This gateway netbook comes with 1GB of DDR3 ram, and Windows 7 Starter.
1) 1GB of RAM these days is absurd, even for a netbook when there is readily available 2GB sticks for $19.99 on newegg.com.
2) I am not going to include pictures, as that too will waste too much of my time.
3) This is for informative purposes, and these netbooks are a PITA to work on.
The instructions:
-----------RAM ACCESS
You will need:
2 x credit cards (to pry the keyboard up)
1 x phillips screw driver
1 x very small flat head screw driver
This is a real pita, because you have to remove the keyboard FIRST, then remove 5 phillips screws from under the keyboard to remove the access cover.
BEFORE CLOSING THE LID: study the top area of the keyboard, you will see small bumps that lock the keyboard into place. You can access these from underneath after the battery is removed.
1) Get something very soft and non-abrasive, place the netbook on it, then turn the netbook upside down and remove the battery.
2) You will notice 3 very small like T shaped clips, pry back against them carefully with your flat head, dont worry if they pop out. Remove all 3.
3) Now you have to remove the keyboard. This can be very tricky, as you don't want to scratch your new netbook, or bend the keyboard as it is made of aluminium. Either way, you need to get the keyboard UP without damaging the keys so you can slide a card in between.
You have two options that I've done:
- Open the lid and place the netbook in a upside down V position laying on your desk. (As if you are trying to build card houses). Then, where you removed those plastic T clips in step 2, place your very small screw under the keyboard, and press up. While pressing up, slide a credit card in there to hold the keyboard up.
- OR, with your very small flat head, try to pry the keyboard up to slip the credit card in.... (I put electrical tape around my flathead to prevent scratching).
NOW you have to remove the keyboard by sliding that credit card all the way to the left, then slip the other card in to drive the keyboard away from the left side hump holding the keyboard in. Repeat this for the right side, and the keyboard will lift up from the top, and pull forward to remove. Remove the ribbon cable and set the keyboard aside.
4) Remove 3 screws labelled "DOOR" on the top portion of the keyboard area, and 2 screws labelled the same on the bottom. You will also notice a black square that says door access. Using your flathead or something else, once you remove the screws, press VERY hard on that spot to pop the door down. You will need to use a credit card again to pop the latches underneath to fully remove the door. This is also a hinged style door, so don't pop the wrong side.
5) Remove the ram, install the new stuff.
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---------------Install XP:
Seeing how these were not equipped with optical drives creates an usual problem for installing operating systems so I used a USB memory drive instead. I tried a number of programs and the results are below:
nLite - (To slipstream the AHCI drivers into XP)
WinSetupFromUSB_1-0-beta7.exe - (Awesome utility, almost no configuration)(Worked!)
- Took 10 mins to copy files when setting xp up.
WinToFlash - (Garbage. Don't waste your time as it creates installations with missing files and errors....)
- Took 4 hours to copy files when setting xp up.
1) Once you have your appropriate USB install drive, start the installation through the BIOS by booting from your flashdrive.
2) Once it's installed......the problem always lies with drivers! Gateway only offers 32bit drivers for windows 7 for these laptops. Luckily with some thought, ingenuity and research, I found EVERY driver necessary for a clean XP install. Here are my results:
Video Drivers:
Intel Media Accelerator 3150
I've done the hard work of finding all the drivers, good luck.
