Acer 2500 Series manual

Extensa 2000/2500 Series User’s Guide[...]

Changes may be made peri odically to the infor mation in this publication without obligation to notify any person of such revision or changes. Such changes will be incorporated in new editions of this manual or supplementary documents and publ ications. This company makes no representations or warra nties, either expre ssed or implied, with respec [...]

iii English English First things first Your guides A set of guides is provided to h e lp you set up and use your Extensa computer: For more information on Acer’s products, services, and support, please visit the web site: http:// www.acer.com. Basic care and tips for using your computer Turning your computer on and off To turn on your computer, o[...]

iv English Note : If you are unable to sh ut down the computer in the usual way, press and hold the power butto n for more than four seconds. You should then wait at least two seconds before turning the computer on again. Taking care of your computer Your computer will serv e you well if y ou take care of it. • Do not expose the co mputer to dire[...]

v English English Taking care of yo ur battery pack It is also important that you look after your computer's battery pack. • Use the correct battery model for your computer. Do not use other kinds of batteries. • Turn the power of f before removin g or replacin g the battery. • Do not tamper with the battery. Keep the battery away fr om [...]

vi English[...]

English First things first iii Your guides iii Basic care and tips for using your computer iii Getting familiar with your computer 1 A tour of your comput er 3 Front view 3 Left view 5 Right view 6 Rear view 7 Bottom view 8 Features 9 Indicators 11 Indicators on cover 12 Keyboard 13 Lock keys 13 Embedded keypad 14 Windows keys 15 Hot keys 16 The Eu[...]

English Peripherals and options 37 External display devices 39 External input devices 39 External keyboard 39 External keypad 39 External pointing device 39 USB devices 40 Printer 41 Audio devices 41 Expansion de vices 42 PC Card 42 Miscellaneous op tions 43 Battery pack 43 AC adapter 43 Key component upgrades 44 Memory upgrade 44 Hard disk upgrade[...]

English Troubleshooting 59 Frequently aske d questions 61 Requesting service 64 International Traveler’s Warrant y (ITW) 64 Before you call 64 Appendix A Specifications 65 Appendix B Regulation & safety notices 71 Index 85[...]

English[...]

Getting familiar with your computer[...]

Your Extensa 2000/2500 series notebook computer combines solid performance, versatility, multimedia capabilities and portability with a stylis h design. Increase your productivity by workin g wherever you are. This chapter provides an in-depth "tour" of your computer's features.[...]

3 English English A tour of your computer After setting up your new Extensa no tebook computer, as illustrated in the Just for starter s… poster, take a few minutes to explore the unit. Front view # Item Description 1 Display screen Liquid-Crystal Display (LCD) pr ovides visual output.[...]

Getting familiar with your computer 4 English 2 Status indicators Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) that turn on and off to show the status of the computer, its functions and components. 3 Power button Turns the computer on and off. 4 Launch keys Buttons for launching freque ntly used programs. See“Launch keys” on page 21 for more details. 5 Palmres[...]

5 English English Left view # Item Description 1 PC Card slots Support one Type III or two Type II CardBus PC Ca rd(s). 2 Eject buttons Ejects the PC Card(s) from the slots. 3 Optical drive Internal optical drive; accepts CDs or DVDs depend ing on the op tical drive type. 4 Infrared port Interfaces with infrared devices (e.g., infrared printer and [...]

Getting familiar with your computer 6 English Right view # Item Description 1 Speaker Delivers stereo audio output. 2 Ventilation slots Enable the computer to stay cool, even after prolonged use. 3 Security keylock Connects to a Kensington-co mpatible computer security lock.[...]

7 English English Rear view # Item Description 1 Power jack Connects to an AC adapter. 2 Parallel port Connects to a parallel device (e.g., p arallel printe r). 3 Ventilation slot Enables the computer to stay cool, even after prolonged use. 4 External display port Connects to a display device (e.g., external monitor, LCD proj ector) and displays up[...]

Getting familiar with your computer 8 English Bottom view 8 Speaker/Line-Out/ Headphone jack Connects to audio line-out d evices (e.g., speakers, headphones). 9 Line-in/Mic-in jack Accepts audio line-in devices (e. g., audio CD player, stereo walkman). # Item Description 1 Battery bay Houses the computer's battery pack. 2 Battery release latch[...]

9 English English Features Performance • Intel® Pentium® 4 and Intel® Celeron® processors, 2.80 GHz and above • 256/512 MB of DDR333 SDRAM stand ard, upgradeable to 204 8 MB with dual soD IMM modules • 30 GB and above high-capacit y, Enhanced-IDE hard disk • Advanced Configurati on Power Interface (ACPI) power management system Display [...]

Getting familiar with your computer 10 English Connectivity • Integrated 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet connection • Built-in 56Kbps fax/data mo dem • Four Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 ports • IEEE 802.11b or IEEE 802.11g Wir eless LAN (manufacturing option) • Bluetooth (manufacturin g option) Human-centric design • Rugged, yet extremely p[...]

11 English English Indicators Your computer pr ovides an arra y of seven indicators loc ated below the display screen, showing the sta tus of the computer and its components. Icon Function Description Wireless communications Indicates status of wireless or Bluetooth (optional) commun ications. Orange--WLAN; Blue--B luetooth Power Lights when the co[...]

Getting familiar with your computer 12 English Indicators on cover When the cover of your compute r is closed, two easy-to-rea d icons are shown, indicati ng which state or feat ure is enabled or d isabled. Icon Description Lights up when the computer is on. Lights when the computer enters Standby m ode, and blinks when it enters into or resumes fr[...]

13 English English Keyboard The keyboard features full-size keys with an embedded ke ypad, separate cursor control keys, two Windows keys, and twelve function keys (hot keys). Lock keys The keyboard has three lock keys which you can toggle on and off. Lock Key Description Caps Lock When Caps Lock is on, all alpha betic characters typed are in upper[...]

Getting familiar with your computer 14 English Embedded keypad The embedded numeric keypad func tions like a desktop numeric keypad. It is indicated b y small ch aracters located on the upper right corner of the keycaps. To simplify the keyboard legend, cursor-cont rol key symbols are not printed on the keys. Desired Access Num Lock On Num Lock Off[...]

15 English English Windows keys The keyboard features two keys that provide Windows-specific functions. Key Description Windows key Pressed alone, this key has the same effect as clicking on the Windows Start button; it launches the Start menu. It can also be used with oth er keys to provide a variety of functions: + Tab Activates the next Taskbar [...]

Getting familiar with your computer 16 English Hot keys Using the Fn key with another key create s a hot key, providing a quick and conveni ent method for co ntrolling various functions. To use a hot key, first hold down the Fn key. Next , press the second key in the combin ation. Finally, release both keys. Your computer provides the follo wing ho[...]

17 English English Fn-F5 Display toggle Switches display output between the display screen, external monitor (if connected) and b oth the display screen and external monitor. Fn-F6 Screen blank Turns the display screen backlight off to save power. Press any key to return. Fn-F7 Touchpad toggle Turns th e internal touchpad on and off. Fn-F8 Speaker [...]

Getting familiar with your computer 18 English The Euro symbol If your keybo ard la yout is set to United Stat es-International or United Kingdom or if you have a keyboard with a European layout, you can type the Euro symbol on your keyboard. Note for US keyboard users: The keyboard layou t is set when you first set up Windows. For the Eu ro symbol[...]

19 English English Touchpad The built-in touchpad is a PS/2- compat ible pointing device that senses movement on its surface. The cu rsor responds to your finger movements on the touchpad. In addition, the two click buttons provide the same functi onality as a computer mouse, while the scroll key enables easy 4-way scrollin g in documents an d web [...]

Getting familiar with your computer 20 English Note : Keep your fingers, as well as the surface of the to uchpad, clean and dry. The touchpad is sensitive to your finger movements: the lighter your t ouc h, the better the response. Tapping hard will not increase the touc hpad's responsiveness. Function Left Button Right Button 4-Way Scroll Key[...]

21 English English Launch keys Located at the top of the keyboard are six buttons. These buttons are called launch keys. They are design ate d as mail button, Web browser button, P1, P2, Bluetooth and Wire less buttons. The Wireless and Bluetooth bu ttons cannot be set by the user. To set the other four launch ke ys, run the Acer Launch Manager. Ca[...]

Getting familiar with your computer 22 English Storage Your computer offers a variet y of data storage options: • The high capac ity Enhanced-IDE hard disk drive. The hard drive is up gradeable, ena bling you to increa se your storage capacity in the future. Cons ult your dealer if you need to upgrade. • The high spee d optical d rive. Dependin[...]

23 English English Ejecting the optical drive tray To eject the optical drive tray: • With the computer turned on, press the optical dr ive eject button. • The tray will be released, and partially popped open. • Gently pull the tray out to it s limit. To load an optical disc: • Place a CD or DVD on the open tra y. Align the disc 's cen[...]

Getting familiar with your computer 24 English Connectivity options Your computer has buil t-in connec tivity options, enabling you to hoo k up to a network or commu nicate over a ph one line. Ethernet and LAN The integrated network feature allo ws you to connec t your comput er to an Ethernet-based (10/100 BASE-T) network. To use the network featu[...]

25 English English Fax/Data modem Your computer features a built-in fax/data modem, enabling you to communic ate over a ph one line. This means that you can connect to the Internet via a dialup acc ount with an ISP, log in to your network from a remote location, or send faxes. Warning: Your modem is no t compatible with digital phone lines. Pluggin[...]

Getting familiar with your computer 26 English Audio Your computer includes an in tegrated stereo audio system. Built-in stereo speakers are located at the front on both sides of the unit. Volume is adjusted usi ng software, such as Volume Control in Windows, Volume Fn keys, or any othe r applicatio n that provides a volume adjustment control. Two [...]

27 English English Securing your computer Your comput er features hardware an d software security solu tions, in the form of a slot for a Kensingt on lock an d a password faci lity. Security slot A slot for a Kensin gton slot ena ble s you to physically protect your computer from theft. Use this feature as follows: • Wrap a security lock cable ar[...]

Getting familiar with your computer 28 English[...]

Operating on battery power[...]

Your Extensa 2000/ 2500 series notebook computer operates on battery or AC power. This chapter provi des information for operating on battery power, as well as information on how your computer manages and saves power.[...]

31 English English Battery pack The computer uses a batt ery pack that gi ves you long use betwee n 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 mains po[...]

Operating on battery power 32 English Follow these steps ag ain until the ba ttery has been charge d and discharged three times. Use this conditioning process fo r all new batteries, or if a b attery 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 un[...]

33 English English To remove a battery pack: 1 Slide the battery release latch to relea se 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 in to the computer, and connect to a mains power outlet. You can contin ue[...]

Operating on battery power 34 English Battery-lo w warning When using battery power pay attention to the Windows Power Meter. Warning: Connect the AC adapte r as soon as possible after the battery-low warning app ears. Data will be lost if the battery to become fully depleted and the computer sh uts down. When the battery-low warning appe ars, the [...]

35 English English Power management Your computer features a built-i n power management unit that constantly monitors syst em ac tivity. System ac tivity refers to any activity involving one or more of the following devices: keyboard, touchpad/mo use, hard disk dr ive, optical dr ive, peripheral s connected to the computer, and video memory. If no [...]

Operating on battery power 36 English[...]

Peripherals and options[...]

Your Extensa 2000/2500 series notebook computer offers good expansion capabilities. This chapter provides information on connecting peripherals to expand your system. It also describes how to upgrade key components to enhance system performance and keep your computer in step with the latest technology. You are advised to co nsult your dealer for in[...]

39 English English External display devices You can connect an external (VGA) monitor or projec tor to your computer's extern al display port. Use the Fn + F5 hot key to togg le the displa y setting between the computer 's LCD panel and the ex ternal display device. See “Ho t keys” on page 16 for more information. External input devic[...]

Peripherals and options 40 English USB devices Your computer features four Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 ports for connecting a ra nge of USB pe ripheral s. See “Exte rnal input devices” on page 39, and “Printer” on page 41 for information on connect ing a USB keyboard, keypad, mous e or pr inter. Other common USB devices include digital c[...]

41 English English Printer Your computer supp orts both parallel and USB printers. Refer to the printer's ma nual for information on: • Setting up the hardware • Installing the nec essa ry drivers in Windows • Operating instructions To use a USB printer, simply conn ect the device to one of your computer's USB ports, and then wa it [...]

Peripherals and options 42 English Expansion devices PC Card Your computer features two PC Ca rd slots that support two standard Type II or one Type III CardBus (P CMCIA). This greatly incre ases your computer's usa bility and expand abi lity. A variety of PC Cards are available, such as flash memory, SR AM, fax/data modem, LAN, and SCSI Cards[...]

43 English English To remov e a PC Card: 1 Close the application th at is using the PC Card. 2 Double click on the PC Card icon on the taskbar, and then select the option to safely remove the card. Wait for the mes sage telling you that it is now safe to remove the card. 3 Press the PC Card eject button to partially eje ct the ca rd (1) . 4 Pull th[...]

Peripherals and options 44 English Key component upgrades Your computer is designed to deliv er solid performanc e. However, in time, you might find th at your appl ications de mand even m ore computing power. For this reason , you are able to upgrade key components. Note : Contact your authorized dea ler if you decide to perform a key component up[...]

45 English English 3 Insert the memory module diagonally i n the slot (1) , and then press down gently until it cli cks in place (2) . 4 Replace the memor y compartmen t door, and fas ten the screw. The computer automatically dete cts the new module and reconfigures the memory. Hard disk upgrade It is possible to replace your ha rd disk with a high[...]

Peripherals and options 46 English[...]

Moving with your computer[...]

Your Extensa 2000/2500 series notebook computer is ideal fo r taking with you when you move around. This chapter provides tips on things to consider when traveling with your computer.[...]

49 English English Disconnecting from the desktop Before moving with your com puter, you must turn it off and disconnect al l peripherals: 1 Save your work and close all applications. 2 Shut down Wi ndows to tu rn off your computer. 3 Unplug the AC adapter from t he mains outlet, and then disconnect it from the computer. 4 Disconnect any external d[...]

Moving with your co mputer 50 English Moving around Sometimes you might need to move your computer a short distance. For example, you mi ght need to move from your office desk to a meeting room. In these situations, you don't have to sh ut down the operatin g system . Preparing the computer First, disconnect any peri pherals that you don'[...]

51 English English Taking the computer home When you move between your office and home you will need to prepare your computer for the short trip. Preparing the computer After disconne cting your com puter from the desktop, prepa re the unit as follows: 1 Remove all media from the drives . Loaded media can damage the drive heads du ring transit. 2 P[...]

Moving with your co mputer 52 English Setting up a home office If you frequently work on your computer at home, as well as at work , it may be worthwhile purcha sing a second AC adapter. This will allow you to travel ligh ter, as you can keep an AC adapter in eac h location. You might also find it worthwhile keeping a second set of peripherals at h[...]

53 English English Traveling internationally with your computer Occasionally you might need to travel between countries with your computer. Preparing the computer Prepare the computer as you would for normal tra vel. Remem ber to take special precautions for a ir travel. What to take with you It is advisable to take th e following items with you: ?[...]

Moving with your co mputer 54 English[...]

Software[...]

Your Extensa 2000/ 2500 series notebook computer includes system utilities. This chapter provides information on the important software that comes with your computer.[...]

57 English English System software Your computer comes preloa ded with the following software: • Microsoft® Windows® operating system • Hardware BIOS S etup Utility • System utilities, driver s and application software Note : To run software applications in Windows, first click on the Start button. Next, select the appr opriate folder, a nd[...]

Software 58 English BIOS Setup Utility The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) contains important information used to configure the hardware an d system sof tware settings. Your computer reads the BIOS when it first starts up, before it loads the operatin g system . Your computer's BIOS i ncludes a bu ilt-in setu p utility c alled Phoe nix Softwa[...]

Troubleshooting[...]

This chapter instructs you on how to deal with common system pr oblems. Please read it before calling a technician. Solutions to more serious problems may require opening the co mputer. Do not attempt to open and serv ice the computer by yourself. Contact your dealer or an authorized service center for assistance.[...]

61 English English Frequently asked questions This sec tion sugge sts solu tions to commonly encountered problems. I press the power button, but my computer does not start or boot-up. Look at the Power status indicator. If it is no t lit, no power i s being delivered to the comput er. Check the f ollowing: • If you are running on battery po wer, [...]

Troubleshooting 62 English There is no audio coming from my computer. Check the following: • The volume may be muted. In Window s, look at the volu me control icon on th e taskbar. If it is crossed-out, cli ck on the icon and deselect the Mute option. • The volume level may be too low. In Windows, click on the volume contro l icon on the tas kb[...]

63 English English The printer does not work. Check the following: • Make sure that the pr inter is conn ected to a power out let and it is turned on. • Check that the cable is properl y connected to the appropriate ports on both the comp uter and the printer. • If you are using a printer connecte d to your computer's parallel port, rest[...]

Troubleshooting 64 English Requesting service International Traveler’s Warranty (ITW) Your computer is backed by an International Trave ler’s Warranty (ITW) that gives you security and peac e of mind when tr aveling. Our worldwide network of service center s are there to give you a helping hand. An ITW passport comes with your co mputer. This p[...]

Appendix A Specifications[...]

This appendix lists the gener al specifications of your computer.[...]

67 English English Microprocessor • Intel® Pentium® 4 and Intel® Celeron® processors, 2.80 GHz and above Memory • 256/512 MB of DDR333 SDRAM stand ard, upgradeable to 204 8 MB with dual soD IMM modules • 512 KB flash ROM BIOS Data storage • One 30 GB and above E-IDE hard disk (2.5", 9.5mm, UltraDMA-100) • One internal optical dri[...]

Appendix A Specifications 68 English Audio • Two built-in stereo speakers • MS DirectSound compatible • Audio po rts for micr ophone-i n and h eadphones Keyboard and pointing device • 84/85/88-key Windows keyboard • Ergonomic ally-centered to uchpad point ing device I/O ports • One Type III or two Type II PC CardBus (PCM CIA) slots • [...]

69 English English Environment • Temperature: - Operating: 5°C ~ 35°C - Non-operati ng: -20°C ~ 65°C • Humidity (non-condensing ): - Operating: 20% ~ 80% RH - Non-operati ng: 20% ~ 80% RH Operating system • Microsoft® Windows® XP Home/Pro operating sy stem • ACPI 1.0b support • DMI 2.0-compliant Power • 8-cell Li-ion battery pack [...]

Appendix A Specifications 70 English[...]

Appendix B Regulation & safety notices[...]

This appendix lists the general notices for your computer.[...]

73 English English Energy Star Guidelines Compliance As an Energy Star Partner, Acer In c. has determined that this product meets the Energy Star guidelines for energy efficiency. FCC notice This device has been tested and foun d to comply with the limits for a Class B digital de vice pursu ant to Par t 15 of the FCC Rules. Thes e limits are design[...]

Appendix B Regulation & safety notices 74 English Operation conditions This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rule s. Oper ation is su bject to the following tw o conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept an y interf erence received, including interference that may cause undesired oper[...]

75 English English the problem is with the equipment, disc ontinue use and contact your dealer or vendor. Caution: To reduce th e risk of fire, use only No. 26 AWG or larger UL Listed or C SA Certif ied Telecom munication L ine Cord. TBR 21 This equipment has been approved [Council Decision 98/482/EC - "TBR 21"] for single terminal connec[...]

Appendix B Regulation & safety notices 76 English Notice for New Zealand For Modem with approval number PTC 211/03/008 1 The grant of a Telepermit for any item of terminal equipment indicates only that Telecom has ac cepted that the item co mplies with minimum co nditions for connection to its network. It indicates no endo rsement of the prod u[...]

77 English English Important safety instructions Read these instructions carefully. Save them for future refer ence. 1 Follow all wa rnings and ins tructions mar ked on the produc t. 2 Unplug this product from th e wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning. 3 Do not use this product n[...]

Appendix B Regulation & safety notices 78 English d If the product do es not operate normally when the ope rating instructions are followed. Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating instructions si nce improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician t[...]

79 English English PRODUCTO LÁSER DE LA CLASE I ADVERTENCIA: RADIACIÓN LÁSER IN VISIBLE AL SER ABIERTO. EVITE EXPONERSE A LOS RAYOS. ADVARSEL: LASERSTRÅLING VEDÅBNING SE IKKE IND I STRÅLEN. VARO! LAVATTAESSA OLET ALTTINA LASERSÅTEILYLLE. VARNING: LASERSTRÅLNING NÅR DENNA DEL ÅR ÖPPNAD ÅLÅ TUIJOTA SÅTEESEENSTIRRA EJ IN I STRÅLEN VARNI[...]

Appendix B Regulation & safety notices 80 English General This product complies w i th the radio frequency an d safety standards of any country or regi on in which i t ha s been approved for wireless use. Depending on config urations, this product may or may not contain wireless radio devices (such as wireless LAN and/or Bluetooth™ modules). [...]

81 English English The FCC RF safety requirement The radiated output power of Wire less LAN Mini-PCI Card and Blue- tooth Card is far below the FCC r adi o frequency exposure limits. Never- theless, the Extensa noteb ook comp uter shall be us ed in such a manner that the potential for human contact during no rmal operation is mini- mized as follows[...]

Appendix B Regulation & safety notices 82 English Federal Communications Commission Declaration of Conformity 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 a ny interference received, including interfer[...]

83 English English Acer Incorporated 8F, 88, Sec. 1, Hsin Tai Wu Rd., Hsichih Taipei Hsien 221, Taiwan, R.O.C. Tel : 886-2 - 2696- 12 34 Fax : 886-2- 2696- 3535 www.acer.com Declaration of Conformity for C E ma r king We , Acer Inc. 8F, 88, Sec. 1, Hsin Tai Wu Rd., Hsichih, Taipei Hsien 221, T aiwan, R. O. C. Contact Person: Mr. Easy Lai Tel: 886-2[...]

Appendix B Regulation & safety notices 84 English[...]

85 English English Index A audio 26 connecting externally 41 controlling volume 26 troublesh ooting 62 B battery pack battery-low warning 34 caring for v characteristics 31 charging 33 charging indicator 11 checking charge level 33 installing 32 low conditions 34 maximizing life 31 optimizing 33 removing 33 using the first time 31 BIOS Setup Utilit[...]

86 English connecting externally 39 hotkeys 16 lock keys 13 troublesh ooting 62 Windows keys 15 keypad connecting externally 39 L launch keys 21 left view 5 M media access on indicator 11 memory installing 44 upgrading 44 micropho ne troublesh ooting 62 modem setting location 63 mouse connecting externally 39 N Notebook Man ager hotkey 16 notice DV[...]

87 English English U USB connect ing 40 utility BIOS Setup 58 V volume adjusting 26 W warranty International Traveler’s Warranty 64 Windows keys 15[...]

88 English[...]