Acer Travelmate 5530 Service Manual

TravelMate 5530/5230 Series

Service Guide

Service guide files and updates are available

on the ACER/CSD web; for more information,

please refer to http://csd.acer.com.tw

PRINTED IN TAIWAN

Revision History

Please refer to the table below for the updates made on TravelMate 5530/5230 Series service guide.

Date Chapter Updates

II

Copyright

Copyright © 2008 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

The information in this guide is subject to change without notice.
Acer Incorporated makes no representations or warranties, either expressed or implied, with respect to the

contents hereof and specifically disclaims any warranties of 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.

Acer is a registered trademark of Acer Corporation.
Intel is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation.
Pentium and Pentium II/III are trademarks of Intel Corporation.
Other brand and product names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

III

Conventions

The following conventions are used in this manual:

SCREEN MESSAGES Denotes actual messages that appear

on screen.

NOTE Gives bits and pieces of additional

information related to the current
topic.

WARNING Alerts you to any damage that might

result from doing or not doing specific
actions.

CAUTION Gives precautionary measures to

avoid possible hardware or software
problems.

IMPORTANT Reminds you to do specific actions

relevant to the accomplishment of
procedures.

IV

Preface

Before using this information and the product it supports, please read the following general information.

1. This Service Guide provides you with all technical information relating to the BASIC CONFIGURATION
decided for Acer's "global" product offering. To better fit local market requirements and enhance product
competitiveness, your regional office MAY have decided to extend the functionality of a machine (e.g.
add-on card, modem, or extra memory capability). These LOCALIZED FEATURES will NOT be covered
in this generic service guide. In such cases, please contact your regional offices or the responsible
personnel/channel to provide you with further technical details.

2. Please note WHEN ORDERING FRU PARTS, that you should check the most up-to-date information
available on your regional web or channel. If, for whatever reason, a part number change is made, it will
not be noted in the printed Service Guide. For ACER-AUTHORIZED SERVICE PROVIDERS, your Acer
office may have a DIFFERENT part number code to those given in the FRU list of this printed Service
Guide. You MUST use the list provided by your regional Acer office to order FRU parts for repair and
service of customer machines.

V

VI

Table of Contents

System Specifications 1

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

System Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Your Acer Notebook tour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Right View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Easy-Launch Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Touchpad Basics (with fingerprint reader) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Touchpad basics (with two-click buttons) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Using the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Lock Keys and embedded numeric keypad. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Windows Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Hot Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Special Key (only for certain models) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Acer Empowering Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Launching Acer Empowering Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Empowering Technology password. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Acer ePower Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Acer eDataSecurity Management (only for certain models) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Acer eRecovery Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Acer eSettings Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Windows Mobility Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Using the System Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Acer GridVista (dual-display compatible) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Hardware Specifications and Configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

System Utilities 37

BIOS Setup Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Navigating the BIOS Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

Main . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Boot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Exit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

BIOS Flash Utility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Remove HDD/BIOS Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

Machine Disassembly and Replacement 53

Disassembly Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

Pre-disassembly Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

Disassembly Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

External Module Disassembly Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

External Modules Disassembly Flowchart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Removing the Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Removing the SD dummy card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

Removing the PC and ExpressCard dummy cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

Removing the Lower Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

Removing the DIMM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

Removing the WLAN Board Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

Removing the Hard Disk Drive Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

Removing the Optical Drive Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64

Main Unit Disassembly Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Main Unit Disassembly Flowchart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

VII

Table of Contents

Removing the Middle Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68

Removing the Power Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

Removing the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71

Removing the Heatsink Fan Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72

Removing the CPU and VGA Heatsink Module. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Removing the CPU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74

Removing the VGA Board (Discrete Model only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75

Removing the LCD Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76

Separating the Upper Case from the Lower Case. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Removing the Speaker Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82

Removing the Launch Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83

Removing the Fingerprint and Touchpad Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84

Removing the Modem Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87

Removing the USB Board Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89

Removing the Main Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90

LCD Module Disassembly Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93

LCD Module Disassembly Flowchart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93

Removing the LCD Bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94

Removing the LCD module with the Brackets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96

Removing the FPC Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97

Removing the LCD Brackets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99

Removing the Antennas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100

Removing the Web Camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101

Troubleshooting 103

System Check Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .104

External Diskette Drive Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .104

External CD-ROM Drive Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .104

Keyboard or Auxiliary Input Device Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .104

Memory check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105

Power System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105

Touchpad Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Power-On Self-Test (POST) Error Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .108

Index of Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109

Phoenix BIOS Beep Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112

Index of Symptom-to-FRU Error Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117

Intermittent Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .121

Undetermined Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .122

Jumper and Connector Locations 123

Top and Bottom View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .123

Clearing Password Check and BIOS Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125

Clearing Password Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125

BIOS Recovery by Crisis Disk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .126

FRU (Field Replaceable Unit) List 127

TravelMate 5530/5230 Series Exploded Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .128

TravelMate 5530/5230 Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .136

Model Definition and Configuration 136
Test Compatible Components 159

Microsoft® Windows® Vista Environment Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .160

VIII

Table of Contents

Online Support Information 163
Index 165

IX

Table of Contents

X

System Specifications

Features

Below is a brief summary of the computer’s many feature:

Platform

AMD Better By Design program, featuring:

K AMD Turion™ 64X2 dual-core processor
K AMD Athlon™ 64X2 dual-core processor
K Mobile AMD Sempron™ processor
K AMD M780G Chipset
K Acer InviLink™ 802.11b/g*
K Acer InviLink™ Nplify™ 802.11b/g/Draft-N*

System Memory

K Dual-Channel DDR2 SDRAM support
K Up to 2 GB of DDR2 667 MHz memory, upgradeable to 4 GB using two soDIMM modules*

Chapter 1

Display and graphics

K 15.4" WXGA 1280 x 800
K ATI Mobility Radeon™ HD 3200/3470*

Storage subsystem

K 2.5" hard disk drives
K Optical drive options:

jBlu-ray Disc™/DVD-Super Multi double-layer drive
jDVD-Super Multi double-layer drive
jDVD/CD-RW combo drive

K 5-in-1 card reader

Special keys and controls

K 88-/89-/93-key keyboard
K Touchpad pointing device
K Empowering Key
K Easy-launch buttons: WLAN, Internet, email, Bluetooth, Acer Arcade™
K Acer MediaTouch keys: play/pause, stop, previous, next
K Volume wheel
K Acer Media Center remote control*

Audio

K Two built-in Acer 3DSonic stereo speakers
K High-definition audio support

Chapter 1 1

K MS-Sound compatible
K One or two built-in microphones*

Communication

K Acer Video Conference, featuring:

jIntegrated Acer Crystal Eye webcam
jOptional Acer Xpress VoIP phone

K WLAN:

jAcer InviLink™ 802.11b/g*

jAcer InviLink™ Nplify™ 802.11b/g/Draft-N*
K WP AN: Bluetooth® 2.0+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate)
K LAN: Gigabit Ethernet; Wake-on-LAN ready
K Modem: 56K ITU V.92

I/O Ports

K Acer EasyPort IV connector
K ExpressCard™/54 slot
K PC Card slot (Type II)
K Acer Bio-Protection fingerprint reader
K 5-in-1 card reader (SD/MMC/MS/MS PRO/xD)
K 3 USB 2.0 ports
K HDMI™ port with HDCP support*
K USB 2.0/ eSATA port *

NOTE: If you plug an eSATA device you will have three USB ports available in the mean time.

K External display (VGA) port
K Headphones/speaker/line-out jack
K Microphone-in jack
K Line-in jack
K Ethernet (RJ-45) port
K Modem (RJ-11) port
K DC-in jack for AC adapter

Environment

K Temperature:

jOperating: 5 °C to 35 °C

jNon-operating: -20 °C to 65 °C
K Humidity (non-condensing):

jOperating: 20% to 80%

jNon-operating: 20% to 80%

NOTE: "*" "Only for certain models"
NOTE: The specifications listed above are for reference only. The exact configuration of your PC depends on

the model purchased.

2 Chapter 1

System Block Diagram

Chapter 1 3

Your Acer Notebook tour

After knowing your computer features, let us show you around your new computer.

Front View

Icon Item Description

1 Acer Crystal Eye Web camera for video communication

(only for certain models).

2 Acer PureZone Two internal stereo microphones for sound

recording (only for certain models).

3 Display screen Also called Liquid-Crystal Display (LCD),

displays computer output.

4 Speakers Left and right speakers deliver stereo audio

output.
5 Empowering key Launch Acer Empowering Technology
6 Productivity keys Three productivity keys give users one-touch

access to protection and manageability

features for a more secure, smarter and

easier way to work.

4 Chapter 1

Icon Item Description

7 Easy-launch

buttons

Buttons for launching frequently used

programs.
8 Palmrest Comfortable support area for your hands

when you use the computer.
9 Touchpad Touch-sensitive pointing device which

functions like a computer mouse.
10 Click buttons (left,

center* and right)

The left and right buttons function like the left

and right mouse buttons.

*The center button serves as Acer BioProtect

fingerprint reader supporting Acer FingerNav

4-way control function (manufacturing

option).
11 Acer Bio-

Protection
fingerprint reader

The center button serves as Acer Bio-

Protection fingerprint reader supporting Acer

FingerNav 4-way control function (only for

certain models).
12/15 Status indicators Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) that light up to

show the status of the computer's functions

and components.
13 Keyboard For entering data into your computer.
14 Power button Turns the computer on and off.

Chapter 1 5

Closed Front View

Icon Item Description

1 Latch Locks and releases the lid.
2 5-in-1 card reader Accepts Secure Digital (SD), MultiMediaCard (MMC),

Memory Stick (MS), Memory Stick Pro (MS PRO), and
xD-Picture Card.

Note: Only one card can operate at any given time.

3 Line-in jack Accepts audio line-in devices (e.g., audio CD player,

stereo walkman, mp3 player)

4 Microphone jack Accepts inputs from external microphones.

5 Headphones/

speaker/line-out
jack.

6 Bluetooth

communication
switch

7 Wireless

communication
switch

Connects to audio line-out devices
(e.g., speakers, headphones).

Enable/disable the Bluetooth function. (manufacturing
option).

Enable/disable the wireless function. (manufacturing
option).

6 Chapter 1

Left View

# Icon Item Description

1 Kensington lock slot Connects to a Kensington-compatible computer security

lock.

2 Acer EasyPort IV

connector

3 External display

(VGA) port

4 Ethernet (RJ-45)

port

5 HDMI port Supports high definition digital video connections (only

6 Two USB 2.0 ports Connect to USB 2.0 devices (e.g., USB mouse, USB

7 PC Card slot Accepts one Type II PC Card.

8 ExpressCard/54

slot

9 PC Card slot eject

button

Connects to Acer EasyPort IV
(only for certain models).

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

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

for certain models).

camera).

Accepts one ExpressCard/54 module.

Ejects the PC Card from the slot.

Right View

Icon Item Description

1 Optical drive Internal optical drive; accepts CDs or DVDs.
2 Optical disk access

indicator

3 Optical drive eject

button

Chapter 1 7

Lights up when the optical drive is active.

Ejects the optical disk from the drive.

Icon Item Description

4 Emergency eject hole Ejects the optical drive tray when the computer is

turned off.
Note: Insert a paper clip to the emergency eject
hole to eject the optical drive tray when the
computer is off.

8 Chapter 1

Rear View

# Icon Item Description

1 USB 2.0 port Connects to USB 2.0 devices

(e.g., USB mouse, USB camera).

2 USB 2.0/ e SATA

port

3 Modem

(RJ-1 1) port

4 DC-in jack Connects to an AC adapter.

5 Ventilation slots Enable the computer to stay cool, even after

Connects to USB 2.0 or eSATA devices
(only for certain models).

Note:

If you plug an eSATA device you will have

three USB ports available in the mean time
Connects to a phone line.

prolonged use.

.

Chapter 1 9

Bottom View

Icon Item Description

1 Hard disk bay Houses the computer's hard disk (secured with

screws).

2 Acer DASP (Disk

Anti-Shock
Protection)

3 Ventilation slots Enable the computer to stay cool, even after

4 Memory

compartment

5 Battery lock Locks the battery in position.

6 Battery release

latch

7 Battery bay Houses the computer's battery pack.

Protects the hard disk drive from shocks and
bumps (only for certain models).

prolonged use.
Houses the computer's main memory.

Releases the battery for removal.

10 Chapter 1

Indicators

The computer has several easy-to-read status indicators. The front panel indicators are visible even when the
computer cover is closed.

Icon Function Description

HDD Indicates when the hard disk drive is

active.

Num Lock Lights up when Num Lock is

activated.

Caps Lock Lights up when Caps Lock is

activated.

Power Indicates the computer's power

status.

Battery Indicates the computer's battery

status.

Bluetooth

(Manufacturing option)

Indicates the status of Bluetooth
communication.

Wireless LAN

(Manufacturing option)

NOTE: 1. Charging: The light shows amber when the battery is charging. 2. Fully charged: The light shows

green when in AC mode.

Indicates the status of wireless LAN
communication.

Easy-Launch Buttons

Located beside the keyboard are application buttons. These buttons are called easy-launch buttons. They are:
WLAN, Internet, email, Bluetooth, Arcade and Acer Empowering Technology.

The mail and Web browser buttons are pre-set to email and Internet programs, but can be reset by users. To
set the Web browser, mail and programmable buttons, run the Acer Launch Manager.You can access the
Launch Manager by clicking on Start, All Programs, and then Launch Manager to start the application.

Icon Function Description

Acer Empowering
Technology

Web browser Internet browser (user-Programmable)
Mail Email application (user-Programmable)

P

Programmable key User-programmable

Launch Acer Empowering Technology (user­programmable)

Chapter 1 11

Touchpad Basics (with fingerprint reader)

The following items show you how to use the touchpad with Acer Bio-Protection fingerprint reader.

1 23 4

K Move your finger across the touchpad (2) to move the cursor.
K Press the left (1) and right (4) buttons located beneath the touchpad to perform selection and execution

functions. These two buttons are similar to the left and right buttons on a mouse. Tapping on the
touchpad is the same as clicking the left button.

K Use Acer Bio-Protection fingerprint reader (3) supporting Acer FingerNav 4-way control function (only

for certain models) to scroll up or down and move left or right a page. This fingerprint reader or button
mimics your cursor pressing on the right scroll bar of Windows applications.

Function Left button (1) Right button (4) Main touchpad (2) Center button (3)

Execute Quickly click

twice.

Tap twice (at the same speed
as double-clicking a mouse

button).
Select Click once. Tap once.
Drag Click and

hold, then
use finger on
the touchpad
to drag the
cursor.

Access
context
menu

Scroll Swipe up/down/left/right

Click once.

Tap twice (at the same speed

as double-clicking a mouse

button); rest your finger on the

touchpad on the second tap

and drag the cursor.

using Acer FingerNav 4­way control function
(Manufacturing option).

Touchpad basics (with two-click buttons)

The following items show you how to use the touchpad with two-click buttons.

1 23

K Move your finger across the touchpad (1) to move the cursor.

12 Chapter 1

K Press the left (2) and right (3) buttons located beneath the touchpad to perform selection and execution

functions. These two buttons are similar to the left and right buttons on a mouse. Tapping on the
touchpad is the same as clicking the left button.

Function Left button (2) Right button (3) Main touchpad (1)

Execute Quickly click twice. Tap twice (at the same speed as double-clicking

a mouse button).
Select Click once. Tap once.
Drag Click and hold, then use

finger on the touchpad
to drag the cursor.

Access

Click once.

Tap twice (at the same speed as double-clicking

a mouse button); rest your finger on the touchpad

on the second tap and drag the cursor.

context menu

NOTE: Illustrations for reference only. The exact configuration of your PC depends on the model purchased.
NOTE: When using the touchpad, keep it — and your fingers — dry and clean. The touchpad is sensitive to

finger movement; hence, the lighter the touch, the better the response. Tapping harder will not increase
the touchpad's responsiveness.

NOTE: By default, vertical and horizontal scrolling is enabled on your touchpad. It can be disabled under

Mouse settings in Windows Control Panel.

Chapter 1 13

Using the Keyboard

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

Lock Keys and embedded numeric keypad

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.

Num Lock

<Fn> + <F11>

Scroll Lock <Fn> +
<F12>

The embedded numeric keypad functions like a desktop numeric keypad. It is indicated by small characters
located on the upper right corner of the key caps. To simplify the keyboard legend, cursor-control key symbols
are not printed on the keys.

When Num Lock is on, the embedded 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 . A better solution
would be to connect an external keypad.

NOTE: <Fn> + <F11> works only for certain models.

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.

Desired access Num Lock on Num Lock off

Number keys on
embedded keypad

Cursor-control keys on
embedded keypad

Main keyboard keys Hold <Fn> while typing letters on

Type numbers in a normal manner.

Hold <Shift> while using cursor­control keys.

embedded keypad.

Hold <Fn> while using cursor­control keys.

Type the letters in a normal
manner.

14 Chapter 1

Windows Keys

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

Key Description

Windows
key

Application
key

Pressed alone, this key has the same effect as
clicking on the Windows Start button; it launches the
Start menu.
It can also be used with other keys to provide a
variety of functions:

< >: Open or close the Start menu

< > + <D>: Display the desktop
< > + <E>: Open Windows Explore

< > + <F>: Search for a file or folder
< > + <G>: Cycle through Sidebar gadgets
< > + <L>: Lock your computer (if you are

connected to a network domain), or switch users (if
you're not connected to a network domain)

< > + <M>: Minimizes all windows
< > + <R>: Open the Run dialog box
< > + <T>: Cycle through programs on the

taskbar
< > + <U>: Open Ease of Access Center
< > + <X>: Open Windows Mobility Center
< > + <BREAK>: Display the System Properties

dialog box
< > + <SHIFT+M>: Restore minimized windows

to the desktop
< > + <TAB>: Cycle through programs on the

taskbar by using Windows Flip 3-D
< > + <SPACEBAR>: Bring all gadgets to the

front and select Windows Sidebar
<CTRL> + < > + <F>: Search for computers (if

you are on a network)
<CTRL> + < > + <TAB>: Use the arrow keys to

cycle through programs on the taskbar by using
Windows Flip 3-D

Note: Depending on your edition of Windows Vista,
some shortcuts may not function as described.

This key has the same effect as clicking the right
mouse button; it opens the application's context
menu.

Chapter 1 15

Hot Keys

The computer employs hotkeys or key combinations to access most of the computer’s controls like screen
brightness, volume output and the BIOS utility.

To activate hot keys, press and hold the <Fn> key before pressing the other key in the hotkey combination.

Hotkey Icon Function Description

<Fn> + <F1> Hotkey help Displays help on hotkeys.

<Fn> + <F2> Acer eSettings Launches Acer eSettings in Acer Empowering

Technology.

<Fn> + <F3> Acer ePower

Management

<Fn> + <F4> Sleep Puts the computer in Sleep mode.

<Fn> + <F5> Display toggle Switches display output between the display

<Fn> + <F6> Screen blank Turns the display screen backlight off to save

<Fn> + <F7> Touchpad toggle Turns the internal touchpad on and off.

Launches Acer ePower Management in Acer
Empowering Technology.

screen, external monitor (if connected) and
both.

power. Press any key to return.

<Fn> + <F8> Speaker toggle Turns the speakers on and off.

<Fn> + < > Brightness up Increases the screen brightness.

<Fn> + < > Brightness down Decreases the screen brightness.

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

(only for certain models).

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

(only for certain models).

16 Chapter 1

Special Key (only for certain models)

You can locate the Euro symbol and the US dollar sign at the upper-center
and/or bottom-right of your keyboard.

The Euro symbol

1. Open a text editor or word processor.

2. Either press < > at the bottom-right of the keyboard, or hold <Alt Gr> and then press the <5> key at the

upper-center of the keyboard.

NOTE: Some fonts and software do not support the Euro symbol. Please refer to www.microsoft.com/

typography/faq/faq12.htm for more information.

The US dollar sign

1. Open a text editor or word processor.

2. Either press < > at the bottom-right of the keyboard, or hold <Shift> and then press the <4> key at the

upper-center of the keyboard.

NOTE: This function varies according to the language settings.

Chapter 1 17

Acer Empowering Technology

The Empowering Technology toolbar makes it easy for you to access frequently used functions and manage
your new Acer system. Activated by pressing the Empowering Key, it provides access to the following utilities:

NOTE: The following content is for general reference only. Actual product specifications may vary.

K Acer eDataSecurity Management protects data with passwords and encryption (only for certain

models).

K Acer ePower Management optimizes battery usage via customizable power plans.
K Acer eRecovery Management backs up and recovers data flexibly, reliably

and completely.

K Acer eSettings Management accesses system information and adjusts settings easily.

For more information, right-click on the Empowering Technology toolbar, then select Help. For help with a
particular utility, launch the utility and click the icon at the bottom of the active window.

Launching Acer Empowering Technology

To launch Acer Empowering Technology:

1. Press the Empowering Key to display the Acer Empowering Technology toolbar on the desktop.

2. To hide the toolbar, press the Empowering Key again or click the hide button on the toolbar.

You may also launch Acer Empowering Technology by running the program from the Acer Empowering
Technology program group in the Start menu, or by double-clicking the icon if you have created a

desktop shortcut.

To launch Acer Empowering Technology applications:

1. On the Acer Empowering Technology toolbar, click the icon that corresponds to the application you want
to launch.

2. When you mouse over an application icon, a quick menu appears below the toolbar. The quick menu
allows you to perform certain tasks simply and quickly.

3. You may also run the application by selecting it from the Acer Empowering Technology program group in
the Start menu.

18 Chapter 1

Empowering Technology password

You must set the Empowering Technology password to use the password protection feature of Acer
eRecovery Management to protect your data.

To set the Empowering Technology password:

1. Launch Acer eRecovery Management.

2. Click the Restore tab.

3. Click Password settings. The Empowering Technology Password Center dialogue box pops up.

4. Click Create a new password.

5. In the Create a New Password dialogue box, key in and confirm your password in the appropriate boxes.

Your password should have a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 12 characters.

6. Enter a password hint that will help you remember your password.

7. Make sure the box Use for Acer eRecovery Management is checked.

8. Click OK to set the password.

Chapter 1 19

Acer ePower Management

Acer ePower Management features a straightforward user interface for configuring your power management
options. T o access this utility, select Acer ePower Management from the Empowering Technology toolbar, run
the program from the Acer Empowering Technology program group in Start menu, or right-click the Windows
power icon in the system tray and select Acer ePower Management.

Using power plans

Acer ePower Management comes with three predefined power plans: Balanced, High performance and Power
saver. You can also create customized power plans. You can create, switch between, edit, delete and restore
power plans, as described below.

View and adjust settings for On Battery and Plugged In modes by clicking the appropriate tabs. For more
power options, click in the Acer ePower Management utility, or right-click the Windows power icon in the

system tray and select Power Options.
NOTE: You cannot delete the predefined power plans.

To create a new power plan:

Creating customized power plans allows you to save and quickly switch to a personalized set of power
options.

1. Click the New power plan option or icon .

2. Enter a name for your new power plan.

3. Choose a predefined power plan to base your customized plan on.

4. If necessary, change the display, sleep and hibernation settings you want your computer to use.

5. Click OK to save your new power plan.

To switch between power plans:

1. Mouse over the Acer ePower Management application on the Acer Empowering Technology toolbar. The
quick menu appears. Select the power plan you want to switch to.

2. Y ou may also switch between power plans by launching the Acer ePower Management application. Select
the power plan you wish to switch to, then click Apply.

To edit a power plan:

Editing a power plan allows you to adjust system settings like LCD brightness and CPU speed.

1. Switch to the power plan you wish to edit.

2. Adjust settings as required.

3. Click Apply to save your new settings.

To delete a power plan:

Y ou cannot delete the power plan you are currently using. If you want to delete the active power plan, switch to
another one first.

1. Select the power plan you wish to delete.

2. Click the Delete Power Plan icon.

Battery status

1. The quick menu shows the remaining battery life based on current usage.

2. You can also launch the Acer ePower Management application and refer to the Battery status panel

located just below the power plans.

20 Chapter 1