Acer NX.HF9EK.005 User Manual
USER’S MANUAL
2 -
Important
© 2019. All Rights Reserved.
Aspire 3
Covers: A315-42 / A315-42G / A315-54 / A315-54K
This revision: April 2019
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.
Register your Acer product
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
Your Acer notebook tour 8
Screen view ............................................. 8
Keyboard view ........................................ 9
Left view .............................................. 10
Right view ............................................. 10
USB 3.1 Gen 1 information ....................... 10
Base 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 .................. 17
Recovery 18
Creating a factory default backup.......... 18
Backing up your wireless and LAN
drivers.................................................... 20
Restoring your computer ....................... 20
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
Connecting with a cable ........................ 30
Built-in network feature ............................. 30
Connecting to a cellular network ........... 30
Bluelight Shield 31
Securing your computer 33
Using a computer security lock.............. 33
Using passwords ................................... 33
Entering passwords .................................. 34
BIOS utility 35
Boot sequence....................................... 35
Setting passwords ................................. 35
Power management 36
Saving power ......................................... 36
Battery pack 38
Battery characteristics ........................... 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
Video and audio connectors 48
Connecting a monitor............................. 48
Headphones and microphone................ 48
HDMI 49
Frequently asked questions 51
Requesting service ................................ 53
Tips and hints for using Windows 10 ..... 54
How do I get to Start? ............................... 54
How do I turn off my computer?................ 54
How do I unlock my computer?................. 54
How do I set the alarm? ............................ 56
Where are my apps?................................. 57
What is a Microsoft ID (account)?............. 57
How do I check for Windows updates?..... 58
Where can I get more information?........... 58
Troubleshooting ..................................... 59
Troubleshooting tips.................................. 59
Error messages......................................... 59
Internet and online security 61
First steps on the net ............................. 61
Protecting your computer .......................... 61
Choose an Internet Service Provider ........ 61
Network connections................................. 63
Surf the Net! .............................................. 64
Internet security software.......................... 65
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
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 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 - Your Acer notebook tour
2
3
1
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
# Icon Item Description
1 Microphones
2 Webcam
3 Screen Displays computer output.
Internal digital microphones for
sound recording.
Web camera for video
communication.
A light next to the webcam indicates
that the webcam is active.
Keyboard view
2
3
4
1
# Icon Item Description
Your Acer notebook tour - 9
Power indicator
1
Battery indicator
2 Keyboard
3 Touchpad
4 Power button Turns the computer on and off.
Indicates the computer’s power
status.
Indicates the computer’s battery
status.
Charging: The light shows amber
when the battery is charging.
Fully charged: The light shows blue
when in AC mode.
For entering data into your computer.
See "Using the keyboard" on page
12.
Touch-sensitive pointing device.
The touchpad and selection buttons
form a single surface.
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
1 2 3 4 5 6
1 2
Left view
# Icon Item Description
1 DC-in jack Connects to an AC adapter.
2
Ethernet (RJ-45)
port
Connects to an Ethernet 10/100/
1000-based network.
Pull the lip down to open the port
fully.
3 HDMI port
4 / 5 USB ports Connect to USB devices.
6
Headset/
speaker jack
Supports high-definition digital video
connections.
Connects to audio devices (e.g.,
speakers, headphones) or a headset
with microphone.
Right view
# Icon Item Description
1 USB port Connects to USB devices.
2
Kensington lock
slot
USB 3.1 Gen 1 information
• USB 3.1 Gen 1 compatible ports are blue.
• Compatible with USB 3.1 Gen 1 and earlier devices.
Connects to a Kensington-compatible
security lock.
• For optimal performance, use USB 3.1 Gen 1-certified devices.
1
2
3
• Defined by the USB 3.1 Gen 1 specification (SuperSpeed USB).
Base view
Your Acer notebook tour - 11
# Icon Item Description
1
2 Speakers Deliver stereo audio output.
3
Ventilation and
cooling fan
Battery reset
pinhole
Allows the computer to stay cool.
Do not cover or obstruct the
openings.
Simulates removing and reinstalling
the battery.
Insert a paperclip into the hole and
press for four seconds.
12 - Using the keyboard
USING THE KEYBOARD
The keyboard has full-sized keys, a numeric keypad, separate cursor,
lock, Windows, special keys and hotkeys.
Lock keys
The keyboard has lock keys which you can use to turn keyboard
functions on and off.
Lock key Description
Caps Lock
NumLk
(Numeric Lock)
Scr LK
(Scroll 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
with the arithmetic operators +, -, *, and /). Use this
mode when you need to do a lot of numeric data
entry.
When Scroll Lock is on, the screen moves one line
up or down when you press the up or down arrow
keys respectively. Scroll Lock does not work with
some applications.
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
Sleep Puts the computer in Sleep mode.
Flight mode
Turns on / off the computer's network
devices.
Brightness down Decreases the screen brightness.
Brightness up Increases the screen brightness.
Icon Function Description
Switches display output between the
Display toggle
Display off
Touchpad toggle Turns the built-in touchpad on and off.
display screen, external monitor (if
connected) and both.
Turns the display screen backlight off to
save power. Press any key to return.
Using the keyboard - 13
Keyboard
backlight toggle
Speaker toggle Turns the speakers on and off.
Volume down Decreases the sound volume.
Volume up Increases the sound volume.
Scr LK Scroll Lock Turns Scroll Lock on or off.
Turns the keyboard backlight on and off.
Function varies depending on
configuration.
Hotkeys
To activate hotkeys, press and hold the Fn key before pressing the
other key in the hotkey combination.
Hotkey Icon Function Description
Fn + F1-F12 Function keys Activate the F1 to F12 keys.
Fn +
Fn +
Fn +
Fn +
Next Jump to the next media file.
Previous
Play/Pause
Stop
Return to the previous media
file.
Play or pause a selected
media file.
Stop playing the selected
media file.
14 - Using the keyboard
Note
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).
(Specifications vary depending on model.)
Windows keys
The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions.
Key Description
Windows key
Application key
Pressed alone it returns to the Start screen
or to return to the last open app.
This key has the same effect as clicking
the right mouse button.
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
Note
Three-finger press
Lightly tap the touchpad with three fingers to open Cortana
(if your computer supports Cortana) or open the Search
Windows (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
• Swipe down to minimize all open windows and show
• Swipe left or right to switch between open windows.
Four-finger press
Lightly tap the touchpad with four fingers to open the
Action Center.
Four-finger swipe
Swipe across the touchpad with four fingers.
• Swipe up to open Task View. Move the cursor over a
• Swipe down to minimize all open windows and show
window and tap the touchpad to select that window, or
swipe downwards to exit Tas k Vi ew.
Desktop; swipe upwards to restore the minimized
windows.
window and tap the touchpad to select that window, or
swipe downwards to exit Tas k Vi ew.
Desktop; swipe upwards to restore the minimized
windows.
The precision touchpad includes added technology features that help
recognize and prevent unintentional gestures such as accidental taps,
gestures, and pointer movement.
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.
Using the Precision Touchpad - 17
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.
3. Select Devices > Touchpad
4. Now you can adjust the settings to suit your personal needs. You
can switch off the touchpad if you prefer to use a mouse. Or you can
adjust the touchpad sensitivity to suit your needs. Scroll down to see
more settings.
18 - Recovery
Note
Important
Note
RECOVERY
If you are having trouble with your computer, and the frequently asked
questions (see Got a question? on page 50) 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.
Recovery - 19
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.
20 - Recovery
Important
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.
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 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
Important
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.
Recovery - 21
If you have apps installed on your PC, they will be removed.
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