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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.
First things first Your guides Basic care and tips for using your computer viii Getting familiar with your computer A tour of your computer Top view Front view Left view Right view Rear view Bottom view Features Display Indicators Keyboard...
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Hard disk upgrade Moving with your computer Disconnecting from the desktop Moving around Preparing the computer What to bring to short meetings What to bring to long meetings Taking the computer home Preparing the computer What to bring with you...
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BIOS Utility Information Main Advanced Security Boot Exit Troubleshooting Frequently asked questions Error messages Appendix A Specifications Appendix B Notices Index...
First things first Your guides A set of guides is provided to help you set up and use your Aspire computer.: The Just for starters… poster shows you how to set up your computer. This User's Guide provides clear and concise information on using your computer productively.
Basic care and tips for using your computer Turning your computer on and off To turn on your computer, open the lid (1, 2) and press the power button (3) above the keyboard. To turn the power off, you can do any of the following: Click on the Start button in Windows, and then select Shut Down on the popup •...
See Windows Help for more information. Note: If you are unable to shut down the computer in the usual way, press and hold the power switch for more than four seconds. You should then wait at least two seconds before turning the computer on again.
Do not connect the adapter to any other device. • Do not step on the power cord or place heavy objects on it. Route the power cord • away from areas where people might walk on it or trip over it.
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You spill liquid on the computer. • The computer does not operate normally. •...
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Your Aspire 1600 series notebook computer combines solid performance, versatility, multimedia capabilities and portability with a stylish design. Increase your productivity by working wherever you are. This chapter provides an in-depth "tour" of your computer's features.
A tour of your computer After setting up your new Aspire notebook computer, as illustrated in the Just for starters… poster, take a few minutes to explore the unit. Top view Item Description Display Large liquid crystal display (LCD) provides visual output.
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Touchpad Touch sensitive pad that functions like a computer mouse. Click buttons & Right and left buttons that provide the same functions as the scroll key buttons on a computer mouse. The scroll key scrolls the contents of a window up and down, left and right.
Front view Item Description Optical drive Used to eject an optical disc when the computer is turned emergency eject off. hole Optical disc read Light emitting diode (LED) that indicates when an optical indicator disc is being read. Optical drive...
Floppy disk drive Supports a standard 3.5” diskette. Floppy disk eject button Press the eject button to remove a diskette from the floppy disk drive. Kensington lock slot For attaching a security connector. IEEE 1394 port Port for connecting IEEE 1394 devices.
Description Speaker Delivers stereo audio output. PC card eject button Press the eject button to remove a PC card from the PC card slot. PC card slots The slots supports two standard Type II or one Type III PC card (PCMCIA or CardBus).
Item Description DC-in jack Connects the AC adapter. S-video port Connects to a television or dislay device with S-video input. External display port Connects an external (VGA) display monitor. Modem jack Connects the built-in fax/data modem to a phone line.
Bottom view Item Description Battery release latches Slide and hold the latches, and then pull the battery to remove it from the unit. Battery The computer's removable battery. Battery lock/unlock latch Use to lock and unlock the battery bay. Optical media bay Houses the removable optical media drive module (e.g.
The thin-film transistor (TFT) liquid crystal display (LCD) supports extended graphics array (XGA) with resolution up to 16.7 million colors at 1024 x 768 or super extended graphics array + (SXGA+) with resolution up to 16.7 million colors at 1400 x 1050.
Getting familiar with your computer Indicators Your computer provides an array of six indicators located above the keyboard, in addition to two indicators positioned at the back of the display screen. These indicators show the status of the computer and its components.
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Icon Function Description Battery Charge Lights when the battery is being charged. Caps Lock Lights when Caps Lock is activated. Num Lock Lights when Num Lock is activated.
Description Caps Lock When Caps Lock is on, all alphabetic characters are typed in uppercase. Toggle on and off by pressing the Caps Lock key on the left side of the keyboard. Num Lock When Num Lock is on, the embedded numeric keypad can be used. Toggle on and off by pressing the Fn + F11 keys simultaneously.
The embedded keypad functions like a desktop numeric keypad. It is indicated by small blue numbers and characters on the applicable keys. To use the embedded numeric keys, toggle the Num Lk on by pressing the Fn + F11 keys simultaneously.
The keyboard features two keys that provide Windows-specific functions. Description Windows key 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: + Tab activates the next Taskbar button.
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Using the Fn key with another key creates a hot key, providing a quick and convenient method for controlling various functions. To use a hot key, first hold down the Fn key. Next, press the second key in the combination. Finally, release both keys.
Turns the speakers on and off. Fn-→ Brightness up Increases the screen brightness. Fn- ← Brightness down Decreases the screen brightness. Euro key For keyboard with Euro key support, first hold down the Alt Gr key, and then press the Euro key.
Keyboard ergonomics The wide palm rest area provides a comfortable platform for your hands when typing on the keyboard. The ergonomic design enables you to adopt a relaxed, yet very efficient, typing style.
Move your finger across the touchpad to move the cursor. • Press the left (1) and right (3) buttons located on the edge of the touchpad to do • selection and execution functions. These two buttons are similar to the left and right buttons on a mouse.
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(up/down/ left/right) Note: Keep your fingers, as well as the surface of the touchpad, clean and dry. The touchpad is sensitive to your finger movements: the lighter your touch, the better the response. Tapping hard will not increase the touchpad's...
Internet browser. Keys 3, 4 and 5 start the Launch Manager application. The Wireless LAN button cannot be set by the user, it is used to turn the function on and off. To set the other launch keys, run the Acer Launch Manager.
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Getting familiar with your computer Description Default application User-programmable. User-programmable.
The optical drive provides increased storage capacity, as well as offering a host of multimedia possibilities. See the section entitled, “A tour of your computer” on page 3, for the locations of these drives. Inserting and ejecting a diskette To insert a diskette in the floppy disk drive: Push the diskette into the drive.
Getting familiar with your computer Push the floppy disk eject button. • The diskette will be released, and partially pop out of the drive. • Pull the diskette from the drive. • Ejecting the optical drive tray To eject the optical drive tray: With the computer turned on, press the optical drive eject button.
DVD discs are divided into 6 regions. Once your DVD drive is set to a region code, it will play DVD discs of that region only. You can set the region code a maximum of five times (including the first time), after which the last region code set will remain permanent.
Getting familiar with your computer Emergency ejection of the optical drive tray If you need to eject the optical drive tray when the computer is turned off, push a straightened paper clip into the optical drive emergency eject hole. The tray will be...
Your computer features a built-in fax/data modem, enabling you to communicate over a phone line. This means that you can connect to the Internet via a dialup account with an ISP, log in to your network from a remote location, or send faxes.
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Getting familiar with your computer To use the fax/data modem, plug a phone cable into your computer's modem jack, and then connect the other end to a telephone jack.
Two audio ports on the left side of the computer enable external devices to be connected. See, “A tour of your computer” on page 3, for the location of the audio ports. For information on connecting external devices, see “Audio devices” on page 54, in the section entitled, “Peripherals and options”...
Wrap a security lock cable around a heavy or immoveable object, such as a • drawer handle on a file cabinet, or a table leg. Insert the lock into the slot on the computer, turn it 90°, and then lock it in place. • Passwords Passwords protect your computer from unauthorized access.
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Important! Do not forget your Setup and Hard Disk password! If you forget your password, please get in touch with your dealer or an authorized service center. Setting a password You can set the password using the BIOS Utility.
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Your Aspire 1600 series notebook computer operates on battery or AC power. This chapter provides information for operating on battery power, as well as information on how your computer manages and saves power.
Conditioning a new battery pack Before you use a battery pack for the first time, there is a "conditioning" process that you should follow: Insert the new battery in the computer. Do not turn the computer on.
Use this conditioning process for all new batteries, or if a battery hasn't been used for a long time. If the computer is to be stored for more than two weeks, you are advised to remove the battery pack from the unit.
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Slide the battery into the battery bay (1) and gently push until the battery clicks in place (2). To secure the battery, slide the battery lock/unlock latch to the lock position (3).
(4). Charging the battery To charge the battery, first make sure that it is correctly installed in the battery bay. Plug the AC adapter into the computer, and connect to a mains power outlet. You can continue to operate your computer on AC power while your battery is charging.
Use AC power whenever possible, reserving your battery for on-the-go use. • Eject a PC card if it is not being used, as it will continue to draw power. • Store the battery pack in a cool, dry place. The recommended temperature is 10°C •...
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1. Save all necessary files. battery pack is 2. Close all applications. available. 3. Shut down the operating system to turn off the computer. 4. Replace the battery pack. 5. Turn on the computer and resume work. The AC adapter or a 1.
Configuration and Power Interface), enabling maximum power conservation without compromising system performance. ACPI allows Windows to control the amount of power given to each device attached to the computer. In this way, Windows handles all power-saving chores for your computer. Refer to Windows Help for more information.
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You are advised to consult your dealer for information on peripherals. In addition, make sure that you read the manuals and other documentation provided with new...
See the section entitled "Display" for information on using the computer's simultaneous display and multi-display features. Use the Fn + F5 hot key to toggle the display setting between the computer's LCD panel and the external display device. See "Hot keys" for more information.
Peripherals and options S-video The S-video port allows you to output to a television or display devices that support S- video input. This is important if you want to do some presentations or watch movies on a bigger screen.
See "Expansion devices" for more information on connecting USB devices. External keyboard Your computer features a full-size keyboard. However, if you prefer, you can connect an external keyboard to one of your computer's USB ports. This enables you to enjoy the...
External keypad Your computer features an embedded keypad that, when combined with the Num Lock feature, enables you to easily input typed numeric data. Alternatively, you can connect a 17-key numeric keypad to one of your computer's USB ports. This enables...
Your computer features a sensitive touchpad pointing device with two click buttons and a scroll key. However, if you prefer to use a conventional mouse or other pointing device, you can connect it to one of your computer's USB ports.
Operating instructions. • To use a USB printer, simply connect the device to one of your computer's USB ports, and then wait for Windows to find the new hardware. To connect a parallel printer, first shut down the operating system. Connect the printer to the parallel port, and then restart the computer.
Your computer offers built-in stereo speakers. See the section entitled "Audio" for more information on these features. However, in addition to the integrated devices, the two audio ports on the left side of the unit enable you to connect external audio input and output devices.
Align the card with your computer's PC card slot. Make sure that the edge with the connectors is facing the slot, and that the card is the right way up. Many cards are marked with an arrow to help you insert them correctly.
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Close the application that is using the PC card. Double click on the PC card icon on the taskbar, and then select the option to safely remove the card. Wait for the message telling you that it is now safe to remove the card.
USB keyboard, keypad, mouse or printer. Other common USB devices include digital cameras, scanners, and external storage devices. USB is plug and play, which means that you can connect and start using a USB device without having to restart your computer. You can also disconnect the device at any time.
Peripherals and options IEEE 1394 devices The computer's fast IEEE 1394 port allows you to connect IEEE 1394 supported devices like a digital video camera.
Miscellaneous options Battery pack It is a good idea to have a spare battery, especially when you travel with your computer. This greatly increases your productive range when you are on the move. AC adapter Having a spare AC adapter allows you to keep one in two different places. For example, you could have one AC adapter at home and another at work.
Inline Memory Modules). The memory slots support PC-2100/2700 266/333 MHz DDR (Double Data Rate). The memory slots are easily accessible, allowing you to upgrade your computer's memory. To install memory: Turn off the computer. Make sure that the AC adapter is disconnected, and then remove the battery pack.
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Turn the computer over to access the memory compartment on the bottom of the unit. Remove the screw from the memory compartment door, and then lift the door off.
The computer automatically detects the new module and reconfigures the memory. Hard disk upgrade It is possible to replace your hard disk with a higher capacity drive when you need more storage space. Your computer uses a 9.5mm 2.5-inch Enhanced-IDE hard disk.
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Your Aspire 1600 series notebook computer is ideal for taking with you when you move around. This chapter provides tips on things to consider when traveling with your computer.
Disconnecting from the desktop Before moving with your computer, you must turn it off and disconnect all peripherals: Save your work and close all applications. Shut down Windows to turn off your computer. Unplug the AC adapter from the mains outlet, and then disconnect it from the computer.
Moving around Sometimes you might need to move your computer a short distance. For example, you might need to move from your office desk to a meeting room. In these situations, you don't have to shut down the operating system.
Caution: Avoid packing items next to the top of the computer, as this could result in damage to the screen. What to bring with you If you don't have spare items at home, it is advisable to take along the AC adapter and this User's Guide. Special considerations To protect your computer in transit, it is advisable to pay attention to the following: Minimize the effect of temperature changes.
Moving with your computer Setting up a home office If you frequently work on your computer at home, as well as at work, it may be worthwhile purchasing a second AC adapter. This will allow you to travel lighter, as you can keep an AC adapter in each location.
Prepare the computer as you would for moving between your office and home. It is advisable to make sure that the battery is fully charged. If you are traveling by air, you might be required to turn on the computer during security checks.
Phone and network cables (if you plan to use the computer's modem and • network connections). Check that your modem is suitable for the telephone system in the countries you plan to visit. You might have to use a PC card modem in some locations. Special considerations...
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Your Aspire 1600 series notebook computer includes system utilities. This chapter provides information on the important software that comes with your computer.
Note: To run software applications in Windows, first click on the Start button. Next, select the appropriate folder, and then click on the application icon. To learn about the software and utility, make use of the online help provided by the software.
Press the cursor up/down keys ( ↑ ↓) to select item. • Press the -/+ to change the value of a parameter. • Press Enter to go to sub-menu. • Press Esc while you are in any of the menu options to return to the main menu •...
Note: You can change the value of a parameter if it is enclosed in square brackets. Navigation keys for a particular menu are shown on the bottom of the screen. Information The Information screen displays a summary of your computer hardware information.
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Software Parameter Description HDD1 Serial Number Shows the primary master hard disk drive serial number. HDD2 Serial Number Shows the secondary master hard disk drive serial number. System BIOS Version Shows the system BIOS version. VGA BIOS Version Shows the video graphics accelerator BIOS version.
Main The Main menu screen allows you to set basic settings about your computer such as date and time and boot settings. The table below describes the parameters in the screen. Parameter Description System Time Sets the system time. Format: HH/MM/SS (hour/minute/second) System Date Sets the system date.
When enabled, allows your computer to boot up via the network Options: Enabled or Disabled Hotkey Beep When enabled, the computer gives off a beep when a hotkey (key combination) is pressed. See “Hotkeys” on page 17 for more details. Option: Enabled or Disabled...
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The table below describes the parameters in this screen. Settings in boldface are the default and suggested parameter settings. Parameter Description Legacy Diskette Shows the capacity of diskette drive installed. Primary Master Shows the Primary Master information. Press Enter to access the sub- menu.
The Primary Master sub-menu contains parameters related to the primary hard disk. Caution: The parameters in this screen are for advanced users only. Typically, you do not need to change the values in this screen. The default setting of Auto optimizes all the settings for your hard disk drive.
Caution: The parameters in this screen are for advanced users only. Typically, you do not need to change the values in this screen. The default setting of Auto optimizes all the settings for your optical drive.
The PCI 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 these values are already optimized.
Security The System Security screen contains parameters that help safeguard and protect your computer from unauthorized use. The table below describes the parameters in this screen. Settings in boldface are the default and suggested parameter settings. Parameter Description Set Supervisor...
CPUs to be identified. You can turn off this feature by setting this parameter to Disabled. Options: Enabled or Disabled Warning: Don’t forget your password. If you forget your password, you may have to return your computer to your dealer to reset it. Setting a password Follow these steps: ↑...
Changing a password To change a password, follow step 1 in “Setting a password” on page 84. Enter the current password, then enter a new password. Retype your new password to verify your first entry. Removing a password To remove a password, follow step 1 in “Setting a password” on page 84. Enter the current password, then leave the Enter New Password and Cofirm New Password blank.
Note: To use the “D2D Recovery”, first enable “System Boot From Hard Disk Recovery” (see “Advanced” on page 78), then change the boot sequence to make D2D Recovery the first in the list. The “D2D Recovery” option is not available if “System Boot From Hard Disk Recovery” is disabled.
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Parameter Description Discard Changes Discards your changes. Save Changes Saves your changes.
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This chapter instructs you on how to deal with common system problems. Please read it before calling a technician. Solutions to more serious problems may require opening the computer. Do not attempt to open and service the computer by yourself. Contact your dealer...
• brightness level. The display device might be set to an external monitor. Press the Fn + F5 hot key • to toggle the display setting. The system may be in standby mode. Try pressing the power switch to resume.
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Make sure that the external microphone is properly plugged into the • microphone-in jack on the computer. Make sure that the volume is not muted or set too low (see the problem, "There is • no audio coming from my computer").
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ROM drive, it can read CDs but cannot read DVDs. If your computer has a DVD drive, it can read CDs and DVDs. When placing a disc in the drive tray, make sure that it is secure on the spindle of •...
Troubleshooting Error messages The following is a list of the messages that the BIOS can display. Most of them occur during POST. Some of them display information about a hardware device, e.g., the amount of memory installed. Others may indicate a problem with a device, such as the way it has been configured.
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0270 Real time clock error* Real-Time Clock fails BIOS hardware test. May require board repair. 0271 Check date and time BIOS found date or time out of range and reset the Real- settings Time Clock. May require setting legal date (1991-2099). 0280 Previous boot Previous POST did not complete successfully.
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Failing Bits: nnnn* The hex number nnnn is a map of the bits at the RAM address which failed the memory test. Each 1 (one) in the map indicates a failed bit. See errors 230, 231, or 232 above for offset address of the failure in System, Extended, or Shadow memory.
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If you still encounter problems after going through the corrective measures, please contact your dealer or an authorized service center for assistance. Some problems may be solved using the BIOS Setup Utility. See “BIOS Utility” on page 74 for more informations.
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This appendix lists the general specifications of your computer.
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Display and video 15.0” Thin-Film Transistor (TFT) liquid-crystal display (LCD), displaying 16.7 • million colors at 1024 x 768 Extended Graphics Array (XGA) resolution or 1400 x 1050 Super Extended Graphics Array + (SXGA+). Simultaneous LCD and CRT display. •...
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Non-operating: 10% ~ 90% RH. Operating system Microsoft Windows XP. • Power 86W 12-cell Li-ion battery pack. • 120-Watt 20V AC adapter, auto sensing 100~240Vac, 50~60Hz. • Options 256/512 MB memory upgrade module. • Additional AC adapter. • Additional battery pack.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this device does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the device off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: •...
If possible, they will notify you in advance. But, if advance notice is not practical, you will be notified as soon as possible. You will also be informed of your right to file a complaint with the FCC.
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Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord. Do not locate this product where persons will walk on the cord. If an extension cord is used with this product, make sure that the total ampere rating of the equipment plugged into the extension cord does not exceed the extension cord ampere rating.
VDE approved or its equivalent. Maximum length is 15 feet (4.6 meters). Laser compliance statement The CD or DVD drive used with this computer is a laser product. The CD or DVD drive's classification label (shown below) is located on the drive.
LCD pixel statement The LCD unit is produced with high-precision manufacturing techniques. Nevertheless, some pixels may occasionally misfire or appear as black or red 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 method claims of certain U.S.
LCD display. For compliance with FCC radiation exposure limits. it should be operated with a separation distance of 20cm or more between the antenna and the body of the user, and the antenna should not be operated next to a nearby person.
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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...
9 moving around 66 battery pack on indicator 12 battery-low warning 41 security 32 caring for x setting up a home office characteristics taking home 67 charging 40 traveling internationally 70 charging indicator traveling on local trips 69...
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25 system properties rear view 8 hotkey 17 right view 7 time safety setting in BIOS Utility 77 CD or DVD 108 top view 3 FCC notice 105 touchpad 20 general instructions 106 hotkey 18 lithium battery 108 using 21–...