Acer 8172Z, 8172 User Manual

TravelMate 8172/8172Z 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 TravelMate 8172/8172Z service guide.

Date Chapter Updates

Copyright

Copyright © 2010 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 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.

“as is”. Should the

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.

Conventions

The following conventions are used in this manual:

SCREEN MESSAGES

NOTE Gives bits and pieces of additional

WARNING Alerts you to any damage that might

CAUTION Gives precautionary measures to

IMPORTANT Reminds you to do specific actions

Denotes actual messages that appear on screen.

information related to the current topic.

result from doing or not doing specific actions.

avoid possible hardware or software problems.

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.

System Specifications 1

System Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Board Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Top View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Bottom View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Your Acer Notebook tour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Top View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Closed Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Rear view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Left View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Right View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Base view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Touchpad Basics (with fingerprint reader) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Touchpad basics (with two-click buttons) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Using the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Lock Keys and embedded numeric keypad* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Windows Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Hot Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Using the system utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Acer Backup Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Power management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Acer PowerSmart key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Acer eRecovery Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Burn backup discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Hardware Specifications and Configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

BIOS Setup Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

System Utilities 29

Invoking BIOS Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Main . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Boot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

BIOS Flash Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

DOS flash BIOS SOP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Clean BIOS Password SOP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

Clean HDD Password SOP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Crisis Disk SOP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

DMI Utility SOP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

LAN EEPROM Utility SOP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

Winflash SOP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

Disassembly Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

Related Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

Replacement Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

Machine Disassembly and Replacement 69

Pre-disassembly Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70

Disassemble Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71

External Module Disassembly Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71

Removing the Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72

Removing the HDD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74

Table of Contents

Removing the DIMM module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78

Remove the Wireless module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81

LCD Module Disassembly Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83

Removing the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84

Removing the Upper Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87

Removing the LCD Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91

Removing the Bluetooth Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98

Removing the Mainboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100

LCD Module Disassembly Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113

Removing the Mainboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114

Removing the Camera Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118

Remove the Antennas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119

LCD Reassembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .124

Replacing the Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .124

Replacing the Camera Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .128

Replace the Wireless LAN Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .129

Replacing LCM Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .130

Replacing the Mainboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .135

Replacing the Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144

Replacing the Bluetooth Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .151

Replacing the Upper Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .152

Replacing the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .156

Replace the Wireless LAN Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .158

Replace the DIMM module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .159

Replacing HDD module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .162

Replacing the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .164

Troubleshooting 165

System Check Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .166

External Diskette Drive Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .166

External CD-ROM Drive Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .166

Keyboard or Auxiliary Input Device Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .166

Memory check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .167

Power System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .167

Touchpad Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .168

Power-On Self-Test (POST) Error Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .169

Index of Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .170

InsydeH2O BIOS Beep Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .173

Index of Symptom-to-FRU Error Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .177

Intermittent Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .181

Undetermined Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .182

Jumper and Connector Locations 183

Top View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .183

Bottom View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .184

FRU (Field Replaceable Unit) List 187

TravelMate 8172/8172Z Exploded Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .188

TravelMate 8172/8172Z FRU List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .191

Model Definition and Configuration 203

Test Compatible Components 223

Online Support Information 231

Chapter 1

System Specifications

Features

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

Operating system

 Genuine Windows® 7 Professional 32-bit

 Genuine Windows

CPU and chipset

 Intel® Core™ i5-430UM/i5-520UM/i5-540UM processor (3 MB L3 cache, 1.20/1.06/1.20 GHz with Turbo

Boost up to 1.73/1.86/2 GHz, DDR3 800 MHz, 18 W), supporting Intel Cache

7 Home Premium 64-bit

64 architecture, Intel® Smart

 Intel® Core™ i3-330UM processor (3 MB L3 cache, 1.20 GHz, DDR3 800 MHz, 18 W), supporting Intel®

64 architecture, Intel

 Mobile Intel

HM55 Express Chipse (for TM8172Z)

Smart Cache

Memory

 Dual-channel DDR3 SDRAM support:

z Up to 2 GB of DDR3 system memory, upgradable to 4 GB using two soDIMM modules

Display and graphics

 11.6" HD 1366 x 768 (WXGA) pixel resolution, high-brightness (200-nit) LED-backlit TFT LCD

 Mercury-free environment friendly

 Intel® HD Graphics with 128 MB of dedicated system memory, supporting Microsoft® DirectX® 10

 Dual independent display support

 16.7 million colors

 External resolution / refresh rate:

z VGA port up to 2560 x 1600 : 60 Hz

 MPEG-2/DVD decoding

 WMV9 (VC-1) and H.264 (AVC) decoding

Storage subsystem

 Hard disk drive:

z 160/250/320/500/640 GB or larger

 Multi-in-1 card reader, supporting:

z Secure Digital™ (SD) Card, MultiMediaCard™(MMC), Memory Stick™ (MS), Memory Stick

PRO™(MS PRO), xD-Picture Card™(xD)

z Supported 8GB (test pass)

Chapter 1 1

Dimensions and weight

 Dimensions:

z 285 (W) x 206.3 (D) x 20.2/29.1 (H) mm (11.22 x 8.12 x 0.795/ 1.146 inches)

 Weight:

z 1.35 kg (2.97 lbs.) with 6-cell battery pack (non-3G model)

Power adapter and battery

ACPI 3.0 CPU power management standard: supports Standby and Hibernation power-saving modes

 Power adapter:2-pin 40 W Acer MiniGo AC adapter

z 93.2 (W) x 32.2 (D) x 42.5 (H) mm (3.66 x 1.26 x 1.67 inches)

z 180 g (0.39 lbs.) with 250 cm DC cable

z 210 g (0.47 lbs.) with 250 cm DC cable and one AC power plug

 Battery

 24 W 2200 mAh 3-cell Li-ion battery pack

Battery life: 3 hours

 48 W 4400 mAh 6-cell Li-ion battery pack

Battery life: 6 hours

 63 W 5600 mAh 6-cell Li-ion battery pack

Battery life: 8 hours

 ENERGY STAR

Input and control

 Keyboar

z 84-/85-/88-key full-size Acer FineTip keyboard with international language support

 Touchpad

z Multi-gesture touchpad, supporting two-finger scroll, pinch, rotate, flip

 Control key

z Acer Bio-Protection fingerprint reader

Audio

 Two built-in stereo speakers

 High-definition audio support

 MS-Sound compatible

 Built-in microphone

Webcam

 Acer Video Conference, featuring:

z Acer Crystal Eye webcam with 1280 x 1024 resolution

z Acer Video Conference Manager software, featuring Video Quality Enhancement (VQE) technology,

supporting 640 x 480 resolution online video calls

Wireless and networking

 WLAN:

z Acer InviLink™ Nplify™ 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™

z Acer InviLink™ 802.11b/g Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™

z Supporting Acer SignalUp™wireless technology

2 Chapter 1

 WPAN: BluetoothR 3.0+HS

 WWAN: UMTS/HSPA at 900/2100 MHz and quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE at 850/900/1800/1900 MHz,

upgradable to 7.2 Mb/s HSDPA and 5.7 Mb/s HSUPA (for 3G model)

 LAN: Gigabit Ethernet, Wake-on-LAN ready

Input and output

 Acer Easyport IV connector

 Multi-in-1 card reader (SD, MMC, MS, MS PRO, xD)

 Three USB 2.0 ports

 External display (VGA) port

 Headphone/speaker/line-out jack

 Microphone-in jack

 Ethernet (RJ-45) port

 DC-in jack for AC adapter

Security

 Acer Bio-Protection fingerprint solution, featuring Pre-Boot Authentication (PBA), computer protection,

Acer FingerLaunch

 BIOS user, supervisor, HDD passwords

 Kensington lock slot

Software

 Productivity

z Acer ePower Management

z Acer eRecovery Management

z Adobe

z eSobi™

z Google Toolbar™

z Microsoft

z Norton™ Online Backup

 Security

z Acer Bio-Protection

z McAfee® Internet Security Suite Trial

 InstantOn

z Instant View

 Multimedia

z Corel

 Communication and ISP

z Acer Crystal Eye

z Acer Video Conference Manager

z Microsoft® Silverlight™

z Skype™

z Windows Live™ Essentials-Wave 3.2 (Mail, Photo Gallery, Live™ Messenger, Movie Maker, Writer)

WinDVD

Flash® Player 10

Reader® 9.1

Office Personal 2007 (Service Pack 2)(Japan only, subject to customer request)

Office Ready (Service Pack 2)

Chapter 1 3

 Web links and utilities

z Acer Accessory Store (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, UK only)

z Acer Identity Card

z Acer Registration

z Acer Updater

z eBay

z Netflix shortcut (US only)

shortcut 2009 (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Spain, UK, US only)

Options and accessories

 1 GB / 2 GB / DDR3 1066 MHz soDIMM module

 6-cell Li-ion battery pack

 3-pin 30 W AC adapter

 External USB HDD

 External USB optical disc drive

 Acer Easyport IV

System compliance

 Wi-Fi

 ACPI 3.0

 Mobile PC 2002

 DMI 2.0

Warranty

 One-year International Travelers Warranty (ITW)

Quality and reliability tests

 Temperature and humidity

 Hinge life

 Weight and pressure

 Acoustics

 Spillage

 Free drop

 Shock and vibration

 Electrostatic discharge immunity

 Keyboard-switch life

 MTBF (mean time between failures)

4 Chapter 1

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Chapter 1 5

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Board Layout

Top View

No. Name Description

TravelMate 8172/8172Z M/B layout and connector location

TOP view

1 CN1 LCM connector

2 CN2 Power

3 CN4 Keyboard connector

4 CN5 Microphone connector

5 CN6 Touch pad connector

6 CN7 Audio cable connector 1

7 CN8 Audio cable connector 2

8 CN9 Card reader slot

9 CN10 Bluetooth connector

10 CN11 Speaker connector

11 CN31 Webcam connector

710

6 Chapter 1

Bottom View

1614

1215 29

No. Name Description

1920

TravelMate 8172/8172Z M/B layout and connector location

Bottom view

12 CN12 LAN slot

13 CN13 Battery connector

14 CN14 DC-in jack

15 CN15 EZ-Docking slot

16 CN16 SIM Card slot

17 CN17 VGA port

18 CN18 HDD connector

19 CN18 USB slot 1

20 CN20 USB slot 2

21 CN21 DIMM-0

22 CN22 MIC jack

23 CN23 Fan connector

24 CN24 USB slot-3

25 CN25 DIMM-1

26 CN26 3G card slot

23 24

Chapter 1 7

TravelMate 8172/8172Z M/B layout and connector location

Bottom view

No. Name Description

27 CN27 Earphone connector

28 U30 South bridge

29 U32 CPU+ North bridge

8 Chapter 1

Your Acer Notebook tour

After setting up your computer as illustrated in the Just for Starters... poster, let us show you around your new Acer notebook.

Top View

No. Icon Item Description

1 Microphones Stereo internal microphones for sound recording.

2 Display screen Also called Liquid-Crystal Display (LCD),displays

computer output (Configuration may vary by models).

3 Keyboard For entering data into your computer.

4 Touchpad Touch-sensitive pointing device which functions like a

computer mouse.

5Acer Bio-

Protection fingerprint reader

6 Click buttons

(left and right)

Chapter 1 9

The center button serves as the Acer Bio-Protection fingerprint reader, supporting Pre-Boot Authentication (PBA) computer protection, Acer FingerLaunch.

The left and right buttons function like the left and right mouse buttons.

No. Icon Item Description

7 Power switch Turns the computer on and off.

8 Acer Crystal Eye

webcam

Closed Front View

No. Icon Item Description

1 Power indicator Indicates the computer's power status.

Battery indicator Indicates the computer's battery status.

Communication indicator

Web camera for video communication.

1. Charging: The light shows amber when the battery is charging.

2. Fully charged: The light shows blue when in AC mode.

Indicates the computer’s wireless connectivity device status.

Rear view

No. Icon Item Description

1 Battery Provides power for the computer to be used while

HDD indicator Indicates when the hard disk drive is active.

unplugged.

10 Chapter 1

Left View

No. Icon Item Description

1 Kensington lock slot Connects to a Kensington-compatible computer

2 Ethernet (RJ-45) port Connects to an Ethernet 10/100/1000- based

security lock. NOTE: 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.

network.

3 Acer EasyPort

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

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

6Multi-in-1

Right View

connector

card reader

Connects to Acer EasyPort.

prolonged use.

camera).

Accepts Secure Digital (SD),MultiMediaCard (MMC), Memory Stick (MS), Memory Stick PRO (MS PRO), xD-Picture Card (xD).

NOTE: Push to remove/install the card. Only one card can operate at any given time.

No. Icon Item Description

1 Microphone-in jack Accepts inputs from external microphones.

Headphones/ speaker/line-out jack

Chapter 1 11

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

No. Icon Item Description

2 USB 2.0 port Connects to USB 2.0 devices (e.g., USB mouse, USB

3 External display

4 DC-in jack Connects to an AC adapter.

Base view

(VGA) port

camera).

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

No. Icon Item Description

1 Battery bay Houses the computer's battery pack.

2 Battery lock Locks the battery in position.

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

screws).

4 Acer DASP (Disk

Anti-Shock Protection)

5 Memory

compartment

6 Battery release latch Releases the battery for removal.

Environment  Temperature:

z Operating: 5°C to 35°C

z Non-operating: -20°C to 65°C

 Humidity (non-condensing):

z Operating: 20% to 80%

z Non-operating: 20% to 80%

Protects the hard disk from shocks and bumps.

Houses the computer's main memory.

12 Chapter 1

Touchpad Basics (with fingerprint reader)

The following items show you how to use the touchpad with Acer Bio-Protection fingerprint reader.

1 23 4

 Move your finger across the touchpad (1) to move the cursor.

 Press the left (2) and right (4) 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.

 Use Acer Bio-Protection fingerprint reader (3) supporting Acer FingerNav 4-way control function (only

for certain models) to scroll up or down and move left or right a page. This fingerprint reader or button mimics your cursor pressing on the right scroll bar of Windows applications.

Function Left Button (2) Right Button (4) Main touchpad (1) Center button (3)

Execute Quickly click

twice.

Select Click once. Tap once.

Drag Click and hold,

then use finger on the touchpad to drag the cursor.

Access context menu

Scroll Swipe up/down/

Click once.

Tap twice (at the same speed as double-clicking a mouse button).

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.

left/right using Acer FingerNav 4-way control function(Manufacturing option).

Chapter 1 13

Touchpad basics (with two-click buttons)

The following items show you how to use the touchpad 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. 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 Right Button Main touchpad

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 Click once.

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

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.

NOTE: When using the touchpad, keep it

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.

— and your fingers — dry and clean. The touchpad is sensitive to

14 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.

F11/ Num Lock

Caps Lock

Lock key Description

Caps Lock When Caps Lock is on, all alphabetic characters typed are in uppercase.

Num Lock

<Fn> + <F11>*

Scroll Lock

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.

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.

F12/ Scroll Lock

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.

Desired access Num Lock on Num Lock off

Number keys on embedded keypad

Cursor-control keys on embedded keypad

Main keyboard keys

* only for certain models

Chapter 1 15

Type numbers in a normal manner.

Hold <Shift> while using cursor- control keys.

Hold <Fn> while typing letters on embedded keypad.

Hold <Fn> while using cursorcontrol keys.

Type the letters in a normal manner.

Windows Keys

The keyboard has two keys that perform 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 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.

Application key

< > + <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.

16 Chapter 1

Hot Keys

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

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

Hotkey Icon Function Description

<Fn> + <F3> Communication Enables / disables the computer’s

communication devices. (Communication devices may vary by

configuration.)

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

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

screen, external monitor (if connected) and both.

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

power. Press any key to return.

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

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

Volume up Increases the sound volume.

Volume down Decreases the sound volume.

Brightness up Increases the screen brightness.

Brightness down Decreases the screen brightness.

Chapter 1 17

Using the system utilities

Acer Bio-Protection (only for certain models)

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 Solution incorporates protection against unauthorized access to your computer with centralized password management via Password Bank; easy music player launching with Acer MusicLaunch*; secure Internet favorites via Acer MyLaunch*; and fast application/website launching and login with Acer FingerLaunch. Acer ProfileLaunch** can launch up to three applications/ websites with a single finger swipe.

Acer Bio-Protection Fingerprint Solution also allows you to navigate through web browsers and documents using Acer FingerNav*. With Acer Bio-Protection Fingerprint Solution, you can now enjoy an extra layer of protection for your personal computer, as well as the convenience of accessing your daily tasks with a simple swipe of your finger!

For more information, refer to the Acer Bio-Protection help files.

NOTE:

* Acer ProfileLaunch, MusicLaunch, MyLaunch and FingerNav are only available on select models.

** In models without Acer ProfileLaunch, Acer FingerLaunch can be used to open applications in the Acer ProfileLaunch icons area; a single finger swipe will launch only one application at a time.

18 Chapter 1

Acer GridVista (dual-display compatible)

NOTE: This feature is only available on certain models.

To enable the dual display feature of your notebook, first ensure that a second display is connected, then, open the Display Settings properties box using the Control Panel or by right-clicking the Windows desktop and selecting Personalize. Select the secondary monitor (2) icon in the display box and then click the check box Extend the desktop onto this monitor. Finally, click Apply to confirm the new settings and click OK to complete the process.

Acer GridVista is a handy utility that offers four pre-defined display settings so you can view multiple windows on the same screen. To access this function, please go to Start, All Programs and click on Acer GridVista. You may choose any one of the four display settings indicated below:

Double (vertical), Triple (primary at left), Triple (primary at right), or Quad.

Acer Gridvista is dual-display compatible, allowing two displays to be partitioned independently.

Acer GridVista is imple to set up:

1. Run Acer GridVista and select your preferred screen configuration for each display from the taskbar.

2. Drag and drop each window into the appropriate grid.

Chapter 1 19

3. Enjoy the convenience of a well-organized desktop.

NOTE: Please ensure that the resolution setting of the second monitor is set to the manufacturer's

recommended value.

Acer Backup Manager

NOTE: This feature is only available on certain models.

Acer Backup Manager is a simple three-step process that allows you to create backup copies of your entire system or selected files and folders according to a schedule or as you need to.

To start Acer Backup Manager, press the Acer Backup Manager key above the keyboard. Alternatively, you can go to Start > All Programs > Acer Backup Manager > Acer Backup Manager. This will open the Welcome screen; from this screen you will be taken through the three steps to setup scheduled back ups.

Click Continue to proceed to the following screen. Click the + button and follow the onscreen instructions:

1. Select the content you want to back up. The less content you select, the quicker the process will be, but it

will increase your risks of losing data.

2. Select where you want the backup copies to be stored. You will need to select an external drive or your D: drive; Acer Backup Manager cannot store a backup on the source drive.

3. Select how often you want Acer Backup Manager to create back ups.

Once you have finished these three steps, backups will be created according to the schedule. You can also create backups manually by pressing the Acer Backup Manager key.

If you wish to change your settings at any time, run Acer Backup Manager from the Start menu and go

through the steps outlined above.

20 Chapter 1

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.

Acer PowerSmart key

The Acer PowerSmart key uses the power-saving features of your computer's graphics sub-system to reduce overall power consumption. When you press the Acer PowerSmart key, the screen brightness is reduced and the graphics chip switched to a lower speed; PCI and WLAN switch to power-saving modes. Press the Acer PowerSmart key again to return to your previous settings.

NOTE: This feature is only available on certain models.

Acer eRecovery Management

Acer eRecovery Management is a tool to quickly restore 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 following functions:

1. Backup:

z Create Factory Default Disc

z Create Drivers and Applications Disc

2. Restore:

z Completely Restore System to Factory Defaults

z Restore Operating System and Retain User Data

z Reinstall Drivers or Applications

This chapter will guide you through each process.

NOTE: This feature is only available on certain models. For systems that do not have a built-in optical disc

burner, plug in an external optical disc burner before entering Acer eRecovery Management for optical disc-related tasks.

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.

Chapter 1 21

Burn backup discs

From the Backup page of Acer eRecovery Management, you can burn the factory default image or back up drivers and applications.

1. Click on Start > 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 and applications) you would like to burn to disc.

4. Follow the instructions on screen to complete the process.

NOTE: Create a factory default image when you want to burn a bootable disc that contains your computer's

entire operating system as it was delivered to you from the factory. If you wish to have a disc that will allow you to browse the contents and install selected drivers and applications, create a drivers and application backup instead — this disc will not be bootable.

Restore

The restore feature allows you to restore or recover the system from a factory default image or from previously created CD and DVD backups. You can also reinstall applications and drivers for your Acer system.

1. Click on Start, All Programs, Acer, Acer eRecovery Management.

2. Switch to the Restore page by clicking Restore.

22 Chapter 1

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