Acer 7100 Series User manual

TravelMate™ 7100 Series
Notebook Computer
User’s Guide

ii
Copyright
This is a product of Acer Inc. developed to TI specifications.
Acer and the Acer logo are registered trademarks and
TravelMate is a trademark of Acer Inc. Texas Instruments,
TI and the TI logo are registered trademarks of Texas
Instruments Inc. Microsoft, Windows, and the Windows logo
are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Intel
and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.
All other brands/product names are trademarks or
registered trademarks of their respective companies.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted,
transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into
any language or computer language, in any form or by any
means, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, chemical,
manual or otherwise, without the prior written permission
of this company.
© 1997 by this company. All rights reserved.
Disclaimer of Warranties
This company makes no representations or warranties,
either expressed or implied, with respect to the contents
hereof and specifically disclaims the implied warranties of
merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Any
software described in this manual is sold or licensed “as is.”
Should the programs prove defective following their
purchase, the buyer (and not this company, its distributor,
or its dealer) assumes the entire cost of all necessary
servicing, repair, and any incidental or consequential
damages resulting from any defect in the software. Further,
this company reserves the right to revise this publication
and to make changes from time to time in the contents
hereof without obligation to notify any person of such
revision or changes.

iii
About This User’s Guide
The following conventions are used in this manual:
Notes related to the current topic
Warnings about actions that can cause
damage.
Cautions that help you avoid problems
Important reminders.
Tips or shortcuts.

iv

Contents
v
Getting Started............................................................ 1
Unpacking Your Computer...........................1
Taking Care of Your Computer .....................2
Cleaning...............................................3
AC Adapter...........................................3
Battery Pack.........................................4
Powering Up Your Computer ........................5
Entering User Information.....................6
Creating Backup and Startup Diskettes ..6
Using Diskettes............................................7
Travel Tips ...................................................8
Getting Help...............................................10
Technical Support...............................10
World Wide Web..................................10
System Tour................................................................ 11
Feature Summary ...................................... 11
Performance .......................................11
Multimedia and Communications .......12
Ergonomics.........................................12
Expandability .....................................12
Display ......................................................14
Opening and Closing the Display ........ 14
FlashStart Automatic Power-On..........14
Indicator Lights...................................15
Keyboard....................................................17
Lock Keys ........................................... 18
Embedded Keypad ..............................20
Windows 95 Keys................................ 22
Hot Keys............................................. 23
Touchpad............................................28
Automatic Tilt.....................................31
Palm Rest ...........................................33

Contents
vi
Storage ......................................................34
Hard Disk........................................... 34
Module Bay.........................................34
Ejecting a CD......................................35
Using the Floppy Drive Module
Externally.........................................35
Swapping Modules..............................38
Audio.........................................................40
Audio Control .....................................41
Ports..........................................................42
Rear Panel Ports .................................42
Left Panel Ports...................................45
Security .....................................................48
System Resource Lock ........................48
Power ......................................................................... 42
Battery Pack ..............................................49
Removing and Installing the
Battery Pack.................................... 50
Charging the Battery........................... 51
Checking the Battery Level.................. 53
Optimizing Battery Life ....................... 55
Low-Battery Warning..........................56
Advanced Power Management .................... 59
Heuristic Power Management.....................60
Suspend to Disk .................................61
Suspend to Memory............................62
Peripherals and Options........................................... 56
Printers...................................................... 64
PC Cards.................................................... 65
Audio Devices ............................................ 67
External Monitor........................................68
External Keyboard...................................... 69
External Keypad.........................................70
External Pointing Device ............................71

Contents
vii
Mini Dock ..................................................73
Floppy Drive Cable..................................... 75
PS/2 Y-Bridge Cable .................................. 76
File Transfer Cable..................................... 77
Battery Pack ..............................................78
AC Adapter ................................................ 78
Memory Upgrades ...................................... 79
Hard Disk Upgrades...................................82
System Utilities........................................................... 76
Sleep Manager ........................................... 85
Accessing Sleep Manager .................... 86
Creating Reserved Space.....................88
Removing a Reserved Space................90
Minimizing Sleep Manager ..................91
Exiting Sleep Manager ........................92
Sleep Manager Troubleshooting Tips ... 92
Uninstalling Sleep Manager ................93
Touchpad Driver ........................................95
BIOS Setup Utility...................................... 96
About My Computer............................97
System Configuration ......................... 99
Advanced System Configuration........ 102
Power Saving Options ....................... 108
System Security................................ 110
Reset To Default Settings.................. 116
Appendix................................................................. 104
Troubleshooting ....................................... 117
Startup Error Messages............................ 125
Specifications........................................... 127
System Memory Map................................ 132
I/O Address Map...................................... 132
Interrupts ................................................ 133
DMA Channels......................................... 134
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ....... 135

Contents
viii
Canadian DOC Notice .............................. 137
FCC Class B Radio Frequency
Interference Statement.......................... 138
Index ........................................................................ 123

1
Getting Started
1
Congratulations on your purchase of the
TravelMate 7100 series notebook computer.
Guaranteed and backed by world-class support,
you can be sure of top-notch performance from
your new computer. This section guides you
through the first few steps in setting up your
computer.
Unpacking Your Computer
Carefully unpack the carton and remove the
contents. You should find your computer and an
accessory box containing the following items:
q AC adapter
q Battery pack
q Floppy drive module
q External floppy drive cable
q Software library and recovery CD
q This user’s guide and other documentation
If any of the items is missing or damaged, contact
your dealer immediately.
Caution: Be sure to read the Important Safety
Instructions in the Appendix at the back of
this manual.

Getting Started
2
Taking Care of Your Computer
Your notebook will serve you well if you observe
the following guidelines:
q Do not expose the notebook to prolonged
direct sunlight, or sources of heat, such as a
radiator.
q Do not expose the notebook to temperatures
below 32ºF (0ºC) or above 122ºF (50ºC).
q Do not subject the notebook to magnetic
fields.
q Do not expose the notebook to rain or
excessive moisture.
q Do not subject the notebook to heavy shock
or vibration.
q Do not expose the notebook to dust and dirt.
q Do not place objects on top of the notebook
when it is closed.
q Do not use the notebook on uneven surfaces.

Getting Started
3
Cleaning
Before cleaning the notebook, always disconnect
all power to the computer as follows:
1. Close the display lid to turn the notebook off.
2. Disconnect the AC adapter.
3. Remove the battery pack.
To clean the notebook case, use a soft cloth
moistened with water. Do not use liquid or aerosol
cleaners.
Warning! Contact your dealer or see your
service technician if the notebook is dropped
or damaged in any way, or if liquid is spilled
on the notebook.
AC Adapter
The AC adapter provides power to your notebook
and charges the battery pack. Here are some ways
of taking care of the AC adapter:
q Do not connect the adapter to any device
except the notebook.
q 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 foot traffic.
q When unplugging the power cord, pull on the
plug and not on the cord.

Getting Started
4
Battery Pack
The long-lasting Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery
pack provides power to your notebook on the go.
Here are some things to keep in mind regarding
the battery pack:
q Do not expose the battery pack to
temperatures above 122°F (50°C).
q Use the battery pack only with the TravelMate
7100 series computer.
q Replace the battery pack only with the same
type (model BTP-S31).
q Consult your local regulations or waste
disposal provider for any local restrictions on
the disposal or recycling of batteries.
Warning! Do not open or disassemble the
battery pack. Handle a damaged or leaking
lithium-ion battery with extreme care. If the
battery is damaged, electrolyte can leak from
the cells and can cause injury.

Getting Started
5
Powering Up Your Computer
Powering up the computer is as easy as 1-2-3:
1. Insert the Battery
Pack. Insert the battery
pack into the battery
compartment and slide
the battery
compartment cover
toward the rear of the
notebook until the
compartment cover
snaps closed.compartment cover

Getting Started
6
Entering User Information
When Windows 95 loads for the first time, enter
your user information. Have your Windows 95
authentication number ready. (You can find this
number in the Windows 95 documentation
package.)
Creating Backup and Startup Diskettes
Windows 95 prompts you to create backup and
startup diskettes.
Note: If your Windows 95 package contains a
Windows 95 CD, you do not need to create
backup diskettes for Windows 95. However, you
should still create a Windows 95 startup disk.

Getting Started
7
Using Diskettes
Follow these guidelines when using diskettes with
your computer:
q Always make backup copies of diskettes that
contain important data or program files.
q Keep diskettes away from magnetic fields and
sources of heat.
q Avoid removing a diskette from the drive
when the floppy drive activity light is on.
q Write-protect diskettes to prevent accidental
erasure. To do this, slide the write-protect tab
to the write-protect (open) position so that
you can see through the tab opening.
q When you label a diskette, be sure the label is
firmly attached and completely within the
diskette’s label area (the area with the slight
surface depression). An improperly attached
label can cause the diskette to stick in the
drive.

Getting Started
8
Travel Tips
Here are some tips on preparing your computer for
traveling:
1. Make diskette or tape backup copies of
important files on the hard disk.
2. Close the display, making sure the cover latch
is secure.
3. Disconnect the AC adapter and all peripherals.
4. Place the notebook, AC adapter, extra battery
pack and other accessories you might need
(such as modules and documentation) in a
carrying bag.
5. Hand-carry your notebook. Do not check it in
as luggage!
Caution: The notebook can pass through
airport X-ray equipment, but metal detectors
can damage the notebook’s hard disk.
6. Check with your airline if you plan to use your
computer onboard the aircraft.
7. Check that the voltage and power specifications
of the country you are traveling in are
compatible with the computer’s AC adapter. If
necessary, purchase a power cord that is
compatible with the local AC voltage. Do not
use converter kits sold for appliances to power
the notebook.

Getting Started
9
8. If you are using a modem, check that if the
telecommunications system of the country you
are traveling in is compatible with the modem
and its connector.

Getting Started
10
Getting Help
This user’s guide provides clear and concise
information about your computer, so read it
thoroughly.
Technical Support
Should you ever have a problem with your
TravelMate, or if you think something is not
working properly, call our technical support at
[phone]. Please have handy your system
serial number and system model number. You can
also contact the local dealer or distributor in the
country you are traveling infor assistance.
World Wide Web
If you have access to the Internet, visit our home
page on the World Wide Web at
http://www.acer.com/. There you’ll find the latest
information about our products, as well as
updates on software drivers and utilities.

2
System Tour
11
The Travelmate 7100 combines high-performance,
versatility, multimedia capabilities, and an
advanced power management system in a unique
ergonomic and stylish case.
Feature Summary
The computer is packed with features that make it
as easy to work with as it is to look at. Here are
some of the computer’s features:
Performance
q Intel Pentium®processor with MMX™
technology
q 64-bit main memory and 512KB external (L2)
cache memory
q Large display in active-matrix TFT
q PCI local bus video with 128-bit graphics
accelerator
q Flexible module bay (3.5-inch floppy drive or
CD-ROM drive or optional second hard disk)
q High-capacity, Enhanced-IDE hard disk
q An advanced power management system with
two power-saving modes
q Lithium-Ion smart battery pack
q High-speed connectivity

System Tour
12
Multimedia and Communications
q 16-bit stereo audio with built-in FM
synthesizer and 3D sound effect
q Built-in microphone and dual angled stereo
speakers
q Support for simultaneous display on the
built-in screen and an external monitor for
presentations
q Full-screen, 30 frames per second, true-color
MPEG video playback
q Infrared wireless communication
Ergonomics
q Intuitive FlashStart automatic power-on
q Sleek, smooth and stylish design
q Full-sized, full-function keyboard
q Wide and comfortable palm rest
q Ergonomically-positioned touchpad pointing
device