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Acer TravelMate 320 User Manual

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TravelMate 320 Series

Notebook Computer

User's Guide

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Summary of Contents for Acer TravelMate 320

  • Page 1: Notebook Computer

    TravelMate 320 Series Notebook Computer User’s Guide...
  • Page 2 Purchase Date: __________________________________ Place of Purchase: ________________________________ Acer, the Acer logo and TravelMate are registered trademarks of Acer Incorporated. Intel, Pentium and Celeron are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation. Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Adobe and Acrobat are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Notices ..........vii Preface .
  • Page 4 Optimizing Battery Life........38 Battery-low Warning ........39 Power Management .
  • Page 5 Chapter 5 Software ....... . . 67 PHDISK ..........70 Running PHDISK .

  • Page 7: Notices

    Notices 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 8: Modem Notices

    viii Notices Use Conditions This part complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Notice: Canadian Users This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.

  • Page 9: Important Safety Instructions

    CTR 21 This equipment has been approved [Council Decision 98/482/EC - “CTR 21”] for pan-European single terminal connection to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). However, due to differences between the individual PSTNs provided in different countries, the approval does not, of itself, give an unconditional assurance of successful operation on every PSTN termination point.

  • Page 10: Year 2000 Compliance Statement

    The TravelMate 320 series notebook computer is Year 2000-compliant and carries the “NSTL Hardware Tested Year 2000 Compliant” logo. This model has been tested both by Acer’s internal test labs and NSTL using When the power cord or plug is damaged or frayed...

  • Page 11: Laser Compliance Statement

    NSTL’s YMARK2000 certification test. These tests certify that this model will successfully make the year 2000 transition. For more details, check the Acer Year 2000 Resource Center at http://www.acer.com.tw/service/y2k/ Laser Compliance Statement The CD-ROM drive in this computer is a laser product. The CD- ROM drive’s classification label (shown below) is located on the...

  • Page 12: Lithium Battery Statement

    Notices Lithium Battery Statement CAUTION Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions. ADVARSEL! Lithiumbatteri - Eksplosionsfare ved fejlagtig håndtering. Udskiftning må kun ske med batteri af samme fabrikat og type.

  • Page 13: Preface

    Preface This manual describes features of the TravelMate 320 series notebook computers. This series of ultra-compact computers incorporate such features as CardBus, 16-bit PCI stereo audio, internal 56K modem, internal pointing device and Universal Serial Bus. This manual should answer most of the questions you have about the day-to-day operation of your TravelMate notebook computer.

  • Page 14: Connecting The Computer

    Preface Connecting the Computer Connecting the computer is as easy as 1-2-3. Note: When using a battery pack for the first time, fully recharge the battery, then disconnect the adapter to use up the battery before recharging again. You only need to do this once with a new battery. Install the battery pack.
  • Page 15 Connect one end of the AC adapter to the DC-in jack on the rear of the computer and the other end to a power outlet. Slide the display cover latch to the right and lift up the display cover to open the display. Make sure the power switch lock (2) is in the unlock (down) position;...

  • Page 16: Turning Off The Computer

    Preface Note: You can slide the power switch lock to the lock (up) position to prevent your computer from being accidentally turned off. Turning Off the Computer To turn off the computer, follow these steps: Note: If you cannot power off the computer normally, press and hold the power switch for more than four seconds to shut down the computer.

  • Page 17: Getting Help Online

    Reader to navigate the online user’s guide, access the Help menu. Getting Online If you are connected to the Internet and have World Wide Web access, visit our home page at: and get the latest information about our products. http://www.acer.com/ xvii...

  • Page 18: Support Information

    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 19: Care And Maintenance

    Care and Maintenance Taking Care of Your Computer Your computer will serve you well if you take care of it. Do not expose the computer to direct sunlight. Do not place near sources of heat, such as a radiator. Do not expose the computer to temperatures below 0ºC (32ºF) or above 50ºC (122ºF).

  • Page 20: Taking Care Of Your Battery Pack

    Preface 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 (Model# PC-AB5700). Turn the power off before removing or replacing batteries. Do not tamper with batteries. Keep them away from children.

  • Page 21: Chapter 1 Getting Familiar With Your Computer

    Getting Familiar with your Computer Chapter 1...
  • Page 22 This 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. This chapter gives an in-depth "tour" of the computer’s many features.

  • Page 23: Features

    Features This computer was designed with the user in mind. Here are just a few of its many features: Performance Intel Mobile Celeron™ processor with on-die L2 cache memory 64-bit main memory Large and vibrant Thin-Film-Transistor (TFT) SVGA Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) 128-bit graphics acceleration with 2MB graphics memory High-capacity, Enhanced-IDE hard disk High-speed, removable CD-ROM drive...
  • Page 24 Chapter 1 Getting Familiar with your Computer Keyboard with wide palm rest Ergonomically-centered touchpad pointing device Expansion CardBus PC Card (formerly PCMCIA) slot (one type II/I) with Zoomed Video (ZV) support Upgradeable memory...

  • Page 25: Display

    Display The large graphics display offers excellent viewing, display quality and desktop performance graphics. The computer supports a Thin-Film Transistor (TFT) liquid crystal display (LCD) displaying 24-bit true-color at 800x600 Super Video Graphics Array (SVGA) resolution. Video Performance PCI local bus video with 64-bit graphics acceleration and 2MB high-speed Synchonous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM) boost video performance.
  • Page 26 Chapter 1 Getting Familiar with your Computer Opening and Closing the Display To open the display, slide the display cover latch (1) to the right and lift up the cover. Then tilt it to a position where you view the display screen (2) clearly. The computer employs a microswitch that turns off the display (and enters Display Standby mode) to conserve power when you close the display cover, and turns it back on when you open the...

  • Page 27: Indicators

    Indicators The computer has nine easy-to-read status indicators on the front, edge of the display screen. The status indicators are visible even when you close the display cover so you can see the status of the computer while the cover is closed.
  • Page 28 Chapter 1 Getting Familiar with your Computer Icon Function Caps Lock Scroll Lock Message Main Battery Status Secondary Battery Status Battery Charge Power Description Lights when Caps Lock is activated. Lights when Scroll Lock is activated. Lights when you have an incoming message.

  • Page 29: Keyboard

    Keyboard The keyboard has comfortably-sized keys and an embedded keypad, separate cursor keys, Windows keys and twelve function keys. A wide palm rest provides you with a very comfortable place to rest your hands while you type. Special Keys Lock Keys The keyboard has three lock keys which you can toggle on and off.

  • Page 30: Embedded Numeric Keypad

    Chapter 1 Getting Familiar with your Computer 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.

  • Page 31: Windows Keys

    Windows Keys The keyboard has three keys that perform Windows-specific functions. Windows logo key Application key Hot Keys The computer employs hot keys or key combinations to access most of the computer’s controls like screen brightness and volume levels. Description Start button.
  • Page 32 Chapter 1 Getting Familiar with your Computer To activate hot keys, press and hold the Fn key before pressing the other key in the hot key combination. Hot Key Fn-F1 Fn-F2 Fn-F3 Fn-F5 Fn-F6 Fn-F7 Fn-F8 Fn-F9 Note: Other keys labeled in blue are accessed by holding the Fn key and pressing the key.

  • Page 33: 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 ergonomically central location on the palm rest provides optimum comfort and support.

  • Page 34: Customizing The Touchpad

    Chapter 1 Getting Familiar with your Computer Function Execute (Double-click) Drag and Drop Access context menu 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. Hence, the lighter the touch, the better the response.

  • Page 35: Storage

    Storage This computer supplies you with the media storage you need: The internal Enhanced-IDE hard disk gives you high- capacity storage. The internal, removable CD-ROM drive gives you high- speed portable multimedia access. The external USB floppy drive gives you removable media access with standard 3.5-inch floppy disks.

  • Page 36: Using The Floppy Drive

    Chapter 1 Getting Familiar with your Computer Hold a CD by the center hole and outer edges and align the center hole with the CD-ROM spindle; then firmly press it into the spindle. Close the CD-ROM tray Using the Floppy Drive To connect the floppy drive: Flip out the cover of the USB jack you want to connect the floppy drive to.
  • Page 37 Connect one end of the USB-to-floppy cable to the USB jack on the computer (1), and the other end to the floppy drive (2). To insert a floppy disk: Insert a standard 3.5-inch floppy disk into the diskette drive until the drive eject button extends out.

  • Page 38: Installing The Weight-Saver Module

    Chapter 1 Getting Familiar with your Computer To eject a floppy disk: Press the floppy disk eject button (2) to eject a floppy disk from the floppy drive. Installing the Weight-Saver Module The MediaBay comes installed with the CD-ROM drive. You can swap in a weight-saver module if you want to lighten your load and do not require the use of the CD-ROM drive.
  • Page 39 Slide in the weight-saver module. The MediaBay release latch locks in place. Note: You can also install the secondary battery pack option in the MediaBay. See “Installing a Secondary Battery Pack” on page 35 for details.

  • Page 40: Ports

    Chapter 1 Getting Familiar with your Computer Ports 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, see “Peripherals and Options” on page 45. Left Ports Port Connects to...
  • Page 41 Port Microphone-in jack Fax/Data Modem This computer has a built-in V.90 56Kbps PCI fax/data modem. Warning! This modem port is not compatible with digital phone lines. Plugging this modem into a digital phone line will damage the modem. To use the fax/data modem port, flip open the cover of the modem jack, then connect the phone cable from the modem jack to a telephone jack.

  • Page 42: Rear Ports

    Chapter 1 Getting Familiar with your Computer Rear Ports Port Connects to... External display port Display device (e.g., external monitor, LCD projector) up to 1024x768 resolution at 64K- colors Battery connector Main battery pack...

  • Page 43: Right Ports

    Right Ports Port PS/2 port 2, 3 USB jacks PC Card slot Connects to... PS/2-compatible device (e.g., PS/2 keyboard/ mouse/keypad) Universal Serial Bus device (e.g., USB mouse, USB camera) One 16-bit PC Card or 32-bit CardBus PC Card (Zoomed Video supported)
  • Page 44 Chapter 1 Getting Familiar with your Computer PC Card Slot There is a type II/I CardBus PC Card slot found on the right panel of the computer. This slot accepts a credit-card-sized card that enhances the usability and expandability of the computer. PC Cards (formerly PCMCIA) are add-on cards for portable computers, giving you expansion possibilities long afforded by desktop PCs.
  • Page 45 Note: The slot protector card is used to prevent other items from being accidentally inserted into the PC Card slot. Insert it into the slot when you are not using the PC Card slot. Insert a PC Card into the slot (4). Fold in the PC Card eject button (5).
  • Page 46 Chapter 1 Getting Familiar with your Computer Note: The slot protector card is used to prevent other items from being accidentally inserted into the PC Card slot. Insert it into the slot when you are not using the PC Card slot. Flip out the slot eject button (1) and press the slot eject button (2) to eject the PC Card.
  • Page 47 Universal Serial Bus Universal Serial Bus (USB) is a high-speed serial bus standard which allows you to connect and daisy-chain USB peripherals without taking up precious system resources. This computer has two USB jacks built-in.

  • Page 48: Audio

    Chapter 1 Getting Familiar with your Computer Audio The computer comes with 16-bit high-fidelity PCI stereo audio. Besides the built-in speaker (1) located on the palm rest and the internal microphone (2) at the lower edge of the display, there are audio ports on the left front end of the computer.

  • Page 49: Securing Your Computer

    Securing your Computer Security features include hardware and software locks — a security notch and passwords. Security Notch A security notch located on the right of the computer lets you connect a Kensington-compatible key-based computer security lock. Wrap a computer security lock cable around an immovable object such as a table or locked drawer handle.
  • Page 50 Chapter 1 Getting Familiar with your Computer Note: The Supervisor Password must be set before the User Password can be set. Important! Do not forget your Supervisor Password! If you forget your password, you have to contact an authorized dealer or service center to reset your password.

  • Page 51: Chapter 2 Operating On Battery Power

    Operating on Battery Power Chapter 2...
  • Page 52 The computer operates on AC or battery power. This chapter contains the information you need to know to operate the computer on battery power. It also includes information on how your computer manages and saves power.

  • Page 53: Battery Pack

    Battery Pack The computer uses battery pack(s) that give you long use between charges. Battery Pack Characteristics The battery pack has the following characteristics: Dual Battery Design The computer allows the use of up to two battery packs. The main battery pack installs at the rear of the computer; a secondary battery pack can be installed in the MediaBay, swappable with the internal removable CD-ROM drive.

  • Page 54: Replacing The Main Battery Pack

    Chapter 2 Operating on Battery Power You only need to do this once with a new battery or with a battery that's been stored without being used for a long time. If the computer is to be stored for more than two weeks, we suggest you remove the battery pack.

  • Page 55: Installing A Secondary Battery Pack

    Press the two battery release latches towards the center (2) and pull out the battery pack. Connect the battery pack to the computer, aligning the guide bar and connector on the battery pack to the guide bar slot and connector on the computer. Turn the computer over, and slide the battery lock to the lock position.
  • Page 56 Chapter 2 Operating on Battery Power Slide and hold the MediaBay release latch; then slide out and lift up the CD-ROM drive. Store the CD-ROM drive for future use. Install the secondary battery pack into the weight-saver module.

  • Page 57: Charging The Battery

    Slide in the seconday battery pack. The MediaBay release latch locks in place. Charging the Battery To charge the battery, install the battery pack and plug the AC adapter into the computer and an electrical outlet. Charging Modes The adapter has three charging modes: Rapid mode The computer uses rapid charging when power is turned off and a powered AC adapter is connected to it.

  • Page 58: Checking The Battery Level

    Chapter 2 Operating on Battery Power Trickle mode When the battery is fully charged, the adapter changes to trickle mode to maintain the battery charge level. This prevents the battery from draining while the computer is in use. Tip! We suggest that you charge the battery pack before retiring for the day, letting it charge overnight before traveling.

  • Page 59: Battery-Low Warning

    level to eliminate the battery self-discharge effect. The charge-in-use function also charges the battery pack. Eject the PC card from the card slot when not in use, since the PC card draws extra power. Store the battery pack in a cool, dry place. The recommended storage temperature for battery packs ranges from 10 to 30 degrees C.
  • Page 60 Chapter 2 Operating on Battery Power Otherwise, the computer enters Standby mode. Warning! Connect the AC adapter to the computer as soon as possible. Data is lost when computer power is cut off during Standby mode. The following table shows the recommended course of action to take when you encounter a battery-low condition.

  • Page 61: 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, floppy drive, hard disk, other connected peripherals, and video memory. If no activity is detected for a period of time (called an inactivity time-out), the computer stops some or all of these devices in order to conserve energy.
  • Page 62 Chapter 2 Operating on Battery Power Windows automatically determines which of these modes to enter in. Exiting Sleep mode depends on which power saving mode the computer is currently in. Standby Mode The computer consumes very low power in Standby mode. Data remains intact in the system memory until the battery is drained.
  • Page 63 There is one necessary condition for the computer to enter Hibernation mode: The Hibernation file created by PHDISK must be present and valid. See “PHDISK” on page 70. In this situation, there are three ways to enter Hibernation mode: If the waiting time determined by ACPI elapses without any system activity If a battery low condition occurs To exit Hibernation mode, press the power switch.
  • Page 64 Chapter 2 Operating on Battery Power Hard Disk Standby Mode The hard disk enters standby mode when there are no disk read/ write operations within the period of time specified by Windows ACPI. In this state, the power supplied to the hard disk is reduced to a minimum.

  • Page 65: Chapter 3 Peripherals And Options

    Peripherals and Options Chapter 3...
  • Page 66 When connecting peripherals, read the manual included with the peripheral for operating instructions. You can purchase most of these and other options directly from Acer. This chapter also includes sections on how to upgrade key components. Key component upgradeability helps keep your...

  • Page 67: External Monitor

    External Monitor To show graphical effects on a larger display, you can connect an external monitor to the computer. Follow these steps: Save your work, if necessary. Connect the AC adapter to the computer, and plug the power cord to a power outlet. Remove the battery pack.

  • Page 68: Printer

    Chapter 3 Peripherals and Options Printer This computer supports a USB printer and some parallel printers using a USB-to-printer converter. You can purchase one from leading USB device manufacturers. Flip open the cover of a USB jack you want to use and connect the cable to the USB jack and the USB jack or printer connector on the printer, depending on the cable used.

  • Page 69: External Pointing Device

    External Pointing Device This computer accepts a PS/2-compatible or USB mouse or similar pointing device. External PS/2 Mouse The built-in touchpad works alternately with an external PS/2 mouse which is hot-pluggable. To use a PS/2-compatible mouse, simply plug it into the PS/2 port. External USB Mouse To use a USB mouse, flip out the cover of a USB jack, and p[ug in a USB mouse.

  • Page 70: External Keyboard And Keypad

    Chapter 3 Peripherals and Options External Keyboard and Keypad This computer has a keyboard with full-sized keys and an embedded keypad. If you feel more comfortable using a desktop keyboard, you can install an external keyboard. You can also use a 17-key numeric keypad for number-sensitive data-entry applications.

  • Page 71: Audio Devices

    Audio Devices Audio devices are easy to connect with the audio ports accessible from the left front side of the computer. You can plug in an external microphone to the microphone-in jack (1), amplified speakers or headphones to the headphone-out jack (2), and an audio line-in device to the line-in jack.

  • Page 72: Pc Cards

    Chapter 3 Peripherals and Options PC Cards The computer has one CardBus PC card slot that accommodates one type I/II PC card. Please consult your dealer for PC card options available that you can purchase for your computer. Note: For more information on how to use a PC Card with the computer, see “PC Card Slot”...

  • Page 73: Usb Devices

    USB Devices The computer has two USB (Universal Serial Bus) jacks that allow you to connect peripherals without occupying too many resources. Common USB devices include the mouse and keyboard. Most USB devices also include a built-in USB jacks which allow you to daisy-chain other USB devices.

  • Page 74: Miscellaneous Options

    Chapter 3 Peripherals and Options Miscellaneous Options Additional Power Packs You can order spare batteries and an AC adapter. Battery Pack It is good practice to have a spare battery around, especially when you travel. The computer can accept up to two batteries (main and secondary) at the same time.

  • Page 75: Memory Upgrade

    Memory Upgrade Your computer delivers impressive power and performance. However, some users and the applications they use may demand more. This computer allows you to upgrade memory when you need increased performance. Note: We suggest you contact your authorized dealer if you decide to perform a memory upgrade.
  • Page 76 Chapter 3 Peripherals and Options The computer automatically detects and reconfigures the total memory size. Remove the screws from the memory door; then lift up and remove the memory door. Standard memory occupies one memory slot. If you wish to replace the memory in this slot, press the release clasps on both sides of the memory module;...

  • Page 77: Chapter 4 Moving With Your Computer

    Moving with your Computer Chapter 4...
  • Page 78 This chapter gives you tips and hints on things to consider when moving around or traveling with your computer.

  • Page 79: Disconnecting From The Desktop

    Disconnecting from the Desktop Follow these steps to disconnect your computer from external accessories: Save your work in progress. Remove any media: diskette from the floppy drive, and compact disc from the CD-ROM drive Shut down the operating system. Disconnect the external floppy drive (and other external devices) from the computer, if necessary.

  • Page 80: Moving Around

    Chapter 4 Moving with your Computer Moving Around when you are just moving within short distances, for example, from your office desk to a meeting room Preparing the Computer Before moving the computer, slide and release the power switch quickly to put the computer in Sleep mode; then close and latch the display cover.

  • Page 81: Taking The Computer Home

    Taking the Computer Home when you are moving from your office to your home or vice versa Preparing the Computer After disconnecting the computer from your desktop, follow these steps to prepare the computer for the trip home: Check again if you have removed all media from the drive. Failure to remove media from the drives may damage the drive heads during transport.

  • Page 82: Setting Up A Home Office

    Chapter 4 Moving with your Computer Setting Up a Home Office If you frequently work on your computer at home, it may be worthwhile purchasing a second AC adapter for use at home. With a second AC adapter, you can avoid transporting the extra weight to and from home.

  • Page 83: 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. Be sure the battery in the computer is charged.

  • Page 84: Traveling Internationally With The Computer

    Chapter 4 Moving with your Computer Traveling Internationally with the Computer when you are moving from country to country Preparing the Computer Prepare the computer as you would normally prepare it for traveling. What To Bring with You Bring the following items with you: Special Considerations Follow the same special considerations as when traveling with the computer.
  • Page 85 If you are using the modem, check if the modem and connector is compatible with the telecommunications system of the country you are traveling in.
  • Page 86 Chapter 4 Moving with your Computer...

  • Page 87: Chapter 5 Software

    Software Chapter 5...
  • Page 88 This chapter discusses the important system utilities bundled with your computer.
  • Page 89 The computer comes preloaded with the following software: Windows 98 operating system BIOS Setup Utility System utilities, drivers and application software Note: To access Windows software applications, click on the Start button and select the application folder. Then click on the application icon to run the selected application.

  • Page 90: Phdisk

    Chapter 5 Software PHDISK Most notebook computers feature built-in power-saving functions. This computer has two power management modes, Standby and Hibernation. While Standby puts your computer into a light sleep state, Hibernation shuts off all power after saving the current state of your computer.
  • Page 91 When the TravelMate logo screen disappears, immediately press F8. The Microsoft Windows 98 Startup Menu appears. Hold Shift and press F5. Do the following: To view the current hibernation file status and help information, type PHDISK and press Enter. To create the hibernation file, type PHDISK /CREATE / FILE and press Enter.

  • Page 92: Bios Setup Utility

    Chapter 5 Software BIOS Setup Utility The BIOS Setup 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 this program.
  • Page 93 Security Boot Exit Use the cursor left/right keys to view the highlighted menu. In the highlighted menu, use the cursor up/down keys to move through the items in that particular menu. Then use the -/+ keys to cycle through the available settings for that item. A menu item which opens to a sub-menu is denoted by an arrow (>) symbol before the item.

  • Page 94: Main

    Chapter 5 Software Main The Main menu includes basic information about yout computer: The following table describes the items in this menu. Settings in boldface are the default and suggested parameter settings. Note: “x” may refer to a series of numbers and/or characters or a combination of both.

  • Page 95: System Information

    Parameter Primary Master Primary Slave System Information The System Information sub-menu displays important information about your computer’s hardware. The following table describes the information in this sub-menu. Settings in boldface are the default and suggested parameter settings. Description Shows the capacity (size in megabytes) of the primary master device.
  • Page 96 Chapter 5 Software Note: “x” may refer to a series of numbers and/or characters or a combination of both. Parameter System BIOS Version Keyboard Controller Version Battery Controller Version Modem The items in this sub-menu are important and vital information about your computer.

  • Page 97: Primary Master

    Primary Master The Primary Master sub-menu contains information about your computer’s hard disk (set as the primary master device). The following table describes the information in this sub-menu. Settings in boldface are the default and suggested parameter settings. Note: We suggest you set the Primary Master Type to Auto (its default setting) for automatic hard disk detection..
  • Page 98 Chapter 5 Software Parameter Maximum Capacity Multi- Sector Transfers LBA Mode Control Transfer Mode Ultra DMA Mode Note: When the hard disk type is set to Auto, the other items in this screen are automatically set to their optimum values and are not user-configurable. Description Shows the maximum size of the hard disk.

  • Page 99: Advanced

    Advanced The Advanced menu contains advance-level parameters which include, among other things, how your computer behaves with external devices. The following table describes the parameters in this menu. Settings in boldface are the default and suggested parameter settings. Parameter Plug & Play Description Enables or disables Plug-and-Play operating system settings.
  • Page 100 Chapter 5 Software Parameter PS/2 Mouse External PS/2 (unavailable if PS/2 Mouse is disabled) Display Description Enables or disables the PS/2 mouse. When set to Auto, the internal touchpad is enabled if no external PS/2 mouse is attached; otherwise, the external PS/2 mouse is enabled and the internal touchpad is disabled.

  • Page 101: Security

    Security The Security menu allows you to safeguard your computer and data with passwords and other security measures. The following table describes the parameters in this screen. Settings in boldface are the default and suggested parameter settings. Parameter Supervisor Password is User Password is Description...

  • Page 102: Setting Or Changing A Password

    Chapter 5 Software Parameter Supervisor Password Set User Password Password on Boot Note: If the Supervisor Password is set and is not correctly entered when entering the BIOS Setup Utility, you still gain limited access to the BIOS Setup Utility. Setting or Changing a Password Follow these steps: Important! Be very careful when typing your password because the characters...

  • Page 103: Boot

    Removing a Password Should you decide to remove a password, do the following: Use the cursor up/down keys to highlight a Set Password parameter (Supervisor or User) and press Enter. The Set Password box appears. Press Enter twice without entering anything. The computer automatically sets the chosen password parameter to Disabled.
  • Page 104 Chapter 5 Software The following table describes the information in this menu. Parameter Boot Priority: 1 Boot Priority: 2 Boot Priority: 3 Quick Boot USB FDD Boot Priority Sequence The Boot Priority section lists boot priorities (1, 2 and 3) for bootable drives in your computer.

  • Page 105: Exit

    Exit The Exit menu contains the exit options for the BIOS Setup Utility. The following table describes the information in this menu. Parameter Save Values & Exit Discard Values & Exit Get Default Values Load Previous Values Save Current Values Description Saves your changes and exits the BIOS Setup Utility.
  • Page 106 Chapter 5 Software...

  • Page 107: Chapter 6 Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting Chapter 6...
  • Page 108 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 109: 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 110 Chapter 6 Troubleshooting Image is not full-screen. Make sure the resolution is set to 800x600. 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 the resolution is set to the appropriate resolution. Resolutions lower than the specified resolution are not full-screen on the computer or on an external monitor.
  • Page 111 connectors and there is only one PS/2 port on the computer. To connect two PS/2-type devices to the computer, you need to use a PS/2 Y-bridge connector. See “PS/2 Y-Bridge Cable” on page 54 for details. The printer does not work. Check the following: Make sure that the printer is connected to a power outlet and it is turned on.
  • Page 112 Chapter 6 Troubleshooting For more information, see “PHDISK” on page 70. memory is 2MB, the total free disk space required will be around 34MB. If the total free disk space is less than this, you have to free up space on the hard disk. The hard disk has enough free space, but this free space exists as small fragments.

  • Page 113: Help Services

    Help Services There are three ways to access Acer for technical support and information: Internet service worldwide, visit http://www.acer.com/ Online service in the United States and Canada, call 1-800- 816-2237 Technical support numbers in various countries You can view a list of technical support numbers by following these steps: Click on Start, Settings, Control Panel.
  • Page 114 Chapter 6 Troubleshooting Serial number:_________________________________ Date of purchase:______________________________...

  • Page 115: Error Messages

    Error Messages This notebook computer incorporates an advanced design that delivers onscreen error messages to help you solve problems. If the system reports an error message or an error symptom occurs, note down the message and take the corrective action. The following table lists the error messages in alphabetical order together with the recommended course of action.
  • Page 116 Chapter 6 Troubleshooting Error Messages I/O Parity Error Insert system diskette and press <Enter> key to reboot Keyboard Error or No Keyboard Connected Keyboard Interface Error Memory Size Mismatch Missing operating system Non-system disk or disk error. Replace and strike any key when ready.
  • Page 117 Error Messages Real-Time Clock Error Video RAM BIOS Bad 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 Setup Utility. See “BIOS Setup Utility” on page 72. Corrective Action Press F2 (during POST) to enter the BIOS Setup Utility;...
  • Page 118 Chapter 6 Troubleshooting...

  • Page 119: Appendix A Specifications

    Specifications Appendix A...
  • Page 120 This appendix lists the general specifications of your computer.
  • Page 121 Microprocessor Intel Mobile Celeron™ processor with 128KB on-die L2 cache memory Memory Main memory expandable to 256MB Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM) Two 144-pin industry-standard soDIMM sockets 64-bit dual memory banks 512KB Flash ROM BIOS Data and Media Storage One 2.5-inch, 9.5mm hard disk One internal, removable MediaBay 24X max.
  • Page 122 Appendix A Specifications Keyboard and Pointing Device I/O Ports Weight and Dimensions Temperature Humidity (non-condensing) System 83-key Windows keyboard Ergonomically-centered touchpad pointing device One type II/I CardBus PC Card slot One RJ-11 modem jack (V.90-compliant 56Kbps) Two USB jacks One power jack (DC-in) One 15-pin external monitor port (DDC 2.0-compliant) One 6-pin keyboard/mouse port (PS/2-compatible) One 3.5mm headphone-out minijack...
  • Page 123 Battery Pack (Main) 30WattHour Lithium-Ion Smart battery management technology 2~2.5-hour rapid charge/8~10-hour charge-in-use AC Adapter 35-Watt Auto sensing 100~240Vac, 50~60Hz Bundled Accessories Main battery pack and AC adapter USB floppy drive USB-to-floppy drive cable Modem cable MediaBay weight-saver module Options 32-/64-/128-MB memory upgrade module PS/2 Y-cable MediaBay battery pack (secondary)
  • Page 124 Appendix A Specifications...
  • Page 125 AC adapter caring for connecting ACPI. See Advanced Configuration and Power Interface Advanced Configuration and Power In- terface audio connecting externally troubleshooting battery dual use installing using main using secondary battery pack battery-low warning caring for characteristics charging charging indicator charging modes checking charge level installing...
  • Page 126 audio computer keyboard, external keypad, external monitor mouse mouse, PS/2 printer PS/2 y-bridge cable date setting in Setup Utility diskette ejecting diskette drive display computer hot keys LCD brightness control feature opening and closing performance power management simultaneous troubleshooting error messages FAQ.
  • Page 127 memory upgrade PC Cards spare AC adapter spare battery password changing in Setup Utility removing in Setup Utility setting in Setup Utility types PC Card ejecting inserting PHDISK troubleshooting ports left rear right power turning on power management ACPI power management modes display standby mode hard disk standby mode 42–43...
  • Page 128 Universal Serial Bus connecting USB. See Universal Serial Bus utility 72–85 BIOS Setup PHDISK volume decrease hot keys increase warranty International Traveler’s Warranty xviii Windows keys...

This manual is also suitable for:

Travelmate 320 series

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