Acer orporated BRCM1050 802.11g/DRAFT 802.11n WLAN PCI-E MINICARD User Manual AO GUG ENG
Acer Incorporated 802.11g/DRAFT 802.11n WLAN PCI-E MINICARD AO GUG ENG
Contents
Users Manual 2
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Aspire One Series
Generic User Guide
Model number: _____________________________________
Serial number: _____________________________________
Date of purchase: __________________________________
Place of purchase: _________________________________
© 2011 All Rights Reserved
Aspire One Series Generic User Guide
Original Issue: 06/2011
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Information for your safety and
comfort
Safety instructions
Read these instructions carefully. Keep this document for future reference. Follow
all warnings and instructions marked on the product.
Turning the product off before cleaning
Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners
or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
CAUTION for plug as disconnecting device
Observe the following guidelines when connecting and disconnecting power to the
power supply unit:
Install the power supply unit before connecting the power cord to the AC power
outlet.
Unplug the power cord before removing the power supply unit from the computer.
If the system has multiple sources of power, disconnect power from the system by
unplugging all power cords from the power supplies.
CAUTION for Accessibility
Be sure that the power outlet you plug the power cord into is easily accessible and
located as close to the equipment operator as possible. When you need to
disconnect power to the equipment, be sure to unplug the power cord from the
electrical outlet.
CAUTION for bundled dummy cards (only for certain models)
Your computer shipped with plastic dummies installed in the card slots. Dummies
protect unused slots from dust, metal objects or other particles.
Save the dummies for use when no cards are in the slots.
CAUTION for Listening
To protect your hearing, follow these instructions.
•Increase the volume gradually until you can hear clearly and comfortably.
•Do not increase the volume level after your ears have adjusted.
•Do not listen to music at high volumes for extended periods.
•Do not increase the volume to block out noisy surroundings.
•Decrease the volume if you can't hear people speaking near you.
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Warnings
•Do not use this product near water.
•Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand or table. If the product
falls, it could be seriously damaged.
•Slots and openings are provided for ventilation to ensure reliable operation of
the product and to protect it from overheating. These openings must not be
blocked or covered. The openings should never be blocked by placing the
product on a bed, sofa, rug or other similar surface. This product should never
be placed near or over a radiator or heat register, or in a built-in installation
unless proper ventilation is provided.
•Never push objects of any kind into this product through cabinet slots as they
may touch dangerous voltage points or short-out parts that could result in a
fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind onto or into the product.
•To avoid damage of internal components and to prevent battery leakage, do
not place the product on a vibrating surface.
•Never use it under sporting, exercising, or any vibrating environment which will
probably cause unexpected short current or damage rotor devices, HDD,
optical drive, and even exposure risk from lithium battery pack.
•The bottom surface, areas around ventilation openings and AC adapter may
get hot. To avoid injury, ensure they do not come in contact with your skin or
body.
Note: Reduce the risk of heat-induced injury or fire by adhering to the
following:
1) Do not place the computer or AC adapter on a soft surface, such
as a bed.
2) Do not rest the computer or AC adapter on your lap for extended
periods.
3) Use the computer on a flat, hard surface, such as a desk.
4) Ensure that the ventilation is not obstructed.
•Your device and its enhancements may contain small parts. Keep them out of
the reach of children.
Using electrical power
•This product should be operated from the type of power indicated on the
marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power available, consult your
dealer or local power company.
•Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord. Do not locate this product
where people will walk on the cord.
•If an extension cord is used with this product, make sure that the total ampere
rating of the equipment plugged into the extension cord does not exceed the
extension cord ampere rating. Also, make sure that the total rating of all
products plugged into the wall outlet does not exceed the fuse rating.
•Do not overload a power outlet, strip or receptacle by plugging in too many
devices. The overall system load must not exceed 80% of the branch circuit
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rating. If power strips are used, the load should not exceed 80% of the power
strip's input rating.
•This product's AC adapter is equipped with a three-wire grounded plug. The
plug only fits in a grounded power outlet. Make sure the power outlet is
properly grounded before inserting the AC adapter plug. Do not insert the plug
into a non-grounded power outlet. Contact your electrician for details.
Warning! The grounding pin is a safety feature. Using a power
outlet that is not properly grounded may result in electric shock
and/or injury.
Note: The grounding pin also provides good protection from
unexpected noise produced by other nearby electrical devices that
may interfere with the performance of this product.
•The system can be powered using a wide range of voltages: 100 to 120 or 220
to 240 V AC. The power cord included with the system meets the requirements
for use in the country/region where the system was purchased. Power cords
for use in other countries/regions must meet the requirements for that country/
region. For more information on power cord requirements, contact an
authorized reseller or service provider.
Product servicing
Do not attempt to service this product yourself, as opening or removing covers may
expose you to dangerous voltage points or other risks. Refer all servicing to
qualified service personnel.
Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service
personnel when:
•The power cord or plug is damaged, cut or frayed.
•Liquid was spilled into the product.
•The product was exposed to rain or water.
•The product has been dropped or the case has been damaged.
•The product exhibits a distinct change in performance, indicating a need for
service.
•The product does not operate normally after following the operating
instructions.
Note: Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating
instructions, since improper adjustment of other controls may result
in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified
technician to restore the product to normal condition.
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Guidelines for safe battery usage
This notebook uses a Lithium-ion battery. Do not use it in a humid, wet or corrosive
environment. Do not put, store or leave your product in or near a heat source, in a
high temperature location, in strong direct sunlight, in a microwave oven or in a
pressurized container, and do not expose it to temperatures over 60° C (140° F).
Failure to follow these guidelines may cause the battery to leak acid, become hot,
explode or ignite and cause injury and/or damage. Do not pierce, open or
disassemble the battery. If the battery leaks and you come into contact with the
leaked fluids, rinse thoroughly with water and seek medical attention immediately.
For safety reasons, and to prolong the lifetime of the battery, charging will not occur
at temperatures below 0° C (32° F) or above 40° C (104° F).
The full performance of a new battery is achieved only after two or three complete
charge and discharge cycles. The battery can be charged and discharged hundreds
of times, but it will eventually wear out. When the operation time becomes
noticeably shorter than normal, buy a new battery.
Use only the approved batteries, and recharge your battery only with the approved
chargers designated for this device.
Use the battery only for its intended purpose. Never use any charger or battery that
is damaged. Do not short-circuit the battery. Accidental short-circuiting can occur
when a metallic object such as a coin, clip or pen causes direct connection of the
positive (+) and negative (-) terminals of the battery. (These look like metal strips on
the battery.) This might happen, for example, when you carry a spare battery in your
pocket or purse. Short-circuiting the terminals may damage the battery or the
connecting object.
The capacity and lifetime of the battery will be reduced if the battery is left in hot or
cold places, such as in a closed car in summer or winter. Always try to keep the
battery between 15°C and 25°C (59°F and 77°F). A device with a hot or cold battery
may not work temporarily, even when the battery is fully charged. Battery
performance is especially limited in temperatures well below freezing.
Do not dispose of batteries in a fire as they may explode. Batteries may also
explode if damaged. Dispose of batteries according to local regulations. Please
recycle when possible. Do not dispose as household waste.
Wireless devices may be susceptible to interference from the battery, which could
affect performance.
Replacing the battery pack
The notebook uses lithium batteries. Replace the battery with the same type as that
which came bundled with your product. Use of another battery may present a risk
of fire or explosion.
Warning! Batteries may explode if not handled properly. Do not
disassemble or dispose of them in fire. Keep them away from
children. Follow local regulations when disposing of used
batteries.
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Operating environment
Warning! For safety reasons, turn off all wireless or radio
transmitting devices when using your laptop under the following
conditions. These devices may include, but are not limited to:
wireless LAN (WLAN), Bluetooth and/or 3G.
Remember to follow any special regulations in force in any area, and always switch
off your device when its use is prohibited or when it may cause interference or
danger. Use the device only in its normal operating positions. This device meets RF
exposure guidelines when used normally, and it and its antenna are positioned at
least 1.5 centimeters (5/8 inches) away from your body. It should not contain metal
and you should position the device the above-stated distance from your body. To
successfully transmit data files or messages, this device requires a good quality
connection to the network. In some cases, transmission of data files or messages
may be delayed until such a connection is available. Ensure that the above
separation distance instructions are followed until the transmission is completed.
Parts of the device are magnetic. Metallic materials may be attracted to the device,
and persons with hearing aids should not hold the device to the ear with the hearing
aid. Do not place credit cards or other magnetic storage media near the device,
because information stored on them may be erased.
Medical devices
Operation of any radio transmitting equipment, including wireless phones, may
interfere with the functionality of inadequately protected medical devices. Consult a
physician or the manufacturer of the medical device to determine if they are
adequately shielded from external RF energy or if you have any questions. Switch
off your device in health care facilities when any regulations posted in these areas
instruct you to do so. Hospitals or health care facilities may be using equipment that
could be sensitive to external RF transmissions.
Pacemakers. Pacemaker manufacturers recommend that a minimum separation of
15.3 centimeters (6 inches) be maintained between wireless devices and a
pacemaker to avoid potential interference with the pacemaker. These
recommendations are consistent with the independent research by and
recommendations of Wireless Technology Research. Persons with pacemakers
should do the following:
•Always keep the device more than 15.3 centimeters (6 inches) from the
pacemaker
•Not carry the device near your pacemaker when the device is switched on.
If you suspect interference, switch off your device, and move it.
Hearing aids. Some digital wireless devices may interfere with some hearing aids. If
interference occurs, consult your service provider.
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Vehicles
RF signals may affect improperly installed or inadequately shielded electronic
systems in motor vehicles such as electronic fuel injection systems, electronic anti-
skid (anti-lock) braking systems, electronic speed control systems, and air bag
systems. For more information, check with the manufacturer, or its representative,
of your vehicle or any equipment that has been added. Only qualified personnel
should service the device, or install the device in a vehicle. Faulty installation or
service may be dangerous and may invalidate any warranty that may apply to the
device. Check regularly that all wireless equipment in your vehicle is mounted and
operating properly. Do not store or carry flammable liquids, gases, or explosive
materials in the same compartment as the device, its parts, or enhancements. For
vehicles equipped with an air bag, remember that air bags inflate with great force.
Do not place objects, including installed or portable wireless equipment in the area
over the air bag or in the air bag deployment area. If in-vehicle wireless equipment
is improperly installed, and the air bag inflates, serious injury could result. Using
your device while flying in aircraft is prohibited. Switch off your device before
boarding an aircraft. The use of wireless teledevices in an aircraft may be
dangerous to the operation of the aircraft, disrupt the wireless telephone network,
and may be illegal.
Potentially explosive environments
Switch off your device when in any area with a potentially explosive atmosphere
and obey all signs and instructions. Potentially explosive atmospheres include
areas where you would normally be advised to turn off your vehicle engine. Sparks
in such areas could cause an explosion or fire resulting in bodily injury or even
death. Switch off the device at refueling points such as near gas pumps at service
stations. Observe restrictions on the use of radio equipment in fuel depots, storage,
and distribution areas; chemical plants; or where blasting operations are in
progress. Areas with a potentially explosive atmosphere are often, but not always,
clearly marked. They include below deck on boats, chemical transfer or storage
facilities, vehicles using liquefied petroleum gas (such as propane or butane), and
areas where the air contains chemicals or particles such as grain, dust or metal
powders. Do not switch the notebook on when wireless phone use is prohibited or
when it may cause interference or danger.
Emergency calls
Warning: You cannot make emergency calls through this device. To make an
emergency call you shall dial out through your mobile phone or other telephone call
system.
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Disposal instructions
Do not throw this electronic device into the trash when discarding.
To minimize pollution and ensure utmost protection of the global
environment, please recycle. For more information on the Waste from
Electrical and Electronics Equipment (WEEE) regulations, visit
www.acer-group.com/public/Sustainability/sustainability01.htm.
Mercury advisory
For bulb-inside projectors or electronic products containing a non-LED-
backlit-LCD/CRT monitor or display: Lamp(s) inside this product contain
mercury and must be recycled or disposed of according to local, state
or federal laws. For more information, contact the Electronic Industries Alliance at
www.eiae.org. For lamp-specific disposal information, check
www.lamprecycle.org.
ENERGY STAR
Acer's ENERGY STAR qualified products save your money by
reducing energy cost and protecting the environment without
sacrificing features or performance. Acer is proud to offer our
customers products with the ENERGY STAR mark.
What is ENERGY STAR?
Products that are ENERGY STAR qualified use less energy and prevent greenhouse
gas emissions by meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency. Acer is committed to offering products and
services worldwide that help customers save money, conserve energy and improve
the quality of our environment. The more energy we can save through higher energy
efficiency, the more we reduce greenhouse gases and the risks of climate change.
More information refers to www.energystar.gov or
www.energystar.gov/powermanagement.
Acer ENERGY STAR qualified products: (only for certain models)
• Produce less heat and reduce cooling loads, and warmer climates.
• Automatically go into "display sleep" and "computer sleep" mode after
10 and 30 minutes of inactivity respectively.
• Wake the computer from sleep mode by pushing keyboard or moving
mouse.
• Computers will save more than 80% energy at "sleep" mode.
ENERGY STAR is only available for certain models and have the ENERGY STAR
certification mark on the palm rest.
ENERGY STAR and the ENERGY STAR mark are registered U.S. marks
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Tips and information for comfortable use
Computer users may complain of eyestrain and headaches after prolonged use.
Users are also at risk of physical injury after long hours of working in front of a
computer. Long work periods, bad posture, poor work habits, stress, inadequate
working conditions, personal health and other factors greatly increase the risk of
physical injury.
Incorrect computer usage may lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis,
tenosynovitis or other musculoskeletal disorders. The following symptoms may
appear in the hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, neck or back:
•Numbness, or a burning or tingling sensation.
•Aching, soreness or tenderness.
•Pain, swelling or throbbing.
•Stiffness or tightness.
•Coldness or weakness.
If you have these symptoms, or any other recurring or persistent discomfort and/or
pain related to computer use, consult a physician immediately and inform your
company's health and safety department.
The following section provides tips for more comfortable computer use.
Finding your comfort zone
Find your comfort zone by adjusting the viewing angle of the monitor, using a
footrest, or raising your sitting height to achieve maximum comfort. Observe the
following tips:
•Refrain from staying too long in one fixed posture.
•Avoid slouching forward and/or leaning backward.
•Stand up and walk around regularly to remove the strain on your leg muscles.
•Take short rests to relax your neck and shoulders.
•Avoid tensing your muscles or shrugging your shoulders.
•Install the external display, keyboard and mouse properly and within
comfortable reach.
•If you view your monitor more than your documents, place the display at the
center of your desk to minimize neck strain.
Taking care of your vision
Long viewing hours, wearing incorrect glasses or contact lenses, glare, excessive
room lighting, poorly focused screens, very small typefaces and low-contrast
displays could stress your eyes. The following sections provide suggestions on how
to reduce eyestrain.
Eyes
•Rest your eyes frequently.
•Give your eyes regular breaks by looking away from the monitor and focusing
on a distant point.
•Blink frequently to keep your eyes from drying out.
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Display
•Keep your display clean.
•Keep your head at a higher level than the top edge of the display so your eyes
point downward when looking at the middle of the display.
•Adjust the display brightness and/or contrast to a comfortable level for
enhanced text readability and graphics clarity.
•Eliminate glare and reflections by:
• placing your display in such a way that the side faces the window or any
light source
• minimizing room light by using drapes, shades or blinds
• using a task light
• changing the display's viewing angle
• using a glare-reduction filter
• using a display visor, such as a piece of cardboard extended from the
display's top front edge
•Avoid adjusting your display to an awkward viewing angle.
•Avoid looking at bright light sources for extended periods of time.
Developing good work habits
The following work habits make computer use more relaxing and productive:
•Take short breaks regularly and often.
•Perform some stretching exercises.
•Breathe fresh air as often as possible.
•Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy body.
Warning! We do not recommend using the computer on a couch
or bed. If this is unavoidable, work for only short periods, take
breaks regularly, and do some stretching exercises.
Note: For more information, please refer to "Regulations and safety
notices" on page 36.
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First things first
We would like to thank you for making an Acer notebook your choice for meeting
your mobile computing needs.
Product Registration
When using your computer for the first time, it is recommended that you
immediately register it. This will give you access to some useful benefits, such as:
•Faster service from our trained representatives
•Membership in the Acer community: receive promotions and participate in
customer surveys
•The latest news from Acer
Hurry and register, as other advantages await you!
How to Register
During the initial startup of your notebook or desktop, a window will invite you to
register. Please fill in the mandatory fields and click Next. The second window you'll
see contains optional fields that will help us to provide you with a more personable
customer service experience.
Another Option
Another way to register your Acer product is to visit our website at
http://registration.acer.com. Choose your country and follow the simple
instructions.
After we receive your product registration, you will be sent a confirmation email with
important data that you should keep in a safe place.
Your guides
To help you use your Acer notebook, we have designed a set of guides:
First off, the setup poster helps you get started with setting up your computer.
The Aspire One Series User Guide contains useful information applying to all
models in the Aspire One product range. It covers basic topics such as Acer
eRecovery Management, using the keyboard, audio, etc. Please understand that
due to its nature, the Generic User Guide as well as the AcerSystem User Guide
will occasionally refer to functions or features which are only contained in certain
models, but not necessarily in the model you have purchased. Such instances are
marked in the text with language such as "only for certain models".
The Quick Guide introduces you to the basic features and functions of your new
computer. For more on how your computer can help you to be more productive,
please refer to the AcerSystem User Guide, which contains detailed information
on such subjects as system utilities, data recovery, expansion options and
troubleshooting. In addition it contains warranty information and the general
regulations and safety notices for your notebook. It is available in Portable
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Document Format (PDF) and comes preloaded on your notebook. Follow these
steps to access it:
1Click Start > All Programs > AcerSystem.
2Click AcerSystem User Guide.
Note: Viewing the file requires Adobe Reader. If Adobe Reader is not
installed on your computer, clicking on AcerSystem User Guide will
run the Adobe Reader setup program first. Follow the instructions on
the screen to complete the installation. For instructions on how to use
Adobe Reader, access the Help and Support menu.
Basic care and tips for using your computer
Turning your computer on and off
To turn on the computer, simply press and release the power button below the LCD
screen. Please refer to the Quick Guide for the location of the power button.
To turn the power off, do any of the following:
•Use the Windows shutdown command: click Start then Click Shut Down.
•Use the power button.
You can also put the computer in sleep mode by pressing the sleep hotkey
<Fn> + <F4>.
Note: If you cannot power off the computer normally, press and hold
the power button for more than four seconds to shut down the
computer. If you turn off the computer and want to turn it on again,
wait at least two seconds before powering up.
Taking care of your computer
Your computer will serve you well if you take care of it.
•Do not expose the computer to direct sunlight. Do not place it near sources of
heat, such as a radiator.
•Do not expose the computer to temperatures below 0º C (32º F) or above 50º
C (122º F).
•Do not subject the computer to magnetic fields.
•Do not expose the computer to rain or moisture.
•Do not spill water or any liquid on the computer.
•Do not subject the computer to heavy shock or vibration.
•Do not expose the computer to dust or dirt.
•Never place objects on top of the computer.
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•Do not slam the computer display when you close it.
•Never place the computer on uneven surfaces.
Taking care of your AC adapter
Here are some ways to take care of your AC adapter:
•Do not connect the adapter to any other device.
•Do not step on the power cord or place heavy objects on top of it. Carefully
route the power cord and any cables away from foot traffic.
•When unplugging the power cord, do not pull on the cord itself but pull on the
plug.
•The total ampere ratings of the equipment plugged in should not exceed the
ampere rating of the cord if you are using an extension cord. Also, the total
current rating of all equipment plugged into a single wall outlet should not
exceed the fuse rating.
Taking care of your battery pack
Here are some ways to take care of your battery pack:
•Use only batteries of the same kind as replacements. Turn the power off before
removing or replacing batteries.
•Do not tamper with batteries. Keep them away from children.
•Dispose of used batteries according to local regulations. Recycle if possible.
Cleaning and servicing
When cleaning the computer, follow these steps:
1 Turn off the computer and remove the battery pack.
2 Disconnect the AC adapter.
3 Use a soft, moist cloth. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.
If either of the following occurs:
•The computer has been dropped or the body has been damaged;
•The computer does not operate normally
Please refer to "Frequently asked questions" on page 19.
Contents
Information for your safety and comfort iii
Safety instructions iii
Operating environment vii
Medical devices vii
Vehicles viii
Potentially explosive environments viii
Emergency calls viii
Disposal instructions ix
Mercury advisory ix
ENERGY STAR ix
Tips and information for comfortable use x
First things first xii
Product Registration xii
How to Register xii
Another Option xii
Your guides xii
Basic care and tips for using your computer xiii
Turning your computer on and off xiii
Taking care of your computer xiii
Taking care of your AC adapter xiv
Taking care of your battery pack xiv
Cleaning and servicing xiv
Acer eRecovery Management 1
Creating a recovery backup (Optical drive) 2
Creating a recovery backup (USB flash drive) 4
Recovering your system (Optical drive) 6
To recover your system 6
Types of recovery 6
Recovering pre-installed software and drivers 6
Returning to a previous system condition 7
Returning your system to its factory condition 8
Recovering your system (USB flash drive) 10
To recover your system 10
Types of recovery 10
Recovering pre-installed software and drivers 10
Returning to a previous system condition 11
Returning your system to its factory condition 12
Touchpad 14
Touchpad basics (with two buttons) 14
Using a computer security lock 15
Using the keyboard 16
Lock keys and embedded numeric keypad 16
Windows keys 17
Special keys (only for certain models) 18
Frequently asked questions 19
Requesting service 21
Before you call 21
Battery pack 22
Battery pack characteristics 22
Maximizing the battery’s life 22
Installing and removing the battery pack 23
Charging the battery 23
Checking the battery level 24
Optimizing battery life 24
Battery-low warning 24
Taking your notebook PC with you 26
Disconnecting from the desktop 26
Moving around 26
Preparing the computer 26
What to bring to meetings 27
Taking the computer home 27
Preparing the computer 27
What to take with you 27
Special considerations 27
Setting up a home office 28
Traveling with the computer 28
Preparing the computer 28
What to take with you 28
Special considerations 28
Traveling internationally with the computer 28
Preparing the computer 29
What to take with you 29
Special considerations 29
Securing your computer 29
Using a computer security lock 29
Using passwords 30
Entering passwords 31
Setting passwords 31
Expanding through options 32
Connectivity options 32
Built-in network feature 32
Universal Serial Bus (USB) 33
BIOS utility 33
Boot sequence 33
Enable disk-to-disk recovery 33
Password 34
Power management 34
Troubleshooting 35
Troubleshooting tips 35
Error messages 35
Regulations and safety notices 36
FCC notice 36
LCD pixel statement 37
Radio device regulatory notice 37
General 37
European Union (EU) 38
The FCC RF safety requirement 38
Canada — Low-power license-exempt
radio communication devices (RSS-210) 40
LCD panel ergonomic specifications 40
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Acer eRecovery Management
If your computer experiences problems that are not recoverable by other methods,
you may need to reinstall the Windows operating system and factory-loaded
software and drivers. To ensure you can recover your computer when needed, you
should create a recovery backup as soon as possible.
Note: The following content is for general reference only. Actual
product specifications may vary.
Acer eRecovery Management consists of the following functions:
1Backup:
•Create Factory Default Backup
•Create Drivers and Applications Backup
Note: Models that do not have a built-in ODD will allow you to make
backup copies to a USB drive or an external ODD.
2Restore:
•Restore Operating System to Factory Defaults
•Restore Operating System and Retain User Data
•Reinstall Drivers or Applications
This chapter will guide you through each process.
To use the password protection feature of Acer eRecovery Management, you must
first set the password. The password is set by launching Acer eRecovery
Management and clicking Settings.
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Creating a recovery backup (Optical drive)
To reinstall using a backup on optical discs, you must create the recovery disc
beforehand. Throughout the process, you will be guided by onscreen instructions.
Please read them carefully!
1Click Start > All Programs > Acer, then click Acer eRecovery Management.
2 To create recovery discs for the hard drive’s entire original contents, including
Windows and all factory-loaded software and drivers, click Create Factory
Default Backup.
- OR -
To create a recovery disc for only the factory-loaded software and drivers, click
Create Drivers and Applications Backup.
Important: We recommend that you create each type of recovery
backup as soon as possible.
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The Create Factory Default Backup dialog box tells you the number of blank,
recordable discs you will need to complete the recovery discs. Make sure that you
have the required number of identical, blank discs ready before continuing.
Note: The number of blank DVDs required varies depending on the
operating system installed.
3 Insert a blank disc into the drive indicated in the Backup to list, then click
Next. You will be shown the backup progress on the screen.
The drive ejects each disc as it completes burning it.
4 Remove the disc from the drive and mark it with a permanent marker.
Important: Write a unique, descriptive label on each disc, such as
‘Windows Recovery Disc 1 of 2’ or ‘Apps/Drivers Recovery disc’.
Make sure you keep the discs in a safe place that you will
remember.
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5 If multiple discs are required, insert a new disc when prompted, then click OK.
Continue recording discs until the process is complete.
Creating a recovery backup (USB flash drive)
To reinstall using a backup on a USB flash drive, you must create the recovery
backup beforehand. Throughout the process, you will be guided by onscreen
instructions. Please read them carefully!
Important: If you are using a USB flash drive, ensure it is at least 12
GB and does not contain any previous data.
1Click Start > All Programs > Acer, then click Acer eRecovery Management.
2 To create recovery backup for the hard drive’s entire original contents,
including Windows and all factory-loaded software and drivers, click Create
Factory Default Backup.
- OR -
To create a recovery backup for only the factory-loaded software and drivers, click
Create Driver and Applications Backup.
Important: We recommend that you create each type of recovery
backup as soon as possible.
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The Create Factory Default Backup dialog box opens. This dialog box tells you the
estimated size of the backup file on your USB flash drive.
3 Plug in the USB disk, then click Start. You will be shown the backup progress
on the screen.
4 Unplug the USB flash drive and mark it with a permanent marker.
Important: Write a unique, descriptive label on each backup, such
as ‘Windows Recovery Backup’ or ‘Apps/Drivers Recovery Backup’.
Make sure you keep the USB flash drive in a safe place that you
will remember.
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Recovering your system (Optical
drive)
If calling Acer support did not help fix your problem, you can use the Acer
eRecovery Management program. This will restore your computer to the same state
as when you purchased it, while giving you an option to retain all settings and
personal data for later retrieval.
To recover your system
1 Perform minor fixes.
If only one or two items of software or hardware have stopped working correctly,
the problem may be solved by reinstalling the software or the device drivers. To
recover software and drivers that were pre-installed at the factory, see "Recovering
pre-installed software and drivers" on page 6. For instructions on reinstalling
software and drivers that were not pre-installed, see that product’s documentation
or technical support Web site.
2 Revert to a previous system condition.
If reinstalling software or drivers does not help, then the problem may be solved by
returning your system to a previous state when everything was working correctly.
For instructions, see "Returning to a previous system condition" on page 7.
3 Reset your system to its factory condition.
If nothing else has solved the problem and you want to reset your system to factory
condition, see "Returning your system to its factory condition" on page 8.
Types of recovery
Recovering pre-installed software and drivers
As a troubleshooting step, you may need to reinstall the software and device drivers
that came pre-installed on your computer from the factory. You can recover using
either your hard drive or the recovery discs you have created.
•New software: If you need to recover software that did not come pre-installed
on your computer, you need to follow that software’s installation instructions.
•New device drivers: If you need to recover device drivers that did not come
pre-installed on your computer, follow the instructions provided with the
device.
To recover your pre-installed software and drivers:
1Click Start > All Programs > Acer, then click Acer eRecovery Management.
- OR -
If you are recovering from your driver and application recovery disc, insert it into the
disc drive, then go to Step 3 after the Acer Application Recovery main menu opens.
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2Click the Restore tab, then click Reinstall Drivers or Applications to display
the Acer Application Recovery main menu.
3Click Contents to show a list of software and device drivers.
4 Click the install icon for the item you want to install, then follow the onscreen
prompts to complete the installation. Repeat this step for each item you want
to reinstall.
Returning to a previous system condition
Microsoft System Restore periodically takes ’snapshots’ of your system settings
and saves them as restore points. In most cases of hard-to-resolve software
problems, you can return to one of these restore points to get your system running
again.
Windows automatically creates an additional restore point each day, and also each
time you install software or device drivers.
Tip: For more information about using Microsoft System Restore,
click Start, then click Help and Support. Type windows system
restore in the Search Help box, then press Enter.
To return to a restore point:
1Click Start > Control Panel > System and Security > Action Center, then
click Recovery.
2Click Open System Restore, then Next.
3 Select the restore point you want, click Next, then Finish. A confirmation
message box will appear.
4Click Yes. Your system is restored using the restore point you specified. This
process may take several minutes, and may restart your computer.
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Returning your system to its factory condition
If your computer experiences problems that are not recoverable by other methods,
you may need to reinstall everything to return your system to its factory condition.
You can reinstall using either your hard drive or the recovery discs you have
created.
Warning: This complete recovery deletes everything on your hard
drive, then reinstalls Windows and all software and drivers that
were pre-installed on your system. If you can access important
files on your hard drive, back them up now.
If you can still run Windows, see "Recovering from within Windows" on page 8.
If you cannot run Windows and your original hard drive is still working, see
"Recovering from the hard drive during startup" on page 8.
If you cannot run Windows and your original hard drive has been completely re-
formatted or you have installed a replacement hard drive, see "Recovering from
your recovery discs" on page 9.
Recovering from within Windows
To reinstall Windows and all pre-installed software and drivers:
Click Start > All Programs > Acer, then click Acer eRecovery Management.
Click the Restore tab, then Restore Operating System to Factory Defaults.
Click Yes , then Start. A dialog box will display information about the hard drive that
the operating system will be recovered to.
Warning: Continuing the process will erase all files on your hard
drive.
Click OK. The recovery process begins by restarting your computer, then continues
by copying files to your hard drive. This process may take a while, the Acer
eRecovery Management screen displays the progress.
When the recovery has finished, a dialog box will prompt you to restart your
computer.
Click OK to restart your computer.
Follow the onscreen prompts for first-time system setup.
Recovering from the hard drive during startup
To reinstall Windows and all pre-installed software and drivers:
1 Turn on your computer, then press <Alt> + <F10> during startup to open Acer
eRecovery Management.
2Click Restore Operating System to Factory Defaults.
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Warning: Continuing the process will erase all files on your hard
drive.
3Click Next. Your hard drive’s original, factory-loaded contents will be
recovered. This process will take several minutes.
Recovering from your recovery discs
To reinstall Windows and all pre-installed software and drivers:
1 Turn on your computer, insert the first system recovery disc into your optical
disc drive, then restart your computer.
Warning: Continuing the process will erase all files on your hard
drive.
If it is not already enabled, you must enable the F12 Boot Menu:
Press <F2> when starting your computer.
Use the left or right arrow keys to select the Main menu.
Press the down key until F12 Boot Menu is selected, press <F5> to change this
setting to Enabled.
Use the left or right arrow keys to select the Exit menu.
Select Save Changes and Exit and press Enter. Select OK to confirm.
Your computer will restart.
2 During startup, press <F12> to open the boot menu. The boot menu allows
you to select which device to start from, such as the hard drive or an optical
disc.
3 Use your arrow keys to select the line CDROM/DVD (this line may start with
’IDE 1...’), then press <Enter>. Windows will install from the recovery disc you
inserted.
4 Insert the second recovery disc when prompted, then follow the onscreen
prompts to complete the recovery.
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Recovering your system (USB flash
drive)
If calling Acer support did not help fix your problem, you can use the Acer
eRecovery Management program. This will restore your computer to the same state
as when you purchased it, while giving you an option to retain all settings and
personal data for later retrieval.
To recover your system
1 Perform minor fixes.
If only one or two items of software or hardware have stopped working correctly,
the problem may be solved by reinstalling the software or the device drivers. To
recover software and drivers that were pre-installed at the factory, see "Recovering
pre-installed software and drivers" on page 10. For instructions on reinstalling
software and drivers that were not pre-installed, see that product’s documentation
or technical support Web site.
2 Revert to a previous system condition.
If reinstalling software or drivers does not help, then the problem may be solved by
returning your system to a previous state when everything was working correctly.
For instructions, see "Returning to a previous system condition" on page 11.
3 Reset your system to its factory condition.
If nothing else has solved the problem and you want to reset your system to factory
condition, see "Returning your system to its factory condition" on page 12.
Types of recovery
Recovering pre-installed software and drivers
As a troubleshooting step, you may need to reinstall the software and device drivers
that came pre-installed on your computer from the factory. You can recover using
either your hard drive or the backup you have created.
•New software: If you need to recover software that did not come pre-installed
on your computer, you need to follow that software’s installation instructions.
•New device drivers: If you need to recover device drivers that did not come
pre-installed on your computer, follow the instructions provided with the
device.
To recover your pre-installed software and drivers:
1Click Start > All Programs > Acer, then click Acer eRecovery Management.
- OR -
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If you are recovering from your driver and application recovery backup, insert the
USB flash drive into a USB port. Open the USB flash drive in Windows Explorer and
double-click Recovery.
2 Click Reinstall Drivers or Application from a USB device.
3Click Contents to show a list of software and device drivers.
4 Click the install icon for the item you want to install, then follow the onscreen
prompts to complete the installation. Repeat this step for each item you want
to reinstall.
Returning to a previous system condition
Microsoft System Restore periodically takes ’snapshots’ of your system settings
and saves them as restore points. In most cases of hard-to-resolve software
problems, you can return to one of these restore points to get your system running
again.
Windows automatically creates an additional restore point each day, and also each
time you install software or device drivers.
Tip: For more information about using Microsoft System Restore,
click Start, then click Help and Support. Type windows system
restore in the Search Help box, then press Enter.
To return to a restore point:
1Click Start > Control Panel > System and Security > Action Center, then
click Recovery.
2Click Open System Restore, then Next.
3 Select the restore point you want, click Next, then Finish. A confirmation
message box will appear.
4Click Yes. Your system is restored using the restore point you specified. This
process may take several minutes, and may restart your computer.
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Returning your system to its factory condition
If your computer experiences problems that are not recoverable by other methods,
you may need to reinstall everything to return your system to its factory condition.
You can reinstall using either your hard drive or the recovery backup you have
created.
Warning: This complete recovery deletes everything on your hard
drive, then reinstalls Windows and all software and drivers that
were pre-installed on your system. If you can access important
files on your hard drive, back them up now.
If you can still run Windows, see "Recovering from within Windows" on page 12.
If you cannot run Windows and your original hard drive is still working, see
"Recovering from the hard drive during startup" on page 12.
If you cannot run Windows and your original hard drive has been completely re-
formatted or you have installed a replacement hard drive, see "Recovering from
your recovery backup" on page 13.
Recovering from within Windows
To reinstall Windows and all pre-installed software and drivers:
Click Start > All Programs > Acer, then click Acer eRecovery Management.
Click the Restore tab, then Restore Operating System to Factory Defaults to
open the Confirm Restoration dialog box.
Click Yes , then Start. A dialog box will display information about the hard drive that
the operating system will be recovered to.
Warning: Continuing the process will erase all files on your hard
drive.
Click OK. The recovery process begins by restarting your computer, then continues
by copying files to your hard drive. This process may take a while, the Acer
eRecovery Management screen displays the progress.
When the recovery has finished, a dialog box prompts you to restart your computer.
Click OK to restart your computer.
Follow the onscreen prompts for first-time system setup.
Recovering from the hard drive during startup
To reinstall Windows and all pre-installed software and drivers:
1 Turn on your computer, then press <Alt> + <F10> during startup to open Acer
eRecovery Management.
2Click Restore Operating System to Factory Defaults.
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Warning: Continuing the process will erase all files on your hard
drive.
3Click Next. Your hard drive’s original, factory-loaded contents will be
recovered. This process will take several minutes.
Recovering from your recovery backup
To reinstall Windows and all pre-installed software and drivers:
1 Plug in the USB flash drive and turn on your computer.
Warning: Continuing the process will erase all files on your hard
drive.
If it is not already enabled, you must enable the F12 Boot Menu:
Press <F2> when starting your computer.
Use the left or right arrow keys to select the Main menu.
Press the down key until F12 Boot Menu is selected, press <F5> to change this
setting to Enabled.
Use the left or right arrow keys to select the Exit menu.
Select Save Changes and Exit and press Enter. Select OK to confirm.
Your computer will restart.
2 During startup, press <F12> to open the boot menu. The boot menu allows
you to select which device to start from, such as a flash drive.
3 Use your arrow keys to select the line USB HDD, then press <Enter>.
Windows will install from the recovery backup on the USB flash drive.
4 Follow the onscreen prompts to complete the recovery.
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Touc hpad
The built-in touchpad is a pointing device that senses movement on its surface.
This means the cursor responds as you move your finger across the surface of the
touchpad. The central location on the palmrest provides optimum comfort and
support.
Touchpad basics (with two buttons)
The following items show you how to use the touchpad with two buttons.
•Move your finger across the touchpad to move the cursor.
•Press the left and right buttons located beneath the touchpad to perform
selection and execution functions. These two buttons are similar to the left and
right buttons on a mouse. Tapping on the touchpad is the same as clicking the
left button.
Note: Illustrations for reference only. The exact configuration of your
PC depends on the model purchased.
Function Left button (2) Right
button (3) Main touchpad (1)
Execute Quickly click twice. Tap twice (at the same
speed as double-clicking a
mouse button).
Select Click once. Tap once.
Drag Click and hold,
then use finger on
the touchpad to
drag the cursor.
Tap twice (at the same
speed as double-clicking a
mouse button); rest your
finger on the touchpad on
the second tap and drag
the cursor.
Access context
menu
Click
once.
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Note: When using the touchpad, keep it — and your fingers — dry
and clean. The touchpad is sensitive to finger movement; hence, the
lighter the touch, the better the response. Tapping harder will not
increase the touchpad's responsiveness.
Note: By default, vertical and horizontal scrolling is enabled on your
touchpad. It can be disabled under Mouse settings in Windows
Control Panel.
Using a computer security lock
The notebook comes with a Kensington-compatible security slot for a security lock.
Wrap the computer security lock cable around an immovable object such as a table
or handle of a locked drawer. Insert the lock into the notch and turn the key to
secure the lock. Some keyless models are also available.
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Using the keyboard
The keyboard has full-sized keys and an embedded numeric keypad, separate
cursor, lock, Windows, function and special keys.
Lock keys and embedded numeric keypad
The keyboard has three lock keys which you can toggle on and off.
The embedded numeric keypad functions like a desktop numeric keypad. It is
indicated by small characters located on the upper right corner of the keycaps. To
simplify the keyboard legend, cursor-control key symbols are not printed on the
keys.
Lock key Description
Caps Lock When Caps Lock is on, all alphabetic characters typed are in
uppercase.
Num Lock
<Fn> + <F11>
When Num Lock is on, the embedded keypad is in numeric
mode. The keys function as a calculator (complete with the
arithmetic operators +, -, *, and /). Use this mode when you
need to do a lot of numeric data entry. A better solution would
be to connect an external keypad.
Note: <Fn> + <F11> only for certain models.
Scroll Lock
<Fn> + <F12>
When Scroll Lock is on, the screen moves one line up or
down when you press the up or down arrow keys
respectively. Scroll Lock does not work with some
applications.
Desired access Num Lock on Num Lock off
Number keys on
embedded keypad
Type numbers in a normal
manner.
Cursor-control keys
on embedded
keypad
Hold <Shift> while using
cursor-control keys.
Hold <Fn> while using
cursor-control keys.
Main keyboard keys Hold <Fn> while typing
letters on embedded keypad.
Type the letters in a
normal manner.
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Windows keys
The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions.
Key Description
Windows
key
Pressed alone it launches the Start menu. It can also be
used with other keys for other functions:
< > : Open or close the Start menu
< > + <D>: Display the desktop
< > + <E>: Open Windows Explorer
< > + <F>: Search for a file or folder
< > + <G>: Cycle through Sidebar gadgets
< > + <L>: Lock your computer (if you are connected
to a network domain), or switch users (if you're not
connected to a network domain)
< > + <M>: Minimizes all windows
< > + <R>: Open the Run dialog box
< > + <T>: Cycle through programs on the taskbar
< > + <U>: Open Ease of Access Center
< > + <X>: Open Windows Mobility Center
< > + <Break>: Display the System Properties dialog
box
< > + <Shift+M>: Restore minimized windows to the
desktop
< > + <Tab>: Cycle through programs on the taskbar
by using Windows Flip 3-D
< > + <SPACEBAR>: Bring all gadgets to the front and
select Windows Sidebar
<CTRL> + < > + <F>: Search for computers (if you are
on a network)
<CTRL> + < > + <Tab>: Use the arrow keys to cycle
through programs on the taskbar by using Windows Flip
3-D
Note: Depending on your edition of
Windows, some shortcuts may not function
as described.
Application
key
This key has the same effect as clicking the right mouse
button; it opens the application's context menu.
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Special keys (only for certain models)
You can locate the Euro symbol and the US dollar sign at the upper-center of your
keyboard.
The Euro symbol
1 Open a text editor or word processor.
2Hold <Alt Gr> and then press the <5> key at the upper-center of the keyboard.
Note: Some fonts and software do not support the Euro symbol.
Please refer to www.microsoft.com/typography/faq/faq12.htm for
more information.
The US dollar sign
1 Open a text editor or word processor.
2Hold <Shift> and then press the <4> key at the upper-center of the keyboard.
Note: This function varies according to the language settings.
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Frequently asked questions
The following is a list of possible situations that may arise during the use of your
computer. Easy solutions are provided for each one.
I turned the power on, but the computer does not start or
boot up.
Look at the power indicator:
•If it is not lit, no power is being supplied to the computer. Check the following:
• If you are using on the battery, it may be low and unable to power the
computer. Connect the AC adapter to recharge the battery pack.
• Make sure that the AC adapter is properly plugged into the computer and
to the power outlet.
•If it is lit, check the following:
• Is a non-bootable (non-system) disk in the external USB floppy drive?
Remove or replace it with a system disk and press <Ctrl> + <Alt> +
<Del> to restart the system.
Nothing appears on the screen.
The computer’s power management system automatically blanks the screen to
save power. Press any key to turn the display back on.
If pressing a key does not turn the display back on, three things might be
the cause:
•The brightness level might be too low. Press <Fn> + < > (increase) to adjust
the brightness level.
•The display device might be set to an external monitor. Press the display
toggle hotkey <Fn> + <F5> to toggle the display back to the computer.
•If the Sleep indicator is lit, the computer is in Sleep mode. Press and release
the power button to resume.
No audio is heard from the computer.
Check the following:
•The volume may be muted. In Windows, look at the volume control (speaker)
icon on the taskbar. If it is crossed-out, click the icon and deselect the Mute
all option.
•The volume level may be too low. In Windows, look at the volume control icon
on the taskbar. You can also use the volume control buttons to adjust the
volume.
•If headphones, earphones or external speakers are connected to the line-out
port on the computer, the internal speakers automatically turn off.
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The keyboard does not respond.
Try attaching an external keyboard to a USB port on the computer. If it works,
contact your dealer or an authorized service center as the internal keyboard cable
may be loose.
The printer does not work.
Check the following:
•Make sure that the printer is connected to a power outlet and that it is turned
on.
•Make sure that the printer cable is connected securely to a USB port and the
corresponding port on the printer.
I want to restore my computer to its original settings without
recovery CDs.
Note: D2D Recovery is only available in notebook models fitted with
a hard drive.
Note: If your system is the multilingual version, the operating system
and language you choose when you first turn on the system will be
the only option for future recovery operations.
This recovery process helps you restore the C: drive with the original software
content that is installed when you purchase your notebook. Follow the steps below
to rebuild your C: drive. (Your C: drive will be reformatted and all data will be
erased.) It is important to back up all data files before using this option.
Before performing a restore operation, please check the BIOS settings by pressing
<F2> during POST.
1Check to see if Acer disk-to-disk recovery is enabled or not.
2 Make sure the D2D Recovery setting in Main is Enabled.
3 Exit the BIOS utility and save changes. The system will reboot.
To start the recovery process:
1 Restart the system.
2 While the Acer logo is showing, press <Alt> + <F10> at the same time to enter
the recovery process.
3 Refer to the onscreen instructions to perform system recovery.
Important! This feature occupies 6 GB in a hidden partition on your
hard disk.
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Requesting service
Before you call
Please have the following information available when you call Acer for online
service, and please be at your computer when you call. With your support, we can
reduce the amount of time a call takes and help solve your problems efficiently. If
there are error messages or beeps reported by your computer, write them down as
they appear on the screen (or the number and sequence in the case of beeps).
You are required to provide the following information:
Name: ___________________________________________________________________
Address: _________________________________________________________________
Telephone number: ________________________________________________________
Machine and model type: ___________________________________________________
Serial number: ____________________________________________________________
Date of purchase: _________________________________________________________
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Battery pack
The computer uses a battery pack that gives you long use between charges.
Battery pack characteristics
The battery pack has the following characteristics:
•Employs current battery technology standards.
•Delivers a battery-low warning.
The battery is recharged whenever you connect the computer to the AC adapter.
Your computer supports charge-in-use, enabling you to recharge the battery while
you continue to operate the computer. However, recharging with the computer
turned off results in a significantly faster charge time.
The battery will come in handy when you travel or during a power failure. It is
advisable to have an extra fully charged battery pack available as backup. Contact
your dealer for details on ordering a spare battery pack.
Maximizing the battery’s life
Like all other batteries, your computer's battery will degrade over time. This means
that the battery's performance will diminish with time and use. To maximize your
battery's life, you are advised to adhere to the recommendations set out below.
Conditioning a new battery pack
Before you use a battery pack for the first time, there is a conditioning process that
you should follow:
1 Insert the new battery without turning the computer on.
2 Connect the AC adapter and fully charge the battery.
3 Disconnect the AC adapter.
4 Turn on the computer and operate using battery power.
5 Fully deplete the battery until the battery-low warning appears.
6 Reconnect the AC adapter and fully charge the battery again.
Follow these steps again until the battery has been charged and discharged three
times.
Use this conditioning process for all new batteries, or if a battery hasn't been used
for a long time. If the computer is to be stored for more than two weeks, you are
advised to remove the battery pack from the unit.
Warning: Do not expose battery packs to temperatures below 0°
C (32° F) or above 45° C (113° F). Extreme temperatures may
adversely affect the battery pack.
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By following the battery conditioning process you condition your battery to accept
the maximum possible charge. Failure to follow this procedure will prevent you from
obtaining the maximum battery charge, and will also shorten the effective lifespan
of the battery.
In addition, the useful lifespan of the battery is adversely affected by the following
usage patterns:
•Using the computer on constant AC power with the battery inserted. If you
want to use constant AC power, you are advised to remove the battery pack
after it is fully charged.
•Not discharging and recharging the battery to its extremes, as described
above.
•Frequent use; the more you use the battery, the faster it will reach the end of its
effective life. A standard computer battery has a life span of about 300
charges.
Installing and removing the battery pack
Important! Before removing the battery from the unit, connect
the AC adapter if you want to continue using your computer.
Otherwise, turn off the computer first.
To install a battery pack:
1 Align the battery with the open battery bay; make sure that the end with the
contacts will enter first, and that the top surface of the battery is facing up.
2 Slide the battery into the battery bay and gently push until the battery locks in
place.
To remove a battery pack:
1 Slide the battery release latch to release the battery.
2 Pull the battery from the battery bay.
Charging the battery
To charge the battery, first make sure that it is correctly installed in the battery bay.
Plug the AC adapter into the computer, and connect to a mains power outlet. You
can continue to operate your computer on AC power while your battery is charging.
However, charging the battery with the computer turned off results in a significantly
faster charge time.
Note: You are advised to charge the battery before retiring for the
day. Charging the battery overnight before traveling enables you to
start the next day with a fully charged battery.
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Checking the battery level
The Windows power meter indicates the current battery level. Rest the cursor over
the battery/power icon on the taskbar to see the battery's present charge level.
Optimizing battery life
Optimizing battery life helps you get the most out of battery operation, prolonging
the charge/recharge cycle and improving recharging efficiency. You are advised to
follow the suggestions set out below:
•Purchase an extra battery pack.
•Use AC power whenever possible, reserving battery for on-the-go use.
•Eject a PC Card if it is not being used, as it will continue to draw power (for
selected models).
•Store the battery pack in a cool, dry place. The recommended temperature is
10° C (50° F) to 30° C (86° F). Higher temperatures cause the battery to self-
discharge faster.
•Excessive recharging decreases the battery life.
•Look after your AC adapter and battery.
Battery-low warning
When using battery power pay attention to the Windows power meter.
Warning: Connect the AC adapter as soon as possible after the
battery-low warning appears. Data will be lost if the battery to
become fully depleted and the computer shuts down.
When the battery-low warning appears, the recommended course of action
depends on your situation:
Situation Recommended Action
The AC adapter
and a power outlet
are available.
1. Plug the AC adapter into the computer, and then
connect to the mains power supply.
2. Save all necessary files.
3. Resume work.
Turn off the computer if you want to recharge the
battery rapidly.
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An extra fully
charged battery
pack is available.
1. Save all necessary files.
2. Close all applications.
3. Turn off the computer.
4. Replace the battery pack.
5. Turn on the computer and resume work.
The AC adapter or
a power outlet is
unavailable. You
have no spare
battery pack.
1. Save all necessary files.
2. Close all applications.
3. Turn off the computer.
Situation Recommended Action
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Taking your notebook PC with you
This section gives you tips and hints to consider when moving around or traveling
with your computer.
Disconnecting from the desktop
Follow these steps to disconnect your computer from external accessories:
1 Save any open files.
2 Remove any media, floppy disks or compact disks from the drive(s).
3 Shut down the computer.
4 Close the display cover.
5 Disconnect the cord from the AC adapter.
6 Disconnect the keyboard, pointing device, printer, external monitor and other
external devices.
7 Disconnect the Kensington lock if you are using one to secure the computer.
Moving around
When you are just moving within short distances, for example, from your office desk
to a meeting room.
Preparing the computer
Before moving the computer, close and latch the display cover to place it in Sleep
mode. You can now safely take the computer anywhere you go within the building.
To bring the computer out of Sleep mode, open the display; then press and release
the power button.
If you are taking the computer to a client's office or a different building, you may
choose to shut down the computer:
Click Start then click Shut Down.
Or:
You can put the computer in Sleep mode by pressing <Fn> + <F4>. Then close and
latch the display.
When you are ready to use the computer again, unlatch and open the display; then
press and release the power button.
Note: If the Sleep indicator is off, the computer has entered
Hibernation mode and is turned off. If the power indicator is off but
the Sleep indicator is on, the computer has entered Sleep mode. In
both cases, press and release the power button to turn the computer
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back on. Note that the computer may enter Hibernation mode after
being in Sleep mode for a period of time.
What to bring to meetings
If your meeting is relatively short, you probably do not need to bring anything with
you other than your computer. If your meeting will be longer, or if your battery is not
fully charged, you may want to bring the AC adapter with you to plug in your
computer in the meeting room.
If the meeting room does not have an electrical outlet, reduce the drain on the
battery by putting the computer in Sleep mode. Press <Fn> + <F4> or close the
display cover whenever you are not actively using the computer. To resume, open
the display (if closed), then press and release the power button.
Taking the computer home
When you are moving from your office to your home or vice versa.
Preparing the computer
After disconnecting the computer from your desktop, follow these steps to prepare
the computer for the trip home:
•Check that you have removed all media and compact discs from the drive(s).
Failure to remove the media can damage the drive head.
•Pack the computer in a protective case that can prevent the computer from
sliding around and cushion it if it should fall.
Caution: Avoid packing items next to the top cover of the computer.
Pressure against the top cover can damage the screen.
What to take with you
Unless you have some items at home, take the following items with you:
•AC adapter and power cord.
•The printed User’s Guide.
Special considerations
Follow these guidelines to protect your computer while traveling to and from work:
•Minimize the effects of temperature changes by keeping the computer with
you.
•If you need to stop for an extended period of time and cannot carry the
computer with you, leave the computer in the trunk of the car to avoid
exposing the computer to excessive heat.
•Changes in temperature and humidity can cause condensation. Allow the
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computer to return to room temperature, and inspect the screen for
condensation before turning on the computer. If the temperature change is
greater than 10° C (18° F), allow the computer to come to room temperature
slowly. If possible, leave the computer for 30 minutes in an environment with a
temperature between outside and room temperature.
Setting up a home office
If you frequently work on your computer at home, you may want to purchase a
second AC adapter for use at home. With a second AC adapter, you can avoid
carrying the extra weight to and from home.
If you use your computer at home for significant periods of time, you might also
want to add an external keyboard, monitor or mouse.
Traveling with the computer
When you are moving within a larger distance, for instance, from your office building
to a client's office building or traveling locally.
Preparing the computer
Prepare the computer as if you were taking it home. Make sure that the battery in
the computer is charged. Airport security may require you to turn on your computer
when carrying it into the gate area.
What to take with you
Take the following items with you:
•AC adapter
•Spare, fully-charged battery pack(s)
•Additional printer driver files if you plan to use another printer
Special considerations
In addition to the guidelines for taking the computer home, follow these guidelines
to protect your computer while traveling:
•Always take the computer as carry-on luggage.
•If possible, have the computer inspected by hand. Airport security X-ray
machines are safe, but do not put the computer through a metal detector.
•Avoid exposing floppy disks to hand-held metal detectors.
Traveling internationally with the computer
When you are moving from country to country.
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Preparing the computer
Prepare the computer as you would normally prepare it for traveling.
What to take with you
Take the following items with you:
•AC adapter
•Power cords that are appropriate for the country to which you are traveling
•Spare, fully-charged battery packs
•Additional printer driver files if you plan to use another printer
•Proof of purchase, in case you need to show it to customs officials
•International Travelers Warranty passport
Special considerations
Follow the same special considerations as when traveling with the computer.
In addition, these tips are useful when traveling internationally:
•When traveling in another country, check that the local AC voltage and the AC
adapter power cord specifications are compatible. If not, purchase a power
cord that is compatible with the local AC voltage. Do not use converter kits
sold for appliances to power the computer.
•If you are using the modem, check if the modem and connector are
compatible with the telecommunications system of the country you are
traveling in.
Securing your computer
Your computer is a valuable investment that you need to take care of. Learn how to
protect and take care of your computer.
Security features include hardware and software locks — a security notch
and passwords.
Using a computer security lock
The notebook comes with a Kensington-compatible security slot for a security lock.
Wrap a computer security lock cable around an immovable object such as a table
or handle of a locked drawer. Insert the lock into the notch and turn the key to
secure the lock. Some keyless models are also available.
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Using passwords
Passwords protect your computer from unauthorized access. Setting these
passwords creates several different levels of protection for your computer and data:
•Supervisor Password prevents unauthorized entry into the BIOS utility. Once
set, you must enter this password to gain access to the BIOS utility. See
"BIOS utility" on page 33.
•User Password secures your computer against unauthorized use. Combine the
use of this password with password checkpoints on boot-up and resume from
Hibernation for maximum security.
•Password on Boot secures your computer against unauthorized use. Combine
the use of this password with password checkpoints on boot-up and resume
from Hibernation for maximum security.
Important! Do not forget your Supervisor Password! If you forget
your password, please get in touch with your dealer or an
authorized service center.
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Entering passwords
When a password is set, a password prompt appears in the center of the
display screen.
•When the Supervisor Password is set, a prompt appears when you press <F2>
to enter the BIOS utility at boot-up.
•Type the Supervisor Password and press <Enter> to access the BIOS utility. If
you enter the password incorrectly, a warning message appears. Try again and
press <Enter>.
•When the User Password is set and the password on boot parameter is
enabled, a prompt appears at boot-up.
•Type the User Password and press <Enter> to use the computer. If you enter
the password incorrectly, a warning message appears. Try again and press
<Enter>.
Important! You have three chances to enter a password. If you fail
to enter the password correctly after three tries, the system halts.
Press and hold the power button for four seconds to shut down
the computer. Then turn on the computer again, and try again.
Setting passwords
You can set passwords using the BIOS utility.
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Expanding through options
Your notebook PC offers you a complete mobile computing experience.
Connectivity options
Ports allow you to connect peripheral devices to your computer as you would with a
desktop PC. For instructions on how to connect different external devices to the
computer, read the following section.
Built-in network feature
The built-in network feature allows you to connect your computer to an Ethernet-
based network.
To use the network feature, connect an Ethernet cable from the Ethernet (RJ-45)
port on the chassis of the computer to a network jack or hub on your network.
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Universal Serial Bus (USB)
The USB 2.0 port is a high-speed serial bus which allows you to connect USB
peripherals without taking up precious system resources.
BIOS utility
The BIOS utility is a hardware configuration program built into your computer's
BIOS.
Your computer is already properly configured and optimized, and you do not need
to run this utility. However, if you encounter configuration problems, you may need
to run it.
To activate the BIOS utility, press <F2> during the POST while the notebook PC
logo is being displayed.
Boot sequence
To set the boot sequence in the BIOS utility, activate the BIOS utility, then select
Boot from the categories listed at the top of the screen.
Enable disk-to-disk recovery
To enable disk-to-disk recovery (hard disk recovery), activate the BIOS utility, then
select Main from the categories listed at the top of the screen. Find D2D Recovery
at the bottom of the screen and use the <F5> and <F6> keys to set this value to
Enabled.
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Password
To set a password on boot, activate the BIOS utility, then select Security from the
categories listed at the top of the screen. Find Password on boot: and use the
<F5> and <F6> keys to enable this feature.
Power management
This computer has a built-in power management unit that monitors system activity.
System activity refers to any activity involving one or more of the following devices:
keyboard, mouse, hard disk, peripherals connected to the computer, and video
memory. If no activity is detected for a period of time (called an inactivity timeout),
the computer stops some or all of these devices in order to conserve energy.
This computer employs a power management scheme that supports the advanced
configuration and power interface (ACPI), which allows for maximum power
conservation and maximum performance at the same time. Windows handles all
power-saving chores for your computer.
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Troubleshooting
This chapter shows you how to deal with common system problems. Read it before
calling a technician if a problem occurs. Solutions to more serious problems require
opening up the computer. Do not attempt to open the computer yourself; contact
your dealer or authorized service center for assistance.
Troubleshooting tips
This notebook PC incorporates an advanced design that delivers onscreen error
message reports to help you solve problems.
If the system reports an error message or an error symptom occurs, see "Error
messages" below. If the problem cannot be resolved, contact your dealer. See
"Requesting service" on page 21.
Error messages
If you receive an error message, note the message and take the corrective action.
The following table lists the error messages in alphabetical order together with the
recommended course of action.
If you still encounter problems after going through the corrective measures, please
contact your dealer or an authorized service center for assistance.
Error messages Corrective action
CMOS battery bad Contact your dealer or an authorized service center.
CMOS checksum error Contact your dealer or an authorized service center.
Disk boot failure Insert a system (bootable) disk, then press <Enter> to
reboot.
Equipment
configuration error
Press <F2> (during POST) to enter the BIOS utility, then
press Exit in the BIOS utility to reboot.
Hard disk 0 error Contact your dealer or an authorized service center.
Hard disk 0 extended
type error
Contact your dealer or an authorized service center.
I/O parity error Contact your dealer or an authorized service center.
Keyboard error or no
keyboard connected
Contact your dealer or an authorized service center.
Keyboard interface error Contact your dealer or an authorized service center.
Memory size mismatch Press <F2> (during POST) to enter the BIOS utility, then
press Exit in the BIOS utility to reboot.
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Regulations and safety notices
FCC notice
This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
device generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this device does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the device off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
•Increase the separation between the device and receiver.
•Connect the device into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for help.
Notice: Shielded cables
All connections to other computing devices must be made using shielded cables to
maintain compliance with FCC regulations.
Notice: Peripheral devices
Only peripherals (input/output devices, terminals, printers, etc.) certified to comply
with the Class B limits may be attached to this equipment. Operation with non-
certified peripherals is likely to result in interference to radio and TV reception.
Caution
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void
the user's authority, which is granted by the Federal Communications Commission,
to operate this computer.
Operation conditions
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation 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.
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Notice: Canadian users
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Remarque à l'intention des utilisateurs canadiens
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme a la norme NMB-003 du
Canada.
Declaration of Conformity for EU countries
Hereby, Acer, declares that this notebook PC series is in compliance with the
essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC.
Compliant with Russian regulatory certification
LCD pixel statement
The LCD unit is produced with high-precision manufacturing techniques.
Nevertheless, some pixels may occasionally misfire or appear as black or red dots.
This has no effect on the recorded image and does not constitute a malfunction.
Radio device regulatory notice
Note: Below regulatory information is for models with wireless LAN
and / or Bluetooth only.
General
To prevent radio interference to the licensed service, this device is intended to be
operated indoors.
This product complies with the radio frequency and safety standards of any country
or region in which it has been approved for wireless use. Depending on
configurations, this product may or may not contain wireless radio devices (such as
wireless LAN and/or Bluetooth modules). Below information is for products with
such devices.
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European Union (EU)
R&TTE Directive 1999/5/EC as attested by conformity with the following
harmonized standard:
•Article 3.1(a) Health and Safety
•EN60950-1
•EN62311
•Article 3.1(b) EMC
•EN301 489-1
•EN301 489-3 (Applicable to non-bluetooth wireless keyboard mouse set)
•EN301 489-7
•EN301 489-17
•EN301 489-24
•Article 3.2 Spectrum Usages
•EN300 440-2 (Applicable to non-bluetooth wireless keyboard mouse set)
•EN300 328
•EN301 511
•EN301 893 (Applicable to 5 GHz high performance RLAN)
•EN301 908-1
•EN301 908-2
List of applicable countries
EU member states as of July 2009 are: Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Greece,
Spain, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Austria, Portugal,
Finland, Sweden, United Kingdom, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Hungary,
Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Cyprus, Malta, Bulgaria and Romania.
Usage is allowed in the countries of European Union, as well as Norway,
Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein. This device must be used in strict
accordance with the regulations and constraints in the country of use. For further
information, please contact local office in the country of use. Please see
ec.europa.eu/enterprise/rtte/implem.htm for the latest country list.
The FCC RF safety requirement
The radiated output power of the wireless LAN Mini PCI Card and Bluetooth card is
far below the FCC radio frequency exposure limits. Nevertheless, the notebook PC
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series shall be used in such a manner that the potential for human contact during
normal operation is minimized as follows:
1 Users are requested to follow the RF safety instructions on wireless option
devices that are included in the user's manual of each RF option device.
Caution: To comply with FCC RF exposure compliance
requirements, a separation distance of at least 20 cm (8 inches) must
be maintained between the antenna for the integrated wireless LAN
Mini PCI Card built in to the screen section and all persons.
Note: The wireless Mini PCI adapter implements a transmission
diversity function. The function does not emit radio frequencies
simultaneously from both antennas. One of the antennas is selected
automatically or manually (by users) to ensure good quality
radiocommunication.
2 An improper installation or unauthorized use may cause harmful interference to
radio communications. Also any tampering of the internal antenna will void the
FCC certification and your warranty.
20cm
20cm
Main
Auxiliary
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Canada — Low-power license-exempt
radio communication devices (RSS-210)
a Common information
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference, including interference that
may cause undesired operation of the device.
b Operation in 2.4 GHz band
To prevent radio interference to the licensed service, this device is
intended to be operated indoors and installation outdoors is subject to
licensing.
LCD panel ergonomic specifications
Design viewing distance 500 mm
Design inclination angle 0.0°
Design azimuth angle 90.0°
Viewing direction range class Class IV
Screen tilt angle 85.0°
Design screen illuminance •Illuminance level:
[250 + (250cosα)] lx where α = 85°
•Color: Source D65
Reflection class of LCD panel
(positive and negative polarity)
•Ordinary LCD: Class I
•Protective or Acer LCD: Class III
Image polarity Both
Reference white:
Pre-setting of luminance and
color temperature @ 6500K
(tested under BM7)
•Yn
•u'n
•v'n
Pixel fault class Class II