Acer Aspire M1600 User manual

AcerSystem
User's Guide

Copyright© 2007 Acer Incorporated
All Rights Reserved
AcerSystem
User's Guide
Acer and the Acer logo are registered trademarks of Acer Inc. Other companies' product
names or trademarks are used herein for identification purposes only and belong to their
respective companies.

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Information for your safety and
comfort
Safety instructions
Read these instructions carefully. Keep this document for future reference.
Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product.
Turning the product off before cleaning
Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid
cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
CAUTION for plug as disconnecting device
Observe the following guidelines when connecting and disconnecting power to
the power supply unit:
Install the power supply unit before connecting the power cord to the AC
power outlet.
Unplug the power cord before removing the power supply unit from the
computer.
If the system has multiple sources of power, disconnect power from the system
by unplugging all power cords from the power supplies.
CAUTION for accessibility
Be sure that the power outlet you plug the power cord into is easily accessible
and located as close to the equipment operator as possible. When you need to
disconnect power to the equipment, be sure to unplug the power cord from the
electrical outlet.
Warnings
•Do not use this product near water.
•Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand or table. If the product
falls, it could be seriously damaged.
•Slots and openings 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.
•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. Never spill liquid of any kind onto or into
the product.
•To avoid damage of internal components and to prevent battery leakage,

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do not place the product on a vibrating surface.
•Never use it under sporting, exercising, or any vibrating environment
which will probably cause unexpected short current or damage rotor
devices, HDD, Optical drive, and even exposure risk from lithium battery
pack.
Safe listening
Follow these instructions, suggested by hearing experts,to protect your hearing.
•Gradually increase the volume until you can hear it clearly and comfortably
and without distortion.
•After setting the volume level, do not increase it afteryour ears adjust.
•Limit the amount of time listening to music at high volume.
•Avoid turning up the volume to block out noisy surroundings.
•Turn the volume down if you can’t hear people speaking near you.
Using electrical power
•This product should be operated from the type of power indicated on the
marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power available, consult
your dealer or local power company.
•Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord. Do not locate this
product where people 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 the fuse
rating.
•Do not overload a power outlet, strip or receptacle by plugging in too
many devices. The overall system load must not exceed 80% of the branch
circuit rating. If power strips are used, the load should not exceed 80% of
the power strip's input rating.
•This product's power supply is equipped with a three-wire grounded plug.
The plug only fits in a grounded power outlet. Make sure the power outlet
is properly grounded before inserting the power supply plug. Do not insert
the plug into a non-grounded power outlet. Contact your electrician for
details.
Warning! The grounding pin is a safety feature. Using a power
outlet that is not properly grounded may result in electric shock
and/or injury.
Note: The grounding pin also provides good protection from
unexpected noise produced by other nearby electrical devices that
may interfere with the performance of this product.

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•Use the product only with the supplied power supply cord set. If you need
to replace the power cord set, make sure that the new power cord meets
the following requirements: detachable type, UL listed/CSA certified, type
SPT-2, rated 7 A 125 V minimum, VDE approved or its equivalent, 4.6
meters (15 feet) maximum length.
Product servicing
Do not attempt to service this product yourself, as opening or removing covers
may expose you to dangerous voltage points or other risks. Refer all servicing to
qualified service personnel.
Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service
personnel when:
•the power cord or plug is damaged, cut or frayed
•liquid was spilled into the product
•the product was exposed to rain or water
•the product has been dropped or the case has been damaged
•the product exhibits a distinct change in performance, indicating a need
for service
•the product does not operate normally after following the operating
instructions
Note: 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.
CAUTION: Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced.
Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the
manufacturer. Dispose of used batteries according to the
manufacturer’s instructions.
Telephone line safety
•Disconnect all telephone lines from the equipment when not in use and/or
before servicing.
•To avoid the remote risk of electric shock from lightning, do not connect
the telephone line to this equipment during lightning or thunderstorms.
Warning! For safety reasons, do not use non-compliant parts
when adding or changing components. Consult your reseller for
purchase options.
Additional safety information
Your device and its enhancements may contain small parts. Keep them out of
the reach of small children.

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Disposal instructions
Do not throw this electronic device into the trash when discarding.
To minimize pollution and ensure utmost protection of the global environment,
please recycle. For more information on the Waste from Electrical and
Electronics Equipment (WEEE) regulations, visit
http://global.acer.com/about/sustainability.htm.
Mercury advisory
For projectors or electronic products containing an LCD/CRT monitor or display:
Lamp(s) inside this product contain mercury and must be recycled or disposed of
according to local, state or federal laws. For more information, contact the
Electronic Industries Alliance at www.eiae.org. For lamp-specific disposal
information, check www.lamprecycle.org.
Tips and information for comfortable use
Computer users may complain of eyestrain and headaches after prolonged use.
Users are also at risk of physical injury after long hours of working in front of a
computer. Long work periods, bad posture, poor work habits, stress,
inadequate working conditions, personal health and other factors greatly
increase the risk of physical injury.
Incorrect computer usage may lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis,
tenosynovitis or other musculoskeletal disorders. The following symptoms may
appear in the hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, neck or back:
•numbness, or a burning or tingling sensation
•aching, soreness or tenderness
•pain, swelling or throbbing
•stiffness or tightness
•coldness or weakness
If you have these symptoms, or any other recurring or persistent discomfort
and/or pain related to computer use, consult a physician immediately and
inform your company's health and safety department.
The following section provides tips for more comfortable computer use.

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Finding your comfort zone
Find your comfort zone by adjusting the viewing angle of the monitor, using a
footrest, or raising your sitting height to achieve maximum comfort. Observe
the following tips:
•refrain from staying too long in one fixed posture
•avoid slouching forward and/or leaning backward
•stand up and walk around regularly to remove the strain on your leg
muscles
•take short rests to relax your neck and shoulders
•avoid tensing your muscles or shrugging your shoulders
•install the external display, keyboard and mouse properly and within
comfortable reach
•if you view your monitor more than your documents, place the display at
the center of your desk to minimize neck strain
Taking care of your vision
Long viewing hours, wearing incorrect glasses or contact lenses, glare, excessive
room lighting, poorly focused screens, very small typefaces and low-contrast
displays could stress your eyes. The following sections provide suggestions on
how to reduce eyestrain.
Eyes
•Rest your eyes frequently.
•Give your eyes regular breaks by looking away from the monitor and
focusing on a distant point.
•Blink frequently to keep your eyes from drying out.
Display
•Keep your display clean.
•Keep your head at a higher level than the top edge of the display so your
eyes point downward when looking at the middle of the display.
•Adjust the display brightness and/or contrast to a comfortable level for
enhanced text readability and graphics clarity.
•Eliminate glare and reflections by:
•placing your display in such a way that the side faces the window or
any light source
•minimizing room light by using drapes, shades or blinds
•using a task light
•changing the display's viewing angle
•using a glare-reduction filter
•using a display visor, such as a piece of cardboard extended from the
display's top front edge
•Avoid adjusting your display to an awkward viewing angle.
•Avoid looking at bright light sources, such as open windows, for extended
periods of time.

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Developing good work habits
Develop the following work habits to make your computer use more relaxing
and productive:
•Take short breaks regularly and often.
•Perform some stretching exercises.
•Breathe fresh air as often as possible.
•Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy body.
Warning! We do not recommend using the computer on a couch
or bed. If this is unavoidable, work for only short periods, take
breaks regularly, and do some stretching exercises.
Note: For more information, please refer to "Regulations and
safety notices" on page 9 in the AcerSystem User's Guide.

Information for your safety and comfort iii
Safety instructions iii
Additional safety information v
Disposal instructions vi
Tips and information for comfortable use vi
System tour 1
Front panel 1
Rear panel 1
Setting up your computer 2
Necessary to know before setup 2
Selecting a location 2
Opening the package 2
Connecting peripherals 3
Starting your computer 3
Shutting down your computer 3
System upgrade 4
Opening the computer 4
Setting up new components 4
Frequently asked questions 5
Taking care of your computer 7
Important tips 7
Cleaning and servicing 7
To clean your computer and keyboard 7
To clean your pointing device 7
To clean your monitor 8
When to contact a service technician 8
Asking for technical assistance 8
Regulations and safety notices 9
FCC notice 9
Modem notices 10
Laser compliance statement 13
Macrovision copyright protection notice 13
Radio device regulatory notice 13
General 14
European Union (EU) 14
The FCC RF safety requirement 15
Canada — Low-power license-exempt radio
communication devices (RSS-210) 15
Federal Communications Comission
Contents

Declaration of Conformity 17
Remark: All images are for reference purposes only.
Actual configuration may vary.

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System tour
Your computer consists of the following:
Front panel
Rear panel
Icon Description Icon Description
Power button Floppy drive
(selected models only)
Microphone jack Optical drive
(selected models only)
Speaker or
headphone jack
Media card reader
(selected models only)
USB port IEEE 1394 port
(selected models only)
Icon Description Icon Description
PS/2 keyboard connector PS/2 mouse connector
VGA port Serial port
(selected models only)
Printer connector USB port
Microphone-in jack RJ-45 Ethernet connector
Line-in jack Line-out / Speaker-out
jack
HDMI HDMI port (selected
models only)

Setting up your computer2
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Setting up your computer
The AcerSystem is a versatile and powerful system, supporting a
mainstream performance CPU. The computer uses a state-of-the-art
bus architecture, which improves system efficiency and helps the
system support varied multimedia and software applications.
Your AcerSystem has standard I/O (input/output) interfaces such as a
parallel port, PS/2 keyboard and mouse ports, USB 2.0 ports, and stereo
microphone, line-in and line-out jacks (configuration may vary by
models). The system can accommodate extra peripheral equipment
through these I/O ports.
Your system can also support an optional high-speed fax/data modem
or an additional LAN (local area network) card.
Furthermore, the system is compatible with Microsoft®Windows®or
Linux-based operating systems.
Necessary to know before setup
Selecting a location
Selecting the optimum location for your computer:
• Do not place the system too close to other electrical equipment.
• Do not place the system in high-traffic areas or where the power
cord or other cords may be stepped on.
• Avoid placing the system in any location that is excessively dusty
or damp.
Opening the package
Open the package carefully and keep all packing materials for
later use.
Ensure that all items are present and in good condition. If any of the
following items are missing or appear damaged, contact your
dealer immediately:
• AcerSystem
• Mouse (PS/2 or USB)
• Keyboard (PS/2 or USB)

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• Wireless keyboard with pointing function
• Remote control for Microsoft®Windows®Vista / Microsoft®
Windows®XP Media Center Edition
Note: Mouse, keyboard, wireless keyboard or remote control
configuration may vary by selected models
• User's Guide and Starter poster
Other user documentation and third-party software.
Connecting peripherals
After everything is connected, plug the power cord into the system and
insert the other end into a power outlet.
Note: Don't connect the system power cord before connecting all
peripherals to the system.
Starting your computer
After connecting all the peripheral equipment, start your computer
according to the steps below:
1 Turn on all peripheral equipment, such as the monitor, printer,
fax, speakers, etc.
2 Turn on the system. Once the start up process is complete, you can
begin to use your computer.
Shutting down your computer
From the "Start" menu, select "Shut Down" and click OK.
In the event of a system crash, press and hold the power button on the
front of the system for four seconds. After the system has shut down,
turn off all peripheral devices.

Setting up your computer4
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System upgrade
You can expand your AcerSystem system quickly and easily by adding
components. You can also upgrade the components of your
AcerSystem system.
Opening the computer
Before removing any panels or covers, please make sure to shut off the
computer and unplug the power cord from the outlet.
• Remove the screws on the chassis.
• Slide the panel off.
Setting up new components
You can only use components compatible with AcerSystem computers.
Before you choose new components, please ask your authorized Acer
dealer whether the part will operate within your AcerSystem system.
In order to ensure proper setup and installation, please refer to the
instructions provided with your new components.
Probable upgrades are:
- Upgrade to high-capacity HDD
- Expand high-level memory
- Upgrade from a CD-ROM drive to CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD/CD-
RW combo or DVD write (selected models only)r
- Install additional interface cards in empty PCI slots, e.g., PCI
fax/modem card (selected models only)

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Frequently asked questions
The following questions are possible situations that may arise during the use
of your computer and each is followed by easy answers and solutions to the
situation.
Q: I pressed the power switch but the system did not boot up.
A: Check the LED located above the power switch.
If the LED is not lit, no power is being applied to the system. Do any of the
following:
• Check if the voltage selector switch located on the rear panel of the
computer is set to the correct voltage.
• Check if you plugged the power cable properly into an electrical outlet.
• If you are using a power strip or AVR, make sure that it is plugged in and
turned on.
If the LED is lit, check the following:
• Is a non-bootable (non-system) diskette in the floppy drive? If yes,
remove or replace it with a system diskette and press Ctrl + Alt + Del to
restart your computer.
•The operating system files may be damaged or missing. Insert the start-
up disk you created during Windows setup into the floppy drive and
press Ctrl + Alt + Del to restart your computer. This will automatically
diagnose your system and make necessary fixes. However, if the
diagnostic utility still reports a problem, then you may have to perform
the recovery process to restore your system to its original default factory
settings.
Note: For more information about recovering your system,
refers to the RCD instruction sheet.
Q: Nothing appears on the screen.
A: Your computer's power management function automatically blanks the
screen to save power. Just press any key to turn the display back on.
If pressing a key does not work, you can restart your computer. If restarting
your computer does not work, contact your dealer or the technical support
center for assistance.
Q: The printer does not work.

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A: Do the following:
• Make sure that the printer is connected to a power outlet and that it is
turned on.
• Make sure that the printer cable is connected securely to the system's
parallel port and the corresponding port on the printer.
• For additional information concerning the printer, refer to the printer's
documentation.
Q: No sound comes out from the computer.
A: Check the following:
• The volume may be muted. Look for the Volume icon on the taskbar. If
it is crossed-out, click on the icon and deselect the Mute option. You can
also press the volume control/mute knob on your USB keyboard to
toggle from mute to sound on.
• If headphones, earphones, or external speakers are connected to the
line-out jack of your computer, the internal or built-in speakers are
automatically turned off.
Q: System cannot read diskette, hard disk, CD or DVD information.
A: Check the following:
• Make sure that you are using the correct type of disk.
• Make sure the CD or DVD is inserted into the drive correctly.
• Check if the CD or DVD is clean and not scratched.
• Check your drive by using a good (i.e., undamaged) disk. If your drive
cannot read the information on the good disc there may be a problem
with the drive. Contact your dealer or technical support center for
assistance.
Q: System cannot write data on the hard disk or writeable/re-writeable disk.
A: Check the following:
• Make sure the diskette or hard disk is not write-protected.
• Make sure that you are using the correct type of disk or diskette.

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Taking care of your computer
Please read the important instructions listed in this section. Following these
instructions will help you maximize the durability of your computer.
Important tips
• 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 0oC (32oF), or above
50oC (122oF).
• Do not subject the computer to magnetic fields.
• Do not expose the computer to rain or moisture.
• Do not spill liquid on the computer.
• Do not subject the computer to heavy shock or vibration.
• Do not expose the computer to dust and dirt.
• Never place the system on uneven surfaces.
• Do not step on the power cord or place heavy objects on top of it.
Carefully route the power cord and any cables away from personal
traffic.
• When unplugging the power cord, do not pull on the cord itself but pull
on the plug.
• The total ampere rating 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.
Cleaning and servicing
To clean your computer and keyboard
1 Turn off the computer and unplug the power cord.
2 Use a soft cloth moistened with water and gently wipe the exterior of
the computer and the keyboard. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.
To clean your pointing device
To clean a regular mouse (with rubber ball)
1 Open the circular cover at the base of the mouse.
2 Take out the rubber ball and wipe it with a soft, damp cloth.

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3 Put the ball back and replace the cover.
To clean an optical mouse
For users of an optical mouse, refer to the documentation that came with
your mouse for maintenance instructions.
To clean your monitor
Make sure that you keep your screen clean. For cleaning instructions, refer
to the documentation that came with your monitor.
When to contact a service technician
• If you dropped and damaged the computer
• If liquid has been spilled into the computer
• If the computer is not operating normally
• If a computer problem persists even after you have checked and applied
the troubleshooting tips discussed in the "Frequently asked questions"
section on page 5
• If your problem is not listed in the "Frequently asked questions" section
on page 5
• If you want to replace or upgrade any of your computer's internal
components
Asking for technical assistance
For technical assistance, contact your local dealer or distributor. You may
also access the Web site (http://global.acer.com/support/index.htm) for
information on how and where to contact the service centers available in
your area.

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Regulations and safety notices
FCC notice
This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B
digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This device generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy
and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this device does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the device off and on, the
user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:
•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
•Increase the separation between the device and 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, terminals, printers, etc.) certified to
comply with the Class B limits may be attached to this equipment. Operation
with non-certified peripherals is likely to result in interference to radio and TV
reception.
Caution
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could
void the user's authority, which is granted by the Federal Communications
Commission, to operate this computer.
Operation conditions
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference,

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and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
Notice: Canadian users
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Remarque à l'intention des utilisateurs canadiens
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme a la norme NMB-003 du
Canada.
Declaration of Conformity for EU countries
Hereby, Acer, declares that this PC series is in compliance with the essential
requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC. (Please visit
http://global.acer.com/support/certificate.htm for complete documents.)
Compliant with Russian regulatory certification
Modem notices
Notice for USA
This equipment complies with Part 68 of the FCC rules. Located on the modem is
a label that contains, among other information, the FCC Registration Number
and Ringer Equivalence Number (REN) for this equipment. Upon request, you
must provide this information to your telephone company.
If your telephone equipment causes harm to the telephone network, the
telephone company may discontinue your service temporarily. If possible, they
will notify you in advance. But, if advance notice is not practical, you will be
notified as soon as possible. You will also be informed of your right to file a
complaint with the FCC.