Acer 8471G manual

TravelMate Series Generic User Guide[...]

Model number: _________________ _________________ Serial number: ___________ _____________________ ___ Date of purchase: ______ _____________________ _____ Place of purchase: _____________________ ___________ Copyright © 2009. Acer Incorporated. All Rights Reserved. TravelMate Series Notebook PC[...]

iii Information for your safety and comfort Safety instructions Read these instructions carefully. Keep this document for future reference. Follow all warnings and instruct ions marked on the product. Turning the product off before cleaning Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liq uid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Us[...]

iv Warnings • Do not use t his product near water. • Do not place this prod uct on an unstable cart, stand or table. If the p roduct falls, it could be seriously damaged. • Slots and openings are provided fo r ventilation to ensure reliable operation of the product a nd to protect it from overhea ting. These openings m ust not be bloc ked or [...]

v Warning! Th e grounding p in is a safety featu re. Using a po wer outlet that is not pr operly grou nded may re sult in electric shock and/or injury. Note: The grounding pin also provides good protection from unexpected noise prod uced by other nearby electrical d evices that may interfere with the performance of this product. • The system can [...]

vi pierce, open or disassemble the battery. If the battery leaks and you come into contact with the leaked fluids, rinse thorough ly with water and seek medical attention immediately. For safety reason s, 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 performa[...]

vii nearest AUTHORIZED service station. To prevent direct exposure to the laser beam, do not try to open the enclosure. CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT CAUTION: INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION WH EN OPEN. AVOID EXPOSURE TO BEAM. APPAREIL A LASER DE CLASSE 1 PROD UIT LASERATTENTION: RAD IATION DU FAISCEAU LASER INVISIBLE EN CAS D’OUVERTURE. EVITTER TOUTE EXPOSITI[...]

viii body (refer to the figure below). It should not co ntain metal and you should position the device the above-stated distance from your bo dy. To successfully transmit data files or messages, this device requires a good quality connection to the network. In some cases, transmissi on of data files or messages may be delayed until such a connectio[...]

ix air bag deployment area. If in-vehicle wireless equip ment is improperly installed, and the air bag inflates, serious injury could result. Using your device while flying in aircraft is prohibited. Switch o ff your device before boarding a n aircraft. The use of wireless teledevices in an aircraft may be dangerous to the operation of the aircraft[...]

x Disposal instructions Do not throw this electronic device into the trash when discarding. To minimize pollution and ensure utmost protectio n of the global environment, please recycle. For more information on the Waste from Electrical and Electronics Equipment (WEEE) regula tions, visit http://www.acer-group. com/public/Sustainability/ sustainabi[...]

xi inadequate working conditi ons, person al health and other factors greatly increase the risk of physical injury. Incorrect computer usage may lead to carpal tu nnel syndrome, tendonitis, tenosynovitis or other m usculoskeletal disorders. The follo wing symptoms may appear in the hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, neck or back: • numbness, or a bu[...]

xii • Adjust the display brigh tness 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, shad es or blinds • using a task light • ch[...]

xiii First things first We would like to thank you for mak ing an Acer notebook yo ur choice for meeting your mobile comp uting needs. Your guides To help you use your Acer notebook, we have desig ned a set of guides: First off, the Just for Starters... poster helps you get started with setting up your computer. The printed TravelMate Series Gene r[...]

xiv To turn the power off, do any of th e following: • Use the Windows shutdown command Click on Start then click on Shut Down . • Use the power button You can also put the comp uter in sleep mode by pressing the sleep hotkey <Fn> + <F4> . Note: If you cannot power off the com puter normally, press and hold the power button for more[...]

xv Taking care of yo ur 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 possib[...]

xvi[...]

Information for your safety and comfort iii Safety instructions iii Caution for Opti ca l Drive Device (only for certain models) vi Operating environment vii Medical devices viii Vehicles viii Potentially explos ive environments ix Emergency calls ix Disposal instructions x Mercury advisory x ENERGY STAR x Tips and information for comfortable use x[...]

Charging the battery 18 Checking the battery level 18 Optimising battery life 18 Battery-low warning 19 Taking your notebook PC with you 20 Disconnecting from the desktop 20 Moving around 20 Preparing the computer 20 What to bring to meetings 21 Taking the computer home 21 Preparing the computer 21 What to take with you 21 Special considerations 22[...]

Before you call 36 Troubleshooting 37 Troubleshooting ti ps 37 Error messages 37 Regulations and safety notices 38 FCC statement 38 Modem notice s (only for certain models) 39 LCD pixel statement 42 Radio device regulatory notice 42 General 42 The FCC RF safety requirement 42 Canada — Low-power license-exempt radio communication de vices (RSS-210[...]

1 English Touchpad The built-in touchpad is a pointing device that sen ses movement on its surface. This means the cursor respon ds 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 fingerprint reader) The following items show you how to use t[...]

2 English Touchpad basics (with two-click buttons) The following items show you how to use the tou chpad with two-click 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. Thes e two buttons are similar to the left and r[...]

3 English Using the keyboard The keyboard has full-sized keys and a n embedded numeric keypad*, separate cursor, lock, Windows, functi on 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 k eypad functions like a desktop num eric keypad. It is indicated by[...]

4 English Windows keys The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions. Key Description Windows ke y Pressed alone, this key has the same effect as clicking on the Windows Start button; it launche s the Start menu. It can also be used with other keys to provide a variety of functions: <> : Open or cl ose the St art menu <[...]

5 English Audio The computer also comes with 32-bit Hi gh Definition (HD) Audio, and stereo speakers. Acer PureZone (only for certain models) The system provides you whole new enthusiastic audio experience inclu ding Acer PureZo ne with built- in stereo mi crophones f eaturing beam fo rming and echo cancellation technologies. Ac er PureZone technol[...]

6 English[...]

7 English Using the system utilities Acer Bio-Protection (o nly for certain mo dels) Acer Bio-Protection Fingerprint Solution is a multi-purpose fingerprint software package integrated with the Microsoft Windows operating system. Utilizing the uniqueness of one's fingerprint, Acer Bio -Protection Fingerprint Sol ution incorporates protection a[...]

8 English Acer GridVista (dual- display compatible) Note: This feature is only available on certain models. Acer GridVista is a handy utility that offers four pre-de fined display settings so you can view multiple window s on the sa me screen. To access this function, please go to Start , All Programs and click o n Acer Gr idVista . You may choose [...]

9 English Acer Backup Manager Note: This feature is only available on certain models. Acer Backup Manager is a simple three-step proc ess that allows you to create backup copies of your entire system o r se lected files and folders according to a schedule or as you need to. To start Acer Backup Manager, press the Acer Backup Manager key ab ove the [...]

10 English Power management This computer has a built- in power management unit that monitors system activity. System activity refers to any ac tivity involving one or more of the following devices: keyboard, mouse, h ard disk, peripherals connected to the computer , and video memory. If no activi ty is detected for a period of time (called an inac[...]

11 English Acer eRecovery Management Acer eRecovery Manage ment is a tool to quickly resto re the system. You can back up/restore the factory default image, and reinstall applications and drivers. Note: All of the following content is for general reference only. Actual product specifications may vary. Acer eRecovery Management consists of the follo[...]

12 English Burn backup discs From the B ackup page of Acer eReco very Manage ment, you ca n burn the factory default image or ba ck up drivers and appli cations. 1 Click on Sta rt > All Programs > Acer > Acer eRecovery Management . 2 Acer eRecovery Management opens to the Backup page. 3 Select the type of backup (factory default or drivers[...]

13 English Restore The restore feature allows you to restore or recover the system from a fact ory default image or from previously created CD a nd DVD backups. You can also reinstall applications and dr ivers for your Acer system. 1 Click on Start , All Programs , Ace r , Acer eRecovery Management . 2 Switch to the Restore page by clicking Restore[...]

14 English Restore Windows from backup discs Note: This feature is only available on certain models. To restore Windows from your previously burned backup d iscs, you will need to insert the first backup disc and enable the F12 Boot Menu via the BIOS Setup Utility. 1 Turn on your computer and insert the first system recovery disc into the optical d[...]

15 English If you prefer to set the boot priority for long-term u se, you should select the Boot submenu. 1 Turn on your computer and insert the first system recovery disc into the optical disc drive. Restart your computer. 2 During startup when the Acer logo shows, press the F2 key to enter BIOS Setup , where you can set system parameters. 3 Use t[...]

16 English Battery pack The computer uses a batt ery pack that gi ves 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 [...]

17 English Follow these steps ag ain until the batte ry has been charged and discharged three times. Use this conditioning process fo r all new batteries, or if a b attery ha sn'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 [...]

18 English 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 in to the computer, and connect to a mains power outlet. You can co ntinue to opera[...]

19 English Battery-lo w warning When using batter y power pay attention to the Windo ws 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 shu ts down. When the battery-low warning appe ars, the recommended course of act[...]

20 English Taking your notebook PC with you This section gives you tips and hin ts to consider when moving aroun d or traveling with your comp uter. 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 S[...]

21 English Note: If the Sleep indicator is of f, the computer has entered Hibernation mode and is turned off. If the po wer indicator is off but the Sleep indicator is on, the compu ter has entered Sleep mode. In both cases, press and release the power button to turn the computer back on. Note that the comp uter may enter Hibernation mode after bei[...]

22 English Special considerations Follow these guidelines to protect yo ur computer while traveling to and from work: • Minimize the effects of temperature changes by keeping th e computer with you. • If you need to stop for an extended period of time and cannot carry th e computer with you, leave the co mputer in the trunk of the car to a void[...]

23 English Special considerations In addition to the guidelines for taking the co mputer home, follow these guidelines to protect your comp uter while traveling: • Always take the computer as carry-on luggage. • If possible, have the computer inspected by hand. A irport security X-ray machines are safe, but do not put th e computer throug h a m[...]

24 English 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 comput er. Security features include hardware and software locks — a security notch and passwords. Using a computer security lock The notebook comes with a Kens ington-co m patible security slot for a [...]

25 English 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 yo u press < F2 > to enter the BIOS utility at boot-up. • Type the Supervisor Password an d press < Enter > to access the BIOS utility. If you enter the pas[...]

26 English Expanding through options Your notebo ok PC offers you a complete mobi le computin g experience. Connectivity options Ports allow you to connect peripheral de vices to your computer as you would with a desktop PC. For instru ctions on how to connect different external devices to the computer, read the following section. Fax/data modem (o[...]

27 English Built-in network feature The built-in network feature allows you to connect you r computer to an Ethernet-based network. To use the network feature, connect an Ethernet cab le from the Ethernet (RJ-45) port on the chassis of the comp uter to a network jack or hub o n your network. Universal Serial Bus (USB) The USB 2.0 port is a high-spe[...]

28 English IEEE 1394 port (only for cert ain models) The computer's IEEE 1394 port allows you to connect to an IEEE 1394- compatible device like a video camera or dig ital camera. See your video or digital camera's documentation for details. High-Definition Multimedia Interface (only for certain models) HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia In[...]

29 English ExpressCard (only for certain models) The ExpressCard is the newest version of th e PC Card. It is a smaller and faster interface that further enhances the usability and expanda bility of your computer. ExpressCards support a vast number of expans ion options, including flash memory card adapters, TV-tuners, Bluetooth co nnectivity and I[...]

30 English Installing memory Follow these steps to install memory: 1 Turn off the computer, unplu g the AC adapter (if connected) and remove the battery pack. Then turn the computer over to access its base. 2 Remove the screws from the memory co ver; then lift up and remove the memory cover. 3 (a) Insert the memory module diag onally into the slot,[...]

31 English BIOS utility The BIOS utility is a hardware config uration program built into your computer 's BIOS. Your compu ter is already properly conf igured and op timized, and y ou 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 > durin[...]

32 English Using software Playing DVD movies Note: This feature is only available on certain models. When the DVD drive module is installed in the optical drive bay, you can p lay DVD movies on your computer. 1 Eject the DVD disk. Important! Whe n you launch the DVD pl ayer for the first time, the program asks you to enter the re gion code. DVD dis[...]

33 English Frequently asked questions The following is a list of possible situations that may arise during the use o f your computer. Easy solutions are provided for each o ne. I turned on the power, 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 co mputer. Check the [...]

34 English • If headphones, earphones or externa l speakers are connected to the line- out port on the computer, the internal speakers auto matically turn off. I want to eject the optical drive tray w ithout turning on the power. There is a mechanical eject hole on the o ptical drive. Simply insert the tip of a pen or paperclip into the ho le and[...]

35 English I want to resto re my computer to its original settings without recovery CDs. Note: If your system is the multilingual version, the op erating system and language you choose when you first turn on the system will be the only option for future recovery o perations. This recovery process helps you restore th e C: drive with the original so[...]

36 English Requesting service International Travelers Warranty (ITW) Your computer is backed by an Internation al Travelers Warranty (ITW) that gives you security and peace of mind when traveling. Our worldwide network of service centers are there to give you a helping hand. An ITW passport comes with your com puter. This passport contain s all you[...]

37 English Troubleshooting This chapter shows you how to deal with common system problems. Read it before calling a technician if a pro blem occurs. Solutions to more serious problems require openin g up the computer. Do not atte mpt to open the computer yourself; co ntact your dealer or authorized service center for assistance. Troubleshooting tip[...]

38 English Regulations and safety notices FCC statement This device has been tested and fo und 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 radia[...]

39 English Remarque à l'intention des utilisateurs canadiens Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est con forme a la norme NMB-003 du Canada. Compliant with Russian r egulatory certification Modem notices (only for certain models) Notice for USA This equipment complies with Part 68 of the FCC rules. Located on the modem is a label that cont[...]

40 English Your telephone company may make chang es in its facilities, equipment, operations, or procedures that could a ffect the proper fu nctioning of your equipment. If they do, you will be notified in advance to give you an opportunity to maintain unin terrupted telephone service. If this equipment should fail to operate properly, disconnect t[...]

41 English Notice for New Zealand 1 The grant of a Telepermit for any item of terminal equ ipment indicates only that Telecom has accepted that the item complies with minimum conditions for connection to its netw ork. It indicates n o endorsement of the product b y Telecom, nor do es it provide an y sort of warranty. A bove all, it provides no assu[...]

42 English LCD pixel statement The LCD unit is produced with high-precision manu facturing techniques. Nevertheless, some pixels may occasion ally misfire or appear as black or red dots. This has no effect on the re corded image and do es not constitute a malfunction. Radio device regulatory notice Note : Below regulatory information is for mo dels[...]

43 English Caution : To co mply with FCC RF exposure comp liance requirements, a separation distanc e 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 sectio n and all persons. Note: The wireless Mini PCI adapter impl ements a transmission diversity function. Th[...]

44 English Canada — Low-power license-exempt radio communication devices (RSS-210) Exposure of humans to RF fields (RSS-102) The notebook PC series employs low gain integral antennas that do not emit RF field in excess of Health Cana da limits for the general population; consult Safety Code 6, obtainable from Health Cana da's website at www.[...]