Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Related Manuals for Acer Aspire M5-581G
Summary of Contents for Acer Aspire M5-581G
- Page 1 Acer Aspire Series User's Manual...
- Page 2 © 2012 All Rights Reserved. Acer Aspire Series User's Manual Original Issue: 05/2012 Model number: Serial number: Date of purchase: Place of purchase:...
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Page 3: Table Of Contents
16 Power management Turning your computer on and off .... 16 Taking care of your computer....17 Acer Green Instant On ......50 Taking care of your AC adapter....18 Battery pack Cleaning and servicing ......18 Battery pack characteristics......51 Your Acer notebook tour Charging the battery ........ - Page 4 Wireless networks Boot sequence ..........69 Enable disk-to-disk recovery ......69 Connecting to the Internet ....... 64 Setting passwords........... 69 Acer Instant Connect ........ 64 Acer Instant Update........64 Frequently asked questions Wireless networks ..........65 Requesting service .......... 73 Troubleshooting ..........
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Page 5: Safety And Comfort
A F E T Y AND COMFORT AFETY INSTRUCTIONS Read these instructions carefully. Keep this document for future reference. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product. Turning the product off before cleaning Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. - Page 6 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. Also, make sure that the total rating of all products plugged into the wall outlet does not exceed the fuse rating.
- Page 7 Do not increase the volume to block out noisy surroundings. Decrease the volume if you can't hear people speaking near you. Bundled dummy cards Note: Information in this section may not apply to your computer. Your computer shipped with plastic dummies installed in the card slots. Dummies protect unused slots from dust, metal objects or other particles.
- Page 8 Product servicing Do not attempt to service this product yourself, as opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage points or other risks. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel when: ...
- Page 9 Wireless devices may be susceptible to interference from the battery, which could affect performance. Note: Please refer to www.acer.com for battery shipping documents. Warning! Batteries may explode if not handled properly. Do not disassemble or dis- pose of them in fire. Keep them away from children. Follow local regulations when disposing of used batteries.
- Page 10 data files or messages, this device requires a good quality connection to the network. In some cases, transmission of data files or messages may be delayed until such a connection is available. Ensure that the above separation distance instructions are followed until the transmission is completed.
- Page 11 information, check with the manufacturer, or its representative, of your vehicle or any equipment that has been added. Only qualified personnel should service the device, or install the device in a vehicle. Faulty installation or service may be dangerous and may invalidate any warranty that may apply to the device.
- Page 12 ENERGY STAR Acer's ENERGY STAR qualified products save your money by reducing energy cost and protecting the environment without sacrificing features or performance. Acer is proud to offer our customers products with the ENERGY STAR mark. What is ENERGY STAR? Products that are ENERGY STAR qualified use less energy and prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S.
- Page 13 wake from "Sleep" mode if the keyboard is pressed or mouse is moved. save more than 80% energy when in "Sleep" mode. ENERGY STAR and the ENERGY STAR mark are registered U.S. marks. IPS AND INFORMATION FOR COMFORTABLE USE Computer users may complain of eyestrain and headaches after prolonged use.
- Page 14 Avoid tensing your muscles or shrugging your shoulders. Install the external display, keyboard and mouse properly and within comfortable reach. If you view your monitor more than your documents, place the display at the center of your desk to minimize neck strain. Taking care of your vision Long viewing hours, wearing incorrect glasses or contact lenses, glare, excessive room lighting, poorly focused screens, very small typefaces and low-contrast displays could...
- Page 15 using a glare-reduction filter, using a display visor, such as a piece of cardboard extended from the display's top front edge. Avoid adjusting your display to an awkward viewing angle. Avoid looking at bright light sources for extended periods of time. Developing good work habits The following work habits make computer use more relaxing and productive: ...
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Page 16: First Things First
I R S T THINGS FIRST We would like to thank you for making an 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 poster helps you get started with setting up your computer. -
Page 17: Taking Care Of Your Computer
• Use the Windows shutdown command: click Start then Click Shut Down. • Use the power button. • You can also put the computer in Sleep mode by pressing the Sleep hotkey+ . 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. -
Page 18: Taking Care Of Your Ac Adapter
• 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. -
Page 19: Your Acer Notebook Tour
CER NOTEBOOK T O U R After setting up your computer as illustrated in the setup poster, let us show you around your new Acer computer. Acer Aspire Series Your Acer notebook tour - 19... -
Page 20: Screen And Front View
Screen and front view Icon Item Description Webcam Web camera for video communication. Display Displays computer output. Microphone Internal microphone for sound recording. Power button Turns the computer on and off. 20 - Your Acer notebook tour... - Page 21 Icon Item Description Power indicator Indicates the computer’s power status. Battery indicator Indicates battery status. Charging: The light is amber when the battery is charging. Fully charged: The light is blue. Your Acer notebook tour - 21...
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Page 22: Keyboard View
Keyboard view Icon Item Description Keyboard For entering data into your computer. Caution: Do not use a keyboard protector or similar cover as the keyboard includes ventilation intakes for cooling. 22 - Your Acer notebook tour... -
Page 23: Rear View
Insert the lock into the notch and turn the key to secure the lock. Keyless models are also available. Your Acer notebook tour - 23... -
Page 24: Information On Usb 3.0
USB ports 3.0 compatible (see below). Information on USB 3.0 • 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). 24 - Your Acer notebook tour... -
Page 25: Left View
Ejects the optical disk from the drive. button Emergency eject Ejects the optical drive tray when the hole computer is turned off. Carefully insert a straightened paper clip to eject the optical drive tray. Your Acer notebook tour - 25... -
Page 26: Right View
2-in-1 card reader Accepts one Secure Digital (SD or SDHC) card or one MultiMediaCard (MMC). Note: To remove the card, simply pull it from the slot. 26 - Your Acer notebook tour... -
Page 27: Base View
Do not cover or obstruct the openings. Battery reset Insert a paperclip into the hole and pinhole press for four seconds to reset the computer (simulates removing and reinstalling the battery). Speakers Deliver stereo audio output. Your Acer notebook tour - 27... -
Page 28: Touchpad
OUCHPAD 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. - Page 29 Bottom left Bottom Function Main touchpad corner right corner Open Quickly press Press or tap twice (at the twice same speed as double- clicking a mouse button) Select Press once Press or tap once Drag Press and hold, Press or tap twice (at the then use finger same speed as double- on the...
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Page 30: Using The Keyboard
SING 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 Note: Information in this section may not apply to your computer. The keyboard has three lock keys which you can toggle on and off. Lock key Description Caps Lock... -
Page 31: Hotkeys
keycaps. To simplify the keyboard legend, cursor-control key symbols are not printed on the keys. Desired access Num Lock on Num Lock off Number keys on Type numbers in a normal embedded keypad manner. Cursor-control keys Holdwhile using Hold ... -
Page 32
Hotkey Icon Function Description
+ Sleep Puts the computer in Sleep mode. + Display toggle Switches display output between the display screen, external monitor (if connected) and both. + Display off Turns the display screen backlight off to save power. -
Page 33: Windows Keys
Hotkey Icon Function Description+ Play/Pause Play or pause a selected media file. + Stop Stop playing the selected media file. + Previous Return to the previous media file. + Next Jump to the next media file. -
Page 34
Description < > +
: Open the Run dialog box < > + : Cycle through programs on the taskbar < > + : Open Ease of Access Center < > + : Open Windows Mobility Center < > + : Display System Properties <... -
Page 35: Recovery
ECOVER Y Acer Recovery Management Note: Acer Recovery Management is only available with a preinstalled Windows operating system. If your computer experiences problems that are not recoverable by other methods, you may need to reinstall the Windows operating system and factory-loaded software and drivers. -
Page 36: Creating Recovery Discs
To use the password protection feature of Acer eRecovery Management, you must first set the password. The password is set by launching Acer eRecovery Management and clicking Settings. Creating recovery discs To reinstall using discs, you must create a set of recovery discs beforehand. - Page 37 2. To create recovery discs for the hard drive’s entire original contents, including Windows and all factory-loaded software and drivers, click Create Factory Default Disc. - OR - To create recovery discs for only the factory-loaded software and drivers, click Create Drivers and Applications Backup Disc. Important: We recommend that you create each type of recovery disc as soon as possible.
- Page 38 The Create Factory Default Backup dialog box opens. This dialog box tells you the number of blank, recordable discs you will need to complete the recovery discs. Make sure that you have the required number of identical, blank discs ready before continuing. 38 - Recovery...
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Page 39: Recovering Your System
5. If multiple discs are required, insert a new disc when prompted, then click OK. Continue until the process is complete. Recovering your system If Acer support did not help fix your problem, you can use the Acer Recovery Management program. This will restore your computer to the Recovery - 39... - Page 40 same state as when you purchased it, while giving you an option to retain all settings and personal data for later retrieval. To recover your system: 1. Perform minor fixes. If only one or two items of software or hardware have stopped working correctly, the problem may be solved by reinstalling the software or the device drivers.
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Page 41: Types Of Recovery
- OR - If you are recovering from your driver and application recovery backup, insert it into the disc drive, then go to Step 3 after the Acer Application Recovery main menu opens. 2. Click on the Restore tab, then click Reinstall Drivers or Applications. - Page 42 3. Click on Contents. A list of software and device drivers opens. 4. Click on the install icon for the item you want to install, then follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation. Repeat this step for each item you want to reinstall. Returning to a previous system condition Microsoft System Restore periodically takes ’snapshots’...
- Page 43 Help: For more information about using Microsoft System Restore, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type windows system restore in the Search Help box, then press Enter. To return to a restore point: 1. Click on Start > Control Panel > System and Security > Action Center, then click on Recovery.
- Page 44 4. Click on OK. The recovery process begins by restarting your computer, then continues by copying files to your hard drive. This process may take a while, but a Acer Recovery Management screen shows you its progress. When the recovery has finished, a dialog box prompts you to restart your computer.
- Page 45 Recovering from the hard drive during startup To reinstall Windows and all pre-installed software and drivers: 1. Turn on your computer, then press Alt+F10 during startup. Acer Recovery Management opens. 2. Click on Restore system from factory default. Caution: Continuing the process will erase all files on your hard drive.
- Page 46 6. Your computer will restart. 3. During startup, press F12 to open the boot menu. The boot menu allows you to select which device to start from, such as the hard drive or an optical disc. 4. Use your arrow keys to select the line CDROM/DVD (this line may start with ’IDE 1...’), then press Enter.
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Page 47: Acer Clear.fi
CE R CLEAR Note: Only for certain models. With Acer clear.fi, you can enjoy videos, photos and music. Stream media from, or to, other devices with Acer clear.fi installed. Note: All devices must be connected to the same network. To watch videos or listen to music open clear.fi Media, to browse photos open clear.fi Photo. -
Page 48: Shared Files
Note: You must activate sharing on the device that stores the files. Open clear.fi on the device that stores the files, select Edit then make sure Share my library on local network is active. 48 - Acer clear.fi... -
Page 49: Which Devices Are Compatible
Which devices are compatible? Certified Acer devices with clear.fi or DLNA software can be used with the clear.fi software. These include DLNA-compliant PCs, smartphones, and NAS (Network Attached Storage) devices. Playing to another device If you want to play the media on another device, you need to do the following: 1. -
Page 50: Power Management
Acer Green Instant On The Acer Green Instant On feature allows your computer to wake up from Sleep mode in less than the time it takes to open the lid. When you close the lid, or select Shut Down > Sleep from the Start menu, your computer enters Sleep mode. -
Page 51: Battery Pack
ATTERY PACK The computer uses a battery pack that gives you long use between charges. Battery pack characteristics The battery pack has the following characteristics: • Employs current battery technology standards. • Delivers a battery-low warning. The battery is recharged whenever you connect the computer to the AC adapter. - Page 52 Note: You are advised to charge the battery before retiring for the day. Charging the battery overnight before traveling enables you to start the next day with a fully charged battery. Conditioning a new battery pack Before you use a battery pack for the first time, there is a conditioning process that you should follow: 1.
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Page 53: Optimizing Battery Life
In addition, the useful lifespan of the battery is adversely affected by the following usage patterns: • Using the computer on constant AC power. • Not discharging and recharging the battery to its extremes, as described above. • Frequent use; the more you use the battery, the faster it will reach the end of its effective life. -
Page 54: Checking The Battery Level
Checking the battery level The Windows power meter indicates the current battery level. Rest the cursor over the battery/power icon on the taskbar to see the battery's present charge level. Battery-low warning When using battery power pay attention to the Windows power meter. Warning: Connect the AC adapter as soon as possible after the battery-low warning appears. -
Page 55: Traveling With Your Computer
RAVELING W I T H YOUR COMPUTER 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: 1. Save any open files. 2. -
Page 56: Preparing The Computer
Preparing the computer Before moving the computer, close and latch the display cover to place it in Sleep mode. You can now safely take the computer anywhere you go within the building. To bring the computer out of Sleep mode, open the display;... -
Page 57: Taking The Computer Home
or close the display cover whenever you are not actively using the computer. Taking the computer home When you are moving from your office to your home or vice versa. Preparing the computer After disconnecting the computer from your desktop, follow these steps to prepare the computer for the trip home: •... -
Page 58: Special Considerations
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 with you. • If you need to stop for an extended period of time and cannot carry the computer with you, leave the computer in the trunk of the car to avoid exposing the computer to excessive heat. -
Page 59: Traveling With The Computer
Traveling with the computer When you are moving within a larger distance, for instance, from your office building to a client's office building or traveling locally. Preparing the computer Prepare the computer as if you were taking it home. Make sure that the battery in the computer is charged. -
Page 60: Preparing The Computer
Preparing the computer Prepare the computer as you would normally prepare it for traveling. What to bring with you Bring the following items with you: • AC adapter. • Power cords that are appropriate for the country to which you are traveling. -
Page 61: Securing Your Computer
ECURING YOUR C O M P U T E R Your computer is a valuable investment that you need to take care of. Learn how to protect and take care of your computer. Using passwords Passwords protect your computer from unauthorized access. Setting these passwords creates several different levels of protection for your computer and data: •... -
Page 62: 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 pressto enter the BIOS utility at boot-up. • Type the Supervisor Password and press to access the BIOS utility. -
Page 63: Connecting To A Network
ONNECTING TO A NETWORK 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 Ethernet (RJ-45) port on the chassis of the computer to a network jack or hub on your network. -
Page 64: Wireless Networks
Otherwise, open Internet Explorer and follow the instructions. Please refer to your ISP or router documentation. Acer Instant Connect Instant Connect ensures a faster connection to any of the networks that your computer connects to most frequently. Acer Instant Update Instant update is used to update the following applications’... -
Page 65: Wireless Networks
Wireless networks A wireless LAN or WLAN is a wireless local area network, which may link two or more computers without using wires. Setting up a wireless network is easy and allows you to share files, peripheral devices and an Internet connection. What are benefits of a wireless network? Mobility Wireless LAN systems allow you and other users of your home network to... -
Page 66: Hdmi
HDMI HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is an industry-supported, uncompressed, all-digital audio/video interface. HDMI provides an interface between any compatible digital audio/video source, such as a set-top box, DVD player, and A/V receiver and a compatible digital audio and/or video monitor, such as a digital television (DTV), over a single cable. -
Page 67: Universal Serial Bus (Usb)
(USB) NIVERSAL ERIAL The USB port is a high-speed serial bus which allows you to connect USB peripherals without taking up system resources. Universal Serial Bus (USB) - 67... -
Page 68: Playing Dvd Movies
L A Y I NG MOVIES When the DVD drive module is installed in the optical drive bay, you can play DVD movies on your computer. 1. Insert a DVD. 2. The DVD movie will automatically play after a few seconds. Important! When you launch the DVD player for the first time, the program asks you to enter the region code. -
Page 69: Bios Utility
BIOS UTILITY The BIOS utility is a hardware configuration program built into your computer's BIOS. Your computer is already properly configured and optimized, and you do not need to run this utility. However, if you encounter configuration problems, you may need to run it. To activate the BIOS utility, press... -
Page 70: Frequently Asked Questions
REQUENTLY A SK E D QUESTIONS The following is a list of possible situations that may arise during the use of your computer. Easy solutions are provided for each one. I turned on the power, but the computer does not start or boot up. Look at the power indicator: •... -
Page 71
If pressing a key does not turn the display back on, three things might be the cause: • The brightness level might be too low. Press
+ < > (increase) to adjust the brightness level. • The display device might be set to an external monitor. Press the display toggle hotkey ... - Page 72 Before performing a restore operation, please check the BIOS settings. 1. Check to see if Acer disk-to-disk recovery is enabled or not. 2. Make sure the D2D Recovery setting in Main is Enabled. 72 - Frequently asked questions...
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Page 73: Requesting Service
Note: To activate the BIOS utility, pressduring POST. To start the recovery process: 1. Restart the system. 2. While the Acer logo is showing, press + at the same time to enter the recovery process. 3. Refer to the onscreen instructions to perform system recovery. - Page 74 Before you call Please have the following information available when you call Acer for online service, and please be at your computer when you call. With your support, we can reduce the amount of time a call takes and help solve your problems efficiently.
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Page 75: 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 76
Error messages Corrective action Disk boot failure Insert a system (bootable) disk, then press
to reboot. Equipment Press (during POST) to enter the BIOS configuration error utility, then press Exit in the BIOS utility to reboot. Hard disk 0 error Contact your dealer or an authorized service center. -
Page 77: Regulations And Safety Notices
EGULATIONS A ND S A F E T Y NOTICES STATEMENT 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. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. - Page 78 Caution: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user's authority, which is granted by the Federal Communications Commission, to operate this computer. OTICE FOR ANADA This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. Remarque à l'intention des utilisateurs canadiens Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme a la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
- Page 79 Declaration of Conformity for EU countries Hereby, Acer, declares that this computer is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC. Wireless operation channels for different domains N. America 2.412-2.462 GHz Ch01 through Ch11 Japan 2.412-2.484 GHz...
- Page 80 Departments in which the use of the 2400 - 2483.5 MHz band is permitted with an EIRP of less than 100 mW indoors and less than 10 mW outdoors: 01 Ain Orientales 25 Doubs 59 Nord 71 Saone et Loire 02 Aisne 26 Drome 60 Oise...
- Page 81 List of national codes This equipment may be operated in the following countries: Country ISO 3166 Country ISO 3166 2 letter code 2 letter code Austria Malta Belgium Netherlands Cyprus Poland Czech Republic Portugal Denmark Slovakia Estonia Slovenia Finland Spain France Sweden Germany...
- Page 82 This device complies with RSS210 of Industry Canada. This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003, Issue 4, and RSS-210, No 4 (Dec 2000) and No 5 (Nov 2001). "To prevent radio interference to the licensed service, this device is intended to be operated indoors and away from windows to provide maximum shielding.
- Page 83 The FCC RF safety requirement The radiated output power of the wireless LAN Mini PCI Card and Bluetooth card is far below the FCC radio frequency exposure limits. Nevertheless, the computer shall be used in such a manner that the potential for human contact during normal operation is minimized as follows: 1.