Quick Start & Troubleshooting Guide T ABLE OF C ONTENTS Product Registration 2 Important Information 3 Computer Basics 4 Safety and Comfort ..................................................... 4 Safety Precautions ............................................... 4 Health Precautions............................................... 5 Getting to Know your Computer.................................. 6 Control Devices (Keyboard/Touchpad)................. 6 Touchscreen (optional) .............................
P RODUCT R EGISTRATION When using your computer for the first time, it is recommended that you immediately register it.
I MPORTANT I NFORMATION Thank you for purchasing a Packard Bell computer! This guide has been designed to introduce you to the features of your computer and assist in your computing experience. It will also help you maintain your computer and troubleshoot in case you encounter a problem. To make the most of your computer, Packard Bell recommends you perform the actions described below before you start working with your computer.
C O M P U T E R B ASICS SAFETY AND COMFORT Safety Precautions Please follow the guidelines below to use your computer comfortably and to avoid health problems. Computer Environment Make sure that the computer: • Is used on a stable surface, stand or table. A fall can seriously damage the computer. • Is not used on a surface that vibrates, or used when taking part in sport, exercise or other activities in a dynamic environment.
Servicing your Computer Do not attempt to service your computer yourself, as opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage or other risks. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR COMPUTER Control Devices (Keyboard/Touchpad) Keyboard The keyboard is used to enter text or commands. The functions of the keys depend on the program you are using. The keyboard displayed in this guide is just an example. The layout of your keyboard may vary slightly. For a full description of your keyboard, please refer to InfoCentre. 1 2 3 9 4 8 10 7 5 6 6 1. Numbers: Used to enter numbers and special characters.
Click one of the touchpad buttons to select or activate the command the cursor is pointing at. Ensure that you use a light touch on the touchpad surface. 1. Left-click to select the item under the pointer. Double-click to start the program under the cursor, or select an entire word when typing text. 2. Right-click to bring up a pop-up menu. 3. Two quick taps on the surface of a touchpad will perform the same action as a double-click.
Virtual keyboard A virtual keyboard is available for text input while using a touchscreen. To open the virtual keyboard, tap the screen and then tap the Input Panel tab that appears on the left edge of the screen. When you open the virtual keyboard, it will appear on top of any open windows. You may move it to a convenient position on the screen. You can customize the virtual keyboard settings by selecting Start > Control Panel > Tablet PC Settings and in the Other tab select Go to Input Panel Settings.
Remote Control (optional) Enjoy all your favourite digital entertainment in one place with the easy-to-use Media Center (see page 21) and remote control! Installing the Remote Control and optional receiver Before starting Windows Media Center (see page 20), prepare the 1 remote control. 1. If your computer does not feature an internal infrared receiver, a USB receiver is required. If supplied, connect the USB receiver to a USB port on the computer. 2.
Removing a card from an External Card Reader 1. Click on the Safely Remove Hardware icon in the Notification Area (next to the clock). 2. Click on Eject SD Card (or the name of the device). 3. Wait until a Safe to Remove Hardware message is displayed. 4. Remove the card. 1 2 Optical Drives An optical drive is able to read from (or write to) a variety of CD or DVD discs (e.g. Audio CD, CD-ROM, DVD). Note: Small computers may omit larger devices such as optical drives.
1. Switch your computer off. 2. Carefully insert a straightened paper clip into the emergency eject port (if available). Do not use a pencil as the lead may break inside the eject port and damage the drive. ✓ Keep the disc tray closed whenever you are not using the drive. Do not touch the optical lens in the drive, if the lens is dirty, the optical drive may not function correctly. ✓ Do not wipe the lens with a normal cloth. Use a cotton swab to gently clean the lens.
✓ No peripherals (such as ExpressCards) or options (such as Wireless LAN features) are active or connected to your computer. ✓ The computer's hard disk drive, optical drive and processor are idling or under low load. Power management features are active. You may change the power settings of your computer by clicking on Start > Control Panel > System and Security > Power Options. ✓ Certain battery types require maintenance to avoid a reduction in battery life. ✓ Do not leave your battery in direct sunlight.
Expansion Ports USB (Universal Serial Bus) - USB ports allow you to connect many peripheral devices to your computer (for example: keyboard, printer, scanner). IEEE 1394 (FireWire) - An IEEE 1394 port (aka FireWire™ or i.LINK) allows you to connect high-speed digital devices to your computer, such as digital video cameras, external hard disk drives, or scanners. ExpressCard - This slot allows you to use an ExpressCard/34 or ExpressCard/54 expansion card.
Turning your Computer ON or OFF Turning your Computer ON 1. First, switch ON any devices connected to your computer by pressing the main power button on these devices. 2. Then switch ON your computer by pressing the main power button. To share the family computer and have your own system settings every time you turn on the computer, you can set up accounts for each user. You can access and modify your accounts at any time by clicking on Start > Control Panel > User Accounts and Family Safety.
Forced Shutdown If your computer doesn’t respond, then try using the Task Manager. This utility provides information about your system’s performance and displays details about programs and processes running on your computer. To do so, press the Ctrl+Alt+Del keys simultaneously and select Start Task Manager. Click on the Applications tab, select the task that you want to end and click on End Task. Warning: If your computer still does not respond, press the computer power button to turn your computer off.
transfer your valuable data in a few seconds. To make temporary backups, this is a lot quicker than burning a CD or DVD! High capacity drives are also ideal for storing your favourite music, photos and videos and take them with you everywhere you go! Warranty Packard Bell computers come with a limited warranty. For further peace of mind, optional PB Care packs let you extend the standard warranty up to three years (one year + two additional years) and upgrade to on-site service for your computer.
I NTERNET AND S OFTWARE USING WINDOWS AND YOUR SOFTWARE Packard Bell computers include software to help you use your computer; the programs and categories available on your computer depend on the model purchased. Most of this software is ’pre-installed’ and ready to be used; however some software may be provided on a CD or DVD and must first be installed if you wish to use it. To do so, insert the installation CD or DVD.
Packard Bell Recovery Management To prepare your computer for system recovery options, you should create a set of recovery discs as soon as possible. Recovery discs take some time to create, but for long-term reliability, the effort is worth it. Creating recovery discs 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.
3. Insert a blank disc into the drive indicated in the Burn to list, then click Next. The first disc begins recording, and you can watch its progress on the screen. When the disc finishes recording, the drive ejects 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’. 5. If multiple discs are required, insert a new disc when prompted, then click OK.
Your Computer's Documentation User’s Guide (Packard Bell InfoCentre) This guide is not the only reference for information about your computer! InfoCentre, your electronic user’s guide contains information for your computer, giving you the help you need directly on your screen. You need to update this electronic user’s guide in order to have specific information for the computer you have purchased.
One or more media programs are installed on your computer, Windows Media Player and optionally Windows Media Center are provided by Microsoft. Other media programs may have been installed by Packard Bell to provide an improved media experience. Windows Media Player Windows Media Player may be used to play MP3 or WMA audio files, CDs or most video files. Note: It is not recommended that you use Windows Media Player to play DVD movies.
Playing downloaded files Downloaded files may work with the media programs installed on your computer, or may require specific programs. Files that include DRM functions may only play in specific programs (e.g. iTunes, Windows Media Player) or only on devices certified for use with the each type of file. Other formats may require a specific audio or video codec that may not have been installed on your computer.
Connection Types Depending on your computer model, your location and your communication needs, you have several ways to connect to the Internet. Dial-Up Some computers include a telephone dial-up (‘modem’) connector. This allows you to connect to the Internet using your telephone line. With a dial-up connection, you cannot use the modem and the telephone simultaneously on a single phone line.
Installation Speed and Simplicity Installing a wireless LAN system can be fast and easy and eliminates the need to pull cables through walls and ceilings. Components of a Wireless LAN To set up your Wireless network at home you need to have the following: Access point (router) Access points (routers) are two-way transceivers that broadcast data into the surrounding environment. Access points act as a mediator between wired and wireless network.
Warning: Using wireless devices while flying in aircraft is prohibited. Switch off all devices before boarding an aircraft; they may be dangerous to the operation of the aircraft, disrupt communications, and even be illegal. Surf the Net! To surf the Internet, you need a program called an Internet browser. Internet Explorer provides an easy and secure web browsing experience.
your personal information). The address bar will turn yellow and a warning message will be displayed if you visit a suspected phishing site. Google Desktop (optional) Google Desktop™ is a free pre-installed application that allows you to easily search and personalise your Packard Bell computer. Google Desktop provides full-text search over your email, files, music, photos, chats, Web pages you've viewed, and more.
H ELPDESK SAFE COMPUTING To make the most of your new computer and ensure it runs smoothly for a long time, you should use the programs below and regularly perform the actions described in this guide. Maintenance Recommended maintenance tasks There are several tasks you should perform periodically (about once per month) to ensure your computer stays in good health: Error Checking Using the Check Disk tool regularly prevents your system from getting unreliable and information getting lost.
1. Perform a Disk Cleanup and close all open programs. 2. Click on Start > Computer. Right-click on the OS icon and select Properties. 3. Click on Tools and Defragment now.... 4. Click on the volume you want to defragment and click on Defragment to start. The whole process may take several hours to complete. It is best not to use your computer while running the Disk Defragmenter as any changes on your system may cause the process to restart.
Windows System Restore. System Restore monitors the changes to your computer and automatically creates restore points to revert to a previous time if necessary. It can undo harmful changes to your computer and restore its settings and performance, while saving your personal data files (such as documents, browsing history, drawings, favourites, or emails). Note: When you restore your computer you will need to reinstall any programs you installed after the restore point was created.
1. Click on Restore my computer to an earlier time, and then click on Next. 2. Select from the calendar the date when the restore point was created and click on Next. All the restore points that were created on the selected date are listed by name in the list box to the right of the calendar. 3. In the confirmation screen, click on Next to restore the computer to the selected date and time.
Definitions What is a Virus? Malicious software, typically called ‘viruses’, are programs designed to infect and damage computers. Most viruses are transmitted over the Internet, emails or malicious Web sites. A typical virus will replicate and pass itself undetected to multiple computers. Other forms of nuisance, such as Trojan horses, worms or spam can infect your computer in various ways, using up resources or clogging up a network.
Protect your computer with security software. Several types of security software are necessary for basic online security. Security software essentials include firewall and antivirus programs. A firewall is usually your computer's first line of defense-it controls who and what can communicate with your computer online.
data. Another sign that you have a secure connection is the small lock icon in the bottom of your web browser (usually the right-hand corner). ✓ Pay attention to privacy policies on Web sites and in software. It is important to understand how an organization might collect and use your personal information before you share it with them. ✓ Guard your email address. Spammers and phishers sometimes send millions of messages to email addresses that may or may not exist in hopes of finding a potential victim.
Certain program need access to the Internet to function properly, or even function at all. If this is the case, you will usually be asked to allow access when you install a program, or the first time you use it. To check firewall settings, click on Start > Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Firewall. Note: When you first start to use a Firewall it is in a ‘Learning mode’, you may see pop-up windows alerting you that certain programs you know and trust wish to access the internet.
Note: You may turn off the User Account Control Messages (not recommended) in the User Account Control settings window. Internet Explorer Security Settings Internet sites use small files called cookies to keep track of user preferences and information. You can adjust your Internet browser's security settings to determine how much -or how little- information you are willing to accept from a Web site. To access Internet Explorer security settings: 1. In Internet Explorer, click on Tools > Internet Options. 2.
H ELPDESK DIAGNOSE & REPAIR We all experience problems with our computer from time to time... Before calling the Customer Contact Centre, please read the following. This troubleshooting guide will help you diagnose and solve some common problems. Please note that the solutions proposed in either one of the cases below may not be limited to that specific case and may be used to solve other computer issues. Note: Check the latest fixes on www.packardbell.com.
Nothing displays on the screen Your computer is in suspend or power saving mode. 1. If the computer is in power saving mode, press a key on the keyboard to "wake up" the computer. 2. If the computer is in Sleep mode, press the power button. After a short pause the light should light up and you will be able to use your computer. A screen saver may be active. 1. Press a key to reactivate the display. 2. If you wish to change the screen saver properties: a.
Removing the battery 1. 2. 3. 4. Remove the battery. Usually, you just have to unlock it at the bottom of the base and pull it out. Leave the AC power adaptor plugged to both your computer and the wall socket. Try to switch your computer on and wait for at least 15 minutes. Check if the power adapter gets warm. Removing additional internal hardware Internal hardware could be items such as additional memory, a network card, etc. 1. Remove any additional internal device you have installed.
The screen freezes when the Windows logo displays During the start-up process, Windows runs a number of checks. If it detects incorrect settings, damaged or missing software or hardware components, the system will likely hang. To fix this, try to restart your computer using one of the options below. Start your computer in Safe Mode to use basic files and drivers. 1. Switch your computer on. 2. When the Packard Bell logo appears, press F8 to access the advanced startup options. 3.
Update your system files using Windows Update Windows Update is a catalogue of items such as drivers, security fixes, critical updates, the latest Help files, and Internet products that you can download to keep your computer running smoothly and up-to-date. 1. Click on Start > All Programs > Windows Update. 2. Select Check for updates and Yes when prompted to install any required software or device drivers.
Are there updates available for the erratic application(s)? If you do not notice improvement after reinstalling your program, please check the software editor's Website for updates. If the program was originally supplied with your computer, you may check the Packard Bell Support Website on www.packardbell.com for downloads as well. Is your computer up-to-date? Malicious programs such as virus and spyware can infect your computer and cause some of your programs to malfunction.
supply or motor driven appliances. Faulty fluorescent light assemblies or the proximity to high voltage lines can also cause distorted images. Place your computer as far as possible from these sources. Sound Upon Startup, My Computer Emits a Continuous Beeping Sound 1. There may be a stuck key on the keyboard or a stuck button on the touchpad: a. Switch your computer OFF. b. Press all the keys of your keyboard to ensure that no key is stuck. c. Tap the touchpad buttons to ensure that none of them are stuck.
You Cannot Connect to the Internet 1. Your account details have not been released yet. a. After you have just performed your online subscription with an Internet Service Provider (ISP), it is recommended that you restart your computer to complete the Internet setup process. b. The first time you use your Internet connection, your account may not be accepted immediately. Certain ISPs require a short setup period to process your account details.
You may have a telephone or fax program running; These use the modem and make it unavailable for other applications: a. Close all programs that might use the modem (e.g. telephone or fax software). b. Restart the computer. This will reset all connections. You are using DSL or cable connection 1. Your DSL connection has not been activated. Your ISP may need to contact your local telephone operator to activate DSL access on your line. Depending on the chosen provider, this may take several weeks.
Printer A printer may have been provided when you purchased your computer, or you may have purchased one later. Make sure you follow the installation instructions provided with the printer. My printer does not work The guidelines below cover the most common types of problems encountered with printers. Please read your printer's manual for specific instructions. Should you need further assistance, please contact the manufacturer of your printer.
1. Check your computer's specifications • System Information Click on Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Information. Select an item and click on the + to display more options. Note: For a quick overview of your computer's specifications, please read the model description on your computer's packaging. 2. Installing a program When you install a new program, first read the instructions included with it as installation instructions can vary from product to product. a.
H ELPDESK RECOVERING YOUR SYSTEM If the troubleshooting steps (page 36) did not help fix your problem, you can run the Packard Bell Recovery 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. Create recovery discs as soon as you can. You can use these discs later for recovering your system from significant hardware and software problems.
3. Click on Contents. A list of software and device drivers opens. 4. Click on the install icon for the item you want to install, then follow the on-screen 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.
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. Caution: This complete recovery deletes everything on your hard drive, then reinstalls Windows and all software and drivers that were pre-installed on your system.
R EGULATORY I NFORM ATION CE COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENT Products with the CE marking comply with both the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (2004/108/EC) and the Low Voltage Directive (2006/95/EC) issued by the Council of the European Communities.
You must unplug the power supply cord and remove the battery to disconnect the equipment from the power supply. In that aim, the socket-outlet should be installed near to the equipment and should be easily accessible. Input rating: Refer to the rating label on the bottom of the computer and ensure that your power adapter complies with the specified rating. Under no circumstances should the user attempt to disassemble the power supply. The power supply has no user-replaceable parts.
E NVIRONMENT PACKARD BELL’S COMMITMENT TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Environment has been at the heart of our products. Packard Bell is committed to limit the environmental impact of its products during product lifecycle. Starting at design phase, with a very strict procurement policy, maximum attention is given to electronic components in order to limit their weight in heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, chromium, mercury, etc. Suppliers are asked, for each part of any product, to respect all regulations.
S OFTWARE L I C E N S E Note: Most of the software applications are already preinstalled on your Packard Bell computer. They are ready to use or to set up. However, some titles require a CD or DVD to run. You will find these discs in your computer's packaging. Packard Bell License Agreement (CD and/or DVD Products). This copy of the original is your proof of license. Please treat it as valuable property. Important! Read carefully before installing the software.
I NDEX A E AC Adapter ......................................................................... 11, 13 Aerial......................................................................................... 13 Audio CDs........................................................................... 21, 42 Audio ports................................................................................ 13 Autoplay ...................................................................................
HDD management ............................................................ 28 Recovery Management Program ...................................... 18 System tools ..................................................................... 28 Malware.................................................................................... 31 Memory..................................................................................... 15 Memory card reader ..............................................................
USB............................................................................................ 13 User Account Control................................................................. 34 User’s Guide .............................................................................. 20 V VGA port.................................................................................... 13 Virtual keyboard........................................................................... 8 Volume controls ....................
