Aspire One Series Generic User Guide
© 2010 All Rights Reserved Aspire One Series Generic User Guide Original Issue: 12/2010 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 • • rating. 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 result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the product to normal condition. 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).
vii children. Follow local regulations when disposing of used batteries. 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.
viii Vehicles RF signals may affect improperly installed or inadequately shielded electronic systems in motor vehicles such as electronic fuel injection systems, electronic anti-skid (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 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.
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 on such subjects as system utilities, data recovery, expansion options and troubleshooting. In addition it contains warranty information and the general regulations and safety notices for your notebook. It is available in Portable Document Format (PDF) and comes preloaded on your notebook. Follow these steps to access it: 1 Click Start > All Programs > AcerSystem. 2 Click AcerSystem User Guide. Note: Viewing the file requires Adobe Reader.
xiv • Do not subject the computer to heavy shock or vibration. • Do not expose the computer to dust or dirt. • 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.
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 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 Cleaning and servicing
Frequently asked questions 19 Battery pack 22 Taking your notebook PC with you 26 Securing your computer 30 Expanding through options 32 Power management Troubleshooting 34 35 Requesting service Before you call 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 Disconnecting from the desktop Moving around Preparing the computer What to bring to meetings Ta
Error messages 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 35 36 36 37 37 37 38 38 40 40
English 1 Acer eRecovery Management If your computer experiences problems that are not recoverable by other methods, you may need to reinstall the Windows operating system and factoryloaded 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.
2 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.
English 3 The Create Factory Default Backup dialog box tells you 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 ready before continuing. 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.
4 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.
English 5 The Create Factory Default Backup dialog box opens. This dialog box tells you the estimated size of the backup file on your USB flash drive. 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’.
6 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. 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.
English 7 1 Click Start > All Programs > Acer, then click Acer eRecovery Management. - OR If you are recovering from your driver and application recovery disc, insert it into the disc drive, then go to Step 3 after the Acer Application Recovery main menu opens. 2 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.
8 Select the restore point you want, click Next, then Finish. A confirmation message box will appear. 4 Click Yes. Your system is restored using the restore point you specified. This process may take several minutes, and may restart your computer. 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.
English 9 Recovering from the hard drive during startup To reinstall Windows and all pre-installed software and drivers: 1 Turn on your computer, then press + during startup to open Acer eRecovery Management. 2 Click Restore Operating System to Factory Defaults. Warning: Continuing the process will erase all files on your hard drive. 3 Click Next. Your hard drive’s original, factory-loaded contents will be recovered. This process will take several minutes.
10 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. 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.
English 11 1 Click Start > All Programs > Acer, then click Acer eRecovery Management. - OR If you are recovering from your driver and application recovery backup, insert the USB flash drive into a USB port. Open the USB flash drive in Windows Explorer and double-click Recovery. 2 Click Reinstall Drivers or Application from a USB device. 3 Click Contents to show a list of software and device drivers.
12 Click Yes. Your system is restored using the restore point you specified. This process may take several minutes, and may restart your computer. 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.
English 13 Recovering from the hard drive during startup To reinstall Windows and all pre-installed software and drivers: 1 Turn on your computer, then press + during startup to open Acer eRecovery Management. 2 Click Restore Operating System to Factory Defaults. Warning: Continuing the process will erase all files on your hard drive. 3 Click Next. Your hard drive’s original, factory-loaded contents will be recovered. This process will take several minutes.
14 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) 1 2 3 The following items show you how to use the touchpad with two buttons. • Move your finger across the touchpad to move the cursor.
English 15 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. Tapping harder will not increase the touchpad's responsiveness. Note: By default, vertical and horizontal scrolling is enabled on your touchpad. It can be disabled under Mouse settings in Windows Control Panel.
16 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 17 Windows keys The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions. Key Description Windows key Pressed alone it launches the Start menu.
18 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 19 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 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.
20 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. I want to restore my computer to its original settings without recovery CDs.
English 21 Important! This feature occupies 6 GB in a hidden partition on your hard disk. Requesting service 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.
22 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.
English 23 Warning: Do not expose battery packs to temperatures below 0° C (32° F) or above 45° C (113° F). Extreme temperatures may adversely affect the battery pack. By following the battery conditioning process you condition your battery to accept the maximum possible charge. Failure to follow this procedure will prevent you from obtaining the maximum battery charge, and will also shorten the effective lifespan of the battery.
24 To charge the battery, first make sure that it is correctly installed in the battery bay. Plug the AC adapter into the computer, and connect to a mains power outlet. You can continue to operate your computer on AC power while your battery is charging. However, charging the battery with the computer turned off results in a significantly faster charge time. Note: You are advised to charge the battery before retiring for the day.
English 25 When the battery-low warning appears, the recommended course of action depends on your situation: Situation Recommended Action The AC adapter and a power outlet are available. 1. Plug the AC adapter into the computer, and then connect to the mains power supply. 2. Save all necessary files. 3. Resume work. Turn off the computer if you want to recharge the battery rapidly. An extra fully charged battery pack is available. 1. Save all necessary files. 2. Close all applications. 3.
26 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. 6 Disconnect the keyboard, pointing device, printer, external monitor and other external devices.
English 27 Note: If the Sleep indicator is off, the computer has entered Hibernation mode and is turned off. If the power indicator is off but the Sleep indicator is on, the computer has entered Sleep mode. In both cases, press and release the power button to turn the computer back on. Note that the computer may enter Hibernation mode after being in Sleep mode for a period of time.
28 Follow these guidelines to protect your computer while traveling to and from work: • Minimize the effects of temperature changes by keeping the computer with you. • 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.
English 29 Special considerations In addition to the guidelines for taking the computer home, follow these guidelines to protect your computer while traveling: • Always take the computer as carry-on luggage. • 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. • Avoid exposing floppy disks to hand-held metal detectors.
30 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 The notebook comes with a Kensington-compatible security slot for a security lock. Wrap a computer security lock cable around an immovable object such as a table or handle of a locked drawer. Insert the lock into the notch and turn the key to secure the lock.
English 31 Entering passwords When a password is set, a password prompt appears in the center of the display screen. • When the Supervisor Password is set, a prompt appears when you press to enter the BIOS utility at boot-up. • Type the Supervisor Password and press to access the BIOS utility. If you enter the password incorrectly, a warning message appears. Try again and press .
32 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 Ethernet-based network.
English 33 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.
34 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 35 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.
36 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.
English 37 Notice: Canadian users 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.
38 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.
English 39 notebook PC series shall be used in such a manner that the potential for human contact during normal operation is minimized as follows: RF exposure warning The equipment complies with FCC RF exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. The antenna(s) used for this transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter. RF exposure information (SAR) This notebook PC meets the government's requirements for exposure to radio waves.
40 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. Ce dispositif est conforme la norme CNR–210 d'Industrie Canada applicable aux appareils radio exempts de licence.
