Page 2
This revision: September 2015 Sign up for an Acer ID and enjoy great benefits Open the Acer Portal app to sign up for an Acer ID or sign in if you already have an Acer ID. There are three great reasons for you to get an Acer ID: •...
Taking care of your AC adapter ....8 Checking the battery level......42 Cleaning and servicing........ 8 Battery-low warning ........42 Your Acer notebook tour Traveling with your computer Screen view ..........9 Disconnecting from the desktop .... 43 Keyboard view ........10 Moving around ........
Page 4
4 - Table of contents Network connections......... 67 Security ............. 69 Surf the Net!..........69...
Page 5
• 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...
6 - First things first I R S T T H I N G S F I R S T We would like to thank you for making this Acer notebook your choice for meeting your mobile computing needs. Your guides...
First things first - 7 • Use the Windows shutdown command: Press the Windows key or select the Windows Start button, select Power > Shut down. • 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:...
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. For more information, please See Frequently asked questions on...
O U R C E R N O T E B O O K T O U R After setting up your computer as illustrated in the Setup Guide, let us show you around your new Acer computer. Screen view Icon...
10 - Your Acer notebook tour Icon Item Description Indicates the computer’s battery status. Charging: The light shows amber Battery indicator when the battery is charging. Fully charged: The light shows blue when in AC mode. Indicates the computer’s power Power indicator status.
Your Acer notebook tour - 11 Left view Icon Item Description Connects to USB devices that adopt the USB Type-C connector. Supports USB Type-C port USB 3.1 Type-C, Gen 1 with transfer speeds up to 5 Gb/s. Supports high-definition digital video HDMI port connections.
12 - Your Acer notebook tour Icon Item Description Volume control + / - Adjusts the system volume. USB port Connects to USB devices. Power button Turns the computer on and off. DC-in jack Connects to an AC adapter. Base view...
Using the keyboard - 13 S I N G T H E K E Y B O A R D 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 two lock keys which you can toggle on and off.
Page 14
14 - Using the keyboard To activate hotkeys, press and hold the <Fn> key before pressing the other key in the hotkey combination. Hotkey Icon Function Description Turns on / off the computer's <Fn> + <F3> Airplane mode network devices. Puts the computer in Sleep <Fn>...
Using the keyboard - 15 Windows keys The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions. Description Pressed alone it returns to the Start screen or to return to the last open app. Windows key It can also be used with other keys for special functions, please check Windows Help.
16 - Using the Precision Touchpad S I N G T H E R E C I S I O N O U C H P A D The touchpad controls the arrow (or 'cursor') on the screen. As you slide your finger across the touchpad, the cursor will follow this movement.
Using the Precision Touchpad - 17 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.
Page 18
18 - Using the Precision Touchpad 4. Now you can adjust the settings to suit your personal needs. You can change the primary button for left- or right-handed use, turn the touchpad off if you prefer to use a mouse, or set a delay to prevent the cursor moving if you accidentally tap the touchpad with your palm while working.
56) 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.
Page 20
20 - Recovery 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.
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, type 'Recovery' in the Cortana search box and then select Acer Recovery Management in the list of apps.
22 - Recovery 2. Select the Backup tab and click Get started for Backup wireless and LAN drivers. Choose a folder to save your drivers and select Restoring your computer Recovery Management allows you to quickly and easily restore your computer back to its default status.
Recovery - 23 5. Reseting the PC will reinstall Windows, change settings back to their factory defaults and remove all preinstalled apps and programs without removing your personal files. Click Reset to continue. 6. You will be shown the reset progress on the screen. The screen will turn off during the reset process.
Page 24
24 - Recovery 3. Select Remove everything to reset your PC back to its factory default. This process will reinstall your operating system and remove all of your personal files, apps, and settings. 4. Select Just remove my files if you are keeping your computer. This will be quicker, but less secure.
Page 25
Recovery - 25 5. Click Reset to continue. 6. You will be shown the reset progress on the screen. The screen will turn off during the reset process. 7. The screen will turn back on when it is installing Windows. Your PC will restart several times during the reset process.
26 - Using a Bluetooth connection S I N G A L U E T O O T H C O N N E C T I O N Bluetooth is a technology enabling you to transfer data wirelessly over short distances between many different types of devices.
Page 27
Using a Bluetooth connection - 27 3. Select the device you wish to pair from the list of discovered devices, and select Pair. 4. A code displays on your computer, which should match the code displayed on your device. Select Yes. Then, accept the pairing from your device.
Windows will detect and display a list of available networks during setup. Select your network and enter the password if required. Acer notebook computers feature an Airplane mode hotkey that turns the network connection on or off. You can use the network...
Page 29
Connecting to the Internet - 29 management options to turn your wireless network on/off or control what is shared over the network. To connect to a wireless network, please follow the steps below. 1. Ensure you have a wireless router/access point and current internet connection through the ISP of your choice.
Page 30
30 - Connecting to the Internet 4. Select Network & internet. 5. You will see a list of available wireless networks. Select the one you wish to use.
Page 31
Connecting to the Internet - 31 6. Once you select a wireless network, select Connect. 7. If required, enter the network’s password.
32 - Connecting to the Internet Connecting with a cable Built-in network feature Plug one end of a network cable into the network port on your computer, and the other end into a port on your router. (Refer to the image below.) Then, you'll be ready to get online.
To configure Acer Bluelight Shield, Search for ’Acer Quick Access’. From here you can toggle Acer Bluelight Shield on or off, and you can choose from four different modes to fit your needs: No.
Page 34
34 - Keeping your computer and data safe... In this section you will find: • How to secure your computer • Setting passwords • What you need to prepare when you’re traveling • How to get the most out of your battery...
Securing your computer - 35 E C U R I N G Y O U R C O MP U TE R Your computer is a valuable investment that you need to take care of. Learn how to protect and take care of your computer. Using passwords Passwords protect your computer from unauthorized access.
Page 36
36 - Securing your computer • Type the User Password and press <Enter> to use the computer. If you enter the password incorrectly, a warning message appears. Try again and press <Enter>. Important You have three chances to enter a password. If you fail to enter the password correctly after three tries, the system halts.
BIOS utility - 37 B I O S U T I L I T Y The BIOS utility is a hardware configuration program built into your computer's BIOS. Your computer is already properly configured and optimized, and you do not normally need to run this utility. However, if you encounter configuration problems, you may need to run it.
38 - Power management O W E R M A N A G E M E N T This computer has a built-in power management unit that monitors system activity. System activity refers to any activity involving one or more of the following devices: keyboard, mouse, hard disk, peripherals connected to the computer, and video memory.
Page 39
Power management - 39 5. Select Change settings that are currently unavailable. 6. Scroll down and disable Turn on fast startup. 7. Select Save changes.
40 - Battery pack A T T E R Y P A C K The computer uses an embedded Lithium battery that gives you long use between charges. Battery characteristics The battery is recharged whenever you connect the computer to the AC adapter.
Battery pack - 41 Use this conditioning process for all new batteries, or if a battery hasn't been used for a long time. Warning Do not expose battery packs to temperatures below 0° C (32° F) or above 45° C (113° F). Extreme temperatures may adversely affect the battery pack.
42 - Battery pack Checking the battery level The power meter indicates the current battery level. Rest the cursor over the battery/power icon on the taskbar to see the battery's present charge level. Battery-low warning When using battery power pay attention to the power meter. Important Connect the AC adapter as soon as possible after the battery-low warning appears.
Traveling with your computer - 43 R A V E L I N G W I T H Y O U R C O M P U T E R This section gives you tips and hints to consider when moving around or traveling with your computer.
44 - Traveling with your computer You can put the computer in Sleep mode by pressing the Sleep hotkey or by closing the display. When you are ready to use the computer again, open the display and, if necessary, press and release the power button. Note The computer may enter Hibernation or Deep Sleep mode after being in Sleep mode for a period of time.
Traveling with your computer - 45 What to take with you Unless you have some items at home, take the following items with you: • AC adapter and power cord. • The printed Setup Guide. Special considerations Follow these guidelines to protect your computer while traveling to and from work: •...
46 - Traveling with your computer Traveling with the computer Important Check with your airline for any special requirements for travelling with Lithium batteries. When you are moving within a larger distance, for instance, from your office building to a client's office building or traveling locally. Preparing the computer Prepare the computer as if you were taking it home.
Traveling with your computer - 47 Preparing the computer Prepare the computer as you would normally prepare it for traveling. What to bring with you Bring the following items with you: • AC adapter. • Power cords that are appropriate for your destination(s). •...
Page 48
48 - Ports and connectors... In this section you will find: • Information on the ports and connectors fitted to your computer...
Note Two USB standards are currently available on Acer computers: USB 2.0 (High-speed USB) and USB 3.0 (SuperSpeed USB). USB 2.0 ports on Acer computers have a black tongue in the port, while USB 3.0 ports have a blue tongue. For best performance, USB 3.0 devices should always be plugged into USB 3.0 ports.
50 - Memory card reader E M O R Y C A R D R E A D E R Connectivity options Your computer has a card reader and other ports/jacks that allow you to connect peripheral devices to your computer. For instructions on how to connect different external devices to the computer, read the following section.
Page 51
Memory card reader - 51 (2 TB). Your computer provides an SDHC or SDXC compatible card reader. Note SDXC memory cards can only be used in an SDXC-compatible reader; SD and SDHC cards can be used in either type. Removing a card from a memory card reader 1.
52 - Video and audio connectors I D E O A N D A U D I O C O N N E C T O R S Connect to a monitor with a VGA or DVI port (the type of connection supported depends your...
HDMI - 53 H D M I HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is a high-quality, digital audio/video interface. HDMI allows you to connect any compatible digital audio/video source, such as your computer, a set-top box, DVD player, and audio/video receiver to any compatible digital audio and/or video monitor, such as a digital television (DTV) with a single cable.
Page 54
54 - Got a question? In this section you will find: • Frequently asked questions • Tips for using Windows 10 • Troubleshooting information • How to protect yourself while online • Where to find Acer service center contact information...
Frequently asked questions - 55 R E Q U E N TL Y A S K E D Q U E S T I O N S The following is a list of possible situations that may arise during the use of your computer.
Page 56
Your C: drive will be reformatted and all data will be erased. It is important to back up all data files before using this option. Before performing a restore operation, please check the BIOS settings. 1. Check to see if Acer disk-to-disk recovery is enabled or not.
2. Make sure the D2D Recovery setting in Main is Enabled. 3. Exit the BIOS utility and save changes. The system will reboot. Note To activate the BIOS utility, press <F2> when you see the Acer logo during boot up. For more information,...
F r e qu e nt ly a sk 58 - Frequently asked questions Tips and hints for using Windows 10 We know this is a new operating system that will take some getting used to, so we've created a few pointers to help you get started. How do I get to Start? Tap the Start button on the lower left-hand corner of the screen.
Page 59
Frequently asked questions - 59 To change the background, tap the Windows Start button and tap Settings > Personalization. From here you can: • Select a background image for the lock screen • Turn the Slide show on or off •...
60 - Frequently asked questions How do I set the alarm? Your computer can act as an alarm clock. Start typing ’Alarms’ to search for the Alarms app. 1. Select a name for the alarm. 2. Set the time by choosing the hour and minute. 3.
Frequently asked questions - 61 How do I make an app appear on Start? If you're in All apps and you want to make an app appear on Start, tap and hold the app until you see the screen dim. When you release the app, tap Pin to Start from the menu that appears.
Tap the Windows Start button > Settings > Update & recovery > Windows Update. Tap Advanced options to configure the settings. Where can I get more information? For more information please visit the following pages: • Windows 10 information: go.acer.com/windows-tutorial • Support FAQs: support.acer.com...
R E Q U E N T LY Frequently asked questions - 63 Troubleshooting This chapter shows you how to deal with common system problems. Read it before calling a technician if a problem occurs. Solutions to more serious problems require opening up the computer. Do not attempt to open the computer yourself;...
Page 64
64 - Frequently asked questions Error messages Corrective action Keyboard error or no Contact your dealer or an authorized service keyboard connected center. Keyboard interface Contact your dealer or an authorized service error center. Press <F2> (during POST) to enter the BIOS Memory size utility, then press Exit in the BIOS utility to mismatch...
Internet and online security - 65 N T E R N E T A N D O N L I N E S E C U R I T Y First steps on the net Protecting your computer It is vital to protect your computer from viruses and attacks over the internet (see Security on page 69).
Page 66
66 - Internet and online security internet as the connection speed is low and connection time is typically charged per hour. DSL (e.g. ADSL) DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) is an ‘always-on’ connection that runs over the phone line. As DSL and phone do not use the same frequencies, you can use your telephone at the same time you are connected to the internet (this requires a ‘micro-filter’...
Page 67
Internet and online security - 67 Network connections A LAN (Local Area Network) is a group of computers (for example, within an office building or home) that share a common communications line and resources. When you set up a network, you can share files, peripheral devices (such as a printer) and an internet connection.
Page 68
68 - Internet and online security services. Read carefully the documentation supplied with your Access point/router for detailed setup instructions. Network cable (RJ45) A network cable (also called RJ45 cable) is used to connect the host computer to the access point (see illustration below); this type of cable may also be used to connect peripheral devices to the access point.
Page 69
Security You are probably eager to explore everything the internet has to offer. In order for you to be safe online, Acer has pre-installed McAfee Internet Security Suite on your computer. McAfee Internet Security Suite runs quietly in the background to block today’s complex threats and protect your identity when you shop,...
Page 70
Note Acer guarantees that your computer was 100% virus free at the time of purchase and does not cover damages due to viruses. What is spyware? Spyware refers to generally unwanted programs that are downloaded onto your computer while connected to the internet, often without you knowing it.
Page 71
Internet and online security - 71 would allow it (i.e. a game connecting to a multi-player server or an encyclopaedia making a content update). How to protect your computer Cybercrime prevention can be straight-forward - when armed with a little technical advice and common sense, many attacks can be avoided.
Page 72
A complete version of McAfee Internet Security Suite is pre-installed on your Acer system. It includes a free trial subscription to protection updates. Make sure you Activate it! Choose strong passwords and keep them safe Passwords are a fact of life on the internet today;...
Page 73
Internet and online security - 73 of your online accounts, one of the first steps you can take is to change your password. Protect your personal information Exercise caution when sharing personal information such as your name, home address, phone number, and email address online. To take advantage of many online services, you will inevitably have to provide personal information in order to handle billing and shipping of purchased goods.
Page 74
74 - Internet and online security www.yourbank.com not http://www.yourbank.com). The "s" stands for secure and should appear when you are in an area requesting you to login or provide other sensitive data. Another sign that you have a secure connection is the small lock icon in the bottom of your web browser (usually the right-hand corner).
Page 75
Internet and online security - 75 Additionally, many banks and services use fraud prevention systems that call out unusual purchasing behavior (i.e. if you live in Texas and all of the sudden start buying refrigerators in Budapest). In order to confirm these out of the ordinary purchases, they might call you and ask you to confirm them.