Acer Aspire 9100 Series User manual

Aspire 9100 Series
User’s Guide

Changes may be made periodically to the information in this publication without obligation
to notify any person of such revisions or changes. Such changes will be incorporated in new
editions of this manual or supplementary documents and publications. 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.
Record the model number, serial number, purchase date, and place of purchase information in
the space provided below. The serial number and model number are recorded on the label
affixed to your computer. All correspondence 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, electronically, mechanically, by photocopy, recording, or otherwise,
without the prior written permission of Acer Incorporated.
Model Number: __________________________________
Serial Number: ___________________________________
Purchase Date: ___________________________________
Place of Purchase: ________________________________
Copyright © 2005. Acer Incorporated.
All Rights Reserved.
Aspire 9100 Series User’s Guide
Original Issue: January 2005
Aspire 9100 Series Notebook Computer
Acer and the Acer logo are registered trademarks of Acer Incorporated. Other companies'
product names or trademarks are used herein for identification purposes only and belong to
their respective companies.

iii
English
First things first
We would like to thank you for making the Aspire series of notebook
computers your choice for your mobile computing needs.
Your guides
To help you use your Aspire, we have designed a set of guides:
First off, the Just for starters... poster helps you get started
with setting up your computer.
The printed User’s Guide introduces you to the basic
features and functions of your new computer. For more on
how your computer can help you to be more productive,
please refer to the AcerSystem User’s Guide. This guide
contains detailed information on such subjects as system
utilities, data recovery, expansion options, and
troubleshooting. In addition it contains warranty
information and the general regulations and safety notices
for your notebook. It is available in Portable Document
Format (PDF) and comes preloaded on your notebook.
Follow these steps to access it:
1Click on Start, All Programs, AcerSystem.
2Click on AcerSystem User's Guide.
Note: Viewing the file requires Adobe Acrobat Reader. If Adobe Acrobat
Reader is not installed on your computer, clicking on TravelMate User’s guide
will run the Acrobat Reader setup program first. Follow the instructions on the
screen to complete the installation. For instructions on how to use Adobe
Acrobat Reader, access the Help and Support menu.

iv
English
Basic care and tips for using your computer
Turning your computer on and off
To turn on the computer, simply press and release the power button
below the LCD screen beside the launch keys. See "Front view" on
page 1 for the location of the power button.
To turn the power off, do any of the following:
•Use the Windows shutdown command
Click on Start, Shut Down; then click on Shut Down.
•Use the power button
Note: You can also use the power button to perform power
management functions. See "Preparing the computer" on page
28 of the AcerSystem User’s Guide for details about power
management.
You can also shut down the computer by closing the display cover,
or by pressing the sleep hot key <Fn> + <F4>. See "Preparing the
computer" on page 28 of the AcerSystem User’s Guide for details.
Note: If you cannot power off the computer normally, press and
hold the power button for more than four seconds to shut down
the computer. If you turn off the computer and want to turn it on
again, wait at least two seconds before powering up.
Taking care of your computer
Your computer will serve you well if you take care of it.
•Do not expose the computer to direct sunlight. Do not place it
near sources of heat, such as a radiator.
•Do not expose the computer to temperatures below 0º C (32º F) or
above 50º C (122º F).
•Do not subject the computer to magnetic fields.
•Do not expose the computer to rain or moisture.
•Do not spill water or any liquid on the computer.
•Do not subject the computer to heavy shock or vibration.
•Do not expose the computer to dust and dirt.

v
English
•Never place objects on top of the computer.
•Do not slam the computer display when you close it.
•Never place the computer on uneven surfaces.
Taking care of your AC adaptor
Here are some ways to take care of your AC adaptor:
•Do not connect the adaptor to any other device.
•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.
•When unplugging the power cord, do not pull on the cord itself
but pull on the plug.
•The total ampere ratings of the equipment plugged in should not
exceed the ampere rating of the cord if you are using an extension
cord. Also, the total current rating of all equipment plugged into a
single wall outlet should not exceed the fuse rating.
Taking care of your battery pack
Here are some ways to take care of your battery pack:
•Use only batteries of the same kind as replacements. Turn the
power off before removing or replacing batteries.
•Do not tamper with batteries. Keep them away from children.
•Dispose of used batteries according to local regulations. Recycle if
at all possible.

vi
English
Cleaning and servicing
When cleaning the computer, follow these steps:
1Power off the computer and remove the battery pack.
2Disconnect the AC adaptor.
3Use a soft cloth moistened with water. Do not use liquid or
aerosol cleaners.
If either of the following occurs:
•the computer has been dropped or the body has been damaged;
•the computer does not operate normally;
please refer to "Frequently-asked questions" on page 57 of the
AcerSystem User’s Guide for details.
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, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Users are requested to follow the RF safety instructions on wireless
option devices that are included in the user's manual of each RF option
device.
An improper installation or unauthorised use may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. Also any tampering of the
internal antenna will void the FCC certification and your warranty.
To prevent radio interference to the licensed service, this device is
intended to be operated indoors and installation outdoors is subject to
licensing.For more information about our products, services, and
support information, please visit our website: http://global.acer.com/.

First things first iii
Your guides iii
Basic care and tips for using your computer iv
Turning your computer on and off iv
Taking care of your computer iv
Taking care of your AC adaptor v
Taking care of your battery pack v
Cleaning and servicing vi
An Aspire tour 1
Front view 1
Closed front view 3
Left view 4
Right view 5
Rear view 6
Bottom view 7
Specifications 8
Indicators 11
Using the keyboard 12
Lock keys 12
Embedded numeric keypad 13
Windows keys 14
Hot keys 15
The Euro Symbol 17
Launch keys 18
Touchpad 19
Touchpad basics 19
Ejecting the optical drive tray 21
Using a computer security lock 21
Audio 22
Adjusting the volume 22
Using system utilities 23
Acer eManager 23
Launch Manager 24
Enabling dual displays 24
Acer GridVista (dual-display compatible) 25
Moving around with your notebook PC 27
Disconnecting from the desktop 27
Moving around 27
Preparing the computer 27
What to take to short meetings 28
What to bring to long meetings 28
Taking the computer home 28
Preparing the computer 28
What to take with you 29
Contents

Special considerations 29
Setting up a home office 30
Traveling with the computer 30
Preparing the computer 30
What to take with you 30
Special considerations 30
Traveling internationally with the computer 31
Preparing the computer 31
What to bring with you 31
Special considerations 31
Securing your computer 32
Using a computer security lock 32
Using passwords 32
Entering passwords 33
Setting passwords 33
Expanding through options 35
Connectivity options 35
Fax/Data modem 35
Built-in network feature 36
Universal Serial Bus 37
IEEE 1394 port 37
PC Card slot 38
BIOS Utility 40
Boot sequence 40
Password 40
Using software 41
Playing DVD movies 41
Power management 42
Arcade 43
Arcade Hot keys 44
The Arcade remote control 45
Finding and playing content 46
Advanced Settings 46
Arcade controls 47
Navigation controls 47
Player controls 47
Cinema 48
DVD settings 48
Album 50
Video 52
Playing a video file 52
Editing a video file 52
Music 53
Burner 53

Copy - backup your CD/DVD collection 53
Audio - create your own greatest hits CDs 54
Data - store files simply and easily 54
Video - your world in pictures 54
TV(Optional) 54
Troubleshooting 57
Frequently-asked questions 57
Troubleshooting tips 60
Error messages 60
Requesting service 61
International Travelers Warranty (ITW) 61
Before you call 62
Regulations and safety notices 63

1
English
An Aspire tour
After setting up your computer as illustrated in the Just for Starters...
poster, let us show you around your new Aspire computer.
Front view
#Item Description
1 Display screen Also called Liquid-Crystal Display (LCD),
displaying computer output.

2
English
2 Launch keys Buttons for launching frequently used
programs. See "Launch keys" on page 18
for more details
3 Power button Turns the computer on and off.
4 Keyboard Inputs data into your computer.
5 Palmrest Comfortable support area for your hands
when you use the computer.
6 Status indicators Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) that turn on
and off to show the status of the
computer’s functions and components.
7 Touchpad Touch-sensitive pointing device which
functions like a computer mouse.
8 Click buttons
(Left and right)
The left and right buttons function like the
left and right mouse buttons.
#Item Description

3
English
Closed front view
#Item Description
1 Speakers Left and right speakers deliver stereo audio
output.
2 Speaker/Line-
Out/Headphone
jack
Connects to audio line-out devices (e.g.,
speakers, headphones).
3 Mic-in jack Accepts inputs from external microphone.
4 CIR Receiver Receives remote control infrared signals.
5 Arcade/Media/Volume
buttons
For use with Acer Arcade and other media
playing programs.
6 Indicators (power, Hard
disc, and battery)
Light to indicate the computer’s status.
7 Wireless
communication
button/
indicator
Press to enable/disable Wireless function.
Lights to indicate the status of wireless LAN
communications.
8 Latch Locks and releases the lid.

4
English
Left view
Note: The positions of the AcerMedia indicator, eject button and
emergency eject hole may differ depending on the optical drive
module installed.
#Item Description
1 Security keylock Connects to a Kensington-compatible
computer security lock.
2 Power jack Connects to an AC adaptor.
3 Two USB 2.0 ports Connect to Universal Serial Bus (USB)
2.0 devices (e.g., USB mouse, USB
camera).
4 Optical drive Internal optical drive; accepts CDs or
DVDs depending on the optical drive
type.
5 LED indicator Lights up when the optical drive is
active.
6 Optical drive eject button Ejects the optical drive tray from the
drive.
7 Emergency eject hole Ejects the optical drive tray when the
computer is turned off
5

5
English
Right view
#Item Description
1 3-in-1 card reader Accepts MS, SM and SD card.
Note: Only one card can operate at any
given time.
2 PC Card slot Connects to one Type II CardBus PC Card.
3 PC Card slot eject button Ejects the PC Card from the slot.
4 USB 2.0 port Connects to Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0
devices (e.g., USB mouse, USB camera).

6
English
Rear view
#Item Description
1 IEEE 1394 port Connects to IEEE 1394 devices.
2 Network jack Connects to an Ethernet 10/100/1000-
based network (for selected models).
3 Modem jack Connects to a phone line.
4 Audio/video in
port
Supports both audio and video input.
5 Antenna port Connects to a (PAL/NTSC) TV antenna
cable.
6 External display
port
Connects to a display device (e.g., external
monitor, LCD projector).
7 S-video out
port
Connects to a television or display device
with S-video input.
8 Ventilation slots Enable the computer to stay cool, even
after prolonged use.

7
English
Bottom view
#Item Description
1 Battery release latch Unlatches the battery to remove the
battery pack.
2 Battery bay Houses the computer's battery pack.
3 Hard disc bay Houses the computer's hard disc
(secured by a screw).
4 Memory compartment Houses the computer's main memory and
Mini PCI Card.
5 Cooling fan Helps keep the computer cool.
Note: Do not cover or obstruct the
opening of the fan.

8
English
Specifications
Microprocessor
•Intel®Pentium®M 730 processor at 1.6 GHz or higher
Memory
•256 MB of DDR 333 SDRAM standard, upgradeable to 2 GB with
dual soDIMM modules
•512 KB flash ROM BIOS
Data storage
•One 60 GB and above E-IDE hard disc (2.5", 9.5mm, UltraDMA-100)
•One internal optical drive
•3-in-1 MS/SM/SD card reader
Display and video
•Thin-Film Transistor (TFT) displaying at:
- 15.4” WXGA (1280 x 800)
•Acer CrystalBrite
•ATI MOBILITY™ RADEON®X600 with 128 MB of video memory
•Simultaneous LCD and CRT display support
•Dual independent display
Connectivity
•Integrated gigabit Fast Ethernet connection (for selected models)
•Built-in 56Kbps fax/data modem
•Three Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 ports
•InviLink™ 802.11b/g dual-band Wireless LAN
Audio
•16-bit AC’97 stereo audio
•Dual speakers
•Separate audio ports for headphone-out, line-in/microphone-in
devices

9
English
Keyboard and pointing device
•86/87/88-key Windows keyboard
•Ergonomically-centered touchpad pointing device
I/O ports
•One Type II PC Card slot
•One RJ-11 phone jack (V.92, 56Kbps modem)
•One RJ-45 network jack
•One DC-in jack (AC adaptor)
•One external monitor port
•One speaker/headphone-out jack
•One audio line-in/microphone-in jack
•One infrared (CIR) port
•One IEEE 1394 port
•One S-video/TV-out port
•One Audio/Video-in port
•One PAL/NTSC TV-in port
•Three USB 2.0 ports
•3-in-1 MS/SM/SD card reader
Weight (with battery)
• 6.5 lbs. (2.9 kg)
Dimensions
- 360 (W) x 265 (D) x 32.2 - 35 (H) mm

10
English
Environment
• 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
•Microsoft®Windows®XP Professional/ Home/ Media Center
Edition
•ACPI 1.0b support
•DMI 2.0-compliant
•Wi-Fi®-compliant
Power
•8-cell (65 W) Li-ion battery pack
•65 W AC adaptor 19 V 3.42 A
Options
•256 MB/512 MB/1 GB memory upgrade module
•Additional 65 W AC adaptor
•Addition Li-ion battery pack
•Media player remote control