Acer Aspire 3810tg Service Guide

							Chapter 113
Using the Keyboard
The keyboard has full-sized keys and an embe d, separate cursor keys, two Windows keys and twelve 
function keys.
Lock Keys and embedded numeric keypad
The keyboard has three lock keys which you can toggle on and off.
Lock keyDescription
Caps Lock When Caps Lock is on, all alphabetic characters typed are in uppercase.
Num Lock 
 + When Num Lock is on, the separate keypad is in numeric mode. The keys 
function as a calculator (complete with the arithmetic operators +, -, *, 
and /). Use this mode when you need to do a lot of numeric data entry. 
Scroll Lock 
 + When Scroll Lock is on, the screen moves one line up or down when you 
press the up or down arrow keys respectively. Scroll Lock does not work 
with some applications. 
						

							14Chapter 1
Windows Keys
The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions.
KeyDescription
Windows 
keyPressed alone, this key has the same effect as clicking on the Windows 
Start button; it launches the Start menu. 
It can also be used with other keys to provide a variety of functions:
 : Open or close the Start menu
< > + : Display the desktop
< > + : Open Windows Explore
< > + : Search for a file or folder
< > + : Cycle through Sidebar gadgets
< > + : Lock your computer (if you are connected to a network   
domain), or switch users (if youre not connected to a 
network domain)
< > + : Minimizes all windows
< > + : Open the Run dialog box
< > + : Cycle through programs on the taskbar
< > + : Open Ease of Access Center
< > + : Open Windows Mobility Center
< > + : Display the System Properties dialog box
< > + : Restore minimized windows to the desktop
< > + : Cycle through programs on the taskbar by using 
Windows Flip 3-D
< > + : Bring all gadgets to the front and select Windows 
Sidebar
 + < > + : Search for computers (if you are on a network)
 + < > + : Use the arrow keys to cycle through programs 
on the taskbar by using Windows Flip 3-D
NOTE: Depending on your edition of Windows Vista or Windows XP, some 
shortcuts may not function as described.
Application 
keyThis key has the same effect as clicking the right mouse button; it opens 
the applications context menu. 
						

							Chapter 115
Hot Keys
The computer employs hotkeys or key combinations to access most of the computers controls like screen 
brightness and volume output.
To activate hot keys, press and hold the  key before pressing the other key in the hotkey combination.
Special Key
You can locate the Euro symbol and US dollar sign at the upper-center of your keyboard. To type:
HotkeyIconFunctionDescription
 +  System property Starts System Property for displaying system 
information. 
 +  Bluetooth Enables/disables the Bluetooth function. 
(only for certain models). 
 +  Sleep Puts the computer in Sleep mode.
 +  Display toggle Switches display output between the display 
screen, external monitor (if connected) and 
both.
 +  Screen blank Turns the display screen backlight off to save 
power. Press any key to return.
 +  Speaker toggle Turns the speakers on and off.
 + < >Brightness up Increases the screen brightness.
 + < >Brightness down Decreases the screen brightness.
 + < >Volume up Increases the sound volume.
 + < >Volume down Decrease the sound volume. 
						

							16Chapter 1
The Euro symbol
1.Open a text editor or word processor.
2.Hold  and then press the  symbol at the upper-center of the keyboard.
NOTE: Some fonts and software do not support the Euro symbol. 
Please refer to www.microsoft.com/typography/faq/faq12.htm
 for more information.
The US dollar sign
1.Open a text editor or word processor.
2.Hold  and then press the  key at the upper-center of the keyboard.
NOTE: This function varies by the operating system version. 
						

							Chapter 117
Using the system utilities
Acer GridVista (dual-display compatible)
NOTE: This feature is only available on certain models.
To enable the dual display feature of your notebook, first ensure that a second display is connected, then, 
open the Display Settings properties box using the Control Panel or by right-clicking the Windows desktop and 
selecting Personalize. Select the secondary monitor (2) icon in the display box and then click the check box 
Extend the desktop onto this monitor. Finally, click Apply to confirm the new settings and click OK to 
complete the process.
Acer GridVista is a handy utility that offers four pre-defined display settings so you can view multiple windows 
on the same screen. To access this function, please go to Start, All Programs and click on Acer GridVista. 
You may choose any one of the four display settings indicated below:
Double (verticle), Triple (primary at left), Triple (primary at right), or Quad Acer Gridvista is dual-display 
compatible, allowing two displays to be partitioned indepently.
AcerGridVista is imple to set up:
1.Run Acer GridVista and select your preferred screen configuration for each display from the task bar.
2.Drag and drop each window into the appropriate grid. 
						

							18Chapter 1
3.Enjoy the convenience of a well-organized desktop.
NOTE: Please ensure that the resolution setting of the second monitor is set to the manufacturers 
recommended value.
Acer Backup Manager
NOTE: This feature is only available on certain models.
Acer Backup Manager is a simple three-step process that allows you to create backup copies of your entire 
system or selected files and folders according to a schedule or as you need to.
To start Acer Backup Manager, press the Acer Backup Manager key above the keyboard. Alternatively, you 
can go to Start > All Programs > Acer Backup Manager > Acer Backup Manager. This will open the 
Welcome screen; from this screen you will be taken through the three steps to setup scheduled back ups.
Click Continue to proceed to the following screen. Click the + button and follow the onscreen instructions:
1.Select the content you want to back up. The less content you select, the quicker the process will be, but it 
will increase your risks of losing data.
2.Select where you want the backup copies to be stored. You will need to select an external drive or your D: 
drive; Acer Backup Manager cannot store a backup on the source drive.
3.Select how often you want Acer Backup Manager to create back ups. 
Once you have finished these three steps, backups will be created according to the schedule. You can also 
create backups manually by pressing the Acer Backup Manager key. 
						

							Chapter 119
If you wish to change your settings at any time, run Acer Backup Manager from the Start menu and go 
through the steps outlined above.
Power management
This computer has a built-in power management unit that monitors system activity. System activity refers to 
any activity involving one or more of the following devices: keyboard, mouse, hard disk, peripherals connected 
to the computer, and video memory. If no activity is detected for a period of time (called an inactivity timeout), 
the computer stops some or all of these devices in order to conserve energy.
This computer employs a power management scheme that supports the advanced configuration and power 
interface (ACPI), which allows for maximum power conservation and maximum performance at the same 
time. Windows handles all power-saving chores for your computer.
Acer PowerSmart key
The Acer PowerSmart key uses the power-saving features of your computer’s graphics sub-system to reduce 
overall power consumption. When you press the Acer PowerSmart key, the Windows graphics scheme will be 
changed to Windows Vista Basic, screen brightness reduced and the graphics chip will be switched to a lower 
speed.
Press the Acer PowerSmart key again to return to your previous settings.
Acer eRecovery Management
Acer eRecovery Management is a tool to quickly restore the system. You can back up/restore the factory 
default image, and reinstall applications and drivers.
NOTE: All of the following content is for general reference only. Actual product specifications may vary.
Acer eRecovery Management consists of the following functions:
‰Backup:
zCreate Factory Default Disc
zCreate Drivers and Applications Disc
‰Restore:
zCompletely Restore System to Factory Defaults
zRestore Operating System and Retain User Data
zReinstall Drivers or Applications 
						

							20Chapter 1
This chapter will guide you through each process. 
NOTE: This feature is only available on certain models. For systems that do not have a built-in optical disc 
burner, plug in an external optical disc burner before entering Acer eRecovery Management for 
optical disc-related tasks.
To use the password protection feature of Acer eRecovery Management, you must first set the password. The 
password is set by launching Acer eRecovery Management and clicking Settings.
Burn backup discs
From the Backup page of Acer eRecovery Management, you can burn the factory default image or back up 
drivers and applications.
1.Click on Start > All Programs > Acer > Acer eRecovery Management.
2.Acer eRecovery Management opens to the Backup page.
3.Select the type of backup (factory default or drivers and applications) you would like to burn to disc.
4.Follow the instructions on screen to complete the process.
NOTE: Create a factory default image when you want to burn a bootable disc that contains your computers 
entire operating system as it was delivered to you from the factory. If you wish to have a disc that will 
allow you to browse the contents and install selected drivers and applications, create a drivers and 
application backup instead — this disc will not be bootable. 
						

							Chapter 121
Restore
The restore feature allows you to restore or recover the system from a factory default image or from previously 
created CD and DVD backups. You can also reinstall applications and drivers for your Acer system.
1.Click on Start, All Programs, Acer, Acer eRecovery Management.
2.Switch to the Restore page by clicking Restore.
3.You can choose to restore the system from a factory default image or reinstall applications and drivers.
4.Follow the instructions on screen to complete the process.
Restore Windows Vista from backup discs
To restore Windows Vista from your previously burned backup discs, you will need to insert the first backup 
disc and enable the F12 Boot Menu via the BIOS Setup Utility.
1.Turn on your computer and insert the first system recovery disc into the optical disc drive. Restart your 
computer.
2.During startup when the Acer logo shows, press the F2 key to enter BIOS Setup, where you can set 
system parameters.
3.Use the left and right arrow keys to select the Main submenu.
4.Use the up and down arrow keys to select F12 Boot Menu.
5.Use the F5 or F6 key to change F12 Boot Menu to Enabled.
6.Press the ESC key to enter the Exit submenu, press the ENTER key to Exit Saving Changes. Press the 
ENTER key again to select Ye s. The system will reboot.
7.After rebooting, when the Acer logo shows, press the F12 key to open the Boot Menu. Here you can 
select which device to boot from.
8.Use the arrow keys to select the IDE CD, then press the ENTER key. Windows will be installed from the 
recovery disc.
9.Insert the second recovery disc when prompted, then follow the onscreen prompts to complete the 
restore.
10.Remove the recovery disc from the optical drive once the restore is complete. Do this before rebooting 
your computer.
NOTE: 
This feature is only available on certain models. 
						

							22Chapter 1
If you prefer to set the boot priority for long-term use, you should select the Boot submenu.
1.Turn on your computer and insert the first system recovery disc into the optical disc drive. Restart your 
computer.
2.During startup when the Acer logo shows, press the F2 key to enter BIOS Setup, where you can set 
system parameters.
3.Use the left and right arrow keys to select the Boot subme
4.Use the up and down arrow keys to select the IDE CD device.
5.Use the F6 key to move the IDE CD device to the highest boot priority, or use the F5 key to move other 
devices to a lower boot priority. Ensure that the IDE CD device is the highest priority.
6.Press the ESC key to enter the Exit submenu, press the ENTER key to Exit Saving Changes. Press the 
ENTER key again to select Ye s. The system will reboot.
7.When you reboot, Windows will be installed from the recovery disc.
8.Insert the second recovery disc when prompted, then follow the onscreen prompts to complete the 
restore.
9.Remove the recovery disc from the optical drive once the restore is complete. Do this before rebooting 
your computer.
Acer Arcade Deluxe
Acer Arcade Deluxe is an integrated player for music, photos, DVD movies and videos. Use the 
MediaConsole, touchpad or arrow keys to select the media type you wish to enjoy.
‰Cinema — watch DVDs, VCDs or Blu-Ray movies, and video clips
‰Homemedia — connect to other devices wirelessly to share media content
‰Advanced — change settings, update your Arcade software, view the help file and About information
‰Albums — view photos stored on your hard disk or removable media
‰Music — listen to music files in a variety of formats
‰Online Media — browse online content from YouTube and Flickr
NOTE: While watching videos, optical discs or slideshows, your screensaver and power-saving features are 
unavailable.
NOTE: For more detailed information on the features of Acer Arcade, please refer to the Arcade Help menu. 
This can be accessed from the Arcade home page by selecting Help.