Acer TravelMate 4750Z – страница 3

21

Recovering your system (USB flash

drive)

If calling Acer support did not help fix your problem, you can use the Acer

eRecovery Management program. This 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 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. To recover software and drivers that were pre-installed at the factory,

see

"Recovering pre-installed software and drivers" on page 21. For instructions

on reinstalling software and drivers that were not pre-installed, see that

product’s documentation or technical support Web site.

2 Revert to a previous system condition.

If reinstalling software or drivers does not help, then the problem may be

solved by returning your system to a previous state when everything was

working correctly. For instructions, see

"Returning to a previous system

condition" on page 22.

3 Reset your system to its factory condition.

If nothing else has solved the problem and you want to reset your system to

factory condition, see

"Returning your system to its factory condition" on page

23.

Types of recovery

Recovering pre-installed software and drivers

As a troubleshooting step, you may need to reinstall the software and device

drivers that came pre-installed on your computer from the factory. You can

recover using either your hard drive or the backup you have created.

• New software: If you need to recover software that did not come pre-

installed on your computer, you need to follow that software’s installation

instructions.

• New device drivers: If you need to recover device drivers that did not come

pre-installed on your computer, follow the instructions provided with the

device.

To recover your pre-installed software and drivers:

28

Follow these steps again until the battery has been charged and discharged

three times.

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.

Warning: Do not expose battery packs to temperatures below 0° C

(32° F) or above 45° C (113° F). Extreme temperatures may

adversely affect the battery pack.

By following the battery conditioning process you condition your battery to

accept the maximum possible charge. Failure to follow this procedure will

prevent you from obtaining the maximum battery charge, and will also shorten

the effective lifespan of the battery.

In addition, the useful lifespan of the battery is adversely affected by the

following usage patterns:

• Using the computer on constant AC power with the battery inserted. If you

want to use constant AC power, you are advised to remove the battery

pack after it is fully charged.

• 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. A standard computer battery has a life span of about

300 charges.

Installing and removing the battery pack

Important! Before removing the battery from the unit, connect

the AC adapter if you want to continue using your computer.

Otherwise, turn off the computer first.

To install a battery pack:

1 Align the battery with the open battery bay; make sure that the end with

the contacts will enter first, and that the top surface of the battery is

facing up.

2 Slide the battery into the battery bay and gently push until the battery

locks in place.

29

To remove a battery pack:

1 Slide the battery release latch to release the battery.

2 Pull the battery from the battery bay.

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. However, charging the battery with the computer turned

off results in a significantly faster charge time.

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.

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.

Optimizing battery life

Optimizing battery life helps you get the most out of battery operation,

prolonging the charge/recharge cycle and improving recharging efficiency. You

are advised to follow the suggestions set out below:

• Purchase an extra battery pack.

• Use AC power whenever possible, reserving battery for on-the-go use.

• Eject a PC Card if it is not being used, as it will continue to draw power (for

selected models).

• Store the battery pack in a cool, dry place. The recommended temperature

is 10° C (50° F) to 30° C (86° F). Higher temperatures cause the battery to

self-discharge faster.

• Excessive recharging decreases the battery life.

• Look after your AC adapter and battery.

Battery-low warning

When using battery power pay attention to the Windows power meter.

30

Warning: Connect the AC adapter as soon as possible after the

battery-low warning appears. Data will be lost if the battery to

become fully depleted and the computer shuts down.

When the battery-low warning appears, the recommended course of action

depends on your situation:

Situation Recommended Action

The AC adapter

1. Plug the AC adapter into the computer, and then

and

a power

connect to the

mains power supply.

outlet are

2. Save all necessary files.

available.

3. Resume work.

Turn off the computer if you wa

nt to recharge the

battery rapidly.

An extra fully

1. Save all necessary files.

c

harged battery

2. Close all applications.

pack is available.

3. Turn off the computer.

4. Replace the battery pack.

5. Turn on the computer and resume work.

The AC adapter or

1. Save all necessary files.

a po

wer outlet is

2. Close all applications.

unavailable. You

3. Turn off the computer.

have no spare

battery pack.

31

Taking your notebook PC with you

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 Remove any media, floppy disks or compact disks from the drive(s).

3 Shut down the computer.

4 Close the display cover.

5 Disconnect the cord from the AC adapter.

6 Disconnect the keyboard, pointing device, printer, external monitor and

other external devices.

7 Disconnect the Kensington lock if you are using one to secure the

computer.

Moving around

When you are just moving within short distances, for example, from your office

desk to a meeting room.

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; then

press and release the power button.

If you are taking the computer to a client's office or a different building, you

may choose to shut down the computer:

Click Start then click Shut Down.

Or:

You can put the computer in Sleep mode by pressing <Fn> + <F4>. Then close

and latch the display.

When you are ready to use the computer again, unlatch and open the display;

then

press and release the power button.

Note: If the Sleep indicator is off, the computer has entered

Hibernation mode and is turned off. If the power indicator is off

32

but the Sleep indicator is on, the computer has entered Sleep

mode. In both cases, press and release the power button to turn

the computer back on. Note that the computer may enter

Hibernation mode after being in Sleep mode for a period of time.

What to bring to meetings

If your meeting is relatively short, you probably do not need to bring anything

with you other than your computer. If your meeting will be longer, or if your

battery is not fully charged, you may want to bring the AC adapter with you to

plug in your computer in the meeting room.

If the meeting room does not have an electrical outlet, reduce the drain on the

battery by putting the computer in Sleep mode. Press <Fn> + <F4> or close the

display cover whenever you are not actively using the computer. To resume,

open the display (if closed), then

press and release the power button.

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:

• Check that you have removed all media and compact discs from the

drive(s). Failure to remove the media can damage the drive head.

• Pack the computer in a protective case that can prevent the computer from

sliding around and cushion it if it should fall.

Caution: Avoid packing items next to the top cover of the

computer. Pressure against the top cover can damage the screen.

What to take with you

Unless you have some items at home, take the following items with you:

• AC adapter and power cord.

• The printed setup poster.

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

33

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.

• Changes in temperature and humidity can cause condensation. Allow the

computer to return to room temperature, and inspect the screen for

condensation before turning on the computer. If the temperature change

is greater than 10° C (18° F), allow the computer to come to room

temperature slowly. If possible, leave the computer for 30 minutes in an

environment with a temperature between outside and room temperature.

Setting up a home office

If you frequently work on your computer at home, you may want to purchase a

second AC adapter for use at home. With a second AC adapter, you can avoid

carrying the extra weight to and from home.

If you use your computer at home for significant periods of time, you might also

want to add an external keyboard, monitor or mouse.

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. Airport security may require you to turn on your

computer when carrying it into the gate area.

What to take with you

Take the following items with you:

• AC adapter

• Spare, fully-charged battery 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 your computer while traveling:

• Always take the computer as carry-on luggage.

• If possible, have the computer inspected by hand. Airport security X-ray

machines are safe, but do not put the computer through a metal detector.

34

• Avoid exposing floppy disks to hand-held metal detectors.

Traveling internationally with the computer

When you are moving from country to country.

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

• Spare, fully-charged battery packs

• Additional printer driver files if you plan to use another printer

• Proof of purchase, in case you need to show it to customs officials

• International Travelers Warranty passport

Special considerations

Follow the same 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 adapter power cord specifications are compatible. If not, purchase a

power cord that is compatible with the local AC voltage. Do not use

converter kits sold for appliances to power the computer.

• If you are using the modem, check if the modem and connector are

compatible with the telecommunications system of the country you are

traveling in.

35

Securing your computer

Your computer is a valuable investment that you need to take care of. Learn

how to protect and take care of your computer.

Security features include hardware and software locks — a security notch 

and passwords.

Using a computer security lock

The notebook comes with a Kensington-compatible security slot for a 

security lock.

Wrap a 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. Some keyless models are also available.

Using passwords

Passwords protect your computer from unauthorized access. Setting these

passwords creates several different levels of protection for your computer



and data:

• Supervisor Password prevents unauthorized entry into the BIOS utility.

Once set, you must enter this password to gain access to the BIOS utility.

See

"BIOS utility" on page 43.

• User Password secures your computer against unauthorized use. Combine

the use of this password with password checkpoints on boot-up and

resume from Hibernation for maximum security.

• Password on Boot secures your computer against unauthorized use.

Combine the use of this password with password checkpoints on boot-up

and resume from Hibernation for maximum security.

Important! Do not forget your Supervisor Password! If you forget

your password, please get in touch with your dealer or an

authorized service center.

36

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 press

<F2> to enter the BIOS utility at boot-up.

• Type the Supervisor Password and press <Enter> to access the BIOS utility.

If you enter the password incorrectly, a warning message appears. Try

again and press <Enter>.

• When the User Password is set and the password on boot parameter is

enabled, a prompt appears at boot-up.

• Type the User Password and press <Enter> to use the computer. If you

enter the password incorrectly, a warning message appears. Try again and

press <Enter>.

Important! You have three chances to enter a password. If you fail

to enter the password correctly after three tries, the system halts.

Press and hold the power button for four seconds to shut down

the computer. Then turn on the computer again, and try again.

Setting passwords

You can set passwords using the BIOS utility.

37

Expanding through options

Your notebook PC offers you a complete mobile computing experience.

Connectivity options

Ports allow you to connect peripheral devices to your computer as you would

with a desktop PC. For instructions on how to connect different external devices

to the computer, read the following section.

Fax/data modem (only for certain models)

Your computer has a built-in V.92 56 Kbps fax/data modem 

(only for certain models).

Warning! This modem port is not compatible with digital phone

lines. Plugging this modem into a digital phone line will damage

the modem.

To use the fax/data modem port, connect a phone cable from the modem port

to a telephone jack.

Warning! Please make sure that the cable you use is appropriate

for the country in which you are working.