Acer 3250 Series - Manual

viii First things first We would like to thank you for making an Acer notebook your choice for meeting your mobile computing needs. Your guides To help you use your Acer notebook, we have designed a set of guides: Basic care and tips for using your computer Turning your computer on and off To turn o...

ix To turn the power off, do any of the following: • Use the Windows shutdown commandClick on Start, Turn Off Computer, then click on Turn Off. • Use the power buttonYou can also shut down the computer by closing the display cover, or by pressing the sleep hotkey <Fn> + <F4>. Note: If yo...

Information for your safety and comfort iii Safety instructions iii Disposal instructions v Tips and information for comfortable use vi First things first viii Your guides viii Basic care and tips for using your computer viii Turning your computer on and off viii Taking care of your computer ix Taki...

1 Em powe ring Tech nology Acer Empowering Technology Acer's innovative Empowering Technology toolbar makes it easy for you to access frequently used functions and manage your new Acer computer. Displayed by default in the upper-right corner of your screen, it features the following handy utilities:...

2 Em po w eri ng Te ch no lo g y Acer eNet Management (for selected models) Acer eNet Management helps you to quickly and easily connect to both wired and wireless networks in a variety of locations. To access this utility, either click on the "Acer eNet Management" icon on your notebook, or...

4 Em po w eri ng Te ch no lo g y Acer ePower Management Acer ePower Management features a straightforward user interface. To launch it, select Acer ePower Management from the Empowering Technology interface. AC mode (Adapter mode) The default setting is "Maximum Performance." You can adjust ...

7 Em powe ring Tech nology Acer ePresentation Management Acer ePresentation Management lets you project your computer's display to an external device or projector using the hot key: Fn + F5. If auto-detection hardware is implemented in the system and the external display supports it, your system dis...

8 Em po w eri ng Te ch no lo g y Acer eDataSecurity Management (for selected models) Acer eDataSecurity Management is a handy file encryption utility that protects your files from being accessed by unauthorized persons. It is conveniently integrated with Windows Explorer as a shell extension for qui...

9 Em powe ring Tech nology Acer eLock Management Acer eLock Management is a security utility that allows you to lock your removable data, optical and floppy drives to ensure that data can't be stolen while your notebook is unattended. • Removable data devices — includes USB disk drives, USB pen driv...

11 Em powe ring Tech nology Acer eRecovery Management Acer eRecovery Management is a powerful utility that does away with the need for recovery disks provided by the manufacturer. The Acer eRecovery Management utility occupies space in a hidden partition on your system's hard drive. By default, user...

13 Em powe ring Tech nology Acer eSettings Management Acer eSettings Management allows you to inspect hardware specifications, change BIOS passwords or other Windows settings, and to monitor the system health status. Acer eSettings Management also: • Provides a simple graphical user interface for na...

14 Em po w eri ng Te ch no lo g y Acer ePerformance Management Acer ePerformance Management is a system optimization tool that boosts the performance of your Acer computer. It provides an express optimization method to release unused memory and disk space quickly. The user can also enable advanced o...

15 Eng lis h Your Acer notebook tour After setting up your computer as illustrated in the Just for Starters... poster, let us show you around your new Acer notebook. Front view # Icon Item Description 1 Display screen Also called Liquid-Crystal Display (LCD), displays computer output. 2 Status indic...

16 English Closed front view 3 Keyboard For entering data into your computer. 4 Touchpad Touch-sensitive pointing device which functions like a computer mouse. 5 Click buttons (left, center and right) The left and right buttons function like the left and right mouse buttons; the center button serves...

18 English Left view # Icon Item Description 1 Kensington lock slot Connects to a Kensington-compatible computer security lock. 2 Optical drive Internal optical drive; accepts CDs or DVDs. 3 Optical disk access indicator Lights up when the optical drive is active . 4 Optical drive eject button Eject...

19 Eng lis h Right view # Icon Item Description 1 PC Card slot Accepts one Type II PC Card. 2 PC Card slot eject button Ejects the PC Card from the slot. 3 USB 2.0 ports Connect to USB 2.0 devices (e.g., USB mouse, USB camera). 4 Ventilation slots Enable the computer to stay cool, even after prolong...

20 English Rear view # Icon Item Description 1 DC-in jack Connects to an AC adapter. 2 External display (VGA) port Connects to a display device (e.g., external monitor, LCD projector). 3 Battery Powers the computer.

21 Eng lis h Base view # Item Description 1 Battery lock Locks the battery in position. 2 Cooling fan Helps keep the computer cool.Note: Do not cover or obstruct the opening of the fan. 3 Acer DASP (Disk Anti-Shock Protection) Protects the hard disk drive from shocks and bumps. (for TravelMate 3250)...

22 English Specifications Operating system • Windows ® Vista ™ Capable • Genuine Windows ® XP Professional (Service Pack 2) • Genuine Windows ® XP Home Edition (Service Pack 2) Windows ® Vista ™ Capable PCs come with Windows ® XP installed, and can be upgraded to Windows ® Vista ™ . For more informa...

28 English Indicators The computer has seven easy-to-read status indicators, including four on the front panel. The power, battery and wireless communication status indicators are visible even when the LCD display is closed. Icon Function Description Caps Lock Lights up when Caps Lock is activated. ...

30 English Touchpad The 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 The following items show yo...

32 English Using the keyboard 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. The embedded numeric keypad functions like...

33 Eng lis h Windows keys The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions. Key Description Windows key Pressed alone, this key has the same effect as clicking on the Windows Start button; it launches the Start menu. It can also be used with other keys to provide a variety of functi...

34 English Hotkeys The computer employs hotkeys or key combinations to access most of the computer's controls like screen brightness, volume output and the BIOS utility.To activate hotkeys, press and hold the <Fn> key before pressing the other key in the hotkey combination. Hotkey Icon Functio...

36 English Special key You can locate the Euro symbol and the US dollar sign at the upper-center and/or bottom-right of your keyboard. The Euro symbol 1 Open a text editor or word processor. 2 Either press < > at the bottom-right of the keyboard, or hold <Alt Gr> and then press the <5...

37 Eng lis h Ejecting the optical (CD or DVD) drive tray Press the drive eject button to eject the optical drive tray when the computer is on. Insert a clip to the emergency eject hole to eject the optical drive tray when the computer is off. Using a computer security lock The notebook comes with a ...

38 English Audio The computer comes with 32-bit Intel High Definition (HD) audio, and dual stereo speakers. Adjusting the volume Adjusting the volume on the computer is as easy as pressing some buttons. See "Hotkeys" on page 34 for more information on adjusting the speaker volume.

39 Eng lis h Acer OrbiCam The Acer OrbiCam is a 1.3 megapixel or 310,000 pixel CMOS camera appropriately mounted on top of the LCD panel. The camera's 225-degree ergonomic rotation allows you to capture high-resolution photos or videos up front or at the back of the LCD panel. The Acer OrbiCam fully...

40 English Launching the Acer OrbiCam To launch the Acer OrbiCam, double-click on the Acer OrbiCam logo in the desktop. OR Click Start > All Programs > Acer > Acer OrbiCam. The Acer OrbiCam capture window appears. Changing the Acer OrbiCam settings Resolution To change the capture resolutio...

42 English Capture settings From the Camera Settings window, click the Driver Settings button. The Properties window appears. Device Settings allows you to change the camera brightness, contrast, hue, saturation, sharpness, etc. Advanced Settings allows you to activate gain control, implement image ...

46 English Using the system utilities Note: The system utilities work under Microsoft Windows XP only. Acer GridVista (dual-display compatible) Note: This feature is only available on certain models. To enable the dual monitor feature of your notebook, first ensure that the second monitor is connect...

47 Eng lis h Acer GridVista is simple to set up:1 Run Acer GridVista and select your preferred screen configuration for each display from the taskbar. 2 Drag and drop each window into the appropriate grid. 3 Enjoy the convenience of a well-organized desktop. Note: Please ensure that the resolution s...

48 English You can access the Launch Manager by clicking on Start, All Programs, and then Launch Manager to start the application. Norton AntiVirus Norton AntiVirus is an anti-virus software that finds and repairs infected files, and protects against viruses to keep your computer data safe and secur...

49 Eng lis h 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 on the power, but the computer does not start or boot up. Look at the power indicator: • If it is not lit, no powe...

52 English Requesting service International Travelers Warranty (ITW) Your computer is backed by an International Travelers Warranty (ITW) that gives you security and peace of mind when traveling. Our worldwide network of service centers are there to give you a helping hand. An ITW passport comes wit...

53 Eng lis h Taking your notebook PC with you This section gives you tips and hints to consider when moving around or traveling with your computer. Disconnecting from the desktop Follow these steps to disconnect your computer from external accessories: 1 Save any open files. 2 Remove any media, flop...

54 English 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...

55 Eng lis h Special considerations 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 th...

56 English 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...

57 Eng lis h Securing your computer 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 A security keylock not...

58 English 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 <F2> to enter the BIOS utility at boot-up. • Type the Supervisor Password and press <Enter> to acces...

59 Eng lis h Expanding through options 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...

60 English Built-in network feature The built-in network feature allows you to connect your computer to an Ethernet-based network. To use the network feature, connect an Ethernet cable from the Ethernet (RJ-45) port on the chassis of the computer to a network jack or hub on your network. Universal S...

61 Eng lis h PC Card slot The Type II PC Card slot of the computer accepts PC Cards that enhance the usability and expandability of the computer. These cards should have a PC Card logo on them. PC Cards (formerly PCMCIA) are add-on cards for portable computers, giving you expansion possibilities lon...

62 English Installing memory Follow these steps to install memory: 1 Turn off the computer, unplug the AC adapter (if connected) and remove the battery pack. Then turn the computer over to access its base. 2 Remove the screws from the memory cover; then lift up and remove the memory cover. 3 (a) Ins...

63 Eng lis h 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. To activate t...

64 English Using software Playing DVD movies When the DVD drive module is installed in the optical drive bay, you can play DVD movies on your computer. 1 Eject the DVD tray and insert a DVD movie disk; then close the DVD tray. Important! When you launch the DVD player for the first time, the program...

65 Eng lis h 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. If no activity i...

67 Eng lis h Create factory default image CD When the System CD and Recovery CD are not available, you can create them by using this feature.1 Boot to Windows XP. 2 Press <Alt> + <F10> to open the Acer eRecovery Management utility. 3 Enter the password to proceed. The default password is...

68 English Change password Acer eRecovery Management and Acer disk-to-disk recovery are protected by a password that can be changed by the user. Follow the steps below to change the password in Acer eRecovery Management.1 Boot to Windows XP. 2 Press <Alt> + <F10> to open the Acer eRecove...

69 Eng lish Eng lis h 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 auth...

71 Eng lish Eng lis h Regulations and safety notices ENERGY STAR guidelines compliance As an ENERGY STAR partner, Acer Inc. has determined that this product meets the ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency. FCC notice This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class ...

72 English Operation conditions This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired ope...

73 Eng lish Eng lis h Your telephone company may make changes in its facilities, equipment, operations, or procedures that could affect the proper functioning of your equipment. If they do, you will be notified in advance to give you an opportunity to maintain uninterrupted telephone service.If this...

74 English Notice for New Zealand 1 The grant of a Telepermit for any item of terminal equipment indicates only that Telecom has accepted that the item complies with minimum conditions for connection to its network. It indicates no endorsement of the product by Telecom, nor does it provide any sort ...

75 Eng lish Eng lis h Laser compliance statement The CD or DVD drive used with this computer is a laser product. The CD or DVD drive's classification label (shown below) is located on the drive.CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCTCAUTION: INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION WHEN OPEN. AVOID EXPOSURE TO BEAM.APPAREIL A LASER...

76 English Radio device regulatory notice Note: Below regulatory information is for models with wireless LAN and/or Bluetooth only. General This product complies with the radio frequency and safety standards of any country or region in which it has been approved for wireless use. Depending on config...

77 Eng lish Eng lis h List of applicable countries EU member states as of May 2004 are: Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Spain, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, Finland, Sweden, United Kingdom Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slova...

79 Eng lish Eng lis h Federal Communications Comission Declaration of Conformity This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference received, in...

80 English Declaration of Conformity for CE Marking Is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of the following EC directives. The product specified above was tested conforming to the applicable Rules under the most accurate measurement standards possible, and all...

81 Eng lish Eng lis h LCD panel ergonomic specifications Design viewing distance 500 mm Design inclination angle 0.0° Design azimuth angle 90.0° Viewing direction range class Class IV Screen tilt angle 85.0° Design screen illuminance • Illuminance level: [250 + (250cos α )] lx where α = 85° • Color:...

83 Eng lis h Index A AC adapter caring for v audio adjusting the volume 33troubleshooting 38 B battery pack caring for vi BIOS utility 53brightness hotkeys 30 C caps lock 27 on indicator 23 care AC adapter vbattery pack vicomputer v CD-ROM ejecting manually 38troubleshooting 38 cleaning computer vi ...