Aspire V5-1 Series User Guide
© 2012 All Rights Reserved Aspire V5-1 Series User Guide This revision: 04/2012 Model number: ___________________________ Serial number: ___________________________ Date of purchase: ________________________ Place of purchase: _______________________
iii 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. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
iv Warnings • Do not use this product near water. • Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand or table. If the product falls, it could be seriously damaged. • Slots and openings 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.
v • Do not overload a power outlet, strip or receptacle by plugging in too many devices. The overall system load must not exceed 80% of the branch circuit rating. If power strips are used, the load should not exceed 80% of the power strip's input rating. • This product's AC adapter is equipped with a three-wire grounded plug. The plug only fits in a grounded power outlet. Make sure the power outlet is properly grounded before inserting the AC adapter plug.
vi Guidelines for safe battery usage This notebook uses a Lithium-ion battery. Do not use it in a humid, wet or corrosive environment. Do not put, store or leave your product in or near a heat source, in a high temperature location, in strong direct sunlight, in a microwave oven or in a pressurized container, and do not expose it to temperatures over 60°C (140°F). Failure to follow these guidelines may cause the battery to leak acid, become hot, explode or ignite and cause injury and/or damage.
vii Operating environment Warning! For safety reasons, turn off all wireless or radio transmitting devices when using your laptop under the following conditions. These devices may include, but are not limited to: wireless LAN (WLAN), Bluetooth and/or 3G. 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.
viii Vehicles RF signals may affect improperly installed or inadequately shielded electronic systems in motor vehicles such as electronic fuel injection systems, electronic antiskid (anti-lock) braking systems, electronic speed control systems, and air bag systems. For more information, check with the manufacturer, or its representative, of your vehicle or any equipment that has been added. Only qualified personnel should service the device, or install the device in a vehicle.
ix Disposal instructions 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.
x Tips and information for comfortable use Computer users may complain of eyestrain and headaches after prolonged use. Users are also at risk of physical injury after long hours of working in front of a computer. Long work periods, bad posture, poor work habits, stress, inadequate working conditions, personal health and other factors greatly increase the risk of physical injury. Incorrect computer usage may lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, tenosynovitis or other musculoskeletal disorders.
xi • Blink frequently to keep your eyes from drying out. Display • Keep your display clean. • Keep your head at a higher level than the top edge of the display so your eyes point downward when looking at the middle of the display. • Adjust the display brightness and/or contrast to a comfortable level for enhanced text readability and graphics clarity.
English xii First things first We would like to thank you for making an Acer notebook your choice for meeting your mobile computing needs. Product Registration When using your computer for the first time, it is recommended that you immediately register it.
xiii 1 Click Start > All Programs > AcerSystem. 2 Click AcerSystem User Guide. Note: Viewing the file requires Adobe Reader. If Adobe Reader is not installed on your computer, clicking on AcerSystem User Guide will run the Adobe Reader setup program first. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation. For instructions on how to use Adobe Reader, access the Help and Support menu.
English xiv • Never place objects on top of the computer. • Do not slam the computer display when you close it. • Never place the computer on uneven surfaces. Taking care of your AC adapter Here are some ways to take care of your AC adapter: • Do not connect the adapter to any other device. • 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 foot traffic.
iii Safety instructions Operating environment Medical devices Vehicles Potentially explosive environments Emergency calls Disposal instructions Mercury advisory ENERGY STAR Tips and information for comfortable use iii vii vii viii viii viii ix ix ix x First things first Product Registration How to Register Another Option Your guides Basic care and tips for using your computer Turning your computer on and off Taking care of your computer Taking care of your AC adapter Taking care of your battery pack Clea
Acer Backup Manager Touchpad Touchpad basics (for models with separate buttons) Touchpad basics (for models with integrated buttons) Using the keyboard Lock keys and embedded numeric keypad Windows keys Special keys (only for certain models) Battery pack 16 18 18 19 21 21 22 23 24 Battery pack characteristics Maximizing the battery’s life Installing and removing the battery pack Charging the battery Checking the battery level Optimizing battery life Battery-low warning 24 24 25 25 26 26 26 Taking yo
BIOS utility Boot sequence Enable disk-to-disk recovery Password 34 34 34 35 Power management Troubleshooting 35 36 Troubleshooting tips Error messages 36 36 Frequently asked questions Requesting service Before you call Regulations and safety notices FCC notice LCD pixel statement Radio device regulatory notice General European Union (EU) The FCC RF safety requirement Canada — Low-power license-exempt radio communication devices (RSS-210) LCD panel ergonomic specifications 37 39 39 40 40 41 41 41 4
1 If your computer experiences problems that are not recoverable by other methods, you may need to reinstall the Windows operating system and factory-loaded software and drivers. To ensure you can recover your computer when needed, you should create a recovery backup as soon as possible. Note: The following content is for general reference only. Actual product specifications may vary.
English 2 Creating a recovery backup (Optical drive) To reinstall using a backup on optical discs, you must create the recovery disc beforehand. Throughout the process, you will be guided by onscreen instructions. Please read them carefully! 1 Click Start > All Programs > Acer, then click Acer eRecovery Management. 2 To create recovery discs for the hard drive’s entire original contents, including Windows and all factory-loaded software and drivers, click Create Factory Default Backup.
3 Note: The number of blank DVDs required varies depending on the operating system installed. 3 Insert a blank disc into the drive indicated in the Backup to list, then click Next. You will be shown the backup progress on the screen. The drive ejects each disc as it completes burning it. 4 Remove the disc from the drive and mark it with a permanent marker. Important: Write a unique, descriptive label on each disc, such as ‘Windows Recovery Disc 1 of 2’ or ‘Apps/Drivers Recovery disc’.
English 4 5 If multiple discs are required, insert a new disc when prompted, then click OK. Continue recording discs until the process is complete. Creating a recovery backup (USB flash drive) To reinstall using a backup on a USB flash drive, you must create the recovery backup beforehand. Throughout the process, you will be guided by onscreen instructions. Please read them carefully! Important: If you are using a USB flash drive, ensure it is at least 12 GB and does not contain any previous data.
5 3 Plug in the USB disk, then click Start. You will be shown the backup progress on the screen. 4 Unplug the USB flash drive and mark it with a permanent marker. Important: Write a unique, descriptive label on each backup, such as ‘Windows Recovery Backup’ or ‘Apps/Drivers Recovery Backup’. Make sure you keep the USB flash drive in a safe place that you will remember. English The Create Factory Default Backup dialog box opens.
English 6 Recovering your system (Optical drive) If calling Acer support did not help fix your problem, you can use the Acer eRecovery Management program. This will restore your computer to the same state as when you purchased it, while giving you an option to retain all settings and personal data for later retrieval. To recover your system 1 Perform minor fixes.
7 Click the Restore tab, then click Reinstall Drivers or Applications to display the Acer Application Recovery main menu. 3 Click Contents to show a list of software and device drivers. 4 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.
English 8 Returning your system to its factory condition If your computer experiences problems that are not recoverable by other methods, you may need to reinstall everything to return your system to its factory condition. You can reinstall using either your hard drive or the recovery discs you have created. Warning: This complete recovery deletes everything on your hard drive, then reinstalls Windows and all software and drivers that were pre-installed on your system.
9 3 Click Next. Your hard drive’s original, factory-loaded contents will be recovered. This process will take several minutes. Recovering from your recovery discs To reinstall Windows and all pre-installed software and drivers: 1 Turn on your computer, insert the first system recovery disc into your optical disc drive, then restart your computer. Warning: Continuing the process will erase all files on your hard drive.
English 10 Recovering your system (USB flash drive) If calling Acer support did not help fix your problem, you can use the Acer eRecovery Management program. This will restore your computer to the same state as when you purchased it, while giving you an option to retain all settings and personal data for later retrieval. To recover your system 1 Perform minor fixes.
11 2 Click Reinstall Drivers or Application from a USB device. 3 Click Contents to show a list of software and device drivers. 4 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. Returning to a previous system condition Microsoft System Restore periodically takes ’snapshots’ of your system settings and saves them as restore points.
English 12 Returning your system to its factory condition If your computer experiences problems that are not recoverable by other methods, you may need to reinstall everything to return your system to its factory condition. You can reinstall using either your hard drive or the recovery backup you have created. Warning: This complete recovery deletes everything on your hard drive, then reinstalls Windows and all software and drivers that were pre-installed on your system.
13 3 Click Next. Your hard drive’s original, factory-loaded contents will be recovered. This process will take several minutes. Recovering from your recovery backup To reinstall Windows and all pre-installed software and drivers: 1 Plug in the USB flash drive and turn on your computer. Warning: Continuing the process will erase all files on your hard drive. If it is not already enabled, you must enable the F12 Boot Menu: Press when starting your computer.
English 14 Acer clear.fi Note: Only for certain models. With Acer clear.fi, you can enjoy videos, photos and music. Stream media from, or to, other devices with Acer clear.fi installed. Note: All devices must be connected to the same network. To watch videos or listen to music open clear.fi Media, to browse photos open clear.fi Photo. Important: When you first open a clear.fi application, Windows Firewall will ask for permission to allow clear.fi to access the network.
15 Note: You must activate sharing on the device that stores the files. Open clear.fi on the device that stores the files, select Edit then make sure Share my library on local network is active. Which devices are compatible? Certified Acer devices with clear.fi or DLNA software can be used with the clear.fi software. These include DLNA-compliant PCs, smartphones, and NAS (Network Attached Storage) devices.
English 16 Acer Backup Manager Note: This feature is only available on certain models. Acer Backup Manager is a simple three-step process that allows you to create backup copies of your entire system or selected files and folders according to a schedule or as you need to. To start Acer Backup Manager, press the Acer Backup Manager key above the keyboard. Alternatively, you can go to Start > All Programs > Acer Backup Manager > Acer Backup Manager.
17 English If you wish to change your settings at any time, run Acer Backup Manager from the Start menu and go through the steps outlined above.
English 18 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 (for models with separate buttons) The following items show you how to use the touchpad with two buttons. • Move your finger across the touchpad to move the cursor.
19 Note: By default, vertical and horizontal scrolling is enabled on your touchpad. It can be disabled under Mouse settings in Windows Control Panel. Touchpad basics (for models with integrated buttons) The following items show you how to use the touchpad. • Move your finger across the touchpad to move the cursor. • Press the touchpad down, or tap, to perform a click, which will select or start an item.
English 20 Function Bottom left corner Drag Press and hold, then use finger on the touchpad to drag the cursor Access context menu Bottom right corner Main touchpad Press or tap twice (at the same speed as doubleclicking a mouse button); rest your finger on the touchpad on the second tap and drag the cursor Press once Note: When using the touchpad, keep it — and your fingers — dry and clean. The touchpad is sensitive to finger movement; hence, the lighter the touch, the better the response.
21 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 The keyboard has three lock keys which you can toggle on and off. Lock key Description 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 mode.
English 22 Windows keys The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions. Key Description Windows key Pressed alone it launches the Start menu.
23 You can locate the Euro symbol and the US dollar sign at the upper-center of your keyboard. The Euro symbol 1 Open a text editor or word processor. 2 Hold and then press the <5> key at the upper-center of the keyboard. Note: Some fonts and software do not support the Euro symbol. Please refer to www.microsoft.com/typography/faq/faq12.htm for more information. The US dollar sign 1 Open a text editor or word processor.
English 24 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. Your computer supports charge-in-use, enabling you to recharge the battery while you continue to operate the computer.
25 In addition, the useful lifespan of the battery is adversely affected by the following usage patterns: • Using the computer on constant AC power with the battery inserted. If you want to use constant AC power, you are advised to remove the battery pack after it is fully charged. • Not discharging and recharging the battery to its extremes, as described above. • Frequent use; the more you use the battery, the faster it will reach the end of its effective life.
English 26 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. Optimizing battery life Optimizing battery life helps you get the most out of battery operation, prolonging the charge/recharge cycle and improving recharging efficiency. You are advised to follow the suggestions set out below: • Purchase an extra battery pack.
27 Recommended Action An extra fully charged battery pack is available. 1. Save all necessary files. 2. Close all applications. 3. Turn off the computer. 4. Replace the battery pack. 5. Turn on the computer and resume work. The AC adapter or a power outlet is unavailable. You have no spare battery pack. 1. Save all necessary files. 2. Close all applications. 3. Turn off the computer.
English 28 Taking your notebook PC with you 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 Remove any media, floppy disks or compact disks from the drive(s). 3 Shut down the computer. 4 Close the display cover. 5 Disconnect the cord from the AC adapter.
29 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. If your meeting will be longer, or if your battery is not fully charged, you may want to bring the AC adapter with you to plug in your 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.
30 English computer to return to room temperature, and inspect the screen for condensation before turning on the computer. If the temperature change is greater than 10°C (18°F), 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.
31 Prepare the computer as you would normally prepare it for traveling.
English 32 Using passwords Passwords protect your computer from unauthorized access. Setting these passwords creates several different levels of protection for your computer and data: • Supervisor Password prevents unauthorized entry into the BIOS utility. Once set, you must enter this password to gain access to the BIOS utility. See "BIOS utility" on page 34. • User Password secures your computer against unauthorized use.
33 Your notebook PC 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 section. Built-in network feature The built-in network feature allows you to connect your computer to an Ethernetbased network.
English 34 Universal Serial Bus (USB) The USB 2.0 port is a high-speed serial bus which allows you to connect USB peripherals without taking up precious system resources. 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.
35 To set a password on boot, activate the BIOS utility, then select Security from the categories listed at the top of the screen. Find Password on boot: and use the and keys to enable this feature. Power management This computer has a built-in power management unit that monitors system activity. System activity refers to any activity involving one or more of the following devices: keyboard, mouse, hard disk, peripherals connected to the computer, and video memory.
English 36 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. Troubleshooting tips This notebook PC incorporates an advanced design that delivers onscreen error message reports to help you solve problems.
37 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 the power on, but the computer does not start or boot up. Look at the power indicator: • • If it is not lit, no power is being supplied to the computer. Check the following: • If you are using on the battery, it may be low and unable to power the computer. Connect the AC adapter to recharge the battery pack.
English 38 The keyboard does not respond. Try attaching an external keyboard to a USB port on 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: • Make sure that the printer is connected to a power outlet and that it is turned on. • Make sure that the printer cable is connected securely to a USB port and the corresponding port on the printer.
39 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).
English 40 Regulations and safety notices FCC notice This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. 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.
41 This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. Remarque à l'intention des utilisateurs canadiens Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme a la norme NMB-003 du Canada. Declaration of Conformity for EU countries Hereby, Acer, declares that this notebook PC series is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC.
English 42 European Union (EU) R&TTE Directive 1999/5/EC as attested by conformity with the following harmonized standard: • • Article 3.1(a) Health and Safety • EN60950-1 • EN62311 Article 3.1(b) EMC • • EN301 489-1 • EN301 489-3 (Applicable to non-Bluetooth wireless keyboard mouse set) • EN301 489-7 • EN301 489-17 • EN301 489-24 Article 3.
43 1 Users are requested to follow the RF safety instructions on wireless option devices that are included in the user's manual of each RF option device. Caution: To comply with FCC RF exposure compliance requirements, a separation distance of at least 20 cm (8 inches) must be maintained between the antenna for the integrated wireless LAN Mini PCI Card built in to the screen section and all persons.
English 44 Canada — Low-power license-exempt radio communication devices (RSS-210) a Common information Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause interference, and 2. This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. b Operation in 2.4 GHz band To prevent radio interference to the licensed service, this device is intended to be operated indoors and installation outdoors is subject to licensing.
