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to notify any person of such revision or changes.  Such changes will be incorporated in new 
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hereof and specifically disclaims the implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a 
particular purpose.

Record the model number, serial number, purchase date, and place of purchase information in 
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All Rights Reserved.

TravelMate 240/250 series User’s guide
Original Issue: June 2003

TravelMate 240/250 series Notebook computer

Acer and the Acer logo are registered trademarks of Acer Incorporated.  Other company's 
product names or trademarks are used herein for identification purposes only and belong to 
their respective compani

es.

Summary of Contents for TravelMate 240 series

Page 1: ...TravelMate 240 250 series User s guide...

Page 2: ...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...

Page 3: ...mputer can help you be more productive This guide provides clear and concise information about the computer so read it thoroughly If you ever need to print out a copy this User s guide is also availab...

Page 4: ...lay cover or by pressing the sleep hot key Fn F4 See Power management on page 26 Note If you cannot power off the computer normally press and hold the power switch for more than four seconds to shut d...

Page 5: ...re using an extension cord Also the total current rating of all equipment plugged into a single wall outlet should not exceed the fuse rating Taking care of your battery pack Here are some ways to tak...

Page 6: ...vi English The computer does not operate normally Please refer to Troubleshooting my computer on page 57...

Page 7: ...ics 20 Storage 22 Hard disk 22 Optical drive 22 Floppy drive 24 Audio 25 Power management 26 Moving around with your TravelMate 27 Disconnecting from the desktop 27 Moving around 27 Taking the compute...

Page 8: ...ish 3 Troubleshooting my computer 57 Frequently asked questions 59 Requesting service 63 International Traveler s Warranty ITW 63 Before you call 63 Appendix A Specifications 65 Appendix B Notices 71...

Page 9: ...1 Getting to know your TravelMate...

Page 10: ...er combines high performance versatility power management features and multimedia capabilities with a unique style and ergonomic design Work with unmatched productivity and reliability with your new p...

Page 11: ...setting up your computer as illustrated in the Just for Starters poster let us show you around your new TravelMate computer Front view Item Description 1 Display screen Also called LCD liquid crystal...

Page 12: ...witch Turns on the computer power 5 Palmrest Comfortable support area for your hands when you use the computer 6 Click buttons left center and right The left and right buttons function like the left a...

Page 13: ...CDs or DVDs depending on the optical drive type 4 Infrared port Interfaces with infrared devices e g infrared printer IR aware computer 5 LED indicator Lights up when the optical drive is active 6 Em...

Page 14: ...Floppy activity indicator LED light emitting diode that turns on and off when the floppy is active 3 Floppy drive Internal diskette drive accepts 3 5 inch diskettes 4 Floppy disk eject button Push th...

Page 15: ...ctor and displays up to 16M colors at 1024x768 resolution 4 USB 2 0 ports 4 Connect to Universal Serial Bus USB 2 0 devices e g USB mouse USB camera 5 Network jack Connects to an Ethernet 10 100 based...

Page 16: ...avelMate 8 English Bottom view Item Description 1 Battery bay Houses the computer s battery pack 2 Battery release latch Unlatches the battery to remove the battery pack 3 Memory compartment Houses th...

Page 17: ...14 1 or 15 Thin Film Transistor TFT liquid crystal display LCD displaying 16M color at 1024x768 XGA eXtended Graphics Array resolution 3D capabilities Simultaneous LCD and CRT display support Support...

Page 18: ...l Bus 2 0 ports 802 11a g 802 11b wireless LAN option Bluetooth option Human centric design and ergonomics All in one design CD DVD or combo drive floppy drive and hard disk Sleek smooth and stylish d...

Page 19: ...of the computer while the cover is closed Icon Function Description Power Lights when the computer is on Sleep Lights when the computer enters Standby mode and blinks when it enters into or resumes f...

Page 20: ...y to read icons are shown indicationg which state or feature is enabled or disabled Num Lock Lights when Num Lock is activated Icon Description Lights up when the computer is on Lights when the comput...

Page 21: ...phabetic characters typed are in uppercase Num Lock Fn F11 When Num Lock is on the embedded keypad is in numeric mode The keys function as a calculator complete with the arithmetic operators and Use t...

Page 22: ...keys Note If an external keyboard or keypad is connected to the computer the Num Lock feature automatically shifts from the internal keyboard to the external keyboard or keypad Desired access Num lock...

Page 23: ...ws logo key Start button Combinations with this key perform shortcut functions Below are a few examples Tab Activates next taskbar button E Explores My Computer F Finds Document M Minimizes All Shift...

Page 24: ...t keys press and hold the Fn key before pressing the other key in the hot key combination Hot key Icon Function Description Fn F1 Hot Key Help Displays help on hot keys Fn F2 Setup Accesses the comput...

Page 25: ...return Fn F7 Touchpad Toggle Turns the internal touchpad on and off Fn F8 Speaker Toggle Turns the speakers on and off Fn Volume up Increases the sound volume Fn Volume down Decreases the sound volum...

Page 26: ...board type 1 Click on Start Control Panel 2 Double click on Regional and Language Options 3 Click on the Language tab and click on Details 4 Verify that the keyboard layout used for En English United...

Page 27: ...four launch keys run the Acer Launch Manager Caution It s important that Bluetooth and Wireless LAN are turned off before boarding an airplane No Description Default application 1 Mail Email applicati...

Page 28: ...touchpad The central location on the palmrest provides optimum comfort and support Note When using an external USB or serial mouse you can press Fn F7 to disable the touchpad Touchpad basics The foll...

Page 29: ...d is sensitive to finger movements Hence the lighter the touch the better the response Tapping harder will not increase the touchpad s responsiveness Function Left button Right button Center buttons T...

Page 30: ...your storage needs This is where your data files and applications are stored Optical drive Your computer comes equipped with an optical drive which may be one of the following CD ROM drive DVD ROM dri...

Page 31: ...code a maximum of five times including the first time after which the last region code set will remain permanent Recovering your hard disk does not reset the number of times the region code has been...

Page 32: ...ravelMate 24 English Floppy drive The internal floppy drive accepts standard 3 5 inch 1 44 MB diskettes Ejecting a diskette Eject a diskette by pressing the floppy disk eject button 1 and pull out the...

Page 33: ...comes with 16 bit high fidelity AC 97 stereo audio The built in dual stereo speakers are easy to access There are audio ports on the rear panel of the computer See Rear view on page 7 for more informa...

Page 34: ...herals connected to the serial and parallel ports and video memory If no activity is detected for a period of time called an inactivity timeout the computer stops some or all of these devices in order...

Page 35: ...the keyboard pointing device printer external monitor and other external devices 8 Disconnect the Kensington lock if you are using one to secure the computer Moving around when you are just moving wi...

Page 36: ...than the computer What to bring to long meetings If your meeting will last longer than 3 5 hours or if your battery is not fully charged you may want to bring the AC adapter with you to plug in your...

Page 37: ...avoid exposing the computer to excessive heat Changes in temperature and humidity can cause condensation Allow the computer to return to room temperature and inspect the screen for condensation before...

Page 38: ...attery 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 yo...

Page 39: ...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...

Page 40: ...y lock A security keylock notch located on the right panel of the computer lets you connect a Kensington compatible computer security lock Wrap a computer security lock cable around an immovable objec...

Page 41: ...hlight a password parameter and press the Enter key The password box appears 2 Enter the current password and press Enter 3 Press Enter twice without entering anything in the new and confirm password...

Page 42: ...1 Getting to know your TravelMate 34 English...

Page 43: ...2 Customizing my computer...

Page 44: ...basics of your TravelMate computer let s get acquainted with the advanced features of your computer In this chapter you will learn how to add options upgrade components for better performance and cust...

Page 45: ...uld with a desktop PC Modem Your computer has a built in V 90 V 92 56Kbps AC 97 Link modem Warning This modem port is not compatible with digital phone lines Plugging this modem into a digital phone l...

Page 46: ...an Ethernet cable from the network jack to an network jack or hub Consult your network administrator for details Universal Serial Bus The Universal Serial Bus USB 2 0 port is a high speed serial bus...

Page 47: ...g afforded by desktop PCs CardBus improves on the 16 bit PC card technology by expanding the bandwidth to 32 bits Note Refer to your card s manual for details on how to install and use the card and it...

Page 48: ...components when you need increased performance Note Contact your authorized dealer if you decide to perform a key component upgrade Memory upgrade Memory is expandable to 2 GB employing DDR266 333 256...

Page 49: ...teps to install memory 1 Turn off the computer unplug the AC adapter if connected and remove the battery pack Then turn the computer over to access its base 2 Remove the screw from the memory cover a...

Page 50: ...Insert the memory module diagonally into the slot 1 then gently press it down until it clicks into place 2 4 Replace the memory cover and secure it with the screw The computer automatically detects a...

Page 51: ...nager allows you to set passwords the startup sequence of the drives and power management settings It also shows current hardware configurations To start the Notebook Manager press Fn F2 or follow the...

Page 52: ...he keyboard The Wireless and Bluetooth buttons are not programmable Launch Manager only allows you to set the other four Launch Keys See Launch Keys on page 19 for more information You can access the...

Page 53: ...ility press F2 during the POST power on self test while the TravelMate logo is being displayed Navigating the BIOS Utility These are the menu options Information Main Advanced Security Boot and Exit T...

Page 54: ...Information The Information screen displays a summary of your computer hardware information Note The screen above is for reference only Actual values may differ The table below describes the paramete...

Page 55: ...hows the system BIOS version VGA BIOS Version Shows the video graphics accelerator BIOS version KBC Version Shows the current keyboard controller KBC version Serial Number Shows the system serial numb...

Page 56: ...t start up to speed up the boot process Options Enabled or Disabled Boot time Diagnostic Screen Shows the logo during boot up Options Enabled or Disabled Boot on LAN When enabled allows your computer...

Page 57: ...te A Shows the floppy drive information Primary Master Shows the hard disk information Press Enter to access the sub menu Secondary Master Shows the optical drive information Press Enter to access the...

Page 58: ...contains parameters related to the hard disk installed in your computer Caution The parameters in this screen are for advanced uses only Typically you do not need to change the values in this screen...

Page 59: ...ameters related to the optical drive installed in your computer Caution The parameters in this screen are for advanced uses only Typically you do not need to change the values in this screen The defau...

Page 60: ...Parameter Description Parallel Port Enables or disables the parallel port Options Enabled or Disabled Mode Sets the operation mode of the parallel port Options Output only Bi direction EPP or ECP Bas...

Page 61: ...IRQ Routing sub menu allows you to set the IRQs for PCI devices Caution The parameters in this screen are for advanced users only Typically you do not need to change the values in this screen because...

Page 62: ...ord protects the BIOS Utility from unauthorized entry Press Enter to set this password Set User Password When set this password protects the computer from unauthorized entry during boot up or resume f...

Page 63: ...er values that determine in what order the bootable devices in your computer start up Setting the Boot drive sequence Use the cursor up down keys to select a boot device then press or to change its or...

Page 64: ...Description Exit Saving Changes Saves your changes and exits the BIOS Utility Exit Discarding Changes Discards your changes and exits the BIOS Utility Load Setup Defaults Loads default settings for al...

Page 65: ...3 Troubleshooting my computer...

Page 66: ...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...

Page 67: ...Sleep mode Press any key or tap on the touchpad to resume Is a non bootable non system diskette in the floppy drive Remove or replace it with a system diskette and press Ctrl Alt Del to restart the s...

Page 68: ...e 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 speakers may be turned off Press Fn F8 t...

Page 69: ...in the spindle on the drive tray Make sure the CD or DVD is free from scratches or smudges If the CD or DVD is dirty clean it using a disc cleaning kit Remember to follow the instructions included wit...

Page 70: ...t on your computer and the corresponding port on the printer During POST press F2 to access the BIOS Utility and verify that the parallel port is enabled if you use a parallel printer I want to set up...

Page 71: ...not have an Acer authorized ITW service site you can still get in contact with our offices worldwide Please consult www acersupport com Before you call Please have the following information available...

Page 72: ...3 Troubleshooting my computer 64 English...

Page 73: ...Appendix A Specifications...

Page 74: ...This appendix lists the general specifications of your computer...

Page 75: ...nal CD ROM DVD ROM DVD CD RW combo or DVD rewritable Display and video 14 1 or 15 Thin Film Transistor TFT liquid crystal display LCD displaying 32 bit true color at 1024x768 eXtended Graphics Array X...

Page 76: ...k 3 5mm minijack One Line in jack 3 5mm minijack Four USB 2 0 ports Weight and dimensions 3 36 kg 7 4 lbs for 15 0 TFT model with battery 3 27 kg 7 2 lbs for 14 1 TFT model with battery 332 W x 294 D...

Page 77: ...69 English AC adapter 120 Watt Auto sensing 100 240Vac 50 60Hz Options 256MB 512MB 1GB memory upgrade module Additional AC adapter and battery pack...

Page 78: ...Appendix A Specifications 70 English...

Page 79: ...Appendix B Notices...

Page 80: ...This appendix lists the general notices of your computer...

Page 81: ...nd 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 Shiel...

Page 82: ...informed of your right to file a complaint with the FCC Your telephone company may make changes in its facilities equipment operations or procedures that could affect the proper functioning of your eq...

Page 83: ...re rating of the equipment plugged into the extension cord does not exceed the extension cord ampere rating Also make sure that the total rating of all products plugged into the wall outlet does not e...

Page 84: ...e drive CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT CAUTION VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION WHEN OPEN AVOID EXPOSURE TO BEAM APPAREIL A LASER DE CLASSE 1 PRODUIT LASERATTENTION RADIATION DU FAISCEAU LASER INVISIBLE E...

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Page 86: ...dels with 802 11b wireless LAN only Regulatory Information The Wireless module must be installed and used in strict accordance with the manufacturer s instructions This device complies with the follow...

Page 87: ...nstalled and used in accordance with the instructions may cause harmful interference to radio communications However there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation...

Page 88: ...Appendix B Notices 80 English...

Page 89: ...M cleaning computer computer bringing to meetings OU caring for cleaning disconnecting OT features P V indicators NN keyboards NP moving around OT on indicator NN performance V security PO setting up...

Page 90: ...ility RO PC Card PV ejecting PV inserting PV ports PT POST power on self test QR printer troubleshooting SO problems RV CD SN CD ROM SM diskette SN display RV SM DVD SN floppy drive SN keyboard SN pri...

Page 91: ...ON travel international flights PM local trips PM troubleshooting RU U universal serial bus PU utility BIOS Setup QR RS V view front R left R rear T right S W warranty International Traveler s Warran...

Page 92: ...Index 84...

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