Acer LONE STAR User manual

LONE STAR
Pentium Notebook Computer
User’s Guide
49.XXXXX.XXX
Printed in Taiwan

Copyright © 1997 by this company
All Rights Reserved — Printed in Taiwan
Pentium Notebook Computer User’s Guide
Part No. 49.XXXXX.XXX
Original Issue: November 1997
Changes may be made periodically to the information
in this publication. Such changes will be incorporated
in new editions of this manual.
Record the serial number, purchase date, and model
number in the space provided below. The serial
number and model number are recorded on the label
affixed to the case. All correspondence concerning
your unit should include the serial number, model
number, and date of purchase.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored
in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by
any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy,
recording, or otherwise, without the prior written
permission of this company.
Pentium Notebook Computer
Model_______Serial No.____________Purchase Date________
IBM, AT and PS/2 are registered trademarks and OS/2 is a
trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
Microsoft, MS-DOS and Windows are registered trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation.
Ethernet is a registered trademark of Xerox Corporation.
Kensington is a registered trademark of Kensington Microware, Inc.
Synaptics is registered trademark of Synaptics, Inc.
SimulSCAN is a trademark of Cirrus Logic, Inc.
IrDA is a trademark of Infra Red Data Association.

Notices
iii
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: Shield 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.

Notices
iv
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.
Use Conditions
This part 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.
Notice: Canadian Users
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the
Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
Remarque à l’intention des utilisateurs canadiens
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respected toutes les
exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.

Notices
v
Important Safety Instructions
1. Read these instructions carefully. Save these instructions for
future reference.
2. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product.
3. Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do
not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth
for cleaning.
4. Do not use this product near water.
5. Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, or
table. The product may fall, causing serious damage to the
product.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord. Do not
locate this product where persons will walk on the cord.

Notices
vi
9. 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.
10. 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 on the product.
11. 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.
12. 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.

Notices
vii
13. 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 a qualified
serviceman.
14. Warning! Battery may explode if not handled properly. Do
not disassemble or dispose of in fire. Keep away from
children and dispose of used battery promptly.
15. Use only the proper type of power supply cord set (provided
in your accessories box) for this unit. It should be a
detachable type: UL listed/CSA certified, type SPT-2, rated
7A 125V minimum, VDE approved or its equivalent.
Maximum length is 15 feet (4.6 meters).
Laser Compliance Statement
The CD-ROM drive in this computer is a laser product. The
CD-ROM drive’s classification label (shown below) is located on
the drive.
CLASS 1 LASER
PRODUCT CAUTION: INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION WHEN OPEN.
AVOID EXPOSURE TO BEAM
APPAREIL A LASER
DE CLASSE 1
PRODUIT LASER
ATTENTION:
RADIATION DU FAISCEAU LASER INVISIBLE
EN CAS D’OUVERTURE. EVITTER TOUTE
EXPOSITION AUX RAYONS.
LUOKAN 1
LASERLAITE LASER
KLASSE 1
VORSICHT:
UNSICHTBARE LASERSTRAHLUNG, WENN
ABDECKUNG GEÖFFNET NICHT DEM
STRAHLL AUSSETZEN
PRODUCTO LÁSER
DE LA CLASE I ADVERTENCIA: RADIACIÓN LÁSER INVISIBLE AL SER
ABIERTO. EVITE EXPONERSE A LOS RAYOS.

Notices
viii
Lithium Battery Statement
CAUTION
Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with
the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer.
Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
ADVARSEL!
Lithiumbatteri - Eksplosionsfare ved fejlagtig håndtering. Udskiftning
må kun ske med batteri af samme fabrikat og type. Léver det brugte
batteri tilbage til leverandøren.
ADVARSEL
Eksplosjonsfare ved feilaktig skifte av batteri. Benytt samme batteritype
eller en tilsvarende type anbefalt av apparatfabrikanten. Brukte
batterier kasseres i henhold til fabrikantens instruksjoner.
VARNING
Explosionsfara vid felaktigt batteribyte. Anvãnd samma batterityp eller
en ekvivalent typ som rekommenderas av apparattillverkaren. Kassera
anvãnt batteri enligt fabrikantens instruktion.
VAROITUS
Päristo voi räjähtää, jos se on virheellisesti asennettu. Vaihda paristo
ainoastaan laitevalmistajan suosittelemaan tyyppiin. Hävitä käytetty
paristo valmistajan ohjeiden mukaisesti.
VORSICHT!
Explosionsgefahr bei unsachgemäßen Austausch der Batterie Ersatz nur
durch denselben oder einem vom Hersteller empfohlenem ähnlichen Typ.
Entsorgung gebrauchter Batterien nach Angaben des Herstellers.

Notices
ix
Taking Care ofYour Computer
Your computer will serve you well if you take care of it.
 Do not expose the
computer to direct sunlight.
Do not place near sources
of heat, such as a radiator.
 Do not expose to
temperatures below 0ºC
(32ºF)
or
 above 50ºC (122ºF).
 Do not subject the
computer to magnetic
fields.

Notices
x
 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
and vibration.
 Do not expose the
computer to dust and dirt.
 Never place objects on top
of the computer to avoid
damaging the computer.

Notices
xi
 Never place the computer
on uneven surfaces.
Taking Care ofYour AC Adapter and Battery Pack
Here are some ways of taking care of your AC adapter.
 Do not connect the adapter 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
personal 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.
Here are some ways of taking 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.

Notices
xii
Cleaning and Servicing
When cleaning the computer, follow these steps:
1. Power off the computer and remove the battery pack.
2. Disconnect the AC adapter.
3. Use a soft cloth moistened with water. Do not use liquid or
aerosol cleaners.
Contact your dealer or see your service technician if any of the
following occurs:
 Computer has been dropped or the body has been damaged.
 Liquid has been spilled into the product.
 The computer does not operate normally.

Contents
xiii
Preface
Chapter 1 Getting Familiar with Your Computer
1.1 Features....................................................... 1-1
1.2 Display ........................................................1-4
1.3 Indicators..................................................... 1-6
1.4 Keyboard...................................................... 1-8
1.4.1 Special Keys...................................1-8
1.4.2 Keyboard Ergonomics .................. 1-13
1.5 Touchpad................................................... 1-14
1.6 Storage ...................................................... 1-16
1.6.1 Hard Disk .................................... 1-16
1.6.2 Module Bay.................................. 1-16
1.7 Ports.......................................................... 1-19
1.7.1 Left Ports ..................................... 1-19
1.7.2 Rear Ports.................................... 1-24
1.8 Audio......................................................... 1-26
1.9 Securing your Computer ............................ 1-27
1.9.1 Security Notch ............................. 1-27
1.9.2 Passwords.................................... 1-27
Chapter 2 Operating on Battery Power
2.1 Battery Pack ................................................ 2-1
2.1.1 Battery Pack Characteristics .......... 2-1
2.1.2 Installing and Removing the
Battery Pack .................................. 2-3
2.1.3 Charging the Battery...................... 2-4
2.1.4 Checking the Battery Level............. 2-5
2.1.5 Optimizing Battery Life................... 2-5
2.1.6 Battery-low Warning ...................... 2-7
2.2 Power Management...................................... 2-9
2.2.1 Power Management Modes ........... 2-10
2.2.2 Advanced Power Management ...... 2-14

Contents
xiv
Chapter 3 Options
3.1 External Monitor.......................................... 3-2
3.2 External Keyboard........................................ 3-3
3.3 External Keypad...........................................3-4
3.4 External Pointing Device ..............................3-5
3.5 Printer .........................................................3-7
3.6 Audio Devices .............................................. 3-8
3.7 Port Replicator ............................................. 3-9
3.8 PC Cards...................................................... 3-9
3.9 USB Devices............................................... 3-10
3.10 Miscellaneous Options ............................... 3-11
3.10.1 Additional Power Packs................ 3-11
3.10.2 Cables.......................................... 3-11
3.11 Key Component Upgrades .......................... 3-13
3.11.1 Memory Upgrade.......................... 3-13
3.11.2 Hard Disk Upgrade ...................... 3-16
3.11.3 LS-120 Drive Module.................... 3-17
Chapter 4 Moving with your Computer
4.1 Disconnecting from the Desktop...................4-2
4.2 Moving Around............................................. 4-3
4.2.1 Preparing the Computer................. 4-3
4.2.2 What To Bring to Short Meetings....4-3
4.2.3 What To Bring to Long Meetings..... 4-3
4.3 Taking the Computer Home.......................... 4-4
4.3.1 Preparing the Computer................. 4-4
4.3.2 What To Bring with You ................. 4-4
4.3.3 Special Considerations...................4-5
4.3.4 Setting Up a Home Office ...............4-5
4.4 Traveling with the Computer........................4-7
4.4.1 Preparing the Computer................. 4-7
4.4.2 What To Bring with You ................. 4-7

Contents
xv
4.4.3 Special Considerations...................4-7
4.5 Traveling Internationally with the
Computer.....................................................4-9
4.5.1 Preparing the Computer................. 4-9
4.5.2 What To Bring with You ................. 4-9
4.5.3 Special Considerations................. 4-10
Chapter 5 System Utilities
5.1 PhDISK........................................................5-2
5.2 Setup Utility.................................................5-3
5.2.1 Main..............................................5-4
5.2.2 Advanced....................................... 5-8
5.2.3 Security ....................................... 5-11
5.2.4 Power Saving................................ 5-13
5.3.6 Exit.............................................. 5-15
Chapter 6 Troubleshooting
6.1 Q & A...........................................................6-2
6.2 Error Messages ............................................ 6-7
Appendix A Specifications
Index

xvi

Preface
xvii
This manual describes features of this notebook
computer. This computer incorporates such
features as CardBus, 16-bit stereo audio, Fast
Infrared, Universal Serial Bus and internal
pointing device.
This manual should answer most of the questions
you have about the day-to-day operation of your
notebook computer.
You should also take advantage of the online help
files that are available with almost all of the
programs shipped with your computer.
We hope you enjoy your computer. With proper
care, your computer will provide you with years of
productive service.

Preface
xviii
Connecting the Notebook
Connecting the computer is as easy as 1-2-3.
1. Slide the battery cover release button to the left
(1) and remove the battery cover (2). Then
insert the battery pack into the battery
compartment and slide the battery cover in
place. The battery pack has a pull loop at the
end for easy removal.
Note: When using a battery pack for the first time,
fully recharge the battery, then disconnect the
adapter to use up the battery before recharging
again. You only need to do this once with a new
battery.
2. Connect one end of the AC adapter to the DC-in
port on the notebook’s rear panel and the other
end to a properly grounded power outlet.
3. Slide the display cover latch to the left to open
the display. Then press the power switch to
turn on the power. The POST (Power On Self-
Test) routine executes and Windows begins
loading.
Note: To turn off power, press the power switch for
more than four seconds. If you are using Windows
95, we recommend you use the Shutdown
command to turn off the computer.
If you turn off the computer and want to turn it on
again, wait at least 2 seconds before powering up.

Preface
xix
1
2
3