Acer 240 User Manual
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Acer 240 User Manual

Acer 240 User Manual

Acer notebook pc user's guide travelmate 240, 250
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TravelMate 240/250 series
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  • Page 1 TravelMate 240/250 series User’s guide...
  • Page 2 Serial Number: ___________________________________ Purchase Date: ___________________________________ Place of Purchase: ________________________________ Acer and the Acer logo are registered trademarks of Acer Incorporated. Other company's product names or trademarks are used herein for identification purposes only and belong to their respective companies.

  • Page 3: First Things First

    First things first We would like to thank you for making the TravelMate series of notebook computers your choice for your mobile computing needs. We hope you will be happy with your TravelMate as much as we enjoyed making it for you. Your guides To help you use your TravelMate, we have designed a set of guides: First off, the Just for Starters...

  • Page 4: Basic Care And Tips For Using Your Computer

    Basic care and tips for using your computer Turning your computer on and off To turn on the computer, simply press and release the power switch below the LCD screen beside the Launch keys. See “Front view” on page 3 for the location of the power switch. To turn the power off, do any of the following: •...

  • Page 5: Taking Care Of Your Ac Adapter

    • Never place objects on top of the computer to avoid damaging the computer. • Do not slam the computer display when you close it. • Never place the computer on uneven surfaces. Taking care of your AC adapter Here are some ways to take care of your AC adapter: •...
  • Page 6 • The computer does not operate normally. Please refer to "Troubleshooting my computer" on page 57.

  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    First things first Your guides Basic care and tips for using your computer 1 Getting to know your TravelMate A TravelMate tour Front view Left view Right view Rear view Bottom view Features Indicators Indicators in Cover Using the keyboard Special keys Touchpad Touchpad basics...
  • Page 8 viii 3 Troubleshooting my computer Frequently-asked questions Requesting service International Traveler’s Warranty (ITW) Before you call Appendix A Specifications Appendix B Notices Index...

  • Page 9: Getting To Know Your Travelmate

    1 Getting to know your TravelMate...
  • Page 10 Your TravelMate computer combines high- performance, versatility, power management features and multimedia capabilities with a unique style and ergonomic design. Work with unmatched productivity and reliability with your new power computing partner.

  • Page 11: A Travelmate Tour

    A TravelMate tour After setting up your computer as illustrated in the Just for Starters... poster, let us show you around your new TravelMate computer. Front view Item Display screen Description Also called LCD (liquid-crystal display), displays computer output.
  • Page 12 Item Status indicators Launch Keys Power switch Palmrest Click buttons (left, center and right) Touchpad Keyboard Ventilation Slot 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Description LEDs (light-emitting diodes) that turn on and off to show the status of the computer, its functions and components. Buttons for launching frequently used programs.

  • Page 13: Left View

    Left view Item PC Card slot Eject button Optical drive Infrared port LED indicator Emergency eject button Eject button Speaker Description Connects to two Type II 16-bit PC Card or 32-bit CardBus PC Card. Ejects the PC Card from the slot. Internal optical drive;...

  • Page 14: Right View

    Right view Item Speaker Floppy activity indicator Floppy drive Floppy disk eject button Security keylock 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Description Delivers stereo audio output. LED (light-emitting diode) that turns on and off when the floppy is active. Internal diskette drive; accepts 3.5-inch diskettes.

  • Page 15: Rear View

    Rear view Item Power jack Parallel port External display port USB 2.0 ports (4) Network jack Modem jack Speaker/Line-Out/ Headphone jack Line-in/Mic-in jack Description Connects to an AC adapter. Connects to a parallel device (e.g., parallel printer). Connects to a display device (e.g., external monitor, LCD projector) and displays up to 16M colors at 1024x768 resolution.

  • Page 16: Bottom View

    Bottom view Item Battery bay Battery release latch Memory compartment 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Description Houses the computer's battery pack. Unlatches the battery to remove the battery pack. Houses the computer's main memory.

  • Page 17: Features

    Features Below is a brief summary of the computer’s many features: Performance • Mobile Intel® Pentium® 4 processor with 512 KB L2 cache or Intel® Celeron® processor with 128 KB L2 cache • CD, DVD, DVD/CD-RW combo drive or DVD rewritable •...
  • Page 18 Connectivity • High-speed fax/data modem port • Ethernet/Fast Ethernet port • USB (Universal Serial Bus) 2.0 ports • 802.11a+g/802.11b wireless LAN option • Bluetooth option Human-centric design and ergonomics • All-in-one design (CD, DVD or combo drive, floppy drive, and hard disk) •...

  • Page 19: Indicators

    Indicators The computer has six easy-to-read status icons below the display screen. The Power and Sleep status icons are visible even when you close the display cover so you can see the status of the computer while the cover is closed. Icon Function Power...

  • Page 20: Indicators In Cover

    Icon Function Num Lock Indicators in Cover When the cover of your computer is closed, 2 easy-to-read icons are shown, indicationg which state or feature is enabled or disabled. Icon Description Lights up when the computer is on. Lights when the computer enters Standby mode and blinks when it enters into or resumes from hibernation mode.

  • Page 21: Using The Keyboard

    Using the keyboard The keyboard has full-sized keys and an embedded keypad, separate cursor keys, two Windows keys and twelve function keys. Special keys Lock keys The keyboard has three lock keys which you can toggle on and off. Lock key Description Caps Lock When Caps Lock is on, all alphabetic characters typed are in...

  • Page 22: Embedded Numeric Keypad

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

  • Page 23: Windows Keys

    Windows keys The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions. Description Windows logo key Start button. Combinations with this key perform shortcut functions. Below are a few examples: + Tab (Activates next taskbar button) + E (Explores My Computer) + F (Finds Document) + M (Minimizes All) Shift +...

  • Page 24: Hot Keys

    Hot keys The computer employs hot keys or key combinations to access most of the computer’s controls like screen brightness, volume output and the BIOS Utility. To activate hot keys, press and hold the Fn key before pressing the other key in the hot key combination. Hot key Icon Function...
  • Page 25 Hot key Icon Function Fn-F5 Display Toggle Fn-F6 Screen Blank Fn-F7 Touchpad Toggle Fn-F8 Speaker Toggle Fn-↑ Volume up Fn-↓ Volume down Fn-→ Brightness up Fn- ← Brightness down Fn-PgUp Home Fn-PgDn Alt Gr- Euro Euro Description Switches display output between the display screen, external monitor (if connected) and both the...
  • Page 26 The Euro symbol If your keyboard layout is set to United States-International or United Kingdom or if you have a keyboard with a European layout, you can type the Euro symbol on your keyboard. Note for US keyboard users: The keyboard layout is set when you first set up Windows.

  • Page 27: Launch Keys

    They are designated as Wireless, Bluetooth button, Web browser button, mail button, P1 and P2. The Wireless and Bluetooth buttons cannot be set by the user. To set the other four launch keys, run the Acer Launch Manager. Description Mail...

  • Page 28: Touchpad

    Touchpad The built-in touchpad is a PS/2-compatible pointing device that senses movement on its surface. This means the cursor responds as you move your finger on the surface of the touchpad. The central location on the palmrest provides optimum comfort and support. Note: When using an external USB or serial mouse, you can press Fn-F7 to disable the touchpad.
  • Page 29 buttons are similar to the left and right buttons on a mouse. Tapping on the touchpad produces similar results. • Use the 4-way scroll (#2) button to scroll up or down and move left or right a page. This button mimics your cursor pressing on the right scroll bar of Windows applications.

  • Page 30: Storage

    Storage This computer supplies you with the following media storage: • High-capacity Enhanced-IDE hard disk • Optical (CD, DVD, DVD/CD-RW combo, or DVD rewritable ) drive • Floppy drive Hard disk The high-capacity hard disk is the answer to your storage needs. This is where your data files and applications are stored.

  • Page 31: Playing Dvd Movies

    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 tray and insert a DVD movie disc; then close the DVD tray. Important! When you launch the DVD player for the first time, the program asks you to input the region code.

  • Page 32: Floppy Drive

    1 Getting to know your TravelMate Floppy drive The internal floppy drive accepts standard 3.5-inch, 1.44 MB diskettes. Ejecting a diskette Eject a diskette by pressing the floppy disk eject button (1) and pull out the diskette (2) to remove it.

  • Page 33: Audio

    Audio The computer comes with 16-bit high-fidelity AC’97 stereo audio. The built-in dual stereo speakers are easy to access. There are audio ports on the rear panel of the computer. See “Rear view” on page 7 for more information on external audio devices.

  • Page 34: Power Management

    1 Getting to know your TravelMate 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, floppy drive, hard disk, peripherals connected to the serial and parallel ports, and video memory.

  • Page 35: Moving Around With Your Travelmate

    Moving around with your TravelMate This section gives you tips and hints on things 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 your work in progress. Remove any media, diskette or compact disc, from the drive(s).

  • Page 36: Taking The Computer Home

    you can put the computer in Sleep mode by pressing Fn-F4. Then close and latch the display. When you are ready to use the computer again, unlatch and open the display, and press and release the power switch. If the power indicator is off, the computer has entered Hibernation mode and turned off.

  • Page 37: What To Bring With You

    Caution: Avoid packing items next to the top cover of the computer. Pressure against the top cover can damage the screen What to bring with you Unless you already have some items at home, bring the following items with you: •...

  • Page 38: Traveling With The Computer

    Traveling with the computer “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. Make sure that the battery in the computer is charged.
  • Page 39 • Power cords that are appropriate for the country to which you are traveling • Spare, fully-charged battery packs • Additional printer driver files if you plan to use another printer • Proof of purchase, in case you need to show it to customs officials •...

  • Page 40: 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 A security keylock notch located on the right panel of the computer lets you connect a Kensington-compatible computer security lock.

  • Page 41: Removing A Password

    Type a password. The password may consist of up to eight characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9). Press Enter. Retype the password to verify your first entry and press Enter. After setting the password, the computer automatically sets the chosen password parameter to Present. Removing a password Should you want to remove a password, do the following: Use the cursor up/down keys to highlight a password parameter...
  • Page 42 1 Getting to know your TravelMate...

  • Page 43: Customizing My Computer

    2 Customizing computer...
  • Page 44 After learning the basics of your TravelMate computer, let’s get acquainted with the advanced features of your computer. In this chapter, you will learn how to add options, upgrade components for better performance, and customize your computer.

  • Page 45: Expanding Through Options

    Expanding through options Your TravelMate 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. Modem Your computer has a built-in V.90/V.92 56Kbps AC’97 Link modem. Warning! This modem port is not compatible with digital phone lines.
  • Page 46 2 Customizing my computer Network Your computer has built-in Ethernet/Fast Ethernet capabilities. To use the network feature, connect an Ethernet cable from the network jack to an network jack or hub. Consult your network administrator for details. Universal Serial Bus The Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 port is a high-speed serial bus which allows you to connect and daisy-chain USB peripherals without taking up precious system resources.

  • Page 47: Pc Card Slot

    PC Card slot There are two Type II CardBus PC Card slots found on the left side of the computer. This slot accepts credit-card-sized cards that enhance the usability and expandability of the computer. These cards should have a PC Card logo on them. PC Cards (formerly PCMCIA) are add-on cards for portable computers, giving you expansion possibilities long afforded by desktop PCs.

  • Page 48: Upgrade Options

    Press the slot eject button (1) to pop out the eject button; then press it again (1) to eject the card (2). Upgrade options Your computer delivers superior power and performance. However, some users and the applications they use may demand more. This computer allows you to upgrade key components when you need increased performance.
  • Page 49 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 screw from the memory cover (a); then lift up and remove the memory cover (b).
  • Page 50 Insert the memory module diagonally into the slot (1), then gently press it down until it clicks into place (2). Replace the memory cover and secure it with the screw. The computer automatically detects and reconfigures the total memory size. 2 Customizing my computer...

  • Page 51: Using System Utilities

    Using system utilities Notebook Manager The computer has a built-in system setup program called Notebook Manager. The Windows-based Notebook Manager allows you to set passwords, the startup sequence of the drives, and power management settings. It also shows current hardware configurations. To start the Notebook Manager, press Fn-F2 or follow these steps: 1 Click on Start, Programs, then Notebook Manager.

  • Page 52: Launch Manager

    2 Customizing my computer Launch Manager There are six Launch Keys located above the keyboard. The Wireless and Bluetooth buttons are not programmable. Launch Manager only allows you to set the other four Launch Keys. See “Launch Keys” on page 19 for more information. You can access the Launch Manager by clicking on Start, Programs, and then Launch Manager to start the application.

  • Page 53: Bios Utility

    BIOS Utility The BIOS Utility is a hardware configuration program built into your computer’s BIOS (basic input/ouput system). 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 during the POST (power-on self- test) while the TravelMate logo is being displayed.
  • Page 54 Note: You can change the value of a parameter if it is enclosed in square brackets. Navigation keys for a particular menu are shown on the bottom of the screen. Information The Information screen displays a summary of your computer hardware information.
  • Page 55 Parameter Description HDD1 Serial Shows the primary master hard disk drive serial number. Number System BIOS Shows the system BIOS version. Version VGA BIOS Shows the video graphics accelerator BIOS version. Version KBC Version Shows the current keyboard controller (KBC) version Serial Number Shows the system serial number.
  • Page 56 The table below describes the parameters in the screen. Parameter Description System Sets the system time. Time Format: HH:MM:SS (hour:minute:second) System Sets the system date. Date Format: MMM DD YYYY (month day year) Boot Sets the display device when the computer starts up. Display Options: Both or Auto QuickBoot...
  • Page 57 Advanced The Advanced screen contains parameters values that define how your computer behaves on startup. The table below describes the parameters in this screen. Settings in boldface are the default and suggested parameter settings. Parameter Description Legacy Shows the floppy drive information. Diskette A: Primary Shows the hard disk information.
  • Page 58 Primary Master The Primary Master sub-menu contains parameters related to the hard disk installed in your computer. Caution: The parameters in this screen are for advanced uses only. Typically, you do not need to change the values in this screen. The default setting of Auto optimizes all the settings in your hard disk drive.
  • Page 59 Secondary Master The Secondary Master sub-menu contains parameters related to the optical drive installed in your computer. Caution: The parameters in this screen are for advanced uses only. Typically, you do not need to change the values in this screen. The default setting of Auto optimizes all the settings in your hard disk drive.
  • Page 60 I/O Device Configuration The I/O Device Configuration sub-menu contains parameters that are related to your computer hardware. Parameter Description Parallel Port Enables or disables the parallel port. Options: Enabled or Disabled Mode Sets the operation mode of the parallel port. Options: Output only, Bi-direction, EPP, or ECP Base I/O Address Sets the I/O address of the parallel port.
  • Page 61 PCI IRQ Routing The PCI IRQ Routing sub-menu allows you to set the IRQs for PCI devices. Caution: The parameters in this screen are for advanced users only. Typically, you do not need to change the values in this screen because these values are already optimized.
  • Page 62 Security The Security screen contains parameters that help safeguard and protect your computer from unauthorized use. The table below describes the parameters in this screen. Settings in boldface are the default and suggested parameter settings. Parameter Description Set Supervisor When set, this password protects the BIOS Utility from Password unauthorized entry.
  • Page 63 Boot The Boot menu contains parameter values that determine in what order the bootable devices in your computer start-up. Setting the Boot drive sequence ↑ ↓ Use the cursor up/down keys to select a boot device, then press to change its order. Items with a “+” sign can be further expanded.
  • Page 64 Exit This menu contains the exit options. Parameter Description Exit Saving Saves your changes and exits the BIOS Utility. Changes Exit Discarding Discards your changes and exits the BIOS Utility. Changes Load Setup Loads default settings for all setup parameters. Defaults Discard Changes Discards your changes.
  • Page 65 3 Troubleshooting computer...
  • Page 66 This chapter instructs you on 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 by yourself. Contact your dealer or an authorized service center for assistance.

  • Page 67: Frequently-Asked Questions

    Frequently-asked questions The following is a list of possible situations that may arise during the use of your computer. Easy answers and solutions are provided for each one. I pressed the power switch and opened the display, but the computer does not start or boot-up.

  • Page 68: Troubleshooting My Computer

    Image is not full-screen. Make sure that the resolution is set to 1024x768. This is the native resolution of your computer display. Right-click on your Windows desktop and select Properties to bring up the Display Properties dialog box. Then click on the Settings tab to make sure that the resolution is set to the appropriate resolution.
  • Page 69 The floppy drive cannot access a diskette. Check the following: • Make sure the diskette is properly inserted in the floppy drive. • Make sure the diskette is formatted. • If the diskette is not the cause of the problem, the floppy drive may be dirty.
  • Page 70 The printer does not work. Check the following: • Make sure that the printer is connected to a power outlet and that it is turned on. • Depending on your connection (USB or parallel), make sure that the printer cable is connected securely to the appropriate port on your computer and the corresponding port on the printer.

  • Page 71: 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.
  • Page 72 3 Troubleshooting my computer...

  • Page 73: Appendix A Specifications

    Appendix A Specifications...
  • Page 74 This appendix lists the general specifications of your computer.
  • Page 75 Microprocessor • Mobile Intel® Pentium® 4 processor with 512 KB L2 cache - or - Intel® Celeron® processor with 128 KB L2 cache Memory • Main memory expandable to 2 GB • Two DDR DIMM slots • Support DDR 266/333 256MB, 512MB, 1GB SDRAM modules •...
  • Page 76 I/O ports • Two type II PC Card slots • One RJ-11 phone jack (V.90/V.92, 56Kbps modem) • One RJ-45 network jack (Ethernet 10/100BaseT) • One DC-in jack (AC adapter) • One parallel port (ECP/EPP compliant) • One external monitor port •...
  • Page 77 • AC adapter • 120-Watt • Auto sensing 100~240Vac, 50~60Hz Options • 256MB/512MB/1GB memory upgrade module • Additional AC adapter and battery pack...
  • Page 78 Appendix A Specifications...

  • Page 79: Appendix B Notices

    Appendix B Notices...
  • Page 80 This appendix lists the general notices of your computer.

  • Page 81: Fcc Notice

    FCC notice 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 82: Modem Notices

    Appendix B Notices Notice: Canadian users This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations. Remarque à l’intention des utilisateurs canadiens Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respected toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada. Modem notices This equipment complies with Part 68 of the FCC rules.
  • Page 83 Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product. Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning. Do not use this product near water. Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, or table. The product may fall, causing serious damage to the product.

  • Page 84: Laser Compliance Statement

    STRÅLEN ADVARSEL: LASERSTRÅLING NAR DEKSEL ÅPNESSTIRR IKKE INN I STRÅLEN Lithium battery statement The TravelMate 240/250 series uses the lithium battery, models BTP- 58A1, BTP-59A1 and BTP-60A1 only. CAUTION Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the...

  • Page 85: Year 2000 Compliance Statement

    Batterien nach Angaben des Herstellers. Year 2000 compliance statement The TravelMate 240/250 series notebook computer carries the "Hardware NSTL Tested Year 2000 Compliant" logo, which certifies that this model has been tested by NSTL using the YMark2000 test, and has been found to meet NSTL's standards for Year 2000 hardware compliance.

  • Page 86: Regulatory Information

    A-Tick notice Apparatus Claims of U.S. Patent Nos. 4,631,603, 4,577,216, 4,819,098, and 4,907,093 licensed for limited viewing uses only. For safety reasons, only connect headsets with a telecommunications compliance label. This includes customer equipment previously labelled permitted or certified. The unit shall be connected to Telecommunication Network through a line cord which meets the requirements of ACA Technical Standard TS008.

  • Page 87: Exposure To Radio Frequency Radiation

    Exposure to Radio Frequency Radiation The radiated output power of the Wireless module is far below the FCC radio frequency exposure limits. Nevertheless, the Wireless module shall be used in such a manner that the potential for human contact during normal operation is minimized.
  • Page 88 Appendix B Notices...

  • Page 89: Index

    Index AC adapter caring for ===î audio ===OR troubleshooting ===SM battery pack caring for ===î charging indicator ===NN BIOS Utility ===QR–===RS Advanced menu i/o device configuration ===RO pci irq routing ===RP primary master ===RM secondary master ===RN advanced menu ===QV boot menu ===RR exit menu ===RS main menu ===QT...
  • Page 90 ITW. See warranty keyboard ===NP embedded numeric keypad ===NQ hotkeys ===NS lock keys ===NP troubleshooting ===SN Windows keys ===NR LEDs ===NN media access on indicator ===NN memory installing ===QN–===QO upgrading ===QM modem ===PT mouse troubleshooting ===SN network ===PU Notebook Manager ===QP hotkey ===NS notice year 2000 compliance ===TT...
  • Page 91 hotkey ===NT using ===OM–===ON travel international flights ===PM local trips ===PM troubleshooting ===RU universal serial bus ===PU utility BIOS Setup ===QR–===RS view front ===R left ===R rear ===T right ===S warranty International Traveler’s Warran- ty ===SP Windows keys ===NR...
  • Page 92 Index...

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