piece of cloth between the screwdriver and
keyboard and notebook case will help prevent damage to
your notebook.

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7Pull the bezel off the notebook. You will hear small snapping sounds as
the bezel comes off of the notebook. Be careful not to break off the tabs
located on the left end of the bezel.

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Replacing the Gateway 450 Keyboard
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8With a small Phillips screwdriver, remove the four keyboard screws and
put them in a safe place.

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9Remove the keyboard by raising the back edge, then slowly rotating it
toward you so it lies keys-down on top of the notebook. Be careful not
to damage the LCD panel.

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Replacing the Gateway 450 Keyboard
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10 Disconnect the keyboard by lifting the keyboard connector using two
fingers. Be careful to not touch or damage any other components.

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Installing the keyboard
To install the new keyboard:
1Place the new keyboard keys-down on the notebook with the space bar
away from you.
2Insert the keyboard plug, on the end of the keyboard cable, onto the
keyboard connector.
3Rotate the keyboard toward the LCD panel until the keyboard is almost
face-up.
Important The outside of the keyboard plug goes around the
keyboard connector. The plug is correctly oriented if the
cable is not twisted.

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Replacing the Gateway 450 Keyboard
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4Insert the front of the keyboard under the palm rest.
5Gently press the keyboard down until it is flat all the way across. The
keyboard should easily fall into place. Be careful not to damage the LCD
panel.

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6Replace the four keyboard screws.
7Slide the two tabs located on the left end of the bezel under the notebook
frame.

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Replacing the Gateway 450 Keyboard
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8Press down on the bezel in several places until it clicks in place.
The bezel is correctly mounted when you can run you finger along the
bezel and find no loose spots. The bezel should be flat all the way across.
If the bezel is mounted incorrectly, complete the instructions under
“Replacing the bezel” on page 12.
9Replace the main battery and optional secondary battery.
10 Plug in the AC adapter and modem and network cables.
11 Turn on the notebook.
Warning If the bezel is not correctly replaced, your notebook could
be damaged when you try to close the LCD panel.

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Replacing the bezel
If the bezel was mounted incorrectly, complete the following procedure.
To replace the bezel:
1Insert a small flat blade screwdriver under the bottom-right corner of the
keyboard bezel, between the INS and DEL keys, and gently pry it up.
2Pull the bezel off the notebook. You will hear small snapping sounds as
the bezel comes off of the notebook. Be careful not to break off the tabs
located on the left end of the bezel.
3Slide the two tabs on the left end of the bezel under the notebook frame
and press down on the bezel in several places until it clicks in place.
Technical Support
Refer to your user’s guide for Gateway Technical Support information.
Safety, Regulatory, and Legal Information
Refer to your user’s guide for important safety, regulatory, and legal
information.
© 2002 Gateway, Inc. All rights reserved. Gateway, Gateway Country, the Gateway stylized logo, and the
black-and-white spot design are trademarks or registered trademarks of Gateway, Inc. in the United States and
other countries. All other brands and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
companies.
Warning If the bezel is not correctly replaced, your notebook could
be damaged when you try to close the LCD panel.
MAN US RPL 450SX4 KB INST R0 04/02