Acer Aspire 6400 User manual

My
Guide
…the printed companion to the way more fun and handy on-screen experience of My Aspire Guide
Introducing
the not nearly as exciting
ink on paper version of…

Did you know your Acer Aspire comes with incredible multimedia software that was desigend to show you all the cool stuff your computer can do? This book can be a handy desktop reference, but you’ll receive much more in- depth information and instruction by firing up My Aspire Guide software. (It’s located on your Windows 98 desktop and in the Tools ‘N Stuff folder in Ace.) We’re pretty sure you’ll have more fun with the software, too. (P.S. - If you’re reading this because you’re having trouble with your computer, check the Troubleshooting section in My Aspire Guide software or the “Need Help?” section in this book.)
Hey!
Wait
a minute!

Table of Contents iii
ii
Copyright Acer and the Acer logo are registered trademarks and Aspire is a trademark of Acer Inc. and Acer America Corporation. Microsoft Windows and the Windows Logo are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corp. All other brands/product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. © 1999 by Acer Incorporated. All rights reserved. Printed in Taiwan First printing July 1999
Table of
Contents
Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Before You Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Proper Setup and Placement Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 An Introduction to Your Aspire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 The System: Aspire Microtower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Setting Up Your Aspire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Turning Your Aspire On and Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 The Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 The Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 The Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 The Speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Drives on Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Using Your Floppy Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Formatting a Floppy Diskette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Using Your CD-ROM/DVD-ROM Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Your Data/Fax Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Accessing the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Connecting an Optional Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Printer Driver Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Connecting an Optional Serial Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Connecting an Optional Joystick or MIDI Device . . . . . . . . . . 21 Getting the Most from Your Acer Audio System . . . . . . . . 22 Playing an Audio CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Adjusting the Volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 The Electronic Mixing Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Adding Options to Your Aspire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Opening/Closing Your Aspire Microtower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Need Help? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 My Aspire Guide–Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Troubleshooting–General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Troubleshooting–Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Additional Acer Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

iv Welcome 1
Disclaimer of Warranties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Standard End User License Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 System Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Limited Product Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 FCC Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Acer Year 2000 Compliance Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 CD-ROM Safety Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Caution on Lithium Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Welcome and thank you for
purchasing an Aspire computer. You are now the owner of a multimedia computer system! Already installed on your system and ready to go are software programs designed to enable you to:
Create personal documents
Access the Internet and send and receive e-mail
Use your computer as a fax machine
Play audio CDs while you’re working
and tons more!
Whether you’ve owned a computer before or not, your Aspire was designed to improve the way you work and to serve your needs now and into the future.

3
2Before You Start...
• Never spill liquid of any kind on the product. • Do not attempt to service this product yourself; opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage points or other risks. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Service by persons other than Acer authorized service providers may void your warranty. • Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions:
a • When the power cord or plug is damaged or frayed. b • If liquid has been spilled into the product. c • If the product has been exposed to rain or water. d • If the product does not operate normally when the
operating instructions are followed. Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating instructions since improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the product to normal condition.
e • If the product has been dropped or the cabinet has been
damaged.
f • If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance,
indicating a need for service. • Replace battery with the same type as the product’s battery we recommend. Use of another battery may present a risk of fire or explosion. Refer battery replacement to qualified service personnel. • Warning! Battery may explode if not handled properly. Do not recharge, disassemble or dispose of in fire. Keep away from children and dispose of used battery promptly. • Use only the proper type of power supply cord set (provided in your keyboard/manual accessories box) for this unit. It should be a detachable type: UL listed/CSA certified, type SVT/SJT, rated 6A 125V minimum, VDE approved or its equiva- lent. Maximum length is 15 feet (4.6 meters). • Always unplug the computer and monitor before opening the housing or adjusting connections or cables. • Use power strips with surge protection to protect your com- puter in the event of a power surge, due to severe weather such as a thunderstorm.
Before You Start . . . Make sure you read this section carefully for proper placement and important Safety Instructions on the use and care of your new computer. Please save these instructions for future reference. Safety Instructions • Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product. • Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a cloth mildly dampened with water for cleaning. • Do not use this product in or near water. • Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, or table. The product may fall, causing serious damage to the product. • Slots and openings in the cabinet and the back or bottom are provided for ventilation; to ensure reliable operation of the product and to protect it from overheating, these openings must not be blocked or covered. The openings should never be blocked by placing the product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface. This product should never be placed near or over a radiator or heat register, or in a built-in installation unless proper ventilation is provided. • This product should be operated from the type of power indi- cated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power available, consult your dealer or local power company. • This product is equipped with a 3-wire grounding-type plug, a plug having a third (grounding) pin. This plug will only fit into a grounding-type power outlet. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug into the outlet, contact your elec- trician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the pur- pose of the grounding-type plug. • Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord. Do not locate this product where persons will walk on the cord. • 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 15 amperes. • Never push objects of any kind into this product through cabinet slots as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock.

An Introduction to Your Aspire 5
4
Aspire
An Introduction to Your
The System: Aspire Microtower
CD-ROM/
DVD-ROM Drive
CD-ROM/
DVD-ROM
Eject Button
Expansion Bay
Door Power/
Quickstart
Button
Power Indicator Light
Activity Indicator
Light
Proper Setup and Placement Tips It’s important that your computer be set up correctly and according to your own comfort and ergonomic needs. The following tips should make your workstation a comfortable and healthy place: Monitor Level. Position your computer so that it is at arm’s length away and the top third of the monitor viewing area is at eye level. This helps prevent eye and neck strain. To further reduce eye strain, close your eyes and refocus on something other than your computer screen at least twice an hour. Most monitors come standard with a detachable tilt-and-swivel base and adjustable, rear-mounted foot, which allow you to position the monitor exactly where you want it. Your Seat. If you plan to use your Acer computer for extended periods (for example, in a home office environment), select a highly adjustable office chair with a five-pronged base. The seat and chair back should be adjustable, while you’re sitting in the chair, for height and tilt, and forward/backward positioning, and the lumbar area of the back should be supported by the chair adjustments or a cushion. Arm rests should conform to your elbow height and shoulder width and should be used for sup- port. For maximum comfort, vary positions frequently through- out the day. Use good posture when seated, keep your head centered over your shoulders and, just like your mother always told you, don’t slump over your work. Anti-Glare Coating. Some monitor screens are constructed with a special anti-glare coating, which minimizes reflections that cause eye strain and discomfort. To further reduce eye strain, close your eyes and refocus on something other than your com- puter screen at least twice an hour . Task Lighting. When room lighting is dimmed, there may be insufficient light on documents or reference materials for comfortable reading. A well-lit room or a few directional, adjustable task lights will allow you to see your monitor screen and other materials clearly, and with the least amount of strain. Hand and Wrist. Keep your wrists straight and your forearms parallel to the floor while you are typing. If you use a wrist rest, use it only briefly for resting. Do not rest your hands on the table or on the wrist rest while you are typing. During long periods of typing, frequent breaks are recommended.

An Introduction to Your Aspire 7
6
1 • Press and release the monitor power button if it is not on or blinking already. 2 • Press and release the computer power button (Quickstart or traditional start).
The monitor will begin displaying images after 5-10 seconds. The power but- ton lights on the computer and monitor will be on. Note: If you previously used Quickstart OFF when you were done using your Aspire, your computer will return exactly where it was in just a couple of seconds. If you previously shut down Windows 98, your computer will take 2-3 minutes to start.
Setting Up Your Aspire Refer to the Aspire Easy Setup Poster included in your system box for details on how to set up your computer. Turning Your Aspire On and Off You have two options for turning your Aspire on and off. Your Aspire was designed for you with convenience in mind. The Quickstart option allows your computer to instantly turn on and off, without waiting for a long start-up time. If you like the traditional approach better, you can use it instead. Turning on your Aspire Note: Make sure that the AC master power switch located on the back of your system is in the ON position. Leave it ON at all times unless the system is being serviced.

An Introduction to Your Aspire 9
8
The Mouse The mouse uses a cursor called a pointer. Pointers come in many different shapes but are most commonly shaped like an arrow. Your mouse has two buttons: a left button and a right button. Quickly pressing and releasing one of these buttons is called clicking. Sometimes you will need to double-click–or click the same button twice quickly. In this manual, click means to position your mouse point on an icon and to single click the left button. When a right click is required, this is stated clearly. Double-click also refers to the left button. The ratchet wheel in between the two buttons is added to provide easier scrolling capability. By simply moving the wheel with your index finger, you can quicky move through multiple pages, lines, or windows. The wheel may also function as a third button allowing you to quickly click or double-click an icon or a selected item Note: If you are left-handed, please refer to your Windows 98 manual for instructions on how to set up your mouse for left-handed use.
Right button
Left button
Pointer movement on the screen is controlled by the movement of a small ball on the bottom of the mouse. Using a mouse pad under your mouse will help to keep the internal parts of the mouse clean. A dirty mouse results in jerky pointer movement and dif- ficulty getting the pointer where you want it on screen. To clean your mouse: 1 • Turn the mouse upside
down.
2 • Remove the ring holding
the ball in place by turning it counterclockwise.
3 • Using a lint-free cloth or a
cotton swab dipped in rub- bing alcohol, clean all mov- ing parts.
4 • Insert the ball back into
the mouse, making sure to turn the ring clockwise.
Caring for your Mouse
Turning off your Aspire Option 1: Quickstart OFF • Your Aspire will continue to run in the Quickstart OFF condition. It will appear that it is OFF. When you press the power button to switch your Aspire to the fully ON condition, it will do it in only a few seconds. Option 2: Traditional OFF • If you want your Aspire to com- pletely power OFF (if you need to unplug it): 1 • Click on the Windows Start button on the taskbar. 2 • Click on Shut Down. 3 • Click on Shut Down the Computer and click Yes. Your computer will guide you through saving any open files and then will shut down Windows 98. Your computer will then turn off all computer power automatically. You will have to manually turn off your monitor after you see the computer power go off. Refer to My Aspire Guide software for more in-depth options and recommendations for Quickstart and traditional on/off modes.
Ratchet wheel

An Introduction to Your Aspire 11
10
End key • takes you to the end of a line. Page Up / Page Down keys • move you up or down a screen at a time. Backspace key • is similar to the delete key above, but it will delete one character at a time to the left of the cursor. Alt and Ctrl keys • have varying functions on their own or when used with other keys, depending on the software being used. Num Lock key and numeric key pad • when the Num Lock/Num Pad key is on, the keys on the numeric key pad can be used for entering numbers. When it’s off, these keys become arrow keys, page up and page down keys–as indicated on the bottom half of the key. Sleep • puts your computer into sleep mode. Volume Control / Mute • controls the speaker volume. Press to mute. Web Connection • starts up the Internet browser.
• brings up the Windows 98 START menu. • displays drop-down menus from icons (same as right click)
and currently active applications.
Home
End
Page Up
Page Down
Backspace
Alt
Alt
Ctrl
Ctrl
Num Lock/
Num Pad
Sleep
Web
Connection
Volume
Control/
Mute
The Keyboard The way keys are used varies from program to program. Here are some of the most common uses: Esc key • exits the current action, screen, or program. Tab key • moves the cursor over a set number of spaces in word processing software. In other types of programs, it moves the cursor from one field (an area on the screen where data can be entered) to the next. Enter key • starts a new paragraph in word processing. In other programs, it accepts data entered or shows that an action is complete. Shift key • pressing this key while typing a letter or symbol key will give you the capital letter or symbol on the top of the key. Caps Lock key • locks the capital letters in place. Pressing it again will take the Caps Lock off. (A Caps Lock indicator light will turn on when the Caps Lock is on.) Function keys • numbered F1 through F12, each will perform a specific and well-defined function, should an application use them. Cursor Arrow keys • move the cursor in the directions that the arrows point. Insert key • when activated, inserts data vs. typing over/ replacing it. Delete key • will delete data that is highlighted or to the right of the cursor. Home key • takes you to the beginning of a line.
Esc
Enter
Tab
Caps Lock
Shift
Function
Cursor Arrows
Insert
Delete

An Introduction to Your Aspire 13
12
Connect the speakers to your system as shown in the following figure:
Drives on Your Computer Whether it’s the software program that you bought from your local computer store or the shopping list you just typed up using your word processor, all information in a computer is stored electronically. To save (write) data or retrieve (read) data, the computer uses a drive. There are different ways to store data, and every differ- ent type of data storage has a specific drive. Three different types of drives come with your Acer computer: The Hard Drive Your fixed or hard drive is located inside your computer. This drive is typically called the C: drive in Windows 98. The Floppy Drive This drive uses removable 3.5-inch floppy disks and is called the A: drive.
The Monitor Refer to the manual that came with your Aspire monitor for more information on the monitor features. The Speakers Your system comes with a uniquely-designed set of speakers that can be attached to the monitor. To connect the speakers to the monitor: 1 • Locate the left and right speaker brackets that came with your speaker package. 2 • Locate the brackets on the sides of your Aspire monitor. 3 • Align and insert the holdfasts on the speakers into the key holes. Then slide the speakers down to secure them to the brackets. See the following figure: Unlike ordinary speakers, the speakers that came with your Aspire system do not use a power adapter. Instead, it shares power with your system via the USB interface.

An Introduction to Your Aspire 15
14
Using Your Floppy Drive Floppy disks are used for putting data into your computer or for taking it out. 1 • Insert the floppy disk into the drive, as shown. (The metal
circle on the disk’s underside should be facing down.)
2 • Push it in gently until it pops into place. 3 • Remove the floppy disk by pressing the eject button. The advantage of a floppy
disk or CD is that it makes data portable. Practically all newly pur- chased software comes in one of these two formats. Data is often exchanged between computers on floppy disks. Be aware that there is an inherent danger of virus infection in casual swapping or sharing of floppy disks with your friends and associates. Files, applications or programs downloaded from the Internet also carry possible danger. Refer to My Aspire Guide or page 30 for more information.
Why Disks? (Or Discs, For that Matter...)
The CD-ROM Drive The CD ROM drive uses CDs (Compact Discs) instead of flop- py disks, and it is Read Only Memory, which means that the computer can read data from the disc, but cannot write any- thing new on it. It is typically called the D: drive. On some computers, the CD-ROM may be another drive letter. Please refer to My Computer for the current drive letter assignment on your Windows 98 desktop. The DVD-ROM Drive The DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc or Digital Video Disc Read Only Memory) is a new type of CD-ROM. It can hold capacities ranging from 4.7 GB to a maximum if 17 GB, and can support access rates from 600 Kilobytes per second to 1.2 Megabytes per second. It is backward-compatible with CD- ROMs which means that DVD players can play not only DVD- ROMs, but old CD-ROMs, CD-I disks, video CDs, and CD-R disks as well. DVD uses MPEG-2 to compress video data. Note: All of the information you save on your hard drive takes up space, so you will want to clean it up periodically to maintain the best performance. Refer to My Aspire Guide for more information on scanning and ana- lyzing the information on your hard drive.
CD-ROM/
DVD-ROM
Drive
Floppy Drive and
Hard Drive

An Introduction to Your Aspire 17
16
Using Your CD-ROM/DVD-ROM Drive Unlike floppy disks, CD-ROM/DVD-ROM discs can be used only for putting data into your computer. Your Acer computer can use two types of CD-ROM discs: audio discs or data discs. Data CDs can hold a lot of information and very large pro- grams. One CD can hold more information than is contained on 450 floppy diskettes. Press the eject button to manually open or close the CD tray. To insert a CD or a DVD, place it in the tray with the title side facing up, then press the CD eject button to close it. Note: It may take up to 30 seconds for a disc to stop spinning before the drive opens up. If you try to run the software when you first insert the CD (or DVD) and you get an error message like Drive Not Ready, wait a few seconds, then try again.
A CD/DVD has two sides: • The title side tells you
which CD/DVD it is.
• The data side stores all the
data.
CDs and DVDs are fragile, so when handling your CDs or DVDs, hold them by the edges to avoid leaving smudges or fingerprints. Always keep them in a disc case when not in use to avoid scratches or other damage. Any kind of dirt or damage can affect the data on the disc, impair the disc lens reader on the CD-ROM and DVD-ROM drives, or stop the computer from suc- cessfully reading the disc. To clean your CDs and DVDs, use a clean, dust- free cloth and wipe in a straight line from the cen- ter to the edge. Continue around the whole disc. (DO NOT wipe in a circle.) You can als o peri o dic ally clean your CD-ROM/DVD- ROM drive to prevent problems from reading CDs/DVDs on your com- puter. For more informa- tion, refer to the Cleaning Kit that came with your system.
Caring for your CDs and DVDs
Note: Your CD-ROM/DVD-ROM drive will probably emit a sound like that of a fan. Unless you are having other problems with your drive, you should not be concerned.
Formatting a Floppy Diskette A floppy disk is, basically, just a thin piece of magnetic tape on which data can be stored electronically. Most floppy disks are protected with a hard plastic case. Before a floppy can be used, it must be formatted, or made ready to accept data. Note: Many stores sell pre-formatted 3.5” floppy disks. 1 • Make sure your floppy is not write-protected. (See sidebar for instructions). 2 • Insert the diskette into your floppy drive. 3 • Click on the Start button, point to Programs, and click on Windows Explorer. 4 • Point to 3.5” Floppy (A:) under My Computer. 5 • Click on the right mouse button, then select Format. 6 • Click on Start.
Cautions: • Formatting a disk removes any data that might have been saved on that disk. • Be sure to keep your disks away from heat and other magnet- ic items that can damage the disk and the information on it.
When the write protect notch is open, data cannot be written to (saved on) the disk. The notch must be closed for data to be written to (copied on) the disk. Write protecting diskettes is a good way to keep them safe from viruses, should you use them in a different computer.
Write-Protect Tab (can be saved on) Write-Protect Tab (cannot be saved on)
Write Protecting a Floppy Diskette

Printer Driver Installation To print from your Aspire, you need a printer driver – a program that tells your computer what kind of printer it is printing to. Windows 98 has automatic detection for all of the more popular printers. If your printer is not available in Windows 98, look in the printer’s user guide for instructions. Please contact the manufac- turer of your printer if you have problems or questions. 1 • Click on the Start button. 2 • Point to Setting, then click on Printers. 3 • Select Add Printer, and double-click. 4 • Follow the directions on the screen, and be sure to test the printer when prompted. You should now be able to print successfully from your Aspire.
An Introduction to Your Aspire 19
18
Connecting an Optional Printer 1 • Make sure your computer is completely turned off (see p. 6). 2 • Connect the printer cable purchased with your printer from the printer to the printer port on the back of your com- puter. 3 • Plug your printer power cable into a wall outlet or power strip. 4 • Turn on the printer. 5 • Turn on the computer. Note: For printer driver installation to go smoothly, it is important to turn on your printer first so Windows 98 can recognize that a printer is connected to the computer.
Your Data/Fax Modem Your data/fax modem makes it possible for you to communi- cate electronically around the globe. Once you’ve plugged your telephone line into your Acer com- puter, you can: • Access the Internet* • Send and receive faxes • Send and receive e-mail* Accessing the Internet Your Aspire computer comes with the ability to link to the Internet.** With the Internet you can visit Acer for updates, send e-mail to friends and family, book vacations, read up on the latest blockbuster movie, and much, much more. All you need is a phone line to hook the modem up to, and an account with an Internet Service Provider. * Requires an account with an Internet service provider. ** You may be required to pay toll charges, monthly or hourly usage fees, and other setup charges. Check with the Internet Service Provider for details.

An Introduction to Your Aspire 21
20
Connecting an Optional Joystick or MIDI Device 1 • Before you proceed, make sure your computer is completely turned off (see p. 6). 2 • Remove the rear panel cover (see steps 2 and 3 of the previ- ous section). 3 • Locate the Game/MIDI port on the back of your computer. 4 • Plug your joystick or MIDI device cable into this port.
Connecting an Optional Serial Device 1 • Before you proceed, make sure your computer is completely turned off (see p. 6). 2 • On the back of your computer, remove the screw that holds the rear panel cover. 3 • Lift the rear panel cover to detach it from your computer.
4 • Locate the two serial ports on the back of your computer. 5 • Plug your serial device cable into either of these two ports.

23
22 Getting the Most from you Aspire Audio System
3 • Double-click on the Sound icon to use the electronic mix- ing board. The Electronic Mixing Board Your Aspire computer comes with an electronic mixing board that enables the experienced audiophile to make the most of the stereo sound system. 1 • Double-click on the Volume icon on the task bar at the bottom of your screen. The Speaker Mixer window will open: 2 • All of the options on this screen can be adjusted by drag- ging the slider bars. Note: The controls were balanced in the factory. We recommend that you do not change these settings unless you have some familiarity with sound mixing.
Getting the Most from Your Acer
Playing an Audio CD Would you like to play a little music while you work? Pop your favorite audio CD into the CD-ROM drive, wait ten to twenty seconds and, voila! Music! When the Windows 98 CD Player is running, the program icon will display on the task bar at the bottom of the screen: Adjusting the Volume There are three ways you can adjust the volume on your audio CD: 1 • Turn the volume knob on your keyboard to increase or decrease the volume. Press the knob to mute. 2 • Click on the Volume icon on the task bar at the bot- tom of your screen.
A volume control will pop up. Drag the volume control lever with your mouse until you find the level you want.
Audio System

25
24 Adding Options to you Aspire
3 • Push the cover slightly backward as shown in the following figure. 4 • Lift up the cover. Note: For directions on upgrading and assembly/disassembly of the computer chassis, please refer to My Aspire Guide software.
Always observe the fol- lowing electrostatic dis- charge (ESD) precautions before installing a system component: • ESD can cause permanent
damage to your computer.
• Do not remove a compo-
nent from its antistatic packaging until you are ready to install it.
• Wear a wrist grounding
strap before handling elec- tronic components. Wrist grounding straps are avail- able at most electronic component stores.
• At a minimum, keep a
hand in contact with the metal system housing to reduce the ESD effect.
Electrostatic Discharge Precautions
Replacing the Cover Panel After you install the system components into the housing, you must replace the cover panel. 1 • Position the top cover on the housing, aligning the sides with the rails. 2 • Slide the cover forward until it fits into place.
You can add hard drives, memory, expansion cards, and other options to your Acer Aspire. For directions on upgrading and how to disassemble the computer chassis, please refer to My Aspire Guide software. You can find information regarding your motherboard jumper settings by referring to the panel inside your Aspire chassis. Opening/Closing Your Aspire Microtower Caution! Always turn off your computer and unplug it before opening the case. For more information on the complete sys- tem shut-down, refer to “Turning Your Aspire On and Off” on page 6. Removing the Cover Panel 1 • Place the system on a flat surface. 2 • Remove the four screws from the rear panel. Set the screws aside. You will need them when replacing the cover.
Adding Options
to Your Aspire
The Universal Serial Bus (USB) on you Aspire allows for easy and conve- nient expansion options. With it, installing devices such as digital cameras, scanners, and joysticks is a breeze. Please refer to My Aspire Guide software for com- plete descriptions and question-and-answer trou- bleshooting information regarding USB devices.
Connecting USB Devices
Step 3Step 4
Step 1
Step 2

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Need
Need Help?
Acer is dedicated to bringing you a reliable and easy to main- tain computer. We realize, though, that problems can arise unexpectedly. Therefore, your Aspire computer comes pre- installed with a suite of tools to provide easy maintenance and help when using your computer. My Aspire Guide is a handy online technical reference guide including pictures and videos. My Aspire Guide integrates all of your computer’s diagnostic and maintenance tools. Its Service Center is where you go to prevent or correct problems that may occur. My Aspire Guide–Software My Aspire Guide comprises the following areas: • Welcome gives you a brief introduction about the My Aspire Guide software. • Service Center provides tools that will help you prevent or correct problems that may occur while using your computer. • Maintenance provides routine maintenance tools and infor- mation on how to take care of common computer compo- nents. • How To... tells you how to install components and software on your computer, as well as how to customize it. • Software Training gives step-by-step instructions on how to properly run the software installed in your computer to take full advantage of its features. • Troubleshooting gives advice on how to solve common problems that may occur on your computer. • Customer Service gives information on where and how to get help from Acer and other vendors of your computer. • Glossary contains the definitions of the technical terms used in the My Aspire Guide software.
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3 • Secure the cover with the screws.

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Maintenance Tools Menu When you enter the Maintenance Tools menu, you will have the following options to select from: • In/Uninstall Software This option enables you to install or uninstall software titles and selected software drivers that are preloaded on your system. To install, simply select the Install Software option. To uninstall, simply select the Uninstall Software option. • Defragment Hard Drive This is a Windows 98 option designed to help keep data stored on the hard drive in an optimal configuration for performance and reliability. We recommend this program be run 1-2 times per year. 1 • Select the Defragment Hard Drive menu item. 2 • Choose the default drive “C:” to run the test. Note: We recommend that you turn off the screensaver or any other programs that use the hard drive while scanning the hard drive. If any program attempts to access the hard drive, the scan or defrag will restart. • Scan Hard Drive for Errors This is a Windows 98 option for finding and correcting errors on your hard drive. You should run this program every 2-3 months to avoid loss of data due to problems with the storage of information. 1 • Select the Scan Hard Drive for Errors option. 2 • Click on Start to run the Standard Scan. 3 • This test will take a while to complete. Throughout the scan, you may be asked if you wish to correct any errors that have been located. We recommended that you allow the pro- gram to fix these problems. In some cases you may be warned that you could lose data. This is normal and most data that is corrupted may not be needed. Each error needs to be treated on a case-by-case basis. 4 • Once the program has been completed you will be asked if you wish to scan another drive. Under the Standard Scan, this will not be necessary and you may exit the program.
Service Center The Service Center contains four segments: • Diagnostics Tools provides utilities to assist you in testing your computer and its components to ensure that everything is functioning correctly. • Maintenance Tools provides tools to keep your computer running smoothly and operating at optimal performance. • Repair Tools provides tools to fix minor problems that may occur on your computer. • Support Options provides ways to get help from Acer or other vendors of your computer. Diagnostics Tools Menu The Diagnostics Tools Menu has the following options to choose from: • Hardware Diagnostics The Hardware Diagnostics option contains tests that you can run to verify the functionality of your computer’s hardware components. If you suspect that you may have a hardware component failure, you will need to run this program prior to contacting Acer Technical Support. 1 • Select the Hardware Diagnostics option. 2 • Follow the directions on the screen. • Windows Registry Checker A number of Windows problems are caused by incorrect or corrupted registry entries. Use this tool to verify your registry health, fix problems or to make a backup copy. 1 • Select the Registry Repair option. 2 • Follow the on-screen directions and tips. 3 • Wait for the results to be displayed.
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• If you are running DOS, do the following: 1 • Boot from System Recovery CD. 2 • Select the Time Machine option. 3 • Select the date you want to restore your system to. 4 • Follow the on-screen instructions and tips. 5 • Wait for the results to be displayed. • System Recovery CD The System Recovery CD includes a set of programs designed to restore your computer to its original factory software config- uration. You should back up your data prior to using these utili- ties. The System Recovery CD has different types of repair options. Choose the option you need carefully because some may delete all of your personal files. • Software Install This option enables you to install software titles and selected software drivers on your system by simply loading the System Recovery CD in the CD-ROM/DVD-ROM drive. Installation is done automatically. • Recovery Non-Destructive Rebuild: If your problems are not resolved by
Aspire Time Machine, select this option to restore Windows 98. You will not lose any personal files, but applications that were installed after you purchased your computer may not function correctly. You may need to reinstall these applications.
Full Hard Drive Rebuild: If you continue to have problems after
trying the other options, you may need to rebuild the hard drive back to its original factory configuration. This option will partition, format and reload the hard drive. All personal files will be lost. Be sure to back up your files before you run this option. 1 • Before you start, make sure you have closed any open appli- cations and saved your files. 2 • Insert the System Recovery CD in the CD-ROM/DVD-ROM drive. 3 • When the main screen appears, select the Recovery option. 4• Select the Full Hard Drive Rebuild option. The system will restart and boot from CD.
• Maintenance Wizard The Windows 98 Maintenance Wizard allows you to configure multiple common housekeeping chores for your computer to run automatically. These include Disk Defragmentation, Scan Disk and Disk Clean-Up (this removes unwanted and unused files from your hard drive). 1 • Select the Maintenance Wizard option. 2 • You will be offered the choice of Express or Custom set-up. Choose Express until you have a clear understanding of what each of the various tools does. 3 • Follow the step-by-step directions to set up your own maintenance schedule. •VirusScan This anti-virus program is designed to scan and clean computer viruses from your hard drive, floppy drive and computer. A manual scan on the hard drive should be performed on a regu- lar basis to ensure the integrity of your computer data. In addi- tion, it is important to update your virus scanning software on a regular basis. Fixes for newly discovered viruses may not be included in the original software provided with your system. Please contact the vendor of your anti-virus software for updates and pricing. 1 • Select the Virus Scan option. 2 • Select the drives, directory, or files you want to scan. 3 • Once you have made your choices, you may select the scan option to begin the virus check. If the Virus scan finds any infected files, it will list several options for you to follow.
Repair Tools Menu The Repair Tools menu includes the following options: • Aspire Time Machine If your system was in good health yesterday or last week, use this tool to take your system’s critical files back to that time. • If you are running Windows, do the following: 1 • Select the Time Machine option. 2 • Follow the on-screen directions and tips. 3 • Wait for the results to be displayed.

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How To... This section contains information on how to upgrade and cus- tomize your computer according to your needs and prefer- ences. It is divided into two segments: Hardware and Software Questions. Related information follows each segment. Simply click on the desired task to perform and follow the on-screen instructions. Software Training There are several software packages preloaded on your com- puter. To take full advantage of the software, you need to know how to use it. This section of the My Aspire Guide not only gives you step-by-step instructions on how to do com- mon and useful tasks, but also makes learning fun and easy.
5 • After the computer has rebooted, you will have multiple options. Choose Rebuild HDD. 6 •After you have confirmed the rebuilding process, the pro- gram will automatically reconfigure your hard disk back to its original factory configuration. 7 •After the rebuilding process, your CD-ROM/DVD-ROM tray will automatically eject. Remove the System Recovery CD, close the tray and press any key to restart the system.
Support Options • Acer Support on the Web Selecting this option automatically connects you to Acer’s local help center site on the World Wide Web. This site is available 24 hours a day and provides you with the latest information on Acer computers and solutions to common computer problems. Note: If you are not yet connected to the Internet when you select this option, a dialog box prompting you if you wish to establish a dial-in con- nection to your Internet Service Provider (ISP) will appear. Select the option that will establish an Internet connection. • Who to Contact for Support You will find this option very helpful especially when you are experiencing major problems with your computer. This option provides you a list of who to contact for technical support. Maintenance The Maintenance area contains the following options: • ScanDisk checks your hard disk for possible errors. • Disk Defragmenter rearranges files and space to enable pro- grams to run faster. • Disk Cleanup searches your hard disk for unwanted program files that you can delete. • Maintenance Wizard lets you schedule utilities to run on a regular basis. • Floppy Drive Cleaning gives tips on how to clean your flop- py drive. • Mouse Cleaning gives tips on how to clean your mouse.