ASUS Desktop PC M11AA User Manual
E8854 Second Edition Nov. 2013 Copyright © 2013 ASUSTeK Computer Inc. All Rights Reserved. No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written permission of ASUSTeK Computer Inc. (“ASUS”).
Contents Notices ........................................................................................................... 5 Safety information........................................................................................... 8 Conventions used in this guide....................................................................... 9 Where to find more information...................................................................... 9 Package contents..................................................
Contents Chapter 6 Using the utilities ASUS AI Suite II............................................................................................ 49 ASUS Smart Cooling System (optional)....................................................... 56 Recovering your system............................................................................... 58 Chapter 7 Troubleshooting Troubleshooting............................................................................................
Notices ASUS Recycling/Takeback Services ASUS recycling and takeback programs come from our commitment to the highest standards for protecting our environment. We believe in providing solutions for you to be able to responsibly recycle our products, batteries, other components, as well as the packaging materials. Please go to http://csr.asus.com/english/Takeback.htm for the detailed recycling information in different regions.
IC: Canadian Compliance Statement Complies with the Canadian ICES-003 Class B specifications. This device complies with RSS 210 of Industry Canada. This Class B device meets all the requirements of the Canadian interference-causing equipment regulations. This device complies with Industry Canada license exempt RSS standard(s).
RF Equipment Notices CE: European Community Compliance Statement The equipment complies with the RF Exposure Requirement 1999/519/EC, Council Recommendation of 12 July 1999 on the limitation of exposure of the general public to electromagnetic fields (0–300 GHz). This wireless device complies with the R&TTE Directive. Wireless Radio Use This device is restricted to indoor use when operating in the 5.15 to 5.25 GHz frequency band.
Safety information Disconnect the AC power and peripherals before cleaning. Wipe the Desktop PC using a clean cellulose sponge or chamois cloth dampened with solution of nonabrasive detergent and a few drops of warm water then remove any extra moisture with a dry cloth. • DO NOT place on uneven or unstable work surfaces. Seek servicing if the casing has been damaged. • DO NOT expose to dirty or dusty environments. DO NOT operate during a gas leak.
Conventions used in this guide To ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual. DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to complete a task. CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to complete a task. IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task. NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.
Package contents ASUS Desktop PC Keyboard x1 Mouse x1 Installation Guide Power cord x1 Support DVD (optional) x1 Recovery DVD (optional) x1 Installation Guide x1 Warranty card x1 Antenna (optional) x1 • If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer. • The illustrated items above are for reference only. Actual product specifications may vary with different models.
Chapter 1 Getting started Welcome! Thank you for purchasing the ASUS Desktop PC! The ASUS Desktop PC provides cutting-edge performance, uncompromised reliability, and user-centric utilities. All these values are encapsulated in a stunningly futuristic and stylish system casing. Read the ASUS Warranty Card before setting up your ASUS Desktop PC. Getting to know your computer Illustrations are for reference only. The ports and their locations, and the chassis color vary with different models.
Front panel ENGLISH 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1. ���������������������������������������������������������� MultiMediaCard(MMC) / xD-Picture (XD) / Secure Digital™ ��������������������� (SD) / High Capacity Secure Digital™(SDHC) / Memory Stick Pro™(MS/PRO) card slot. Insert a supported memory card into this slot. 2. ��������������� USB 2.0 ports. These Universal Serial Bus 2.0 (USB 2.0) ports connect to USB 2.0 devices such as a mouse, printer, scanner, camera, PDA, and others. 3.
1 2 ENGLISH Rear panel 3 5 4 6 7 8 9 11 10 13 12 16 DVI HDMI 20 18 19 14 15 17 1. �������������������������� Voltage selector switch. Switch to select the appropriate system input voltage. 2. ������������������ Power connector. Plug the power cord to this connector. 3. ����������� Air vents. These vents allow air ventilation. DO NOT block the air vents on the chassis. Always provide proper ventilation for your computer. 4.
9. ��������������� USB 3.0 ports. These Universal Serial Bus 3.0 (USB 3.0) ports connect to USB 3.0 devices such as a mouse, printer, scanner, camera, PDA, and others. ENGLISH • DO NOT connect a keyboard / mouse to any USB 3.0 port when installing Windows® operating system. • Due to USB 3.0 controller limitation, USB 3.0 devices can only be used under Windows® OS environment and after the USB 3.0 driver installation. • USB 3.0 devices can only be used as data storage only.
Port Headset 2-channel 4-channel 6-channel ENGLISH Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel configuration 8-channel Light Blue Line In Line In Line In Line In Lime Line Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Pink Mic In Mic In Mic In Mic In Orange – – Center/Subwoofer Center/Subwoofer Black – Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out Gray – – – Side Speaker Out 18. ���������������������������������������������� ASUS Graphics Card (on selected models only).
Setting up your computer ENGLISH This section guides you through connecting the main hardware devices, such as the external monitor, keyboard, mouse, and power cord, to your computer. Connecting an external monitor Using the ASUS Graphics Card (on selected models only) Connect your monitor to the display output port on the discrete ASUS Graphics Card. To connect an external monitor using the ASUS Graphics Card: 1. Connect a monitor to a display output port on the ASUS Graphics Card. 2.
Using the onboard display output ports ENGLISH Connect your monitor to the onboard display output port. To connect an external monitor using the onboard display output ports: 1. Connect a VGA monitor to the VGA port, or a DVI-D monitor to the DVI-D port, or an HDMI monitor to the HDMI port on the rear panel of your computer. 2. Plug the monitor to a power source. • If your computer comes with an ASUS Graphics Card, the graphics card is set as the primary display device in the BIOS.
Connecting a USB keyboard and a USB mouse ENGLISH Connect a USB keyboard and a USB mouse to the USB ports on the rear panel of your computer. DVI HDMI Connecting the power cord Connect one end of the power cord to the power connector on the rear panel of your computer and the other end to a power source.
Turning your computer ON This section describes how to turn on your computer after setting up your computer. ENGLISH Turning your computer ON To turn your computer ON: 1. Turn your monitor ON. 2. Press the power button on your computer. Power button 3. Wait until the operating system loads automatically. Turning your computer OFF To turn your computer OFF: 1. Close all running applications. 2. Click 3. Click ASUS M11AA on the Windows® desktop. to shut down the operating system.
ENGLISH 20 Chapter 1: Getting started
ENGLISH Chapter 2 Using Windows® 7 Starting for the first time When you start your computer for the first time, a series of screens appear to guide you in configuring the basic settings of your Windows® 7 operating system. To start for the first time: 1. Turn your computer on. Wait for a few minutes until the Set Up Windows screen appears. 2. From dropdown list, select your language, then click Next. 3.
Using Windows® 7 desktop ENGLISH Click the Start icon > Help and Support to obtain more information about Windows® 7. Using the Start menu The Start menu gives you access to programs, utilities, and other useful items on your computer. It also provides you with more information about Windows 7 through its Help and Support feature. Launching items from the Start menu To launch items from the Start menu: 1. From the Windows® taskbar, click the Start icon 2.
ENGLISH Pinning items on the jumplists When you right-click an icon on the taskbar, a jumplist launches to provide you with quickaccess to the program’s or item’s related links.You may pin items on the jumplist such as favorite websites, often-visited folders or drives, or recently played media files. To pin items to the jumplist: 1. From the taskbar, right-click an icon. 2. From the jumplist, right-click the item that you want to pin, then select Pin to this list.
Using the notification area ENGLISH By default, the notification area shows these three icons: Action Center notification Click this icon to display all the alert messages/notifications and launch the Windows® Action Center. Network connection This icon displays the connection status and signal strength of the wired or wireless network connection. Volume Click this icon to adjust the volume.
Exploring files and folders 1. Launch Windows® Explorer. 2. From the navigation or view pane, browse for the location of your data. 3. From the breadcrumb bar, click the arrow to display the contents of the drive or folder. ENGLISH To explore files and folders: Customizing the file/folder view To customize the file/folder view: 1. Launch Windows Explorer. 2. From the navigation pane, select the location of your data. 3. From the toolbar, click the View icon 4.
Adding a new folder ENGLISH To add a new folder: 1. Launch Windows Explorer. 2. From the toolbar, click New folder. 3. Key in a name for the new folder. You may also right-click anywhere on the View pane, click New > Folder. Backing up your files Setting up a backup To set up a backup: > All Programs > Maintenance > Backup and Restore. 1. Click 2. Click Set up backup. Click Next. 3. Select your backup destination. Click Next. 4.
Protecting your computer Using Windows® 7 Action Center ENGLISH Windows® 7 Action Center provides you with alert notifications, security information, system maintenance information, and the option to automatically troubleshoot and fix some common computer problems. You may customize the notifications. For more details, refer to the previous section Customizing icons and notifications in this chapter. Launching Windows® 7 Action Center To launch Windows® 7 Action Center: 1.
Setting up a user’s password ENGLISH To set up a user’s password: 1. Select the user that you would like to set a password. 2. Select Create a password. 3. Key in a password and confirm it. Key in your password’s hint. 4. When done, click Create password. Activating the anti-virus software Trend Micro Internet Security is pre-installed on your computer. It is a third-party anti-virus software protecting your computer from virus. It is purchased separately.
Chapter 3 ENGLISH Connecting devices to your computer Connecting a USB storage device This desktop PC provides USB 2.0/1.1 ports on both the front and rear panels and USB3.0 ports on the rear panel. The USB ports allow you to connect USB devices such as storage devices. To connect a USB storage device: • Insert the USB storage device to your computer. Front panel Rear panel DVI HDMI You can connect your USB storage devices to the USB 3.0 ports. To remove a USB storage device: 1.
Connecting microphone and speakers ENGLISH This desktop PC comes with microphone ports and speaker ports on both the front and rear panels. The audio I/O ports located on the rear panel allow you to connect 2-channel, 4-channel, 6-channel, and 8-channel stereo speakers. Connecting Headphone and Mic Connecting 2.
ENGLISH Connecting 4-channel Speakers Connecting 6-channel Speakers ASUS M11AA 31
Connecting 8-channel Speakers ENGLISH 32 Chapter 3: Connecting devices to your computer
Connecting multiple external displays ENGLISH Your desktop PC may come with VGA, HDMI, or DVI ports and allows you to connect multiple external displays. When a graphics card is installed in your computer, connect the monitors on the output ports of the graphics card. Setting up multiple displays When using multiple monitors, you are allowed to set display modes. You can use the additional monitor as a duplicate of your main display, or as an extension to enlarge your Windows desktop.
ENGLISH 3. Turn on your computer. 4. Do any of the following to open the Screen Resolution setting screen: > Control Panel > Appearance and Personalization > Display > Change • Click display settings. • Right click anywhere on your Windows desktop. When the pop-up menu appears, click Personalize > Display > Change display settings. 5. 6. 34 Select the display mode from the Multiple displays: drop-down list.
Connecting an HDTV ENGLISH Connect a High Definition TV (HDTV) to the HDMI port of your computer. • You need an HDMI cable to connect the HDTV and the computer. The HDMI cable is purchased separately. • To get the best display performance, ensure that your HDMI cable is less than 15 meters.
ENGLISH 36 Chapter 3: Connecting devices to your computer
ENGLISH Chapter 4 Using your computer Proper posture when using your Desktop PC When using your Desktop PC, maintaining the proper posture is necessary to prevent strain to your wrists, hands, and other joints or muscles. This section provides you with tips on avoiding physical discomfort and possible injury while using and fully enjoying your Desktop PC.
Using the memory card reader ENGLISH Digital cameras and other digital imaging devices use memory cards to store digital picture or media files. The built-in memory card reader on the front panel of your system allows you to read from and write to different memory card drives. To use the memory card: 1. Insert the memory card into the card slot. • A memory card is keyed so that it fits in only one direction. DO NOT force a card into a slot to avoid damaging the card.
1 ENGLISH Using the optical drive 2 3 Inserting an optical disc To insert an optical disc: 1. While your system is on, press the eject button below the drive bay cover to open the tray. 2. Place the disc to the optical drive with the label side facing up. 3. Push the tray to close it. 4. Select a program from the AutoPlay window to access your files.
Using the keyboard (on selected models only) ENGLISH The keyboard varies with models. The illustrations on this section are for reference only. ASUS KB34211 modern wired keyboard Hot keys Description Turns the volume’s mute mode on/off. Decreases the system volume. Increases the system volume.
ENGLISH Chapter 5 Connecting to the Internet Wired connection Use an RJ-45 cable to connect your computer to a DSL/cable modem or a local area network (LAN). Connecting via a DSL/cable modem To connect via a DSL/cable modem: 1. Set up your DSL/cable modem. Refer to the documentation that came with your DSL/cable modem. 2. Connect one end of an RJ-45 cable to the LAN (RJ-45) port on the rear panel of your computer and the other end to a DSL/cable modem. Modem DVI HDMI DVI HDMI RJ-45 cable 3.
Connecting via a local area network (LAN) ENGLISH To connect via a LAN: 1. Connect one end of an RJ-45 cable to the LAN (RJ-45) port on the rear panel of your computer and the other end to your LAN. DVI HDMI DVI HDMI RJ-45 cable 2. Turn on your computer. 3. Configure the necessary Internet connection settings. LAN • For more details, refer to the sections Configuring the network connection.
Configuring the network connection Configuring a dynamic IP/PPPoE network connection 1. Go to Start > Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center. 2. From the Network and Sharing Center screen, click Change Adapter settings. 3. Right-click on your LAN and select Properties. 4. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), then click Properties. 5. Select Obtain an IP address automatically if you want the IP settings to be assigned automatically.
Return to the Network and Sharing Center and then click Set up a new connection or network. 9. Select Connect to the Internet and click Next. 10. Select Broadband (PPPoE) and click Next. ENGLISH 8.
Enter your User name and, Password, and Connection name. Click Connect. 12. Click Close to finish the configuration. 13. Click the network icon in the taskbar and click the connection you just created. 14. Enter your user name and password. Click Connect to connect to the Internet. ENGLISH 11. Configuring a static IP network connection To configure a static IP network connection : 1. Repeat steps 1 to 4 of the previous section. 2 Click Use the following IP address. 3.
Wireless connection (on selected models only) Connect your computer to the Internet through a wireless connection. ENGLISH To establish a wireless connection, you need to connect to a wireless access point (AP). Wireless AP DVI HDMI Modem DVI HDMI • To increase the range and sensitivity of the wireless radio signal, connect the external antennas to the antenna connectors on the ASUS WLAN Card. • The external antennas are optional items.
Connecting to a Wi-Fi network 1. Click the network icon networks. 2. Select the wireless network that you want to connect to, then click Connect. 3. You may need to key in the network security key for a secured wireless network, then click OK. 4. Wait while your computer is connecting to the wireless network. 5. ENGLISH To connect to a Wi-Fi network: in the notification area to display the available wireless The wireless connection is established successfully.
ENGLISH 48 Chapter 5: Connecting to the Internet
ENGLISH Chapter 6 Using the utilities The Support DVD and Recovery DVD may not be included in the package. You may use the Recovery Partition feature to create the Support DVD and Recovery DVD. For details, refer to Recovering your system in this chapter. ASUS AI Suite II ASUS AI Suite II is an all-in-one interface that integrates several ASUS utilities and allows users to launch and operate these utilities simultaneously.
The Tool menu ENGLISH The Tool menu includes the EPU, Probe II, and Sensor Recorder panels. Launching and configuring EPU EPU is an energy-efficient tool that provides you with a total power-saving solution. It detects the current loading and intelligently adjusts the power usage in real-time. When you select the Auto mode, the system changes modes automatically according to the current system status.
Launching and configuring Probe II ENGLISH Probe II is a utility that monitors the computer’s vital components, and detects and alerts you of any problem with these components. Probe II senses fan rotations, CPU temperature, and system voltages, among others. With this utility, you are assured that your computer is always at a healthy operating condition. To launch Probe II: • Click Tool > Probe II on the AI Suite II main menu bar.
Launching and configuring Sensor Recorder ENGLISH Sensor Recorder allows you to monitor the changes in the system voltage, temperature, and fan speed, as well as recording the changes. To launch Sensor Recorder: • Click Tool > Sensor Recorder on the AI Suite II main menu bar. To configure Sensor Recorder: • Click the Voltage/Temperature/Fan Speed tabs and select the sensors that you want to monitor. • The History Record tab allows you to record the changes in the sensors that you enable.
The Monitor menu ENGLISH The Monitor menu includes the Sensor and CPU Frequency panels. Launching Sensor The Sensor panel displays the current value of a system sensor such as fan rotation, CPU temperature, and voltages. To launch Sensor: • Click Monitor > Sensor on the AI Suite II main menu bar. Launching CPU Frequency The CPU Frequency panel displays the current CPU frequency and CPU usage. To launch CPU frequency: • Click Monitor > CPU Frequency on the AI Suite II main menu bar.
ENGLISH Updating the BIOS through a BIOS file To update the BIOS through a BIOS file: 1. From the ASUS Update screen, select Update BIOS from file, then click Next. 2. Locate the BIOS file from the Open window, click Open, and click Next. 3. Click Yes if you want to change the boot logo, which is the image appearing on screen during the Power‑On Self-Tests (POST). Otherwise, click No. 4. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the update process.
The System Information screen • ENGLISH The System Information screen displays the information about the motherboard, CPU, and memory slots. Click the MB tab to see the details on the motherboard manufacturer, product name, version, and BIOS. • Click the CPU tab to see the details on the processor and the Cache. • Click the Memory tab and then select the memory slot to see the details on the memory module installed on the corresponding slot.
ASUS Smart Cooling System (optional) ENGLISH ASUS Smart Cooling System is an optional feature on selected models and may be purchased separately. Configuring the UEFI BIOS models ASUS Smart Cooling System maintains the internal system components through its air circulation after each system boot up. Follow these steps to configure this feature: 1. Enter the BIOS Setup program. For details, refer to the section Entering the BIOS Setup in Chapter 2. 2.
From the Monitor menu, select Clean Level and press to display its configuration options. 4. Select your preferred option from Clean Level’s four configuration options: ENGLISH 3. 5. • Disable: Disables the fan system and the fan operates under the Q-Fan settings. • Silent: 40% of the fan’s performance (poor performance but low noise) • Optimal: 70% of the fan’s performance (standard setting).
Recovering your system ENGLISH Recovery options on Windows® 7 Using the system recovery partition The system recovery partition quickly restores your Desktop PC’s software to its original working state. Before using the system recovery partition, copy your data files (such as Outlook PST files) to USB storage devices or to a network drive and make note of any customized configuration settings (such as network settings).
Using the Recovery DVD (on selected models) ENGLISH Remove the external hard disk drive before performing system recovery on your Desktop PC. According to Microsoft, you may lose important data because of setting up Windows on the wrong disk drive or formatting the incorrect drive partition. To use the Recovery DVD: 1. Insert the Recovery DVD into the optical drive. Your Desktop PC needs to be powered ON. 2.
ENGLISH 60 Chapter 6: Using the utilities
ENGLISH Chapter 7 Troubleshooting Troubleshooting This chapter presents some problems you might encounter and the possible solutions. ? ? My computer cannot be powered on and the power LED on the front panel does not light up. • Check if your computer is properly connected. • Check if the wall outlet is functioning. • Check if the Power Supply Unit is switched on. Refer to the section Turning your computer ON/OFF in Chapter 1. My computer hangs.
? ENGLISH ? ? ? No display on the monitor. • Check if the monitor is powered on. • Ensure that your monitor is properly connected to the video output port on your computer. • If your computer comes with a discrete graphics card, ensure that you connect your monitor to a video output port on the discrete graphics card. • Check if any of the pins on the monitor video connector is bent. If you discover bent pins, replace the monitor video connector cable.
The picture on the HDTV is distorted. • It is caused by the different resolutions of your monitor and your HDTV. Adjust the screen resolution to fit your HDTV. To change the screen resolution: ENGLISH ? Do any of the following to open the Screen Resolution setting screen: Do any of the following to open the Screen Resolution setting screen: 1. > Control Panel > Appearance and Personalization > • Click Display > Change display settings. • R ight click anywhere on your Windows desktop.
ENGLISH Power Problem No power (The power indicator is off) Possible Cause Action Incorrect power voltage • S et your computer’s power voltage switch to your area’s power requirements. • Adjust the voltage settings. Ensure that the power cord is unplugged from the power outlet. Your computer is not turned on. Press the power key on the front panel to ensure that your computer is turned on. Your computer’s power cord is not properly connected.
Problem Cannot access the Internet Possible Cause Action The LAN cable is not connected. Connect the LAN cable to your computer. LAN cable problems Ensure the LAN LED is on. If not, try another LAN cable. If it still does not work, contact the ASUS service center. Your computer is not properly connected to a router or hub. ENGLISH LAN Ensure that your computer is properly connected to a router or hub. Network settings Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for the correct LAN settings.
ENGLISH System Problem System speed is too slow The system often hangs or freezes. 66 Possible Cause Action Too many programs are running. Close some of the programs. Computer virus attack • Use an anti-virus software to scan for viruses and repair your computer. • Reinstall the operating system. Hard disk drive failure • Send the damaged hard disk drive to ASUS Service Center for servicing. • Replace with a new hard disk drive.
Problem Too noisy right after turning on the computer. Computer is too noisy when in use. Possible Cause Action Your computer is booting up. It is normal. The fan runs on its full speed when the computer is powering on. The fan slows down after entering the OS. The BIOS settings have been changed. Restore the BIOS to its default settings. Old BIOS version Update the BIOS to the latest version. Visit the ASUS Support site at http://support.asus.com to download the latest BIOS versions.
ASUS contact information ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. Address Telephone Fax E-mail Web site Technical Support Telephone Online support 15 Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan 11259 +886-2-2894-3447 +886-2-2890-7798 info@asus.com.tw www.asus.com.tw +86-21-38429911 support.asus.