Acer DT.BDDEK.003 User Manual

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Aspire Desktop Computer

User’s Manual

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Important

Aspire Desktop Computer

Covers: Tower models

This revision: October 2018

This manual contains proprietary information that is protected by copyright laws. The information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice. Some features described in this manual may not be supported depending on the Operating System version. 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.

1. Ensure you are connected to the Internet.

2. Open the Acer Product Registration app.

3. Install any required updates.

4. Sign up for an Acer ID or sign in if you already have an Acer ID, it will automatically register your product.

After we receive your product registration, you will be sent a confirmation email with important data.

Model number: _________________________________

Serial number: _________________________________

Date of purchase: ______________________________ Place of purchase: ______________________________

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of contents - 3

First things first 5

Your guides ............................................. 5

Basic care and tips for using your

computer.................................................. 5

Turning your computer off........................... 5

Taking care of your computer ..................... 6

Taking care of your AC adapter .................. 7

Cleaning and servicing................................ 7

Recovery 8

Creating a factory default backup............ 8

Backing up your wireless and LAN

drivers...................................................... 9

Restoring your computer ......................... 9

Reset this PC and keep my files ................. 9

Reset this PC and remove everything ...... 10

Connecting to the Internet 11

Connecting to a wireless network.......... 11

Connecting to a wireless LAN................... 11

Connecting with a cable ........................ 12

Built-in network feature ............................. 12

Securing your computer 14

Using passwords ................................... 14

Entering passwords .................................. 14

BIOS utility 16

Boot sequence....................................... 16

Setting passwords ................................. 16

Power management 17

Saving power......................................... 17

Ports and connectors 19

Information on USB 3.0............................. 19

Rear panel audio ports.............................. 20

Universal Serial Bus (USB) 21

USB Type-C port 22

HDMI 23

SD card reader 24

Video and audio connectors 25

Connecting a monitor............................. 25

Headphones and microphone................ 25

Frequently asked questions 27

Requesting service ................................ 29

Tips and hints for using Windows 10 ..... 30

How do I get to Start? ............................... 30

How do I turn off my computer?................ 30

How do I unlock my computer?................. 30

How do I set the alarm? ............................ 32

Where are my apps?................................. 32

What is a Microsoft ID (account)?............. 33

How do I check for Windows updates?..... 34

Where can I get more information?........... 34

Troubleshooting ..................................... 35

Troubleshooting tips.................................. 35

Error messages......................................... 35

Internet and online security 37

First steps on the net ............................. 37

Protecting your computer .......................... 37

Choose an Internet Service Provider ........ 37

Network connections................................. 38

Surf the Net! .............................................. 40

Internet security software.......................... 40

Playing Blu-Ray or DVD movies 45

Getting started...

In this section you will find:

• Useful information on caring for your computer and your health

• create recovery backups

• Guidelines for connecting to a network

• Information on using Acer’s bundled software

FIRST THINGS FIRST

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

Your guides

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

First off, the Setup Guide (or Setup Poster) helps you get started with setting up your 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.

Once you have connected to the internet, you can download updates for your computer from:

http://go.acer.com/?id=17883

1. The link will open the Acer Support webpage.

2. Scroll down to Drivers and Manuals and search for your model by

pasting in or manually entering the serial number, SNID, or product model.

3. From this page you can also download and install the Acer

identification utility that will automatically detect your computer’s serial number and SNID and allow you to copy it to the clipboard.

4. Once you have found your product model, any updates, or

documents will be listed.

First things first - 5

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 or select the Windows Start button, select Power > Shut down.

6 - First things first

Note

• Right-click the Windows Start button > Shut down or sign out > 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 to Sleep by doing any of the following:

• Press the power button.

• Press the sleep hotkey.

• Press the Windows key or select the Windows Start button, select Power > Sleep.

• Right-click the Windows Start button > Shut down or sign out > Sleep.

If you cannot power off the computer normally, press and hold the power button for up to ten 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.

• Only use the adapter provided with your device, or an Acerapproved adapter to power your device.

• 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. Route the power cord and any cables away from where people walk.

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

Cleaning and servicing

When cleaning the computer, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the computer.

2. Disconnect the AC adapter.

3. Use a soft, moist cloth. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.

If your computer is dropped or visibly damaged, or does not work normally, please contact your nearest authorized Acer service center.

First things first - 7

8 - Recovery

Note

Important

Note

RECOVERY

If you are having trouble with your computer, and the frequently asked questions (see Got a question? on page 26) do not help, you can recover your computer.

This section describes the recovery tools available on your computer. Acer provides Acer Care Center, which allows you to reset your PC, refresh your PC, or create a factory default backup. If you cannot access Acer Care Center, click Settings in the Start menu, select Update & Security and then click Recovery.

Acer Care Center vary depending on model or Operating System.

We recommend that you create a Factory Default Backup as soon as possible. In certain situations a full recovery will require a USB recovery backup.

Creating a factory default backup

Recovery Management allows you to quickly and easily back up your operating system, installed apps and data.

Since the recovery backup requires at least 8 GB of storage after formatting, it is recommended to use a USB drive with a capacity of 16 GB or larger.

1. From Start, select Care Center then Recovery Management.

2. Select the Backup tab and click Get Started for Create Factory Default Backup to open the Recovery Drive window.

3. Make sure Back up system files to the recovery drive is selected and click Next.

4. Plug in the USB drive and wait for the PC to detect the USB drive then click Next.

5. Everything on the drive will be deleted. Click Create to continue.

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

Important

7. Follow the process until it completes.

8. 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.

Backing up your wireless and LAN drivers

Back up your wireless and LAN drivers. You can use these backups to install the wireless and LAN drivers if you install another operating system.

1. From Start, select Care Center then Recovery Management.

2. Select the Backup tab and click Get started for Backup wireless and LAN drivers. Choose a folder to save your drivers and select

OK.

Restoring your computer

Recovery - 9

Recovery Management allows you to quickly and easily restore your computer back to its default status. You can choose to keep your files or remove them before reinstalling Windows.

Reset this PC and keep my files

1. From Start, select Care Center then Recovery Management.

2. Select the Restore tab and click Get started to Choose an option.

3. Select Keep my files to refresh your PC and reinstall your operating system without removing your personal files. Click Next to continue.

If you have apps installed on your PC, they will be removed.

4. Resetting the PC will reinstall Windows, change settings back to their factory defaults and remove all preinstalled apps and programs without removing your personal files. Click Reset to continue.

10 - Recovery

Warning

5. You will be shown the reset progress on the screen. The screen will turn off during the reset process.

6. The screen will turn back on when it is installing Windows. Your PC will restart several times during the reset process.

7. Follow the process until it completes.

8. When your PC has completed the reset process, Windows will have been reset back to its factory default settings without removing your personal files.

Reset this PC and remove everything

1. From Start, select Care Center then Recovery Management.

2. Select the Restore tab and click Get Started to Choose an option.

3. Select Remove everything to reset your PC back to its factory default. This process will reinstall your operating system and remove all of your personal files, apps, and settings.

4. Select Just remove my files if you are keeping your computer. This will be quicker, but less secure. Files may still be recovered with a file recovery program. Select Remove files and clean the drive if you are not keeping your computer. This process will take longer, but will be more secure.

Selecting "Remove files and clean the drive" will remove all of your personal files and accounts, along with pre-existing drivers that may affect your Windows installation.

5. Click Reset to continue.

6. You will be shown the reset progress on the screen. The screen will turn off during the reset process.

7. The screen will turn back on when it is installing Windows. Your PC will restart several times during the reset process.

8. Follow the process until it completes.

9. When your PC has completed the reset process, Windows will use factory default settings.

Connecting to the Internet - 11

Note

CONNECTING TO THE INTERNET

This chapter includes general information on types of connections, and getting connected to the internet. For detailed information, please refer to Network connections on page 38.

Your computer’s built-in network features make it easy for you to connect your computer to the internet using a cable or a wireless connection.

First though, in order to connect to the internet, you’ll need to sign up for internet services from an ISP (Internet Service Provider) -- usually a phone or cable company -- that will have to go to your home or office to set up internet service. The ISP will install a small box, a router or modem, that will allow you to connect to the internet.

Connecting to a wireless network

Connecting to a wireless LAN

A wireless LAN (or WLAN) is a wireless local area network, which can link two or more computers without using wires. Once connected to WLAN, you can access the internet. You can also share files, other devices, and even your internet connection itself.

Your computer's wireless connection is turned on by default and Windows will detect and display a list of available networks during setup. Select your network and enter the password if required. You can use the network management options to turn your wireless network on/off or control what is shared over the network.

To connect to a wireless network, please follow the steps below.

1. Ensure you have a wireless router/access point and current internet connection through the ISP of your choice. Make a note of the wireless network’s name and password (if necessary).

Please refer to your ISP or router documentation for details on connecting to the internet.

12 - Connecting to the Internet

Note

2. Click Network icon in the notification area.

If Wi-Fi is turned off, please click Wi-Fi tile to turn it on.

3. You will see a list of available wireless networks. Select the one you wish to use.

4. Once you select a wireless network, select Connect.

5. If required, enter the network’s password.

Connecting with a cable

Built-in network feature

If your computer has a network port, plug one end of a network cable into the network port on your computer, and the other end into a port on your router (refer to the image below.) Then, you'll be ready to get online.

Keeping your computer

and data safe...

In this section you will find:

• How to secure your computer

• Setting passwords

14 - Securing your computer

Important

SECURING YOUR COMPUTER

Your computer is a valuable investment that you need to take care of. Learn how to protect and take care of your computer.

Using passwords

Passwords protect your computer from unauthorized access. Setting these passwords creates several different levels of protection for your computer and data:

• Supervisor Password prevents unauthorized entry into the BIOS utility. Once set, you must enter this password to gain access to the BIOS utility. See Setting passwords on page 16.

• User Password secures your computer against unauthorized use. Combine the use of this password with password checkpoints on boot-up and resume from Hibernation (if available) for maximum security.

• Password on Boot secures your computer against unauthorized use. Combine the use of this password with password checkpoints on boot-up and resume from Hibernation (if available) for maximum security.

Do not forget your Supervisor Password! If you forget your password, please get in touch with your dealer or an authorized service center.

Entering passwords

When a password is set, a password prompt appears in the center of the display screen.

• When the Supervisor Password is set, a prompt appears when you enter the BIOS utility.

• Type the Supervisor Password and press Enter to access the BIOS utility. If you enter the password incorrectly, a warning message appears. Try again and press Enter.

• When the User Password is set and the password on boot parameter is enabled, a prompt appears at boot-up.

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