Acer Predator 17 X User Manual
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Acer Predator 17 X User Manual

Acer Predator 17 X User Manual

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  • Page 1 User’s Manual...
  • Page 2 This revision: April 2016 Sign up for an Acer ID and enjoy great benefits Open the Acer Portal app to sign up for an Acer ID or sign in if you already have an Acer ID. There are three great reasons for you to get an Acer ID: •...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Using a computer security lock..49 Taking care of your AC adapter.... 7 Using passwords ........49 Cleaning and servicing ........ 7 Entering passwords........50 Your Acer notebook tour BIOS utility Screen view ............ 8 Boot sequence ........... 51 Keyboard view..........9 Setting passwords........
  • Page 4 4 - Table of contents Tips and hints for using Windows Troubleshooting........82 10 ..............76 Troubleshooting tips ........ 82 Error messages ........... 82 How do I get to Start?......76 How do I turn off my computer? ..76 Internet and online security How do I unlock my computer? ..

  • Page 5: First Things First

    We would like to thank you for making this Acer notebook your choice for meeting your mobile computing needs. Your guides To help you use your Acer notebook, we have designed a set of guides: First off, the Setup Guide (or Setup Poster) helps you get started with setting up your computer.

  • Page 6: Basic Care And Tips For Using Your Computer

    6 - First things first Basic care and tips for using your computer Turning your computer off To turn the power off, do any of the following: • Use the Windows shutdown command: Press the Windows key or select the Windows Start button, select Power > Shut down.

  • Page 7: Taking Care Of Your Ac Adapter

    3.Use a soft, moist cloth. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners. If your computer is dropped or visibly damaged, or does not work normally, please contact your nearest authorized Acer service center. For more information, please see Frequently asked questions on page 72.

  • Page 8: Your Acer Notebook Tour

    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. Screen view Icon Item...

  • Page 9: Keyboard View

    Your Acer notebook tour - 9 Keyboard view Icon Item Description Indicates the computer’s battery status. Charging: The light shows Battery amber when the battery is indicator charging. Fully charged: The light shows blue when in AC mode. Power Indicates the computer’s power indicator status.
  • Page 10 10 - Your Acer notebook tour Icon Item Description Keys that allow you to change computer settings to suit your current game. Programmable You can define settings for each keys key from PredatorSense; please refer to the PredatorSense chapter in your User’s Manual.

  • Page 11: Left View

    Your Acer notebook tour - 11 Left view Icon Item Description DC-in jack Connects to an AC adapter. USB ports Connect to USB devices. Connects to an external Mic-in jack microphone for recording audio. Headset/ Connects to audio devices (e.g.,...

  • Page 12: Right View

    12 - Your Acer notebook tour Right view 3 4 5 Icon Item Description Connects to USB devices that adopt the USB Type-C USB Type-C / connector. Supports Thunderbolt 3 Thunderbolt 3, displays, and port USB 3.1 Type-C, Gen 2 with transfer speeds up to 10 Gb/s.

  • Page 13: Base View

    Your Acer notebook tour - 13 Base view Icon Item Description Allows the computer to stay Ventilation cool. and cooling Do not cover or obstruct the openings. Main storage Houses the computer’s main compartment storage. Houses the computer’s memory. Note: To ensure maximum...
  • Page 14 14 - Your Acer notebook tour Icon Item Description Reduces dust accumulation, Acer enabling the components to DustDefender stay cool, perform better and last longer.

  • Page 15: Using The Keyboard

    Using the keyboard - 15 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 16 16 - Using the keyboard Hotkey Icon Function Description Switches display output Display between the display <Fn> + <F5> toggle screen, external monitor (if connected) and both. Turns the display screen backlight off to save <Fn> + <F6> Display off power.

  • Page 17: Windows Keys

    Using the keyboard - 17 Windows keys The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions. Description Pressed alone it returns to the Start screen or to return to the last open app. Windows key It can also be used with other keys for special functions, please check Windows Help.

  • Page 18: 18 - Using The Precision Touchpad

    18 - Using the Precision Touchpad S I N G T H E R E C I S I O N O U CH P A D The touchpad controls the arrow (or 'cursor') on the screen. As you slide your finger across the touchpad, the cursor will follow this movement.
  • Page 19 Using the Precision Touchpad - 19 Two-finger slide Swiftly scroll through web pages, documents and playlists by placing two fingers on the touchpad and moving both in any direction. Two-finger pinch Zoom in and out of photos, maps and documents with a simple finger-and- thumb gesture.

  • Page 20: Changing Touchpad Settings

    20 - Using the Precision Touchpad Changing touchpad settings To change the touchpad settings to suit your personal requirements, please do the following. 1. In the icon tray in the lower right-hand corner of the screen, select Notifications icon open Notifications pane.
  • Page 21 Using the Precision Touchpad - 21 moving if you accidentally tap the touchpad with your palm while working. Scroll down to see more settings.

  • Page 22: Recovery

    Acer provides Acer Care Center, which allows you to reset your PC, refresh your PC, or create a factory default backup. Note Acer Care Center is only available with a pre-installed Windows operating system. Important We recommend that you create a Factory Default Backup as soon as possible.
  • Page 23 Recovery - 23 2.Select the Backup tab and click Get Started for Create Factory Default Backup to open the Recovery Drive window. 3.Make sure Backup system files to the recovery drive is selected and click Next.
  • Page 24 24 - Recovery 4.Plug in the USB drive and wait for the PC to detect the USB drive then click Next. • Since the recovery backup requires at least 8 GB of storage after formatting, it is recommended to use a USB drive with a capacity of 16 GB or larger.

  • Page 25: Backing Up Your Wireless And Lan Drivers

    LAN drivers if you install another operating system. 1. From Start, select All apps then Acer. Select Acer Recovery Management in the list of Acer apps. 2.Select the Backup tab and click Get started for Backup wireless and LAN drivers.
  • Page 26 26 - Recovery 2.Select the Restore tab and click Get started to Choose an option. 3.Select Keep my files to refresh your PC and reinstall your operating system without removing your personal files. Click Next to continue. Important If you have apps installed on your PC, they will be removed.

  • Page 27: Reset This Pc And Remove Everything

    8.When your PC has completed the reset process, Windows will have been reset back to its factory default settings without removing your personal files. Reset this PC and remove everything 1. From Start, select All apps then Acer. Select Acer Recovery Management in the list of Acer apps.
  • Page 28 28 - Recovery 2.Select the Restore tab and click Get Started to Choose an option. 3.Select Remove everything to reset your PC back to its factory default. This process will reinstall your operating system and remove all of your personal files, apps, and settings.
  • Page 29 Recovery - 29 Select Remove files and clean the drive if you are not keeping your computer. This process will take longer, but will be more secure. Warning Selecting "Remove files and clean the drive" will remove all of your personal files and accounts, along with pre-existing drivers that may affect your Windows installation.

  • Page 30: 30 - Using A Bluetooth Connection

    30 - Using a Bluetooth connection S I N G A L UE 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 devices.
  • Page 31 Using a Bluetooth connection - 31 Bluetooth on your computer is disabled by default. To enable your computer’s Bluetooth adapter, do the following: 1. Press the Windows key or select the Windows Start button > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth, and click the toggle under Bluetooth to enable/disable it.
  • Page 32 32 - Using a Bluetooth connection 4.A code displays on your computer, which should match the code displayed on your device. Select Yes. Then, accept the pairing from your device. Note Some devices using older versions of the Bluetooth technology require both devices to enter a PIN.

  • Page 33: Connecting To The Internet

    Connecting to the Internet - 33 O N N E CT I N G T O T H E N T E R N E T This chapter includes general information on types of connections, and getting connected to the internet. Some of this information may not apply to your computer.
  • Page 34 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 35 Connecting to the Internet - 35 4.Select Network & internet. 5.You will see a list of available wireless networks. Select the one you wish to use.

  • Page 36: Connecting With A Cable

    36 - Connecting to the Internet 6.Once you select a wireless network, select Connect. 7.If required, enter the network’s password. Connecting with a cable Built-in network feature Plug one end of a network cable into the network port on your computer, and the other end into a port on your router.

  • Page 37: Connecting To A Cellular Network

    Connecting to the Internet - 37 (Refer to the image below.) Then, you'll be ready to get online. Connecting to a cellular network If your computer has a SIM slot, you can connect to the internet using a cellular phone network. To do this, you must have a compatible SIM card and a data contract with your cellular provider.

  • Page 38: 38 - Acer Bluelight Shield

    L U E L I G H T H IE L D Acer Bluelight Shield can be enabled to reduce the blue- light emissions from the screen to protect your eyes. To configure Acer Bluelight Shield, Search for ’Acer Quick Access’.

  • Page 39: Predatorsense

    PredatorSense - 39 R E D A T O R E N S E PredatorSense is a software that helps you to gain the edge in your games by allowing you to record macros and assign them to specific profiles and/or programmable keys. You can also use PredatorSense to turn the keyboard backlight on or off for specific zones.

  • Page 40: Assign An Action To A Hotkey

    40 - PredatorSense Assign an action to a hotkey Click Edit to launch the Profile management page; open the Key assignment tab. Click Edit next to the preferred hotkey and select an action for that hotkey to perform. Click Apply.

  • Page 41: Create A New Profile

    PredatorSense - 41 Create a new profile Click Edit to launch the Profile management page; open the Key assignment tab. Click the + icon beneath the Hotkey profiles list to add a new profile. The new profile will be named Profile#. Double-click the name to enter a new name for the profile.

  • Page 42: Record A Macro

    42 - PredatorSense corresponds to the color the physical P key will assume when that group is active. Record a macro Click Edit to launch the Profile management page; open the Macro tab. Click the Menu bar to show a list of available macros, then click + New macro to record a new macro.
  • Page 43 PredatorSense - 43 You will be asked to enter a name for the new macro. Click OK, then click Start recording. The macro recorder will record your keystrokes. When you have finished, click Stop recording to save the macro.

  • Page 44: Adjust The Keyboard Backlight

    44 - PredatorSense Adjust the keyboard backlight The keyboard backlight is divided into four zones, which you can turn on or off independently. Click Edit to launch the Profile management page; open the Lighting tab. Click the slider under each zone to turn the backlight on or off for that zone.

  • Page 45: Predatorsense Settings

    PredatorSense - 45 PredatorSense settings Click the Settings icon to change settings for your Predator system. You can force the system to always use discrete graphics, use the fan at full speed or disable sticky keys. The Multimedia Mode Settings buttons at the bottom of the screen automatically adjust the system’s display and audio settings for different scenarios.

  • Page 46: Overclocking

    PredatorSense overclocking options will be disabled and your computer will function normally until the AC adapter is reconnected. Note Acer is not responsible for any damages incurred from overclocking if any third party tools are used to overclock the CPU or graphics besides PredatorSense.

  • Page 47: Overclocking Options

    • GPU speed up to 1250 MHz • GPU VRAM up to 3.6 GHz Note Configuration figures are based on Acer test conditions to ensure maximum performance and system quality. The speeds listed may vary depending on the power output of the CPU and GPU.

  • Page 48: Turbo

    • GPU speed up to 1310 MHz • GPU VRAM up to 3.7 GHz Note Configuration figures are based on Acer test conditions to ensure maximum performance and system quality. The speeds listed may vary depending on the power output of the CPU and GPU.

  • Page 49: Securing Your Computer

    Securing your computer - 49 E C U R I N G Y O U R C O M P U T E R Your computer is a valuable investment that you need to take care of. Learn how to protect and take care of your computer.

  • Page 50: Entering Passwords

    50 - Securing your computer password checkpoints on boot-up and resume from Hibernation (if available) for maximum security. Important Do not forget your Supervisor Password! If you forget your password, please get in touch with your dealer or an authorized service center.

  • Page 51: Bios Utility

    BIOS utility - 51 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 To activate the BIOS utility, press <F2>...

  • Page 52: Power Management

    52 - 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 53 Power management - 53 5.Select Change settings that are currently unavailable. 6.Scroll down and disable Turn on fast startup. 7.Select Save changes.

  • Page 54: Battery Pack

    54 - Battery pack A T T E R Y P A C K The computer uses an embedded Lithium battery that gives you long use between charges. Battery characteristics The battery is recharged whenever you connect the computer to the AC adapter. Your computer supports charge-in-use, enabling you to recharge the battery while you continue to operate the computer.

  • Page 55: Optimizing Battery Life

    Battery pack - 55 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. Warning Do not expose battery packs to temperatures below 0° C (32° F) or above 45°...

  • Page 56: Checking The Battery Level

    56 - Battery pack • Excessive recharging decreases the battery life. • Look after your AC adapter and battery. Checking the battery level The power meter indicates the current battery level. Rest the cursor over the battery/power icon on the taskbar to see the battery's present charge level.

  • Page 57: Traveling With Your Computer

    Traveling with your computer - 57 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 58: What To Bring To Meetings

    58 - Traveling with your computer Press the Windows key + <C>, click Settings > Power then click Shut Down You can put the computer in Sleep mode by pressing the Sleep hotkey 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.

  • Page 59: What To Take With You

    Traveling with your computer - 59 • Pack the computer in a protective case that can prevent the computer from sliding around and cushion it if it should fall. Warning Avoid packing items next to the top cover of the computer. Pressure against the top cover can damage the screen.

  • Page 60: Traveling With The Computer

    60 - Traveling with your computer a second AC adapter, you can avoid carrying the extra weight to and from home. If you use your computer at home for significant periods of time, you might also want to add an external keyboard, monitor or mouse.

  • Page 61: Traveling Internationally

    Traveling with your computer - 61 • If possible, have the computer inspected by hand. Airport security X-ray machines are safe, but do not put the computer through a metal detector. Traveling internationally Important Check with your airline for any special requirements for travelling with Lithium batteries.
  • Page 62 62 - Traveling with your computer compatible with the local AC voltage. Do not use converter kits sold for appliances to power the computer. • If you are using the modem, check if the modem and connector are compatible with the telecommunications system of the country you are traveling in.

  • Page 63: Memory Card Reader

    Memory card reader - 63 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 64 64 - Memory card reader contain up to 2048 GB (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 65: Video And Audio Connectors

    Video and audio connectors - 65 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...
  • Page 66 66 - Video and audio connectors plugging in an external microphone disables the built-in microphone. Note Some computers have a single "combo" port that allows you to use single-pin headsets with a built-in microphone. These headsets are most commonly used with smartphones.

  • Page 67: Universal Serial Bus (Usb)

    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 68 68 - Universal Serial Bus (USB) or turned off. Additionally, you can use a USB hub to connect multiple devices to a single USB port. Important When removing a USB storage device, you should right-click on the USB icon in the Windows task bar and select "Eject <device>" to tell the operating system to stop using the device before removing it.

  • Page 69: Thunderbolt 3 Port

    Thunderbolt 3 port - 69 H U N D E R B O L T P O R T A Thunderbolt 3 port allows you to easily connect devices with a Type-C connector to your computer, such as additional storage (e.g. an external drive), displays, other...
  • Page 70 70 - Thunderbolt 3 port Important When removing a USB storage device, you should right-click on the USB icon in the Windows task bar and select "Eject <device>" to tell the operating system to stop using the device before removing it. Failure to do this may result in data loss or damage to your peripheral.

  • Page 71: Hdmi

    HDMI - 71 H DM 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 72: Frequently Asked Questions

    72 - Frequently asked questions R E Q U E N T L 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. Easy solutions are provided for each one.
  • Page 73 Frequently asked questions - 73 No audio is heard from the computer. Check the following: • 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. •...

  • Page 74: 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 access the BIOS utility, press <F2> when you see the Acer logo during boot up. For more information, see Restoring your computer on...
  • Page 75 Frequently asked questions - 75 computer, write them down as they appear on the screen (or the number and sequence in the case of beeps). You are required to provide the following information: Name: Address: Telephone number: Machine and model type: Serial number: Date of purchase:...

  • Page 76: Tips And Hints For Using Windows 10

    F r e q u en tl y a sk 76 - Frequently asked questions Tips and hints for using Windows 10 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.

  • Page 77: How Do I Unlock My Computer

    Frequently asked questions - 77 How do I unlock my computer? Press the space bar and select a user account icon to unlock the computer. If your account has a password set, you will need to enter the password to continue. 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...

  • Page 78: How Do I Set The Alarm

    78 - Frequently asked questions can drag the tile to an existing group on Start. You can give the group(s) a name and arrange the tiles within the groups to suit your needs. Can I make tiles bigger or smaller? Yes, you can.

  • Page 79: Where Are My Apps

    Frequently asked questions - 79 7.Save the alarm by selecting the Save icon in the bottom right-hand corner. Hour Minutes Save Delete Note The alarm will only sound if your computer is awake at the set time. Where are my apps? Move your cursor to the lower left-hand corner of the screen and select Search, start typing the name of the app you would like to open.

  • Page 80: What Is A Microsoft Id (Account)

    80 - Frequently asked questions How do I install apps? You can download Windows Store apps from Store. You will need to have a Microsoft ID to purchase and download apps from Store. I can't find apps like Notepad and Paint! Where are they? Move your cursor to the lower left-hand corner of the screen and select Search.

  • Page 81: Where Can I Get More Information

    Frequently asked questions - 81 Where can I get more information? For more information please visit the following pages: • Windows 10 information: go.acer.com/windows-tutorial • Support FAQs: support.acer.com...

  • Page 82: Troubleshooting

    F r eq ue nt ly as k e d qu est i o ns 82 - Frequently asked questions 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.
  • Page 83 Frequently asked questions - 83 Error messages Corrective action Hard disk 0 Contact your dealer or an authorized extended type service center. error Contact your dealer or an authorized I/O parity error service center. Keyboard error or Contact your dealer or an authorized no keyboard service center.

  • Page 84: 84 - Internet And Online Security

    84 - Internet and online security 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 internet (see...
  • Page 85 Internet and online security - 85 your telephone line. With a dial-up connection, you cannot use the modem and the telephone simultaneously on a single phone line. This type of connection is recommended only if you have limited use of the internet as the connection speed is low and connection time is typically charged per hour.

  • Page 86: Network Connections

    86 - Internet and online security device, such as a USB modem or even an appropriately equipped mobile phone. Note If your computer includes a SIM card slot, you require a compatible SIM card and a contract with a cellular provider. Before using the cellular features, check with your service provider to see if any additional charges will be incurred, especially roaming charges.
  • Page 87 Internet and online security - 87 Components of a wireless LAN To set up your Wireless network at home you need to have the following: Access point (router) Access points (routers) are two-way transceivers that broadcast data into the surrounding environment. Access points act as a mediator between wired and wireless network.

  • Page 88: 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...
  • Page 89 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?
  • Page 90 90 - Internet and online security go beyond simple tracking and actually monitor keystrokes and capture passwords, posing a serious security risk. What is malware? Malicious software, also known as malware, is software designed to deliberately harm your computer. For example, viruses, worms, and Trojan horses are malicious software.
  • Page 91 Internet and online security - 91 they become available. regularly updating your computer, you block attackers from being able to take advantage of software flaws (vulnerabilities) that they could otherwise use to break into your system. While keeping your computer up-to-date will not protect you from all attacks, it makes it much more difficult for hackers to gain access to your system, blocks many basic and automated attacks completely, and might be enough to...
  • Page 92 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 Choose strong passwords and keep them safe Passwords are a fact of life on the internet today;...
  • Page 93 Internet and online security - 93 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. Since not divulging any personal information is rarely possible, the following list contains some advice for how to share personal information safely online: •...
  • Page 94 94 - Internet and online security in an area requesting you to login or provide other sensitive data. Another sign that you have a secure connection is the small lock icon in the bottom of your web browser (usually the right-hand corner). •...
  • Page 95 Internet and online security - 95 gone wrong is by reviewing the monthly statements provided by your bank and credit card companies for anything out of the ordinary. Additionally, many banks and services use fraud prevention systems that call out unusual purchasing behavior (i.e. if you live in Texas and all of the sudden start buying refrigerators in Budapest).

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