Acer 5730Z-5330 User Manual

Aspire 5730Z/5330 Series

Service Guide

Service guide files and updates are available

on the ACER/CSD web; for more information,

please refer to http://csd.acer.com.tw

PRINTED IN TAIWAN

Revision History

Please refer to the table below for the updates made on Aspire 5730Z/5330 Series service guide.

Date Chapter Updates

Copyright © 2008 by Acer Incorporated. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language or computer language, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, chemical, manual or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Acer Incorporated.

Disclaimer

The information in this guide is subject to change without notice. Acer Incorporated makes no representations or warranties, either expressed or implied, with respect to the

contents hereof and specifically disclaims any warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose. Any Acer Incorporated software described in this manual is sold or licensed "as is". Should the programs prove defective following their purchase, the buyer (and not Acer Incorporated, its distributor, or its dealer) assumes the entire cost of all necessary servicing, repair, and any incidental or consequential damages resulting from any defect in the software.

Acer is a registered trademark of Acer Corporation. Intel is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation. Pentium and Pentium II/III are trademarks of Intel Corporation. Other brand and product names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

III

Conventions

The following conventions are used in this manual:

SCREEN MESSAGES Denotes actual messages that appear

on screen.

NOTE Gives bits and pieces of additional

information related to the current topic.

WARNING Alerts you to any damage that might

result from doing or not doing specific actions.

CAUTION Gives precautionary measures to

avoid possible hardware or software problems.

IMPORTANT Reminds you to do specific actions

relevant to the accomplishment of procedures.

Preface

Before using this information and the product it supports, please read the following general information.

1. This Service Guide provides you with all technical information relating to the BASIC CONFIGURATION decided for Acer's "global" product offering. To better fit local market requirements and enhance product competitiveness, your regional office MAY have decided to extend the functionality of a machine (e.g. add-on card, modem, or extra memory capability). These LOCALIZED FEATURES will NOT be covered in this generic service guide. In such cases, please contact your regional offices or the responsible personnel/channel to provide you with further technical details.

2. Please note WHEN ORDERING FRU PARTS, that you should check the most up-to-date information available on your regional web or channel. If, for whatever reason, a part number change is made, it will not be noted in the printed Service Guide. For ACER-AUTHORIZED SERVICE PROVIDERS, your Acer office may have a DIFFERENT part number code to those given in the FRU list of this printed Service Guide. You MUST use the list provided by your regional Acer office to order FRU parts for repair and service of customer machines.

Table of Contents

System Specifications 1

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

System Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Your Acer Notebook tour. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Right View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Easy-Launch Buttons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Touchpad basics (with two-click buttons) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Using the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Lock Keys and embedded numeric keypad. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Windows Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Hot Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Special Key (only for certain models) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Acer Empowering Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Launching Acer Empowering Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Empowering Technology password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Acer eAudio Management (only for certain models). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Acer ePower Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Acer eDataSecurity Management (only for certain models) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Acer eRecovery Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Acer eSettings Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Windows Mobility Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Using the System Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Acer GridVista (dual-display compatible) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Hardware Specifications and Configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

System Utilities 33

BIOS Setup Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Navigating the BIOS Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

Main . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Boot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Exit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

BIOS Flash Utility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Remove HDD/BIOS Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

Machine Disassembly and Replacement 47

Disassembly Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Pre-disassembly Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Disassembly Process. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

External Module Disassembly Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

External Modules Disassembly Flowchart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

Removing the Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

Removing the SD dummy card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

Removing the ExpressCard dummy card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

Removing the Lower Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Removing the DIMM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

Removing the WLAN Board Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Removing the Hard Disk Drive Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Removing the Optical Drive Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

Main Unit Disassembly Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Main Unit Disassembly Flowchart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

VII

Table of Contents

Removing the Middle Cover. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Removing the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

Removing the Heatsink Fan Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Removing the CPU Heatsink Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

Removing the CPU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66

Removing the LCD Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Separating the Upper Case from the Lower Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70

Removing the LED Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Removing the Speaker Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Removing the Touchpad Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77

Removing the Modem Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80

Removing the Main Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82

Removing the USB Board Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84

Removing the Bluetooth Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86

LCD Module Disassembly Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87

LCD Module Disassembly Flowchart. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Removing the LCD Bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88

Removing the LCD panel with the Brackets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Removing the Inverter Board and FPC Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90

Removing the LCD Brackets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93

Removing the Antennas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Removing the Web Camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95

Troubleshooting 97

System Check Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98

External Diskette Drive Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98

External CD-ROM Drive Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98

Keyboard or Auxiliary Input Device Check. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Memory Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99

Power System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99

Touchpad Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101

Power-On Self-Test (POST) Error Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102

Index of Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Phoenix BIOS Beep Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106

Index of Symptom-to-FRU Error Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Intermittent Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Undetermined Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116

Jumper and Connector Locations 117

Top and Bottom View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117

Clearing Password Check and BIOS Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119

Clearing Password Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119

BIOS Recovery by Crisis Disk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .120

FRU (Field Replaceable Unit) List 121

Aspire 5730Z/5330 Series Exploded Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .122

Model Definition and Configuration 130

Aspire 5730Z/5330 Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .130

Test Compatible Components 155

Microsoft® Windows® Vista Environment Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .156

VIII

Table of Contents

Online Support Information 159 Index 161

Table of Contents

System Specifications

Features

Below is a brief summary of the computer’s many feature:

Platform

Intel® Centrino® 2 processor technology, featuring:

K Intel K Intel K Intel K Mobile Intel K Intel K Acer InviLink K Acer InviLink

System Memory

K Dual-channel SDRAM support K Up to 1 GB of DDR2 667 MHz memory, upgradeable to 2 GB using two soDIMM modules* K Up to 2 GB of DDR2 667 MHz memory, upgradeable to 4 GB using two soDIMM modules*

Core™2 Duo processor*

Pentium® dual-core processor*

Celeron® processor*

GL40/GM45 Express Chipset*

Wireless WiFi Link 5100/5300*

™

Nplify™ 802.11b/g/Draft-N*

™

802.11b/g*

Chapter 1

Display and graphics

K 15.4" WXGA 1280 x 800 K Mobile Intel

GL40/GM45 Express Chipset*

Storage subsystem

K 2.5" hard disk drives K Optical drive options:

jDVD-Super Multi double-layer drive

K 5-in-1 card reader

Special keys and controls

K 88-/89-/93-key keyboard K Touchpad pointing device K Empowering Key K Easy-launch buttons: WLAN, Volume Up, Volume Down and Bluetooth

Audio

K Two built-in stereo speakers K High-definition audio support K MS-Sound compatible

Chapter 1 1

K Built-in microphone

Communication

K Integrated Acer Crystal Eye webcam* K WLAN:

jAcer InviLink jAcer InviLink

K WPAN: Bluetooth K LAN: Gigabit Ethernet; Wake-on-LAN ready K Modem: 56K ITU V.92; Wake-on-Ring ready

™

Nplify™ 802.11b/g/Draft-N*

™

802.11b/g*

2.0+Enhanced Data Rate (EDR)*

I/O Ports

K ExpressCard K 5-in-1 card reader (SD/MMC/MS/MS PRO/xD) K 4 USB 2.0 ports K External display (VGA) port K Headphones/speaker/line-out jack* K Microphone-in jack K Line-in jack K Ethernet (RJ-45) port K Modem (RJ-11) port K DC-in jack for AC adapter

™

/54 slot

Environment

K Temperature:

jOperating: 5 °C to 35 °C jNon-operating: -20 °C to 65 °C

K Humidity (non-condensing):

jOperating: 20% to 80% jNon-operating: 20% to 80%

NOTE: "*" "Only for certain models" NOTE: The specifications listed above are for reference only. The exact configuration of your PC depends on

the model purchased.

2 Chapter 1

System Block Diagram

Chapter 1 3

Your Acer Notebook tour

4 5

9 13

After knowing your computer features, let us show you around your new computer.

Front View

1 Acer Crystal Eye Web camera for video communication. 2 Display screen Also called Liquid-Crystal Display (LCD), displays computer

3 Power button Turns the computer on and off.

4 Speakers Left and right speakers deliver stereo audio output. 5/7 Easy-launch

6VOL+/

8 Palmrest Comfortable support area for your hands when you use the

9 Status indicators Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) that light up to show the status of

10 Click buttons

4 Chapter 1

Icon Item Description

output.

Buttons for launching frequently used programs.

buttons

VOL-

Volume up/V olume down

Increases the sound volume/Decreases the sound volume.

computer.

the computer's functions and components. The left and right buttons function like the left and right mouse

(left and right)

buttons.

Icon Item Description

11 Touchpad Touch-sensitive pointing device which functions like a computer

mouse.

12 Microphone Internal microphone for sound recording.

13 Keyboard For entering data into your computer. 14 Empowering key Launch Acer Empowering Technology

1 Acer PureZone Two internal stereo microphones for sound recording.

Closed Front View

Icon Item Description

1 Latch Locks and releases the lid.

Chapter 1 5

Left View

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

1 2 3 4 5 6

# Icon Item Description

1 Kensington lock slot Connects to a Kensington-compatible computer security

lock.

2 DC-in jack Connects to an AC adapter.

3 Ethernet (RJ-45)

port

4 External display

(VGA) port

5 USB 2.0 ports Connect to USB 2.0 devices (e.g., USB mouse, USB

6 Line-in jack Accepts audio line-in devices (e.g., audio CD player,

Microphone-in jack Accepts input from external microphones.

Headphones/ speaker/line-out jack with S/PDIF support

7 ExpressCard/54

slot

8 5-in-1 card reader Accepts Secure Digital (SD), MultiMediaCard (MMC),

Connects to an Ethernet 10/100/1000-based network.

Connects to a display device (e.g., external monitor, LCD projector).

camera) (only for certain models).

stereo walkman).

Connects to audio line-out devices (e.g., speakers, headphones).

Accepts one ExpressCard/54 module.

Memory Stick (MS), Memory Stick PRO (MS PRO), xDPicture Card (xD).

Right View

Icon Item Description

1 Optical drive Internal optical drive; accepts CDs or DVDs.

6 Chapter 1

Icon Item Description

2 Optical disk access

indicator

3 Optical drive eject

button

4 Emergency eject hole Ejects the optical drive tray when the computer is

5 USB 2.0 port Connect to USB 2.0 devices (e.g., USB mouse,

6 Modem (RJ-11) port Connects to a phone line.

Lights up when the optical drive is active.

Ejects the optical disk from the drive.

turned off. Note: Insert a paper clip to the emergency eject hole to eject the optical drive tray when the computer is off.

USB camera).

Rear View

# Icon Item Description

1 Ventilation slots Enable the computer to stay cool, even after

prolonged use.

Chapter 1 7

Bottom View

2 3

Icon Item Description

1 Battery bay Houses the computer's battery pack.

2 Battery lock Locks the battery in position.

3 Battery release

latch

4 Memory

compartment

5 Hard disk bay Houses the computer's hard disk (secured with

6 Ventilation slots

and cooling fan

Releases the battery for removal.

Houses the computer's main memory.

screws).

Enable the computer to stay cool, even after prolonged use.

Note: Do not cover or obstruct the opening of the fan.

8 Chapter 1

Indicators

The computer has several easy-to-read status indicators. The front panel indicators are visible even when the computer cover is closed.

Icon Function Description

HDD Indicates when the hard disk drive is

active.

Num Lock Lights up when Num Lock is

activated.

Caps Lock Lights up when Caps Lock is

activated.

Power Indicates the computer's power

status.

Battery Indicates the computer's battery

status.

NOTE: 1. Charging: The light shows amber when the battery is charging. 2. Fully charged: The light shows

green when in AC mode.

Easy-Launch Buttons

Located beside the keyboard are application buttons. These buttons are called easy-launch buttons. They are: WLAN, Internet, email, Bluetooth, Arcade and Acer Empowering Technology.

The mail and Web browser buttons are pre-set to email and Internet programs, but can be reset by users. To set the Web browser, mail and programmable buttons, run the Acer Launch Manager.You can access the Launch Manager by clicking on Start, All Programs, and then Launch Manager to start the application.

Icon Function Description

Wireless communication button/indicator

(manufacturing option) VOL+ Volume up Increases the sound volume. VOL- Volume down Decreases the sound volume.

Bluetooth communication

button/indicator

(manufacturing option)

Acer Empowering

Technology

Enables/disables the wireless function. Indicates the status of wireless LAN communication.

Enables/disables the Bluetooth function. Indicates the status of Bluetooth communication.

Launch Acer Empowering Technology (userprogrammable)

Chapter 1 9

Touchpad basics (with two-click buttons)

The following items show you how to use the touchpad with two-click buttons.

1 23

K Move your finger across the touchpad (1) to move the cursor. K Press the left (2) and right (3) 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.

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.

Access context menu

NOTE: Illustrations for reference only. The exact configuration of your PC depends on the model purchased. 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.

Click once.

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.

10 Chapter 1

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.

Lock key Description

Caps Lock When Caps Lock is on, all alphabetic characters typed are

in uppercase.

Num Lock

Scroll Lock <Fn> + <F12>

The embedded numeric keypad functions like a desktop numeric keypad. It is indicated by small characters located on the upper right corner of the key caps. To simplify the keyboard legend, cursor-control key symbols are not printed on the keys.

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> works only for certain models.

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

Cursor-control keys on embedded keypad

Main keyboard keys Hold <Fn> while typing letters on

Type numbers in a normal manner.

Hold <Shift> while using cursorcontrol keys.

embedded keypad.

Hold <Fn> while using cursorcontrol keys.

Type the letters in a normal manner.

Chapter 1 11

Windows Keys

The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions.

Key Description

Windows key

Application 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 other keys to provide a variety of functions:

< >: Open or close the Start menu

< > + <D>: Display the desktop < > + <E>: Open Windows Explore

< > + <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 Vista, some shortcuts may not function as described.

This key has the same effect as clicking the right mouse button; it opens the application's context menu.

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Hot Keys

The computer employs hotkeys or key combinations to access most of the computer’s controls like screen brightness, volume output and the BIOS utility.

To activate hot keys, press and hold the <Fn> key before pressing the other key in the hotkey combination.

Hotkey Icon Function Description

<Fn> + <F1> Hotkey help Displays help on hotkeys.

<Fn> + <F2> Acer eSettings Launches Acer eSettings in Acer Empowering

Technology.

<Fn> + <F3> Acer ePower

Management

<Fn> + <F4> Sleep Puts the computer in Sleep mode.

<Fn> + <F5> Display toggle Switches display output between the display

<Fn> + <F6> Screen blank Turns the display screen backlight off to save

<Fn> + <F7> Touchpad toggle Turns the internal touchpad on and off.

Launches Acer ePower Management in Acer Empowering Technology.

screen, external monitor (if connected) and both.

power. Press any key to return.

<Fn> + <F8> Speaker toggle Turns the speakers on and off.

<Fn> + < > Brightness up Increases the screen brightness.

<Fn> + < > Brightness down Decreases the screen brightness.

<Fn> + < > Volume up Increases the sound volume

(only for certain models).

<Fn> + < > Volume down Decreases the sound volume

(only for certain models).

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Special Key (only for certain models)

You can locate the Euro symbol and the US dollar sign at the upper-center and/or bottom-right of your keyboard.

The Euro symbol

1. Open a text editor or word processor.

2. Either press < > at the bottom-right of the keyboard, or hold <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.

2. Either press < > at the bottom-right of the keyboard, or hold <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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Acer Empowering Technology

The Empowering Technology toolbar makes it easy for you to access frequently used functions and manage your new Acer system. Activated by pressing the Empowering Key, it provides access to the following utilities:

NOTE: The following content is for general reference only. Actual product specifications may vary.

K Acer eAudio Management allows you to easily control the enhanced sound effects of Dolby Home

Theater on your system (only for certain models).

K Acer ePower Management optimizes battery usage via customizable power plans. K Acer eDataSecurity Management protects data with passwords and encryption (only for certain

models).

K Acer eRecovery Management backs up and recovers data flexibly, reliably

and completely.

K Acer eSettings Management accesses system information and adjusts settings easily.

For more information, right-click on the Empowering Technology toolbar, then select Help. For help with a particular utility, launch the utility and click the icon at the bottom of the active window.

Launching Acer Empowering Technology

To launch Acer Empowering Technology:

1. Press the Empowering Key to display the Acer Empowering Technology toolbar on the desktop.

2. To hide the toolbar, press the Empowering Key again or click the hide button on the toolbar.

You may also launch Acer Empowering Technology by running the program from the Acer Empowering Technology program group in the Start menu, or by double-clicking the icon if you have created a

desktop shortcut.

To launch Acer Empowering Technology applications:

1. On the Acer Empowering Technology toolbar, click the icon that corresponds to the application you want to launch.

2. When you mouse over an application icon, a quick menu appears below the toolbar. The quick menu allows you to perform certain tasks simply and quickly.

3. You may also run the application by selecting it from the Acer Empowering Technology program group in the Start menu.

NOTE: You may also double-click or right-click to run Acer eAudio Management, and right-click to

run Acer ePower Management from the system tray.

Chapter 1 15

Empowering Technology password

You must set the Empowering Technology password to use the password protection feature of Acer eRecovery Management to protect your data.

To set the Empowering Technology password:

1. Launch Acer eRecovery Management.

2. Click the Restore tab.

3. Click Password settings. The Empowering Technology Password Center dialogue box pops up.

4. Click Create a new password.

5. In the Create a New Password dialogue box, key in and confirm your password in the appropriate boxes.

Your password should have a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 12 characters.

6. Enter a password hint that will help you remember your password.

7. Make sure the box Use for Acer eRecovery Management is checked.

8. Click OK to set the password.

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Acer eAudio Management (only for certain models)

Acer eAudio Management allows you to easily control the enhanced sound effects of Dolby Home Theater on your system. Select Movie or Game mode to experience the awesome realism of 5.1-channel audio output from the speakers fitted to your system via Dolby Surround sound technology . Music mode lets you enjoy your favorite tunes, in vivid detail.

To choose your playback device, click the icon on the upper right side of the Acer eAudio Management window.

Chapter 1 17

Acer ePower Management

Acer ePower Management features a straightforward user interface for configuring your power management options. T o access this utility, select Acer ePower Management from the Empowering Technology toolbar, run the program from the Acer Empowering Technology program group in Start menu, or right-click the Windows power icon in the system tray and select Acer ePower Management.

Using power plans

Acer ePower Management comes with three predefined power plans: Balanced, High performance and Power saver.

View and adjust settings for On Battery and Plugged In modes by clicking the appropriate tabs. For more power options, click in the Acer ePower Management utility, or right-click the Windows power icon in the system tray and select Power Options. You can also create customized power plans. You can create, switch between, edit, delete and restore power

plans, as described below.

To create a new power plan:

Creating customized power plans allows you to save and quickly switch to a personalized set of power options.

1. Click the New power plan option or icon .

2. Enter a name for your new power plan.

3. Choose a predefined power plan to base your customized plan on.

4. If necessary, change the display, sleep and hibernation settings you want your computer to use.

5. Click OK to save your new power plan.

To switch between power plans:

1. Move your mouse over the Acer ePower Management application on the Acer Empowering Technology toolbar. The quick menu appears. Select the power plan you want to switch to.

2. You may also switch between power plans by launching the Acer ePower Management application. Select the power plan you wish to switch to, then click Apply.

To edit a power plan:

Editing a power plan allows you to adjust system settings like LCD brightness, CPU speed and Graphics power mode (only for certain models).

1. Switch to the power plan you wish to edit.

2. Adjust settings as required.

3. Click Apply or Save to save your new settings.

NOTE: You can revert to the default settings of the predefined power plans by clicking the Restore button.

To delete a power plan:

You cannot delete the power plan you are currently using. The active power plan will mark with in upper left corner of power plan icon. If you want to delete the active power plan, switch to another one first.

1. Select the power plan you wish to delete.

2. Click the Delete this plan icon.

NOTE: Y ou cannot delete the predefined power plans, but you can modify the settings of the predefined power

plans.

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Battery status

1. The quick menu shows the remaining battery life based on current usage.

2. You can also launch the Acer ePower Management application and refer to the Battery status panel

located just below the power plans.

3. Click the Battery tab to view remaining battery life, battery status, and remaining battery life in standby and hibernate modes.

Acer eDataSecurity Management (only for certain models)

Acer eDataSecurity Management is an encryption utility that protects your files from being accessed by unauthorized persons. It is conveniently integrated with Windows Explorer as a shell extension for quick data encryption/decryption and also supports on-the-fly file encryption for Lotus Notes and Microsoft Outlook.

On first use, the Acer eDataSecurity Management setup wizard will prompt you to create the Master Password. You will use this password to access the Personal Secure Disk (PSD). The Master Password may also be used to encrypt/decrypt files by default.

Chapter 1 19

If you set a different password to encrypt a file, but you forgot the encryption password, you can use the Master Password to decrypt the file.

NOTE: The password used to encrypt a file is the unique key that the system needs to decrypt it. If you lose

the password, the Master Password is the only other key capable of decrypting the file. If you lose both passwords, there will be no way to decrypt your encrypted file! Be sure to safeguard all related

passwords!

Acer eRecovery Management

Acer eRecovery Management is a versatile backup utility. It allows you to create full or incremental backups, burn the factory default image to optical disc, and restore from previously created backups or reinstall applications and drivers. By default, user-created backups are stored to the D:\ drive.

Acer eRecovery Management provides you with:

K Backup:

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