This revision: October 2013 Sign up for an Acer ID and enable Acer Remote Files Open the Acer Portal from the Start screen to sign up for an Acer ID or sign in if you already have an Acer ID.
Taking care of your battery pack....8 Battery characteristics ......47 Cleaning and servicing........ 8 Charging the battery ......... 47 Your Acer notebook tour Optimizing battery life ....... 48 Screen view ..........9 Checking the battery level......49 Battery-low warning ........49 Battery-low warning ........
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4 - Table of contents Internet and online security How do I add a favorite to Internet Explorer?........... 73 First steps on the net ......76 How do I check for Windows updates?..73 Protecting your computer......76 Where can I get more information?... 73 Choose an Internet Service Provider ..
• Tips and tricks for using the touchpad and keyboard • 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 TH I NGS 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 To help you use your Acer notebook, we have designed a set of...
First things first - 7 You can also put the computer in sleep mode by pressing the sleep hotkey <Fn> + <F4>. Note If you cannot power off the computer normally, press and hold the power button for more than four 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.
8 - First things first single wall outlet should not exceed the fuse rating. Taking care of your battery pack Here are some ways to take care of your battery pack: • Use only batteries of the same kind as replacements. Turn the power off before removing or replacing batteries.
O U R C ER N O T E B O O K T O U R After setting up your computer as illustrated in the setup poster, let us show you around your new Acer computer. Screen view Icon...
10 - Your Acer notebook tour Icon Item Description Indicates the computer's power Power indicator status. Indicates the computer's battery status. Charging: The light is amber when Battery indicator the battery is charging. Fully charged: The light is blue when plugged in.
Your Acer notebook tour - 11 Icon Item Description Touch-sensitive pointing device Touchpad which functions like a computer mouse. The left and right side of the button Click buttons function as left and right selection (left and right) buttons. Left view...
12 - Your Acer notebook tour # Icon Item Description Connects to audio devices (e.g., Headset/speaker speakers, headphones) or a headset jack with microphone. Information on USB 3.0 • USB 3.0 compatible ports are blue. • Compatible with USB 3.0 and earlier devices.
Your Acer notebook tour - 13 Icon Item Description Ejects the optical drive tray when the computer is turned off. Emergency eject Carefully insert a straightened hole paper clip to eject the optical drive tray. DC-in jack Connects to an AC adapter.
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14 - Your Acer notebook tour # Icon Item Description Releases the battery for removal. Battery release Insert a suitable tool and slide to latch release. Note For models with an AMD processor and a single memory module: If you replace the memory module, the new module must go into the same slot occupied by the module that was removed.
Using the keyboard - 15 S I N G T H E K E Y B O A R D The keyboard has full-sized keys and a numeric keypad, separate cursor, lock, Windows, function and special keys. Lock keys and numeric keypad The keyboard has three lock keys which you can toggle on and off.
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16 - Using the keyboard Hotkey Icon Function Description Switches display output between the display screen, <Fn> + <F5> Display toggle external monitor (if connected) and both. Turns the display screen <Fn> + <F6> Display off backlight off to save power. Press any key to return.
Using the keyboard - 17 Windows keys The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions. Description Pressed alone it returns to the Start screen. Windows key It can also be used with other keys for special functions, please check Windows Help. This key has the same effect as clicking the Application right mouse button;...
18 - Touchpad O U C H P A D Touchpad basics The touchpad controls the arrow (or 'cursor') on the screen. As you slide your finger across the touchpad, the cursor will follow this movement. Press the left or right side of the button located beneath the touchpad to perform selection and execution functions, or tap the surface of the touchpad.
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Touchpad - 19 • Swipe in from edge: Access Windows tools by swiping into the center of the touchpad from the right, top or left. • Swipe in from right edge: Toggle the charms. • Swipe in from top edge: Toggle the app commands. •...
Windows tools, or the recovery backup. Note Acer Recovery Management is only available with a pre-installed Windows ailable with a pre-installed Windows ailable with a pre-installed Windows operating system.
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Recovery - 21 1. From Start, type 'Recovery' and then click Acer Recovery Management in the list of apps. 2. Click Create Factory Default Backup. The Recovery Drive window . The . The Recovery Drive Recovery Drive opens. Make sure Copy contents from the recovery partition to the...
22 - Recovery • Since the recovery backup requires at least 16 GB of storage after formatting, it is recommended to use a USB drive with a capacity of 32 GB or larger. 4. You will be shown the backup progress on the screen. 4.
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USB storage drive or, if your computer features a DVD recorder, one or more blank recordable DVDs. 1. From Start, type 'Recovery' and then click Acer Recovery Management in the list of apps. 2. Click Create Drivers and Applications Backup.
24 - Recovery with a permanent marker. If multiple discs are required, insert a new disc when prompted, then click OK. Continue until the process is complete. • If you are using a USB drive, unplug the drive and label it clearly. Important: Write a unique, descriptive label on each backup, such as 'Drivers and Applications Backup'.
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Management in the list of apps. 2. Click Reinstall Drivers or Applications. Reinstall Drivers or Applications Reinstall Drivers or Applications 3. You should see the Contents section of the Acer Resource 3. You should see the 3. You should see the Center.
1. Insert the Drivers and Applications Backup into the disc drive or connect it to a free USB port. • If you inserted a DVD wait for Acer Resource Center to start. • If Acer Resource Center does not start automatically, press the Windows key + <E>, then double-click on the optical drive...
Recovering from a recovery backup on page Recovering from Windows Start Acer Recovery Management: • From Start, type ’Recovery’ and then click Acer Recovery Management in the list of apps.
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See Customized Restore with Acer Recovery See Customized Restore with Acer Recovery See Customized Restore with Acer Recovery Management on page Restore Factory Settings with Acer Recovery Management th Acer Recovery Management th Acer Recovery Management 1. Click Restore Factory Settings.
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Recovery - 29 2. The Reset your PC window opens. Images for reference only. 3. Click Next, then choose how to erase your files: a. Just remove my files quickly erases all files before restoring your computer and takes about 30 minutes. b.
30 - Recovery Customized Restore with Acer Recovery Management 1. Click Customized Restore (Retain User Data). 2. The Refresh your PC window opens. Images for reference only. 3. Click Next, then Refresh. Refresh Refresh 4. The recovery process begins by restarting your computer, then 4.
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Recovery - 31 b. Use the left or right arrow keys to select the Main menu. c. Press the down key until F12 Boot Menu is selected, press <F5> to change this setting to Enabled. d. Use the left or right arrow keys to select the Exit menu. e.
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32 - Recovery Reset your PC from the recovery backup Important Reset your PC will erase all files on your hard drive. 1. The Reset your PC window opens. Images for reference only. 2. Click Next. 3. Select the operating system to recover (normally only one option is 3.
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Recovery - 33 Refresh your PC from the recovery backup 1. The Refresh your PC window opens. 2. Click Next. 3. Select the operating system to recover (normally only one option is 3. Select the operating system to recover (normally only one option is 3.
34 - Connecting to the Internet O N N E C T I N G T O TH E N T E R N E T Note Information in this section may not apply to your computer. This chapter includes basic information on types of connections, and getting connected to the Internet.
Select your network and enter the password if required. setup. Select your network and enter the password if required. Acer notebook computers feature an Airplane mode hotkey that turns Acer notebook computers feature an Acer notebook computers feature an the network connection on or off.
36 - Connecting to the Internet Connecting to a 3G network If your computer has a SIM slot, you can connect to the Internet using a 3G (cellular phone) network. To do this, you must have a compatible SIM card and a data contract with your cellular provider. Note Please contact your cellular provider for details on connecting to the Internet via 3G.
Using a Bluetooth connection - 37 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.
38 - Using a Bluetooth connection 4. Select the Allow Bluetooth devices to find this computer check box, click Apply, and then click OK. Adding a Bluetooth device Every new device must first be "paired" with your computer’s Every new device must first be "paired" with your computer’s Every new device must first be "paired"...
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Using a Bluetooth connection - 39 Click on the device you want to add. A code displays on your computer, which should match the code er, which should match the code er, which should match the code displayed on your device. Select Yes. Then, accept the pairing from .
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40 - Using a Bluetooth connection click on View devices and printers. Right click on your device and select Advanced Operations > Connect to operation window. The operation window enables you to play music and audio from your play music and audio from your play music and audio from your device through your computer, send files to your device and change device through your computer, send files to your device and change...
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- 41 Keeping your computer and data safe... In this section you will find: In this section you will find: In this section you will find: • How to secure your computer • How to secure your computer • How to secure your computer •...
42 - BIOS utility B IOS 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.
Securing your computer - 43 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. Security features include hardware and software locks —...
44 - Securing your computer Entering passwords When a password is set, a password prompt appears in the center of the display screen. • When the Supervisor Password is set, a prompt appears when you enter the BIOS utility. • Type the Supervisor Password and press <Enter> to access the BIOS utility.
Power management - 45 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.
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46 - Power management 5. To access Shutdown Settings, select Change settings that are currently unavailable. 6. Scroll down and disable Turn on fast startup. Turn on fast startup. Turn on fast startup. 7. Select Save changes. Save changes Save changes.
Battery pack - 47 A T T E R Y P A C K The computer uses a Lithium battery that gives you long use between charges. Battery characteristics The battery is recharged whenever you connect the computer to the AC adapter.
48 - Battery pack 6. Reconnect the AC adapter and fully charge the battery again. Follow these steps again until the battery has been charged and discharged three times. Use this conditioning process for all new batteries, or if a battery hasn't been used for a long time.
Battery pack - 49 • Store the battery pack in a cool, dry place. The recommended temperature is 10° C (50° F) to 30° C (86° F). Higher temperatures cause the battery to self-discharge faster. • Excessive recharging decreases the battery life. •...
50 - Battery pack Situation Recommended Action The AC adapter or a power outlet 1. Save all necessary files. is unavailable. 2. Close all applications. You have no 3. Turn off the computer. spare battery pack. Installing and removing the battery pack Important Before removing the battery from the unit, connect the AC adapter if Before removing the battery from the unit, connect the AC adapter if...
Traveling with your computer - 51 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.
52 - Traveling with your computer You can put the computer in Sleep mode by pressing <Fn> + <F4> 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 - 53 What to take with you Unless you have some items at home, take the following items with you: • AC adapter and power cord. • A spare battery • The printed Setup Guide. Special considerations Follow these guidelines to protect your computer while traveling to and from work: •...
54 - 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 - 55 When you are moving from country to country. 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. •...
56 - Ports and connectors... In this section you will find: In this section you will find: In this section you will find: • Information on the ports and connectors fitted to your computer • Information on the ports and connectors fitted to your computer •...
Two USB standards are currently ava Two USB standards are currently ava (High-speed USB) and USB 3.0 (SuperSpeed USB). USB 2.0 ports on Acer (High-speed USB) and USB 3.0 (SuperSpeed USB). USB 2.0 ports on Acer (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...
58 - 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.
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Memory card reader - 59 (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.
60 - 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 - 61 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.
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• Tips for using Windows 8.1 • Tips for using Windows 8.1 • Tips for using Windows 8.1 • Troubleshooting information • Troubleshooting information • Troubleshooting information • How to protect yourself while online • Where to find Acer service center contact information...
Frequently asked questions - 63 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.
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64 - Frequently asked questions • The volume may be muted. Look at the volume control (speaker) icon in the taskbar. If it is crossed-out, click the icon and deselect the Mute all option. • The volume level may be too low. Check the volume from the volume control (speaker) icon in the taskbar.
3. Exit the BIOS utility and save changes. The system will reboot. 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 OS utility, press < OS utility, press <...
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66 - Frequently asked questions If the country you are traveling in does not have an Acer-authorized ITW service site, you can still get in contact with our offices worldwide. Please visit www.acer.com. Before you call Please have the following information available when you call Acer for online service, and please be at your computer when you call.
F r e qu e nt ly a sk Frequently asked questions - 67 Tips and hints for using Windows 8.1 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? Press the Windows key;...
68 - Frequently asked questions Can I boot directly to the desktop? Yes, you can, just follow these steps: 1. Go to the desktop. 2. Right-click the taskbar and select Properties from the menu that opens. 3. From the Navigation tab, check Go to the desktop instead of Start when I sign in.
Frequently asked questions - 69 Can I personalize the Lock screen? You can personalize the lock screen with a different image, to run a slideshow of images, or to show you quick status and notifications to suit your personal needs. To change the background, move your cursor to the upper right-hand corner of the screen and click Settings >...
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70 - 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. Set the time using the sliders on the left-hand side of the screen. 2.
Frequently asked questions - 71 Can I make tiles bigger or smaller? Right-click anywhere on Start to open the Customize menu, click the tile(s) you wish to resize and click Resize. Select a size from the menu that appears. How do I close an app? Move your cursor to the top of the screen.
72 - Frequently asked questions How do I install apps? You can download Windows Store apps from Store. You will need to have a Microsoft ID to purchase and download apps from Store. I can't find apps like Notepad and Paint! Where are they? Move your cursor to the upper right-hand corner of the screen and click Search, type the name of the app you would like to open using the pop-up keyboard.
Change PC settings Change PC settings Windows Update. Click Check now. Windows Update Windows Update Where can I get more information? For more information please visit the following pages: • Windows 8 and 8.1 tutorials: www.acer.com/windows8-tutorial • Support FAQs: www.acer.com/support...
R E Q U E N T LY 74 - Frequently asked questions 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;...
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Frequently asked questions - 75 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...
76 - Internet and online security 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 80).
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Internet and online security - 77 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’...
78 - Internet and online security 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.
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Internet and online security - 79 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. Wireless adapter An internal wireless adapter is normally already installed in your computer.
You are probably eager to explore everything the Internet has to offer. 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 In order for you to be safe online, Acer has pre-installed McAfee In order for you to be safe online, Acer has pre-installed McAfee Internet Security Suite on your computer.
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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.
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82 - Internet and online security 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.
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A complete version of McAfee Internet Security Suite is pre-installed A complete version of McAfee Internet Security Suite is pre-installed on your Acer system. It includes a free trial subscription to protection on your Acer system. It includes a free trial subscription to protection on your Acer system.
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84 - Internet and online security 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.
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Internet and online security - 85 • Pay attention to privacy policies on Web sites and in software. It is important to understand how an organization might collect and use your personal information before you share it with them. • Guard your email address. Spammers and "phishers" sometimes send millions of messages to email addresses that may or may not exist in hopes of finding a potential victim.
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86 - Internet and online security that something bad may have happened and you should take necessary action. Protect your computer with Windows security tools Windows provides a variety of protection applications. Windows Updates If you have an active Internet connection, Windows can check for important updates for your computer and install them automatically.
Playing Blu-Ray or DVD movies - 87 D V D L A Y IN G A Y O R MO VIES If your computer is equipped with a Blu-Ray or DVD drive, you can play movies on your computer or on a high-definition TV via the HDMI port.