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Acer Aspire EL, User Manual

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Acer Aspire EL User Manual Download Page 60

This chapter instructs you on 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 by yourself.  Contact your 
dealer or an authorized service center for 
assistance.
                          key link: www.acersupport.com.

extensa2 - EN.book Page 52 Tuesday, July 17, 2001 1:34 PM

 

Summary of Contents for Aspire EL

Page 1: ...Aspire EL User s guide ...

Page 2: ...computer All correspondense concerning your unit should include the serial number model number and purchase information No part of this publication may be reproduced stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic mechanical photocopy recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of Acer Incorporated Model Number _________________________________ Se...

Page 3: ...e interference by one or more of the following measures Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna Increase the separation between the device and receiver Connect the device into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected Consult the dealer or an experienced radio television technician for help Notice Shield cables All connections to other computing devices must ...

Page 4: ...oduct on an unstable cart stand or table The product may fall causing serious damage to the product 5 Slots and openings in the cabinet and the back or bottom are provided for ventilation to ensure reliable operation of the product and to protect it from overheating these openings must not be blocked or covere The openings should never be blocked by placing the product on a bed sofa rug or other s...

Page 5: ...r controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the product to normal condition e If the product has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged f If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance indicating a need for service 12 Replace the battery with the same type as the product s battery we recommend Use of another battery may...

Page 6: ...BEAM TCO 95 compliant The Aspire EL computer is a TCO 95 approved and labelled product TCO 95 provides international environmental and quality labelling of personal computers The labelling scheme was developed as a joint effort by the TCO The Swedish Confederation of Professional Employees Svenska Naturskyddsforeningen The Swedish Society of Nature Conservation Statens Energimyndighet The Swedish ...

Page 7: ...nline guide 6 2 Getting to know your Aspire EL 7 Features 9 The front panel 11 The rear panel 12 The keyboard 14 The mouse 17 Disk drives 18 Hard disk 18 3 5 inch floppy drive 18 CD ROM DVD ROM CD RW drive 19 Acer GoTo drive bay 22 3 Setting up your Aspire EL 23 Arranging a comfortable work area 25 Adjusting your chair 25 Positioning your Aspire EL 25 Positioning your monitor 25 Positioning your k...

Page 8: ... 33 Printer 33 Network 34 Modem optional 35 Multimedia devices 36 USB devices 38 Turning on your computer 39 Turning off your computer 41 Configuring your Acer GoTo drive 42 Upgrading your computer 45 Mainboard 46 System utilities 49 5 Need help 51 Index 57 ...

Page 9: ...1 First things first ...

Page 10: ...This chapter describes the contents of your computer package and also provides important tips on how to take care of your computer ...

Page 11: ...puter comes preinstalled with software programs that will enable you to Create personal documents Access the Internet Send and receive emails Play audio and video CDs and tons more Whether you ve owned a computer before or not your Aspire EL computer was designed to improve the way you work and make it more enjoyable too and effectively serve your computing needs ...

Page 12: ...ove the contents If any of the following items are missing or damaged contact your dealer immediately Aspire EL Just for Starters poster USB keyboard Items contained in the accessory box USB mouse Power cable User s guide Acer GoTo swappable drive optional Other user documentation and third party software Aspire EL Warranty Guide in selected countries only ...

Page 13: ...fully route the power cord and any cables away from personal traffic When unplugging the power cord do not pull on the cord itself but pull on the plug The total ampere rating of the equipment plugged in should not exceed the ampere rating of the cord if you are using an extension cord Also the total current rating of all equipment plugged into a single wall outlet should not exceed the fuse ratin...

Page 14: ...s discussed in the Need help section on page 51 If your problem is not listed in the Need help section on page 51 If you want to replace or upgrade any of your computer s internal components Asking for technical assistance For technical assistance contact your local dealer or distributor You may also access the Acer Web site at http www acer com for information on how and where to contact the serv...

Page 15: ...2 Getting to know your Aspire EL ...

Page 16: ...This chapter discusses the features and components of your computer ...

Page 17: ... 2000 and Windows Me operating systems Multimedia Cathode ray tube CRT and liquid crystal display LCD support 3D audio system via onboard AC 97 audio codec Memory Stick reader optional Optical drive CD ROM DVD ROM or CD RW drive Line in line out microphone in headphone out and game port interfaces Connectivity High speed 56 K V 90 data fax voice modem IEEE 802 802 3u 10BaseT 100BaseTX compatible n...

Page 18: ...ur Aspire EL 10 Expansion 3 PCI slots 3 DIMM slots 1 AGP slot Upgradeable memory and hard disk Acer GoTo swappable drive optional Human centric design and ergonomics Smooth and stylish design Low emission and low radiation ...

Page 19: ... emergency eject hole 13 3 5 inch floppy drive 4 CD ROM DVD ROM CD RW drive Stop Eject button 14 3 5 inch floppy drive activity indicator 5 Acer GoTo drive bay keylock 15 CD DVD compartment 6 Acer GoTo drive activity indicator 16 Front USB ports 7 Acer GoTo drive optional 17 Front microphone in port 8 Power indicator 18 Speaker Headphone out port 9 LAN activity indicator 19 Memory Stick slot optio...

Page 20: ...he rear panel of your computer For information on how to connect the peripherals refer to Connecting peripherals on page 27 and Adding options to your Aspire EL on page 31 Your computer s rear panel consists of the following No Icon Color Description 1 Main power switch 2 Voltage selector switch 3 Power cable socket 4 System fan 1 5 Purple PS 2 keyboard port ...

Page 21: ...Network port 9 Black Rear USB ports 10 Burgundy Parallel printer port 11 Teal or turquoise Serial ports 12 Keyhole 13 Lime Audio out Line out port 14 Gold Game MIDI port 15 Light blue Audio in Line in port 16 Black Microphone in port 17 Blue Monitor VGA port 18 Expansion slots ...

Page 22: ...elve function keys For information on how to connect your USB keyboard please see Connecting peripherals on page 27 No Component Function 1 Function keys F1 F12 Access most of the computer s controls like screen brightness volume output and the BIOS Setup utility 2 Caps Lock When activated all alphabetic characters typed appear in uppercase same function as pressing Shift letter ...

Page 23: ...he same function as the arrow keys on the numeric pad when the Num Lock is toggled off 6 Palm rest detachable Provides a comfortable place to rest your hands while typing 7 Num Lock When activated the keypad is set to numeric mode i e the keys function as a calculator complete with arithmetic operators such as x and 8 Scroll Lock When activated the screen moves one line up or down when you press t...

Page 24: ... file and start playing 11 Internet Suspend keys Consist of three buttons Email button launches your email application Web browser button launches your current default browser Suspend Resume button puts the system to sleep when pressed To wake the system press it again 12 Programmable keys Access a URL Web site or launch any program file or application in your system The fifth key is set to launch...

Page 25: ...ge 27 For information on how to clean your mouse see To clean your mouse on page 6 Note If you are left handed refer to your Windows manual for instructions on how to set up your mouse for left handed use No Component Function 1 Left button Allows you to select with a click and execute with a double click 2 Ratchet wheel Allows you to easily scroll By moving the wheel with your index finger you ca...

Page 26: ...ty diskettes Floppy diskettes are compact lightweight and easy to carry around Here are some tips on how to take care of your diskettes Always make backup copies of the diskettes that contain important data or program files Keep diskettes away from magnetic fields and sources of heat Avoid removing a diskette from the floppy drive when the drive activity indicator is on Write protect your diskette...

Page 27: ...ted on the front panel of your computer The CD ROM drive allows you to play different types of compact discs CDs The DVD ROM drive allows you to play not only old CD ROMs CD I discs and video CDs but new Digital Video Discs DVDs as well DVD or DVD ROM is a new type of CD ROM that holds a minimum of 4 7 GB gigabytes enough for a full length movie It is believed that it will eventually replace CD RO...

Page 28: ...ens reader on the CD ROM DVD ROM CD RW drive or stop the computer from successfully reading the disc When handling discs always hold them by the edges to avoid smudges or fingerprints When cleaning discs use a clean dust free cloth and wipe in a straight line from the center to the edge Do not wipe in a circular motion Clean your CD ROM DVD ROM CD RW drive regularly You may refer to the cleaning k...

Page 29: ...r title side of the disc facing upward 3 Gently press the disc down to make sure that it is properly inserted Caution While pressing the CD DVD be careful not to bend the disc tray Make sure that the CD DVD is properly inserted before closing the disc tray Improper insertion may damage both the CD DVD and the CD ROM DVD ROM CD RW drive 4 Gently press the drive Stop Eject button again to close the ...

Page 30: ...ive bay allows you to conveniently install a second hard disk for additional storage capacity for your computer The Acer GoTo drive bay is cold swappable This means you first have to turn off your computer before swapping drive modules in and out of the drive bay Caution NEVER attempt to swap in or out a drive module in the Acer GoTo drive bay while the system is on Doing so can result to data los...

Page 31: ...3 Setting up your Aspire EL ...

Page 32: ...This chapter contains step by step instructions on how to set up your computer ...

Page 33: ...our chair height in such a way that you can sit on it with your thighs parallel to the floor and your feet resting flat on the floor Rest your body on the chair back Your torso works harder to maintain balance if you do not rest your body on the chair back Positioning your Aspire EL Do not put your computer near any equipment that might cause electromagnetic or radio frequency interference such as...

Page 34: ...r upper arms and shoulders should be relaxed Then try typing with a light touch If you feel any shoulder or neck strain stop for a while and check your posture Position your keyboard in front of your monitor Putting your keyboard beside your monitor will make you turn your head while you type which could add tension to your neck muscles that may later result in neck strain Positioning your mouse T...

Page 35: ... to connect the mouse the keyboard the monitor and the power cable USB mouse Plug the USB mouse cable into any of the USB ports located on the front and rear panel of your computer Note If you are using a PS 2 mouse plug the mouse cable into the PS 2 mouse port located on the rear panel of your computer ...

Page 36: ...rd Plug the USB keyboard cable into any of the USB ports located on the front and rear panel of your computer Note If you are using a PS 2 keyboard plug the keyboard cable into the PS 2 keyboard port located on the rear panel of your computer ...

Page 37: ... Monitor To connect a monitor simply plug the monitor cable into the monitor VGA port located on the rear panel of your computer Note Refer to the monitor manual for additonal instructions and information ...

Page 38: ...age setting switch located on the rear panel of your computer If they don t match change your computer s voltage setting according to your area s voltage range Plug the power cable into the power cable socket located on the rear panel of your computer Then plug the other end of the power cable into a power outlet The figure below shows a complete connection of the whole system ...

Page 39: ...4 Adding options to your Aspire EL ...

Page 40: ...This chapter will tell you how to connect additional peripherals and what to do if you want to upgrade your computer key link accessories acer com ...

Page 41: ...o the parallel printer port located on the rear panel of your computer Note If you are using a serial printer connect the printer cable into either serial port 1 or serial port 2 located on the rear panel of your computer In the same manner connect a USB printer by plugging the printer cable into any of the USB ports located on the front and rear panel ...

Page 42: ...your computer to a Local Area Network LAN using a network cable To do so simply plug the network cable into the network port located on the rear panel of your computer Note Consult your operating system manual for information on how to configure your network setup ...

Page 43: ...u have a modem card installed in your system Contact your dealer for more information Set up your modem connection by plugging the telephone line and handset into their corresponding ports on the rear panel of your computer Refer to the figure below for the connections ...

Page 44: ...and a joystick for games Plug the devices in as follows microphone connect to rear Microphone in port speakers earphones headphones connect to rear Audio out Line out port external CD player connect to Audio in Line in port joystick connect to Game MIDI port Note You could also connect your microphone to the front microphone in port and your speakers earphones headphones to the speaker headphone o...

Page 45: ...37 Refer to the figure below for the connections Note For information on how to configure the multimedia devices consult the documentation that came with each device ...

Page 46: ...orts two are located on the rear panel while the other two are inside the front panel s multimedia port bay These ports allow you to connect additional USB devices to your computer without using up precious system resources To connect a USB device simply plug the device cable into any of the USB ports The Plug and Play function of your USB interface allows you to connect and disconnect a USB devic...

Page 47: ...ready to turn your computer on and get to work To turn on your computer 1 Turn on all peripherals connected to your computer such as the monitor printer fax speakers etc 2 On your computer s rear panel set the voltage selector switch to the voltage range applicable in your area a then turn on the main power switch b ...

Page 48: ...ess the power button When the computer finishes booting it is now ready for use Important Make sure that the power cable is properly plugged in into an electrical outlet If you are using a power strip or an AVR Auto Voltage Regulator make sure that it is plugged in and turned on ...

Page 49: ...eripherals connected to your computer If you cannot shut down your computer press the power button for at least four seconds Quickly pressing the button may put the computer in a Suspend mode only Note You do not need to turn off the main power switch every time you turn off your computer Turn off the main power switch only if you will not use your computer for a long time or if your computer need...

Page 50: ...nfiguring your Acer GoTo drive 1 Turn off your computer 2 Remove the Acer GoTo drive frame from the bay as in the following figure a Unlock the Acer GoTo drive bay using the key shipped in with your computer b Pull the drive frame handle downward c Remove the drive frame from the Acer GoTo drive bay ...

Page 51: ...s that hold the hard disk to the drive frame a remove the frame cover b then the hard disk c 4 Install a new 3 5 inch hard disk a replace the frame cover b then secure it with the fours screws that you have previously removed c ...

Page 52: ...e Acer GoTo drive bay a then lock the drive bay b 6 Turn on your computer Your Acer GoTo hard drive is ready for use Note When you turn on your computer the BIOS setup utility automatically configures your system based on the storage capacity of the swappable drive installed ...

Page 53: ...le such as the memory the disk drives and the expansion cards However for safety purposes we do not recommend that you perform these upgrades yourself If you want to replace or upgrade any of these components contact your dealer or a qualified service technician for assistance ...

Page 54: ...4 Adding options to your Aspire EL 46 Mainboard The layout below shows all the connectors and jumpers on the mainboard Refer to the table for a brief description of each connectors and jumpers ...

Page 55: ...Power connector CN4 Network upper and USB lower ports CN5 Parallel port upper and serial ports lower CN6 Memory Stick connector optional CN7 IDE 2 connector CN8 IDE 1 connector CN9 Game MIDI upper line out left line in middle and mic in right connectors CN10 Power connector 12V CN14 CD in connector CN15 FDD connector CN16 Intrusion connector CN17 HDD LED connector CN19 Power button CN20 Front USB ...

Page 56: ...y slot 1 3 FN1 3 pin CPU fan connector FN2 3 pin system fan connector FN3 3 pin system fan connector JP1 LAN active LED connector JP3 Model select JP14 1 2 Clear CMOS 2 3 Normal PCI 1 PCI 2 PCI 3 PCI slot 1 3 U5 CPU socket U12 Intel 845 socket U16 SMSC chipset U21 Intel ICH2 chipset U29 BIOS chipset Label Component ...

Page 57: ...ardware and optional features installed in your Aspire EL computer your system came bundled with several program utilities designed to streamline your computer s operations Refer to your online guide for more information on these utilities ...

Page 58: ...4 Adding options to your Aspire EL 50 ...

Page 59: ...5 Need help ...

Page 60: ...ms 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 by yourself Contact your dealer or an authorized service center for assistance key link www acersupport com ...

Page 61: ...using a power strip or AVR make sure that it is plugged in and turned on If the indicator is lit check the following Is a nonbootable nonsystem diskette in the floppy drive If yes remove or replace it with a system diskette and press Ctrl Alt Del to restart your computer The operating system files may be damaged or missing Insert the startup disk you created during Windows setup into the floppy dr...

Page 62: ...he printer refer to the printer s documentation Q No sound comes out from the computer A Check the following The volume may be muted Under Windows look for the volume control icon on the taskbar If it is crossed out click on the icon and deselect the Mute option You could also press the volume control mute knob on your USB keyboard to toggle from mute to sound on If headphones earphones or externa...

Page 63: ...diskette or disc A Check the following Make sure the diskette is not write protected See Disk drives on page 18 Make sure that you are using the correct type of disc or diskette See Disk drives on page 18 Check if the diskette is formatted correctly If not format it again Q Pressing the CD ROM DVD ROM CD RW drive Stop Eject button does not eject the CD DVD tray A There is an emergency eject hole o...

Page 64: ...5 Need help 56 ...

Page 65: ...ures 9 connectivity 9 design 10 ergonomics 10 expansion 10 multimedia 9 performance 9 front panel 11 K keyboard 14 M mainboard 46 Memory Stick slot 11 mouse 17 O online guide 6 P peripherals 27 external monitor 29 keyboard 28 mouse 27 ports 12 problems troubleshooting 52 R rear panel 12 S setting up computer 25 area 25 chair 25 keyboard 26 monitor 25 mouse 26 PC 25 power cable 30 system utilities ...

Page 66: ...58 ...

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