Acer 7100 Series - Manual

Contents v Getting Started ............................................................ 1 Unpacking Your Computer ........................... 1Taking Care of Your Computer ..................... 2 Cleaning ............................................... 3AC Adapter ......................................

Contents vii Mini Dock .................................................. 73Floppy Drive Cable ..................................... 75PS/2 Y-Bridge Cable .................................. 76File Transfer Cable ..................................... 77Battery Pack ......................................

Contents viii Canadian DOC Notice .............................. 137FCC Class B Radio Frequency Interference Statement .......................... 138 Index ........................................................................ 123

1 Getting Started 1 Congratulations on your purchase of theTravelMate 7100 series notebook computer.Guaranteed and backed by world-class support,you can be sure of top-notch performance fromyour new computer. This section guides youthrough the first few steps in setting up yourcomputer. Unpacking Yo...

Getting Started 2 Taking Care of Your Computer Your notebook will serve you well if you observethe following guidelines: q Do not expose the notebook to prolongeddirect sunlight, or sources of heat, such as aradiator. q Do not expose the notebook to temperaturesbelow 32ºF (0ºC) or above 122ºF (50ºC)...

Getting Started 3 Cleaning Before cleaning the notebook, always disconnectall power to the computer as follows: 1. Close the display lid to turn the notebook off. 2. Disconnect the AC adapter. 3. Remove the battery pack. To clean the notebook case, use a soft clothmoistened with water. Do not use li...

Getting Started 4 Battery Pack The long-lasting Lithium-Ion rechargeable batterypack provides power to your notebook on the go.Here are some things to keep in mind regardingthe battery pack: q Do not expose the battery pack totemperatures above 122°F (50°C). q Use the battery pack only with the Trav...

Getting Started 5 Powering Up Your Computer Powering up the computer is as easy as 1-2-3: 1. Insert the Battery Pack. Insert the batterypack into the batterycompartment and slidethe batterycompartment covertoward the rear of thenotebook until thecompartment coversnaps closed. compartment cover

Getting Started 6 Entering User Information When Windows 95 loads for the first time, enteryour user information. Have your Windows 95authentication number ready. (You can find thisnumber in the Windows 95 documentationpackage.) Creating Backup and Startup Diskettes Windows 95 prompts you to create ...

Getting Started 7 Using Diskettes Follow these guidelines when using diskettes withyour computer: q Always make backup copies of diskettes thatcontain important data or program files. q Keep diskettes away from magnetic fields andsources of heat. q Avoid removing a diskette from the drivewhen the fl...

Getting Started 8 Travel Tips Here are some tips on preparing your computer fortraveling: 1. Make diskette or tape backup copies of important files on the hard disk. 2. Close the display, making sure the cover latch is secure. 3. Disconnect the AC adapter and all peripherals. 4. Place the notebook, ...

Getting Started 9 8. If you are using a modem, check that if the telecommunications system of the country youare traveling in is compatible with the modemand its connector.

Getting Started 10 Getting Help This user’s guide provides clear and conciseinformation about your computer, so read itthoroughly. Technical Support Should you ever have a problem with yourTravelMate, or if you think something is notworking properly, call our technical support at(800) 816-2237. Plea...

2 System Tour 11 The Travelmate 7100 combines high-performance,versatility, multimedia capabilities, and anadvanced power management system in a uniqueergonomic and stylish case. Feature Summary The computer is packed with features that make itas easy to work with as it is to look at. Here aresome o...

System Tour 12 Multimedia and Communications q 16-bit stereo audio with built-in FMsynthesizer and 3D sound effect q Built-in microphone and dual angled stereospeakers q Support for simultaneous display on thebuilt-in screen and an external monitor forpresentations q Full-screen, 30 frames per secon...

System Tour 13 Expandability q CardBus PC Card (PCMCIA) slots (two typeII/I or one type III) with Zoomed Video portfunction q Mini-dock option with built-in CardBus slots(two type II/I or one type III) q USB port onboard q Upgradeable memory and hard disk

System Tour 14 Display The computer’s large graphical display offersexcellent viewing, with quality and performanceequal to desktop displays. Note: The computer is available with an activematrix TFT display. Opening and Closing the Display To open the display, slide the display lid latch tothe right...

System Tour 17 Keyboard The computer’s full-size keyboard includes lockkeys, an embedded keypad with cursor-controlkeys, Windows 95 keys, twelve function keys thatact as “hot keys” when used in combination withthe special Fn key. The keyboard also includes a built-in touchpadpointing device, an auto...

System Tour 19 Embedded Keypad The embedded keypad functions like a desktopnumeric keypad. It is marked by small charactersprinted in the upper right corner of the keycaps.(For simplicity, cursor-control symbols are notprinted on the keycaps.) To Use With NumLk On With NumLk Off Numeric keys Use the...

System Tour 20 Windows 95 Keys The computer keyboard contains two keys thatperform Windows 95-specific functions: ÿ and . Key Description ÿ key The same as clicking the Windows 95 Startbutton. Pressing other keys in combinationwith the ÿ key performs special functions: ÿ +Tab Activate the next taskb...

System Tour 21 Hot Keys The computer’s special Fn key, used incombination with other keys, provides “hot-key”combinations that access system controlfunctions, such as screen contrast, brightness,volume output, and the BIOS setup utility. Note: When using hot-key combinations, pressand hold the Fn ke...

System Tour 24 Eject Menu The Fn+F9 hot-key combination brings up aspecial eject menu that allows you to performseveral system configuration functions. Eject Options: Battery (Suspend-to-disk) ................ Change CD-ROM Disc (Also Fn+1) ................... Eject Mini Dock (Suspend) ................

System Tour 25 Touchpad The ergonomically-positioned touchpad is apointing device that senses movement on itssurface. The pointer moves on the screen inresponse to the movement of your finger on thesurface of the touchpad. q Move your finger across the touchpad to movethe pointer on the screen. q Pr...

System Tour 27 Notes: Keep your fingers and the touchpad dry and cleanwhen using the touchpad.The touchpad is sensitive to finger movements.Hence, the lighter the touch, the better theresponse. Tapping too hard will not increase thetouchpad’s responsiveness.The touchpad works with most mouse drivers...

System Tour 29 Palm Rest The curved palm rest located below the keyboardprovides a comfortable place to rest your hands asyou type.

System Tour 30 Storage The computer provides high-capacity storage on a2.5-inch Enhanced-IDE hard disk. The computeralso contains a bay that accepts removablemodules—a CD-ROM drive, a floppy drive or asecond hard disk option. Hard Disk The hard disk can be upgraded when you needmore storage space. S...

System Tour 31 Ejecting a CD To eject a CD, press Fn+1 or press the eject buttonon the CD-ROM drive, or use your softwareapplication’s CD eject command. (There may be afew seconds delay before the CD is ejected.) Tip: To eject a CD using Windows 95, double-click My Computer, right-click the CD-ROM d...

System Tour 32 To use the floppy drive module externally, followthese steps: 1. If the floppy drive module is installed in the module bay, remove it by following the stepsdescribed in the next section. 2. Open the port cover on the rear of the computer, and connect the 25-pin connectorend of the flo...

System Tour 33 Swapping Modules Follow these steps to swap modules: 1. Click the Windows 95 Start button and selectShut Down to shutdown your computer. 2. When Windows finishes shutting down, closethe display. 3. Turn the computer over and locate the modulerelease lock on thebottom of thecomputer. W...

System Tour 34 Audio The computer includes 16-bit stereo audio with abuilt-in FM synthesizer, dual, angled speakers, abuilt-in sensitive microphone, and two audio portson the computer’s left panel for external audiodevices. For information on connecting externalaudio devices, see page 67. The dual, ...

System Tour 35 Audio Control The computer provides several hot keys that allowyou to control audio output: Hot Key Icon Function Description Fn+F7 SpeakerOn/Off Toggles speakeroutput on and off Fn+Ctrl+ ↑ VolumeUp Increases speakervolume Fn+Ctrl+ ↓ VolumeDown Decreases speakervolume Fn+Ctrl+ → Balan...

System Tour 36 Ports The computer’s ports allow you to connectperipheral devices to your computer just as youwould to a desktop PC. The main ports are foundon the computer’s rear panel. The computer’s leftpanel contains the computer’s multimedia portsand PC card slots. Rear Panel Ports The computer’...

System Tour 39 Left Panel Ports The computer’s left side panel contains thecomputer’s multimedia ports and PC card slots, asshown in the illustration on the next page. 1 PC Card Slots2 Microphone-in/Line-in Port3 Speaker-out/Line-out Port Port Icon Connects to... PC Card slots Two type I/II PC Cards...

System Tour 40 Multimedia Ports The computer provides a Mic-In/Line-in port and aSpeaker-out/Line-out port on the left panel toaccommodate multimedia audio devices, such as amicrophone, speakers, or headphones. Forinformation on how to connect audio devices, seepage 67. Notes: Connecting external au...

System Tour 41 Security The computer includes both hardware andsoftware features to secure your computer. Ahardware security notch located on the left panelof the computer lets you connect a standard key-based computer security lock. Circle or wrap a computer security lock cablearound an immovable o...

3 Power 42 The computer operates on AC or battery power.This section contains the information you need toknow to operate the computer on battery power.This section also includes information about thecomputer’s unique power management system. Battery Pack The computer uses a single high-capacity Lith...

Power 43 Tips: Whenever possible, use the AC adapter. Thebattery will come in handy when you travel orduring a power failure. It is advisable to have anextra fully-charged battery pack available forbackup. If the computer is to be stored for more than twoweeks, it is best to remove the battery pack....

Power 44 To install the battery pack, simply reverse theprocedure as follows: 1. Insert the battery pack into the battery compartment. 2. Slide the battery compartment cover latch toward the rear of the computer until it snapsinto position. Charging the Battery To charge the battery, place the batte...

Power 45 Rapid Charge The computer uses rapid charge when thecomputer is in suspend mode with a powered ACadapter connected. Using rapid charge, a depletedbattery charges fully in approximately two hours. Charge-In-Use The computer uses charge-in-use when thecomputer is in use with a powered AC adap...

Power 46 q With the battery-pack gauge Onscreen Fuel Gauge The onscreen fuel gauge provides a graphicrepresentation and shows the percentage of thepresent battery level. To view the onscreen fuelgauge, press Fn+F6. (If a powered AC adapter isconnected, a plug icon shows in the onscreen fuelgauge.) P...

Power 47 Battery Pack Gauge The battery pack gauge allows you to check thebattery charge level when it is not installed in thecomputer. Simply press the fuel gauge button onthe battery pack. The lights on the fuel gauge show the charge levelas follows: Lights (LEDs) Lit Charge Level lllll 100% llll ...

Power 50 soon as possible to prevent data loss. The following table gives you the recommendedcourses of action when you encounter a low-battery warning. Situation Recommended Action AC adapter andpower outlet areavailable 1. Connect the AC adapter to the computer to begin charging thebattery. 2. Res...

Power 51 Advanced PowerManagement The computer supports the Advanced PowerManagement (APM) standard defined by Microsoftand Intel. Tip: Advanced Power Management greatlyprolongs battery life. Use APM whenever possible. To use Advanced Power Management, follow thesesteps: 1. Click the Start button an...

Power 52 Heuristic Power Management The computer uses a new power managementtechnique called Heuristic Power Management(HPM) to take advantage of APM’s power-savingfeatures without degrading performance. HPMallows the computer to provide maximum powerconservation and maximum performance. Power-manag...

Power 53 Using HPM, the computer automatically suspendsits operations—that is, enters suspend mode—inresponse to a hot key or in response to variousevents and conditions. Depending on the When LidIs Closed setting in the BIOS setup utility (seepage 108), the system enters one of two suspendmodes: q ...

Power 54 q Battery power becomes low while thecomputer is in suspend-to-memory mode q The battery fails without a powered ACadapter connected Caution: If the battery runs out of powerwhile the AC adapter is not connected, thecomputer enters suspend-to-disk mode,regardless of the When Lid Is Closed s...

Power 55 q The battery fails without a powered ACadapter connected Note: The computer also enters suspend-to-memory mode whenever an attempt to suspend todisk fails—for example, if the suspend-to-disk fileis absent or invalid. When the computer enters suspend-to-memorymode, the power indicator ( ) f...

4 Peripherals and Options 56 The computer provides excellent connectivity andexpansion capabilities. This section describes howto connect peripherals and hardware options tothe computer and how to upgrade your computer.(For a complete list of available options andupgrades, consult your dealer.) Prin...

Peripherals and Options 57 PC Cards Credit-card-sized PC cards (PCMCIA cards)enhance the usability and expandability of yourcomputer. The computer provides two type I/II PCCard slots (or one type III slot) on the computer’sleft side panel. Common type II cards include flashmemory, SRAM, fax/data mod...

Peripherals and Options 59 Audio Devices You can connect audio devices to the line-in ( )and line-out ( ) ports on the computer’s left panel. Use the line-in port to connect a 3.5-mmmini-jack microphone or other line-in device. Usethe line-out port to connect external amplifiedspeakers or headphones...

Peripherals and Options 60 External Monitor You can connect an external monitor to the CRTport ( ) on the computer’s rear panel. See yourmonitor manual for any additional instructions.

Peripherals and Options 61 External Keyboard You can connect any PS/2-compatible keyboard tothe computer. Simply plug the external keyboardinto the PS/2 connector ( ) on the computer’s rear panel.

Peripherals and Options 62 External Keypad You can connect any PS/2-compatible numerickeypad to the computer. Simply plug the keypadinto the PS/2 connector ( ) on the computer’s rear panel.

Peripherals and Options 63 External Pointing Device You can connect a serial or PS/2-compatiblemouse or similar pointing device to the computer.To connect a serial pointing device, plug the deviceinto the serial port ( ) on the computer’s rear panel. Note: To enable the serial mouse, use the AddNew ...

Peripherals and Options 64 USB Devices You can connect a USB (Universal Serial Bus)peripheral device to your computer. Thisperipheral standard allows you to connect USBdevices to your computer without using up yoursystem resources. Most USB devices have a built-in USB port ontothemselves which allow...

Peripherals and Options 65 Mini Dock The mini dock allows you to connect yourcomputer to various peripherals, and includes twoadditional CardBus slots. Consult your dealer fordetails. For connection instructions, see the guideincluded with the mini dock.

Peripherals and Options 66 Floppy Drive Cable The floppy drive cable allows you to use yourfloppy drive module externally. To connect thecable, open the computer’s rear port cover andconnect the 25-pin connector end of the floppydrive cable to the computer’s parallel port ( ).Then connect the other ...

Peripherals and Options 68 File Transfer Cable You can use the file transfer cable to transfer databetween the computer and other computers.Connect one end of the file transfer cable to theparallel port ( ) on the computer’s rear panel, andconnect the other end to the other computer’sparallel port. ...

Peripherals and Options 70 Memory Upgrades Memory is upgradeable up to 128 MB, employing64-bit soDIMMs (small outline Dual Inline MemoryModules) in 8, 16, 32 and 64 MB configurations.The following table lists the possible memoryconfigurations. Slot 1 Slot 2 Total Memory 16 MB 16 MB 32 MB 0 MB 32 MB ...

Peripherals and Options 71 Caution: When installing memory, werecommend you seek the help of a qualifiedservice technician. Improper installation candamage the memory module or the computer. Warning! Electronic components can bedamaged by static electricity. To avoiddamage, always wear a wrist groun...

Peripherals and Options 72 4. Remove two screws that secure thememory door and liftthe door up. 5. Insert the memory module diagonallyinto the slot, and thengently press down onthe module until itclicks into place. 6. Replace the memory door and secure itwith the screw. 7. Open the display to turn o...

Peripherals and Options 73 Hard Disk Upgrades Larger capacity hard disks are available as anupgrade. The computer uses a 2.5-inch Enhanced-IDE hard disk. The following table shows thecurrently supported hard disks. Consult yourdealer for additional hard disks that may beavailable. Vendor Model Capac...

5 System Utilities 76 The computer comes pre-loaded with the followingsystem utilities and drivers: q Sleep Manager suspend-to-disk utility q Touchpad driver q Display driver q Audio driver q System core logic driver q File-transfer utility q PC Card slot driver and application Note: Your computer m...

System Utilities 77 Note: Sleep Manager starts and adjusts thespace needed for suspend-to-disk modeautomatically every time you start Windows 95.You do not need to access Sleep Manager forroutine use of your computer. Accessing Sleep Manager To access Sleep Manager, click the Windows 95Start button....

System Utilities 78 The Enable Indicator on Taskbar check box allowsyou to choose whether or not a Sleep Managerstatus icon appears on the Windows 95 taskbar.Select this check box to enable the icon; clear thecheck box if you prefer not to see the SleepManager icon on the taskbar. Note: The Sleep Ma...

System Utilities 80 Sleep Manager checks the system configurationand displays the recommended size. The drivewhere the space will be created is defined by thesystem and will be the first available logical drivewhich has the requested contiguous free diskspace on it. The recommended size is theminimu...

System Utilities 81 q You are using disk compression and theamount of free space on the uncompressedhost drive is less than Sleep Manager needs.Sleep Manager works with most compressionsoftware. However, Sleep Manager can onlycreate reserved space on the uncompressedhost drive. If the free space on ...

System Utilities 82 Minimizing Sleep Manager Click the Minimize button on Sleep Manager’swindow to minimize Sleep Manager and allow it torun in the background. If the Enable Indicator onTaskbar check box is selected, the Sleep Managericon will appear on the taskbar. You can thenrestore the Sleep Man...

System Utilities 84 Uninstalling Sleep Manager Uninstalling Sleep Manager removes the SleepManager utility from your hard disk. Caution: Uninstalling Sleep Manager does notremove the hard disk space reserved forsuspend-to-disk mode. Therefore, you can stilluse the suspend-to-disk feature. However,un...

System Utilities 85 Touchpad Driver The computer’s built-in touchpad works with mostmouse drivers, but the pre-loaded touchpad driverprovides additional functions that work only withthe touchpad. To configure these additional functions, followthese steps: 1. Click the Start button and select Setting...

System Utilities 86 BIOS Setup Utility The computer BIOS setup utility allows you toconfigure the computer and its hardware settings.The computer comes correctly configured, and youdo not need to run the BIOS setup utility to usethe computer. However, you might need to use theBIOS utility if you wan...

System Utilities 87 Press Fn+F2 to access the BIOS setup utility. Youwill see the BIOS Utility main screen shown below. BIOS Utility About My Computer System ConfigurationPower Saving Options System Security Reset to Default Settings ↑↑↓↓ = Move Highlight Bar, ↵ ↵ = Select, Esc = Exit Press ↑ or ↓ t...

System Utilities 90 System Configuration Selecting System Configuration presents a BasicSystem Configuration screen, where you canchange several items in your computer’sconfiguration. Press ↑ or ↓ to move from one item to another, and ← or → to change settings. Press F1 to get help on a selected ite...

System Utilities 91 Hard Disks The Hard Disk 0 entry refers to the computer’sinternal hard disk. With this entry set to Auto, theBIOS automatically detects the hard disk anddisplays its capacity, cylinders, heads, andsectors. Other hard disk settings are configuredautomatically for optimum drive per...

System Utilities 92 LCD Expansion Mode When set to Enabled, LCD Expansion Mode allowsfull-screen views in DOS mode. The default settingis Disabled. Internal Speaker This parameter lets you enable or disable theinternal speaker. The default setting is Enabled. Tip: You can also toggle the speaker on ...

System Utilities 93 Advanced System Configuration For advanced users, the System Configurationmenu item contains two hidden pages that allowyou to view and configure more technical aspectsof the computer. Caution: The computer is already tuned foroptimum performance and you should not needto access ...

System Utilities 94 Internal Cache Internal cache refers to cache built into the CPU.When enabled, this setting boosts systemperformance. It is also called CPU cache or L1(level one) cache. The default setting is Enabled. External Cache External cache greatly increases systemperformance by lessening...

System Utilities 95 q Multiple Sectors Read/Write. Thisparameter enhances hard disk performanceby reading/writing more data at once. Theavailable values are: Auto or Disabled. Thedefault Auto setting allows the system toadjust itself to the optimum read/writesetting. q Advanced PIO Mode. Advanced PI...

System Utilities 96 The default values are Enabled, 3F8h and 4. q IrDA (FIR). The IrDA (FIR) parameter can beset to Enabled or Disabled. The Base Addressparameter accepts the following values: 3F8h,2F8h, 3E8h or 2E8h. The IRQ parameteraccepts 3 or 10. The DMA Channelparameter accepts 3, 0 or 1. The ...

System Utilities 97 Onboard USB When enabled, you can connect USB devices tothe onboard USB port on the rear of the computer.The default setting is Enabled. Reset PnP Resources The system resources are already properlyconfigured. If resource conflicts arise, you can setthis parameter to Yes to reset...

System Utilities 98 q Suspend to Memory. With this setting, thecomputer saves all data to memory when youclose the display or press the suspend hot keyFn+Esc ( ). The computer wakes up whenyou reopen the display or press any key. Note: If an external monitor is connected to thecomputer, the computer...

System Utilities 99 Resume On Modem Rings You can set the computer to resume fromsuspend-to-memory mode upon detection of aspecific number of modem rings, ranging from 1 to7. Enabling this option overrides the suspend-to-disk function. Note: This function is currently unavailable. Resume On Schedule...

System Utilities 100 System Security When you select System Security from the BIOSUtility main screen, a screen appears that allowsyou to set security options. Important! If a password is currently present,the system prompts you to input the passwordbefore entering the System Security screen. Superv...

System Utilities 101 2. Enter a password of up to eight characters. (The characters do not appear on the screen asyou type them.) After typing your password,press Enter. The same password promptreappears: 3. Retype your password and press Enter to verify your first entry. After you set a password, t...

System Utilities 102 With this parameter set to Normal, the floppy drivefunctions normally. When the parameter is set toWrite Protect All Sectors, all write functions to thefloppy drive are disabled, but you can still readfrom a disk in the floppy drive. When theparameter is set to Write Protect Boo...

System Utilities 103 Setting Description A: then C:(default) System boots from the diskette in floppydrive A. If the diskette is missing or anon-system diskette, the system bootsfrom hard disk C. C: then A: System boots from hard disk C. If thehard disk is a non-system disk, thesystem boots from flo...

Appendix 104 Troubleshooting This section tells how to deal with common systemproblems. Read it before calling a technician if a problemoccurs. Solutions to more serious problems require openingup the system. Do not attempt to open the system byyourself. Contact your dealer or an TravelMate authoriz...

Appendix 111 Startup Error Messages If you receive an error message during system startup, notethe message and take corrective action. The following tablelists the error messages in alphabetical order together withthe recommended course of action. Error Message Corrective Action Disk Boot Failure In...

Appendix 113 Specifications Item Standard Optional Microprocessor Intel Pentium ® processor withMMX™ technology Memory System/Main External cache 32MBDual 64-bit memorybanks 512KB L2 cache(synchronous SRAM) Expandable to128MB using8/16/32/64MBsoDIMMs Flash BIOS 256KB Storage system One 2.5-inch, hig...

Appendix 118 System Memory Map Address Range Definition Function 000000 -09FFFF 640 KB memory Base memory 0A0000 -0BFFFF 128 KB video RAM Reserved for graphicsdisplay buffer 0C0000 -0CBFFF Video BIOS Video BIOS CC000 - CDFFFCE000 - CFFFF System CardBusMiniDock CardBus 0F0000 -0FFFFF 64 KB systemBIOS...

Appendix 120 Interrupts Interrupt Source Device IRQ 0IRQ 1IRQ 2IRQ 3IRQ 4IRQ 5IRQ 6IRQ 7IRQ 8IRQ 9IRQ 10IRQ 11IRQ 12IRQ 13IRQ 14IRQ 15 System TimerKeyboardCascadeIrDA / 2F8hSerial Port 1 / 3F8hAudioFloppy Disk Controller (FDC)Parallel PortReal Time Clock (RTC)USB/System CardBusReserved for PCMCIA ca...

Appendix 123 14. Use only the proper type of power supply cord set (provided in your accessories box) for this unit. It shouldbe a detachable type: UL listed/CSA certified, type SPT-2, rated 7A 125V minimum, VDE approved or itsequivalent. Maximum length is 15 feet (4.6 meters). Canadian DOC Notice T...

Index 125 A about my computer, 87AC adapter, 3addresses. See base addresses; memory addresses advanced PIO mode, 95advanced power management, 51audio, 33–35, 59 hot keys, 35 automatic tilt, 27 B balance, 23, 35base addresses I/O map, 116memory map, 116parallel port, 96serial infrared port, 96serial ...