Acer Aspire 3810T, Aspire 3810TG, Aspire 3810TZ, Aspire 3810TZG Service Manual

Aspire 3810T/3810TG/3810TZ/3810TZG 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 update made on Aspire 3810T/3810TG/3810TZ/3810TZG service
guide.

Date Chapter Updates

ii

Copyright

Copyright © 2009 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

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.

iv

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.

v

vi

Table of Contents

System Specifications 1

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

System Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Board Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Top View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Bottom View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Your Acer Notebook tour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Top View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Closed Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Rear view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Left View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Right View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Base view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Touchpad Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Using the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Lock Keys and embedded numeric keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Windows Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Hot Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Special Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Using the system utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Acer Backup Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Power management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Acer PowerSmart key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Acer eRecovery Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Burn backup discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Acer Arcade Deluxe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

General controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Navigation controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Player controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Cinema . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

HomeMedia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Advanced . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Albums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Editing Pictures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Slideshow settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Online Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

YouTube . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Flickr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Hardware Specifications and Configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

System Utilities 31

BIOS Setup Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Invoking BIOS Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Main . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

Boot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

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

vii

Table of Contents

Machine Disassembly and Replacement 41

General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Disassembly Procedure Flowchard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

Removing the Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Removing the HDD and RAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

Removing the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

Remove keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

Remove FFC of main board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

Remove wireless card and thermal module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

Remove Main board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

Remove I/O board and Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

Disassembly LCM module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Disassembling the External Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

Disassembling the HDD Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

Troubleshooting 59

System Check Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

External Diskette Drive Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

External CD-ROM Drive Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

Keyboard or Auxiliary Input Device Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

Memory check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

Power System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

Touchpad Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62

Power-On Self-Test (POST) Error Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

Index of Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64

InsydeH2O BIOS Beep Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

Index of Symptom-to-FRU Error Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71

Intermittent Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75

Undetermined Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75

Jumper and Connector Locations 77

Top View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77

Bottom View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78

FRU (Field Replaceable Unit) List 79

Aspire 3810T/3810TG/3810TZ/3810TZG Exploded Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80

Aspire 3810T/3810TG/3810TZ/3810TZG FRU List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83

viii

System Specifications

Features

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

Operating system

 Genuine Windows Vista

®

Chapter 1

NOTE: Windows® Vista® Capable PCs come with Windows® XP installed, and can be upgraded to

Windows
Microsoft.com/windowsvista.

®

Vista® For more information on Windows® Vista® and how to upgrade, go to:

Platform and memory

 Intel® Centrino® 2 mobile processor technology, featuring:

z Intel® Core™ dual processor SU series*

®

z Intel

z Mobile Intel® GS45 Express Chipset

z Intel® Wireless WiFi Link 5100*

z Intel

 Intel

 Mobile Intel

 Acer InviLink™ Nplify™ 802.11b/g/Draft-N*

Core™ solo processor SU series*

®

Wireless WiFi Link 5150*

®

Pentium® mobile processor SU series*

®

GS45 Express Chipset

System memory

 Dual-Channel SDRAM support

 Up to 2 GB of DDR3 1066 MHz memory, upgradeable to 4 GB using two soDIMM modules*

 Up to 4 GB of DDR3 1066 MHz memory, upgradeable to 8 GB using two soDIMM modules*

Display and graphics

 16:9 aspect ratio

 13.3" HD 1366 x 768

Graphics

 Mobile Intel® GS45 Express Chipset

Audio

 High-definition audio support

 S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface) support for digital speakers

 MS-Sound compatible

 Built-in stereo microphones

Chapter 1 1

Storage subsystem

 2.5" hard disk drive/ solid state drive

 5-in-1 card reader

Communication

 Integrated Acer Crystal Eye webcam*

 Wi-Fi/WiMAX: Intel

 WWAN:

z UMTS/HSPA at 900 MHz/2100 MHz and quadband GSM/GPRS/EDGE (850/900/1800/1900 MHz)*

z UMTS/HSPA at 850 MHz/900 MHz/1900 MHz/ 2100 MHz and quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE (850/

900/1800/1900 MHz)*

 WLAN:

®

z Intel

z Acer InviLink™ Nplify™ 802.11b/g/Draft-N*

 WPAN: Bluetooth

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

Wireless WiFi Link 5100*

®

Wireless WiFi Link 5150*

®

2.0+Enhanced Data Rate (EDR)*

Privacy control

 BIOS user, supervisor, HDD passwords

 Kensington lock slot

Dimensions and weight

 322 (W) x 228 (D) x 23.4/28.9 (H) mm

 1.6 kg (3.5lbs.) with 6-cell battery pack

Power subsystem

 ACPI 3.0

 62.16W 5600 mAh

 3-pin 65W AC adapter

®

 ENERGY STAR

*

Special keys and controls

 86-/87-/91-key keyboard

 Touchpad pointing device

I/O Ports

 5-in-1 card reader (SD/MMC/MS/MS PRO/xD)

 USB 2.0 port

 HDMI™ port with HDCP support

 External display (VGA) port

 Headphone/speaker/line-out jack with S/PDIF support

 Microphone-in jack

 Ethernet (RJ-45) port

 DC-in jack for AC adapter

2 Chapter 1

Environment

 Temperature:

z operating: 5°C to 35°C

z Non-operating: -20°C to 65°C

 Humidity (non-condensing):

z operating: 20%~80%

z Non-operating: 20%~80%

NOTE: "*" only for certain models.

Chapter 1 3

System Block Diagram

4 Chapter 1

Board Layout

Top View

Aspire 3810T/3810TG/3810TZ/3810TZG M/B layout and connector location

TOP view

No. Name Description

1 CN1 CCD cable CNTR

2 CN2 MMB cable CNTR

3 CN3 LVDS cable CNTR

4 CN4 Keyboard CNTR

5 CN5 Touch Pad FFC CNTR

6 CN6 SSD cable CNTR

7 CN7 Card reader CNTR

8 CN8 BT cable CNTR

9 CN15 Fan cable CNTR

10 CN21 Audio board CNTR

Chapter 1 5

Bottom View

Bottom view

No. Name Description

11 CN9 Battery CNTR

12 CN10 PCI-E socket

13 CN11 SIM card socket

14 CN12 PCI-E socket

15 CN13 Power cable CNTR

16 CN14 LVDS cable CNTR

17 CN16 DIMM socket

18 CN17 DIMM socket

19 CN19 HDD socket

20 CN20 USB board CNTR

21 U18 South Bridge

22 U14 North Bridge

6 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 Acer Crystal Eye

webcam

2 Microphone Internal microphone for sound recording.

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

4 Power button /

indicator

5 Keyboard For entering data into your computer.

6 Touchpad Touch-sensitive pointing device which functions like a

Chapter 1 7

Web camera for video communication.

computer output (Configuration may vary by models).

Turns the computer on and off. / Indicates the
computer's power status.

computer mouse.

No. Icon Item Description

7 Click buttons (left

and right)

8 Palmrest Comfortable support area for your hands when you

9 Touchpad toggle Turns the internal touchpad on and off.

10 Communication key Enables / disables the WLAN / 3G function.

Backup key Launches Acer Backup Management for three-step

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

use the computer.

data backup.

Acer PowerSmart
key

HDD Indicates when the hard disk drive is active.

11 Speakers Left and right speakers deliver stereo audio output.

Closed Front View

No. Icon Item Description

1 Battery Indicates the computer's battery status.

Puts your computer into power-saving mode.

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

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

8 Chapter 1

Rear view

No. Icon Item Description

1 Battery bay Houses the computer's battery pack.

Left View

No. Icon Item Description

1 DC-in jack Connects to an AC adapter.

2 External display

(VGA) port

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

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

5 Microphone-in jack Accepts input from external microphones.

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

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

prolonged use.

camera).

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

Chapter 1 9

Right View

No. Icon Item Description

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

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

3 HDMI HDMI port Supports high definition digital video connections.

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

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.

camera).

network.

5 Kensington lock slot Connects to a Kensington-compatible computer

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.

10 Chapter 1

Base view

No. Icon Item Description

1 Battery bay Houses the computer's battery pack.

2 Battery lock Locks the battery in position.

3 Memory

compartment

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

5 Ventilation slots and

cooling fan

6 Battery release latch 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.

Chapter 1 11

Touchpad Basics

The following teaches you how to use the touchpad:

 Move your finger across the touchpad (2) to move the cursor.

 Press the left (1) 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 (1) Right Button (3) Main touchpad (2) Center button (4)

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

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.

Click once, turns
the internal
touchpad on and
off.

NOTE: When using the touchpad, keep it - and your infers - dry and clean. The touchpad is sensitive to finger

movements; hence, the lighter the touch, the better the response. Tapping too hard will not increase
the touchpad’s responsiveness.

12 Chapter 1

Using the Keyboard

The keyboard has full-sized keys and an embe d, separate cursor keys, two Windows keys and twelve
function 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

<Fn> + <F11>

Scroll Lock

<Fn> + <F12>

When Num Lock is on, the separate 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.

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.

Chapter 1 13

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

Application
key

< > + <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 or Windows XP, 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 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> + <F2> System property Starts System Property for displaying system

information.

<Fn> + <F3> Bluetooth Enables/disables the Bluetooth function.

(only for certain models).

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

power. Press any key to return.

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

<Fn> + < >

<Fn> + < >

<Fn> + < >

<Fn> + < >

Brightness up Increases the screen brightness.

Brightness down Decreases the screen brightness.

Volume up Increases the sound volume.

Volume down Decrease the sound volume.

Special Key

You can locate the Euro symbol and US dollar sign at the upper-center of your keyboard. To type:

Chapter 1 15

The Euro symbol

1. Open a text editor or word processor.

2. Hold <Alt Gr> and then press the <5> symbol 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. Hold <Shift> and then press the <4> key at the upper-center of the keyboard.

NOTE: This function varies by the operating system version.

16 Chapter 1

Using the system utilities

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 (verticle), Triple (primary at left), Triple (primary at right), or Quad Acer Gridvista is dual-display
compatible, allowing two displays to be partitioned indepently.

AcerGridVista is imple to set up:

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

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

Chapter 1 17

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.

18 Chapter 1

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.

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 Windows graphics scheme will be
changed to Windows Vista Basic, screen brightness reduced and the graphics chip will be switched to a lower

speed.

Press the Acer PowerSmart key again to return to your previous settings.

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:

 Backup:

z Create Factory Default Disc

z Create Drivers and Applications Disc

 Restore:

z Completely Restore System to Factory Defaults

z Restore Operating System and Retain User Data

z Reinstall Drivers or Applications

Chapter 1 19

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.

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.

20 Chapter 1

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.

3. You can choose to restore the system from a factory default image or reinstall applications and drivers.

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

Restore Windows Vista from backup discs

To restore Windows Vista from your previously burned backup discs, you will need to insert the first backup
disc and enable the F12 Boot Menu via the BIOS Setup Utility.

1. Turn on your computer and insert the first system recovery disc into the optical disc drive. Restart your
computer.

2. During startup when the Acer logo shows, press the F2 key to enter BIOS Setup, where you can set
system parameters.

3. Use the left and right arrow keys to select the Main submenu.

4. Use the up and down arrow keys to select F12 Boot Menu.

5. Use the F5 or F6 key to change F12 Boot Menu to Enabled.

6. Press the ESC key to enter the Exit submenu, press the ENTER key to Exit Saving Changes. Press the
ENTER key again to select Yes. The system will reboot.

7. After rebooting, when the Acer logo shows, press the F12 key to open the Boot Menu. Here you can

select which device to boot from.

8. Use the arrow keys to select the IDE CD, then press the ENTER key. Windows will be installed from the
recovery disc.

9. Insert the second recovery disc when prompted, then follow the onscreen prompts to complete the
restore.

10. Remove the recovery disc from the optical drive once the restore is complete. Do this before rebooting
your computer.

NOTE:

This feature is only available on certain models.

Chapter 1 21

If you prefer to set the boot priority for long-term use, you should select the Boot submenu.

1. Turn on your computer and insert the first system recovery disc into the optical disc drive. Restart your
computer.

2. During startup when the Acer logo shows, press the F2 key to enter BIOS Setup, where you can set
system parameters.

3. Use the left and right arrow keys to select the Boot subme

4. Use the up and down arrow keys to select the IDE CD device.

5. Use the F6 key to move the IDE CD device to the highest boot priority, or use the F5 key to move other
devices to a lower boot priority. Ensure that the IDE CD device is the highest priority.

6. Press the ESC key to enter the Exit submenu, press the ENTER key to Exit Saving Changes. Press the
ENTER key again to select Yes. The system will reboot.

7. When you reboot, Windows will be installed from the recovery disc.

8. Insert the second recovery disc when prompted, then follow the onscreen prompts to complete the

restore.

9. Remove the recovery disc from the optical drive once the restore is complete. Do this before rebooting
your computer.

Acer Arcade Deluxe

Acer Arcade Deluxe is an integrated player for music, photos, DVD movies and videos. Use the
MediaConsole, touchpad or arrow keys to select the media type you wish to enjoy.

 Cinema — watch DVDs, VCDs or Blu-Ray movies, and video clips

 Homemedia — connect to other devices wirelessly to share media content

 Advanced — change settings, update your Arcade software, view the help file and About information

 Albums — view photos stored on your hard disk or removable media

 Music — listen to music files in a variety of formats

 Online Media — browse online content from YouTube and Flickr

NOTE: While watching videos, optical discs or slideshows, your screensaver and power-saving features are

unavailable.

NOTE: For more detailed information on the features of Acer Arcade, please refer to the Arcade Help menu.

This can be accessed from the Arcade home page by selecting Help.

22 Chapter 1