Acer N17H2 User Manual

USER’S MANUAL

2 -

© 2017. All Rights Reserved. Spin 1

Covers: SP111-34N This revision: May 2017

Regulatory model number: N17H2

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•Create your own connected world.

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For more information, please visit the Acer BYOC website:

www.acer.com/byoc-start

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	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
Your Acer notebook tour	8
Screen view.............................................	8
Keyboard view.........................................	9
Left view ...............................................	10
USB 3.0 information..................................	10
Right view..............................................	11
Using the keyboard	12
Lock keys...............................................	12
Special keys..............................................	12
Hotkeys.....................................................	13
Windows keys........................................	14
Using the Precision Touchpad	15
Touchpad gestures................................	15
Changing touchpad settings..................	16
Recovery	18
Creating a factory default backup..........	18
Backing up your wireless and LAN
drivers....................................................	21
Restoring your computer .......................	21
Reset this PC and keep my files...............	21
Reset this PC and remove everything ......	22
Using a Bluetooth connection	25
Enabling and disabling Bluetooth ..........	25
Enable Bluetooth and add a device ..........	25
Connecting to the Internet	27
Connecting to a wireless network..........	27
Connecting to a wireless LAN...................	27
Bluelight Shield	31
Securing your computer	33
Using passwords ...................................	33
Entering passwords ..................................	33
BIOS utility	35
Boot sequence.......................................	35
Setting passwords .................................	35
Power management	36
Saving power.........................................	36
Battery pack	38

Charging the battery .................................	38
Optimizing battery life ...............................	39
Checking the battery level.........................	40
Battery-low warning ..................................	40
Traveling with your computer	41
Disconnecting from the desktop ............	41
Moving around.......................................	41
Preparing the computer ............................	41
What to bring to meetings.........................	42
Taking the computer home....................	42
Preparing the computer ............................	42
What to take with you................................	43
Special considerations..............................	43
Setting up a home office ...........................	43
Traveling with the computer...................	44
Preparing the computer ............................	44
What to take with you................................	44
Special considerations..............................	44
Traveling internationally.........................	44
Preparing the computer ............................	45
What to bring with you ..............................	45
Special considerations..............................	45
Universal Serial Bus (USB)	47
SD card reader	48
Video and audio connectors	49
Connecting a monitor.............................	49
Headphones and microphone................	49
HDMI	50
Frequently asked questions	52
Requesting service ................................	54
Tips and hints for using Windows 10.....	55
How do I get to Start? ...............................	55
How do I turn off my computer?................	55
How do I unlock my computer?.................	55
How do I set the alarm?............................	57
Where are my apps?.................................	57
What is a Microsoft ID (account)?.............	58
How do I check for Windows updates?.....	59
Where can I get more information?...........	59
Troubleshooting.....................................	60
Troubleshooting tips..................................	60
Error messages.........................................	60
Internet and online security	62
First steps on the net .............................	62
Protecting your computer..........................	62
Choose an Internet Service Provider........	62
Network connections.................................	64
Surf the Net!..............................................	65
Internet security software..........................	66

Battery characteristics ...........................

38

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

First things first - 5

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.

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 Service & 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.

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

•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.

Note

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.

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. 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.

8 - Your Acer notebook tour

YOUR ACER NOTEBOOK TOUR

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

Screen view

1

2

3

	#	Icon Item	Description
	1	Microphone	Internal digital microphone for sound
			recording.
			Web camera for video
	2	Webcam	communication.
			A light next to the webcam indicates
			that the webcam is active.
	3	Touchscreen	Displays computer output, supports
			multi-touch input.

Your Acer notebook tour - 9

Keyboard view

1

2

#

Icon Item

Description

For entering data into your computer.

1Keyboard See "Using the keyboard" on page

12.

Touch-sensitive pointing device.

The touchpad and selection buttons form a single surface.

2Touchpad 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.

10 - Your Acer notebook tour

Left view

4

123

5

6

#

Icon Item

Description

1

DC-in jack

Connects to an AC adapter.

Indicates the computer’s battery

status.

2

Battery indicator

Charging: The light shows amber

when the battery is charging.

Fully charged: The light shows blue

when in AC mode.

3

HDMI port

Supports high-definition digital video

connections.

4

USB port

Connects to USB devices.

5

MicroSD card

Insert a microSD card into this slot.

slot

6

Speakers

Deliver stereo audio output.

USB 3.0 information

•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).

Your Acer notebook tour - 11

Right view

		1	2	345 6
#	Icon	Item	Description
1		Speakers	Deliver stereo audio output.
2	+ / -	Volume control	Adjusts the system volume.
		key
3		Power button	Turns the computer on and off.
4		Power indicator	Indicates the computer’s power
			status.
		Headset/	Connects to audio devices (e.g.,
5			speakers, headphones) or a headset
		speaker jack
			with microphone.
6		USB port	Connects to USB devices.

12 - Using the keyboard

USING THE KEYBOARD

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

Lock keys

The keyboard has lock keys which you can use to turn keyboard functions 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.

Special keys

Your computer’s keyboard includes keys that activate special functions. The function of each key is clearly marked with an icon.

	Icon	Function	Description
	Fn	Hotkey for	Activates a second function on certain keys.
			E.g. press the Fn key to activate the F1 to
		second function
			F12 keys.
		Sleep	Puts the computer in Sleep mode.
		Airplane mode	Turns on / off the computer's network
			devices.
			Switches display output between the display
		Display toggle	screen, external monitor (if connected) and
			both.
		Display off	Turns the display screen backlight off to
			save power. Press any key to return.

Using the keyboard - 13

Icon Function

Description

Brightness down Decreases the screen brightness.

	Brightness up	Increases the screen brightness.
	Touchpad toggle	Turns the built-in touchpad on and off.
	Speaker toggle	Turns the speakers on and off.
	Volume down	Decreases the sound volume.
	Volume up	Increases the sound volume.
PauseBr	Pause / Break	Sends a Break command.
NumLk	Numeric Lock	Turns Numeric Lock on or off.

Hotkeys

The computer uses hotkeys (key combinations) to access function keys and navigation commands.

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

	Hotkey	Function	Description
	Fn + Special	Function	Activates the F1 to F12 keys.
	keys (see page
		keys
	12)
	Fn + Pg Up	Home	Scrolls to the beginning of a
			document.
	Fn + Pg Dn	End	Scrolls to the end of a document.

Note

It is not necessary to press the Fn key to use the F1 to F12 function keys when starting your computer or when using the BIOS.

To swap the hotkey and special function of the F1 to F12 keys, change the function key setting in the BIOS (to open the BIOS press F2 when starting your computer, then select the Main menu and change Function key behavior to Function keys).

14 - Using the keyboard

Windows keys

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

Key	Description
	Pressed alone it returns to the Start screen
Windows key	or to return to the last open app.
	It can also be used with other keys for
	special functions, please check Windows
	Help.
Application key	This key has the same effect as clicking
	the right mouse button; it opens the
	application's context menu.

Using the Precision Touchpad - 15

USING THE PRECISION TOUCHPAD

The touchpad controls the arrow (or 'cursor') on the screen. As you slide your finger across the touchpad, the cursor will follow this movement. The Precision Touchpad (PTP) is designed to provide a more uniform, smooth, and accurate touchpad experience. Many applications support precision touchpad gestures that use one or more fingers, however, some gestures may not be supported by the specific application or program you are using.

Touchpad gestures

Single-finger slide

Slide a finger across the touchpad to move the cursor.

Single-finger press or tap

Press the touchpad down, or 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'.

Two-finger press

Lightly tap the touchpad with two fingers to perform a 'right click'. In the Start screen, this will toggle the app commands. In most apps this will open a context menu related to the selected item.

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.

16 - Using the Precision Touchpad

Three-finger press

Lightly tap the touchpad with three fingers to open Cortana (if your computer supports Cortana) or open the Action Center (if your computer does not support Cortana).

Three-finger swipe

Swipe across the touchpad with three fingers.

•Swipe up to open Task View. Move the cursor over a window and tap the touchpad to select that window, or swipe downwards to exit Task View.

•Swipe down to minimize all open windows and show Desktop; swipe upwards to restore the minimized windows.

•Swipe left or right to switch between open windows.

The precision touchpad includes added technology features that help recognize and prevent unintentional gestures such as accidental taps, gestures, and pointer movement.

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.

Changing touchpad settings

To change the touchpad settings to suit your personal requirements, please do the following.

1.In the icon tray in the lower right-hand corner of the screen, select the Notifications icon to open the Notifications pane.

2.Select All settings.

Using the Precision Touchpad - 17

3.Select Devices > Mouse & touchpad.

4.Now you can adjust the settings to suit your personal needs. You can change the primary button for leftor right-handed use, turn the touchpad off if you prefer to use a mouse, or set a delay to prevent the cursor from moving if you accidentally tap the touchpad with your palm while working. Scroll down to see more settings.

18 - Recovery

RECOVERY

If you are having trouble with your computer, and the frequently asked questions (see Got a question? on page 51) 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.

Note

Acer Care Center is only available with a pre-installed Windows operating system.

Important

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

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

1.From Start, select All apps then Acer. Select Acer Recovery Management in the list of Acer apps.

Note

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.

Recovery - 19

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

3.Make sure Backup 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.

20 - Recovery

•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.

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

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

7.Follow the process until it completes.

8.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.

9.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.

Recovery - 21

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 All apps then Acer. Select Acer Recovery Management in the list of Acer apps.

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 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 All apps then Acer. Select Acer Recovery Management in the list of Acer apps.

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