ASUS Essentio Desktop PC CM1831 User Manual
E6762 First Edition August 2011 Copyright © 2011 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........................................................................................... 7 Conventions used in this guide....................................................................... 8 Where to find more information...................................................................... 8 Package contents..................................................
Contents Chapter 6: Using the utilities ASUS AI Manager......................................................................................... 47 ASUS EPU-4 Engine.................................................................................... 50 ASUS Update............................................................................................... 54 ASUS MyLogo2™......................................................................................... 55 Ai Charger...............................
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.
RF exposure warning This equipment must be installed and operated in accordance with provided instructions and the antenna(s) used for this transmitter must be installed to provide a separation distance of at least 20 cm from all persons and must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter. End-users and installers must be provide with antenna installation instructions and transmitter operating conditions for satisfying RF exposure compliance.
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 C ASUS Essentio Desktop PC Keyboard x1 Mouse x1 Installation Guide Power cord x1 Warranty card x1 Nero 9 burning software DVD x1 (optional) Installation Guide x1 Antenna (optional) x2 • 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 Essentio CM1831 Desktop PC! The ASUS Essentio CM1831 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.
ENGLISH 1. ��������������� 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. 2. ����������������� Microphone port ������� (pink). This port connects to a microphone. 3. ���������������� Headphone port ������� (lime). This port connects to a headphone or speaker. 4. �������������� Power button. Press this button to turn on your computer. 5. ��������������������������������� Optical disk drive eject button.
1. ������������������ Power connector. Plug the power cord to this connector. ENGLISH 2. ��������������� Power switch. Switch to turn ON/OFF the power supply to your computer. 3. ��������������� 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. 4. ����������� HDMI port.
13. ������������������������ Expansion slot bracket. Remove the expansion slot bracket when installing an expansion card. ENGLISH 14. ���������������� ASUS WLAN Card �������������������������� (on selected models only). This optional WLAN card allows your computer to connect to a wireless network. 15. �������������������� ASUS Graphics Card �������������������������� (on selected models only). The display output ports on this optional ASUS Graphics Card may vary with different models. 16.
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.
ENGLISH Using the onboard display output ports 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. C 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/OFF This section describes how to turn on/off your computer after setting up your computer. ENGLISH Turning your computer ON To turn your computer ON: 1. Turn on the power switch. 2. Turn your monitor ON. 3. Press the power button on your computer. Power button 4. Wait until the operating system loads automatically. Turning your computer OFF To turn your computer OFF: 18 1. Close all running applications. 2. Click 3. Click on the Windows® desktop.
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.
Pinning items on the jumplists ENGLISH 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.
ENGLISH Adding a new folder 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.
ENGLISH Protecting your computer Using Windows® 7 Action Center 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.
ENGLISH Setting up a user’s password 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 the front panel and USB 3.0 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 To remove a USB storage device: 1. Click from the Windows notification area on your computer, then click Eject USB2.0 FlashDisk or Eject USB3.
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.
ENGLISH Connecting 4-channel Speakers Connecting 6-channel Speakers ASUS CM1831 29
Connecting 8-channel Speakers ENGLISH 30 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 > • Click Change display settings. • Right click anywhere on your Windows desktop. When the pop-up menu appears, click Personalize > Display > Change display settings. 5. 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.
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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. 1 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.
ENGLISH Using the optical drive 2 1 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 multimedia keyboard (on selected models only) ENGLISH The keyboard varies with models. The illustrations on this section are for reference only. ASUS PRIMAX/KB2621 keyboard Keys 1. 2. 3. Description 1 2 3 4 5 6 Decreases the system volume. Turns the volume’s mute mode on/off. Increases the system volume. 4. Goes to the previous track in a media player. 5. Plays or pauses playback in a media player. 6. Goes to the next track in a media player.
1 2 ENGLISH ASUS KB34211 modern wired keyboard 3 Hot keys 1. 2. 3. Description Turns the volume’s mute mode on/off. Decreases the system volume. Increases the system volume. The special function keys only work on Windows® Vista / Windows® 7 / XP operating systems.
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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 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. RJ-45 cable 2. Turn on your computer. 3. Configure the necessary Internet connection settings. LAN Contact your network administrator for details or assistance in setting up your Internet connection.
Wireless connection (on selected models only) ENGLISH Connect your computer to the Internet through a wireless connection. To establish a wireless connection, you need to connect to a wireless access point (AP). Wireless AP Modem • To increase the range and sensitivity of the wireless radio signal, connect the external antennas to the antenna connectors on the ASUS WLAN Card. • Place the antennas on the top of your computer for the best wireless performance. • The external antennas are optional items.
To connect to a wireless network: ENGLISH 44 in the notification area to display the available wireless 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.
Wait while your computer is connecting to the wireless network. ENGLISH 4. 5. The wireless connection is established successfully. The connection status is displayed and the network icon displays the connected ASUS CM1831 status.
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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 Manager ASUS AI Manager is a utility which gives you quick and easy access to frequently-used applications. Installing AI Manager To install AI Manager: 1. Place the support DVD in the optical drive.
ENGLISH Click the Maximize/restore button to switch between full window and quick bar. Click the Minimize button to keep the AI Manager on the taskbar. Click the Close button to quit the AI Manager. Main The Main menu contains four utilities: AI Disk, AI Security, AI Booting, and AI Probe. Click the arrow on the Main menu icon to browse through the utilities in the main menu. AI Disk AI Disk allows you to easily clear temporary IE files, IE cookies, IE URLs, IE history, or the Recycle Bin.
My Favorites 1. Click Add, then locate the application you want to add to My Favorites. 2. Click Open on the file location window. The application is added to My Favorites list. ENGLISH My Favorites allows you to add applications that you frequently use, saving you from searching for the applications throughout your computer. To add an application: Right click on the application icon to launch, delete, or rename the selected application. You can also double click to launch the selected application.
ASUS EPU-4 Engine ENGLISH ASUS EPU-4 Engine is an energy-efficient tool that provides you with a total system power-saving solution. It detects the current computer loading and intelligently adjusts the power in real-time. It automatically adjusts the power usage for the CPU, VGA card, hard drives, and CPU fan. It provides you with these modes to choose from: Auto, High Performance, and Maximum Power Saving Mode. Refer to the section ASUS EPU-4 main screen for more details about these modes.
ASUS EPU-4 main screen 2 3 4 ENGLISH 1 5 10 6 9 8 7 1 CPU status Displays the current CPU power and the total CPU power saved. 2 VGA card status Displays the status of the graphics card. If your graphics card is not compatible with the motherboard, a “No VGA card detected” message appears. Refer to the ASUS VGA QVL List at http://event.asus.com/mb/EPU-4_Engine/ for compatible VGA cards.
ENGLISH 3 HDD status Lights up when the power saving mode is activated. 4 Fan status Display the current fan status. 5 CO2 Emission button Displays the current or total reduced CO2 emission. 6 Mode properties Displays the properties of each mode. 7 Exit button Closes the ASUS EPU-4 utility, 8 Calibrate button Allows the system to detect the CPU properties for optimal power management. 9 Setting button Click this button to configure the mode settings.
Configuring the mode settings 1. From the ASUS EPU-4 main menu, click Setting to launch the Setting screen. 2. Click the the 3. Configure any of these mode settings: • vCore Voltage Downgrade: Lowers CPU vCore voltage. tab to configure the settings of High Performance mode. Click tab to configure the settings of Maximum Power Saving mode. • Heavy: Downgrades voltage to the highest level for CPU power saving. • Medium: Downgrades voltage to the medium level.
ASUS Update ENGLISH The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard BIOS in Windows® environment. • ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an Internet Service Provider (ISP). • This utility is available in the support DVD. Installing ASUS Update To install ASUS Update: 1. Place the support DVD in the optical drive. The Drivers menu appears. If Autorun is disabled, double-click the setup.
ASUS MyLogo2™ ENGLISH The ASUS MyLogo2™ utility lets you customize the boot logo. The boot logo is the image that appears on screen during the Power‑On Self-Tests (POST). ASUS MyLogo2™ is automatically installed when you install the ASUS Update utility from the Support DVD. • Obtain the latest BIOS file from the ASUS website at www.asus.com. • You can create your own boot logo image in GIF file format. To launch ASUS MyLogo2™: 1. Launch the ASUS Update utility.
Ai Charger ENGLISH Ai Charger is a unique software that allows you to quickly charge your Apple devices such as iPod, iPhone, and iPad on your ASUS computer’s USB 2.0 / USB 3.0 port. • There is no setting screen for Ai Charger. After its installation on your computer, the Ai Charger icon appears on the Windows® taskbar. • The Ai Charger icon ( USB port. ) shows if an Apple device is connected on your computer’s • Your Apple device can only be detected if its Apple USB driver is properly installed in it.
Drive ENGLISH Allows your to retrieve all your backups, synced files, share groups and password protected data from here. Right-click the mouse to preview files before downloading or generating a sharing URL. Backup To backup your most important data with simple steps: preset a backup shcedule with your preferences in cloud storage; or select “Auto Backup” for complete data backup.
ASUS Easy Update ENGLISH ASUS Easy Update is a software tool that automatically detects the latest drivers and applications for your system. 58 1. From the Windows ® notification area, right-click the ASUS Easy Update icon. 2. Select Schedule to set how often you want to update your system. 3. Select Update to activate the update. 4. Click OK to display the items you can download. 5. Check the item(s) you want to download, and then click OK.
Nero 9 ENGLISH Nero 9 allows you to create, copy, burn, edit, share, and update different kinds of data. Installing Nero 9 To install Nero 9: 1. Insert the Nero 9 DVD into your optical drive. 2. If Autorun is enabled, the main menu appears automatically. If Autorun is disabled, double-click the SeupX.exe file from the main directory of your Nero 9 DVD. 3. From the main menu, click Nero 9 Essentials. 4. Select the language you want to use for Installation Wizard. Click Next. 5.
Recovering your system ENGLISH Using the Recovery Partition The Recovery Partition quickly restores your Desktop PC’s software to its original working state. Before using the 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).
ENGLISH Using the Recovery DVD (on selected models) Prepare 1~3 blank writable DVDs as instructed to create the Recovery DVD. 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.
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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: 1. ENGLISH ? Do any of the following to open the Screen Resolution setting screen: > 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. 68 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.
