Acer TravelMate P243-MG User Manual
Acer TravelMate P243-MG User Manual

Acer TravelMate P243-MG User Manual

User guide
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TravelMate Series
Generic User Guide

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Summary of Contents for Acer TravelMate P243-MG

  • Page 1 TravelMate Series Generic User Guide...
  • Page 2 © 2012 All Rights Reserved. TravelMate Series Generic User Guide This revision: 05/2012 Model number: __________________________________ Serial number: ___________________________________ Date of purchase: ________________________________ Place of purchase: ________________________________...
  • Page 3: Information For Your Safety And Comfort

    Information for your safety and comfort Safety instructions Read these instructions carefully. Keep this document for future reference. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product. Turning the product off before cleaning Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners.
  • Page 4 • Do not overload a power outlet, strip or receptacle by plugging in too many devices. The overall system load must not exceed 80% of the branch circuit rating. If power strips are used, the load should not exceed 80% of the power strip's input rating.
  • Page 5 Bundled dummy cards Note: Information in this section may not apply to your computer. Your computer shipped with plastic dummies installed in the card slots. Dummies protect unused slots from dust, metal objects or other particles. Save the dummies for use when no cards are in the slots. General •...
  • Page 6 • The product has been dropped or the case has been damaged. • The product exhibits a distinct change in performance, indicating a need for service. • The product does not operate normally after following the operating instructions. Note: Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating instructions, since improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the product to normal condition.
  • Page 7: Caution For Optical Drive Device

    Wireless devices may be susceptible to interference from the battery, which could affect performance. Note: Please refer to www.acer.com for battery shipping documents. Replacing the battery pack The notebook uses lithium batteries. Replace the battery with the same type as that which came bundled with your product.
  • Page 8: Radio Frequency Interference

    viii VARNING: LASERSTRÅLNING NAR DENNA DEL ÅR ÖPPNADSTIRRA EJ IN I STRÅLEN ADVARSEL: LASERSTRÅLING NAR DEKSEL ÅPNESSTIRR IKKE INN I STRÅLEN Telephone line safety • Disconnect all telephone lines from the equipment when not in use and/or before servicing. • To avoid the remote risk of electric shock from lightning, do not connect the telephone line to this equipment during lightning or thunderstorms.
  • Page 9: Vehicles

    off your device in health care facilities when any regulations posted in these areas instruct you to do so. Hospitals or health care facilities may be using equipment that could be sensitive to external RF transmissions. Pacemakers. Pacemaker manufacturers recommend that a minimum separation of 15.3 centimeters (6 inches) be maintained between wireless devices and a pacemaker to avoid potential interference with the pacemaker.
  • Page 10: Emergency Calls

    Products that are ENERGY STAR qualified use less energy and prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Acer is committed to offering products and services worldwide that help customers save money, conserve energy...
  • Page 11: Tips And Information For Comfortable Use

    The more energy we can save through higher energy efficiency, the more we reduce greenhouse gases and the risks of climate change. More information refers to www.energystar.gov or www.energystar.gov/powermanagement. Acer ENERGY STAR qualified products: • Produce less heat and reduce cooling loads, and warmer climates. •...
  • Page 12 • Take short rests to relax your neck and shoulders. • Avoid tensing your muscles or shrugging your shoulders. • Install the external display, keyboard and mouse properly and within comfortable reach. • If you view your monitor more than your documents, place the display at the center of your desk to minimize neck strain.
  • Page 13 xiii Developing good work habits The following work habits make computer use more relaxing and productive: • Take short breaks regularly and often. • Perform some stretching exercises. • Breathe fresh air as often as possible. • Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy body. Warning! We do not recommend using the computer on a couch or bed.
  • Page 14: First Things First

    First things first We would like to thank you for making an 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 poster helps you get started with setting up your computer.
  • Page 15: Taking Care Of Your Computer

    To turn the power off, do any of the following: • Use the Windows shutdown command: click Start then Click Shut Down. • Use the power button. You can also put the computer in sleep mode by pressing the sleep hotkey <Fn>...
  • Page 16: Taking Care Of Your Battery Pack

    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. • Do not tamper with batteries. Keep them away from children. •...
  • Page 17: Table Of Contents

    Lock keys and embedded numeric keypad* Hotkeys Windows keys Acer ProShield Overview Setting up ProShield Personal Secure Disk BIOS Settings Credential Manager Data Protection Data Removal Remote Manageability Acer Office Manager Acer Office Manager Console Dashboard Client manager Policies Assets Task scheduler Settings...
  • Page 18 Acer eRecovery Management Creating a recovery backup (Optical drive) Creating a recovery backup (USB flash drive) Recovering your system (Optical drive) To recover your system Types of recovery Recovering pre-installed software and drivers Returning to a previous system condition Returning your system to its factory condition...
  • Page 19 Using passwords Entering passwords Setting passwords Expanding through options Connectivity options Fax/data modem Built-in network feature Universal Serial Bus (USB) IEEE 1394 port High-Definition Multimedia Interface ExpressCard Installing memory BIOS utility Boot sequence Enable disk-to-disk recovery Password Using software Playing DVD content Frequently asked questions Requesting service International Travelers Warranty (ITW)
  • Page 21: Touchpad

    Touchpad The built-in touchpad is a pointing device that senses movement on its surface. This means the cursor responds as you move your finger across the surface of the touchpad. The central location on the palmrest provides optimum comfort and support.
  • Page 22: Touchpad Basics (For Models With Integrated Buttons)

    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.
  • Page 23 Function Bottom left Bottom right Main touchpad corner corner Drag Press and hold, Press or tap twice (at the then use finger on same speed as double- the touchpad to clicking a mouse button); drag the cursor rest your finger on the touchpad on the second tap and drag the cursor Access context...
  • Page 24: Using The Keyboard

    Using the keyboard The keyboard has full-sized keys and an embedded numeric keypad*, separate cursor, lock, Windows, function and special keys. Lock keys and embedded numeric keypad* The keyboard has three lock keys which you can toggle on and off. Lock key Description Caps Lock...
  • Page 25: Hotkeys

    Hotkeys The computer employs hotkeys or key combinations to access most of the computer's controls like screen brightness and volume output. To activate hotkeys, press and hold the <Fn> key before pressing the other key in the hotkey combination. Hotkey Icon Function Description...
  • Page 26: Windows Keys

    Hotkey Icon Function Description <Fn> + < > Volume down Decreases the sound volume. Windows keys The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions. Description Windows Pressed alone it launches the Start menu. It can also be used with other keys for other functions: <...
  • Page 27 Description Application This key has the same effect as clicking the right mouse button; it opens the application's context menu. Note: Depending on your edition of Windows, some shortcuts may not function as described.
  • Page 28: Acer Proshield

    Securing the device against unauthorized access • Protecting local storage • Securing the network Acer ProShield includes five modules that will secure your device from unauthorized access and intrusion. • Credential Manager - Password, Bio-Protection, TPM configuration • BIOS Migration - Boot sequence and device security •...
  • Page 29: Personal Secure Disk

    Once you’ve set the password, you can click Next to proceed to setting up a Personal Secure Disk or click Finish to exit the wizard. Personal Secure Disk The Personal Secure Disk (PSD) is a secure section of your hard disk where you can save files.
  • Page 30: Bios Settings

    BIOS Settings Here you can set the BIOS Supervisor and User passwords, enable or disable password checking at bootup, and add an Asset Tag for the device. You can also set the boot device order, enable or disable ports and built-in devices, and import or export BIOS settings.
  • Page 31: Data Protection

    Data Protection Here you can select files for encryption or decryption, and manage your PSD. Data Removal Here you can select files to be completely removed from the hard disk. The File Shredder overwrites the data to make recovering the data impossible. Note: You can also double-click the File Shredder icon on the desktop to open this function.
  • Page 32: Remote Manageability

    Remote Manageability This module allows Acer Client Manager to control the functions of Acer ProShield from a remote station. The flexibility of remote management allows efficient use of IT resources and timely implementation of security updates.
  • Page 33: Acer Office Manager

    Acer Office Manager Console The Console application allows you to manage connected clients from a single computer. To start the Console click Start > All Programs > Acer > Acer Office Manager Console > Acer Office Manager Console. The first time you run the Console, you will be asked to set up a password, and an email address for notifications.
  • Page 34: Client Manager

    Tip: Select Client under New client to select all the found clients. In the Notification area you can see any notifications received for the managed clients, including information such as hardware or software being removed, if the.client has been in use, or if it has been off-line, for longer than the defined time. Client manager On the Client manager page you can view all the clients being managed from the Console.
  • Page 35 You can also group clients together for easier management. For example, you can create a group for admin staff and another for sales staff. To create a group and add clients to the group, click the + symbol above the list of clients. Note: Each client can only be assigned to one group.
  • Page 36: Policies

    Policies You can set policies to apply to selected clients or groups of clients. Click the + symbol to add a new policy. Item Function General Wallpaper Set a wallpaper that will be applied to all clients. Screen saver Set a screen saver that will be applied to all clients.
  • Page 37: Assets

    Item Function BIOS BIOS Supervisor Set a BIOS Supervisor password. If a password password already exists, you will need to enter it before you can change it. BIOS User Set a BIOS User password. If a password password already exists, you will need to enter it or the Supervisor password before you can change the User password.
  • Page 38: Task Scheduler

    Select the system model from the Model drop-down menu. You can then further refine the search by operating system via the OS drop-down menu. The discovered clients will be listed. If you wish to export the results as an Excel spreadsheet, click Export results or icon.
  • Page 39: Settings

    Settings On the Settings page, you can change your settings as desired. Item Function Administration Edit password Change your Acer Office Manager settings settings Console password Email settings Set up an email account to receive email notifications. Preference Set up your program launch and lock settings preferences.
  • Page 40: Acer Erecovery Management

    Reinstall Drivers or Applications This chapter will guide you through each process. To use the password protection feature of Acer eRecovery Management, you must first set the password. The password is set by launching Acer eRecovery Management and clicking Settings.
  • Page 41: Creating A Recovery Backup (Optical Drive)

    Throughout the process, you will be guided by onscreen instructions. Please read them carefully! Click Start > All Programs > Acer, then click Acer eRecovery Management. To create recovery discs for the hard drive’s entire original contents, including Windows and all factory-loaded software and drivers, click Create Factory Default Disc.
  • Page 42: Creating A Recovery Backup (Usb Flash Drive)

    Insert a blank disc into the drive indicated in the Backup to list, then click Next. You will be shown the backup progress on the screen. The drive ejects each disc as it completes burning it. Remove the disc from the drive and mark it with a permanent marker. Important: Write a unique, descriptive label on each disc, such as ‘Windows Recovery Disc 1 of 2’...
  • Page 43 Click Start > All Programs > Acer, then click Acer eRecovery Management. To create recovery backup for the hard drive’s entire original contents, including Windows and all factory-loaded software and drivers, click Create Factory Default Backup. - OR - To create a recovery backup for only the factory-loaded software and drivers, click Create Driver and Applications Backup.
  • Page 44 Plug in the USB disk, then click Next. You will be shown the backup progress on the screen. Unplug the USB flash drive and mark it with a permanent marker. Important: Write a unique, descriptive label on each backup, such as ‘Windows Recovery Backup’...
  • Page 45: Recovering Your System (Optical Drive)

    Recovering your system (Optical drive) If calling Acer support did not help fix your problem, you can use the Acer eRecovery Management program. This will restore your computer to the same state as when you purchased it, while giving you an option to retain all settings and personal data for later retrieval.
  • Page 46: Returning To A Previous System Condition

    If you are recovering from your driver and application recovery disc, insert it into the disc drive, then go to Step 3 after the Acer Application Recovery main menu opens. Click the Restore tab, then click Reinstall Drivers or Applications to display the Acer Application Recovery main menu.
  • Page 47: Returning Your System To Its Factory Condition

    Click OK. The recovery process begins by restarting your computer, then continues by copying files to your hard drive. This process may take a while, the Acer eRecovery Management screen displays the progress. When the recovery has finished, a dialog box will prompt you to restart your computer.
  • Page 48 Recovering from the hard drive during startup To reinstall Windows and all pre-installed software and drivers: Turn on your computer, then press <Alt> + <F10> during startup to open Acer eRecovery Management. Click Restore Operating System to Factory Defaults. Warning: Continuing the process will erase all files on your hard drive.
  • Page 49: Recovering Your System (Usb Flash Drive)

    Recovering your system (USB flash drive) If calling Acer support did not help fix your problem, you can use the Acer eRecovery Management program. This will restore your computer to the same state as when you purchased it, while giving you an option to retain all settings and personal data for later retrieval.
  • Page 50: Returning To A Previous System Condition

    If you are recovering from your driver and application recovery backup, insert the USB flash drive into a USB port. Open the USB flash drive in Windows Explorer and double-click Recovery. Click Reinstall Drivers or Application from a USB device. Click Contents to show a list of software and device drivers.
  • Page 51: Returning Your System To Its Factory Condition

    Click OK. The recovery process begins by restarting your computer, then continues by copying files to your hard drive. This process may take a while, the Acer eRecovery Management screen displays the progress. When the recovery has finished, a dialog box prompts you to restart your computer.
  • Page 52 Recovering from the hard drive during startup To reinstall Windows and all pre-installed software and drivers: Turn on your computer, then press <Alt> + <F10> during startup to open Acer eRecovery Management. Click Restore Operating System to Factory Defaults. Warning: Continuing the process will erase all files on your hard drive.
  • Page 53: Acer Backup Manager

    Once you have finished these three steps, backups will be created according to the schedule. You can also create backups manually by pressing the Acer Backup Manager key. If you wish to change your settings at any time, run Acer Backup Manager from the Start menu and go through the steps outlined above.
  • Page 54: Power Management

    Power management 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. If no activity is detected for a period of time (called an inactivity timeout), the computer stops some or all of these devices in order to conserve energy.
  • Page 55: Battery Pack

    Battery pack The computer uses a battery pack that gives you long use between charges. Battery pack characteristics The battery pack has the following characteristics: • Employs current battery technology standards. • Delivers a battery-low warning. The battery is recharged whenever you connect the computer to the AC adapter. Your computer supports charge-in-use, enabling you to recharge the battery while you continue to operate the computer.
  • Page 56: Installing And Removing The Battery Pack

    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. By following the battery conditioning process you condition your battery to accept the maximum possible charge. Failure to follow this procedure will prevent you from obtaining the maximum battery charge, and will also shorten the effective lifespan of the battery.
  • Page 57: Charging The Battery

    Charging the battery To charge the battery, first make sure that it is correctly installed in the battery bay. Plug the AC adapter into the computer, and connect to a mains power outlet. You can continue to operate your computer on AC power while your battery is charging. However, charging the battery with the computer turned off results in a significantly faster charge time.
  • Page 58 When the battery-low warning appears, the recommended course of action depends on your situation: Situation Recommended Action The AC adapter 1. Plug the AC adapter into the computer, and then and a power outlet connect to the mains power supply. are available.
  • Page 59: Taking Your Notebook Pc With You

    Taking your notebook PC with you This section gives you tips and hints to consider when moving around or traveling with your computer. Disconnecting from the desktop Follow these steps to disconnect your computer from external accessories: Save any open files. Remove any media, floppy disks or compact disks from the drive(s).
  • Page 60: What To Bring To Meetings

    Note: If the Sleep indicator is off, the computer has entered Hibernation mode and is turned off. If the power indicator is off but the Sleep indicator is on, the computer has entered Sleep mode. In both cases, press and release the power button to turn the computer back on.
  • Page 61: Special Considerations

    Special considerations Follow these guidelines to protect your computer while traveling to and from work: • Minimize the effects of temperature changes by keeping the computer with you. • If you need to stop for an extended period of time and cannot carry the computer with you, leave the computer in the trunk of the car to avoid exposing the computer to excessive heat.
  • Page 62: Special Considerations

    Special considerations In addition to the guidelines for taking the computer home, follow these guidelines to protect your computer while traveling: • Always take the computer as carry-on luggage. • If possible, have the computer inspected by hand. Airport security X-ray machines are safe, but do not put the computer through a metal detector.
  • Page 63: Securing Your Computer

    Securing your computer 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 — a security notch and passwords. Using a computer security lock The notebook comes with a Kensington-compatible security slot for a security lock.
  • Page 64: Entering Passwords

    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 press <F2> to enter the BIOS utility at boot-up. • Type the Supervisor Password and press <Enter>...
  • Page 65: Expanding Through Options

    Expanding through options Your notebook PC offers you a complete mobile computing experience. Connectivity options Ports allow you to connect peripheral devices to your computer as you would with a desktop PC. For instructions on how to connect different external devices to the computer, read the following section.
  • Page 66: Built-In Network Feature

    Built-in network feature The built-in network feature allows you to connect your computer to an Ethernet- based network. To use the network feature, connect an Ethernet cable from the Ethernet (RJ-45) port on the chassis of the computer to a network jack or hub on your network.
  • Page 67: Ieee 1394 Port

    IEEE 1394 port Note: Information in this section may not apply to your computer. The computer's IEEE 1394 port allows you to connect to an IEEE 1394-compatible device like a video camera or digital camera. See your video or digital camera's documentation for details.
  • Page 68: Expresscard

    Use the HDMI port on your computer to connect with high-end audio and video equipment. Single cable implementation allows tidy setup and fast connection. ExpressCard Note: Information in this section may not apply to your computer. The ExpressCard is the newest version of the PC Card. It is a smaller and faster interface that further enhances the usability and expandability of your computer.
  • Page 69: Installing Memory

    Inserting an ExpressCard Insert the card into the slot and push gently until it clicks into position. EXPRESS CARD Ejecting an ExpressCard Before ejecting an ExpressCard: Exit the application using the card. Left-click the remove hardware icon on the taskbar and stop the card operation.
  • Page 70 Replace the memory cover and secure it with the screw. Reinstall the battery pack, and reconnect the AC adapter. Turn on the computer. The computer automatically detects and reconfigures the total memory size. Please consult a qualified technician or contact your local Acer dealer.
  • Page 71: Bios Utility

    BIOS utility 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 need to run this utility. However, if you encounter configuration problems, you may need to run it.
  • Page 72: Using Software

    Using software Playing DVD content Note: This feature is only available on certain models. When the DVD drive module is installed in the optical drive bay, you can play DVD content on your computer. Eject the DVD. Important! When you launch the DVD player for the first time, the program asks you to enter the region code.
  • Page 73: Frequently Asked Questions

    Frequently asked questions The following is a list of possible situations that may arise during the use of your computer. Easy solutions are provided for each one. I turned on the power, but the computer does not start or boot up. Look at the power indicator: •...
  • Page 74 Note: To activate the BIOS utility, press <F2> during POST. To start the recovery process: Restart the system. While the Acer logo is showing, press <Alt> + <F10> at the same time to enter the recovery process. Refer to the onscreen instructions to perform system recovery.
  • Page 75: Requesting Service

    Place your proof-of-purchase in the flap located inside the front cover of the ITW passport. 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.
  • Page 76: Troubleshooting

    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; contact your dealer or authorized service center for assistance.
  • Page 77 Error messages Corrective action Keyboard interface Contact your dealer or an authorized service center. error Memory size Press <F2> (during POST) to enter the BIOS utility, mismatch then press Exit in the BIOS utility to reboot. If you still encounter problems after going through the corrective measures, please contact your dealer or an authorized service center for assistance.
  • Page 78: Regulations And Safety Notices

    Regulations and safety notices FCC statement This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
  • Page 79: Modem Notices

    Compliant with Russian regulatory certification Modem notices Note: Information in this section may not apply to your computer. Notice for USA This equipment complies with Part 68 of the FCC rules. Located on the modem is a label that contains, among other information, the FCC Registration Number and Ringer Equivalence Number (REN) for this equipment.
  • Page 80: Lcd Pixel Statement

    Notice for New Zealand The grant of a Telepermit for any item of terminal equipment indicates only that Telecom has accepted that the item complies with minimum conditions for connection to its network. It indicates no endorsement of the product by Telecom, nor does it provide any sort of warranty.
  • Page 81: General

    Below information is for products with such devices. Declaration of Conformity for EU countries Hereby, Acer, declares that this computer is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC. Wireless operation channels for different domains N.
  • Page 82: List Of National Codes

    Departments in which the use of the 2400 - 2483.5 MHz band is permitted with an EIRP of less than 100 mW indoors and less than 10 mW outdoors: 01 Ain Orientales 24 Dordogne 55 Meuse 68 Haut Rhin 02 Aisne 25 Doubs 58 Nievre 70 Haute Saone...
  • Page 83: Canada - Low-Power License-Exempt Radio Communication Devices (Rss-210)

    Caution: To comply with FCC RF exposure compliance requirements, a separation distance of at least 20 cm (8 inches) must be maintained between the antenna for the integrated wireless LAN Mini PCI Card built in to the screen section and all persons. Auxiliary Main Note: The wireless Mini PCI adapter implements a transmission diversity...
  • Page 84: Lcd Panel Ergonomic Specifications

    Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003, No. 4, et CNR-210, No 4 (Dec 2000) et No 5 (Nov 2001). "To prevent radio interference to the licensed service, this device is intended to be operated indoors and away from windows to provide maximum shielding.

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