Acer ASPIRE 3300S User Manual

Aspire 3300S

User’s guide

Copyright © 2002 Acer Incorporated
All Rights Reserved.

Aspire 3300S
User’s guide

Changes may be made periodically to the information in this publication without obligation
to notify any person of such revision or changes. Such changes will be incorporated in new
editions of this manual or supplementary documents and publications. This company makes
no representations or warranties, either expressed or implied, with respect to the contents
hereof and specifically disclaims the implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a
particular purpose.

Record the model number, serial number, purchase date, and place of purchase information in
the space provided below. The serial number and model number are recorded on the label
affixed to your computer. All correspondence concerning your unit should include the serial
number, model number, and purchase information.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in
any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise,
without the prior written permission of Acer Incorporated.

Model Number : _________________________________

Serial Number: ___________________________________

Purchase Date: ___________________________________

Place of Purchase: ________________________________

Acer and the Acer Logo are registered trademarks of Acer Inc. Other company’s product
names or trademarks are used herein for identification purposes only and belong to their
respective companies.

Notices

FCC notice

This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits
are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This device generates, uses,
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used
in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications.

However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this device does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
device off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna

• Increase the separation between the device and receiver

• Connect the device into an outlet on a circuit different from that

to which the receiver is connected

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician
for help

iii

Notice: Shielded cables

All connections to other computing devices must be made using
shielded cables to maintain compliance with FCC regulations.

Notice: Peripheral devices

Only peripherals (input/output devices, terminals, printers, etc.)
certified to comply with the Class B limits may be attached to this
equipment. Operation with noncertified peripherals is likely to result
in interference to radio and TV reception.

Caution! Changes or modifications not expressly approved by
the manufacturer could void the user’s authority, which is granted
by the Federal Communications Commission, to operate this
computer.

iv

Use conditions

This part complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject
to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Notice: Canadian users

This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian
Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.

Remarque à l’intention des utilisateurs canadiens

Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respected toutes les exigences du
Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.

Important safety instructions

Read these instructions carefully. Save these instructions for future
reference.

1 Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product.

2 Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not

use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for
cleaning.

3 Do not use this product near water.

4 Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, or table. The

product may fall, causing serious damage to the product.

5 Slots and openings in the cabinet and the back or bottom are

provided for ventilation; to ensure reliable operation of the
product and to protect it from overheating, these openings must
not be blocked or covered. The openings should never be blocked
by placing the product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface.
This product should never be placed near or over a radiator or
heat register, or in a built-in installation unless proper ventilation
is provided.

6 This product should be operated from the type of power indicated

on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power
available, consult your dealer or local power company.

7 Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord. Do not locate

this product where persons will walk on the cord.

8 If an extension cord is used with this product, make sure that the

total ampere rating of the equipment plugged into the extension
cord does not exceed the extension cord ampere rating. Also,
make sure that the total rating of all products plugged into the
wall outlet does not exceed the fuse rating.

9 Never push objects of any kind into this product through cabinet

slots as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out
parts that could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid
of any kind on the product.

10 Do not attempt to service this product yourself, as opening or

removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage points or
other risks. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.

11 Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to

qualified service personnel under the following conditions:

a When the power cord or plug is damaged or frayed

b If liquid has been spilled into the product

c If the product has been exposed to rain or water

d If the product does not operate normally when the operating

instructions are followed. Adjust only those controls that are
covered by the operating instructions since improper
adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will
often require extensive work by a qualified technician to
restore the product to normal condition.

e If the product has been dropped or the cabinet has been

damaged

f If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance,

indicating a need for service.

12 Replace the battery with the same type as the product’s battery we

recommend. Use of another battery may present a risk of fire or
explosion. Refer battery replacement to a qualified serviceman.

13 Warning! Batteries may explode if not handled properly. Do not

disassemble or dispose of them in fire. Keep them away from
children and dispose of used batteries promptly.

14 Use only the proper type of power supply cord set (provided in

your accessories box) for this unit. It should be a detachable type:
UL listed/CSA certified, type SVT, rated 7A 125V minimum, VDE
approved or its equivalent. Maximum length is 15 feet (4.6
meters).

v

vi

Laser compliance statement

The CD or DVD drive in this computer is a laser product. The CD or
DVD drive’s classification label (shown below) is located on the drive.

CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT
CAUTION: INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION WHEN OPEN. AVOID
EXPOSURE TO BEAM.

Lithium battery statement

CAUTION

Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only
with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer.
Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Year 2000 compliance statement

The Aspire 3300S series computer carries the "Hardware NSTL Tested
Year 2000 Compliant" logo, which certifies that this model has been
tested by NSTL using the YMark2000 test, and has been found to meet
NSTL's standards for Year 2000 hardware compliance.

For more details, check the Acer Year 2000 Resource Center at
(global.acer.com/service/pcy2000.html

).

Notices iii

FCC notice iii
Important safety instructions iv
Laser compliance statement vi
Lithium battery statement vi
Year 2000 compliance statement vi

1 First things first 1

Package contents 3
Taking care of your computer 4

Important tips 4
Cleaning and servicing 4
Asking for technical assistance 5
Accessing the online guide 5

2 System tour 7

Features 9

Performance 9
Multimedia 9

Connectivity 9
Front panel 10
Rear panel 12
Keyboard 14
Mouse 17
Disk drives 18

Floppy drive 18

CD-ROM/DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive 19

Hard disk 21

Contents

3 Setting up your computer 23

Arranging a comfortable work area 25

Adjusting your chair 25

Positioning your Aspire PC 25

Positioning your monitor 27

Positioning your keyboard 27

Positioning your mouse 28
Connecting peripherals 29

USB mouse 29

USB keyboard 30

Monitor 31

Power cable 32

viii

Turning on your computer 33
Turning off your computer 34
Connecting options 35

Printer 35
Serial mouse 36
LCD monitor 37
Network 38
Modem (optional) 39
Multimedia devices 40
USB devices 44

4 Q & A 47

Index 53

1 First things first

This chapter describes the contents of your

computer package and also provides

important tips on how to take care of your

computer.

Package contents

Before you unpack your computer, make sure that you have enough
space to set up your computer.

Carefully unpack the carton and remove the contents. If any of the
following items are missing or damaged, contact your dealer
immediately:

• Aspire 3300S

• Items contained in the accessory box

• Foot stands

• USB or PS/2 mouse

• Power cable

• USB speakers (available in select countries)

• USB or PS/2 keyboard

• User’s guide and installation poster

• Other user documentation and third-party software

3

4

1 First things first

Taking care of your computer

Please read the important instructions listed in this section. Following
these instructions will help you maximize the durability of your
computer.

Important tips

• Do not expose the computer to direct sunlight. Do not place it
near sources of heat, such as a radiator.

• Do not subject the computer to magnetic fields.

• Do not expose the computer to rain or moisture.

• Do not spill water on the computer.

• Do not subject the computer to heavy shock or vibration.

• Do not expose the computer to dust and dirt.

• Never place the system on uneven surfaces.

• Do not step on the power cord or place heavy objects on top of it.

Carefully route the power cord and any cables away from personal
traffic.

• When unplugging the power cord, do not pull on the cord itself
but pull on the plug.

• The total ampere rating of the equipment plugged in should not
exceed the ampere rating of the cord if you are using an extension
cord. Also, the total current rating of all equipment plugged into
a single wall outlet should not exceed the fuse rating.

• Check the documentation that came with your software programs
to see if you can select other combinations of resolution and color.
These adjustments could make viewing the screen more
comfortable.

Cleaning and servicing

To clean your computer and keyboard

1. Turn off the computer and unplug the power cord.

2. Use a soft cloth moistened with water and gently wipe the exterior
of the computer and the keyboard. Do not use liquid or aerosol
cleaners.

To clean your mouse

1. Open the circular cover underneath the mouse.

2. Take out the rubber ball and wipe it with a soft, damp cloth.

3. Put the ball back and close the cover.

To clean your monitor

Make sure that you keep your screen clean. For cleaning instructions,
refer to the documentation that came with your monitor.

When to contact a service technician

• If you dropped and damaged the computer.

• If liquid has been spilled into the computer.

• If the computer is not operating normally.

Asking for technical assistance

For technical assistance, contact your local dealer or distributor. You
may also access the Acer Web site (www.acer.com
how and where to contact the service centers available in your area.

) for information on

5

Accessing the online guide

You may also refer to the Aspire 3300S series online guide for
information about your computer. To access the online guide, simply
double-click on the Aspire 3300S Online guide icon on your Windows
desktop.

6

1 First things first

2 System tour

This chapter discusses the features and
components of your computer.

Features

Here are just a few of your computer’s many features:

Performance

• Intel® Pentium® 4 processor with Intel NetBurst™
micro-architecture (1.7-, 1.8-, 1.9-, 2.0-, 2.2-, and 2.4 GHz)

• System memory expandable to 2 GB

• Power management function

• 3.5-inch floppy drive

• DVD-ROM, CD-ROM or CD-RW drive

• High-capacity, Enhanced-IDE hard disk

Multimedia

• 128-bit graphics accelerator installed in the AGP card slot

• 3-D quality audio system via onboard audio controller

• Audio-in/Line-in, Audio-out/Line-out, Headphone-out, Mic-in, and

Game/MIDI interfaces

9

Note: The system has two microphone-in ports (front and rear).
However, you can not use both of them at the same time. The
default setting for your system enables the microphone-in port in
front and disables the one at the back.

Connectivity

• PS/2 mouse and keyboard interfaces

• Two serial and one parallel interfaces

• Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports (two on the front and two on the

rear panel)

• High-speed fax/data PCI modem (optional)

• 10Base-T/100Base-TX network support with remote wake-up

function

10

Front panel

Your computer’s front panel consists of the following:

Label Icon Component

2 System tour

1 Floppy drive light-emitting diode (LED)

2 3.5-inch floppy drive

3 Floppy drive eject button

4 CD/DVD Headphone/Earphone port (disabled)

5 Volume control

6 CD/DVD LED

7 CD/DVD tray

8 CD/DVD emergency eject slot

9 Stop/Eject button

Label Icon Component

10 USB ports

11

11

Microphone-in port (front)

12 Headphone-out port

13 Hard disk activity LED

14 LAN activity LED

15 Power LED

16 Power switch

Note: The system has two microphone-in ports (front and rear).
However, you can not use both of them at the same time. The
default setting for your system enables the microphone-in port in
front and disables the one at the back.

see note

12

Rear panel

Your computer’s rear panel consists of the following:

Label Icon Color Component

2 System tour

1 Power supply

2 Voltage selector switch

3Keyhole

4 Green PS/2 mouse port

5 Gray Network port

6 Burgundy Parallel/Printer port

7 Gold Game/MIDI port

8

VGA port (add-on card)

see note

Label Icon Color Component

13

9 Black Handset/telephone line ports

10 Power cord socket

11 Purple PS/2 keyboard port

12 Black USB ports

13 Teal or

Turquoise

14 Lime Audio-out/Line-out jack

15 Light blue Audio-in/Line-in jack

16 Pink Microphone-in port (rear)

17 Expansion slots

Note: The CRT monitor port is automatically disabled when an
add-on VGA card is installed into the system. Connect the monitor
to the VGA port instead.

(optional)

Serial port

For information on how to connect the peripherals, see “Connecting
peripherals” on page 29 and “Connecting peripherals” on page 29.

14

2 System tour

Keyboard

The keyboard that came with your computer has full-sized keys that
include separate cursor keys, two Windows keys, and twelve function

keys.

Item Component Description

1 Function keys Perform specific functions, depending

2 Caps lock When activated, all alphabetic

on the application that uses them.

characters typed appear in uppercase
(same function as pressing Shift +
<letter>).

Item Component Description

15

3 Windows logo key Start button. Combinations with this

4 Application key Opens the applications context menu

5 Cursor keys Also called arrow keys, let you move the

6 Palm rest (detachable) Provides a comfortable place to rest your

7 Num lock When activated, the keypad is set to

key perform special functions, such as:

• Windows + Tab: Activate the next
Taskbar button

• Windows + E: Explore My
Computer

• Windows + F: Find Document

• Windows + M: Minimize All

• Shift + Windows + M: Undo

Minimize All

• Windows + R: Display Run dialog
box

(same function as clicking the right
button of the mouse).

cursor around the screen. They serve the
same function as the arrow keys on the
numeric pad when the Num lock is
toggled off.

hands while typing.

numeric mode, i.e., the keys function as
a calculator (complete with arithmetic
operators such as +, -, * and /).

8 Scroll lock When activated, the screen moves one

9 Volume control/Mute Controls the speaker volume. Turn it

line up or down when you press the up
arrow or down arrow respectively. Take
note that Scroll Lock may not work with
some applications.

clockwise or counterclockwise to adjust
the volume. Press it to toggle between
mute and sound.

16

Item Component Description

10 Multimedia keys Allow you to do the following:

• Play/Pause button : press to
start playing the audio track or
video file. Press again to pause.

• Stop button : press to stop
playing the audio track or video
file.

• Forward button : press to skip
forward to the next track or video
file and start playing.

• Backward button : press to skip
backward to the previous track or
video file and start playing.

11 Internet/Suspend keys Consist of three buttons:

• Email button : launches the
email application that came
bundled with your system.

2 System tour

• Web browser button :
launches the browser application
that came bundled with your
system.

• Suspend button : puts the
system to sleep when pressed.

12 Programmable keys Help you directly access a URL (Web site)

or launch any program, file, or
application in your system. The fifth key
is set to launch the media player.

To configure the settings of each key,
right-click on the Magic Keyboard icon
located on the Windows taskbar.

17

Mouse

The mouse has one ratchet wheel and two buttons: a left button and a
right button. Quickly pressing and releasing the buttons is called
clicking. Sometimes, you will need to do a double-click (clicking the
same button twice quickly) or a right-click (clicking the right button
quickly).

The ratchet wheel in between the two buttons is added to provide
easier scrolling capability. By simply moving the wheel with your index
finger, you can quickly move through multiple pages, lines, or
windows. The wheel may also function as a third button allowing you
to quickly click or double-click an icon or a selected item.

Note: If you are left-handed, refer to your Windows manual for
instructions on how to set up your mouse for left-handed use.

18

2 System tour

Disk drives

Your computer comes with the following disk drives:

Floppy drive

Your computer’s 3.5-inch floppy drive can handle 720-KB and 1.44-MB
capacity diskettes.

The floppy diskettes are compact, lightweight, and easy to carry
around. Here are some tips on how to take care of your diskettes:

• Always make backup copies of the diskettes that contain
important data or program files.

• Keep diskettes away from magnetic fields and sources of heat.

• Avoid removing a diskette from a drive when the floppy drive

activity light is on.

• Write-protect your diskettes to prevent accidental erasure. To do
this, slide the write-protect tab to the write-protect position.

Write-protected

• When you put a label on a 3.5-inch diskette, make sure that the
label is properly attached (flat on the surface) and within the
labeling area (area with a slight surface depression) on the
diskette. An improperly attached label may cause a diskette to get
stuck in a drive when you are inserting or removing it.

Not

write-protected

19

CD-ROM/DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive

Your computer may come with a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM or a CD-RW
drive. This drive is located on the front panel of your computer. The
CD-ROM drive allows you to play different types of compact discs (CDs).
The DVD-ROM drive allows you to play not only old CD-ROMs, CD-I
discs, and video CDs, but new digital video discs (DVDs) as well. The
CD-RW drive allows you to record or burn CD-RW (recordable or
rewritable) discs. DVD or DVD-ROM is a new type of disc media that
holds a minimum of 4.7-GB (gigabytes), enough for a full-length
movie. It is believed that it will eventually replace CD-ROMs, as well as
VHS video cassettes and laser discs.

CDs and DVDs, like diskettes, are also compact, lightweight, and easy
to carry around. However, they are more delicate than diskettes and
must be handled with extra care.

To insert a CD or DVD into your computer’s CD or DVD drive:

1. Gently push the eject button located on the front panel.

Caution! Avoid using low quality CDs, CD-Rs and CD-RWs,
because they could be damaged by your computer’s CD or DVD
drive.

20

2. When the disc tray slides open, insert the CD or DVD. Make sure
that the label or title side of the disc is facing upward. When
holding a disc, hold it by the edges to avoid leaving smudges or
fingerprints.

3. Push the eject button again to close the tray.

2 System tour

To take care of your CDs and DVDs:

• Keep your discs in a disk case when not in use to avoid scratches or
other damage. Any kind of dirt or damage can affect the data on
the disc, impair the disc lens reader on the CD or DVD drive, or
stop the computer from successfully reading the disc.

• When handling discs, always hold them by the edges to avoid
smudges or fingerprints.

• When cleaning discs, use a clean, dust-free cloth and wipe in a
straight line from the center to the edge. Do not wipe in a circular
motion.

• Clean your CD or DVD drive periodically. You may refer to the
Cleaning kit for instructions. Cleaning kits can be purchased in any
computer or electronics shop.

Hard disk

Your computer is preinstalled with a high-capacity Enhanced-IDE (E­IDE) hard disk. If you want to replace your hard disk or upgrade it,
contact your dealer or a qualified service technician for assistance.

21

22

2 System tour

3 Setting up your

computer

This chapter contains step-by-step instructions
on how to set up your computer and connect
additional peripherals.

25

Arranging a comfortable work area

Working safely begins with the arrangement of your work space and
the proper use of equipment. For this reason, it is very important to
take time and think about how you are going to arrange your work
area.

Here are some points to consider:

Adjusting your chair

Having the right kind of chair does not necessarily mean that you’ll be
properly supported. It is necessary to adjust your chair to fit your body.
Proper body posture will make you more comfortable and productive.

• Avoid tilting your chair. If you have a chair that tilts, lock the tilt
knobs so that your chair will not tilt forward or backward while
you are using your computer.

• Adjust your chair height in such a way that you can sit on it with
your thighs parallel to the floor and your feet resting flat on the
floor.

• Rest your body on the chair back. Your torso works harder to
maintain balance if you do not rest your body on the chair back.

Positioning your Aspire PC

You may position your computer in two ways:

• Tower-like/vertical position

• Regular desktop position

To position your PC in the tower-like or vertical
position:

1. Check the foot stands that came with your computer.

2. Install the foot stands.
a. Press the notch on both sides of the foot stands.

26

b. Attach the foot stands to the slots on the housing frame as
shown in the figure below:

3 Setting up your computer

To place your PC in the regular desktop position:

1. Check the foot stands that came with your computer.

2. Attach the foot stands as shown in the figure that follows.

27

3. Place your computer in the desired location.

Take note of the following when selecting a location for your
computer:

• Do not put your computer near any equipment that might cause
electromagnetic or radio frequency interference such as radio
transmitters, televisions, copy machines, or heating and air­conditioning equipment.

• Avoid dusty areas and extremes of temperature and humidity.

• You may place your computer beside your desk or under your

table, as long as it does not block the space that you need for
working and moving.

Positioning your monitor

Place your monitor at a comfortable viewing distance, usually 50 to 60
centimeters away. Adjust the display in such a way that the top of the
screen is at or slightly below eye level.

Positioning your keyboard

The location of the keyboard is a very important factor to your
posture. Placing it too far away will make your body lean forward
forcing you to sit in an unnatural position. Placing it too high will add
tension to your shoulder muscles.

• The keyboard should be placed just above your lap. Adjust the
keyboard height by flipping the folding stands located under the
keyboard.

• Keep your lower arms parallel to the floor as you type. Your upper
arms and shoulders should be relaxed. Then try typing with a light
touch. If you feel any shoulder or neck strain, stop for a while and
check your posture.

• Position your keyboard in front of your monitor. Putting your
keyboard beside your monitor will make you turn your head while
you type which could add tension to your neck muscles that may
later result in neck strain.

28

3 Setting up your computer

Positioning your mouse

• The mouse should be placed on the same surface as your keyboard
so that you can reach it with ease.

• Adjust its position to allow enough space for movement without
making you stretch or lean over.

• Use your arm to move the mouse. Do not rest your wrist on the
table when moving the mouse.

Connecting peripherals

Setting up your computer is easy. For the most part, you only have
four things to connect: the USB mouse, the USB keyboard, the
monitor, and the power cable.

USB mouse

Plug the USB mouse cable into any of the USB ports located on the
front or rear panel of your computer.

29

Note: If you are using a PS/2 mouse, plug the mouse cable into

the PS/2 mouse port (green port) located on the rear panel of
your computer.

30

3 Setting up your computer

USB keyboard

Plug the USB keyboard cable into any of the USB port located on the
front or rear panel of your computer.

31

Note: If you are using a PS/2 keyboard, plug the keyboard cable

into the PS/2 keyboard port (purple port) located on the rear
panel of your computer.

Monitor

To connect a monitor, simply plug the monitor cable into the monitor
port located on the rear panel of your computer.

Note: The CRT monitor port is automatically disabled when an
add-on VGA card is installed into the system. Connect the monitor
to the VGA port instead.

Note: Refer to the monitor manual for additonal instructions and
information.

32

3 Setting up your computer

Power cable

Caution! Before you proceed, check the voltage range in your
area. Make sure that it matches your computer’s voltage setting
(refer to page 12 for the location of the voltage selector switch on
the rear panel of your computer). If they don’t match, set the
voltage selector switch to the voltage range applicable to your
area.

Plug the power cable into the power cable socket located on the rear
panel of your computer. Then plug the other end of the power cable
into a power outlet.

33

Turning on your computer

After connecting the necessary peripherals and plugging in the power
cable, you are now ready to turn the computer on and get to work.

To turn on your computer:

1. Turn on all peripherals connected to your computer such as the
monitor, printer, fax, speakers, etc.

2. On the rear panel of your computer, set the voltage selector switch
to the voltage range applicable to your area.

3. On the front panel of your computer, press the power button.

Important: Make sure that the power cable is properly plugged
into an electrical outlet. If you are using a power strip or an AVR
(Auto-Voltage Regulator), make sure that it is plugged in and
turned on.

34

3 Setting up your computer

Turning off your computer

To turn off your computer, click on the Start button, highlight Shut
Down, select Shut down; then click on OK. You can then turn off all

peripherals connected to your computer.

If you cannot shut down your computer normally, press the power
button for at least four seconds. Quickly pressing the button may put
the computer in Suspend mode only.

Connecting options

Printer

To connect a printer, plug the printer cable into the parallel port
(burgundy port) located on the rear panel of your computer.

Note: The printer shown below is for your reference only. Actual
device model may vary in different countries.

35

36

3 Setting up your computer

Serial mouse

To connect a serial mouse, plug the serial mouse cable into the serial

port (teal or turquoise port) located on the rear panel of your
computer.

37

LCD monitor

To connect an LCD monitor, plug the LCD monitor’s VGA cable into the
VGA port located on the rear panel of your computer.

Note: Refer to the LCD monitor manual for additonal instructions
and information.

38

3 Setting up your computer

Network

You can connect your computer to a Local Area Network (LAN) using a
network cable. To do so, simply plug the network cable into the

network port (gray port) on the rear panel of your computer.

Note: Consult your operating system manual for information on
how to configure your network setup.

39

Modem (optional)

Set up your modem connection by plugging the telephone line and

handset into the handset/telephone line port located on the rear

panel of your computer.

Refer to the figure below for the connection.

40

3 Setting up your computer

Multimedia devices

You can connect multimedia devices such as a microphone,
headphones or earphones, external speakers, audio line-in device and
a joystick (for games). These devices will allow you to take advantage
of your computer’s multimedia features.

Note: The multimedia devices shown below are for your
reference only. Actual device models may vary in different
countries.

Plug the devices in as follows:

Note: For information on how to configure multimedia devices,
consult the documentation that came with each device.

• microphone: connects to the Mic-in port (pink port) located
on the front and rear panel of your computer

Note: The system has two microphone-in ports (front and rear).
However, you can not use both of them at the same time. The
default setting for your system enables the microphone-in port in
front and disables the one at the back.

41

• earphones, headphones: connect to the Headphone-out port
(lime port) located on the front panel of your computer

Note: To adjust the volume of the headphones, click on the
Volume icon located on the taskbar at the bottom of your screen.
When the Volume control pops up, drag the Volume control lever
to the desired level. You can also use the Volume control button
on the keyboard.

42

3 Setting up your computer

• external speakers: connect to the Audio-out/Line-out jack

(lime jack) located on the front or rear panel of your computer

• audio line-in device: connect to the Audio-in/Line-in jack
(light blue jack) located on the rear panel of your computer

43

• joystick: connect to the Game/MIDI port (gold port) located on
the rear panel of your computer

44

3 Setting up your computer

USB devices

Universal Serial Bus (USB) is a newer serial bus design that is capable of
cascading peripherals such as a keyboard, mouse, speakers, joystick,
scanner, printer and modem. With USB, complex cable connections
can be eliminated.

Your computer comes with four USB ports: two each on both the front
and rear panels. These ports allow you to connect additional devices
to your computer without using up precious system resources.

To connect a USB device, simply plug the device cable into any of the
USB ports (black port).

Note: The USB devices shown below are for your reference only.
Actual device models may vary in different countries.

45

Note: Most USB devices have a built-in USB port which allows you
to connect or daisy-chain more USB devices.

46

3 Setting up your computer

4 Q & A

This chapter tells you what to do in case
your computer is not working properly.
However, if a more serious problem arises,
contact your dealer or the technical support
center (www.acersupport.com) for
assistance.

49

The following questions are possible situations that may arise during
the use of your computer and each is followed by easy answers and
solutions to the situation.

Q: I pressed the power switch but the system did not boot up.

A: Check the LED located beside the power switch.

If the LED is not lit, no power is being applied to the system. Do any of
the following:

• Check if the voltage selector switch located on the rear panel of
the computer is set to the correct voltage.

• Check if the main power switch located on the rear panel of the
computer is turned ON (1). See “Turning on your computer” on
page 33 for the location of the main power switch on your
computer.

• Check if you plugged the power cable properly into an electrical
outlet.

• If you are using a power strip or AVR, make sure that it is plugged
in and turned on.

If the LED is lit, check the following:

• Is a nonbootable (nonsystem) diskette in the floppy drive? If yes,
remove or replace it with a system diskette and press Ctrl + Alt +
Del to restart your computer.

• The operating system files may be damaged or missing. Insert the
startup disk you created during Windows setup into the floppy
drive and press Ctrl + Alt + Del to restart your computer. This will
automatically diagnose your system and make necessary fixes.
However, if the diagnostic utility still reports a problem, then you
may have to perform the recovery process to restore your system
to its original default factory settings.

50

4 Q & A

Q: Nothing appears on the screen.

A: Your computer’s power management function automatically blanks

the screen to save power. Just press any key to turn the display back
on.

If pressing a key does not work, contact your dealer or the technical
support center for assistance.

Q: The printer does not work.

A: Do the following:

• Make sure that the printer is connected to a power outlet and that
it is turned on.

• Make sure that the printer cable is connected securely to the
system’s parallel port and the corresponding port on the printer.
See “Printer” on page 35 for information on how to connect the
printer to your computer.

• For additional information concerning the printer, refer to the
printer’s documentation.

Q: No sound comes out from the computer.

A: Check the following:

• The volume may be muted. Look for the Volume icon on the
taskbar. If it is crossed-out, click on the icon and deselect the
Mute option. You can also press the volume control/mute knob
on your USB keyboard to toggle from mute to sound on.

• If headphones, earphones, or external speakers are connected to
the line-out jack of your computer, the internal or built-in speakers
are automatically turned off.

51

Q: System cannot read diskette, hard disk, CD or DVD information.

A: Check the following:

• Make sure that you are using the correct type of disc or diskette.
See “Disk drives” on page 18.

• Check if the diskette is formatted correctly. If not, format it again.

Caution: If you reformat a diskette, you will lose all data on it.

• Make sure the diskette, CD or DVD is inserted into the drive
correctly.

• Check if the CD or DVD is clean and not scratched.

• Check your drive by using a good (i.e., undamaged) diskette or a

good disc. If your floppy drive, CD or DVD drive can not read the
information on the good diskette, CD or DVD there may be a
problem with the drive. Contact your dealer or technical support
center for assistance.

Q: System cannot write to a diskette, hard disk or disc.

A: Check the following:

• Make sure the diskette or hard disk is not write-protected. See
“Disk drives” on page 18.

• Make sure that you are using the correct type of disc or diskette.
See “Disk drives” on page 18.

• Check if the diskette is formatted correctly. If not, format it again.

Caution: If you reformat a diskette, you will lose all data on it.

52

4 Q & A

Index

A

accessing the online guide 5

C

computer maintenance 4

cleaning 4
servicing 4

connecting options

lcd monitor 37
modem 39
multimedia devices 40

audio line-in device 42
earphones/headphones 41
external speakers 40
joystick 40

microphone 40
network 35, 38
printer 35
serial mouse 36
USB devices 44

D

disk drives 18

CD-ROM/DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive

inserting CDs/DVDs 19

taking care CDs/DVDs 20
floppy drive 18

not write-protect 18

write-protect 18
hard disk 21

F

features 9

connectivity 9
multimedia 9
performance 9

front panel 10

K

keyboard 14

application key 15
caps lock 14
cursor keys 15
function key 14

53

internet/suspend keys 16
multimedia keys 16
num lock 15
palm rest 15
programmable keys 16
scroll lock 15
volume control/mute 15
Windows logo key 15

M

mouse 17

buttons 17
clicking 17
double-click 17
ratchet wheel 17

Q

Q&A 49

blank screen 50
no audio 50
no sound 50
printer not working 50
system cannot read disk 51
system cannot write to disk 51
system did not boot up 49

R

rear panel 12

S

setting up computer 25, 29

area 25
chair 25
connecting peripherals

external monitor 31
power cable 32
USB keyboard 30

USB mouse 29
keyboard 27
monitor 27
mouse 28

T

turning off computer 34

software shutdown 34
suspend mode 34

turning on computer 33

power button 33