Gateway GT5042j, Hardware Reference Manual

Page: 15 / 48

CHAPTER 3: Maintenance Basics www.gateway.com
12
Preventing static electricity discharge
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.
The components inside your computer are extremely sensitive to static
electricity, also known as
electrostatic discharge (ESD).
Before opening the computer case, follow these guidelines:
Warning
To prevent risk of electric shock, do not
insert any object into the vent holes of the
power supply.
■
Wear a grounding wrist strap (available at most electronics stores) and
attach it to a bare metal part of your computer.
■
Turn off your computer.
■
Touch a bare metal surface on the back of the computer.
■
Unplug the power cord and the modem and network cables.
Caution
ESD can permanently damage
electrostatic discharge-sensitive
components in your computer. Prevent
ESD damage by following ESD guidelines
every time you open the computer case.
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.
■
Always hold expansion cards by their edges or their metal mounting
brackets. Avoid touching the edge connectors and components on the
cards. Never slide expansion cards or components over any surface.
Opening the case
Your computer case provides easy access to internal components.
Removing the 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 remove the side panel:
1
Follow the instructions in “Preventing static electricity discharge” on
page 12 .
2
Shut down your computer, then disconnect the power cord and modem,
network, and all peripheral device cables.
3
Press the power button for ten seconds to drain any residual power from
your computer.
4
Remove the thumbscrew on the side panel cover. For the location of the
thumbscrew, see
“Back” on page 8 .