Acer TravelMate P446-M User manual

Category
Notebooks
Type
User manual

This manual is also suitable for

- 1
TravelMate P Series
User’s Manual
2 -
© 2014. All Rights Reserved.
TravelMate P Series
Covers: TravelMate P446-M
This revision: October 2014
Sign up for an Acer ID and enjoy great benefits
1. Ensure you are connected to the Internet.
2. Open www.acer.com and select your country.
3. Click REGISTER A PRODUCT.
4. Sign up for an Acer ID or sign in if you already have an Acer ID.
Register your Acer product
After we receive your product registration, you will be sent a confirmation email with
important data. Keep this email in a safe place.
Manage your registered products
Once you have completed the registration process, you can log onto account.acer.com
using your Acer ID and password to see and manage all your registered products.
Note: It may take a few days for your information to be updated to the database.
Model number: _________________________________
Serial number: _________________________________
Date of purchase: ______________________________
Place of purchase: ______________________________
Important
This manual contains proprietary information that is protected by
copyright laws. The information contained in this manual is subject to
change without notice. Images provided herein are for reference only
and may contain information or features that do not apply to your
computer. Acer Group shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors
or omissions contained in this manual.
Table of contents - 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Register your Acer product ......................... 2
Manage your registered products ............... 2
First things first 6
Your guides ............................................. 6
Basic care and tips for using your
computer.................................................. 6
Turning your computer off........................... 6
Taking care of your computer ..................... 7
Taking care of your AC adapter .................. 7
Cleaning and servicing................................ 8
Your Acer notebook tour 9
Screen view ............................................. 9
Keyboard view ....................................... 10
Left view ............................................... 11
Information on USB 3.0............................. 11
Right view ............................................. 11
Rear view .............................................. 12
Base view .............................................. 13
Using the keyboard 14
Lock keys and embedded numeric
keypad................................................... 14
Hotkeys ..................................................... 15
Windows keys........................................ 16
Touchpad 17
Touchpad basics ................................... 17
Touchpad gestures................................ 17
Recovery 19
Creating a recovery backup................... 19
Creating a drivers and applications
backup................................................... 21
Recovering your system ........................ 23
Reinstalling drivers and applications......... 24
Returning to an earlier system snapshot .. 26
Returning your system to its factory
condition.................................................... 27
Recovering from Windows ........................ 27
Recovering from a recovery backup ......... 30
Changing your Windows version 33
Changing to Windows 8.1...................... 33
Changing to Windows 7......................... 34
Changing BIOS settings ........................ 35
Changing between Windows 7 and 8.1
during startup......................................... 36
Connecting to the Internet 37
Connecting with a cable ........................ 37
Built-in network feature ............................. 37
Connecting wirelessly............................ 37
Connecting to a wireless LAN................... 38
Connecting to a 3G network ..................... 38
Using a Bluetooth connection 39
Enabling and disabling Bluetooth .......... 39
Enable Bluetooth and add a device .......... 39
Acer ProShield 42
Overview................................................ 42
Setting up Acer ProShield...................... 42
Personal Secure Drive .............................. 44
Credential Manager ............................... 45
Fingerprint Registration* ........................... 45
Data Protection ...................................... 46
Data Removal ........................................ 46
BIOS utility 47
Boot sequence....................................... 47
Setting passwords ................................. 47
Securing your computer 48
Using a computer security lock.............. 48
Using passwords ................................... 48
Entering passwords .................................. 49
Power management 50
Saving power ......................................... 50
Battery pack 52
Battery characteristics ........................... 52
Charging the battery ................................. 52
Optimizing battery life ............................... 53
Checking the battery level......................... 54
Battery-low warning .................................. 54
Traveling with your computer 55
Disconnecting from the desktop ............ 55
Moving around ....................................... 55
Preparing the computer ............................ 55
What to bring to meetings ......................... 56
Taking the computer home .................... 56
Preparing the computer ............................ 56
What to take with you................................ 57
Special considerations .............................. 57
Setting up a home office ........................... 57
Traveling with the computer................... 57
Preparing the computer ............................ 58
What to take with you................................ 58
Special considerations .............................. 58
Traveling internationally......................... 58
Preparing the computer ............................ 58
What to bring with you .............................. 59
Special considerations .............................. 59
Memory card reader 61
Connectivity options............................... 61
4 - Table of contents
Video and audio connectors 63
HDMI 64
Universal Serial Bus (USB) 65
Frequently asked questions 67
Requesting service ................................ 69
Tips and hints for using Windows 8.1.... 70
How do I get to Start? ............................... 70
What are "Charms?" ................................. 70
Can I boot directly to the desktop? ........... 71
How do I jump between apps?.................. 71
How do I turn off my computer?................ 71
How do I unlock my computer?................. 71
How do I set the alarm? ............................ 73
Where are my apps?................................. 74
What is a Microsoft ID (account)?............. 75
How do I add a favorite to Internet
Explorer?................................................... 76
How do I check for Windows updates?..... 76
Where can I get more information?........... 76
Troubleshooting ..................................... 77
Troubleshooting tips.................................. 77
Error messages......................................... 77
Internet and online security 79
First steps on the net ............................. 79
Protecting your computer.......................... 79
Choose an Internet Service Provider........ 79
Network connections................................. 81
Surf the Net!.............................................. 83
Security ..................................................... 83
- 5
Getting started...
In this section you will find:
• Useful information on caring for your computer and your health
• Where to find the power button, ports and connectors
• Tips and tricks for using the touchpad and keyboard
• How to create recovery backups
• Guidelines for connecting to a network and using Bluetooth
• Information on using Acer’s bundled software
6 - First things first
FIRST THINGS FIRST
We would like to thank you for making this Acer notebook your choice
for meeting your mobile computing needs.
Your guides
To help you use your Acer notebook, we have designed a set of
guides:
First off, the Setup Guide helps you get started with setting up your
computer.
The Quick Guide introduces you to the basic features and functions
of your new computer. For more on how your computer can help you
to be more productive, please refer to the User’s Manual. This guide
contains detailed information on such subjects as system utilities, data
recovery, expansion options and troubleshooting. In addition it
contains general regulations and safety notices for your notebook. It is
available from the desktop; double-click the Help icon and click
User’s Manual in the menu that opens.
Basic care and tips for using your computer
Turning your computer off
To turn the power off, do any of the following:
• Use the Windows shutdown command: Press the Windows key +
<C>, click Settings > Power then click Shut Down.
If you need to power down the computer for a short while, but don’t
want to completely shut it down, you can put it into Hibernate by
pressing the power button.
First things first - 7
You can also put the computer in sleep mode by pressing the sleep
hotkey <Fn> + <F4>.
Taking care of your computer
Your computer will serve you well if you take care of it.
• Do not expose the computer to direct sunlight. Do not place it near
sources of heat, such as a radiator.
• Do not expose the computer to temperatures below 0º C (32º F) or
above 50º C (122º F).
• Do not subject the computer to magnetic fields.
• Do not expose the computer to rain or moisture.
• Do not spill water or any liquid on the computer.
• Do not subject the computer to heavy shock or vibration.
• Do not expose the computer to dust or dirt.
• Never place objects on top of the computer.
• Do not slam the computer display when you close it.
• Never place the computer on uneven surfaces.
Taking care of your AC adapter
Here are some ways to take care of your AC adapter:
• Do not connect the adapter to any other device.
• Do not step on the power cord or place heavy objects on top of it.
Carefully route the power cord and any cables away from foot traffic.
• When unplugging the power cord, do not pull on the cord itself but
pull on the plug.
• The total ampere ratings of the equipment plugged in should not
exceed the ampere rating of the cord if you are using an extension
Note
If you cannot power off the computer normally, press and hold the power
button for more than four seconds to shut down the computer. If you turn off
the computer and want to turn it on again, wait at least two seconds before
powering up.
8 - First things first
cord. Also, the total current rating of all equipment plugged into a
single wall outlet should not exceed the fuse rating.
Cleaning and servicing
When cleaning the computer, follow these steps:
1. Turn off the computer.
2. Disconnect the AC adapter.
3. Use a soft, moist cloth. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.
If either of the following occurs:
• The computer has been dropped or the body has been damaged;
• The computer does not operate normally
See Frequently asked questions on page 67.
Your Acer notebook tour - 9
YOUR ACER NOTEBOOK TOUR
After setting up your computer as illustrated in the Setup Guide, let us
show you around your new Acer computer.
Screen view
# Icon Item Description
1 Webcam
Web camera for video
communicat
ion.
A light next to the webcam indicates
that the
webcam is active.
2 Screen Displays computer output.
3 Microphones
Internal stereo microphones for
soun
d recording.
1
2
3
10 - Your Acer notebook tour
Keyboard view
# Icon Item Description
1
Power indicator
Indicates the computer’s power
st
atus.
Battery indicator
Indicates battery status.
Charging: The
light is amber when
the battery is charging.
Fully charged: The
light is blue.
2 Keyboard
For entering data into your computer.
See "Using the keyboard" on page
14.
Do not use a keyboard protector or
similar cover as the keyboard
includes ve
ntilation intakes for
cooling.
3 Touchpad
Touch-sensitive pointing device,
wh
ich functions like a computer
mouse.
4
Click buttons (left
an
d right)
The left and right side of the button
funct
ion as left and right selection
buttons.
2
1
3
4
5
Your Acer notebook tour - 11
Left view
123
# Icon Item Description
1
DC-in jack Connects to an AC adapter.
2
USB port Connects to USB devices.
3
Power button Turns the computer on and off.
Information on USB 3.0
• USB 3.0 compatible ports are blue.
• Compatible with USB 3.0 and earlier devices.
• For optimal performance, use USB 3.0-certified devices.
• Defined by the USB 3.0 specification (SuperSpeed USB).
Right view
12 3
3
5 fingerprint reader
Fingerprint reader for Acer ProShield
Se
curity Suite.
Configuration may vary by model.
# Icon Item Description
# Icon Item Description
1
Headset/speaker
jack
Connects to audio devices (e.g.,
speakers,
headphones) or a headset
with microphone.
12 - Your Acer notebook tour
Rear view
13 42
# Icon Item Description
1
Ethernet (RJ-45)
port
Connects to an Ethernet 10/100/
1000-based network.
1
External display
(VGA) port
Connects to a display device (e.g.,
external monitor, LCD projector).
3
HDMI port
Supports high-definition digital video
connectio
ns.
4
Kensington lock
slot
Connects to a Kensington-
compatible computer security lock.
Wrap the computer security lock
cable
around an immovable object
such as a table or handle of a locked
drawer.
Insert the lock into the notch and turn
the key to secure the lock.
Keyless models are also available.
2
SD card reader
Accepts one Secure Digital card (SD
or S
DHC).
Push to remove/install the card.
Only one card can operate at any
given
time.
3
USB ports Connect to USB devices.
# Icon Item Description
Your Acer notebook tour - 13
Base view
1
2
3
# Icon Item Description
1
Ventilation and
cooling fan
Allows the computer to stay cool.
Do not cover or obstruct the
ope
nings.
2
Battery reset
pinhole
Simulates removing and reinstalling
the
battery.
Insert a paperclip into the hole and
press f
or four seconds.
3 Speakers Deliver stereo audio output.
14 - Using the keyboard
USING THE KEYBOARD
The keyboard has full-sized keys and an embedded numeric keypad,
separate cursor, lock, Windows, function and special keys.
Lock keys and embedded numeric keypad
The keyboard has three lock keys which you can toggle on and off.
The embedded numeric keypad functions like a desktop numeric
keypad. It is indicated by small characters located on the upper right
corner of the keycaps. To simplify the keyboard legend, cursor-control
key symbols are not printed on the keys.
Lock key Description
Caps Lock
When Caps Lock is on, all alphabetic 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 this mode when you need to do a lot of numeric
data entry. A better solution would be to connect an
external keypad.
Scroll Lock
<Fn> + <F12>
When Scroll Lock is on, the screen moves one line up
or down when you press the up or down arrow keys
respectively. Scroll Lock does not work with some
applications.
Desired access Num Lock on Num Lock off
Number keys on
embedded keypad
Type numbers in a normal
manner.
Cursor-control keys
on embedded
keypad
Hold <Shift> while using
cursor-control keys.
Hold <Fn> while
using cursor-control
keys.
Main keyboard
keys
Hold <Fn> while typing
letters on embedded
keypad.
Type the letters in a
normal manner.
Using the keyboard - 15
Hotkeys
The computer employs hotkeys or key combinations to access most
of the computer's controls like screen brightness and volume output.
To activate hotkeys, press and hold the <Fn> key before pressing the
other key in the hotkey combination.
Hotkey Icon Function Description
<Fn> + <F3> Airplane mode
Turns on / off the computer's
network devices.
<Fn> + <F4> Sleep
Puts the computer in Sleep
mode.
<Fn> + <F5> Display toggle
Switches display output
between the display screen,
external monitor (if
connected) and both.
<Fn> + <F6> Display off
Turns the display screen
backlight off to save power.
Press any key to return.
<Fn> + <F7>
Touchpad
toggle
Turns the built-in touchpad on
and off.
<Fn> + <F8> Speaker toggle
Turns the speakers on and
off.
<Fn> + <F9>
Keyboard
backlight
Turns the keyboard backlight
on and off.
Also adjusts the backlight
brightness.
<Fn> + <F11> NumLk
Turns the embedded numeric
keypad on or off.
<Fn> + <F12>Scr Lk
Turns the scroll lock feature
on or off.
<Fn> + < > Brightness up
Increases the screen
brightness.
<Fn> + < >
Brightness
down
Decreases the screen
brightness.
<Fn> + < > Volume up Increases the sound volume.
<Fn> + < > Volume down Decreases the sound volume.
16 - Using the keyboard
Windows keys
The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions.
<Fn> +
<Home>
Play/Pause
Play or pause a selected
media file.
<Fn> +
<Pg Up>
Stop
Stop playing the selected
media file.
<Fn> +
<Pg Dn>
Previous
Return to the previous media
file.
<Fn> +
<End>
Next Jump to the next media file.
Hotkey Icon Function Description
Key Description
Windows key
Pressed alone it returns to the Start screen or to
return to the last open app.
It can also be used with other keys for special
functions, please check Windows Help.
Application
key
This key has the same effect as clicking the right
mouse button; it opens the application's context
menu.
Touchpad - 17
TOUCHPAD
Touchpad basics
The touchpad controls the arrow (or 'cursor') on the screen. As you
slide your finger across the touchpad, the cursor will follow this
movement.
Press the left or right side of the button located beneath the touchpad
to perform selection and execution functions, or tap the surface of the
touchpad. These two areas are similar to the left and right buttons on
a mouse.
The cursor is controlled by some basic gestures:
• Single-finger slide: Slide a finger across the touchpad to
move the cursor.
• Single-finger tap: Lightly tap the touchpad with your finger,
to perform a 'click', which will select or start an item. Quickly
repeat the tap to perform a double tap or 'double click'.
• Drag: Press and hold the left side of the selection button, or tap
twice anywhere on the touchtap, then slide a second finger across
the touchpad to select all items in an area.
Touchpad gestures
Windows 8.1 and many applications support touchpad gestures that
use one or more fingers.
These allow you to control applications with a few simple gestures,
such as:
Note
The touchpad is sensitive to finger movement; the lighter the touch, the better
the response. Please keep the touchpad and your fingers dry and clean.
Note
Support for touchpad gestures depends on the active application.
18 - Touchpad
• Swipe in from edge: Access Windows tools
by swiping into the center of the touchpad
from the right or left edge.
• Swipe in from right: Toggle the charms.
• Swipe in from left: Switch to the previous app.
• Two-finger slide: Swiftly scroll through web pages,
documents and playlists by placing two fingers on the
touchpad and moving both in any direction.
• Two-finger pinch: Zoom in and out of photos, maps and
documents with a simple finger-and-thumb gesture.
Recovery - 19
RECOVERY
If you are having trouble with your computer, and the frequently asked
questions (see Frequently asked questions on page 59) do not
help, you can 'recover' your computer - i.e. return it to an earlier state.
This section describes the recovery tools available on your computer.
Acer provides Acer Recovery Management, which allows you to
create a recovery backup, a drivers and applications backup, and to
start recovery options, either using Windows tools, or the recovery
backup.
Creating a recovery backup
To reinstall from a USB storage drive, you must first create a recovery
backup. The recovery backup includes the entire original contents of
your computer’s hard drive, including Windows and all factory-loaded
software and drivers. Using this backup will restore your computer to
the same state as when you purchased it, while giving you an option
to retain all settings and personal data.
Note
Acer Recovery Management is only available with a pre-installed Windows
operating system.
Important
We recommend that you create a Recovery Backup and Drivers and
Applications Backup and as soon as possible.
In certain situations a full recovery will require a USB recovery backup.
Note
Since the recovery backup requires at least 16
GB of storage after
formatting, it is recommended to use a USB drive with a capacity of 32
GB
or larger.
20 - Recovery
1. From Start, type 'Recovery' and then click Acer Recovery
Management in the list of apps.
2. Click Create Factory Default Backup. The Recovery Drive window
opens.
Make sure Copy contents from the recovery partition to the
recovery drive is selected. This provides the most complete and
safest recovery backup.
3. Plug in the USB drive then click Next.
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Acer TravelMate P446-M User manual

Category
Notebooks
Type
User manual
This manual is also suitable for

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