Acer eMachines Series User Manual

Hide thumbs Also See for eMachines Series:
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

eMachines Series
Generic User Guide

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

Summary of Contents for Acer eMachines Series

  • Page 1 Series Generic User Guide...
  • Page 2 Copyright © 2009. Acer Incorporated. All Rights Reserved. eMachines Series Notebook PC Model number: __________________________________ Serial number: ___________________________________ Date of purchase: ________________________________ Place of purchase: ________________________________...
  • Page 3: Safety Instructions

    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: Using Electrical Power

    Warnings Do not use this product near water. • Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand or table. If the product • falls, it could be seriously damaged. Slots and openings are provided for ventilation to ensure reliable •...
  • Page 5 Warning! The grounding pin is a safety feature. Using a power outlet that is not properly grounded may result in electric shock and/or injury. Note: The grounding pin also provides good protection from unexpected noise produced by other nearby electrical devices that may interfere with the performance of this product.
  • Page 6: Caution For Optical Drive Device

    acid, become hot, explode or ignite and cause injury and/or damage. Do not pierce, open or disassemble the battery. If the battery leaks and you come into contact with the leaked fluids, rinse thoroughly with water and seek medical attention immediately. For safety reasons, and to prolong the lifetime of the battery, charging will not occur at temperatures below 0°C (32°F) or above 40°C (104°F).
  • Page 7: Operating Environment

    CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT CAUTION: INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION WHEN OPEN. AVOID EXPOSURE TO BEAM. APPAREIL A LASER DE CLASSE 1 PRODUIT LASERATTENTION: RADIATION DU FAISCEAU LASER INVISIBLE EN CAS D’OUVERTURE. EVITTER TOUTE EXPOSITION AUX RAYONS. LUOKAN 1 LASERLAITE LASER KLASSE 1 VORSICHT: UNSICHTBARE LASERSTRAHLUNG, WENN ABDECKUNG GEÖFFNET NICHT DEM STRAHLL AUSSETZEN PRODUCTO LÁSER DE LA CLASE I...
  • Page 8: Vehicles

    viii transmit data files or messages, this device requires a good quality connection to the network. In some cases, transmission of data files or messages may be delayed until such a connection is available. Ensure that the above separation distance instructions are followed until the transmission is completed. Parts of the device are magnetic.
  • Page 9: Potentially Explosive Environments

    For lamp-specific disposal information, check www.lamprecycle.org. Rechargeable Recycling Program in US and Canada Acer supports the efforts of the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation's Call2Recycle (RBRC) program. The RBRC is deigned to recycle rechargeable batteries at no cost to the consumer.
  • Page 10: Energy Star

    ENERGY STAR sticker located in the bottom right-hand corner of the palm rest. As an ENERGY STAR partner, Acer Inc. has determined that this product meets the ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency. This product has been shipped enabled for power management: Activate display's Sleep mode within 15 minutes of user inactivity.
  • Page 11: Finding Your Comfort Zone

    stiffness or tightness • coldness or weakness • If you have these symptoms, or any other recurring or persistent discomfort and/or pain related to computer use, consult a physician immediately and inform your company's health and safety department. The following section provides tips for more comfortable computer use. Finding your comfort zone Find your comfort zone by adjusting the viewing angle of the monitor, using a footrest, or raising your sitting height to achieve maximum comfort.
  • Page 12 using a glare-reduction filter • using a display visor, such as a piece of cardboard extended from the • display's top front edge Avoid adjusting your display to an awkward viewing angle. • Avoid looking at bright light sources, such as open windows, for extended •...
  • Page 13: First Things First

    First off, the Just for Starters... poster helps you get started with setting up your computer. eMachines Series Generic User Guide contains useful information applying to all models in the eMachines product series. It covers basic topics such as eMachines Recovery Management, using the keyboard, audio, etc.
  • Page 14: Taking Care Of Your Computer

    To turn the power off, do any of the following: Use the Windows shutdown command • Click on Start then click on Shut Down. Use the power button • You can also put the computer in sleep mode by pressing the sleep hotkey <Fn>...
  • Page 15: 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

    Information for your safety and comfort Safety instructions Caution for Optical Drive Device Operating environment Medical devices viii Vehicles viii Potentially explosive environments Emergency calls Disposal instructions Mercury advisory Rechargeable Recycling Program in US and Canada ENERGY STAR Tips and information for comfortable use First things first xiii Your guides...
  • Page 18 Setting up a home office Traveling with the computer Preparing the computer What to take with you Special considerations Traveling internationally with the computer Preparing the computer What to bring with you Special considerations Securing your computer Using a computer security lock Using passwords Entering passwords Setting passwords...
  • Page 19: 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. Touchpad basics (with two-click buttons) The following items show you how to use the touchpad with two-click buttons.
  • Page 20: 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 the lock keys which you can toggle on and off. Lock key Description Caps Lock...
  • Page 21: Windows Keys

    Windows keys The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions. Description Windows 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: <...
  • Page 22: Special Keys

    Special keys You can locate the Euro symbol and the US dollar sign at the upper-center of your keyboard. The US dollar sign Open a text editor or word processor. Hold <Shift> and then press the <4> key at the upper-center of the keyboard.
  • Page 23: 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: If it is not lit, no power is being supplied to the computer.
  • Page 24 If headphones, earphones or external speakers are connected to the line- • out port on the computer, the internal speakers automatically turn off. I want to eject the optical drive tray without turning on the power. There is a mechanical eject hole on the optical drive. Simply insert the tip of a pen or paperclip into the hole and push to eject the tray.
  • Page 25 To start the recovery process: Restart the system. While the eMachines logo is showing, press <Alt> + <F10> at the same time to enter the recovery process. Refer to the onscreen instructions to perform system recovery. Important! This feature occupies 15 GB in a hidden partition on your hard disk.
  • Page 26: 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.
  • Page 27: Installing And Removing The Battery Pack

    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. If the computer is to be stored for more than two weeks, you are advised to remove the battery pack from the unit.
  • Page 28: Charging The Battery

    To remove a battery pack: Slide the battery release latch to release the battery. Pull the battery from the battery bay. 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.
  • Page 29: Battery-Low Warning

    Battery-low warning When using battery power pay attention to the Windows power meter. Warning: Connect the AC adapter as soon as possible after the battery-low warning appears. Data will be lost if the battery to become fully depleted and the computer shuts down. When the battery-low warning appears, the recommended course of action depends on your situation: Situation...
  • Page 30: 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 31: 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 32: 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 •...
  • Page 33: 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 •...
  • Page 34: 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 35: 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> to access the BIOS utility. •...
  • Page 36: 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 37: Installing Memory

    Installing memory Follow these steps to install memory: Turn off the computer, unplug the AC adapter (if connected) and remove the battery pack. Then turn the computer over to access its base. Remove the screws from the memory cover; then lift up and remove the memory cover.
  • Page 38: 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. To activate the BIOS utility, press <F2>...
  • Page 39: Using Software

    Using software Playing DVD movies When the DVD drive module is installed in the optical drive bay, you can play DVD movies on your computer. Eject the DVD disk. Important! When you launch the DVD player for the first time, the program asks you to enter the region code.
  • Page 40: 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 41: Emachines Recovery Management

    eMachines Recovery Management eMachines Recovery Management is a tool to quickly restore the system. You can back up/restore the factory default image, and reinstall applications and drivers. Note: All of the following content is for general reference only. Actual product specifications may vary. eMachines Recovery Management consists of the following functions: Backup: •...
  • Page 42: Burn Backup Discs

    Burn backup discs From the Backup page of eMachines Recovery Management, you can burn the factory default image or back up drivers and applications. Click on Start > All Programs > eMachines > eMachines Recovery Management. eMachines Recovery Management opens to the Backup page. Select the type of backup (factory default or drivers and applications) you would like to burn to disc.
  • Page 43: Restore

    Restore The restore feature allows you to restore or recover the system from a factory default image or from previously created CD and DVD backups. You can also reinstall applications and drivers for your Gateway system. Click on Start, All Programs, eMachines, eMachines Recovery Management. Switch to the Restore page by clicking Restore.
  • Page 44: Restore Windows From Backup Discs

    Restore Windows from backup discs Note: The following content is for general reference only. Actual product specifications may vary. To restore Windows from your previously burned backup discs, you will need to insert the first backup disc and enable the F12 Boot Menu. Turn on your computer and insert the first system recovery disc into the optical disc drive.
  • Page 45 Note: * Actual product specifications may vary. If you prefer to set the boot priority for long-term use, you should select the Boot submenu. Turn on your computer and insert the first system recovery disc into the optical disc drive. Restart your computer. During startup when the eMachines logo shows, press the F2 key to enter BIOS Setup, where you can set system parameters.
  • Page 46 Press the ESC key to enter the Exit submenu, press the ENTER key to Exit Saving Changes. Press the ENTER key again to select Yes. The system will reboot. When you reboot, Windows will be installed from the recovery disc. Insert the second recovery disc when prompted, then follow the onscreen prompts to complete the restore.
  • Page 47: 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 48 If you still encounter problems after going through the corrective measures, please contact your dealer or an authorized service center for assistance. Some problems may be solved using the BIOS utility.
  • Page 49: 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 50: Modem Notices

    Remarque à l'intention des utilisateurs canadiens Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme a la norme NMB-003 du Canada. Compliant with Russian regulatory certification Modem notices 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 51: Notice For Australia

    you should contact your equipment supplier in the first instance. For more information about applicable countries, please refer to ?$paratext>? on page Notice for Australia For safety reasons, only connect headsets with a telecommunications compliance label. This includes customer equipment previously labelled permitted or certified.
  • Page 52: Lcd Pixel Statement

    false answer condition. Should such problems occur, the user should NOT contact the telecom Fault Service. This equipment may not provide for the effective hand-over of a call to another device connected to the same line. Under power failure conditions this appliance may not operate. Please ensure that a separate telephone, not dependent on local power, is available for emergency use.
  • Page 53: The Fcc Rf Safety Requirement

    The FCC RF safety requirement The radiated output power of the wireless LAN Mini PCI Card and Bluetooth card is far below the FCC radio frequency exposure limits. Nevertheless, the notebook PC series shall be used in such a manner that the potential for human contact during normal operation is minimized as follows: Users are requested to follow the RF safety instructions on wireless option devices that are included in the user's manual of each RF option device.
  • Page 54: Canada - Low-Power License-Exempt Radio Communication Devices (Rss-210)

    An improper installation or unauthorized use may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Also any tampering of the internal antenna will void the FCC certification and your warranty. Canada — Low-power license-exempt radio communication devices (RSS-210) Exposure of humans to RF fields (RSS-102) The notebook PC series employs low gain integral antennas that do not emit RF field in excess of Health Canada limits for the general population;...

Table of Contents