Asus G74SX User manual

Notebook PC User Manual
April 2011
E6366

2 Notebook PC User Manual
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introducing the Notebook PC
About This User’s Manual................................................................................ 6
Notes for This Manual....................................................................................... 6
Safety Precautions ............................................................................................. 7
Preparing your Notebook PC.......................................................................11
Chapter 2: Knowing the parts
Top Side ...............................................................................................................14
Bottom Side........................................................................................................17
Right Side............................................................................................................19
Left Side...............................................................................................................22
Rear Side..............................................................................................................24
Front Side............................................................................................................24
Chapter 3: Getting Started
Power System ....................................................................................................26
Using AC Power...............................................................................................26
Using Battery Power......................................................................................28
Battery Care ......................................................................................................29
Powering ON the Notebook PC.................................................................30
The Power-On Self Test (POST) ..................................................................30
Checking Battery Power...............................................................................32
Charging the Battery Pack...........................................................................33
Power Options.................................................................................................34
Power Management Modes .......................................................................36
Sleep and Hibernate......................................................................................36
Thermal Power Control.................................................................................38
Special Keyboard Functions.........................................................................39
Colored Hot Keys ............................................................................................39
Microsoft Windows Keys..............................................................................41
Multimedia Control Keys (on selected models)...................................44
Switches and Status Indicators ...................................................................45
Switches.............................................................................................................45
Status Indicators .............................................................................................46

Notebook PC User Manual 3
Chapter 4: Using the Notebook PC
Pointing Device.................................................................................................50
Using the Touchpad.......................................................................................51
Touchpad Usage Illustrations.....................................................................52
Caring for the Touchpad ..............................................................................55
Automatic Touchpad Disabling.................................................................55
Storage Devices ................................................................................................57
Optical Drive (on selected models)..........................................................57
Flash Memory Card Reader.........................................................................61
Hard Disk Drive................................................................................................62
Memory (RAM).................................................................................................68
Connections.......................................................................................................70
Network Connection.....................................................................................70
Wireless LAN Connection (on selected models) .................................72
Windows Wireless Network Connection................................................74
Bluetooth Wireless Connection(on selected models).......................76
Appendix
Optional Accessories.....................................................................................A-2
Optional Connections.................................................................................A-2
Operating System and Software...............................................................A-3
System BIOS Settings ..................................................................................A-4
Common Problems and Solutions ...................................................... A-10
Recovering Your Notebook PC ............................................................... A-16
Using Recovery Partition ....................................................................... A-16
Using Recovery DVD (on selected models)...................................... A-17
DVD-ROM Drive Information .................................................................. A-20
Blu-ray ROM Drive Information(on selected models) .................... A-22
Internal Modem Compliancy .................................................................. A-23
Declarations and Safety Statements .................................................... A-27
Federal Communications Commission Statement........................ A-27
FCC Radio Frequency (RF) Exposure Caution Statement............ A-28
Declaration of Conformity(R&TTE directive 1999/5/EC).............. A-28
CE Marking................................................................................................... A-29

4 Notebook PC User Manual
IC Radiation Exposure Statement for Canada ................................. A-29
Wireless Operation Channel for Different Domains...................... A-30
France Restricted Wireless Frequency Bands .................................. A-30
UL Safety Notices....................................................................................... A-32
Power Safety Requirement .................................................................... A-33
TV Tuner Notices........................................................................................ A-33
REACH ........................................................................................................ A-33
Nordic Lithium Cautions (for lithium-ion batteries)...................... A-34
Optical Drive Safety Information ......................................................... A-35
Laser Safety Information......................................................................... A-35
Service warning label............................................................................... A-35
CDRH Regulations ..................................................................................... A-35
Macrovision Corporation Product Notice......................................... A-36
Sound Pressure warning......................................................................... A-36
DC Fan warning.......................................................................................... A-36
Adapter Information................................................................................. A-36
CTR 21 Approval(for Notebook PC with built-in Modem) .......... A-37
European Union Eco-label...................................................................... A-39
ENERGY STAR complied product ......................................................... A-39
Global Environmental Regulation Compliance and Declaration A-40
ASUS Recycling/Takeback Services..................................................... A-40
Copyright Information .............................................................................. A-41
Limitation of Liability................................................................................. A-42
Service and Support................................................................................... A-42

1
Chapter 1:
Introducing the
Notebook PC

6 Notebook PC User Manual
About This User’s Manual
You are reading the Notebook PC User’s Manual.This User’s Manual
provides information regarding the various components in the
Notebook PC and how to use them.The following are major sections
of this User’s Manual:
1. Introducing the Notebook PC
Introduces you to the Notebook PC and this User’s Manual.
2. Knowing the Parts
Gives you information on the Notebook PC’s components.
3. Getting Started
Gives you information on getting started with the Notebook PC.
4. Using the Notebook PC
Gives you information on using the Notebook PC’s components.
5. Appendix
Introduces you to optional accessories and gives additional
information.
The actual bundled operating system and applications differ by
models and territories.There may be differences between your
Notebook PC and the pictures shown in this manual. Please
accept your Notebook PC as being correct.
Notes for This Manual
A few notes and warnings are used throughout this guide, allowing
you to complete certain tasks safely and effectively.These notes have
different degrees of importance as follows:
WARNING! Important information that must be followed for safe
operation.
IMPORTANT! Vital information that must be followed to prevent
damage to data, components, or persons.
TIP: Tips for completing tasks.
NOTE: Information for special situations.

Notebook PC User Manual 7
Safety Precautions
The following safety precautions will increase the life of the
Notebook PC. Follow all precautions and instructions. Except as
described in this manual, refer all servicing to qualified personnel.
Battery safety warning:
DO NOT throw the
battery in fire. DO NOT
short circuit the contacts.
DO NOT disassemble the
battery.
DO NOT leave the
Notebook PC on your lap
or any part of the body
to prevent discomfort
or injury from heat
exposure.
DO NOT expose to dirty
or dusty environments.
DO NOT operate during a
gas leak.
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.
DO NOT press or touch
the display panel. Do not
place together with small
items that may scratch or
enter the Notebook PC.
DO NOT place on
uneven or unstable work
surfaces. Seek servicing
if the casing has been
damaged.
DO NOT place or drop
objects on top and
do not shove any
foreign objects into the
Notebook PC.
Disconnect the AC power and remove the battery pack(s) before
cleaning.Wipe the Notebook PC using a clean cellulose sponge
or chamois cloth dampened with a solution of nonabrasive
detergent and a few drops of warm water and remove any extra
moisture with a dry cloth.

8 Notebook PC User Manual
SAFE TEMP:This
Notebook PC should
only be used in
environments with
ambient temperatures
between 10°C (50°F) and
35°C (95°F).
DO NOT carry or cover
a Notebook PC that
is powered ON with
any materials that will
reduce air circulation
such as a carrying bag.
DO NOT throw the Notebook PC in municipal waste.This
product has been designed to enable proper reuse of parts
and recycling.The symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin
indicates that the product (electrical, electronic equipment
and mercury-containing button cell battery) should not
be placed in municipal waste. Check local regulations for
disposal of electronic products.
DO NOT throw the battery in municipal waste.The symbol
of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the battery
should not be placed in municipal waste.
INPUT RATING: Refer to
the rating label on the
bottom of the Notebook
PC and be sure that your
power adapter complies
with the rating.
Incorrect installation
of battery may cause
explosion and damage
the Notebook PC.
DO NOT use damaged
power cords, accessories,
or other peripherals.
DO NOT use strong
solvents such as
thinners, benzene, or
other chemicals on or
near the surface.

Notebook PC User Manual 9
Transportation Precautions
To prepare the Notebook PC for transport, you should turn it OFF
and disconnect all external peripherals to prevent damage to
the connectors.The hard disk drive’s head retracts when the power
is turned OFF to prevent scratching of the hard disk surface during
transport.Therefore, you should not transport the Notebook PC
while the power is still ON. Close the display panel and check that
it is latched securely in the closed position to protect the keyboard
and display panel.
CAUTION! The Notebook PC’s surface is easily dulled if not
properly cared for. Be careful not to rub or scrape the Notebook
PC surfaces.
Sound Pressure warning
Excessive sound pressure from earphones or headphones can cause
hearing damage or loss. Adjustment of the volume control as well as
the equalizer to settings other than the center position may increase
the earphones or headphones output voltage and the sound
pressure level.
DC Fan warning
Please note that the DC fan is a moving part that may cause DANGER.
Ensure to keep your body from the moving fan blades.
Adapter Information
Input voltage: 100-240Vac
Input frequency: 50-60Hz
Rating output current: 6.32A (120W)/ 7.7A (150W)
Rating output voltage: 19Vdc or 19.5Vdc

10 Notebook PC User Manual
Cover Your Notebook PC
Purchase a carrying bag to protect the Notebook PC from dirt, water,
shock, and scratches.
Charge Your Batteries
If you intend to use battery power, be sure to fully charge your
battery pack and any optional battery packs before going on long
trips. Remember that the power adapter charges the battery pack as
long as it is plugged into the computer and an AC power source. Be
aware that it takes much longer to charge the battery pack when the
Notebook PC is in use.
Airplane Precautions
Contact your airline if you want to use the Notebook PC on the
airplane. Most airlines will have restrictions for using electronic
devices. Most airlines will allow electronic use only between and not
during takeoffs and landings.
CAUTION! There are three main types of airport security
devices: X-ray machines (used on items placed on conveyor
belts), magnetic detectors (used on people walking through
security checks), and magnetic wands (hand-held devices used
on people or individual items).You can send your Notebook
PC and diskettes through airport X-ray machines. However, it
is recommended that you do not send your Notebook PC or
diskettes through airport magnetic detectors or expose them to
magnetic wands.