Acer TravelMate 2100 User Manual

Acer TravelMate 2100 User Manual

Acer notebook computer user's guide
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Summary of Contents for Acer TravelMate 2100

  • Page 1 TravelMate 2100/2600 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: Use the Windows shutdown command •...
  • 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: Do not connect the adapter to any other device.
  • Page 6 If any of the following occurs: The computer has been dropped or the body has been damaged. • Liquid has been spilled into the product. • The computer does not operate normally. • Please refer to "Troubleshooting my computer" on page 43.
  • 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 Using the keyboard Lock keys Embedded numeric keypad Windows keys Hot keys The Euro symbol...
  • Page 8 2 Customizing my computer Expanding through options Connectivity options Upgrade options Using system utilities Notebook Manager Launch Manager BIOS Utility D to D Recovery (Disc to Disc) Multilingual operating system installation Restore without a Recovery CD Setup password and exit 3 Troubleshooting my computer Frequently-asked questions Requesting service...
  • 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 Liquid-Crystal Display (LCD), displays computer output.
  • Page 12 Item Status indicators Power button Launch Keys Palmrest Click buttons (left, center and right) Touchpad Keyboard Ventilation slot 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Description Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) that turn on and off to show the status of the computer, its functions and components. Turns on the computer power.
  • Page 13: Left View

    Left view Item PC Card slots Eject buttons Optical drive Infrared port LED indicator Eject button Emergency eject hole Speaker Description Connects to one Type III or two Type II CardBus PC Card(s). Eject the PC Cards from the slots. Internal optical drive;...
  • Page 14: Right View

    Right view Item Speaker Security keylock Ventilation slots 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Description Delivers stereo audio output. Connects to a Kensington-compatible computer security lock. Enable the computer to stay cool, even after prolonged use.
  • Page 15: Rear View

    Rear view Item Power jack Parallel port Ventilation slot External display port Four USB 2.0 ports Network jack Modem jack Description Connects to an AC adapter. Connects to a parallel device (e.g., parallel printer). Enables the computer to stay cool, even after prolonged use.
  • Page 16: Bottom View

    Item Speaker/Line-Out/ Headphone jack Line-in/Mic-in jack Bottom view Item Battery bay Battery release latch Memory compartment 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Description Connects to audio line-out devices (e.g., speakers, headphones). Accepts audio line-in devices (e.g., audio CD player, stereo walkman). Description Houses the computer's battery pack.
  • Page 17: Features

    Features Below is a brief summary of the computer’s many features: Performance Intel® Pentium® 4 processors, 2.8 GHz and above • Intel® Celeron® processors, 2.6 GHz and above • 256/512 MB of DDR333 SDRAM standard, upgradeable to 2048 MB • with dual soDIMM modules 30 GB and above high-capacity, Enhanced-IDE hard disk •...
  • Page 18 Connectivity Integrated 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet connection • Built-in 56Kbps fax/data modem • Four Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 ports • InviLink™ 802.11b/g Wireless LAN (manufacturing option) • Bluetooth® (manufacturing option) • Human-centric design and ergonomics • Rugged, yet extremely portable design •...
  • Page 19: Indicators

    Indicators The computer has seven easy-to-read status icons below the display screen. Icon Function Wireless communications Power Sleep Media activity Battery charge Caps Lock Num Lock Description Lights when the Wireless LAN capability is enabled. Lights when the computer is on. Lights when the computer enters Standby mode and blinks when it enters into or resumes from hibernation mode.
  • Page 20: 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. 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 uppercase.
  • Page 21: 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 22: 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: + Tab + F1...
  • Page 23: 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 24 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-Pg Up Home Fn-Pg Dn Alt Gr- Euro Euro 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Description Switches display output between the display screen,...
  • Page 25: The Euro Symbol

    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 26: Launch Keys

    They are designated as the mail, Web broswer, P1, P2 , Wireless and Bluetooth buttons. 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 27: 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 28 Function Left Button Execute Click twice quickly. Select Click once. Drag Click and hold, then use finger to drag the cursor on the touchpad. Access context menu Scroll Note: Keep your fingers dry and clean when using the touchpad. Also keep the touchpad dry and clean. The touchpad is sensitive to finger movements.
  • Page 29: Storage

    Storage This computer supplies you with the following media storage: Hard disk The high-capacity hard disk is the answer to your storage needs. This is where your data files and applications are stored. Optical drive Your computer comes equipped with an optical drive which may be one of the following: DVD-ROM •...
  • Page 30: 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 31: 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. Power management This computer has a built-in power management unit that monitors system activity.
  • Page 32: 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 or compact disc from the drive(s).
  • Page 33: Taking The Computer Home

    - or - 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 34: 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: AC adapter and power cord •...
  • Page 35: 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 36 What to bring with you Bring the following items with you: AC adapter • 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 •...
  • Page 37: 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 lock 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 38 1 Getting to know your TravelMate...
  • Page 39: Customizing My Computer

    2 Customizing my computer...
  • Page 40 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 41: 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.92 56Kbps AC’97 Link modem. Warning! This modem port is not compatible with digital phone lines.
  • Page 42: Universal Serial Bus

    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 43: Pc Card Slot

    PC Card slot There are one Type III or two Type II CardBus PC Card slots found on the left side of the computer. The slots accept 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 44 Ejecting a PC Card Before ejecting a PC Card: Exit the application using the card. Left-click on the Safely Remove Hardware icon on the taskbar and click on the PC Card item. Click OK to confirm. Press the slot eject button (1) to pop out the eject button; then press it again to eject the card (2).
  • Page 45: Upgrade Options

    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. Note: Contact your authorized dealer if you decide to perform a key component upgrade.
  • Page 46: 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 screw from the memory cover (1), then lift up and remove the memory cover (2).
  • Page 47: 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: Click on Start, All Programs, then Notebook Manager.
  • Page 48: 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 18 for more information. You can access the Launch Manager by clicking on Start, All Programs, and then Launch Manager to start the application.
  • Page 49: D To D Recovery (Disc To Disc)

    Follow the instructions to choose the operating system and language you use when you first power-on the system. Turn on the system. Acer multilingual operating system selection menu will pop-up automatically. Use the arrow keys to scroll to the language version you want.
  • Page 50: Setup Password And Exit

    Setup password and exit Press "F3" to setup password or press "F5" to exit the system recovery process when "Acer Self-Configuration Preload" window appears. If "F3" is pressed, the next screen shows "Please enter new password:" enter one to eight alphanumeric characters. You will be asked to reenter your password for confirmation before continuing.
  • Page 51: Troubleshooting My Computer

    3 Troubleshooting my computer...
  • Page 52 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 53: 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. Look at the Power indicator: If it is not lit, no power is being applied to the computer.
  • Page 54 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 55 The CD or DVD drive cannot access a disc. Check the following: Make sure the disc is supported by the drive. If your computer has • a CD-ROM drive, it can read CDs but cannot read DVDs. If your computer has a DVD drive, it can read DVDs in addition to CDs. When placing the CD or DVD in the drive tray, make sure it is •...
  • Page 56 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 57: 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 58 3 Troubleshooting my computer...
  • Page 59: Appendix A Specifications

    Appendix A Specifications...
  • Page 60 This appendix lists the general specifications of your computer.
  • Page 61 Microprocessor Intel® Pentium® 4 processors, 2.8 GHz and above • Intel® Celeron® processors, 2.6 GHz and above • Memory 256/512 MB of DDR333 SDRAM standard, upgradeable to 2048 MB • with dual soDIMM modules 512 KB flash ROM BIOS • Data storage One 30 GB and above E-IDE hard disk (2.5”, 9.5mm, UltraDMA-100) •...
  • Page 62 Keyboard and pointing device 84/85/88-key Windows keyboard • Ergonomically-centered touchpad pointing device with scroll • function I/O ports One Type III or two type II PC Card slots • One RJ-11 phone jack (V.92, 56Kbps modem) • One RJ-45 network jack (Ethernet 10/100 Base-T) •...
  • Page 63 System Microsoft® Windows® XP Home/Pro • ACPI 1.0b support • DMI 2.0-compliant • Power 8-cell Li-ion battery pack • 135W AC adapter 19V • Options 256MB/512MB/1GB memory upgrade module • Additional 135W AC adapter • Addition Li-ion battery pack •...
  • Page 64 Appendix A Specifications...
  • Page 65: Appendix B Regulation & Safety Notices

    Appendix B Regulation & safety notices...
  • Page 66 This appendix lists the general notices for your computer.
  • Page 67: Energy Star Guidelines Compliance

    Energy Star Guidelines Compliance As an Energy Star Partner, Acer Inc. has determined that this product meets the Energy Star guidelines for energy efficiency. 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.
  • Page 68: Declaration Of Conformity For Eu Countries

    Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme a la norme NMB- 003 du Canada. Declaration of Conformity for EU countries Hereby, Acer, declares that this TravelMate series is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC. (Please visit www.acer.com/about/certificates/nb for complete documents.)
  • Page 69: Notice For Australia

    Your telephone company may make changes in its facilities, equipment, operations, or procedures that could affect the proper functioning of your equipment. If they do, you will be notified in advance to give you an opportunity to maintain uninterrupted telephone service. If this equipment should fail to operate properly, disconnect the equipment from the phone line to determine if it is causing the problem.
  • Page 70: Notice For New Zealand

    Notice for New Zealand For Modem with approval number PTC 211/03/008 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 71 For Modem with approval number PTC 211/01/030 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 72: Important Safety Instructions

    Important safety instructions Read these instructions carefully. Save them for future reference. 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.
  • Page 73: Laser Compliance Statement

    If the product does not operate normally when the operating instructions are followed. 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 74: Lcd Pixel Statement

    PRODUCTO LÁSER DE LA CLASE I ADVERTENCIA: RADIACIÓN LÁSER INVISIBLE AL SER ABIERTO. EVITE EXPONERSE A LOS RAYOS. ADVARSEL: LASERSTRÅLING VEDÅBNING SE IKKE IND I STRÅLEN. VARO! LAVATTAESSA OLET ALTTINA LASERSÅTEILYLLE. VARNING: LASERSTRÅLNING NÅR DENNA DEL ÅR ÖPPNAD ÅLÅ TUIJOTA SÅTEESEENSTIRRA EJ IN I STRÅLEN VARNING: LASERSTRÅLNING NAR DENNA DEL ÅR ÖPPNADSTIRRA EJ IN I STRÅLEN ADVARSEL: LASERSTRÅLING NAR DEKSEL ÅPNESSTIRR IKKE INN I...
  • Page 75 General This product complies with the radio frequency and safety standards of any country or region in which it has been approved for wireless use. Depending on configurations, this product may or may not contain wireless radio devices (such as wireless LAN and/or Bluetooth® modules).
  • Page 76: The Fcc Rf Safety Requirement

    in the country of use. For further information, please contact local office in the country of use. The FCC RF safety requirement The radiated output power of Wireless LAN Mini-PCI Card and Bluetooth card is far below the FCC radio frequency exposure limits. Nevertheless, the TravelMate series shall be used in such a manner that the potential for human contact during normal operation is minimized as follows.
  • Page 77 Contact Person: Phone No.: Fax No.: Notebook Personal Computer MS2154W TravelMate 2100; TravelMate 2600 TravelMate 210xxx; TravelMate 260xxx (“x” = 0~9, a ~ z, or A ~ Z) Acer America Corporation 2641 Orchard Parkway, San Jose CA 95134, U. S. A.
  • Page 78 Trade Name: Acer Model Number: MS2154W Machine Type: TravelMate 2100; TravelMate 2600 SKU Number: TravelMate 210xxx; TravelMate 260xxx (“x” = 0~9, a ~ z, or A ~ Z) Is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of the following EC directives.
  • Page 79: Index

    Index AC adapter caring for audio troubleshooting battery pack caring for charging indicator BIOS Utility BIOS utility brightness hotkeys caps lock on indicator care AC adapter battery pack computer troubleshooting CD-ROM ejecting ejecting manually troubleshooting cleaning computer computer bringing to meetings caring for cleaning disconnecting...
  • Page 80 network Notebook Manager hotkey notice DVD copyright protection num lock on indicator numeric keypad embedded num lock optical drive options memory upgrade PC Card ejecting inserting ports Power-On Self Test (POST) printer troubleshooting problems CD-ROM display keyboard printer startup troubleshooting questions setting location for modem use safety...

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