Acer TravelMate 740 Series, User Manual

Page 1: ...TravelMate 740 series User s guide ...

Page 2: ...ndence concerning your unit should include the serial number model number and purchase information No part of this publication may be reproduced stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic mechanical photocopy recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of Acer Incorporated Model number _________________________________ Serial number _________...

Page 3: ...ovides clear and concise information about the computer so read it thoroughly If you ever need to print out a copy this User s guide is also available in PDF Portable Document Format Follow these steps 1 Click on Start Programs TravelMate 2 Click on TravelMate User s guide Note Viewing the file requires Adobe Acrobat Reader installed If Adobe Acrobat Reader is not installed on your computer clicki...

Page 4: ...OK Use the power switch Note You can also use the power switch to perform power management functions See Power management on page 23 Use the customized functions for power management You can also shut down the computer by closing the display cover or by pressing the sleep hot key Fn F4 See Power management on page 23 An Online guide is your helping hand on the go with easy to access detailed and l...

Page 5: ...ject the computer to heavy shock and vibration Do not expose the computer to dust and dirt Never place objects on top of the computer to avoid damaging 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...

Page 6: ...f at all possible Cleaning and servicing When cleaning the computer follow these steps 1 Power off the computer and remove the battery pack 2 Disconnect the AC adapter 3 Use a soft cloth moistened with water Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners 4 To clean the display screen use an LCD cleaning kit If any of the following occurs The computer has been dropped or the body has been damaged Liquid has...

Page 7: ... Using software 21 Audio 22 Adjusting the volume 22 Power management 23 Moving around with your TravelMate 24 Disconnecting from the desktop 24 Moving around 24 Taking the computer home 25 Traveling with the computer 27 Traveling internationally with the computer 27 Securing your computer 29 Using the fingerprint recognition sensor 29 Using a computer security lock 30 Using passwords 30 2 Customiz...

Page 8: ... computer 43 Frequently asked questions 45 Troubleshooting tips 49 Error messages 50 Requesting service 52 International Traveler s Warranty ITW 52 Before you call 52 Appendix A Specifications 55 Appendix B Notices 61 Index 69 ...

Page 9: ...1 Getting to know your TravelMate ...

Page 10: ...ter combines high performance versatility power management features and multimedia capabilities with a unique style and ergonomic design Work with unmatched productivity and reliability with your new power computing partner ...

Page 11: ...creen Also called LCD liquid crystal display displays computer output 2 Touchpad Touch sensitive pointing device which functions like a computer mouse 3 Click buttons left center and right The left and right buttons function like the left and right mouse buttons the center button serves as a scroll up down button 4 Palmrest Comfortable support area for your hands when you use the computer ...

Page 12: ...nd off to show the status of the computer its functions and components Item Description 1 Infrared port Interfaces with infrared devices e g infrared printer IR aware computer 2 PC Card slots Accept one Type III or two Type II 16 bit PC Card s or 32 bit CardBus PC Card s 3 Eject buttons Eject the selected PC Card from the slot 4 Power switch Turns on the computer power 5 Floppy activity indicator ...

Page 13: ... microphone 9 Volume control Controls the volume of the speakers 10 Floppy drive Internal diskette drive accepts 3 5 inch floppy diskettes 11 Floppy disk eject button Push this button to eject the floppy disk 12 Video capture kit slot Accepts the video capture kit option on the left side of the computer Item Description 1 Video capture kit slot Accepts the video capture kit option on the right sid...

Page 14: ... is active 5 Eject button Ejects the drive tray 6 Emergency eject slot Ejects the drive tray when the computer is turned off See page 46 for more details 7 Security keylock Connects to a Kensington compatible computer security lock Item Description 1 Power jack Connects to an AC adapter 2 PS 2 port Connects to any PS 2 compatible device e g PS 2 mouse 3 Modem jack Connects to a phone line Item Des...

Page 15: ...rallel printer 6 Network jack Connects to an Ethernet 10 100 based network 7 External display port Connects to a display device e g external monitor LCD projector and displays up to 64K colors at 1280x1024 resolution 8 USB ports two Connect to Universal Serial Bus devices e g USB mouse USB camera Item Description ...

Page 16: ...ery pack 3 Hard disk bay Houses the computer s hard disk secured by a screw 4 Battery release latch Unlatches the battery to remove the battery pack 5 Memory compartment Houses the computer s main memory 6 Mini docking connector Connects to DockMate V mini docking station 7 AcerMedia bay release latch Unlatches the AcerMedia drive for removal or swapping ...

Page 17: ...rface Display 15 Thin Film Transistor TFT Super eXtended Graphics Array SXGA liquid crystal display LCD 3D capabilities Simultaneous LCD and CRT display support Supports other output display devices such as LCD projection panels for large audience presentations Automatic LCD dim feature that automatically decides the best settings for your display and conserves power Dual display capability Multim...

Page 18: ...et Fast Ethernet port Optional Bluetooth wireless communication feature Optional InviLink 802 11b wireless LAN Human centric design and ergonomics Internet scroll key Sleek smooth and stylish design Full sized keyboard Ergonomically centered touchpad pointing device Expansion Two type II or one type III CardBus PC Card slot s Upgradeable memory DockMate V ...

Page 19: ... cover is closed Icon Function Description Power Lights when the computer is on Sleep Lights when the computer enters Standby mode and blinks when it enters into or resumes from hibernation mode Media Activity Lights when the floppy drive hard disk or AcerMedia drive is active Battery Charge Lights when the battery is being charged Caps Lock Lights when Caps Lock is activated Num Lock Lights when ...

Page 20: ...ock 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...

Page 21: ...rnal keyboard or keypad is connected to the computer the Num Lock feature automatically shifts from the internal keyboard to the external keyboard or keypad 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...

Page 22: ...ontrols like screen brightness volume output and the BIOS Utility Key Description Windows logo key á Start button Combinations with this key perform shortcut functions Below are a few examples á Tab Activates next taskbar button á E Explores My Computer á F Finds Document á M Minimizes All Shift á M Undoes Minimize All á R Displays the Run dialog box Application key Opens a context menu same as a ...

Page 23: ...e toggle Switches the power management scheme used by the computer function available if supported by operating system See Power management on page 23 Fn F4 Sleep Puts the computer in Sleep mode See Power management on page 23 Fn F5 Display toggle Switches display output between the display screen external monitor if connected and both the display screen and external monitor Fn F6 Screen blank Tur...

Page 24: ...tart Settings Control Panel 2 Double click on Keyboard 3 Click on the Language tab 4 Verify that the keyboard layout used for En English United States is set to United States International If not select and click on Properties then select United States International and click on OK 5 Click on OK To type the Euro symbol 1 Locate the Euro symbol on your keyboard Fn F7 Touchpad Toggle Turns the inter...

Page 25: ...a text editor or word processor 3 Hold Alt Gr and press the Euro symbol Note Some fonts and software do not support the Euro symbol Please refer to www microsoft com typography faq faq12 htm for more information ...

Page 26: ... If you are using an external PS 2 mouse the touchpad is automatically disabled Touchpad basics The following items teach you how to use the touchpad Move your finger across the touchpad to move the cursor Press the left 1 and right 3 buttons located on the edge of the touchpad to do selection and execution functions These two buttons are similar to the left and right buttons on a mouse Tapping on...

Page 27: ...siveness Function Left button Right button Center buttons Tap Execute Click twice quickly Tap twice at the same speed as double clicking a mouse button Select Click once Tap once Drag Click and hold then use finger to drag the cursor on the touchpad Tap twice at the same speed as double clicking a mouse button then hold finger to the touchpad on the second tap and drag the cursor Access context me...

Page 28: ...rage needs This is where your programs and data are stored AcerMedia drive The AcerMedia bay accepts a wide variety of media drive modules for use with your computer These include DVD ROM drive DVD CD RW drive optional Ejecting the optical drive tray To eject the optical drive tray when the computer is turned on press the drive eject button When the power is off you can eject the drive tray using ...

Page 29: ...times including the first time after which the last region code set will remain permanent Recovering your hard disk does not reset the number of times the region code has been set Refer to the table later in this section for DVD movie region code information 2 The DVD movie will automatically play after a few seconds Note To change the region code insert a DVD movie of a different region into the ...

Page 30: ...akers are easy to access There are audio ports on the left side of the computer See Left view on page 4 for more information on external audio devices Adjusting the volume Adjusting the volume on the computer is easy with a rotary volume control knob on the left panel Turn the knob to the left to increase the volume turn it to the right to decrease the volume ...

Page 31: ...ports and video memory If no activity is detected for a period of time called an inactivity timeout the computer stops some or all of these devices in order to conserve energy This computer employs a power management scheme that supports ACPI Advanced Configuration and Power Interface which allows for maximum power conservation and maximum performance at the same time Windows handles all power sav...

Page 32: ...ard 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...

Page 33: ...g to long meetings If your meeting will last longer than 3 hours 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 ...

Page 34: ...n 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 18 F 10 C allow the computer to come to room temperature slowly If possible leave the computer for 30 minut...

Page 35: ...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...

Page 36: ...ons 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 t...

Page 37: ...es include fingerprint recognition a security notch and passwords Using the fingerprint recognition sensor A fingerprint recognition sensor is located at the bottom of your keyboard to the right of your touchpad This security feature allows only an authorized user to access the computer For more details see the related documentation that comes with your computer ...

Page 38: ...d data Setup Password prevents unauthorized entry to the BIOS Utility Once set you must key in this password to gain access to the BIOS Utility See BIOS Utility on page 41 and your online guide for more details Power on 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 Hard ...

Page 39: ...n Password a symbol appears for each character you type and press Enter to use the computer If you enter the password incorrectly an x symbol appears Try again and press Enter When the Hard Disk Password is set the following prompt appears at boot up Type the Hard Disk Password a symbol appears for each character you type and press Enter to use the computer If you enter the password incorrectly an...

Page 40: ...for four seconds to shut down the computer Then turn on the computer again and try again If you fail to enter the Hard Disk Password please contact your dealer or an authorized service center Setting passwords You can set passwords using Notebook Manager BIOS Utility See your online guide for more details ...

Page 41: ...2 Customizing my computer ...

Page 42: ... TravelMate computer let s get acquainted with the advanced features of your computer In this chapter you will learn how to add options upgrade components for better performance and customize your computer key link accessories acer com ...

Page 43: ...l devices to the computer see your online guide for more details Fax data modem Some models have a built in V 90 56Kbps AC 97 Link fax data modem 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 Start your communications ...

Page 44: ... the network jack on the rear of the computer to a network jack or hub on your network Fast infrared The computer s fast infrared FIR port allows you to do wireless data transfer with other IR aware computers and peripherals such as PDAs personal digital assistants mobile phones and infrared printers The infrared port can transfer data at speeds of up to four megabits per second Mbps at a distance...

Page 45: ...s slot accepts credit card sized cards that enhance the usability and expandability of the computer These cards should have a PC Card logo on them PC Cards formerly PCMCIA are add on cards for portable computers giving you expansion possibilities long afforded by desktop PCs Popular type III cards include flash memory SRAM fax data modem LAN and SCSI cards CardBus improves on the 16 bit PC card te...

Page 46: ...etwork cable if necessary See your card manual for details Ejecting a PC Card Before ejecting a PC Card 1 Exit the application using the card 2 Left click on the PC Card icon on the taskbar and stop the card operation 3 Press the slot eject button to pop out the eject button a then press it again to eject the card b ...

Page 47: ...6 512 MB 64 bit industry standard soDIMMs Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Modules The computer supports SDRAM Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory There are two memory slots on your computer one of which is occupied by standard memory You can upgrade memory by installing a memory module into the available slot or replacing the standard memory with a higher capacity memory module Installing me...

Page 48: ... Insert the memory module diagonally into the slot a then gently press it down b until it clicks into place 4 Replace the memory cover and secure it with the screw 5 Reinstall the battery pack and reconnect the AC adapter 6 Turn on the computer The computer automatically detects and reconfigures the total memory size ...

Page 49: ...tart the Notebook Manager press Fn F2 or follow these steps 1 Click on Start Programs then Notebook Manager 2 Select the Notebook Manager application to run the program Click on Help for more information BIOS Utility The BIOS Utility is a hardware configuration program built into your computer s BIOS basic input ouput system Your computer is already properly configured and optimized and you do not...

Page 50: ...2 Customizing my computer 42 To activate the BIOS Utility press F2 during the POST power on self test while the TravelMate logo is being displayed See your online guide for more information ...

Page 51: ...3 Troubleshooting my computer ...

Page 52: ...ms 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 by yourself Contact your dealer or an authorized service center for assistance key link www acersupport com ...

Page 53: ...ss any key or tap on the touchpad to resume Is a non bootable non system diskette in the floppy drive Remove or replace it with a system diskette and press Ctrl Alt Del to restart the system The operating system files may be damaged or missing Insert the startup disk you created during Windows setup into the floppy drive and press Ctrl Alt Del to restart the system This will diagnose your system a...

Page 54: ... control speaker icon on the taskbar If it is crossed out click on the icon and deselect the Mute option The speakers may be turned off Press Fn F8 to turn the speakers on this hot key also turns the speakers off The volume level may be too low In Windows look at the volume control icon on the taskbar You can also use the volume control knob on the left panel of the computer to adjust the volume S...

Page 55: ...ct two PS 2 type devices to the computer you need to use an optional PS 2 Y bridge connector The infrared port does not work Check the following Make sure that the infrared ports of the two devices are facing each other 15 degrees a maximum of 1 meter apart Make sure there is a clear path between the two infrared ports Nothing should be blocking the ports Make sure you have the appropriate softwar...

Page 56: ... may appear when Sleep Manager is creating the Hibernation file There are several different reasons that may cause this error The hard disk has enough free space but this free space exists as small fragments The free disk space that Sleep Manager requires needs to be contiguous To solve this problem use tools such as Disk Defragmenter to compact these free disk spaces Then run Sleep Manager again ...

Page 57: ...anced design that delivers onscreen error message reports to help you solve problems If the system reports an error message or an error symptom occurs see Error messages on page 50 If the problem cannot be resolved contact your dealer See Requesting service on page 52 ...

Page 58: ...ress Esc to exit and reconfigure the computer Fixed Disk 0 Error Contact your dealer or an authorized service center I O Parity Error Contact your dealer or an authorized service center Insert system diskette and press Enter key to reboot Insert a system bootable diskette into the floppy drive A then press Enter to reboot PS 2 Keyboard Error or Not Connected Contact your dealer or an authorized se...

Page 59: ...authorized service center for assistance Some problems may be solved using the BIOS Utility RAM Parity Error Contact your dealer or an authorized service center Real Time Clock Error Press F2 during POST to enter the BIOS Utility then press Esc to exit and reconfigure the computer Error Messages Corrective Action ...

Page 60: ... passport If the country you are traveling in does not have an Acer authorized ITW service site you can still get in contact with our offices worldwide There are two ways to access Acer for technical support and information Internet service worldwide www acer com Technical support numbers in various countries You can view a list of technical support numbers by following these steps 1 Click on Star...

Page 61: ...__________ Address ______________________________________ ______________________________________________ Telephone number ____________________________ Machine and model type _______________________ Serial number _________________________________ Date of purchase ______________________________ ...

Page 62: ...3 Troubleshooting my computer 54 ...

Page 63: ...Appendix A Specifications ...

Page 64: ...This appendix lists the general specifications of your computer ...

Page 65: ... AcerMedia bay Display and video 15 TFT SXGA LCD displaying 1400 x 1050 resolution at 32 bit true color 4X AGP bus with 3D acceleration Simultaneous LCD and CRT display support Dual display capability Audio 16 bit AC 97 stereo audio with built in wavetable synthesizer Dual speakers and microphone Separate audio ports for headphone out line in and microphone in devices Keyboard and pointing device ...

Page 66: ...ack One microphone in jack Two USB ports One 9 pin RS 232 serial port UART16550 One FIR port Mini dock connector Weight and dimensions 3 22 kg 7 lbs with battery and optical drive 324 5 W x 271 D x 36 H mm Temperature Operating 5 C 35 C Non operating 20 C 65 C Humidity non condensing Operating 20 80 RH Non operating 20 80 RH System ACPI support DMI 2 0 compliant Battery pack 65 3 WH Li Ion battery...

Page 67: ...12 MB memory upgrade modules PS 2 Y bridge cable Additional Li Ion battery pack DVD CD RW module includes PowerDVD software CD DockMate V External numeric keypad External battery charger InviLink 802 11b wireless LAN PC card Secondary hard drive External USB video capture kit ...

Page 68: ...Appendix A Specifications 60 ...

Page 69: ...Appendix B Notices ...

Page 70: ...This appendix lists the general notices of your computer ...

Page 71: ...receiver Connect the device into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected Consult the dealer or an experienced radio television technician for help Notice Shielded cables All connections to other computing devices must be made using shielded cables to maintain compliance with FCC regulations Notice Peripheral devices Only peripherals input output devices termin...

Page 72: ...ll be notified as soon as possible You will also be informed of your right to file a complaint with the FCC Your telephone company may make changes in its facilities equipment operations or procedures that could affect the proper functioning of your equipment If they do you will be notified in advance to give you an opportunity to maintain uninterrupted telephone service If this equipment should f...

Page 73: ...mpany 7 Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord Do not locate this product where persons will walk on the cord 8 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 exce...

Page 74: ...ated 7A 125V minimum VDE approved or its equivalent Maximum length is 15 feet 4 6 meters Laser compliance statement The CD or DVD drive used with this computer is a laser product The CD or DVD drive s classification label shown below is located on the drive CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT CAUTION INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION WHEN OPEN AVOID EXPOSURE TO BEAM APPAREIL A LASER DE CLASSE 1 PRODUIT LASERATTENTION R...

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Page 76: ... Hardware NSTL Tested Year 2000 Compliant logo which certifies that this model has been tested by NSTL using the YMark2000 test and has been found to meet NSTL s standards for Year 2000 hardware compliance For more details check the Acer Year 2000 Resource Center Web site global acer com service pcy2000 html ...

Page 77: ...69 Index 0 1 1 1 1 2 340 4 0 0 0 0 5 1 1 1 1 ...

Page 78: ...70 2 2 2 2 6 7 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 8 7 7 8 3 9 7 5 5 5 5 1 8 7 7 7 7 7 7 8 8 8 8 7 7 9 9 9 9 ...

Page 79: ...71 3 4 4 ...