Acer 3500 User Manual

Acer 3500 User Manual

Aspire digital personal computer
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Aspire 3500 Series
User's Guide

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Summary of Contents for Acer 3500

  • Page 1 Aspire 3500 Series User's Guide...
  • Page 2 Copyright © 2005. Acer Incorporated. All Rights Reserved. Aspire 3500 Series User's Guide Original Issue: March 2005 Changes may be made periodically to the information in this publication without obligation to notify any person of such revisions or changes. Such changes will be incorporated in new editions of this manual or supplementary documents and publications.
  • Page 3: Basic Care And Tips For Using Your Computer

    First things first We would like to thank you for making the Aspire series of notebook computers your choice for your mobile computing needs. Your guides To help you use your Aspire, we have designed a set of guides: First off, the Just for starters... poster helps you get started with setting up your computer.
  • Page 4: Taking Care Of Your Computer

    Note: You can also use the power button to perform power management functions. See "Moving around" on page 41 of the AcerSystem User's Guide. Use the customized functions for power management • You can also shut down the computer by closing the display cover, or by pressing the sleep hot key <Fn>...
  • Page 5: Taking Care Of Your Battery Pack

    Taking care of your battery pack Here are some ways to take care of your battery pack: Use only batteries of the same kind as replacements. Turn the power off • before removing or replacing batteries. Do not tamper with batteries. Keep them away from children. •...
  • Page 6: Table Of Contents

    First things first Your guides Basic care and tips for using your computer Turning your computer on and off Taking care of your computer Taking care of your AC adaptor Taking care of your battery pack Cleaning and servicing An Aspire tour Front view Closed front view Left view...
  • Page 7 Arcade (for selected models) Arcade hotkeys The Arcade remote control (for selected models)29 Finding and playing content Advanced Settings Arcade controls Navigation controls Player controls Cinema DVD settings Album Slideshow settings Video Playing a video file Video Authoring Music Burner Copy —...
  • Page 8 Special considerations Traveling internationally with the computer Preparing the computer What to bring with you Special considerations Securing your computer Using a computer security lock Using passwords Entering passwords Setting passwords Expanding through options Connectivity options Fax/Data modem Built-in network feature Universal Serial Bus IEEE 1394 port PC Card slot...
  • Page 9: An Aspire Tour

    An Aspire tour After setting up your computer as illustrated in the Just for Starters... poster, let us show you around your new Aspire computer. Front view Item Description Display screen Also called Liquid-Crystal Display (LCD), displays computer output. Microphone Internal microphone for sound recording.
  • Page 10: Closed Front View

    Item Description Touchpad Touch-sensitive pointing device which functions like a computer mouse. Status Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) that turn on and off to indicators show the status of the computer’s functions and components. Launch keys Buttons for launching frequently used programs. See “Launch keys”...
  • Page 11: Left View

    Item USB 2.0 port Left view Item Optical drive LED indicator Emergency eject hole Optical drive eject button Right view Item PC Card slot eject button PC Card slot Two USB 2.0 ports Description Connects to Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 devices (e.g., USB mouse, USB camera).
  • Page 12: Rear View

    Item Network jack Modem jack Ventilation slots Note: The positions of the AcerMedia indicator, eject button and emergency eject hole may differ depending on the optical drive module installed. Rear view Item Power jack External display port Security keylock Description Connects to an Ethernet 10/100 based network.
  • Page 13: Base View

    Base view Item Description Hard disk bay Houses the computer's hard disk (secured by a screw). Battery Releases the battery for removal. release latch Battery bay Houses the computer's battery pack. Battery lock Locks the battery in place. Cooling fan Helps keep the computer cool.
  • Page 14: Specifications

    Specifications Operating Microsoft system Microsoft Platform ® Intel Celeron (512 KB L2 cache, 1.3/1.4/1.5 GHz, 400 MHz FSB) ® Intel Pentium (2 MB L2 cache, 1.5 GHz, 400 MHz FSB) Chipset: SiS M661MX/963L/302ELV (LVDS) System memory 256 or 512 MB of DDR333 memory, upgradeable to 1 GB using two soDIMM modules Display and 15"...
  • Page 15 Communication Modem: 56K ITU V.92 modem with PTT approval; Wake- on-Ring ready LAN: 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet; Wake-on-LAN ready Wireless LAN (optional): integrated miniPCI 802.11b/g Wi- Fi CERTIFIED Acer SignalUp wireless technology support Wireless PAN (optional): integrated Bluetooth I/O interface Three USB 2.0 ports Ethernet (RJ-45) port Modem (RJ-11) port...
  • Page 17: Indicators

    Indicators The computer has three easy-to-read status indicators on the upper-right above the keyboard, and four on the front panel. The power, battery, and wireless communication status indicators are visible even when the LCD display is closed. Icon Function Caps Lock Num Lock Media activity Bluetooth...
  • Page 18: Launch Keys

    Launch keys Located at the upper-right, above the keyboard are four buttons. These buttons are called launch keys. They are: mail, Web browser, Acer Empowering Key " ," and one user-programmable button. Press " " to run the Acer eManager. Please see "Acer eManager" on page 19. The mail and Web buttons are pre-set to email and Internet programs, but can be reset by users.
  • Page 19: Touchpad

    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 The following items show you how to use the touchpad: Move your finger across the touchpad (2) to move the cursor.
  • Page 20 Right Function Left button (1) button (4) Execute Quickly click twice. Select Click once. Drag Click and hold, then use finger on the touchpad to drag the cursor. Access Click once. context menu Scroll Note: Keep your fingers dry and clean when using the touchpad. Also keep the touchpad dry and clean.
  • Page 21: Using The Keyboard

    Using the keyboard The keyboard has full-sized keys and an embedded keypad, separate cursor keys, two Windows keys and twelve function keys. Lock keys and embedded numeric keypad The keyboard has three lock keys which you can toggle on and off. Lock key Description Caps Lock...
  • Page 22: Windows Keys

    Windows keys The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions. Description Windows 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 functions: <...
  • Page 23: Hotkeys

    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 hot key combination. Hot key Icon Function <Fn>...
  • Page 24: Special Keys

    Hot key Icon Function <Fn> + Brightness up Increases the screen brightness. <→> <Fn> + Brightness < ←> down Special keys You can locate the Euro symbol at the upper-center and/or bottom-right of your keyboard. To type: The Euro symbol Open a text editor or word processor.
  • Page 25: Ejecting The Optical (Cd Or Dvd) Drive Tray

    Ejecting the optical (CD or DVD) drive tray To eject the optical drive tray when the computer is turned on, press the drive eject button. When the power is off, you can eject the drive tray by using the emergency eject hole.
  • Page 26: Audio

    Audio The computer comes with 16-bit high-fidelity AC'97 stereo 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 15 for more information on adjusting the speaker volume.
  • Page 27: Using The System Utilities

    Using the system utilities Acer eManager The innovative Acer eManager software is designed for easy access to frequently used functions. Press " interface, featuring three main settings: Acer eSettings, Acer ePresentation and Acer eRecovery . To set the Acer Empowering Key " Acer ePresentation simplifies resolution settings when connecting to a projector.
  • Page 28: Acer Gridvista (Dual-Display Compatible)

    Acer GridVista (dual-display compatible) To enable the dual monitor feature of your notebook, first ensure the second monitor is connected, then, select Start, Control Panel, Display and click on Settings. Select the secondary monitor (2) icon in the display box and then click the check box Extend my windows desktop onto this monitor.
  • Page 29: Acer Disk-To-Disk Recovery

    Note: Please ensure the resolution setting of your second monitor is set to the manufacturer's recommended value. Acer disk-to-disk recovery Note: If your system is the multilingual version. The operating system and language you choose when you first power-on the system will be the only option for future recovery operations.
  • Page 30: Launch Manager

    Before performing a restore operation, please check the BIOS settings. Check to see if Acer disk-to-disk recovery is enabled or not. Make sure the [D2D Recovery] setting in [Main] is [Enabled]. Exit the BIOS setup utility and save changes. The system will reboot.
  • Page 31: Frequently Asked Questions

    Frequently asked questions The following is a list of possible situations that may arise during the use of your computer. Easy answers and solutions are provided for each one. I pressed the power button and opened the display, but the computer does not start or boot-up.
  • Page 32: The Printer Does Not Work

    No audio is heard from the computer. Check the following: The volume may be muted. In Windows, look at the volume control • (speaker) icon on the taskbar. If it is crossed-out, click on the icon and deselect the Mute option. The volume level may be too low.
  • Page 33: Recovery Cds

    Note: Please note, on first booting your notebook, that you can skip the Internet Connection setup, as it is not necessary to complete the installation of your Operating System. After the Operating System is setup, you can proceed with the Internet Connection setup.
  • Page 34: Requesting Service

    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 with your computer.
  • Page 35: Arcade (For Selected Models)

    Arcade (for selected models) Acer Arcade is an integrated player for music, photos, DVD movies, and videos. To watch or listen, click a content button (e.g. Music, Video, etc) on the Arcade home page. Cinema — watch DVDs or VCDs •...
  • Page 36: Arcade Hotkeys

    Arcade hotkeys When running in the Windows environment, the key combinations listed below are available to control and fine-tune the features and settings of Acer Arcade. Hot key Function <Fn> + <F1> On-line help menu <Fn> + <F5> Display toggle <Fn>...
  • Page 37: The Arcade Remote Control (For Selected Models)29

    The Arcade remote control (for selected models) The system also provides a remote control for a convenient way to control the features of Arcade mode. The images below show which buttons on the remote contol function in the different Arcade modes. Arcade Main Page Cinema Mode Album Mode...
  • Page 38: Finding And Playing Content

    Finding and playing content Clicking a button on the Arcade home page opens the corresponding feature's home page. The content pages have buttons on the left and a content browsing area on the right. If a button shows one of several choices, such as sort order, the current setting is shown by a brightly colored ball on the left side.
  • Page 39: Navigation Controls

    Navigation controls To return to the Arcade home page, click the Home button in the upper left corner of the window. To go up one folder level while searching for content, click Up one level. To return to a previous screen, click Return. The buttons in the upper right (minimize, maximize, and close) have standard PC behaviours.
  • Page 40: Dvd Settings

    DVD settings There are two types of DVD settings: "Video" and "Language." Click the appropriate button to open its settings page. Video The Video settings control the video output of DVDs/VCDs. Use hardware acceleration takes advantage of the special processing power in some graphics cards to reduce CPU loading when playing back DVDs and some video files.
  • Page 41: Album

    Album Acer Arcade lets you view digital photos individually or as a slideshow, from any available drive on your computer. Click the Album button on the Arcade Home page to show the Album main page. The content area on the right shows both individual pictures and folders.
  • Page 42: Slideshow Settings

    To view a slideshow, open the folder containing the pictures you wish to view - then click Play slideshow. The slideshow is played full-screen. Use the pop-up control panel to control the slideshow. To rotate a picture in full-screen, click Rotate right or Rotate left. You can also view a single picture by clicking on it.
  • Page 43: Video

    Video To open the Video function, click Video on the Arcade Home page. Note: The Video feature is designed to play back MPEG1, MPEG2 (if a DVD drive is installed), AVI, WMV, and ASF formats. If you want to watch a DVD or VCD use the "Cinema" function. Two options are shown on the Video page: "Video Play"...
  • Page 44: Music

    Music For convenient access to your music collection, click Music on the Arcade Home page to open the Music Home page. Select the folder, or CD, that contains the music you want to listen to. Click Play to listen to the entire contents from the beginning, or select the song that you want to hear from the list in the content area.
  • Page 45: Tv (For Selected Models)

    For Specific details about each of these options, consult the User's Guide or click the Help button to open NTI CD/DVD-Maker's help menu. TV (for selected models) Arcade allows you to watch TV from your computer. Click the TV button on the Home page to show the TV main page.
  • Page 46: Recorded Tv

    Note: Since the TV content you watch always lags slightly behind the live TV broadcast, going to the end of the instant replay recording is as close to watching live TV as Arcade permits. Recorded TV The "Recorded TV" page shows recorded files using the "Recorded TV Shows" page of the "Video"...
  • Page 47: Tv Settings

    TV Settings To change picture settings, click the TV button on the "Settings" page or the Settings button on the main TV page. There are two types of TV settings: "TV Signal" and "Channels." TV Signal Select this TV Source option if your TV receives signals via an antenna or cable. The Country option allows you to select the country or region where your cable provider is located.
  • Page 48 File type compatibility Mode Supported Cinema DVD/ SVCD/VCD/MiniDVD Video ASF/WMV/AVI/MPEG1/2, DivX (requires codec) Album BMP, JPG, PNG Music MP3, WMA, WAV, CDA (Audio CD) Note: Automatic media detection will only function under the main menu. Not supported DTS, Linear PCM, TruSurroundXT, SRS, DVD audio DVD navigator, SVCD, M2V, MOV, Flash...
  • Page 49: Taking Your Notebook Pc With You

    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: Save any open files. Remove any media, floppy disks or compact disks, from the drive(s).
  • Page 50: What To Take To Short Meetings

    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.
  • Page 51: What To Take With You

    What to take with you Unless you have some items at home, take the following items with you: AC adaptor and power cord • The printed User's Guide • 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 •...
  • Page 52: What To Take With You

    What to take with you Take the following items with you: AC adaptor • Spare, fully-charged battery pack(s) • Additional printer driver files if you plan to use another printer • 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.
  • Page 53: Special Considerations

    Special considerations Follow the same special considerations as when traveling with the computer. In addition, these tips are useful when traveling internationally: When traveling in another country, check that the local AC voltage and the • AC adaptor power cord specifications are compatible. If not, purchase a power cord that is compatible with the local AC voltage.
  • Page 54: Securing Your Computer

    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 notch, located on the left hand side of the computer, lets you connect a Kensington-compatible computer security lock.
  • Page 55: Entering Passwords

    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 access the BIOS utility. •...
  • Page 57: Expanding Through Options

    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, read the following section.
  • Page 58: Built-In Network Feature

    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 network jack on the left hand side of the computer to a network jack or hub on your network.
  • Page 59: Universal Serial Bus

    Universal Serial Bus The USB 2.0 port is a high-speed serial bus which allows you to connect USB peripherals without taking up precious system resources. IEEE 1394 port The computer's IEEE 1394 port allows you to connect to an IEEE 1394- compatible device like a video camera or digital camera.
  • Page 60: Pc Card Slot

    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 long afforded by desktop PCs.
  • Page 61: Bios Utility

    Installing memory Follow these steps to install memory: Turn off the computer, unplug the AC adaptor (if connected) and remove the battery pack. Then turn the computer over to access its base. Remove the screws from the memory cover; then lift up and remove the memory cover.
  • Page 62: Boot Sequence

    Boot sequence To set the boot sequence in the BIOS utility, activate the BIOS utility, then select Boot from the categories listed at the top of the screen. Enable Disk to disk recovery To enable disk to disk recovery (hard disk recovery), activate the BIOS utility, then select Main from the categories listed at the top of the screen.
  • Page 63: Power Management

    Region code Country or region Europe, Middle East, South Africa, Japan Southeast Asia, Taiwan, Korea (South) Latin America, Australia, New Zealand Former U.S.S.R., parts of Africa, India People's Republic of China Note: To change the region code, insert a DVD movie of a different region into the DVD drive.
  • Page 64: Acer Erecovery

    Acer eRecovery Acer eRecovery is a tool to quickly backup and restore the system. You can create and save a backup of the current system configuration to hard drive, CD, or DVD. Acer eRecovery consists of the following functions: Create backup Restore from backup Create factory default image CD Re-install bundled software without CD...
  • Page 65: Restore From Backup

    Restore from backup You can restore backups previously created (as stated in the Create backup section) from hard drive, CD, or DVD. Boot to Windows XP. Press <Alt> + <F10> to open the Acer eRecovery utility. Enter the password to proceed. The default password is six zeros. In the Acer eRecovery window, select Recovery actions and click Next.
  • Page 66: Re-Install Bundled Software Without Cd

    Re-install bundled software without CD Acer eRecovery stores pre-loaded software internally for easy driver and application re-installation. Boot to Windows XP. Press <Alt> + <F10> to open the Acer eRecovery utility. Enter the password to proceed. The default password is six zeros. In the Acer eRecovery window, select Recovery actions and click Next.
  • Page 67: Troubleshooting

    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 authorized service center for assistance.
  • Page 68 Error messages Corrective action Keyboard interface Contact your dealer or an authorized service center. error Memory size Press <F2> (during POST) to enter the BIOS utility; mismatch then press Exit in the BIOS utility to reboot. If you still encounter problems after going through the corrective measures, please contact your dealer or an authorized service center for assistance.
  • Page 69: Regulations And Safety Notices

    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 B digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules.
  • Page 70: Declaration Of Conformity For Eu Countries

    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 operation. Notice: Canadian users This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
  • Page 71: Modem Notices

    Modem notices Notice for USA This equipment complies with Part 68 of the FCC rules. Located on the modem is a label that contains, among other information, the FCC Registration Number and Ringer Equivalence Number (REN) for this equipment. Upon request, you must provide this information to your telephone company.
  • Page 72: Notice For Australia

    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, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Cyprus and Malta. Usage allowed in the countries of European Union, as well as Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
  • Page 73: Important Safety Instructions

    than 5 seconds between the end of one call attempt and the beginning of another. This equipment shall not be set up to make automatic calls to Telecom's 111 Emergency Service. For modem with approval number PTC 211/01/030 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.
  • Page 74 Do not use this product near water. Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, or table. The product may fall, causing serious damage to the product. Slots and openings are provided for ventilation; to ensure reliable operation of the product and to protect it from overheating. These openings must not be blocked or covered.
  • Page 75: Laser Compliance Statement

    Warning! Batteries may explode if not handled properly. Do not disassemble or dispose of them in fire. Keep them away from children and dispose of used batteries promptly. To avoid hazard of unexpected electrical shock, use the AC adaptor only when the wall socket is properly grounded.
  • Page 76: Macrovision Copyright Protection Notice

    dots. This has no effect on the recorded image and does not constitute a malfunction. Macrovision copyright protection notice This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights. Use of this copyright protection technology must be authorized by Macrovision, and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision.
  • Page 77 European Union (EU) This device complies with the essential requirements of the European Council Directives listed below: 73/23/EEC Low Voltage Directive EN 60950 • 89/336/EEC Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive • EN 55022 • EN 55024 EN 61000-3-2/-3 • 99/5/EC Radio & Telecommunications Terminal Equipment (R&TTE) Directive Art.3.1a) EN 60950 •...
  • Page 78: The Fcc Rf Safety Requirement

    The FCC RF safety requirement The radiated output power of Wireless LAN mini PCI Card and Bluetooth card is far below the FCC radio frequency exposure limits. Nevertheless, the notebook PC series shall be used in such a manner that the potential for human contact during normal operation is minimized as follows: Users are requested to follow the RF safety instructions on wireless option devices that are included in the user's manual of each RF option device.
  • Page 79 An improper installation or unauthorized use may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Also any tampering of the internal antenna will void the FCC certification and your warranty. Canada - Low power license-exempt radio communication devices (RSS-210) Common information Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1.
  • Page 80: Federal Communications Commission

    Address of responsible party: Contact person: Phone no.: Fax no.: Notebook personal computer Aspire 3500 Aspire 350xxx ("x" = 0 - 9, a - z, or A - Z) Acer America Corporation 2641 Orchard Parkway, San Jose, CA 95134, U.S.A.
  • Page 81: Declaration Of Conformity For Ce Marking

    Notebook PC Trade name: Acer Model number: Machine type: Aspire 3500 SKU number: Aspire 350xxx ("x" = 0 - 9, a - z, or A - Z) Is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of the following EC directives.
  • Page 83 Index AC adapter caring for audio adjusting the volume troubleshooting battery pack caring for BIOS utility brightness hotkeys caps lock on indicator care AC adapter battery pack computer CD-ROM ejecting ejecting manually troubleshooting cleaning computer computer bringing to meetings caring for cleaning disconnecting features...
  • Page 84 network Notebook Manager hotkey num lock on indicator numeric keypad embedded password types PC Card ejecting inserting ports printer troubleshooting problems CD-ROM display keyboard printer startup troubleshooting questions setting location for modem use safety CD or DVD FCC notice general instructions modem notices scroll lock security...

This manual is also suitable for:

Aspire 3502Aspire 3503Aspire 3500 series

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