Acer Extensa User Manual
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Acer Extensa User Manual

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  • Page 1 Extensa User’s Manual...
  • Page 2 This revision: March 2014 Sign up for an Acer ID and enable Acer Remote Files Open the Acer Portal from the Start screen to sign up for an Acer ID or sign in if you already have an Acer ID.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Taking care of your battery pack....8 Battery pack Cleaning and servicing........ 8 Battery characteristics ......46 Your Acer notebook tour Charging the battery ......... 46 Screen view ........... 10 Optimizing battery life ....... 47 Checking the battery level......48 Keyboard view ........
  • Page 4 4 - Table of contents Explorer?........... 72 Protecting your computer......75 How do I check for Windows updates?..72 Choose an Internet Service Provider ..75 Where can I get more information?... 72 Network connections......... 77 Troubleshooting........73 Surf the Net!..........79 Security .............
  • Page 5 • Where to find the power button, ports and connectors • Tips and tricks for using the touchpad and keyboard • How to create recovery backups • Guidelines for connecting to a network and using Bluetooth • Information on using Acer’s bundled software...

  • Page 6: First Things First

    6 - First things first I R S T T H I N G S F I R S T We would like to thank you for making this Acer notebook your choice for meeting your mobile computing needs. Your guides...

  • Page 7: Taking Care Of Your Computer

    First things first - 7 You can also put the computer in sleep mode by pressing the sleep hotkey <Fn> + <F4>. Note If you cannot power off the computer normally, press and hold the power button for more than four seconds to shut down the computer. If you turn off the computer and want to turn it on again, wait at least two seconds before powering up.

  • Page 8: Taking Care Of Your Battery Pack

    8 - First things first cord. Also, the total current rating of all equipment plugged into a single wall outlet should not exceed the fuse rating. Taking care of your battery pack Here are some ways to take care of your battery pack: •...

  • Page 9: Your Acer Notebook Tour

    Your Acer notebook tour - 9 O U R C E R N O T E B O O K T O U R After setting up your computer as illustrated in the Setup Guide, let us show you around your new Acer computer.

  • Page 10: Screen View

    10 - Your Acer notebook tour Screen view Icon Item Description Web camera for video communication. Webcam A light next to the webcam indicates that the webcam is active. Screen Displays computer output. Accepts one Secure Digital card (SD or SDHC).

  • Page 11: Keyboard View

    Your Acer notebook tour - 11 Keyboard view Icon Item Description Power button Turns the computer on and off. For entering data into your computer. See "Using the keyboard" on page Keyboard Do not use a keyboard protector or similar cover as the keyboard includes ventilation intakes for cooling.

  • Page 12: Left View

    12 - Your Acer notebook tour Left view Icon Item Description Connects to a Kensington- compatible computer security lock. Kensington lock Wrap the computer security lock slot cable around an immovable object such as a table or handle of a locked drawer.
  • Page 13 Your Acer notebook tour - 13 • For optimal performance, use USB 3.0-certified devices. • Defined by the USB 3.0 specification (SuperSpeed USB).

  • Page 14: Right View

    14 - Your Acer notebook tour Right view # Icon Item Description USB ports Connect to USB devices. Internal optical drive; accepts Optical drive CDs or DVDs. Optical disk access Lights up when the optical drive is indicator active. Optical drive eject...

  • Page 15: Base View

    Your Acer notebook tour - 15 Base view # Icon Item Description Battery bay Houses the computer’s battery pack. Releases the battery for removal. Battery release Insert a suitable tool and slide to latch release. Speakers Deliver stereo audio output.

  • Page 16: Using The Keyboard

    16 - Using the keyboard S I N G T H E K E Y B O A R D The keyboard has full-sized keys and a separate numeric keypad, separate cursor, lock, Windows, function and special keys. Lock keys The keyboard has three lock keys which you can toggle on and off.
  • Page 17 Using the keyboard - 17 Hotkey Icon Function Description Switches display output between the display screen, <Fn> + <F5> Display toggle external monitor (if connected) and both. Turns the display screen <Fn> + <F6> Display off backlight off to save power. Press any key to return.

  • Page 18: Windows Keys

    18 - Using the keyboard Windows keys The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions. Description Pressed alone it toggles between the Start screen and Desktop. Windows key It can also be used with other keys for special functions, please check Windows Help. This key has the same effect as clicking the right Application mouse button;...

  • Page 19: Touchpad

    Touchpad - 19 O U C H P A D Touchpad basics The touchpad controls the arrow (or 'cursor') on the screen. As you slide your finger across the touchpad, the cursor will follow this movement. Note The touchpad is sensitive to finger movement; the lighter the touch, the better the response.
  • Page 20 20 - Touchpad This allows you to control applications with a few simple gestures, such as: • Swipe in from edge: Access Windows tools by swiping into the center of the touchpad from the right, top or left. • Swipe in from right edge: Toggle the charms. •...

  • Page 21: Recovery

    Windows tools, or the recovery backup. Note Acer Recovery Management is only available with a pre-installed Windows operating system. Important We recommend that you create a Recovery Backup and Drivers and Applications Backup and as soon as possible.
  • Page 22 22 - Recovery 1. From Start, type 'Recovery' and then click Acer Recovery Management in the list of apps. 2. Click Create Factory Default Backup. The Recovery Drive window opens. Make sure Copy contents from the recovery partition to the recovery drive is selected.

  • Page 23: Creating A Drivers And Applications Backup

    Recovery - 23 • Since the recovery backup requires at least 16 GB of storage after formatting, it is recommended to use a USB drive with a capacity of 32 GB or larger. 4. You will be shown the backup progress on the screen. 5.
  • Page 24 USB storage drive or, if your computer features a DVD recorder, one or more blank recordable DVDs. 1. From Start, type 'Recovery' and then click Acer Recovery Management in the list of apps. 2. Click Create Drivers and Applications Backup.

  • Page 25: Recovering Your System

    Recovery - 25 with a permanent marker. If multiple discs are required, insert a new disc when prompted, then click OK. Continue until the process is complete. • If you are using a USB drive, unplug the drive and label it clearly. Important Write a unique, descriptive label on each backup, such as 'Drivers and Applications Backup'.

  • Page 26: Reinstalling Drivers And Applications

    If you are reinstalling using Windows and the recovery information stored on your computer: 1. From Start, type 'Recovery' and then click Acer Recovery Management in the list of apps. 2. Click Reinstall Drivers or Applications.
  • Page 27 1. Insert the Drivers and Applications Backup into the disc drive or connect it to a free USB port. • If you inserted a DVD wait for Acer Resource Center to start. • If Acer Resource Center does not start automatically, press the Windows key + <E>, then double-click on the optical drive...

  • Page 28: Returning To An Earlier System Snapshot

    28 - Recovery 2. You should see the Contents section of the Acer Resource Center. Images for reference only. 3. Click the install icon for the item you want to install, then follow the onscreen prompts to complete the installation. Repeat this step for each item you want to reinstall.

  • Page 29: Returning Your System To Its Factory Condition

    Recovering from a recovery backup on page Recovering from Windows Start Acer Recovery Management: • From Start, type ’Recovery’ and then click Acer Recovery Management in the list of apps. Two options are available, Restore Factory Settings (Reset my PC) or Customized Restore (Refresh my PC).
  • Page 30 30 - Recovery the Windows Store). See Customized Restore with Acer Recovery Management on page Restore Factory Settings with Acer Recovery Management 1. Click Restore Factory Settings. Important ’Restore Factory Settings’ will erase all files on your hard drive. 2. The Reset your PC window opens.
  • Page 31 "Reset your PC" completely removes all your files and resets your computer to factory settings. 4. Click Next. The process will take several minutes. Customized Restore with Acer Recovery Management 1. Click Customized Restore (Retain User Data).

  • Page 32: Recovering From A Recovery Backup

    32 - Recovery 2. The Refresh your PC window opens. Images for reference only. 3. Click Next, then Refresh. 4. The recovery process begins by restarting your computer, then continues by copying files to your hard drive. This process takes about 30 minutes.
  • Page 33 Recovery - 33 b. Windows starts from the recovery backup instead of the normal startup process. 6. Select your keyboard type. 7. Select Troubleshoot and then choose the type of recovery to use: a. Click Advanced then System Restore to start Microsoft System Restore: Microsoft System Restore periodically takes a ’snapshot’...
  • Page 34 34 - Recovery 2. Click Next. 3. Select the operating system to recover (normally only one option is available). 4. Choose to keep any changes to the hard drive: a. If you have deleted the recovery partition or otherwise changed the partitions on the hard drive and want to keep these changes, select No.

  • Page 35: Connecting To The Internet

    Connecting to the Internet - 35 O N N E C T I N G T O TH E N T E R N E T Note Information in this section may not apply to your computer. This chapter includes basic information on types of connections, and getting connected to the Internet.

  • Page 36: Connecting Wirelessly

    Windows will detect and display a list of available networks during setup. Select your network and enter the password if required. Acer notebook computers feature an Airplane mode hotkey that turns the network connection on or off. You can use the network management options to turn your wireless network on/off or control what is shared over the network.

  • Page 37: Connecting To A 3G Network

    Connecting to the Internet - 37 Connecting to a 3G network If your computer has a SIM slot, you can connect to the Internet using a 3G (cellular phone) network. To do this, you must have a compatible SIM card and a data contract with your cellular provider. Note Please contact your cellular provider for details on connecting to the Internet via 3G.

  • Page 38: 38 - Using A Bluetooth Connection

    38 - Using a Bluetooth connection S I N G A L U E T O O T H C O N N E C T I O N Bluetooth is a technology enabling you to transfer data wirelessly over short distances between many different types of devices.
  • Page 39 Using a Bluetooth connection - 39 4. Tap the device you wish to add from the list of discovered devices, and tap Pair. A code displays on your computer, which should match the code displayed on your device. Select Yes. Then, accept the pairing from your device.
  • Page 40 40 - Keeping your computer and data safe... In this section you will find: • How to secure your computer • Setting passwords • What you need to prepare when you’re traveling • How to get the most out of your battery...

  • Page 41: Bios Utility

    BIOS utility - 41 B I O S U T I L I T Y The BIOS utility is a hardware configuration program built into your computer's BIOS. Your computer is already properly configured and optimized, and you do not normally need to run this utility. However, if you encounter configuration problems, you may need to run it.

  • Page 42: Securing Your Computer

    42 - Securing your computer E C U R I N G Y O U R C O MP U TE R 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 —...

  • Page 43: Entering Passwords

    Securing your computer - 43 Entering passwords When a password is set, a password prompt appears in the center of the display screen. • When the Supervisor Password is set, a prompt appears when you enter the BIOS utility. • Type the Supervisor Password and press <Enter> to access the BIOS utility.

  • Page 44: Power Management

    44 - Power management O W E R M A N A G E M E N T This computer has a built-in power management unit that monitors system activity. System activity refers to any activity involving one or more of the following devices: keyboard, mouse, hard disk, peripherals connected to the computer, and video memory.
  • Page 45 Power management - 45 5. Select Change settings that are currently unavailable. 6. Scroll down and disable Turn on fast startup. 7. Select Save changes.

  • Page 46: Battery Pack

    46 - Battery pack A T T E R Y P A C K The computer uses a Lithium battery that gives you long use between charges. Battery characteristics The battery is recharged whenever you connect the computer to the AC adapter.

  • Page 47: Optimizing Battery Life

    Battery pack - 47 6. Reconnect the AC adapter and fully charge the battery again. Follow these steps again until the battery has been charged and discharged three times. Use this conditioning process for all new batteries, or if a battery hasn't been used for a long time.

  • Page 48: Checking The Battery Level

    48 - Battery pack • Store the battery pack in a cool, dry place. The recommended temperature is 10° C (50° F) to 30° C (86° F). Higher temperatures cause the battery to self-discharge faster. • Excessive recharging decreases the battery life. •...

  • Page 49: Installing And Removing The Battery Pack

    Battery pack - 49 Situation Recommended Action The AC adapter or a power outlet 1. Save all necessary files. is unavailable. 2. Close all applications. You have no 3. Turn off the computer. spare battery pack. Installing and removing the battery pack Important Before removing the battery from the unit, connect the AC adapter if you want to continue using your computer.

  • Page 50: Traveling With Your Computer

    50 - Traveling with your computer R A V E L I N G W I T H Y O U R C O M P U T E R This section gives you tips and hints to consider when moving around or traveling with your computer.

  • Page 51: What To Bring To Meetings

    Traveling with your computer - 51 You can put the computer in Sleep mode by pressing <Fn> + <F4> or by closing the display. When you are ready to use the computer again, open the display and, if necessary, press and release the power button. Note The computer may enter Hibernation or Deep Sleep mode after being in Sleep mode for a period of time.

  • Page 52: What To Take With You

    52 - Traveling with your computer What to take with you Unless you have some items at home, take the following items with you: • AC adapter and power cord. • A spare battery • The printed Setup Guide. Special considerations Follow these guidelines to protect your computer while traveling to and from work: •...

  • Page 53: Traveling With The Computer

    Traveling with your computer - 53 Traveling with the computer Important Check with your airline for any special requirements for travelling with Lithium batteries. 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.

  • Page 54: Traveling Internationally

    54 - Traveling with your computer Traveling internationally Important Check with your airline for any special requirements for travelling with Lithium batteries. 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: •...
  • Page 55 - 55 Ports and connectors... In this section you will find: • Information on the ports and connectors fitted to your computer...

  • Page 56: Memory Card Reader

    56 - Memory card reader E M O R Y C A R D R E A D E R Connectivity options Your computer has a card reader and other ports/jacks that allow you to connect peripheral devices to your computer. For instructions on how to connect different external devices to the computer, read the following section.
  • Page 57 Memory card reader - 57 (2 TB). Your computer provides an SDHC or SDXC compatible card reader. Note SDXC memory cards can only be used in an SDXC-compatible reader; SD and SDHC cards can be used in either type. Removing a card from a memory card reader 1.

  • Page 58: 58 - Video And Audio Connectors

    58 - Video and audio connectors I D E O A N D A U D I O C O N N E C T O R S Connect to a monitor with a VGA or DVI port (the type of connection supported depends your...

  • Page 59: Hdmi

    HDMI - 59 H D M I HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is a high-quality, digital audio/video interface. HDMI allows you to connect any compatible digital audio/video source, such as your computer, a set-top box, DVD player, and audio/video receiver to any compatible digital audio and/or video monitor, such as a digital television (DTV) with a single cable.

  • Page 60: Universal Serial Bus (Usb)

    Note Two USB standards are currently available on Acer computers: USB 2.0 (High-speed USB) and USB 3.0 (SuperSpeed USB). USB 2.0 ports on Acer computers have a black tongue in the port, while USB 3.0 ports have a blue tongue. For best performance, USB 3.0 devices should always be plugged into USB 3.0 ports.
  • Page 61 - 61 Got a question? In this section you will find: • Frequently asked questions • Tips for using Windows 8.1 • Troubleshooting information • How to protect yourself while online • Where to find Acer service center contact information...

  • Page 62: Frequently Asked Questions

    62 - Frequently asked questions R E Q U E N TL Y A S K E D Q U E S T I O N S The following is a list of possible situations that may arise during the use of your computer.
  • Page 63 Frequently asked questions - 63 • The volume may be muted. Look at the volume control (speaker) icon in the taskbar. If it is crossed-out, click the icon and deselect the Mute all option. • The volume level may be too low. Check the volume from the volume control (speaker) icon in the taskbar.

  • Page 64: Requesting Service

    2. Make sure the D2D Recovery setting in Main is Enabled. 3. Exit the BIOS utility and save changes. The system will reboot. Note To activate the BIOS utility, press <F2> when you see the Acer logo during boot up. For more information,...
  • Page 65 Frequently asked questions - 65 If the country you are traveling in does not have an Acer-authorized ITW service site, you can still get in contact with our offices worldwide. Please visit www.acer.com. Before you call Please have the following information available when you call Acer for online service, and please be at your computer when you call.

  • Page 66: Tips And Hints For Using Windows 8.1

    F r e qu e nt ly a sk 66 - Frequently asked questions Tips and hints for using Windows 8.1 We know this is a new operating system that will take some getting used to, so we've created a few pointers to help you get started. How do I get to Start? Press the Windows key;...

  • Page 67: Can I Boot Directly To The Desktop

    Frequently asked questions - 67 Can I boot directly to the desktop? Yes, you can, just follow these steps: 1. Go to the desktop. 2. Right-click the taskbar and select Properties from the menu that opens. 3. From the Navigation tab, check Go to the desktop instead of Start when I sign in.
  • Page 68 68 - Frequently asked questions Can I personalize the Lock screen? You can personalize the lock screen with a different image, to run a slideshow of images, or to show you quick status and notifications to suit your personal needs. To change the background, move your cursor to the upper right-hand corner of the screen and click Settings >...

  • Page 69: How Do I Set The Alarm

    Frequently asked questions - 69 Can I make tiles bigger or smaller? Right-click anywhere on Start to open the Customize menu, click the tile(s) you wish to resize and click Resize. Select a size from the menu that appears. How do I close an app? Move your cursor to the top of the screen.

  • Page 70: Where Are My Apps

    70 - Frequently asked questions 5. Save the alarm by clicking the Save icon in the upper right-hand corner. Delete Save Hour Minutes Note The alarm will only sound if your computer is awake at the set time. Where are my apps? Move your cursor to the upper right-hand corner of the screen and click Search, start typing the name of the app you would like to open.

  • Page 71: What Is A Microsoft Id (Account)

    Frequently asked questions - 71 How do I make an app appear on my taskbar? If you're in All apps and you want to make an app appear on the taskbar, right-click a tile to select it and open the Customize menu. Select Pin to taskbar.

  • Page 72: How Do I Add A Favorite To Internet

    Settings > Change PC settings > Update & recovery > Windows Update. Click Check now. Where can I get more information? For more information please visit the following pages: • Windows 8 and 8.1 tutorials: www.acer.com/windows8-tutorial • Support FAQs: support.acer.com...

  • Page 73: Troubleshooting

    R E Q U E N T LY Frequently asked questions - 73 Troubleshooting This chapter shows you how to deal with common system problems. Read it before calling a technician if a problem occurs. Solutions to more serious problems require opening up the computer. Do not attempt to open the computer yourself;...
  • Page 74 74 - Frequently asked questions Error messages Corrective action Keyboard error or no Contact your dealer or an authorized service keyboard connected center. Keyboard interface Contact your dealer or an authorized service error center. Press <F2> (during POST) to enter the BIOS Memory size utility, then press Exit in the BIOS utility to mismatch...

  • Page 75: Internet And Online Security

    Internet and online security - 75 N T E R N E T A N D O N L I N E S E C U R I T Y First steps on the net Protecting your computer It is vital to protect your computer from viruses and attacks over the Internet (see Security on page 79).
  • Page 76 76 - Internet and online security Internet as the connection speed is low and connection time is typically charged per hour. DSL (e.g. ADSL) DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) is an ‘always-on’ connection that runs over the phone line. As DSL and phone do not use the same frequencies, you can use your telephone at the same time you are connected to the Internet (this requires a ‘micro-filter’...

  • Page 77: Network Connections

    Internet and online security - 77 Network connections A LAN (Local Area Network) is a group of computers (for example, within an office building or home) that share a common communications line and resources. When you set up a network, you can share files, peripheral devices (such as a printer) and an Internet connection.
  • Page 78 78 - Internet and online security services. Read carefully the documentation supplied with your Access point/router for detailed setup instructions. Network cable (RJ45) A network cable (also called RJ45 cable) is used to connect the host computer to the access point (see illustration below); this type of cable may also be used to connect peripheral devices to the access point.

  • Page 79: Surf The Net

    Security You are probably eager to explore everything the Internet has to offer. In order for you to be safe online, Acer has pre-installed McAfee Internet Security Suite on your computer. McAfee Internet Security Suite runs quietly in the background to block today’s complex threats and protect your identity when you shop,...
  • Page 80 Note Acer guarantees that your computer was 100% virus free at the time of purchase and does not cover damages due to viruses. What is spyware? Spyware refers to generally unwanted programs that are downloaded onto your computer while connected to the Internet, often without you knowing it.
  • Page 81 Internet and online security - 81 would allow it (i.e. a game connecting to a multi-player server or an encyclopaedia making a content update). How to protect your computer Cybercrime prevention can be straight-forward - when armed with a little technical advice and common sense, many attacks can be avoided.
  • Page 82 A complete version of McAfee Internet Security Suite is pre-installed on your Acer system. It includes a free trial subscription to protection updates. Make sure you Activate it! Choose strong passwords and keep them safe Passwords are a fact of life on the Internet today;...
  • Page 83 Internet and online security - 83 of your online accounts, one of the first steps you can take is to change your password. Protect your personal information Exercise caution when sharing personal information such as your name, home address, phone number, and email address online. To take advantage of many online services, you will inevitably have to provide personal information in order to handle billing and shipping of purchased goods.
  • Page 84 84 - Internet and online security • Pay attention to privacy policies on Web sites and in software. It is important to understand how an organization might collect and use your personal information before you share it with them. • Guard your email address. Spammers and "phishers" sometimes send millions of messages to email addresses that may or may not exist in hopes of finding a potential victim.
  • Page 85 Internet and online security - 85 that something bad may have happened and you should take necessary action. Protect your computer with Windows security tools Windows provides a variety of protection applications. Windows Updates If you have an active Internet connection, Windows can check for important updates for your computer and install them automatically.

  • Page 86: 86 - Playing Blu-Ray Or Dvd Movies

    86 - Playing Blu-Ray or DVD movies D V D L A Y IN G A Y O R MO VIES If your computer is equipped with a Blu-Ray or DVD drive, you can play movies on your computer or on a high-definition TV via the HDMI port.

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