Acer TravelMate 8372Z: First things first

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First 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 Just for Starters...poster helps you get started with setting up your 

computer.

The printed TravelMate Series Generic User Guide contains useful information 

applying to all models in the TravelMate product series. It covers basic topics 

such as Acer

eRecovery Management, using the keyboard, Audio, etc. Please 

understand that due to its nature, the Generic User Guide as well as the 

AcerSystem User Guide mentioned below will occasionally refer to functions or 

features which are only contained in certain models of the series, but not 

necessarily in the model you purchased. Such instances are marked in the text 

with language such as "only for certain models".

The printed 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 AcerSystem User Guide. This guide contains 

detailed information on such subjects as system utilities, data recovery, 

expansion options and troubleshooting. In addition it contains warranty 

information and the general regulations and safety notices for your notebook. 

It is available in Portable Document Format (PDF) and comes preloaded on your 

notebook. Follow these steps to access it:

1 Click on 

 Start, All Programs, AcerSystem.

2 Click on AcerSystem User Guide.

Note: Viewing the file requires Adobe Reader. If Adobe Reader is 

not installed on your computer, clicking on AcerSystem User Guide 

will run the Adobe Reader setup program first. Follow the 

instructions on the screen to complete the installation. For 

instructions on how to use Adobe Reader, access the Help and 

Support menu.

Basic care and tips for using your computer

Turning your computer on and off

To turn on the computer, simply press and release the power button below the 

LCD screen beside the easy-launch buttons. Please refre to "Quick Guide" for 

the location of the power button.

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To turn the power off, do any of the following:

•

Use the Windows shutdown command

Click on Start 

 then click on Shut Down.

•

Use the power button

You can also put the computer in sleep mode by pressing the sleep hotkey 

<Fn> + <F4>.

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.

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 0 ºC (32 ºF) or above 

50 ºC (122 ºF).

•

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 pow er 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 cord. Also, the 

total current rating of all equipment plugged into a single wall outlet 

should not exceed the fuse rating.

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Taking care of your battery pack

Here are some ways to take care of your battery pack:

•

Use only batteries of the same kind as replacements. Turn the power off 

before removing or replacing batteries.

•

Do not tamper with batteries. Keep them away from children.

•

Dispose of used batteries according to local regulations. Recycle if possible.

Cleaning and servicing

When cleaning the computer, follow these steps:

1

Turn off the computer and remove the battery pack.

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

Please refer to "Frequently asked questions" on page 32 .

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Information for your safety and comfort

iii

Safety instructions

iii

Caution for Optical Drive Device (only for certain models) vii

Operating environment

vii

Medical devices

viii

Vehicles

viii

Potentially explosive environments

ix

Emergency calls

ix

Disposal instructions

ix

Mercury advisory

ix

ENERGY STAR

x

Tips and information for comfortable use

x

First things first

xiii

Your guides

xiii

Basic care and tips for using your computer

xiii

Turning your computer on and off

xiii

Taking care of your computer

xiv

Taking care of your AC adapter

xiv

Taking care of your battery pack

xv

Cleaning and servicing

xv

Touchpad

1

Touchpad basics (with fingerprint reader)

1

Touchpad basics (with two-click buttons)

2

Using the keyboard

3

Lock keys and embedded numeric keypad*

3

Windows keys

4

Audio

5

Acer PureZone (only for certain models)

5

Video

5

16:9 display (only for certain models)

5

Using the system utilities

6

Acer Bio-Protection (only for certain models)

6

Acer GridVista (dual-display compatible)

7

Acer Backup Manager

8

Power management

9

Acer eRecovery Management

10

Burn backup discs

11

Restore

12

Restore Windows from backup discs

13

Battery pack

15

Battery pack characteristics

15

Maximizing the battery's life

15

Installing and removing the battery pack

16

Charging the battery

17

Contents

Checking the battery level

17

Optimising battery life

17

Battery-low warning

18

Taking your notebook PC with you

19

Disconnecting from the desktop

19

Moving around

19

Preparing the computer

19

What to bring to meetings

20

Taking the computer home

20

Preparing the computer

20

What to take with you

20

Special considerations

21

Setting up a home office

21

Traveling with the computer

21

Preparing the computer

21

What to take with you

21

Special considerations

22

Traveling internationally with the computer

22

Preparing the computer

22

What to bring with you

22

Special considerations

22

Securing your computer

23

Using a computer security lock

23

Using passwords

23

Entering passwords

24

Setting passwords

24

Expanding through options

25

Connectivity options

25

Fax/data modem (only for certain models)

25

Built-in network feature

26

Universal Serial Bus (USB)

26

IEEE 1394 port  (only for certain models)

27

High-Definition Multimedia Interface

(only for certain models)

27

ExpressCard (only for certain models)

28

Installing memory

29

BIOS utility

30

Boot sequence

30

Enable disk-to-disk recovery

30

Password

30

Using software

31

Playing DVD movies

31

Frequently asked questions

32

Requesting service

35

International Travelers Warranty (ITW)

35

Before you call

35

Troubleshooting

36

Troubleshooting tips

36

Error messages

36

Regulations and safety notices

37

FCC statement

37

Modem notices (only for certain models)

38

LCD pixel statement

40

Radio device regulatory notice

40

General

40

The FCC RF safety requirement

41

Canada — Low-power license-exempt radio

communication devices (RSS-210)

42

Exposure of humans to RF fields (RSS-102)

42

LCD panel ergonomic specifications

42