Acer Aspire E 15 User Manual

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Aspire E 15 Touch Series

User’s Manual

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© 2014. All Rights Reserved. Aspire E 15 Touch Series

Covers: E5-571P / E5-531P / E5-511P This revision: May 2014

Sign up for an Acer ID and enable Acer Remote Files

Open the Acer Portal from the Start screen to sign up for an Acer ID or sign in if you already have an Acer ID.

There are three great reasons for you to get an Acer ID:

•Remotely access your PC from your other devices with our free Acer Remote Files app

•Get the latest offers and product information

•Register your device for warranty service

For more information, please visit the AcerCloud website:

www.acer.com/acercloud

Important

This manual contains proprietary information that is protected by copyright laws. The information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice. Images provided herein are for reference only and may contain information or features that do not apply to your computer. Acer Group shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained in this manual.

Model number: _________________________________

Serial number: _________________________________

Date of purchase: ______________________________

Place of purchase: ______________________________

Table of contents - 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

First things first	6
Your guides .............................................	6
Basic care and tips for using your
computer..................................................	6
Turning your computer off...........................	6
Taking care of your computer .....................	7
Taking care of your AC adapter ..................	7
Taking care of your battery pack.................	8
Cleaning and servicing................................	8
Your Acer notebook tour	9
Screen view ...........................................	10
Keyboard view .......................................	11
Left view ...............................................	12
Information on USB 3.0.............................	12
Right view .............................................	14
Base view ..............................................	15
Using the keyboard	16
Lock keys...............................................	16
Hotkeys .....................................................	16
Windows keys........................................	18
Touchpad	19
Touchpad basics ...................................	19
Touchpad gestures................................	19
Recovery	21
Creating a recovery backup...................	21
Creating a drivers and applications
backup ...................................................	23
Recovering your system ........................	25
Reinstalling drivers and applications.........	26
Returning to an earlier system snapshot ..	28
Returning your system to its factory
condition....................................................	29
Recovering from Windows ........................	29
Recovering from a recovery backup .........	32
Connecting to the Internet	35
Connecting with a cable ........................	35
Built-in network feature .............................	35
Connecting wirelessly............................	36
Connecting to a wireless LAN...................	36
Connecting to a 3G network .....................	37
Acer Touch Tools	38
Touch tool controls ................................	38
Pointing .....................................................	39
Using AccuFinger......................................	39
RepliView ..................................................	40
Settings .....................................................	40

Using a Bluetooth connection	42
Enabling and disabling Bluetooth ..........	42
Enable Bluetooth and add a device ..........	42
Acer Screen Grasp	44
Overview ..............................................	44
Adjusting the Settings ...............................	45
The editing tool .........................................	45
Acer Scrapboard	47
BIOS utility	49
Boot sequence.......................................	49
Setting passwords .................................	49
Securing your computer	50
Using a computer security lock..............	50
Using passwords ...................................	50
Entering passwords ..................................	51
Power management	52
Saving power .........................................	52
Battery pack	54
Battery characteristics ...........................	54
Charging the battery .................................	54
Optimizing battery life ...............................	55
Checking the battery level.........................	56
Battery-low warning ..................................	56
Installing and removing the battery pack ..	57
Traveling with your computer	58
Disconnecting from the desktop ............	58
Moving around .......................................	58
Preparing the computer ............................	58
What to bring to meetings .........................	59
Taking the computer home ....................	59
Preparing the computer ............................	59
What to take with you................................	60
Special considerations ..............................	60
Setting up a home office ...........................	60
Traveling with the computer...................	61
Preparing the computer ............................	61
What to take with you................................	61
Special considerations ..............................	61
Traveling internationally.........................	62
Preparing the computer ............................	62
What to bring with you ..............................	62
Special considerations ..............................	62
Memory card reader	64
Connectivity options...............................	64

4 - Table of contents
Video and audio connectors	66
HDMI	67
Universal Serial Bus (USB)	68
Frequently asked questions	70
Requesting service ................................	72
Tips and hints for using Windows 8.1....	74
How do I get to Start? ...............................	74
What are "Charms?" .................................	74
Can I boot directly to the desktop? ...........	75
How do I jump between apps?..................	75
How do I turn off my computer?................	75
How do I unlock my computer?.................	75
How do I set the alarm? ............................	77
Where are my apps?.................................	78
What is a Microsoft ID (account)?.............	80

How do I add a favorite to Internet
Explorer?...................................................	80
How do I check for Windows updates?.....	80
Where can I get more information?...........	80
Troubleshooting .....................................	81
Troubleshooting tips..................................	81
Error messages.........................................	81
Internet and online security	83
First steps on the net .............................	83
Protecting your computer..........................	83
Choose an Internet Service Provider ........	83
Network connections.................................	85
Surf the Net!..............................................	87
Security .....................................................	87
Playing Blu-Ray or DVD movies	94

Getting started...

In this section you will find:

•Useful information on caring for your computer and your health

•Where to find the power button, ports and connectors

•Tips and tricks for using the touchpad and keyboard

•How to create recovery backups

•Guidelines for connecting to a network and using Bluetooth

•Information on using Acer’s bundled software

6 - First things first

FIRST THINGS FIRST

We would like to thank you for making this Acer notebook your choice for meeting your mobile computing needs.

Your guides

To help you use your Acer notebook, we have designed a set of guides:

First off, the Setup Guide helps you get started with setting up your computer.

The Quick Guide introduces you to the basic features and functions of your new computer. For more on how your computer can help you to be more productive, please refer to the User’s Manual. This guide contains detailed information on such subjects as system utilities, data recovery, expansion options and troubleshooting. In addition it contains general regulations and safety notices for your notebook. It is available from the desktop; double-click the Help icon and click User’s Manual in the menu that opens.

Basic care and tips for using your computer

Turning your computer off

To turn the power off, do any of the following:

•Use the Windows shutdown command: Press the Windows key + <C>, click Settings > Power then click Shut Down.

If you need to power down the computer for a short while, but don’t want to completely shut it down, you can put it into Hibernate by pressing the power button.

First things first - 7

You can also put the computer in sleep mode by pressing the sleep hotkey <Fn> + <F4>.

Note

If you cannot power off the computer normally, press and hold the power button for more than four seconds to shut down the computer. If you turn off the computer and want to turn it on again, wait at least two seconds before powering up.

Taking care of your computer

Your computer will serve you well if you take care of it.

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

•Do not expose the computer to temperatures below 0º C (32º F) or above 50º C (122º F).

•Do not subject the computer to magnetic fields.

•Do not expose the computer to rain or moisture.

•Do not spill water or any liquid on the computer.

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

•Do not expose the computer to dust or dirt.

•Never place objects on top of the computer.

•Do not slam the computer display when you close it.

•Never place the computer on uneven surfaces.

Taking care of your AC adapter

Here are some ways to take care of your AC adapter:

•Do not connect the adapter to any other device.

•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 foot traffic.

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

•The total ampere ratings of the equipment plugged in should not exceed the ampere rating of the cord if you are using an extension

8 - First things first

cord. Also, the total current rating of all equipment plugged into a single wall outlet should not exceed the fuse rating.

Taking care of your battery pack

Here are some ways to take care of your battery pack:

•Use only batteries of the same kind as replacements. Turn the power off before removing or replacing batteries.

•Do not tamper with batteries. Keep them away from children.

•Dispose of used batteries according to local regulations. Recycle if possible.

Cleaning and servicing

When cleaning the computer, follow these steps:

1.Turn off the computer and remove the battery pack.

2.Disconnect the AC adapter.

3.Use a soft, moist cloth. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners. If either of the following occurs:

• The computer has been dropped or the body has been damaged;

• The computer does not operate normally

See Frequently asked questions on page 69.

Your Acer notebook tour - 9

YOUR ACER NOTEBOOK TOUR

After setting up your computer as illustrated in the Setup Guide, let us show you around your new Acer computer.

10 - Your Acer notebook tour

Screen view

1

2

	3	4	5
#	Icon	Item	Description

1

2

3

4

5

		Web camera for video
	Webcam	communication.
		A light next to the webcam indicates
		that the webcam is active.
	Touchscreen	Displays computer output, supports
		multi-touch input.
		Accepts one Secure Digital card (SD
		or SDHC).
	SD card reader	To remove the card, simply pull it
		from the slot. The card sticks from
		the side of the computer. Ensure you
		don’t damage your card.
	Power indicator	Indicates the computer’s power
		status.
		Indicates battery status.
	Battery indicator	Charging: The light is amber when
		the battery is charging.
		Fully charged: The light is blue.
	Microphone	Internal stereo microphone for sound
		recording.

Your Acer notebook tour - 11

Keyboard view

1

2

3

#	Icon Item	Description
1	Power button	Turns the computer on and off.
		For entering data into your computer.
		See "Using the keyboard" on page
		16.
2	Keyboard	Do not use a keyboard protector or
		similar cover as the keyboard
		includes ventilation intakes for
		cooling.
		Touch-sensitive pointing device.
		The touchpad and selection buttons
		form a single surface.
3	Touchpad	Press down firmly on the touchpad
		surface to perform a left click.
		Press down firmly on the lower right
		corner to perform a right click.

12 - Your Acer notebook tour

Left view

1	2	3	4 5 6 7
# Icon Item		Description

1

2

3

		Connects to a Kensington-
		compatible computer security
	Kensington lock	lock.
		Wrap the computer security lock
	slot
		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.
		Keyless models are also
		available.
		Allows the computer to stay cool.
	Ventilation	Do not cover or obstruct the
		openings.
	External display	Connects to a display device
		(e.g., external monitor, LCD
	(VGA) port
		projector).

4

5

6

7

	Ethernet (RJ-45)	Connects to an Ethernet 10/100/
	port	1000-based network.
	HDMI port	Supports high-definition digital
		video connections.
	USB port	Connects to USB devices.
	Headset/speaker	Connects to audio devices (e.g.,
		speakers, headphones) or a
	jack	headset with microphone.

Information on USB 3.0

•USB 3.0 compatible ports are blue.

•Compatible with USB 3.0 and earlier devices.

Your Acer notebook tour - 13

•For optimal performance, use USB 3.0-certified devices.

•Defined by the USB 3.0 specification (SuperSpeed USB).

14 - Your Acer notebook tour

Right view

	1	2	34 5	6
# Icon	Item		Description
1	USB ports		Connect to USB devices.
2	Optical drive		Internal optical drive; accepts
			CDs or DVDs.

3

4

5

	Optical disk access	Lights up when the optical drive is
	indicator	active.
	Optical drive eject	Ejects the optical disk from the
	button	drive.
		Ejects the optical drive tray when
	Emergency eject	the computer is turned off.
		Carefully insert a straightened
	hole
		paper clip to eject the optical drive
		tray.

6						DC-in jack	Connects to an AC adapter.

Your Acer notebook tour - 15

Base view

1

2

4

3

	# Icon	Item	Description
	1	Battery bay	Houses the computer’s battery pack.
	2	Battery release	Releases the battery for removal.
			Insert a suitable tool and slide to
		latch
			release.
	3	Speakers	Deliver stereo audio output.
		Ventilation and	Allows the computer to stay cool.
	4		Do not cover or obstruct the
		cooling fan
			openings.

16 - Using the keyboard

USING THE KEYBOARD

The keyboard has full-sized keys and a separate numeric keypad, separate cursor, lock, Windows, function and special keys.

Lock keys

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.
		When Num Lock is on, the keypad is in numeric
		mode. The keys function as a calculator (complete
	Num Lock	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 Scroll Lock or down when you press the up or down arrow keys <Fn> + <F12> respectively. Scroll Lock does not work with some

applications.

Hotkeys

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

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

	Hotkey	Icon Function	Description
			Turns on / off the computer's
	<Fn> + <F3>	Airplane mode	network devices.
			(Network devices vary by
			configuration.)
	<Fn> + <F4>	Sleep	Puts the computer in Sleep
			mode.

								Using the keyboard - 17
	Hotkey	Icon					Function	Description
								Switches display output
	<Fn> + <F5>						Display toggle	between the display screen,
								external monitor (if
								connected) and both.
	<Fn> + <F6>							Turns the display screen
							Display off	backlight off to save power.
								Press any key to return.
	<Fn> + <F7>						Touchpad	Turns the built-in touchpad on
							toggle	and off.
	<Fn> + <F8>						Speaker toggle	Turns the speakers on and
								off.
	<Fn> + <F12>						Scr Lk	Turns the scroll lock feature
								on or off.
	<Fn> + <	>					Brightness up	Increases the screen
								brightness.
	<Fn> + <	>					Brightness	Decreases the screen
							down	brightness.
	<Fn> + <	>					Volume up	Increases the sound volume.
	<Fn> + <	>					Volume down	Decreases the sound volume.
	<Fn> +						Play/Pause	Play or pause a selected
	<Home>							media file.
	<Fn> +						Stop	Stop playing the selected
	<Pg Up>							media file.
	<Fn> +						Previous	Return to the previous media
	<Pg Dn>							file.
	<Fn> +						Next	Jump to the next media file.
	<End>

18 - Using the keyboard

Windows keys

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

Key Description

Pressed alone it toggles between the Start screen

	Windows key and Desktop.
		It can also be used with other keys for special
		functions, please check Windows Help.
	Application	This key has the same effect as clicking the right
		mouse button; it opens the application's context
	key
		menu.

Touchpad - 19

TOUCHPAD

Touchpad basics

The touchpad controls the arrow (or 'cursor') on the screen. As you slide your finger across the touchpad, the cursor will follow this movement.

Press the left or right side of the button located beneath the touchpad to perform selection and execution functions, or tap the surface of the touchpad. These two areas are similar to the left and right buttons on a mouse.

Note

The touchpad is sensitive to finger movement; the lighter the touch, the better the response. Please keep the touchpad and your fingers dry and clean.

The cursor is controlled by some basic gestures:

•Single-finger slide: Slide a finger across the touchpad to move the cursor.

•Single-finger tap: Lightly tap the touchpad with your finger, to perform a 'click', which will select or start an item. Quickly repeat the tap to perform a double tap or 'double click'.

•Drag: Press and hold the left side of the selection button, or tap twice anywhere on the touchtap, then slide a second finger across the touchpad to select all items in an area.

Touchpad gestures

Windows 8.1 and many applications support touchpad gestures that use one or more fingers.

Note

Support for touchpad gestures depends on the active application.

These allow you to control applications with a few simple gestures, such as:

20 - Touchpad

•Swipe in from edge: Access Windows tools by swiping into the center of the touchpad from the right or left.

•Swipe in from right edge: Toggle the charms.

•Swipe in from left edge: Switch to the previous app.

•Two-finger slide: Swiftly scroll through web pages, documents and playlists by placing two fingers on the touchpad and moving both in any direction.

•Two-finger pinch: Zoom in and out of photos, maps and documents with a simple finger-and-thumb gesture.

Recovery - 21

RECOVERY

If you are having trouble with your computer, and the frequently asked questions (see Frequently asked questions on page 70) do not help, you can 'recover' your computer - i.e. return it to an earlier state.

This section describes the recovery tools available on your computer. Acer provides Acer Recovery Management, which allows you to create a recovery backup, a drivers and applications backup, and to start recovery options, either using Windows tools, or the recovery backup.

Note

Acer Recovery Management is only available with a pre-installed Windows operating system.

Important

We recommend that you create a Recovery Backup and Drivers and Applications Backup and as soon as possible.

In certain situations a full recovery will require a USB recovery backup.

Creating a recovery backup

To reinstall from a USB storage drive, you must first create a recovery backup. The recovery backup includes the entire original contents of your computer’s hard drive, including Windows and all factory-loaded software and drivers. Using this backup will restore your computer to the same state as when you purchased it, while giving you an option to retain all settings and personal data.

Note

Since the recovery backup requires at least 16 GB of storage after formatting, it is recommended to use a USB drive with a capacity of 32 GB or larger.

22 - Recovery

1.From Start, type 'Recovery' and then click Acer Recovery Management in the list of apps.

2.Click Create Factory Default Backup. The Recovery Drive window opens.

Make sure Copy contents from the recovery partition to the recovery drive is selected. This provides the most complete and safest recovery backup.

3. Plug in the USB drive then click Next.

Recovery - 23

•Since the recovery backup requires at least 16 GB of storage after formatting, it is recommended to use a USB drive with a capacity of 32 GB or larger.

4.You will be shown the backup progress on the screen.

5.Follow the process until it completes.

6.After creating the recovery backup, you can choose to delete the recovery information on your computer. If you delete this information, you can only use the USB recovery backup to restore your computer, if you lose or erase the USB drive, you cannot restore your computer.

7.Unplug the USB drive and label it clearly.

Important

Write a unique, descriptive label on the backup, such as 'Windows Recovery Backup'. Make sure you keep the backup in a safe place that you will remember.

Creating a drivers and applications backup

To create a Drivers and Applications Backup, that contains the factory-loaded software and drivers needed by your computer, you

24 - Recovery

may use either a USB storage drive or, if your computer features a DVD recorder, one or more blank recordable DVDs.

1.From Start, type 'Recovery' and then click Acer Recovery Management in the list of apps.

2.Click Create Drivers and Applications Backup.

Plug in the USB drive or insert a blank DVD into the optical drive, then click Next.

•If you are using a USB drive, make sure your USB drive has enough capacity before continuing.

•If using DVDs, it will also show the number of blank, recordable discs you will need to complete the recovery discs. Make sure that you have the required number of identical, blank discs.

3.Click Start to copy files.You will be shown the backup progress on the screen.

4.Follow the process until it completes:

•If you are using optical discs, the drive ejects each disc as it completes burning it. Remove the disc from the drive and mark it

Recovery - 25

with a permanent marker.

If multiple discs are required, insert a new disc when prompted, then click OK. Continue until the process is complete.

• If you are using a USB drive, unplug the drive and label it clearly.

Important

Write a unique, descriptive label on each backup, such as 'Drivers and Applications Backup'. Make sure you keep the backup in a safe place that you will remember.

Recovering your system

To recover your system:

1.Perform minor fixes.

If only one or two items of software or hardware have stopped working correctly, the problem may be solved by reinstalling the software or the device drivers.

To reinstall software and drivers that were pre-installed at the factory, see Reinstalling drivers and applications on page 26. For instructions on reinstalling software and drivers that were not pre-installed, see that product’s documentation or support Web site.

2.Revert to a previous system condition.

If reinstalling software or drivers does not help, then the problem may be solved by returning your system to a previous state when everything was working correctly.

For instructions, see Returning to an earlier system snapshot on page 28.

3.Reset your operating system.

If nothing else has solved the problem and you want to reset your system, but keep your user information, see Returning your system to its factory condition on page 29.

4.Reset your system to its factory condition.

If nothing else has solved the problem and you want to reset your system to factory condition, see Returning your system to its factory condition on page 29.

26 - Recovery

Reinstalling drivers and applications

As a troubleshooting step, you may need to reinstall the applications and device drivers that came pre-installed on your computer from the factory. You can reinstall using either your hard drive or the backup you have created.

•Other applications - If you need to reinstall software that did not come pre-installed on your computer, you need to follow that software’s installation instructions.

•New device drivers - If you need to reinstall device drivers that did not come pre-installed on your computer, follow the instructions provided with the device.

If you are reinstalling using Windows and the recovery information stored on your computer:

1.From Start, type 'Recovery' and then click Acer Recovery Management in the list of apps.

2. Click Reinstall Drivers or Applications.

Recovery - 27

3.You should see the Contents section of the Acer Resource Center.

Images for reference only.

4.Click the install icon for the item you want to install, then follow the onscreen instructions to complete the installation. Repeat this step for each item you want to reinstall.

If you are reinstalling from a Drivers and Applications Backup on a DVD or USB drive:

1.Insert the Drivers and Applications Backup into the disc drive or connect it to a free USB port.

•If you inserted a DVD wait for Acer Resource Center to start.

•If Acer Resource Center does not start automatically, press the Windows key + <E>, then double-click on the optical drive icon.

•If you are using a USB drive, press the Windows key + <E>, then double-click on the drive that contains the backup. Double-click on ResourceCenter.

28 - Recovery

2.You should see the Contents section of the Acer Resource Center.

Images for reference only.

3.Click the install icon for the item you want to install, then follow the onscreen prompts to complete the installation. Repeat this step for each item you want to reinstall.

Returning to an earlier system snapshot

Microsoft System Restore periodically takes a 'snapshot' of your system settings and saves them as restore points. In most cases of hard-to-resolve software problems, you can return to one of these restore points to get your system running again.

Windows automatically creates an additional restore point each day, and also each time you install software or device drivers.

Note

For more information about using Microsoft System Restore, from Start, type ’Help’ and then click Help and Support in the list of apps. Type ’Windows system restore’ in the Search Help box, then press Enter.

Returning to a restore point

1.From Start, type ’Control Panel’ and then click Control Panel in the list of apps.

2.Click System and Security > Action Center, then click Recovery at the bottom of the window.

3.Click Open System Restore, then Next.

Recovery - 29

4.Click the latest restore point (at a time when your system worked correctly), click Next, then Finish.

5.A confirmation window appears; click Yes. Your system is restored using the restore point you specified. This process may take several minutes, and may restart your computer.

Returning your system to its factory condition

If your computer experiences problems that are not recoverable by other methods, you may need to reinstall everything to return your system to its factory condition. You can recover from either your hard drive or the recovery backup you have created.

•If you can still run Windows and have not deleted the recovery partition, see Recovering from Windows below.

•If you cannot run Windows, your original hard drive has been completely re-formatted or you have installed a replacement hard drive, see Recovering from a recovery backup on page 32.

Recovering from Windows

Start Acer Recovery Management:

•From Start, type ’Recovery’ and then click Acer Recovery Management in the list of apps.

Two options are available, Restore Factory Settings (Reset my PC) or Customized Restore (Refresh my PC).

Restore Factory Settings deletes everything on your hard drive, then reinstalls Windows and all software and drivers that were pre-installed on your system. If you can access important files on your hard drive, back them up now. See Restore Factory Settings with Acer Recovery Management on page 30.

Customized Restore will attempt to retain your files (user data) but will reinstall all software and drivers. Software installed since you purchased your PC will be removed (except software installed from