Acer TravelMate P273-M User Manual
  1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Acer Manuals
  4. Laptop
  5. TravelMate P273-M
  6. User manual

Acer TravelMate P273-M User Manual

User manual
Hide thumbs
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

TravelMate Series
User's Manual

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

Related Manuals for Acer TravelMate P273-M

Summary of Contents for Acer TravelMate P273-M

  • Page 1 TravelMate Series User’s Manual...
  • Page 2 © 2012 All Rights Reserved. TravelMate Series User’s Manual This revision: 09/2012 Model number: __________________________________ Serial number: ___________________________________ Date of purchase: ________________________________ Place of purchase: ________________________________...

  • Page 3: Information For Your Safety And Comfort

    Information for your safety and comfort Safety instructions Read these instructions carefully. Keep this document for future reference. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product. Turning the product off before cleaning Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners.
  • Page 4 only fits in a grounded power outlet. Make sure the power outlet is properly grounded before inserting the AC adapter plug. Do not insert the plug into a non- grounded power outlet. Contact your electrician for details. Warning! The grounding pin is a safety feature. Using a power outlet that is not properly grounded may result in electric shock and/or injury.
  • Page 5 place the product on a vibrating surface. • Never use it under sporting, exercising, or any vibrating environment which will probably cause unexpected short current or damage rotor devices, HDD, Optical drive, and even exposure risk from lithium battery pack. •...

  • Page 6: Caution For Optical Drive Device

    Wireless devices may be susceptible to interference from the battery, which could affect performance. Note: Please refer to www.acer.com for battery shipping documents. Replacing the battery pack The notebook uses lithium batteries. Replace the battery with the same type as that which came bundled with your product.

  • Page 7: Radio Frequency Interference

    AUTHORIZED service station. To prevent direct exposure to the laser beam, do not try to open the enclosure. CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT CAUTION: INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION WHEN OPEN. AVOID EXPOSURE TO BEAM. APPAREIL A LASER DE CLASSE 1 PRODUIT LASERATTENTION: RADIATION DU FAISCEAU LASER INVISIBLE EN CAS D’OUVERTURE.

  • Page 8: Medical Devices

    viii Remember to follow any special regulations in force in any area, and always switch off your device when its use is prohibited or when it may cause interference or danger. Use the device only in its normal operating positions. This device meets RF exposure guidelines when used normally.

  • Page 9: Potentially Explosive Environments

    Do not throw this electronic device into the trash when discarding. To minimize pollution and ensure utmost protection of the global environment, please recycle. For more information on the Waste from Electrical and Electronics Equipment (WEEE) regulations, visit www.acer- group.com/public/Sustainability/sustainability01.htm ENERGY STAR...

  • Page 10: Tips And Information For Comfortable Use

    Acer's ENERGY STAR qualified products save your money by reducing energy cost and protecting the environment without sacrificing features or performance. Acer is proud to offer our customers products with the ENERGY STAR mark. What is ENERGY STAR? Products that are ENERGY STAR qualified use less energy and prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S.

  • Page 11: Finding Your Comfort Zone

    Finding your comfort zone Find your comfort zone by adjusting the viewing angle of the monitor, using a footrest, or raising your sitting height to achieve maximum comfort. Observe the following tips: • Refrain from staying too long in one fixed posture. •...
  • Page 12 • Avoid adjusting your display to an awkward viewing angle. • Avoid looking at bright light sources for extended periods of time. Developing good work habits The following work habits make computer use more relaxing and productive: • Take short breaks regularly and often. •...

  • Page 13: First Things First

    First things first We would like to thank you for making an 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 poster helps you get started with setting up your computer.

  • Page 14: Taking Care Of Your Computer

    First things first If you need to power down the computer for a short while, but don’t want to completely shut it down, you can put it into Hibernate by: • Pressing the power button. - OR - • Press the Windows key + <C> and click Settings > Power then clicking Hibernate.

  • Page 15: Taking Care Of Your Battery Pack

    • The total ampere ratings of the equipment plugged in should not exceed the ampere rating of the cord if you are using an extension cord. Also, the total current rating of all equipment plugged into a single wall outlet should not exceed the fuse rating.

  • Page 16: Table Of Contents

    Acer ProShield Overview Setting up ProShield Personal Secure Drive Credential Manager Fingerprint Registration* Data Protection Data Removal Acer Office Manager Acer Office Manager Console Dashboard Client manager Policies Assets Task scheduler Settings Recovery Creating a recovery backup Creating a drivers and applications backup...
  • Page 17 Returning to an earlier system snapshot Returning your system to its factory condition Recovering from Windows Recovering from a recovery backup Acer Backup Manager Power management Saving power Battery pack Battery pack characteristics Charging the battery Optimizing battery life Checking the battery level...
  • Page 18 Playing DVD movies Upgrading memory BIOS utility Boot sequence Setting passwords Frequently asked questions Requesting service Troubleshooting Troubleshooting tips Error messages Tips and hints for using Windows 8 Three concepts you might want to keep in mind How do I access the charms? How do I get to Start? How do I jump between apps? How do I turn off my computer?

  • Page 19: Touchpad

    Touchpad The built-in touchpad is a pointing device that senses movement on its surface. This means the cursor responds as you move your finger across the surface of the touchpad. The central location on the palmrest provides optimum comfort and support. Touchpad basics (with two buttons) The following items show you how to use the touchpad with two buttons.

  • Page 20: Using The Keyboard

    Using the keyboard Using the keyboard The keyboard has full-sized keys and an embedded numeric keypad, separate cursor, lock, Windows, function and special keys. Lock keys and embedded numeric keypad Note: Information in this section may not apply to your computer. The keyboard has three lock keys which you can toggle on and off.
  • Page 21 To activate hotkeys, press and hold the <Fn> key before pressing the other key in the hotkey combination. Hotkey Icon Function Description Enables / disables the computer's communication Communication <Fn> + <F3> devices. (Communication devices may vary by configuration.) Puts the computer in Sleep <Fn>...

  • Page 22: Windows Keys

    Using the keyboard Windows keys The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions. Description Pressed alone it returns to the Start screen. 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 23: Acer Proshield

    • Securing the device against unauthorized access • Protecting local storage • Securing the network Acer ProShield includes five modules that will secure your device from unauthorized access and intrusion. • Credential Manager - Password, Fingerprint registration (if your PC has a fingerprint scanner), Online accounts configuration •...

  • Page 24: Personal Secure Drive

    Acer ProShield Note: Select a password that you will remember, but is difficult to guess. Do not use words that can be found in a dictionary. It is advisable to use a combination of letters and numbers. Once you have set a password, you can click Next to proceed to setting up a Personal Secure Drive or click Finish to exit the wizard.

  • Page 25: Credential Manager

    Once setup is finished, you can go to the ProShield Console to manage your computer or make changes to the settings. Use the menu in the left-hand pane to make changes. Credential Manager Here you can set and manage your credentials, including Pre-boot authentication.

  • Page 26: Fingerprint Registration

    Acer ProShield Fingerprint Registration* * (only if your PC has a fingerprint scanner) You can use a fingerprint scanner to secure your PC from unauthorized access. Register two or more fingerprints that can then be used to access your PC during start up, instead of your password.

  • Page 27: Data Removal

    Data Removal Here you can select files to be completely removed from the hard disk. The File Shredder overwrites the data to make recovering the data impossible. Warning: Make sure you select only the information you want to shred. Once you have shredded a file or folder, it is impossible to recover the data.

  • Page 28: Acer Office Manager

    Acer Office Manager Note: Only for selected models. Acer Office Manager is a monitoring and assent management tool that allows MIS staff to remotely manage and update computers. There are two components to this software package: Acer Office Manager Console and Acer Office Manager Client.

  • Page 29: Client Manager

    being removed, if the.client has been in use, or if it has been off-line, for longer than the defined time. Client manager On the Client manager page you can view all the clients being managed from the Console. Double-click an icon to view the system information for that client.

  • Page 30: Policies

    Acer Office Manager Note: Each client can only be assigned to one group. Policies You can set policies to apply to selected clients or groups of clients. Click the + symbol to add a new policy. Item Function Set a wallpaper that will be applied Wallpaper to all clients.

  • Page 31: Assets

    Item Function Set a BIOS Supervisor password. If BIOS Supervisor a password already exists, you will password need to enter it before you can change it. Set a BIOS User password. If a password already exists, you will BIOS BIOS User need to enter it or the Supervisor password password before you can change...

  • Page 32: Task Scheduler

    Acer Office Manager If you wish to export the results as an Excel spreadsheet, click Export results or the icon. You will be asked where to save the file and for a file name. Task scheduler On the Task scheduler page, you can set a schedule to deploy selected policies on a regular basis.

  • Page 33: Settings

    Settings On the Settings page, you can change your settings as desired. Item Function Edit password Change your Acer Office Manager settings Console password Administration settings Set up an email account to receive Email settings email notifications. Preference Set up your program launch and settings lock preferences.

  • Page 34: Recovery

    (see page 52) do not help, you can 'recover' your computer - i.e. return it to an earlier state. This section describes the recovery tools available on your computer. Acer provides Acer Recovery Management, which allows you to create a recovery backup, a drivers and applications backup, and to start recovery options, either using Windows tools, or the recovery backup.
  • Page 35 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. This provides the most complete and safest recovery backup. 3. Plug in the USB drive then click Next. •...

  • Page 36: Creating A Drivers And Applications Backup

    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 37 • If you are using a USB drive, make sure your USB drive has enough capacity before continuing. • If using DVDs, it will also show the number of blank, recordable discs you will need to complete the recovery discs. Make sure that you have the required number of identical, blank discs.

  • Page 38: Recovering Your System

    Recovery Recovering your system To recover your system: 1. Perform minor fixes. If only one or two items of software or hardware have stopped working correctly, the problem may be solved by reinstalling the software or the device drivers. To reinstall software and drivers that were pre-installed at the factory, see "Reinstalling drivers and applications"...
  • Page 39 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...

  • Page 40: Returning To An Earlier System Snapshot

    Double-click on ResourceCenter. 2. You should see the Contents section of the Acer Resource Center. 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 41: Returning Your System To Its Factory Condition

    "Recovering from a recovery backup" on page 25. 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 42 Recovery Restore Factory Settings with Acer Recovery Management 1. Click Restore Factory Settings. Caution: 'Restore Factory Settings' will erase all files on your hard drive. 2. If your computer is configured with two operating systems (only available on certain systems), a window opens with the option to restore either Windows 7 or Windows 8.

  • Page 43: Recovering From A Recovery Backup

    7. After the recovery has finished, you can start using your computer by repeating the first-start process. Customized Restore with Acer Recovery Management 1. Click Customized Restore (Retain User Data). 2. The Refresh your PC window opens.
  • Page 44 Recovery c. Press the down key until F12 Boot Menu is selected, press <F5> to change this setting to Enabled. d. Use the left or right arrow keys to select the Exit menu. e. Depending on the type of BIOS your computer uses, select Save Changes and Exit or Exit Saving Changes and press Enter.
  • Page 45 Reset your PC from the recovery backup Caution: Reset your PC will erase all files on your hard drive. 1. The Reset your PC window opens. Images for reference only. 2. Click Next. 3. Select the operating system to recover (normally only one option is available).
  • Page 46 Recovery Refresh your PC from the recovery backup 1. The Refresh your PC window opens. 2. Click Next. 3. Select the operating system to recover (normally only one option is available). 4. Click Refresh. 5. The recovery process begins by restarting your computer, then continues by copying files to your hard drive.

  • Page 47: Acer Backup Manager

    Acer Backup Manager Note: This feature is only available on certain models. Acer Backup Manager is a utility that enables you to do a variety of backup functions each accomplished in only three simple steps. You can even set these functions to automatically recur as often as your like.
  • Page 48 *NOTE: You will need to select an external drive or your D: drive; Acer Backup Manager cannot store a backup on the source drive. If you wish to change your settings at any time, go to the Acer Backup Manager profiles screen. To get there from the Acer Backup Manager welcome screen, click Launch My Backup Profiles.

  • Page 49: Power Management

    Fast startup: Note: If Fast startup is off, your computer will take longer to start from Sleep. If your computer features Acer Instant On or Acer Always Connect, these will also be turned off. Your computer will also not start if it receives an instruction to start over a network (Wake on LAN).
  • Page 50 Power management 5. To access Shutdown Settings, select Change settings that are currently unavailable. 6. Scroll down and disable Turn on fast startup. 7. Select Save changes.

  • Page 51: Battery Pack

    Battery pack The computer uses a battery pack that gives you long use between charges. Battery pack characteristics The battery pack has the following characteristics: • Employs current battery technology standards. • Delivers a battery-low warning. The battery is recharged whenever you connect the computer to the AC adapter.

  • Page 52: Optimizing Battery Life

    Battery pack 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. If the computer is to be stored for more than two weeks, you are advised to remove the battery pack from the unit.

  • Page 53: Checking The Battery Level

    Checking the battery level The Windows 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. Battery-low warning When using battery power pay attention to the Windows power meter. Warning! Connect the AC adapter as soon as possible after the battery-low warning appears.
  • Page 54 Battery pack To install a battery pack: 1. Align the battery with the open battery bay; make sure that the end with the contacts will enter first, and that the top surface of the battery is facing up. 2. Slide the battery into the battery bay and gently push until the battery locks in place.

  • Page 55: Traveling With Your Computer

    Traveling with your computer This section gives you tips and hints to consider when moving around or traveling with your computer. Disconnecting from the desktop Follow these steps to disconnect your computer from external accessories: 1. Save any open files. 2.

  • Page 56: What To Bring To Meetings

    Traveling with your computer Note: The computer may enter Hibernation or Deep Sleep mode after being in Sleep mode for a period of time. What to bring to meetings If your meeting is relatively short, you probably do not need to bring anything with you other than your computer.

  • Page 57: Setting Up A Home Office

    • If you need to stop for an extended period of time and cannot carry the computer with you, leave the computer in the trunk of the car to avoid exposing the computer to excessive heat. • Changes in temperature and humidity can cause condensation. Allow the computer to return to room temperature, and inspect the screen for condensation before turning on the computer.

  • Page 58: Traveling Internationally With The Computer

    Traveling with your computer • 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 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.

  • Page 59: Expanding Through Options

    Expanding through options Your computer offers you a complete mobile computing experience. Connectivity options Ports allow you to connect peripheral devices to your computer as you would with a desktop PC. For instructions on how to connect different external devices to the computer, read the following sections.

  • Page 60: Connecting To A Network

    Connecting to a network Connecting to a network Built-in network feature The built-in network feature allows you to connect your computer to an Ethernet-based network. To use the network feature, connect an Ethernet cable from the Ethernet (RJ-45) port on the chassis of the computer to a network jack or hub on your network.

  • Page 61: Wireless Networks

    Wireless networks Connecting to the Internet Your computer's wireless connection is turned on by default. Windows will detect and display a list of available networks during setup. Select your network and enter the password if required. Otherwise, open Internet Explorer and follow the instructions. Please refer to your ISP or router documentation.

  • Page 62: Expresscard

    ExpressCard ExpressCard ExpressCards support a vast number of expansion options, including flash memory card adapters, TV-tuners, Bluetooth connectivity and IEEE 1394b adapters. ExpressCards support USB 2.0 and PCI Express applications. Important: There types, ExpressCard/54 ExpressCard/34 (54 mm and 34 mm), each with different functions.

  • Page 63: Thunderbolt

    Thunderbolt Thunderbolt is a high-speed connection that supports storage devices as well as external displays. It is compatible with the DisplayPort standard. Note: Up to six Thunderbolt devices and one DisplayPort display can be daisy-chained, however, the DisplayPort display will be the last device in the chain, and it cannot be preceeded by a Thunderbolt display.

  • Page 64: Ieee 1394 Port

    IEEE 1394 port IEEE 1394 port The computer's IEEE 1394 port allows you to connect to an IEEE 1394- compatible device like a video camera or digital camera. See your video or digital camera's documentation for details.

  • Page 65: Hdmi

    HDMI HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is an industry-supported, uncompressed, all-digital audio/video interface. HDMI provides an interface between any compatible digital audio/video source, such as a set-top box, DVD player, and A/V receiver and a compatible digital audio and/or video monitor, such as a digital television (DTV), over a single cable.

  • Page 66: Universal Serial Bus (Usb)

    Universal Serial Bus (USB) Universal Serial Bus (USB) The USB port is a high-speed serial bus which allows you to connect USB peripherals without taking up system resources.

  • Page 67: Playing Dvd Movies

    Playing DVD movies When the DVD drive module is installed in the optical drive bay, you can play DVD movies on your computer. 1. Insert a DVD. 2. The DVD movie will automatically play after a few seconds. Important: When you launch the DVD player for the first time, the program asks you to enter the region code.

  • Page 68: Upgrading Memory

    Upgrading memory Upgrading memory Follow these steps to install memory: 1. Turn off the computer, unplug the AC adapter (if connected) and remove the battery pack. Then turn the computer over to access its base. 2. Remove the screws from the memory cover; then lift and remove the memory cover.

  • Page 69: Bios Utility

    BIOS utility 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 need to run this utility. However, if you encounter configuration problems, you may need to run it. To activate the BIOS utility, press <F2>...

  • Page 70: Frequently Asked Questions

    Frequently asked questions Frequently asked questions The following is a list of possible situations that may arise during the use of your computer. Easy solutions are provided for each one. I turned on the power, but the computer does not start or boot up Look at the power indicator: •...

  • Page 71: Requesting Service

    Place your proof-of- purchase in the flap located inside the front cover of the ITW passport. If the country you are traveling in does not have an Acer-authorized ITW service site, you can still get in contact with our offices worldwide. Please...
  • Page 72 Frequently asked questions 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. With your support, we can reduce the amount of time a call takes and help solve your problems efficiently.

  • Page 73: Troubleshooting

    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. Do not attempt to open the computer yourself; contact your dealer or authorized service center for assistance.
  • Page 74 Frequently asked questions Error messages Corrective action Press <F2> (during POST) to enter the BIOS Memory size utility, then press Exit in the BIOS utility to mismatch reboot. If you still encounter problems after going through the corrective measures, please contact your dealer or an authorized service center for assistance.

  • Page 75: Tips And Hints For Using Windows 8

    How do I turn off my computer? Press the Windows key + <C>, click Settings > Power and select the action you'd like to take. Alternatively, from Desktop, click Acer Power Button and select the action you'd like to take.

  • Page 76: How Do I Unlock My Computer

    Frequently asked questions require closing in the traditional way. Windows Store apps will be displayed on Start using live-tiles. What are ’live tiles?’ Live tiles are similar to thumbnails of the apps that will be updated with new content whenever you're connected to the Internet. So, for example, you can view weather or stock updates without needing to open the app.

  • Page 77: I Want To Use Windows In The Way That I'm Used To - Give Me My Desktop Back

    So, how do I close an app? Move the cursor to the top of the screen and click and drag the window downwards to close the app. You can close apps from the thumbnails on the left-hand edge of the screen by right-clicking on a thumbnail and selecting Close.

  • Page 78: What Is A Microsoft Id (Account)

    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? From Start you can simply start typing the name of the app you're looking for to open Search and list the results.

  • Page 79: Where Can I Get More Information

    Where can I get more information? For more information please visit: • Windows 8 tutorials: www.acer.com/windows8-tutorial • Support FAQs: www.acer.com/support...

  • Page 80: Regulations And Safety Notices

    Regulations and safety notices Regulations and safety notices STATEMENT 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 81 Bluetooth modules). Below information is for products with such devices. Declaration of Conformity for EU countries Hereby, Acer, declares that this computer is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC. Wireless operation channels for different domains N.
  • Page 82 Regulations and safety notices Departments in which the use of the 2400 - 2483.5 MHz band is permitted with an EIRP of less than 100 mW indoors and less than 10 mW outdoors: 01 Ain Orientales 25 Doubs 59 Nord 71 Saone et Loire 02 Aisne 26 Drome...
  • Page 83 — L (RSS-210) ANADA POWER LICENSE EXEMPT RADIO COMMUNICATION DEVICES Exposure of humans to RF fields (RSS-102) The computer employs low gain integral antennas that do not emit RF field in excess of Health Canada limits for the general population; consult Safety Code 6, obtainable from Health Canada's website at www.hc-sc.gc.ca/rpb.
  • Page 84 The FCC RF safety requirement The radiated output power of the wireless LAN Mini PCI Card and Bluetooth card is far below the FCC radio frequency exposure limits. Nevertheless, the computer shall be used in such a manner that the potential for human contact during normal operation is minimized as follows: 1.
  • Page 85 « Pour empêcher que cet appareil cause du brouillage au service faisant l'objet d'une licence, il doit être utilisé a l'intérieur et devrait être placé loin des fenêtres afin de fournir un écran de blindage maximal. Si le matériel (ou son antenne d'émission) est installé à l'extérieur, il doit faire l'objet d'une licence.

This manual is also suitable for:

Travelmate p273-mgTravelmate notebook series

Table of Contents