Asus A31AD User manual

ASUS Desktop PC
A31AD/F31AD/K31AD
M12AD and M52AD
User Guide
M12AD M52AD
A31AD/F31AD/K31AD

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Copyright © 2014 ASUSTeK Computer Inc. All Rights Reserved.
No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced, transmitted,
transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any means, except
documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written permission of ASUSTeK
Computer Inc. (“ASUS”).
Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modified or altered, unless such
repair, modification of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the product is
defaced or missing.
ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS”WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE
LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR
LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE), EVEN IF
ASUS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY DEFECT OR ERROR IN THIS
MANUAL OR PRODUCT.
SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR INFORMATIONAL USE
ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A
COMMITMENT BY ASUS. ASUS ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES
THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT.
Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or copyrights
of their respective companies, and are used only for identification or explanation and to the owners’benefit,
without intent to infringe.
E9951
First Edition
November 2014

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Contents
Notices ................................................................................................................................................ 5
Safety information ........................................................................................................................... 8
Conventions used in this guide................................................................................................... 9
Where to find more information................................................................................................. 9
Package contents...........................................................................................................................10
Chapter 1 Getting started
Welcome!...........................................................................................................................................11
Getting to know your computer...............................................................................................11
Setting up your computer...........................................................................................................17
Turning your computer ON ........................................................................................................20
Chapter 2 Connecting devices to your computer
Connecting a USB storage device............................................................................................21
Connecting microphone and speakers..................................................................................22
Connecting multiple external displays ..................................................................................26
Connecting an HDTV ....................................................................................................................28
Chapter 3 Using your computer
Proper posture when using your Desktop PC......................................................................29
Using the memory card reader .................................................................................................30
Using the optical drive .................................................................................................................31
Chapter 4 Connecting to the Internet
Wired connection...........................................................................................................................33
Wireless connection (on selected models only) .................................................................35
Chapter 5 Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................37
Appendix Windows®8.1 User Manual
Starting for the first time .............................................................................................................47
Windows® 8.1 lock screen.............................................................................................................47
Using the Windows®UI .................................................................................................................48
Working with Windows®apps....................................................................................................51
Other keyboard shortcuts...........................................................................................................56
Turning your Desktop PC OFF ...................................................................................................57

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Putting your Desktop PC to sleep ............................................................................................57
Entering the BIOS Setup ..............................................................................................................58
Recovering your system...............................................................................................................59
ASUS contact information
ASUS contact information...........................................................................................................62
Contents

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Notices
ASUS Recycling/Takeback Services
ASUS recycling and takeback programs come from our commitment to the highest standards for
protecting our environment. We believe in providing solutions for you to be able to responsibly
recycle our products, batteries, other components, as well as the packaging materials. Please go to
http://csr.asus.com/english/Takeback.htm for the detailed recycling information in different regions.
REACH
Complying with the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals)
regulatory framework, we published the chemical substances in our products at ASUS REACH
website at http://csr.asus.com/english/REACH.htm
Federal Communications Commission Statement
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
• Thisdevicemaynotcauseharmfulinterference;and
• Thisdevicemustacceptanyinterferencereceivedincludinginterferencethatmaycause
undesired operation.
This equipment 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 equipment generates, uses and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with manufacturer’s
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment 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equipmentandreceiver.
• Connecttheequipmenttoanoutletonacircuitdierentfromthattowhichthereceiveris
connected.
• Consultthedealeroranexperiencedradio/TVtechnicianforhelp.
The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is required to
assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly
approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this
equipment.
Lithium-Ion Battery Warning
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.

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IC: Canadian Compliance Statement
Complies with the Canadian ICES-003 Class B specifications. This device complies with RSS 210
of Industry Canada. This Class B device meets all the requirements of the Canadian interference-
causing equipment regulations.
This device complies with Industry Canada license exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject
to the following two conditions: this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
Cut appareil numérique de la Classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada. Cet appareil
numérique de la Classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du
Canada.
Cet appareil est conforme aux normes CNR exemptes de licence d’Industrie Canada. Le
fonctionnement est soumis aux deux conditions suivantes.
(1) cet appareil ne doit par provoquer d’interférences et
(2) cet appareil doit accepter toute interférence, y compris celles susceptibles de provoquer un
fonctionnement non souhaité de l’appareil.
Canadian Department of Communications Statement
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital
apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of
Communications.
This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
VCCI: Japan Compliance Statement
VCCI Class B Statement
KC: Korea Warning Statement
Avertissement relatif aux batteries Lithium-Ion
MISE EN GARDE: Danger d’explosion si la pile n’est pas remplacée correctement.
Remplacer uniquement avec une pile de type semblable ou équivalent, recommandée
par le fabricant. Mettez au rebut les batteries usagées conformément aux instructions
du fabricant.

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RF Equipment Notices
CE: European Community Compliance Statement
The equipment complies with the RF Exposure Requirement 1999/519/EC, Council
Recommendation of 12 July 1999 on the limitation of exposure of the general public to
electromagnetic fields (0–300 GHz). This wireless device complies with the R&TTE Directive.
Wireless Radio Use
This device is restricted to indoor use when operating in the 5.15 to 5.25 GHz frequency band.
Exposure to Radio Frequency Energy
The radiated output power of the Wi-Fi technology is below the FCC radio frequency exposure
limits. Nevertheless, it is advised to use the wireless equipment in such a manner that the potential
for human contact during normal operation is minimized.
FCC Bluetooth Wireless Compliance
The antenna used with this transmitter must not be colocated or operated in conjunction with any
other antenna or transmitter subject to the conditions of the FCC Grant.
Bluetooth Industry Canada Statement
This Class B device meets all requirements of the Canadian interference-causing equipment
regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la Class B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel
brouilleur du Canada.
BSMI: Taiwan Wireless Statement
Japan RF Equipment Statement
KC (RF Equipment)

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Safety information
Disconnect the AC power and peripherals before cleaning. Wipe the Desktop PC using a clean
cellulose sponge or chamois cloth dampened with solution of nonabrasive detergent and a few
drops of warm water then remove any extra moisture with a dry cloth.
• DO NOT place on uneven or unstable work surfaces. Seek servicing if the casing has been
damaged.
• DO NOT expose to dirty or dusty environments. DO NOT operate during a gas leak.
• DO NOT place or drop objects on top and do not shove any foreign objects into the Desktop
PC.
• DO NOT expose to strong magnetic or electrical fields.
• DO NOT expose to or use near liquids, rain, or moisture. DO NOT use the modem during
electrical storms.
• Batterysafetywarning:DO NOT throw the battery in fire. DO NOT short circuit the contacts.
DO NOT disassemble the battery.
• Usethisproductinenvironmentswithambienttemperaturesbetween0˚C(32F)and35˚C
(95F).
• DO NOT cover the vents on the Desktop PC to prevent the system from getting overheated.
• DO NOT use damaged power cords, accessories, or other peripherals.
• To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet
before relocating the system.
• Seek professional assistance before using an adapter or extension cord. These devices could
interrupt the grounding circuit.
• Ensure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If you are not sure
about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact your local power company.
• If the power supply is broken, do not try to fix it by yourself. Contact a qualified service
technician or your retailer.

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Conventions used in this guide
To ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used
throughout this manual.
Where to find more information
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates.
ASUS websites
The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software products.
Refer to the ASUS website www.asus.com.
ASUS Local Technical Support
Visit ASUS website at http://support.asus.com/contact for the contact information of local
Technical Support Engineer.
• TheUserGuideislocatedinthefollowingfolderinyourDesktopPC:
 •C:\ProgramFiles(X86)\ASUS\eManual
DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to
complete a task.
CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to
complete a task.
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task.
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.

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Package contents
• Ifanyoftheaboveitemsisdamagedormissing,contactyourretailer.
• Theillustrateditemsaboveareforreferenceonly.Actualproductspecicationsmayvarywith
different models.
ASUS Desktop PC Mouse x1
Keyboard x1 Power cord x1
Dipole antenna x1 (optional) / Antenna x 1 (optional) DVD/SDVD/RDVD x1 (optional)
Installation Guide
Installation Guide x1 Warranty card x1

ASUS A31AD / F31AD / K31AD / M12AD / M52AD 11
Chapter 1
Getting started
Welcome!
Thank you for purchasing the ASUS M12AD / M52AD Desktop PC!
ASUS M12AD / M52AD Desktop PC provides cutting-edge performance, uncompromised reliability,
and user-centric utilities. All these values are encapsulated in a stunningly futuristic and stylish
system casing.
Read the ASUS Warranty Card before setting up your ASUS Desktop PC.
Getting to know your computer
Illustrations are for reference only. The ports and their locations, and the chassis color vary with
different models.
Front panel
M12AD

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M52AD
USB 3.0 ports. These Universal Serial Bus 3.0 (USB 3.0) ports connect to USB 3.0 devices
such as a mouse, printer, scanner, camera, PDA, and others.
• DONOTconnectakeyboard/mousetoanyUSB3.0portwheninstallingWindows®
operating system.
• DuetoUSB3.0controllerlimitation,USB3.0devicescanonlybeusedunderWindows®OS
environment and after the USB 3.0 driver installation.
• USB3.0devicescanonlybeusedasdatastorageonly.
• WestronglyrecommendthatyouconnectUSB3.0devicestoUSB3.0portsforfasterand
better performance for your USB 3.0 devices.
xD-Picture (XD) / Secure Digital™ (SD) / Memory Stick™ (MS) card slot. Insert a
supported memory card into this slot.
Headphone port. This port connects to a headphone or speaker. Supported by ASUS
Audio Wizard.
Microphone port. This port connects to a microphone.
Power button. Press this button to turn on your computer.
Optical disk drive eject button. Press this button to eject the optical disk drive tray.
Optical disk drive bay. There is an optical disk drive in this bay.
USB 2.0 ports. These Universal Serial Bus 2.0 (USB 2.0) ports connect to USB 2.0 devices
such as a mouse, printer, scanner, camera, PDA, and others.

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USB 3.0 ports. These Universal Serial Bus 3.0 (USB 3.0) ports connect to USB 3.0 devices
such as a mouse, printer, scanner, camera, PDA, and others.
• DONOTconnectakeyboard/mousetoanyUSB3.0portwheninstallingaWindows®
operating system.
• DuetoUSB3.0controllerlimitations,USB3.0devicescanonlybeusedunderaWindows®
OS environment and after the USB 3.0 driver installation.
• USB3.0devicescanonlybeusedfordatastorage.
• WestronglyrecommendthatyouconnectUSB3.0devicestoUSB3.0portsforafasterand
better performance from your USB 3.0 devices.
MultiMediaCard(MMC) / xD-Picture (XD) / Secure Digital™ (SD) / High Capacity
Secure Digital™(SDHC) / Memory Stick Pro™(MS/PRO) card slot. Insert a supported
memory card into this slot.
Headphone port. This port connects to a headphone or speaker. Supported by ASUS
Audio Wizard.
Microphone port. This port connects to a microphone.
Power button. Press this button to turn on your computer.
Optical disk drive eject button. Press this button to eject the optical disk drive tray.
Optical disk drive bay. There is an optical disk drive in this bay.
A31AD/F31AD/K31AD

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Rear panel
M12AD / M52AD / A31AD / F31AD / K31AD
Voltage selector. Use this switch to select the appropriate system input voltage
according to the voltage supply in your area. If the voltage supply in your area is
100-127V, set the switch to 115V. If the voltage supply in your area is 200-240V, set the
switch to 230V.
Setting the switch to 115V in a 230V environment or 230V in a 115V environment will seriously
damage the system!
Power connector. Plug the power cord to this connector.
Depending on local regulations, your Desktop PC has the following power ratings:
• M12AD/M52AD:
 •220-240Vac,3.0A,50Hz(China)
 •220-240Vac,3.0A,50Hz(Europe)
 •110-120Vac/220-240Vac,7.0A/4.0A,50Hz-60Hz(Taiwan)
 •110-120Vac/220-240Vac,6.0A/3.0A,50Hz-60Hz(NorthAmerica)
 •110-120Vac/220-240Vac,6.0A/3.0A,50Hz-60Hz;220-240Vac,3.0A,50Hz(AsiaPacic)

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USB 2.0 ports. These Universal Serial Bus 2.0 (USB 2.0) ports connect to USB 2.0 devices
such as a mouse, printer, scanner, camera, PDA, and others.
HDMI port. This port is for a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) connector,
and is HDCP compliant allowing playback of HD DVD, Blu-ray, and other protected
content.
VGA port. This port is for VGA-compatible devices such as a VGA monitor.
Side Speaker Out port (gray). This port connects to the side speakers in a 4.1, 5.1, and
7.1-channel audio configuration.
Rear Speaker Out port (black). This port connects to the rear speakers in a 4.1, 5.1, and
7.1-channel audio configuration.
Center/Subwoofer port (orange). This port connects to the center/subwoofer
speakers.
Microphone port (pink). This port connects to a microphone.
Line Out port (lime). This port connects to a headphone or speaker. In a 4.1, 5.1, or
7.1-channel configuration, the function of this port becomes Front Speaker Out.
Line In port (light blue). This port connects to a tape, CD, DVD player, or other audio
sources.
Refer to the audio configuration table for the function of the audio ports in a 2.1, 4.1, 5.1, or
7.1-channel configuration.
Audio 2.1, 4.1, 5.1, or 7.1-channel configuration
Port Headset
2.1-channel 4.1-channel 5.1-channel 7.1-channel
Light Blue Line In Line In Line In Line In
Lime Line Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out
Pink Mic In Mic In Mic In Mic In
Orange – – Center/Subwoofer Center/Subwoofer
Black – Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out
Gray – – – Side Speaker Out
ASUS WLAN Card (on selected models only). This optional WLAN card allows your
computer to connect to a wireless network.
Expansion slot brackets. Remove the expansion slot bracket when installing an
expansion card.
ASUS Graphics Card (on selected models only). The display output ports on this
optional ASUS Graphics Card may vary with different models.

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Activity/Link LED Speed LED
Status Description Status Description
OFF No link OFF 10Mbps connection
ORANGE Linked ORANGE 100Mbps connection
BLINKING Data activity GREEN 1Gbps connection
LAN port
SPEED
LED
ACT/LINK
LED
LAN port LED indications
Air vents. These vents allow air ventilation.
DO NOT block the air vents on the chassis. Always provide proper ventilation for your
computer.
LAN (RJ-45) port. This port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN)
through a network hub.

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Setting up your computer
This section guides you through connecting the main hardware devices, such as the external
monitor, keyboard, mouse, and power cord, to your computer.
Connecting an external monitor
Using the ASUS Graphics Card (on selected models only)
Connect your monitor to the display output port on the discrete ASUS Graphics Card.
To connect an external monitor using the ASUS Graphics Card:
1. Connect a monitor to a display output port on the ASUS Graphics Card.
2. Plug the monitor to a power source.
The display output ports on the ASUS Graphics Card may vary with different models.

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• IfyourcomputercomeswithanASUSGraphicsCard,thegraphicscardissetastheprimary
display device in the BIOS. Hence, connect your monitor to a display output port on the
graphics card.
• Toconnectmultipleexternalmonitorstoyourcomputer,refertoConnecting multiple
external displays in Chapter 2 of this User Guide for details.
Using the onboard display output ports
Connect your monitor to the onboard display output port.
To connect an external monitor using the onboard display output ports:
1. Connect a VGA monitor to the VGA port, or a DVI-D monitor to the DVI-D port, or an HDMI
monitor to the HDMI port on the rear panel of your computer.
2. Plug the monitor to a power source.

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Connecting a USB keyboard and a USB mouse
Connect a USB keyboard and a USB mouse to the USB ports on the rear panel of your computer.
Connect your USB keyboard and USB mouse to the USB 2.0 ports.
`
Connecting the power cord
Connect one end of the power cord to the power connector on the rear panel of your computer
and the other end to a power source.

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Turning your computer ON
This section describes how to turn on your computer after setting up your computer.
Turning your computer ON
To turn your computer ON:
1. Turn your monitor ON.
2. Press the power button on your computer.
3. Wait until the operating system loads automatically.
For details on shutting down your Desktop PC, refer to the Windows®8.1 User Guide, which can
be found in this manual.
Power button Power button
Power button