Acer TravelMate 8372Z: First things first

First things first: Acer TravelMate 8372Z

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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

Contents

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

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