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Acer

Aspire 5110/5100/3100
Service Guide



Service guide files and updates are
available on the ACER/CSD web.
For more information, please refer to
http://csd.acer.com.tw




PRINTED IN TAIWAN
Revision History
Please refer to the table below for the updates of Aspire 5110/5100/3100 service guide.


Date Chapter Updates




II
Copyright
Copyright© 2006 by Acer Incorporated. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language
or computer language, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical,
chemical, manual or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Acer Incorporated.




III
Disclaimer
The information in this guide is subject to change without notice.
Acer Incorporated makes no representations or warranties, either expressed or implied, with
respect to the contents hereof and specifically disclaims any warranties of merchantability or fitness
for any particular purpose. Any Acer Incorporated software described in this manual is sold or
licensed "as is". Should the programs prove defective following their purchase, the buyer (and not
Acer Incorporated, its distributor, or its dealer) assumes the entire cost of all necessary servicing,
repair, and any incidental or consequential damages resulting from any defect in the software.




Acer is a registered trademark of Acer Incorporated.
AMD is a registered trademark of AMD Corporation.
Turion and Athlon are trademarks of AMD Corporation.
Other brand and product names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective
holders.




IV
Conventions
The following conventions are used in this manual:
SCREEN MESSAGES Denotes actual messages that appear on screen.

NOTE Gives bits and pieces of additional information related
to the current topic.
WARNING Alerts you to any damage that might result from doing
or not doing specific actions.
CAUTION Gives precautionary measures to avoid possible
hardware or software problems.
IMPORTANT Reminds you to do specific actions relevant to the
accomplishment of procedures.




V
Preface
Before using this information and the product it supports, please read the following general
information.
1. This Service Guide provides you with all technical information relating to the BASIC CONFIGURATION
decided for Acer's "global" product offering. To better fit local market requirements and enhance product
competitiveness, your regional office MAY have decided to extend the functionality of a machine (e.g. add-
on card, modem, or extra memory capability). These LOCALIZED FEATURES will NOT be covered in this
generic service guide. In such cases, please contact your regional offices or the responsible personnel/
channel to provide you with further technical details.
2. Please note WHEN ORDERING FRU PARTS, you should check the most up-to-date information available
on your regional web or channel. For whatever reason, if a part number change is made, it will not be noted
in the printed Service Guide. For ACER-AUTHORIZED SERVICE PROVIDERS, your Acer office may have
a DIFFERENT part number code to those given in the FRU list of this printed Service Guide. You MUST use
the list provided by your regional Acer office to order FRU parts for repair and service of customer
machines.




VI
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 System Specification 1
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Platform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
System Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Graphics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
TV-Tuner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Storage Subsystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Special Keys and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
I/O Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Power Subsystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Dimensions and Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Outlook Tour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Closed Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Left View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Right View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Rear View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Base View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Using the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Lock keys and Embedded Numeric Keypad . . . . . . . . . 11
Windows keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Hotkeys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Special keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Easy-launch Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Touchpad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Touchpad Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Acer Empowering Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Empowering Technology Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Acer eDataSecurity Management (for selected models) 18
Acer eLock Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Acer ePerformance Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Acer eRecovery Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Acer eSettings Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Acer ePower Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Acer ePresentation Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Using the System Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Acer GridVista (dual-display compatible) . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Launch Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28


VII
Norton AntiVirus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
How do I check for viruses? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Hardware Specification and Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
BIOS Setup Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Invoking BIOS Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41


Chapter 2 System Utilities 41
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Main . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Advanced . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Boot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
DOS Flash SOP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50


Chapter 3 Machine Disassembly and Replacement 53
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Disassembly Procedure Flowchart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Disassembly Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Removing the Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Removing the HDD Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Removing the RAM Module/Mini PCI Card/Thermal Module/CPU
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Removing the ODD Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Removing the LCD Module from the Main Unit . . . . . . 61
Removing the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Disassembling the Main Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Disassembling the LCD Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68


Chapter 4 Troubleshooting 71
System Check Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
External Diskette Drive Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
External CD-ROM Drive Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Keyboard or Auxiliary Input Device Check . . . . . . . . . . 72
Memory Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Power System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Check the Power Adaptor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Check the Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Touchpad Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Power-On Self-Test (POST) Error Message . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Index of Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
POST Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Index of Symptom-to-FRU Error Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80


VIII
Intermittent Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Undetermined Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85


Chapter 5 Jumper and Connector Location 86
Main Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Top Side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Bottom Side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Switch Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Top Side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Bottom Side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91


Chapter 6 FRU (Field Replacement Unit) List 92
Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Exploded Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102




IX
Chapter 1

System Specification
Features

Platform
· AMD TurionTM 64 X2 dual-core TL-50/TL-52/TL-56/TL-60/TL-62 processor or higher with 1MB L2
cache, supporting AMD PowerNow!TM Technology and AMD HyperTransportTM Technology
· Mobile AMD SempronTM 3200+/3400+/3500+ or higher with 512KB L2 cache, supporting AMD
PowerNow!TM Technology and AMD HyperTransportTM Technology, 64bit OS support
· ATI Radeon® Xpress 1100 or Xpress 1200 chipset



System Memory
· Up to 2GB of DDR2 533/667MHz memory, upgradeable to 4GB using two soDIMM modules (dual-
channel support)



Display
· 15.4" WXGA Acer CrystalBriteTM TFT LCD, 1280 x 800 pixel resolution, 16 ms response time,
supporting simultaneous multi-window viewing on dual displays via Acer GridVistaTM
· 15" XGA colour TFT LCD, 1024 x 768 pixel resolution



Graphics
· ATI Radeon® Xpress 1100 chipset with integrated 3D graphics, up to 256MB of shared system memory
· ATI MobilityTM Radeon® X1300/X1600 with up to 512MB of HyperMemoryTM (64MB of dedicated
GDDR2 VRAM; up to 448MB of shared system memory), supporting ATI PowerPlayTM 5.0, Microsoft®
DirectX® 9.0, PCI Express®, DualViewTM support
· 16.7 million colours
· MPEG-2/DVD hardware-assisted capability
· S-video/TV-out (NTSC/PAL) support (for selected models)
· Acer ArcadeTM, featuring Acer CinemaVisionTM and Acer ClearVisionTM technology



TV-Tuner
· Acer TV-tuner options (for selected models):
· Analog TV-tuner supporting hardware MPEG-2 stream encoding
· Digital and analog hybrid TV-tuner supporting hardware MPEG-2 stream encoding
· Digital and analog hybrid TV-tuner supporting software MPEG-2 stream encoding
· Analog TV-tuner supporting international analog TV standards (NTSC/PAL/SECAM)
· Digital TV-tuner supporting DVB-T (Digital Video Broadcasting Terrestrial) standard (6MHz to 8MHz)
TV-tuner I/O:



Chapter 1 1
· RF jack for digital/analog TV antenna cable input
· AV-in port for composite/S-video/line-in audio/video input
· TV-tuner cables:
· NTSC/PAL cable for digital/analog TV input, NTSC converter to convert port from PAL/SECAM
to NTSC
· Mini DIN cable: RCA jack and S-video port for audio/video input
· Acer DVB-T antenna (UHF/VHF reception) supports Acer SignalUpTM wireless technology



Audio
· High Definition audio support
· S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface) support for digital speakers (for selected models)
· Audio system with two built-in speakers
· Sound Blaster ProTM and MS Sound compatible
· Built-in microphone



Storage Subsystem
· 40/60/80/100/120GB or higher ATA/100 hard disk drive
· Optical drive options:
· DVD-Super Multi double-layer drive
· DVD/CD-RW combo drive
· 5-in-1 card reader, supporting Secure Digital (SD), MultiMediaCard (MMC), Memory Stick® (MS),
Memory Stick PROTM (MS PRO), xD-Picture CardTM (xD) (for selected models)



Communication
· Acer Video Conference featuring Voice and Video over Internet Protocol (VVoIP) support via Acer
OrbiCamTM and optional Acer Bluetooth® VoIP phone (for selected models)
· Acer OrbiCamTM integrated 310,000 pixel CMOS camera (for selected model) featuring:
· 225 degree ergonomic rotation
· Acer PrimaLiteTM technology
· Modem: 56K ITU V.92 with PTT approval; Wake-on-Ring ready
· LAN: gigabit or Fast Ethernet; Wake-on-LAN ready
· WPAN: Bluetooth® 2.0 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate)
· WLAN: Acer InviLinkTM 802.11b/g or 802.11a/b/g Wi-Fi CERTIFIEDTM solution, supporting Acer
SignalUpTM wireless technology



Special Keys and Controls
· 88/89-key keyboard, with inverted "T" cursor layout; 2.5 mm (minimum) key travel, international
language support
· Touch pad with 4-way scroll button
· 12 function keys, four cursor keys, two Windows® keys, hotkey controls, embedded numeric keypad
· Four easy-launch buttons: Empowering Key, email, Internet and user-programmable button
· Six/Seven media keys: TV, volume up, volume down, play/pause, stop, previous, next (for selected


2 Chapter 1
models)
· Two communication switches: WLAN, Bluetooth®
· Acer remote controls (for selected models):
· Acer ArcadeTM (48 keys)
· Windows® Media Center Edition (Uses an external USB CIR receiver)



I/O Interface
· ExpressCardTM /34 slot (for selected models)
· PC Card slot (one Type II)
· 5-in-1 card reader (SD/MMC/MS/MS PRO/xD) (for selected models)
· Four USB 2.0 ports (three for selected models)
· DVI-D port (for selected models)
· IEEE 1394 port (for selected models)
· Consumer infrared (CIR) port (for selected models)
· External display (VGA) port
· AV-in port (for selected models)
· RF-in jack (for selected models)
· S-video/TV-out (NTSC/PAL) port (for selected models)
· Headphones/speaker/line-out jack with S/PDIF support (for selected models)
· Microphone-in jack
· Line-in jack
· Ethernet (RJ-45) port
· Modem (RJ-11) port
· DC-in jack for AC adapter



Power Subsystem
· ACPI 2.0 CPU power management standards: Stand-by and Hibernation power-saving modes support
· 71W 4800mAh (8-cell) Li-ion battery pack
· 44W 4000mAh (6-cell) Li-Ion battery
· 29.6W 2000mAh (4-cell) Li-ion battery
· Acer QuicChargeTM technology: 80% charge in 1 hour; 2-hour rapid charge system-off; 2.5-hour
charge-in-use
NOTE: Only support for SKU with 90W adapter.
· 3-pin 65/90W AC adapter



Dimensions and Weight
Aspire 5110
· 358 (W) x 269 (D) x 29.8/33.8 (H) mm (14.1 x 10.6 x 1.17/1.33 inches)
· 3.0 kg (6.61 lbs.) for 15.4" LCD model with TV module
· 2.92 kg (6.44 lbs.) for 15.4" LCD model without TV module




Chapter 1 3
Aspire 5100/3100 Series
· 358 (W) x 269 (D) x 29.8/33.8 (H) mm (14.1 x 10.6 x 1.17/1.33 inches)
· 2.82 kg (6.22 lbs.) for 15.4" LCD model
· 2.78 kg (6.13 lbs.) for 15" LCD model



Environment
· Temperature:
· Operating: 5 oC to 35 oC
· Non-operating: -20 oC to 65 oC
· Humidity (non-condensing):
· Operating: 20% to 80%
· Non-operating: 20% to 80%




4 Chapter 1
5
Thermal Sensor Clock Generator AMD Turion/Sempron CPU DDRII 533/667 DDRII-SO-DIMM X2
ADM1032ARM ICS951462 Socket S1 638P
Dual Channel
H_A#(3..31) H_D#(0..63)
HT 16x16 800MHZ
CRT & TV-OUT
ATI-RS485MC
LCD CONN 465 BGA
A-Link Express
2 x PCIE
USB 2.0 USB conn x 2 / New card
ATI-SB460 USB 2.0 BT Conn
PCI BUS 549 BGA
Audio CKT
AC-LINK AMP & Audio Jack
ALC883
Mini PCI Socket Realtek 1394 Controller
RTL8100CL ENE Controller MDC Conn.
Mini card RTL8110SCL CB714 VT6311S
SATA SATA HDD Conn.
5in1 CardReader LPC BUS
RJ45 CONN Slot 0 1394
Slot Conn.
PATA One Channel HDD Conn.
CDROM Conn.
Block Diagram




Power On/Off CKT / LID switch / Power OK CKT
SMsC LPC47N207 ENE KB910
DC/DC Interface CKT. CIR/LED RTC CKT.
Int. KBD
Power Circuit DC/DC FIR module
Touch Pad




Chapter 1
CONN. BIOS
Outlook Tour

Front View
Just for Starters...




# Item Description
# Item Description
1 Display screen Also called Liquid-Crystal Display (LCD), displays computer output.
2 Keyboard Serves for entering data into your computer.
3 Touchpad Touch-sensitive pointing device which functions like a computer
mouse
4 Click buttons The left and right buttons function like the left and right mouse
(left, center and right) buttons; the center button serves as a four-way scroll button.
5 Palmrest Comfortable support area for your hands when you use the
computer.
6 Microphone Internal microphone for sound recording.
7 TV/media/volume buttons For use with Acer Arcade and other media playing programs (for
selected models).
8 Easy-launch buttons Buttons for launching frequently used programs.
9 Status indicators Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) that light up to show the status of the
computer's functions and components.
10 Power button Turns the computer on and off.




6 Chapter 1
"Launch keys" on page 10
# Icon Item Description
"Launch keys" on page 10

Closed Front View

# Icon Item Description
# Icon Item Description


# Item Description




# Icon # Item
"Launch keys" on page 10
Icon Item Description Description
1 N/A Speakers Left and right speakers deliver stereo audio output.
# Icon Item
Bluetooth communication Description
#2 Icon Item Enables/disables the Bluetooth communication.
Description
button/indicator Indicates the status of Bluetooth communication (for selected
models).
3 Wireless communication Enables/disables the wireless function.
button/indicator Indicates the status of wireless LAN communication.

4 Power indicator Indicates the computer's power status.



5# Icon Battery indicator Description Indicates the computer's battery status.
Item



6 CIR receiver Receives signals from a remote control (for selected
models).
7# Icon Microphone-in jack Description
Item Accepts input from external microphones.


8 Line-in jack Accepts audio line-in devices (e.g., audio CD player, stereo
walkman).
# Icon Item Description
9 Headphones/speaker/ Connects to audio line-out devices (e.g., speakers,
line-out jack with S/PDIF headphones).
support
10 N/A Latch Locks and releases the lid.




Note:




Chapter 1 7
# Icon Item Description
# Item Description

Left View
"Easy-launch buttons" on page 10


"Launch keys" on page 10
# Icon Item Description




# Icon Item Description
# Icon Item Description
1 Kensington lock slot Connects to a Kensington-compatible computers security
Note:
lock.
# Icon Item Description
2 N/A Ventilation slots Enable the computer to stay cool, even after prolonged use.
3 Three USB 2.0 ports Connect to USB 2.0 devices (e.g., USB mouse, USB
camera).
# Icon Item Description
4 Ethernet (RJ-45) port
Note: Connects to an Ethernet 10/100-based or 10/100/1000-
# Icon Item Description based networks.
5 Infrared port Interfaces with infrared devices (e.g., infrared printer and IR-
aware computer) (optional).
6 5-in-1 card reader Accepts Memory Stick (MS), Memory Stick Pro (MS PRO),
MultiMediaCard (MMC), Secure Digital (SD) and xD-Picture
Card (xD) (optional).


# Icon Item Description
7 4-pin IEEE 1394 port Connects to IEEE 1394 devices (optional).
# Icon Item Description
8 PC Card slot Accepts one Type II PC Card.

# Icon Item Description
9 ExpressCard/34 slot Accepts one ExpressCard/34 module (optional).

10 N/A PC Card slot eject button Note:
Ejects the PC Card from the slot.



Right View

# Icon Item Description



# Item Description
# Item Description
1 Optical disk drive Internal optical drive; accepts CDs or DVDs.
2 Optical disk access Lights up when the optical disk drive is active.
indicator
3 Optical disk drive eject Ejects the drive tray from the drive.
button
4 Emergency eject hole Ejects the drive tray when the computer is turned off.



# Icon Item Description

8 Chapter 1
Note:
Rear View




# Icon Item Description
# Icon # Icon Item
Item Description Description
## Icon
Icon Item
Item Aspire
Description5110 / 5100 / 3100 Series
Description
# # Icon
Icon Item Item Description
Description
1 Modem (RJ-11) port Connects to a phone line.
# Icon Item Description
2 Two USB 2.0 ports Connect to USB 2.0 devices (e.g., USB mouse, USB camera).


3 RF-in jack Accepts input signals from analog/digital TV-tuner devices (for
selected models).
Note:
4 AV-in port Accepts input signals from audio/video (AV) devices (for
selected models).
5 Power jack Connects to an AC adapter.
# Icon Item Description

6 S-video port/TV out port Connects to a television or display device with S-video input
(NTSC/PAL) port (for selected models).
7 External display (VGA) port Connects to an external display device (e.g., external monitor,
# Icon Item Description projector).
LCD
8 DVI-D port Supports digital video connections (for selected models).
# Icon Item
Note: Description
9 USB 2.0 port Connect to USB 2.0 devices (e.g., USB mouse, USB camera).


10 N/A Ventilation slots Enable the computer to stay cool, even after prolonged use.




# Icon Item Description


# Icon Item Description




# Icon Item Description
Chapter 1 9

# Item Description
Base View




# Item # Item Description
Description
1 Hard disk bay Houses the computer's hard disk (secured with screws).
2 Memory compartment Houses the computer's main memory.
3 Ventilation slots and Helps keep the computer cool.
cooling fan NOTE: Do not cover or obstruct the opening of the fan.
Note

4 Battery lock Locks the battery in position.
5 Battery bay Houses the computer's battery pack.




10 Chapter 1
Using the Keyboard
The full-sized keyboard includes 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.




Lock key Description
Lock Key Description
Caps Lock When Caps Lock is on, all alphabetic characters are typed in uppercase.
Num Lock When Num Lock is on, the right hand side numeric keypad is in numeric mode. The
+ +keys function as a calculator (complete with the arithmetic operators +, -, *, and /).

When Num Lock is off, the keys assume cursor and other shortcut functions.
Scroll Lock When Scroll Lock is on, the screen moves one line up or down when you press the
+ up or down arrow keys respectively. scroll Lock does not work with some
applications.
+


The embedded numeric keypad functions like a desktop numeric keypad. It is indicated by small
characters located on the upper right corner of the keycaps. To simplify the keyboard legend,
cursor-control key symbols are not printed on the keys.


Desired access Num Lock on Num Lock off
Desired access Num Lock on Num Lock off
Number keys on embedded Type numbers in a normal N/A
keypad manner.
Cursor-control keys on embedded Hold while using cursor-
Hold while using cursor-

keypad control keys. control keys.
Main keyboard keys Hold while typing letters on
Type the letters in a normal
embedded keypad. manner.




Chapter 1 11
Windows keys
The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions.

Key Description
Key Icon Description
Windows key Press alone. This key has the same effect as clicking on the Windows
Key Description
Start button. It launches the Start menu. It can also be used with other
keys to provide a variety of functions:
+ : Activates the next Taskbar button.

+ : Opens the My Computer window.
< > + :
< +>: Opens Help and Support.
+ :
<
< > + :
+>: Opens the Find (All Files dialog box).
+ :
< > + :
< > + :
+ : Opens the Run dialog box.
+ :
+ : Minimizes all windows.
< > + :
+ <
< > + :
+ : Undoes the minimize all windows action.
+ > + :

Application key This key has the same effect as clicking the right mouse button. It
< > + :
opens the application's context menu.

+ :
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
+ < > + :
key before pressing the other key in the hotkey combination.




Hotkey Icon Function Description
Hotkey Icon Function Description

Hotkey + Icon
Hotkey Icon Function Description
Function Description
Hot Key
+ Icon Function Description
+
+
+ Hot key help Displays help on hotkeys.
+
+
+ Acer eSettings
"Acer eManager" on
Launches the Acer eManager"Acer
"Acer eSettings in on

+ pageEmpowering Technology.
20
+ page 20 "Acer eManager" on
+
+
+ Acer ePower
page 20 "Acer Acer
Launches the Acer ePower Management in eManager" on
+ Management page 20
Empowering Technology.

+ +

+
+ Sleep Leads the computer to Sleep mode.
+
+
+
+
+
12 Chapter 1
+
+
+
++

+
++

+
+
+
++
Key
Hot Icon Function Description
+ +

++
Display toggle Switches the display output between the display
+ screen, external monitor (if connected) and both.

+
+ ++



+ +
Screen blank Turns off the display screen backlight to save
power. Press any key to return.
+
++

+
+ +
+ +


Touchpad toggle Turns the internal touchpad on and off.
+
+
+++ >

+

>
+<
Speaker toggle Turns the speakers on and off.
+ <
+
+
+ <+ > >>
+ << >

+ < Volume up Increases the sound volume.
+ >
++<< >

+ < >
+ >
+ < < <> >
+ Volume down Decreases the sound volume.
+ < >
+ < >
+ <+ < >
> Brightness up Increases the screen brightness.
+ +< > >
+ < >
<
+ < >
+ < <
+<
+ > >
+ <
+ ++ < >
> > Brightness down Decreases the screen brightness.
< > >
+ <+<< >

+ < >
+ <
+ < >
>
Special keys
+ < >
You can locate the Euro symbol and the US dollar sign on the upper-center and/or bottom-right side
+< >
+ < >
of the keyboard.
+ < >




The Euro Symbol
1. Open a text editor or word processor.
2. Either directly press the key on the bottom-right side of the keyboard, or hold key then
Alt Gr>
press the number <5> key on the upper-center side of the keyboard.
<5>
NOTE: Some fonts and software do not support the Euro symbol. Please refer to www.microsoft.com/
typography/faq/faq12.htm for more information.
Note
The US Dollar Sign www.microsoft.com/typography/faq/faq12.htm

1. Open a text editor or word processor.
2. Either directly press the <$> key on the bottom-right side of the keyboard, or hold and then press
the US dollar sign on the number <4> key.
NOTE: This function varies according to the language settings.

<4>

Chapter 1 13
Note:
# Item Description

# Item Description
Indicators
The computer has several easy-to-read status indicators. The front panel indicators are visible
# Item Description
even when the computer cover is closed up.
"Launch keys" on page 10
p y

"Launch keys" on page 10

"Launch keys" on page 10
# Item Description




"Launch keys" on page 10




Icon Item Description
# Icon Item Description
HDD
Icon Function Indicates when the hard disk drive is active.
Description


# Icon Item Description
# Icon Item Lock
Caps Lights up when Description
Caps Lock is activated.


# Icon Item Num Lock Description when Num Lock is activated.
Lights up



Power Lights when the computer is on.



Battery Lights when the battery is being charged.



Bluetooth Indicates the status of Bluetooth communication



Wireless LAN Indicates the status of wireless LAN communication




14 Chapter 1
1. Charging:
2. Fully charged:




Easy-launch Buttons
There are several conveniently located easy-launch buttons. They are one user-programmable
button, web browser button, mail button, and Acer Empowering Key . Press to run the Acer
"Acer
Empowering Technology. Although the mail and web browser buttons are pre-set to E-mail and
Empowering Technology" on page 1
Internet programs, they can be redefined by users. To set the web browser, mail and programmable
buttons, run the Acer Launch Manager.
"Launch Manager" on page 37




"Easy-launch buttons" on page 10 on page 10
"Easy-launch buttons"



Easy-launch button button
Easy-launch Default application application
Default
Acer Empowering Technology (user-programmable)

Mail E-mail application (user-programmable)
Web browser Internet browser (user-programmable)
P User-programmable




"Easy-launch buttons" on page 10




Chapter 1 15
Touchpad
The built-in 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
Use the touchpad as follows:




(2)

· Move your finger across the touchpad (2) to move the cursor.
(1) (4)

· Press the left (1) and right (4) buttons located on the edge of the touchpad to perform selection and
execution functions. These two buttons are similar to the left and right buttons on a mouse. Tapping on
the touchpad (2) is the same as clicking the left button.
(3)
· Use the four-way scroll (3) button to scroll up or down and move left or right a page. This button mimics
your cursor pressing on the right scroll bar of windows applications.


Function Left button (1) Right button (4) Main touchpad (2) Center button (3)
Execute Quickly click Tap twice (at the
twice. same speed as
double-clicking a
mouse button).
Select Click once Tap once
Drag Click and hold. Tap twice (at the
Then slide your same speed as
finger across the double-clicking a
touchpad to mouse button); rest
drag the cursor your finger on the
over the touchpad on the
selection. second tap and
drag the cursor.
Access context Click once
menu
Scroll Click and hold to
move up/down/
left/right.

NOTE: Keep your fingers, as well as the surface of the touchpad dry and clean. The touchpad is sensitive to
your finger movements: the lighter the touch, the better the response. Tapping hard will not increase




16 Chapter 1
the touchpad's responsiveness.
NOTE: By default, vertical and horizontal scrolling is enabled on your touchpad. It can be disabled under
Mouse settings in Windows Control Panel.




Chapter 1 17
Acer Empowering Technology
Acer's innovative Empowering Technology toolbar makes it easy to have access to the frequently
used functions and manage the notebook. Displayed by default in the upper-right corner of the
Acer eDataSecurity Management
screen, it features the following handy utilities:
Acer eLock Management
· Acer eDataSecurity Management protects data with passwords and advanced encryption algorithms
(for selected models).
Acer ePerformance Management
· Acer eLock Management limits access to external storage media.
Acer eRecovery Management
· Acer ePerformance Management improves system performance by optimizing disk space, memory
and registry setting.
Acer eSettings Management
· Acer eRecovery Management backs up and recovers data flexibly, reliably and completely.
· Acer eSettings Management accesses system information and adjusts settings easily.
Acer ePower Management
· Acer ePower Management extends battery power via versatile usage profiles.
Acer ePresentation Management
· Acer ePresentation Management connects to a projector and adjusts dispaly settings conveniently.




For more information, right click on the Empowering Technology toolbar, then select the Help or
Tutorial function.


Empowering Technology Password
"Password Setup"
Before using Acer eLock Management and Acer eRecovery Management, You must initialize the
Empowering Technology password. Right click on the Empowering Technology toolbar and select
Password Setup to do so. If you do not initialize the Empowering Technology password, you will
be prompted to do so when running Acer eLock Management or Acer eRecovery Management for
the first time.
Note:
NOTE: If you lose your password, there is no method to reset it except by reformatting your notebook or
taking your notebook to an Acer Customer Service Center. Be sure to remember or write down your
password.



Acer eDataSecurity Management (for selected models)
Acer eDataSecurity Management is a handy file encryption utility that protects the files from being
accessed by unauthorized persons. It is conveniently integrated with Windows Explorer as a shell
extension for quick and easy data encryption/decryption and also supports on-the-fly file encryption
for MSN Messenger and Microsoft Outlook.
The Acer eDataSecurity Management setup wizard will prompt you for a supervisor password and
default encryption. This encryption will be used to encrypt files by default, or you can choose to
enter your own file-specific password when encrypting a file.
NOTE: The password used to encrypt a file is the unique key that the system needs to decrypt it. If you lose
the password, the supervisor password is the only other key capable of decrypting the file. If you lose
both passwords, there will be no way to decrypt your encrypted file! Be sure to safeguard all related
passwords!




18 Chapter 1
Be sure to safeguard all related
passwords!




Chapter 1 19
Acer eLock Management
Acer eLock Management is a security utility that allow you to lock up your removable data, optical
and floppy drives to ensure that data can not be stolen while your notebook is unattended.
· Removable data devices: includes USB disk drives, USB pen drives, USB flash drives, USB MP3
drives, USB memory card readers, IEEE 1394 disk drives and any other removable disk drives that can
be mounted as a file system when plugged into the system.
· Optical drive devices: includes any kind of CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drives.
· Floppy disk drives: 3.5-inch disks only.
· Interfaces: includes serial port, parallel port, infrared (IR), and Bluetooth.
Note:
To activate Acer eLock Management, a password must be set at first. Once set, you may apply
locks to any of the three kinds of devices. Lock(s) will be set without any reboot necessary, and will
remain locked after rebooting, until unlocked.
NOTE: If you lose the password, there is no method to reset it except by reformatting the notebook or taking
the notebook to an Acer Customer Service Center. Be sure to remember or write down the password.




20 Chapter 1
Acer ePerformance Management
Acer ePerformance Management is a system optimization tool that boosts the performance of the
Acer notebook. It provides an express optimization method to release unused memory and disk
space quickly. The user can also enable advanced options for full control over the following options:
· Disk optimization: removes unneeded items and files.
· Speed optimization: improves the usability and performance of the Windows XP system.
· Memory optimization: releases unused memory and check usage.




Chapter 1 21
Acer eRecovery Management
Acer eRecovery Management is a powerful utility with the need for recovery disks provided by the
manufacturer. The Acer eRecovery Management utility occupies space in a hidden partition on the
system's HDD. Be default, user-created backups are stored on D:\ drive. Acer eRecovery
Management provides:
· Password protection
· Recovery of applications and drives
· Image or data backup:
· Backup to HDD (set recovery point)
· Backup to CD or DVD
· Image/data recovery tools:
· Recovery from a hidden partition (factory defaults)
· Recovery from the HDD (most recent user-defined recovery point)
· Recovery from CD or DVD




NOTE: If the computer did not come with a Recovery CDeRecovery Management" on page
"Acer or System CD, please use Acer eRecovery
74 AcerSystem User's Guide
Management's "System backup to optical disk" feature to burn a backup image to CD or DVD. To
ensure the best results when recovering the system using a CD or Acer eRecovery Management,
detach all peripherals (except external Acer ODD, if equipped), including the Acer ezDock.
Note:




22 Chapter 1
Acer eSettings Management
Acer eSettings Management allows you to inspect hardware specification, 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 navigation.
· Displays general system status and advanced monitoring for power users on Acer computer.




Chapter 1 23
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 CPU speed, LCD brightness and
other settings, or click on buttons to turn the following functions on/off: wireless LAN, Bluetooth,
CardBus, fireware (1394), wired LAN and optical device if supported.

DC Mode (Battery Mode)
There are four pre-defined profiles: Entertainment, Presentation, Word Processing, and Battery
Life. You can also define up to three of your own.

To Create a New Power Profile
1. Change power settings as desired.
2. Click Save as... to save to a new power profile.
3. Name the newly created profile.
4. Select whether this profile is for Adapter or Battery mode, then click OK.
5. The new profile will appear in the profile list.

Battery Status
For real-time battery life estimates based on current usage, refer to the panel on the upper half side
of the window.




For additional options, click Settings to:
"Settings"
· Set alarms.



24 Chapter 1
· Reload factory defaults.
· Select what actions to be taken when the cover is closed or the power button is pressed.
· Set passwords for accessing the system after Hibernation or Stand-by.
· View information about Acer ePower Management.




Chapter 1 25
Acer ePresentation Management
Acer ePresentation Management lets you project your computer's display to an external device or
projector using the hotkey: + . If auto-detection hardware is implemented in the system
and the external display supports it, your system display will be automatically switched out when an
external display is connected to the system. For projectors and external devices that are not auto-
detected, launch Acer ePresentation Management to choose an appropriate display setting.




NOTE: If the restored resolution is not correct after disconnecting a projector, or you need to use an external
resolution that is not supported by Acer ePresentation Management, adjust your display settings using
Note:
Display Properties or the utility provided by the graphics vendor.




26 Chapter 1
Using the Note:
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 the notebook, first ensure that the second monitor is
Start Control Panel Display
connected, then select Note: Control Panel, Display and click on Settings. Select the secondary
Start,
Sett