Acer 420 series Laptop User Manual
Contents
1. Using software Playing DVD movies When the DVD ROM drive module is installed in the optical drive bay you can play DVD movies on your computer 1 Eject the DVD tray and insert a DVD movie disc then close the DVD tray Important When you launch the DVD player for the first time the program asks you to input the region code DVD discs are divided into 6 regions Once your DVD drive is set to a region code it will play DVD discs of that region only You can set the region code a maximum of five times including the first time after which the last region code set will remain permanent Recovering your hard disk does not reset the number of times the region code has been set Refer to the table below for DVD movie region code information 2 The DVD movie will automatically play after a few seconds Note To change the region code insert a DVD movie of a different region into the DVD ROM drive Please refer to the online help for more information 1 U S A Canada 2 Europe Middle East South Africa Japan 3 Southeast Asia Taiwan Korea South 4 Latin America Australia New Zealand 5 Former U S S R parts of Africa India 6 People s Republic of China 24 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Audio The computer comes with 18 bit high fidelity AC 97 stereo audio and includes a built in sensitive microphone and dual stereo speakers There are audio ports on the right side of the computer See2. 03 02 Serial Nur XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Asset Tag Number XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Product Name TravelMate 420 Manufacturer Name Acer UUID XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 3 Troubleshooting my computer 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 reguire opening up the computer Do not attempt to open the computer by yourself Contact your dealer or an authorized service center for assistance key link www acersupport com 47 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 opened the display and pressed the power button but computer does not start or boot up Look at the Power indicator e If itis not lit no power is being applied to the computer Check the following e If you are running on battery power it may be low and unable to power the computer Connect the AC adapter to recharge the battery pack e Make sure that the AC adapter is plugged in properly to the computer and to the power outlet e If it is lit check the following e Is anon bootable non system diskette in the floppy drive Remove or replace it with a system diskette and press Ctri Alt Del to restart the system e The operating system files may be damaged or missing Insert the bootable Acer System CD
3. Accepts SD or MMC cards gt DP Rear view 1 Expansion port I O replicator or EasyPort expansion devices C 2 External display Connects to a display device e g external port monitor LCD projector 3 Parallel port Connects to a parallel device e g parallel printer 4 S video Connects to a television or display device ek with S video input Bottom view 1 Battery bay 2 Battery release latch 3 Memory compartment 4 Cooling fans 5 AcerMedia drive bay release latch 6 Hard disk bay 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Houses the computer s battery pack Unlatches the battery to remove the battery pack Houses the computer s main memory Helps keep the computer cool Note Don t cover or obstruct the opening of the fan Unlatches the AcerMedia bay to remove the optical diskette drive Houses the computer s hard disk Features Below is a brief summary of the computer s many features Performance Intel Pentium 4 Processor with 512 KB level 2 cache DDR 266 PC2100 SDRAM memory expandable up to 1 GB Internal optical drive High capacity Enhanced IDE hard disk Li lon battery pack Power management system with ACPI Advanced Configuration Power Interface Display Thin Film Transistor TFT liquid crystal display LCD displaying 32 bit high true color up to 1024 x 786 eXtended Graphics Array XGA resolution for 14 1 15 or 1400 x 1050 Super eXtended Graphics Array S
4. Fn F4 Z Sleep Puts the computer in Sleep Z mode See Power management on page 26 ysi suy 16 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Fn F5 CO Display toggle Switches display output between the display screen external monitor if connected and both the display screen and external monitor Fn F6 Screen blank Turns the display screen ii backlight off to save power Press any key to return Fn F7 Touchpad toggle Turns the internal touchpad Cog on and off Fn F8 Speaker toggle Turns the speakers on and off Fn T Volume up Increases the speaker volume Fn l Volume down Decreases the speaker m volume Fn gt oils Brightness up Increases the screen O brightness Fn i Brightness down Decreases the screen brightness The Euro symbol If your keyboard layout is set to United States International or United Kingdom or if you have a keyboard with a European layout you can type the Euro symbol on your keyboard Note for US keyboard users The keyboard layout is set when you first set up Windows For the Euro symbol to work the keyboard layout has to be set to United States International To verify the keyboard type in Windows 2000 follow the steps below 1 2 3 4 5 Click on Start Settings Control Panel Double click on Keyboard Click on the Language tab Verify that the keyboard layout used for En English United States is set to United States International If not select
5. Right view on page 6 for more information on connecting external audio devices Adjusting the volume Adjusting the volume on the computer is as easy as pressing some buttons See Hot keys on page 15 for more informations on adjusting the speaker volume 25 Using the Audio DJ feature The Audio DJ feature allows you to control the playback of music CDs even with the computer turned off 1 Power indicator Lights when the Audio DJ function is on Power Press for more than one second to turn the Audio DJ feature on off Play pause Plays pauses audio Stop Stops audio playback Previous track Skips to previous audio track Next track Skip to next audio track Volume up Increase volume Vlolume down Decrease volume To playback an audio CD do as follows 1 mi BW N Press the Audio DJ power button on the front panel of the computer until the power indicator lights up to turn on the Audio DJ feature Press the optical drive eject button then pull out the drive tray Place a music CD on the optical drive spindle until it clicks in place Close the optical drive tray securely You can now press the music playback buttons to begin music playback Adjust the volume by using the volume buttons found at the left side of the front panel 26 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Power management This computer has a built in power management unit that monitors system activity System activity refers to an
6. access to your hard disk Even if the hard disk is removed from the computer and moved to another computer it cannot be accessed without the Hard Disk Password Important Do not forget your Supervisor and Hard Disk Password If you forget your password please get in touch with your dealer or an authorized service center Entering passwords When a password is set a password prompt appears in the left hand corner of the display screen When the Supervisor Password is set a prompt appears when you press F2 to enter the BIOS Utility at boot up Type the Supervisor Password and press Enter to access the BIOS Utility If you enter the password incorrectly a warning message appears Try again and press Enter When the User Password is set and the Password on boot parameter is enabled a prompt appears at boot up Type the User Password and press Enter to use the computer If you enter the password incorrectly a warning message appears Try again and press Enter When the Hard Disk Password is set a prompt appears at boot up Type the Hard Disk Password and press Enter to use the computer If you enter the password incorrectly a warning message appears Try again and press Enter Important You have three chances to enter a password If you fail to enter the password correctly after three tries the system halts Press the power button for four seconds to shut down the computer Then turn on the computer again and try again If
7. and click on Properties then select United States International and click on OK Click on OK To verify the keyboard type in Windows XP follow the steps below 1 2 3 4 Click on Start Control Panel Double click on Regional and Language Options Click on the Language tab and click on Details Verify that the keyboard layout used for En English United States is set to United States International If not select and click on ADD then select United States International and click on OK 18 1 Getting to know your TravelMate 5 Click on OK To type the Euro symbol 1 Locate the Euro symbol on your keyboard 2 Open a text editor or word processor 3 Hold Alt Gr and press the Euro symbol Note Some fonts and software do not support the Euro symbol Please refer to www microsoft com typography fag fag12 htm for more information Launch Keys Located at the top of the keyboard are four buttons These buttons are called launch keys They are designated as P1 P2 Email button and Web browser button P1 User programmable P2 User programmable Email Email application Web browser Internet browser application 19 E Mail Detection Click right button at the Launch Manager icon on the taskbar and click on E Mail Detection In this dialog box you have the option to enable disable mail checking set the time interval for mail checking etc If you already have an email account you can fil
8. computer automatically detects and reconfigures the total memory size Using system utilities Launch Manager Launch Manager allows you to set the four launch keys located above the keyboard See Launch Keys on page 18 for the location of the launch key You can access the Launch Manager by clicking on Start All Programs and then Launch Manager to start the application You can manually switch off the 802 11b wireless LAN by pressing the G wireless button Launch Manager Wireless Device Boot Status WLAN Always On Launch Manager taaa Hariri eG Dia kl dl Launch Manager Add Delete E Mail Manager Add Delete Internet Browser Add Delete BIOS Utility The BIOS Utility is a hardware configuration program built into your computer s BIOS Basic Input Output 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 it 44 2 Customizing my computer To activate the BIOS Utility press F2 during the POST power on self test while the TravelMate logo is being displayed System Devices Item specific Help CPU Type Intel Pentium IV CPU Speed 1300 MHz Floppy Drive HDD1 Model Name HDD1 Serial Number XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX HDD2 Model Name HDD1 Serial Number XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX ATAPI Device System BIOS Ver BBL xxx VGA BIOS Ver ATIMI xxx KBC Ver
9. extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the product to normal condition e Ifthe product has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged 64 Appendix B Notices f Ifthe product exhibits a distinct change in performance indicating a need for service 12 Replace the battery with the same type as the product s battery we recommend Use of another battery may present a risk of fire or explosion 13 Warning Batteries may explode if not handled properly Do not disassemble or dispose of them in fire Keep them away from children and dispose of used batteries promptly 14 Use only the proper type of power supply cord set provided in your accessories box for this unit It should be a detachable type UL listed CSA certified type SPT 2 rated 7A 125V minimum VDE approved or its equivalent Maximum length is 15 feet 4 6 meters Laser compliance statement The CD DVD or DVD CD RW drive used with this computer is a laser product The CD DVD or DVD CD RW drive s classification label shown below is located on the drive 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 EVITTER TOUTE EXPOSITION AUX RAYONS LUOKAN 1 LASERLAITE LASER KLASSE 1 VORSICHT UNSICHTBARE LASERSTRAHLUNG WENN ABDECKUNG GEOFFNET NICHT DEM STRAHLL AUSSETZEN PRODUCTO LASER DE LA CLASE AD
10. take the computer anywhere you go within the building To bring the computer out of Sleep mode open the display press the power button If you are taking the computer to a client s office or a different building you may choose to shut down the computer 1 Click on Start Turn off Computer Windows XP 2 Click on Turn Off Windows XP OF choose to enter hibernation mode 28 1 Getting to know your TravelMate 1 Click on Start Turn off Computer Windows XP 2 Hold Shift 3 Click on Hibernation Windows XP Then close and latch the display When you are ready to use the computer again unlatch and open the display then release the power button Note If the sleep indicator is off the computer has entered Hibernation mode and turned off If the power indicator is off but the sleep indicator is on the computer has entered Sleep mode In both cases press the power button to turn the computer back on Note that the computer may enter Hibernation mode after it is in Sleep mode for a period of time What to bring to short meetings A fully charged battery runs the computer for about 2 5 3 hours under most circumstances If your meeting is shorter than that you probably do not need to bring anything with you other than the computer What to bring to long meetings If your meeting will last longer than 2 5 hours or if your battery is not fully charged you may want to bring the AC adapter with you to plug in you
11. you fail to enter the Hard Disk Password please contact your dealer or an authorized service center Setting passwords You can set passwords using the BIOS Utility 34 1 Getting to know your TravelMate 2 Customizing my computer After learning the basics of your TravelMate computer let s get acquainted with the advanced features of your computer In this chapter you will learn how to add options upgrade components for better performance and customize your computer 31 Expanding through options Your TravelMate offers you a complete mobile computing experience Connectivity options Ports allow you to connect peripheral devices to your computer as you would with a desktop PC Fax data modem Your computer have a built in V 90 92 56Kbps AC 97 Link 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 connect a phone cable from the modem port to a telephone jack Start your communications software program 38 2 Customizing my computer Built in network feature The built in network feature allows you to connect your computer to an Ethernet based 10 100 Mbps network To use the network feature connect an Ethernet cable from the network jack on the right side of the computer to a network jack or hub on your network Universal Serial Bus The Univers
12. 15 0 LCD 2 86 kg 6 3lbs for 14 1 LCD model 2 99kg 6 6lbs for 15 0 LCD model Environment Temperature e Operating 5 C 35 C e Non operating 20 C 65 C Humidity non condensing e Operating 20 80 RH e Non operating 20 80 RH D System e ACPI support e DMI 2 0 compliant e Microsoft Windows operating system Power e Battery pack e 70Wh Li lon battery pack e 2 5 3 hour rapid charge 3 5 hour charge in use e AC adapter e 90 Watt e Auto sensing 100 240Vac 50 60Hz Options e 128 256 512 MB memory upgrade modules e Additional Li lon battery pack e Additional AC adapter e Bay floppy disc drive DVD driver and DVD CD RW drive e Acer EasyPort 58 Appendix A Specifications Appendix B Notices This appendix lists the general notices of your computer 61 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 This device generates uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions may cause harmful interference to radio communications However there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation If this device does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception which c
13. 2 EC TBR 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 In the event of problems you should contact your equipment supplier in the first instance Important safety instructions Read these instructions carefully Save these instructions for future reference 10 11 63 Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners Use a damp cloth for cleaning Do not use this product near water Do not place this product on an unstable cart stand or table The product may fall causing serious damage to the product Slots and openings in the cabinet and the back or bottom are provided for ventilation to ensure reliable operation of the product and to protect it from overheating these openings must not be blocked or covered The openings should never be blocked by placing the product on a bed sofa rug or other similar surface This product should never be placed near or over a radiator or heat register or in a built in installation unless proper ventilation is provided This product should be operated from the type of power indicated on the marking label
14. If you are not sure of the type of power available consult your dealer or local power company Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord Do not locate this product where persons will walk on the cord If an extension cord is used with this product make sure that the total ampere rating of the equipment plugged into the extension cord does not exceed the extension cord ampere rating Also make sure that the total rating of all products plugged into the wall outlet does not exceed the fuse rating Never push objects of any kind into this product through cabinet slots as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock Never spill liquid of any kind on the product Do not attempt to service this product yourself as opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage points or other risks Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions When the power cord or plug is damaged or frayed a b If liquid has been spilled into the product A If the product has been exposed to rain or water Q If the product does not operate normally when the operating instructions are followed Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating instructions since improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will often require
15. TravelMate Securing your computer Your computer is a valuable investment that you need to take care of Learn how to protect and take care of your computer Security features include hardware and software locks a security notch and passwords Using a computer security lock A security keylock notch located on the rear panel of the computer lets you connect a Kensington compatible computer security lock YAN O Wrap a computer security lock cable around an immovable object such as a table or locked drawer handle Insert the lock into the notch and turn the key to secure the lock Some keyless locks are also available Using passwords Passwords protect your computer from unauthorized access Setting these passwords creates several different levels of protection for your computer and data e Supervisor Password prevents unauthorized entry into the BIOS Utility Once set you must key in this password to gain access to the BIOS Utility See BIOS Utility on page 43 for more details e User Password secures your computer against unauthorized use Combine the use of this password with password checkpoints on boot up and resume from hibernation for maximum security e Password on Boot secures your computer against unauthorized use Combine the use of this password with password checkpoints 33 on boot up and resume from hibernation for maximum security Hard Disk Password protects your data by preventing unauthorized
16. TravelMate 420 series User s guide Copyright 2002 Acer Incorporated All Rights Reserved TravelMate 420 Series Notebook Computer User s Guide Original Issue May 2002 Changes may be made periodically to the information in this publication without obligation to notify any person of such revision or changes Such changes will be incorporated in new editions of this manual or supplementary documents and publications This company makes no representations or warranties either expressed or implied with respect to the contents hereof and specifically disclaims the implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose Record the model number serial number purchase date and place of purchase information in the space provided below The serial number and model number are recorded on the label affixed to your computer All correspondence concerning your unit should include the serial number model number and purchase information No part of this publication may be reproduced stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic mechanical photocopy recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of Acer Incorporated TravelMate 420 series Notebook computer Model number Serial number Purchase date Place of purchase Acer and the Acer logo are registered trademarks of Acer Incorporated Other company s product names or trademarks are used herein for identi
17. VERTENCIA RADIACION LASER INVISIBLE AL SER ABIERTO EVITE EXPONERSE A LOS RAYOS ADVARSEL LASERSTRALING VEDABNING SE IKKE IND I STRALEN VARO LAVATTAESSA OLET ALTTINA LASERSATEILYLLE VARNING LASERSTRALNING NAR DENNA DEL AR PPNAD L TUJOTA SATEESEENSTIRRA EJ IN STRALEN VARNING LASERSTRALNING NAR DENNA DEL AR OPPNADSTIRRA EJ IN STRALEN ADVARSEL LASERSTRALING NAR DEKSEL APNESSTIRR IKKE INN STRALEN Lithium battery statement CAUTION Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced Replace only with the 65 same or eguivalent type recommended by the manufacturer Dispose of used batteries according to local regulations Recycle if at all possible ADVARSEL Lithiumbatteri Eksplosionsfare ved fejlagtig handtering Udskiftning ma kun ske med batteri af samme fabrikat og type L ver det brugte batteri tilbage til leverand ren ADVARSEL Eksplosjonsfare ved feilaktig skifte av batteri Benytt samme batteritype eller en tilsvarende type anbefalt av apparatfabrikanten Brukte batterier kasseres i henhold til fabrikantens instruksjoner VARNING Explosionsfara vid felaktigt batteribyte Anv nd samma batterityp eller en ekvivalent typ som rekommenderas av apparattillverkaren Kassera anv nt batteri enligt fabrikantens instruktion VAROITUS P risto voi r j ht jos se on virheellisesti asennettu Vaihda paristo ainoastaan laitevalmistajan suosittelemaan tyyppiin H vit k ytetty paristo valmistaja
18. XGA resolution for some 15 models specification varies depending on models 3D capabilities Simultaneous LCD and CRT display support S video for output to a television or display device that supports S video input Automatic LCD dim feature that automatically decides the best settings for your display and conserves power Dual display capability Multimedia 18 bit high fidelity AC 97 stereo audio Built in dual speakers Built in microphone High speed optical drive 10 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Connectivity e High speed fax data modem port e Ethernet Fast Ethernet port e 3 USB Universal Serial Bus ports e EEE 1394 port e SD MMC memory slot e Memory stick slot e Acer EasyPort port replicator e Bluetooth ready optional Human centric design and ergonomics e 4 way scroll button e Sleek smooth and stylish design e Acer FinTouch full sized curved keyboard e Ergonomicaliy centered touchpad pointing device Expansion e One type II CardBus PC Card slots e Upgradeable memory Indicators The computer has seven easy to read status icons below the display screen DD JE Power Sleep Battery charge Wireless communication Caps lock Num lock Media activity Lights green when the computer is on Flashes when the computer is in low power Flashes when the computer is entering Sleep mode Lights orange when the computer is in Sleep mode Lights when the ba
19. ace the computer on uneven surfaces Taking care of your AC adapter Here are some ways to take care of your AC adapter e Do not connect the adapter to any other device e Do not step on the power cord or place heavy objects on top of it Carefully route the power cord and any cables away from personal traffic e When unplugging the power cord do not pull on the cord itself but pull on the plug e 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 Taking care of your battery pack Here are some ways to take care of your battery pack e Use only batteries of the same kind as replacements Turn the power off before removing or replacing batteries e Do not tamper with batteries Keep them away from children e Dispose of used batteries according to local regulations Recycle if at all possible Cleaning and servicing When cleaning the computer follow these steps 1 Power off the computer and remove the battery pack 2 Disconnect the AC adapter vi 3 Usea soft cloth moistened with water Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners 4 To clean the display screen use an LCD cleaning kit If any of the following occurs e The computer has been dropped or the body has been damaged e Liquid has been spilled into the produ
20. al Serial Bus USB port is a high speed serial bus which allows you to connect and daisy chain USB peripherals without taking up precious system resources Your computer has three ports available 39 IEEE 1394 port The computer s IEEE 1394 port allows you to connect to an IEEE 1394 supported devices like a video camera or digital camera See your video or digital camera s documentation for details PC Card slot The type II CardBus PC Card slot found on the right side of the computer accepts credit card sized cards that enhance the usability and expandability of the computer These cards should have a PC Card logo on them PC Cards formerly PCMCIA are add on cards for portable computers giving you expansion possibilities long afforded by desktop PCs Popular PC cards include fax data modem LAN wireless LAN and SCSI cards CardBus improves on the 16 bit PC card technology by expanding the bandwidth to 32 bits Note Refer to your card s manual for details on how to install and use the card and its functions 40 2 Customizing my computer Inserting a PC Card Insert the card into the slot and make the proper connection e g network cable if necessary See your card manual for details Ejecting a PC Card Before ejecting a PC Card 1 Exit the application using the card 2 __Left click on the PC Card icon on the taskbar and stop the card operation 3 Press the slot eject button to pop out the eject
21. an be determined by turning the device off and on the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna Increase the separation between the device and receiver Connect the device into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected e Consult the dealer or an experienced radio television technician for help Notice Shielded cables All connections to other computing devices must be made using shielded cables to maintain compliance with FCC regulations Notice Peripheral devices Only peripherals input output devices terminals printers etc certified to comply with the Class B limits may be attached to this equipment Operation with non certified peripherals is likely to result in interference to radio and TV reception Caution Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user s authority which is granted by the Federal Communications Commission to operate this computer 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 62 Appendix B Notices Notice Canadian users This Class B digital apparatus meets all requireme
22. button a then press it again to eject the card b 41 Upgrade options Your computer delivers superior power and performance However some users and the applications they use may demand more This computer allows you to upgrade key components when you need increased performance Note Contact your authorized dealer if you decide to perform a key component upgrade Memory upgrade Memory is expandable to 1 GB employing 128 256 512 MB industry standard soDIMMs Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Modules The computer supports DDR 266 Double Data Rate SDRAM Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory There are two memory slots on your computer one of which is occupied by standard memory You can upgrade memory by installing a memory module into the available slot or replacing the standard memory with a higher capacity memory module Installing 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 42 2 Customizing my computer 2 Remove the screw from the memory cover a then lift up and remove the memory cover b 3 Insert the memory module diagonally into the slot a then gently press it down b until it clicks into place 4 Replace the memory cover and secure it with the screw 5 Reinstall the battery pack and reconnect the AC adapter 6 Turn on the computer The
23. ct e The computer does not operate normally Please refer to Troubleshooting my computer on page 45 First things first Your guides Basic care and tips for using your computer 1 Getting to know your TravelMate A TravelMate tour Front view Left view Right view Rear view Bottom view Features Indicators Using the keyboard Special keys Touchpad Touchpad basics Storage Hard disk Optical drive Using software Audio Adjusting the volume Using the Audio DJ feature Power management Moving around with your TravelMate Disconnecting from the desktop Moving around Taking the computer home Traveling with the computer Traveling internationally with the computer Securing your computer Using a computer security lock Using passwords 2 Customizing my computer Expanding through options Connectivity options Upgrade options Using system utilities Launch Manager BIOS Utility 52 37 37 41 43 43 Contents Vill 3 Troubleshooting my computer Frequently asked questions Requesting service International Traveler s Warranty ITW Before you call Appendix A Specitications Appendix B Notices Index 45 47 50 51 53 39 6 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Your TravelMate computer combines high performance versatility power management features and multimedia capabilities with a unigue style and ergonomic design Work with unmatched productivity and reliability with your new power computing par
24. e color up to 1024 x 786 eXtended Graphics Array XGA resolution for 14 1 15 0 or 1400 x 1050 Super eXtended Graphics Array SXGA resolution for 15 0 ATi Radeon 7500 video chip with 32 64 MB dedicated DDR video memory 4X AGP bus with 3D acceleration Simultaneous LCD and CRT display support Dual display capability S video for output to a television or display device that supports S video input NTSC PAL Automatic LCD dim feature that automatically decides the best settings for your display and conserves power Audio 18 bit AC 97 stereo audio Dual speakers and microphone Audio ports for microphone line in and headphone speaker line out Audio DJ console for audio CD playback when the computer is off Keyboard and pointing device 84 85 88 key Windows keyboard 56 Appendix A Specifications Ergonomically centered touchpad pointing device with 4 way scroll button I O ports One type Il CardBus PC Card slots One RJ 45 jack Ethernet 10 100 One RJ 11 jack V 90 56Kbps One DC in jack One parallel port ECP EPP One external monitor port One headphone speaker line out jack 3 5mm mini jack One microphone line in jack 3 5mm mini jack Three USB ports One IEEE 1394 port One S video TV out NTSC PAL port 100 pin port replicator connector for Acer EasyPort One SD MMC slot One memory stick slot Weight and dimensions 327 W x 269 D x 35 9 H mm 12 9 x 10 6 x 1 4 for 14 1
25. fication purposes only and belong to their respective companies ill First things first We would like to thank you for making the TravelMate series of notebook computers your choice for your mobile computing needs We hope you will be happy with your TravelMate as much as we enjoyed making it for you Your guides To help you use your TravelMate we have designed a set of guides First off the Just for Starters poster helps you get started with setting up your computer This User s Guide introduces you to the many ways your computer can help you be more productive This guide provides clear and concise information about the computer so read it thoroughly If you ever need to print out a copy this User s guide is also available in PDF Portable Document Format Follow these steps 1 Click on Start Programs AcerSystem 2 Click on AcerSystem User s Guide Note Viewing the file requires Adobe Acrobat Reader installed For instructions on how to use Adobe Acrobat Reader access the Help menu For more information about our products services and support information please visit our Web site global acer com Basic care and tips for using your computer Turning your computer on and oft To turn on the computer simply press the power button on the top left of your TravelMate See page 3 for the location of the power button To turn the power off do any of the following Use the Windows shutdown comma
26. ing the computer to excessive heat e 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 If the temperature change is greater than 18 F 10 C allow the computer to come to room temperature slowly If possible leave the computer for 30 minutes in an environment with a temperature between outside and room temperature Setting up a home office If you frequently work on your computer at home you may want to purchase a second AC adapter for use at home With a second AC adapter you can avoid transporting the extra weight to and from home 30 1 Getting to know your TravelMate If you use your computer at home for significant periods of time you might also want to add an external keyboard monitor or mouse Traveling with the computer when you are moving within a larger distance for instance from your office building to a client s office building or traveling locally Preparing the computer Prepare the computer as if you were taking it home Make sure that the battery in the computer is charged Airport security may require you to turn on your computer when bringing it into the gate area What to bring with you Bring the following items with you e AC adapter e Spare fully charged battery pack s Special considerations In addition to the guidelines for taking the computer home f
27. into the optical drive or startup disk you created during Windows setup into the floppy drive and press Ctri Alt Del to restart the system This will diagnose your system and make necessary fixes Nothing appears on the screen The computer s power management system automatically blanks the screen to save power Press any key to turn the display back on If pressing a key does not turn the display back on two things might be the cause e The brightness level might be too low Press Fn gt increase and Fn decrease to adjust the brightness to higher e The display device might be set to an external monitor Press the display toggle hot key Fn F5 to toggle the display back to the computer 48 3 Troubleshooting my computer Image is not full screen The computer display has a native resolution of 1024 x 768 XGA for the 14 1 15 0 or 1400 x 1050 SXGA for the 15 0 selected models only If you set the resolution lower than this the screen expands to fill the computer display Right click on your Windows desktop and select Properties to bring up the Display Properties dialog box Then click on the Settings tab to make sure that the resolution is set to the appropriate resolution Resolutions lower than the specified resolution may not be full screen on the computer or on an external monitor No audio is heard from the computer Check the following e The volume may be muted In Windows look at the vo
28. l in User Name Password and POP3 Sever in the dialog box The POP3 Sever is the mail sever where you get your email Launch Manager Mm Check Mail User Hame Valued Acer Customer Password G z ME POP3 Server acer com tw Check Interval 150 second Cancel Aside from the email checking function there is a mail button that is used to launch the email application It is located above the keyboard right below the LCD 20 1 Getting to know your TravelMate 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 on the surface of the touchpad The central location on the palmrest provides optimal comfort and support Note When using an external USB mouse you can press Fn F7 to disable the touchpad Touchpad basics The following items teach you how to use the touchpad e Move your finger across the touchpad to move the cursor e Press the left 1 and right 3 buttons located on the edge of the touchpad to do selection and execution functions These two buttons are similar to the left and right buttons on a mouse Tapping on the touchpad produces similar results e Use the 4 way scroll 2 button top bottom left and right to scroll a page up down left or right This button mimics your cursor 21 pressing on the vertical and horizontal scroll bars of Windows applications Note Keep your fi
29. lume control speaker icon on the taskbar If it is crossed out click on the icon and deselect the Mute option e The speakers may be turned off Press Fn F8 to turn the speakers on this hot key also turns the speakers off e The volume level may be too low In Windows look at the volume control icon on the taskbar See Hot keys on page 15 for more detail e If headphones earphones or external speakers are connected to the line out port on the computer s right panel the internal speakers automatically turn off 49 want to eject the optical drive tray without turning on the power cannot eject the optical drive tray There is a mechanical eject button on the optical drive Simply insert the tip of a pen or paperclip and push to eject the tray The keyboard does not respond Try attaching an external keyboard to the USB port of the computer If it works contact your dealer or an authorized service center as the internal keyboard cable may be loose The printer does not work Check the following e Make sure that the printer is connected to a power outlet and that it is turned on e Make sure that the printer cable is connected securely to the computer s parallel port and the corresponding port on the printer e During POST press F2 to access the BIOS Utility and verify that the parallel port is enabled want to set up my location to use the internal modem To properly use your communications sof
30. n Contact Acer You can also check Acer worldwide service centers by following these steps 1 Click on Start 2 Right click on My Computer choose Properties 3 Click Support Information for more information about Acer worldwide service centers 5I 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 If there are error messages or beeps reported by your 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 52 3 Troubleshooting my computer Appendix A Specifications This appendix lists the general specifications of your computer DD Microprocessor Intel Pentium 4 Processor with 512 KB level 2 cache 400 MHz FSB front side bus Main memory expandable to 1 GB dual 200 pin soDIMM sockets DDR 266 PC2100 DDR SDRAM Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory support 512 KB Flash ROM BIOS Data storage One high capacity Enhanced IDE hard disk One 5 25 inch internal optical drive Display and video Thin Film Transistor TFT liquid crystal display LCD displaying 32 bit tru
31. n ohjeiden mukaisesti VORSICHT Explosionsgefahr bei unsachgem en Austausch der Batterie Ersatz nur durch denselben oder einem vom Hersteller empfohlenem hnlichen Typ Entsorgung gebrauchter Batterien nach Angaben des Herstellers LCD pixel statement The LCD unit is produced with high precision manufacturing techniques Nevertheless some pixels may occasionally misfire or appear as black or colored dots This has no effect on the recorded image and does not constitute a malfunction Macrovision copyright protection notice This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by method claims of certain U S patents and other intellectual property rights owned by Macrovision Corporation and other rights owners Use of this copyright protection technology must be authorized by Macrovision Corporation and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision Corporation Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited Apparatus Claims of U S Patent Nos 4 631 603 4 577 216 4 819 098 and 4 907 093 licensed for limited viewing uses only 66 Appendix B Notices A Tick notice For safety reasons only connect headsets with a telecommunications compliance label This includes customer equipment previously labelled permitted or certified The unit shall be connected to Telecommunication Network through a line cord which meets the requirements of ACA Tech
32. nd For Windows 2000 Click on Start Shut Down and select Shut down then click on OK OF For Windows XP Click on Start Turn off Computer then click Turn Off e Use the power switch Note You can also use the power switch to perform power management functions See Windows help for more information e Use the customized functions for power management You can also shut down the computer by closing the display cover or by pressing the sleep hot key Fn F4 See Hot keys on page 15 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 If you turn off the computer and want to turn it on again wait at least two seconds before powering up Taking care of your computer Your computer will serve you well if you take care of it e Do not expose the computer to direct sunlight Do not place it near sources of heat such as a radiator e Do not expose the computer to temperatures below 0 C 32 F or above 50 C 122 F e Do not subject the computer to magnetic fields e Do not expose the computer to rain or moisture e Donotspill water or any liquid on the computer e Donotsubjectthe computer to heavy shock and vibration e Do not expose the computer to dust and dirt e Never place objects on top of the computer to avoid damaging the computer e Do not slam the computer display when you close it e Never pl
33. ng feature Comfortable support area for your hands when you use the computer LEDs light emitting diode that turn on and off to show the status of the computer its functions and components Inputs sounds and voices into your computer Special keys for launching internet browser email program and frequently used programs See Launch Keys on page 18 for more details Note The positions of the Optical drive indicator eject button and emergency eject hole may differ depending on the optical drive module installed Left view 1 Power jack Connects to an AC adapter se ee aa EE Es EE 2 Security keylock Connects to a Kensington compatible computer security lock fa Right view 1 USB port Line in Mic in jack Speaker Headphone out jack Modem jack Ll IEEE 1394 port 1394 PC card eject button PC card slots i Network jack ae 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Connects to Universal Serial Bus devices e g USB mouse USB camera Accepts audio line in devices e g audio CD player stereo walkman Selection is through the OS Windows mixer Connects to audio line out devices e g speakers headphones Connects to a phone line Connects to an IEEE 1394 device Ejects the PC card from the slot Accepts one type II PC cards Connects to an Ethernet 10 100 based network 9 Memory stick slot Accepts memory sticks gun 10 SD MMC slot
34. ngers 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 Tapping harder will not increase the touchpad s responsiveness Execute Click twice Tap twice at the quickly Same speed as double clicking a mouse button Select Click once Tap once Drag Click and Tap twice at the hold then same speed as use finger to double clicking a drag the mouse button cursor on the then hold finger touchpad to the touchpad on the second tap and drag the cursor Access Click context once menu Scroll Click and hold the button in the desired direction up down left right 22 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Storage This computer supplies you with the following media storage e High capacity Enhanced IDE hard disk e Optical drive Hard disk The high capacity hard disk is the answer to your storage needs This is where your programs and data are stored Optical drive The optical drive bay accepts a wide variety of optional media drive modules for use with your computer These optional items include e CD ROM drive e DVD ROM drive e DVD CD RW drive Ejecting the optical CD or DVD drive tray To eject the optical drive tray when the computer is turned on press the drive eject button When the power is off you can eject the drive tray using the emergency eject hole See page 49 23
35. nical Standard TS008 Australian approved mains cord set shall be used with the equipment ndex A AC adapter caring for V AcerMedia drive 22 audio 24 adjusting the volume 24 troubleshooting 48 battery pack caring for V charging indicator 11 BIOS utility 43 brightness hotkeys 16 C caps lock 12 on indicator 11 care AC adapter v battery pack v computer iv CD ROM ejecting 22 ejecting manually 49 troubleshooting 49 cleaning computer v computer bringing to meetings 28 caring for iv cleaning v disconnecting 27 features 3 9 indicators 11 keyboards 12 moving around 27 on indicator 11 performance 9 security 32 setting up a home office 29 taking home 28 traveling internationally 30 67 traveling on local trips 30 troubleshooting 46 turning off iv Wireless Communication indica tor 11 connections network 38 D display hotkeys 16 troubleshooting 47 48 DVD 23 DVD movies playing 23 E email checking function 19 Euro 17 F FAQ See frequently asked questions frequently asked questions 47 front view 3 H hard disk 22 help online services 50 Hibernation mode hotkey 15 hotkeys 15 l IEEE 1394 port 39 indicator lights 11 ITW See warranty K keyboard 12 embedded numeric keypad 13 hotkeys 15 lock keys 12 troubleshooting 49 Windows keys 14 LEDs 11 68 media access on indicator 11 memory installing 41 42 upgrading 41 modem 37 network 38 Notebook Manager h
36. normal embedded keypad manner Cursor control keys Hold Shift while using Hold Fn while using on embedded cursor control keys cursor control keys keypad Main keyboard keys Hold Fn while typing letters Type the letters ina on embedded keypad normal manner ysi suy English 14 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Windows keys The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows specific functions gt TE ENA Windows logo Start button Combinations with this key perform ey shortcut functions Below are a few examples AN Tab Activates next taskbar button A E Explores My Computer A F Finds Document a M Minimizes All Shift M Undoes Minimize All A R Displays the Run dialog box Application key Opens a context menu same as a right click gt Hot keys The computer employs hot keys or key combinations to access most of the computer s controls like screen brightness volume output To activate hot keys press and hold the Fn key before pressing the other key in the hot key combination gt gt S Sewn call wall ol rt i i Z oe me EI Fn F1 9 Hot key help Displays help on hot keys System Property Displays the System Property Fn F2 Fn F3 Power Options Display the Power Options V Properties used by the computer function available if supported by operating system See Power management on page 26
37. nts of the Canadian Interference Causing Equipment Regulations Remarque a l intention des utilisateurs canadiens Cet appareil num rique de la classe B respected toutes les exigences du R glement sur le mat riel brouilleur du Canada Modem notices FCC This equipment complies with Part 68 of the FCC rules Located on the bottom side of the modem is a label that contains among other information the FCC Registration Number and Ringer Equivalence Number REN for this equipment Upon request you must provide this information to your telephone company If your telephone equipment causes harm to the telephone network the telephone company may discontinue your service temporarily If possible they will notify you in advance But if advance notice is not practical you will be notified as soon as possible You will also be informed of your right to file a complaint with the FCC Your telephone company may make changes in its facilities equipment operations or procedures that could affect the proper functioning of your equipment If they do you will be notified in advance to give you an opportunity to maintain uninterrupted telephone service If this equipment should fail to operate properly disconnect the equipment from the phone line to determine if it is causing the problem If the problem is with the equipment discontinue use and contact your dealer or vendor TBR 21 This equipment has been approved Council Decision 98 48
38. ollow these guidelines to protect your computer while traveling e Always take the computer as carry on luggage e 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 e Avoid exposing floppy disks to hand held metal detectors 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 31 What to bring with you Bring the following items with you e AC adapter e Power cords that are appropriate for the country to which you are traveling e Spare fully charged battery packs e Proof of purchase in case you need to show it to Customs officials e nternational Traveler s Warranty passport Special considerations Follow the same special considerations as when traveling with the computer In addition these tips are useful when traveling internationally e When traveling in another country check that the local AC voltage and the AC adapter power cord specifications are compatible If not purchase a power cord that is compatible with the local AC voltage Do not use converter kits sold for appliances to power the computer e Ifyou are using the modem check if the modem and connector is compatible with the telecommunications system of the country you are traveling in 32 1 Getting to know your
39. otkey 15 notice DVD copyright protection 65 num lock 12 on indicator 11 numeric keypad embedded 13 num lock 13 O online services 50 options memory upgrade 41 P password 32 types 32 PC Card 39 ejecting 40 inserting 40 ports 37 POST power on self test 44 printer troubleshooting 49 problems 47 CD ROM 49 display 47 48 keyboard 49 printer 49 startup 47 troubleshooting 46 Q questions setting location for modem use 49 S safety CD ROM 64 FCC notice 61 general instructions 62 modem notices 62 scroll lock 12 security keylock 32 passwords 32 smart card 32 service when to call vi speakers hotkey 16 troubleshooting 48 specifications 54 Standby mode hotkey 15 status indicators 11 storage 22 AcerMedia drive 22 hard disk 22 support information 50 T touchpad 20 hotkey 16 using 20 travel international flights 30 local trips 30 troubleshooting 46 U universal serial bus 38 V view bottom 8 front 5 left 5 rear 7 right 6 volume adjusting 24 69 W ty 50 warranty Windows keys 14 International Traveler s Warran 70 ys 3u3
40. r computer in the meeting room If the meeting room does not have an electrical outlet reduce the drain on the battery by putting the computer in Sleep mode Press Fn F4 or close the display cover whenever you are not actively using the computer To resume open the display if closed then press the power button 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 29 e Check if you have removed all media diskettes and compact discs from the drive s Failure to remove the media can damage the drive head e Pack the computer in a protective case that can prevent the computer from sliding around and cushion it if it should fall Caution Avoid packing items next to the top cover of the computer Pressure against the top cover can damage the screen What to bring with you Unless you already have some items at home bring the following items with you e AC adapter and power cord e The printed user s guide Special considerations Follow these guidelines to protect your computer while traveling to and from work e Minimize the effect of temperature changes by keeping the computer with you e If you need to stop for an extended period of time and cannot bring the computer with you leave the computer in the trunk of the car to avoid expos
41. tner A TravelMate tour After setting up your computer as illustrated in the Just for Starters poster let us show you around your new TravelMate computer Front view 1 Display screen Also called LCD liquid crystal display displays computer output 2 Power Button Turns on the computer power 3 Speakers Outputs sound 1 Getting to know your TravelMate 4 10 11 12 13 15 16 17 Keyboard Touchpad Click buttons left center and right Audio DJ controls and indicators Optical drive Optical drive indicator Emergency eject slot Eject button Infrared port Wireless networking button Palmrest Status indicators Microphone Launch keys Inputs data into your computer Touch sensitive pointing device which functions like a computer mouse The left and right buttons function like the left and right mouse buttons the center button serves as a 4 way scroll button Button and indicators for the Audio DJ function For more information see Using the Audio DJ feature on page 25 Houses an optical drive module CD ROM DVD ROM or DVD CD RW combo drive Lights up when the optical drive is active Ejects the drive tray when the computer is turned off See page 49 for more details Ejects the drive tray Interfaces with infrared devices e g infrared PDA IR aware computer Enables or disables the wireless networki
42. ttery is being charged Lights when the Wireless LAN or Bluetooth capabilities are enabled Lights when Caps Lock is activated Lights when Num Lock is activated Lights when the hard disk or AcerMedia drive is active 11 12 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Using the keyboard The full sized keyboard includes an embedded numeric keypad separate cursor keys two Windows keys and twelve function keys Special keys Lock keys The keyboard has three lock keys which you can toggle on and off o CO Bun i ae Ban g NumLk ScrLK Caps Lock When Caps Lock is on all alphabetic characters typed are in uppercase Num Lock When Num Lock is on the embedded keypad is in numeric Fn F11 mode The keys function as a calculator complete with the arithmetic operators and Use this mode when you need to do a lot of numeric data entry A better solution would be to connect an external keypad Scroll Lock When Scroll Lock is on the screen moves one line up or down Fn F12 when you press the up or down arrow keys respectively Scroll Lock does not work with some applications 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 Number keys on Type numbers in a
43. tware e g HyperTerminal you need to set up your location for Windows XP 1 Click on Start Control Panel 2 Double click on Phone and Modem 3 Click on Dialing Rules and begin setting up your location Refer to the Windows manual 50 3 Troubleshooting my computer Reguesting service International Traveler s Warranty ITW Your computer is backed by an International Traveler s Warranty ITW that gives you security and peace of mind when traveling Our worldwide network of service centers are there to give you a helping hand An ITW passport comes with your computer This passport contains all you need to know about the ITW program A list of available authorized service centers is in this handy booklet Read this passport thoroughly Always have your ITW passport on hand especially when you travel to receive the benefits from our support centers 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 There are two ways to access Acer for technical support and information e Internet service worldwide www acersupport com e Technical support numbers in various countries You can view a list of technical support numbers by following these steps for Windows XP 1 Click on Start 2 Click on Help and Support 3 Click o
44. y activity involving one or more of the following devices keyboard mouse floppy drive hard disk peripherals connected to the serial and parallel ports If no activity is detected for a period of time called an inactivity timeout the computer stops some or all of these devices in order to conserve energy This computer employs a power management scheme that supports ACPI Advanced Configuration and Power Interface which allows for maximum power conservation and maximum performance at the same time Windows handles all power saving chores for your computer 27 Moving around with your TravelMate This section gives you tips and hints to consider when moving around or traveling with your computer Disconnecting trom the desktop Follow these steps to disconnect your computer from external accessories Save your work in progress Remove any media diskette or compact disc from the drive s Shut down the computer Close the display cover Disconnect the cord from the AC adapter num A WN Disconnect the keyboard pointing device printer external monitor and other external devices 7 Disconnect the Kensington lock if you are using one to secure the 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 close and latch the display cover to place it in Sleep mode You can now safely
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