Acer Extensa 355 User Guide
Extensa 355
User’s Manual
Copyright
Copyright © 1997 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
Acer Incorporated makes no representations or warranties, either expressed
or implied, with respect to the contents hereof and specifically disclaims any
warranties, 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. Further, Acer
Incorporated reserves the right to revise this publication and to make
changes from time to time in the contents hereof without obligation of Acer
Incorporated to notify any person of such revision or changes.
Acer is a registered trademark of Acer Incorporated. Extensa is a registered trademark of Acer
Incorporated. Microsoft, MS-DOS, Windows and Windows 95 are registered trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation. IBM and OS/2 are registered trademarks of IBM Corporation. Intel and
Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation. Other brand and product names are
trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1. Read these instructions carefully. Save these instructions for future
reference.
2. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product.
3. Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use
liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
4. Do not use this product near water.
5. Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, or table. The
product may fall, causing serious damage to the product.
6. Slots and openings in the cabinet and the back or bottom are provided
for ventilation; to ensure reliable operation of the product and to protect
it from overheating, these openings must not be blocked or covered.
The openings should never be blocked by placing the product on a
bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface. This product should never be
placed near or over a radiator or heat register, or in a built-in
installation unless proper ventilation is provided.
7. This product should be operated from the type of power indicated on
the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power available,
consult your dealer or local power company.
8. Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord. Do not locate this
product where persons will walk on the cord.
9. If an extension cord is used with this product, make sure that the total
ampere rating of the equipment plugged into the extension cord does
not exceed the extension cord ampere rating. Also, make sure that the
total rating of all products plugged into the wall outlet does not exceed
the fuse rating.
10. Never push objects of any kind into this product through cabinet slots
as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that
could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on
the product.
iii
11. Do not attempt to service this product yourself, as opening or removing
covers may expose you to dangerous voltage points or other risks.
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
12. Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified
service personnel under the following conditions:
a. When the power cord or plug is damaged or frayed
b. If liquid has been spilled into the product
c. If the product has been exposed to rain or water
d. If the product does not operate normally when the operating
instructions are followed. Adjust only those controls that are
covered by the operating instructions since improper adjustment
of other controls may result in damage and will often require
extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the product to
normal condition.
e. If the product has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged
f. If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance, indicating
a need for service
13. Replace battery with the same type as the product's battery we
recommend. Use of another battery may present a risk of fire or
explosion. Refer battery replacement to a qualified serviceman.
14. Warning! Battery may explode if not handled properly. Do not
disassemble or dispose of in fire. Keep away from children and
dispose of used battery promptly.
15. Use only the proper type of power supply cord set (provided in your
accessories box) for this unit. It should be a detachable type: UL
listed/CSA certified, type SPT-2, rated 7A 125V minimum, VDE
approved or its equivalent. Maximum length is 15 feet (4.6 meters).
iv
Canadian Department of Communications
Regulatory Statement
This digital apparatus does not exceed Class B limits for radio noise
emissions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference
Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.
Le présent appareil numérique n'émet pas de bruits radio-électriques
dépassant les limites applicables aux appareils numériques de la classe B
prescrites dans le Réglement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté par le
ministère des Communications du Canada.
v
FCC Class B Radio Frequency Interference Statement
Note:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
1. Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
2. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
3. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected.
4. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for
help.
Notice 1:
The changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the
equipment.
Notice 2:
Shielded interface cables, if any, must be used in order to comply with the
emission limits.
vi
About This Manual
Purpose
This manual discusses the features of the notebook and tells how to use
and configure it. This manual, along with the online help, should familiarize
you with all aspects of the notebook computer.
Manual Structure
This manual consists of eight chapters and one appendix:
Chapter 1, Getting Started, tells you how to get started with the notebook.
Chapter 2, System Tour, gives a guided and in-depth “tour” of the notebook
and its features.
Chapter 3, Power, discusses issues on battery use and includes information
on the unique power management system.
Chapter 4, Options, tells how to connect and install hardware options.
Chapter 5, Software, contain a list of system software applications.
Chapter 6, Setup, explains how to configure the system using the BIOS
Setup utility.
Chapter 7, Traveling with the Notebook, includes informative and useful tips
on travel.
Chapter 8, Troubleshooting, lists the steps you can take to resolve problems
in an easy Q&A format.
Appendix A, Specifications, lists the specifications of the notebook.
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Conventions
The following conventions are used in this manual:
C:\setup,
[Enabled], etc.
message displayed
Represent text input by the user, default settings
and recommended selections
Denotes actual messages that appear on screen
NOTE
Gives bits and pieces of additional information
related to the current topic
WARNING
Alerts you if damage may result from doing or
not doing specific actions
CAUTION
Gives precautionary measures to avoid possible
hardware or software problems
IMPORTANT
Reminds you to take action relevant to the
accomplishment of the procedure at hand
TIP
Tells how to complete a procedure with minimum
steps through little shortcuts
viii
Table of Contents
1 Getting Started
1.1 Item Checklist.......................................................................................1-1
1.2 Taking Care of Your Computer..............................................................1-2
1.2.1 Notebook..................................................................................1-2
1.2.2 AC Adapter ...............................................................................1-2
1.2.3 Battery Pack.............................................................................1-3
1.2.4 Cleaning and Servicing.............................................................1-3
1.2.5 Diskettes...................................................................................1-4
1.3 Connecting the Notebook......................................................................1-5
2 System Tour
2.1 Features................................................................................................2-1
2.2 Display..................................................................................................2-3
2.3 Interior Features....................................................................................2-5
2.3.1 Control Buttons .........................................................................2-5
2.3.2 Status Indicator.........................................................................2-6
2.4 Keyboard ..............................................................................................2-7
2.4.1 Special Keys.............................................................................2-7
2.4.2 Hot Keys...................................................................................2-9
2.4.3 Keyboard Ergonomics.............................................................2-10
2.5 Touchpad............................................................................................2-11
2.6 Storage............................................................................................... 2-13
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2.7 Ports...................................................................................................2-14
2.7.1 Rear Ports..............................................................................2-14
2.7.2 PC Card Slots......................................................................... 2-15
2.8 Audio .................................................................................................. 2-17
2.9 Securing your Notebook......................................................................2-18
2.9.1 Security Notch........................................................................2-18
2.9.2 Passwords.............................................................................. 2-18
3 Power
3.1 Battery Pack .........................................................................................3-1
3.1.1 Battery Pack Characteristics.....................................................3-1
3.1.2 Removing and Installing the Battery Pack.................................3-2
3.1.3 Charging the Battery .................................................................3-3
3.1.4 Checking the Battery Level.......................................................3-4
3.1.5 Optimizing Battery Life.............................................................3-5
3.1.6 Battery-low Warning.................................................................3-6
3.2 Power Management..............................................................................3-8
3.2.1 Power Management Modes ......................................................3-8
3.2.2 Advanced Power Management (APM)....................................3-12
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4 Options
4.1 External Monitor....................................................................................4-1
4.2 External Keyboard and Keypad.............................................................4-2
4.3 External Pointing Device.......................................................................4-3
4.4 Printer..................................................................................................4-4
4.5 Audio Devices.......................................................................................4-5
4.6 PC Cards ..............................................................................................4-6
4.7 Miscellaneous Options ..........................................................................4-6
4.7.1 Additional Power Packs............................................................4-6
4.7.2 Cables......................................................................................4-6
4.7.3 Optional External CD-ROM Drive.............................................4-8
4.8 Key Component Upgrades ....................................................................4-9
4.8.1 Memory Upgrade......................................................................4-9
4.8.2 Hard Disk Upgrade .................................................................4-11
5 Software
5.1 System Software...................................................................................5-1
5.2 SafeOff.................................................................................................5-2
5.2.1 Uninstalling SafeOFF ...............................................................5-2
6 Setup
6.1 Entering the BIOS Utility .......................................................................6-2
6.1.1 Basic System Settings..............................................................6-3
6.1.2 Startup Configuration................................................................6-4
6.1.3 Onboard Devices Configuration................................................6-5
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6.1.4 System Security .......................................................................6-6
6.1.5 Power Management Settings....................................................6-7
6.1.6 Load Default Settings ...............................................................6-9
7 Traveling with the Notebook
7.1 Traveling Preparations..........................................................................7-1
7.2 International Traveler’s Warranty ..........................................................7-3
7.3 Worldwide Support................................................................................7-6
8 Troubleshooting
8.1 Q&A......................................................................................................8-1
8.2 Error Messages.....................................................................................8-5
A Specifications
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Getting Started
This notebook supports high-end Pentium processor, packing power of a
desktop PC into a slim and lightweight notebook. Combining performance,
versatility, and a host of advanced power-management features, it helps
you work with unmatched productivity and ease.
1.1 Item Checklist
Carefully unpack the carton and remove the contents. If any of the
following items are missing or damaged, contact your dealer immediately.
• Notebook computer
• Accessory box
• AC adapter
• Battery pack
Chapter 1
• User’s manual
• Other user documentation
• Third-party software and/or documentation
• Just for Starters Poster
Check for optional items, if any.
Getting Started 1-1
1.2 Taking Care of Your Computer
Your computer will serve you well if you take care of it. This section tells
you how to care for the notebook. Also, re-read the important safety
instructions at the beginning of this manual.
1.2.1 Notebook
• Do not expose the notebook to direct sunlight. Do not place near
sources of heat, such as a radiator.
• Do not expose to temperatures below 0ºC (32ºF) or above 60ºC
(140ºF).
• Do not subject the notebook to magnetic fields.
• Do not expose the notebook to rain or moisture.
• Do not spill water on the notebook.
• Do not subject the computer to heavy shock and vibration.
• Do not expose the notebook to dust and dirt.
• Never place objects on top of the notebook to avoid damaging the
notebook.
• Never place the notebook on uneven surfaces.
1.2.2 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 personal
traffic.
• When unplugging the power cord, do not pull on the cord itself but pull
on the plug.
1-2 User’s Manual
• 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.
1.2.3 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 at
all possible.
1.2.4 Cleaning and Servicing
When cleaning the notebook, follow these steps:
1. Power off the notebook and remove the battery pack.
2. Disconnect the AC adapter.
3. Use a soft cloth moistened with water. Do not use liquid or aerosol
cleaners.
Contact your dealer or see your service technician if any of the following
occurs:
• Notebook has been dropped or the body has been damaged.
• Liquid has been spilled into the product.
• The notebook does not operate normally.
See sections 7.2 and 7.3 for contact information.
Getting Started 1-3
1.2.5 Diskettes
Following are some tips on diskette management:
• Always make backup copies of diskettes that contain important data or
program files.
• Keep diskettes away from magnetic fields and sources of heat.
• Avoid removing a diskette from a drive when the floppy drive activity
light is on.
• Write-protect your diskettes to prevent accidental erasure. To do this,
slide the write-protect tab to the write-protect position.
• When you put a label on a 3.5-inch diskette, make sure that the label is
properly attached (flat on the surface) and within the labelling area
(area with slight surface depression) on the diskette. An improperly
attached label may cause a diskette to get stuck in the drive when you
are inserting or removing it.
1-4 User’s Manual
1.3 Connecting the Notebook
After reading through the previous section, you are now ready to experience
your new notebook. Connecting the notebook is as easy is 1-2-3.
Inserting the Battery Pack
Insert the battery pack into the battery
compartment and slide the battery
compartment cover in place.
Connecting the AC Adapter
Connect one end of the AC adapter to
the DC-in port on the notebook’s rear
panel and the other end to a properly
grounded power outlet.
Turning on the Power
Press the power switch to turn on the
power.
The POST (Power On Self-Test)
routine executes and Windows 95
begins loading.
To turn off power, press the power switch for more than four
seconds. If you are using Windows 95, we recommend you
use the Shutdown command to turn off the computer.
Getting Started 1-5
1.4 Creating Backup Disks
The system utility software is an integrated package of useful utilities for
your notebook computer. You should create a backup whenever possible.
To create backup disks, follow these steps:
1. In Windows95, click on Start.
2. Select Programs, Accessories, System Tools.
3. Select Create System Disks.
The Create System Disks tool allows you to create backup diskettes of
utilities and programs available in the window. Please prepare 3.5inch, 1.44MB diskettes for the backup diskettes you are going to
create.
4. Select the utility/program you want to backup to diskettes.
5. Follow the screen instructions.
6. Repeat step 4 to backup other utilities and programs in the list.
1-6 User’s Manual
System Tour
This chapter gives an in-depth “tour” of the notebook’s many features.
2.1 Features
The notebook was designed with the user in mind. Here are just a few of
the notebook’s many features:
Performance
• High-end Pentium microprocessor
• 64-bit main memory
• Large LCD display and PCI local bus video with graphics acceleration
• 3.5-inch floppy drive
Chapter 2
• High-capacity, Enhanced-IDE hard disk
• Nickel Metal-Hydride battery pack
• Power management system with standby and hibernation power saving
modes
System Tour 2-1
Multimedia
• 16-bit high quality audio
• Built-in speaker
• Line in, mic-in and line out ports
Human-centric Design and Ergonomics
• Lightweight and slim
• Full-sized keyboard
• Wide and curved palm rest
• Centrally-located touchpad pointing device
Expansion
• PC Card slots (formerly called PCMCIA), two type II or one type III
• Upgradeable memory and hard disk
2-2 User’s Manual
2.2 Display
The large DualScan STN color graphics display offers excellent viewing,
display quality and desktop performance graphics. With built-in PCI bus
VGA display system to support both the internal LCD display and the
external optional VGA monitor with 1MB RAM video memory.
The notebook’s large display and multimedia capabilities are great for
giving presentations. If you prefer, you can also connect an external
monitor when giving presentations. This notebook supports simultaneous
LCD and CRT display. Simultaneous display allows you to control the
presentation from your notebook and at the same time face your audience.
You can even connect an LCD projection panel for large-audience
presentations.
The power management system incorporates an “automatic LCD dim”
feature that automatically decides the best settings for your display and at
the same time conserve power. See section 3.2 for more information on
power management.
Opening and Closing the Display
To open the display, gently pull the display lid latch using your fingers and
lift up the lid. Then tilt it to a comfortable viewing position.
The notebook employs a microswitch that turns off the display to conserve
power when you close the lid, and turns it back on when you open the lid.
System Tour 2-3
Microswitch
To close the lid, fold it down gently until the display lid latch clicks into
place.
To avoid damaging the display, do not slam it when closing.
Do not place any object on top of the notebook when the
display is closed.
2-4 User’s Manual
2.3 Interior Features
Standby/Hibernation button
No-reboot Setup button
Battery Charging
Power Indicator
Power Switch
Status indicator
2.3.1 Control Buttons
Icon Function Description
Power Switch Toggle system power on and off.
No-reboot
Setup
Standby/
Hibernation
Gains access to BIOS setup utility’s advanced power
management settings and system information reference
screens. See section 6.1.5.
Enters hibernation mode if the hibernation function
(Sleep Manager) is installed, valid and enabled;
otherwise, the notebook enters standby mode.
System Tour 2-5
2.3.2 Status Indicator
Icon Function Description
Battery charging
indicator
Power indicator This lights up when power is applied to the
Standby mode
indicator
Hard disk drive
activity indicator
Num Lock indicator This lights up when the Num Lock function is
Caps Lock indicator This lights up when the Caps Lock function is
Scroll Lock indicator This lights up when the Scroll Lock function is
To find out more about batteries, see Chapter 3.
It lights up when the battery is charging.
notebook, and flashes when the notebook is in a
battery-low condition.
This flashes when the system is in standby mode
(Standby/Hibernation mode).
This lights up when the system accesses the hard
disk drive.
activated.
activated.
activated.
2-6 User’s Manual
2.4 Keyboard
The keyboard has full-sized keys that include a separate cursor keys, two
Windows 95 keys and twelve function keys.
2.4.1 Special 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.
Fn-NumLk When Num Lock is on, the embedded keypad is in numeric mode.
The keys function as a calculator (complete with arithmetic
operators +, -, *, and /).
Use this mode when you need to do a lot of numeric data entry. A
better solution would be to connect an external keypad.
Fn-ScrLk When Scroll Lock is on, the screen moves one line up or down when
you press ↑↑ or ↓↓ respectively. Scroll lock does not work with some
applications.
Embedded Keypad
System Tour 2-7
The embedded keypad functions like a desktop numeric keypad. It is
indicated by small characters located on the upper right corner of the
keycaps. To simplify the keyboard legend, the cursor-control key symbols
are not printed on the keys.
Desired Access Num Lock On Num Lock Off
Number keys on
embedded keypad
Cursor-control keys
on embedded keypad
Main keyboard keys
Type numbers in a normal
manner.
Hold Shift while using
cursor-control keys.
Hold Fn while typing letters
on embedded keypad.
Hold Fn and Shift while
using the number keys.
Hold Fn while using
cursor-control keys.
Type the letters in a
normal manner.
If an external keyboard or keypad is connected to the
notebook, the numlock function only works on the external
keyboard or keypad.
Windows 95 Keys
The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows 95-specific functions.
Key Description
Windows logo key
Application key Opens the application’s context menu (same as right-click).
Start button. Combinations with this key performs special
functions. Below are a few examples:
• Windows + Tab Activate next Taskbar button
• Windows + E Explore My Computer
• Windows + F Find Document
• Windows + M Minimize All
• Shift + Windows + M Undo Minimize All
• Windows + R Display Run dialog box
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2.4.2 Hot Keys
The notebook employs hot keys or key combinations to access most of the
notebook’s controls like screen contrast and brightness, volume output and
the BIOS setup utility.
Hot Key Function Description
Fn-Esc Hotkey Escape Exits the hotkey control.
Fn-F1 Hotkey Help Displays the hotkey list and help.
Fn-F2 Brightness Control
Contrast Control
Toggles between brightness control and contrast
control.
Press the scale hotkeys (Fn-→→, Fn-←←) to increase
and decrease the brightness or contrast level.
Notebooks with TFT displays do not show the
contrast control icon.
Fn-F3 Display Toggle Switches display from LCD to CRT to both LCD
and CRT.
Fn-F4 Battery Gauge Displays the battery gauge.
System Tour 2-9
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