Acer ASPIRE V5-561P, ASPIRE V5-561PG, ASPIRE V5-561, ASPIRE V5-561G User Manual

Aspire V5 Series (15")

User’s Manual

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2 -

Important

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

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

Table of contents - 3

First things first 6

Your guides ............................................. 6

Basic care and tips for using your

computer.................................................. 6

Turning your computer on and 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 ............................................. 9

Keyboard view ....................................... 10

Left view ................................................ 11

Information on USB 3.0............................. 12

Right view .............................................. 12

Base view .............................................. 13

Using the keyboard 14

Lock keys and numeric keypad ............. 14

Hotkeys ..................................................... 14

Touchpad 16

Touchpad basics ................................... 16

Touchpad gestures................................ 16

Recovery 18

Creating a recovery backup................... 18

Creating a drivers and applications

backup................................................... 20

Recovering your system ........................ 22

Reinstalling drivers and applications......... 23

Returning to an earlier system snapshot .. 25 Returning your system to its factory

condition.................................................... 26

Recovering from Windows ........................ 26

Recovering from a recovery backup ......... 29

Connecting to the Internet 32

Connecting with a cable ........................ 32

Built-in network feature ............................. 32

Connecting wirelessly............................ 33

Connecting to a wireless LAN................... 33

Connecting to a 3G network ..................... 34

Using a Bluetooth connection 35

Enabling and disabling Bluetooth .......... 35

Enabling Bluetooth from Windows 8.1...... 35

Adding a Bluetooth device..................... 36

BIOS utility 40

Boot sequence....................................... 40

Setting passwords ................................. 40

Securing your computer 41

Using a computer security lock.............. 41

Using passwords ................................... 41

Entering passwords .................................. 42

Power management 43

Saving power ......................................... 43

Battery pack 45

Battery characteristics ........................... 45

Charging the battery ................................. 45

Optimizing battery life ............................... 46

Checking the battery level......................... 47

Battery-low warning .................................. 47

Installing and removing the battery pack .. 48

Traveling with your computer 49

Disconnecting from the desktop ............ 49

Moving around ....................................... 49

Preparing the computer ............................ 49

What to bring to meetings ......................... 50

Taking the computer home .................... 50

Preparing the computer ............................ 50

What to take with you................................ 51

Special considerations .............................. 51

Setting up a home office ........................... 51

Traveling with the computer................... 52

Preparing the computer ............................ 52

What to take with you................................ 52

Special considerations .............................. 52

Traveling internationally......................... 52

Preparing the computer ............................ 53

What to bring with you .............................. 53

Special considerations .............................. 53

Universal Serial Bus (USB) 55

Memory card reader 56

Connectivity options............................... 56

Video and audio connectors 58

HDMI 59

Frequently asked questions 61

Requesting service ................................ 63

Tips and hints for using Windows 8.1 .... 65

How do I get to Start? ............................... 65

What are "Charms?" ................................. 65

Can I boot directly to the desktop? ........... 66

How do I jump between apps?.................. 66

How do I turn off my computer?................ 66

How do I unlock my computer?................. 66

How do I personalize my computer?......... 67

Where are my apps?................................. 69

What is a Microsoft ID (account)?............. 70

How do I add a favorite to Internet

4 - Table of contents

Explorer?................................................... 71

How do I check for Windows updates?..... 71

Where can I get more information?........... 71

Troubleshooting..................................... 72

Troubleshooting tips.................................. 72

Error messages......................................... 72

Internet and online security 74

First steps on the net ............................. 74

Protecting your computer .......................... 74

Choose an Internet Service Provider........ 74

Network connections................................. 76

Surf the Net!.............................................. 78

Security ..................................................... 78

Playing Blu-Ray or DVD movies 85

Getting started...

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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 on and 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.

You can also put the computer in sleep mode by pressing the sleep

Note

hotkey <Fn> + <F4>.

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.

First things first - 7

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 poster, let us show you around your new Acer computer.

Screen view

# Icon Item Description

Web camera for video

1 Webcam

2 Screen Displays computer output.

3 Microphone

SD card reader

communicat

A light next to the webcam indicates that the

Internal microphone for sound recording.

Accepts one Secure Digital (SD or S

DHC) card.

Push to remove/install the card.

ion.

webcam is active.

10 - Your Acer notebook tour

# Icon Item Description

Power indicator

Battery indicator

HDD indicator

Communication indicator

Keyboard view

Indicates the computer's power

atus.

st Indicates the computer's battery

atus.

Charging: The

light is amber when the battery is charging. Fully charged: The

light is blue

when plugged in.

Indicates when the hard disk drive is active.

Indicates the computer’s wireless connectivity device status.

# Icon Item Description

Power button Turns the computer on and off.

For entering data into your computer.

2 Keyboard

See "Using the keyboard" on page

14.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

# Icon Item Description

3 Touchpad

Left view

# Icon Item Description

2 Ventilation

Your Acer notebook tour - 11

Touch-sensitive pointing device wh

ich functions like a computer

mouse.

Click buttons

t and right)

(lef

Kensington lock slot

External display (VGA) port

Ethernet (RJ-45) port

HDMI port

USB port Connects to USB devices.

The left and right side of the button funct

ion as left and right selection

buttons.

Connects to a Kensingtoncompatible computer security lock.

Wrap the computer security lock

around an immovable object

cable 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.

Do not cover or obstruct the op

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

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

Supports high-definition digital video conne

enings.

ctions.

12 - Your Acer notebook tour

Note

132 4 5 6

# Icon Item Description

Headset/speaker jack

Connects to audio devices (e.g., speakers, headphones) or a headset with microphone.

Information on USB 3.0

• USB 3.0 compatible ports are blue.

• Compatible with USB 3.0 and earlier devices.

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

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

Right view

Depending on configuration, your system may not be equipped with an optical (CD/DVD) drive.

# Icon Item Description

1 USB ports Connect to USB devices.

2 Optical drive

Optical disk access indicator

Optical drive eject button

Internal optical drive; accepts CDs or DVDs.

Lights up when the optical drive is active.

Ejects the optical disk from the drive.

# Icon Item Description

6 DC-in jack Connects to an AC adapter.

Base view

Emergency eject hole

Your Acer notebook tour - 13

Ejects the optical drive tray when the computer is turned off.

Carefully insert a straightened paper clip to eject the optical drive tray.

# Icon Item Description

1 Battery bay Houses the computer's battery pack.

3 Speakers Deliver stereo audio output.

Ventilation and cooling fan

Memory

compartment

HDD compartment

Battery release latch

Allows the computer to stay cool.

Do not cover or obstruct the ope

nings.

Houses the computer's main memory.

Houses the computer's hard disk drive memo

ry.

Releases the battery for removal. Insert a suit release.

able tool and slide to

14 - Using the keyboard

USING THE KEYBOARD

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

Lock keys and numeric keypad

The keyboard has three lock keys which you can toggle on and off.

Lock key Description

Caps Lock

Num Lock

Scroll Lock (<Fn> + <F12>)

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 with the arithmetic operators +, -, *, and /). Use this mode when you need to do a lot of numeric data entry.

When Scroll Lock is on, text on the screen moves one line up or down when you press the up or down arrow keys. Scroll Lock does not work with most 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

<Fn> + <F4> Sleep

network devices.

(Network devices vary by configuration.)

Puts the computer in Sleep mode.

Using the keyboard - 15

Hotkey Icon Function Description

Switches display output

<Fn> + <F5> Display toggle

between the display screen, external monitor (if connected) and both.

Turns the display screen

<Fn> + <F6> Display off

backlight off to save power. Press any key to return.

Touchpad toggle

<Fn> + <F8> Speaker toggle

Turns the built-in touchpad on and off.

Turns the speakers on and off.

<Fn> + <F12> Scr Lk Scroll Lock Turns Scroll Lock on or off.

<Fn> + < > Brightness up

Brightness down

Increases the screen brightness.

Decreases the screen brightness.

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

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

<Home> <Fn> + <Pg

Up> <Fn> + <Pg

Dn> <Fn> +

<End>

Play/Pause

Stop

Next Jump to the next media file.

Play or pause a selected media file.

Stop playing the selected media file.

Return to the previous media file.

16 - Touchpad

Note

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.

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.

Support for touchpad gestures depends on the active application.

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

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

• Swipe in from right edge: Toggle the charms.

• Swipe in from top edge: Toggle the app commands.

• 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.

Touchpad - 17

18 - Recovery

Note

Important

Note

RECOVERY

If you are having trouble with your computer, and the frequently asked questions (see Frequently asked questions on page 69) 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.

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

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.

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.

Recovery - 19

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.

20 - Recovery

Important

• 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.

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

Recovery - 21

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

22 - Recovery

Important

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.

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 23. 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 25.

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 26.

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 26.

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.

Recovery - 23

2. Click Reinstall Drivers or Applications.

24 - Recovery

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.

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

Note

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.

Recovery - 25

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.

26 - Recovery

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 29.

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 27.

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

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