Acer Aspire 4715z Service Guide

							Chapter 111
Using the Keyboard
The keyboard has full-sized keys and an embedded keypad, separate cursor keys, two Windows keys and 
twelve function keys, and two special keys.
Lock Keys and Embedded Numeric Keypad
The keyboard has three lock keys which you can toggle on and off.
The embedded numeric keypad functions like a desktop numeric keypad. It is indicated by small characters 
located on the upper right corner of the keycaps. To simplify the keyboard legend, cursor-control key symbols 
are not printed on the keys.
Lock KeyDescription
Caps Lock When Caps Lock is on, all alphabetic characters typed are in uppercase.
Num Lock 
 + When Num Lock is on, the embedded 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. A better solution would be to connect an external 
keypad.
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.
Desired AccessNum Lock OnNum Lock Off
Number keys on embedded 
keypad.Type numbers in a normal 
manner.N/A
Cursor-control keys on embedded 
keypadHold  while using cursor-
control keys.Hold  while using cursor-
control keys.
Main keyboard keys Hold  while typing letters on 
embedded keypad.Type the letters in a normal 
manner. 
						

							12Chapter 1
Windows Keys
The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions.
KeyIconDescription
Windows key Pressed 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, some shortcuts may not 
function as described.
Application key This key has the same effect as clicking the right mouse button; it opens the 
applications context menu. 
						

							Chapter 113
Hotkeys
The computer employs hotkeys or key combinations to access most of the computers controls like screen 
brightness, volume output and the BIOS utility.
To activate hotkeys, press and hold the  key before pressing the other key in the hotkey combination.
Hot KeyIconFunctionDescription
 +  Hot key help Displays help on hot keys.
 +  Acer eSettings Launches the Acer eSettings in Acer eManager.
 +  Acer ePower 
ManagementLaunches the Acer ePowerManagement in Acer 
eManager.
 +  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.
 +  Touchpad toggle Turns the internal touchpad on and off.
 +  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 Decreases the sound volume. 
						

							14Chapter 1
Special Keys
You can locate the Euro symbol and the US dollar sign at the upper-center and/or bottom-right of your 
keyboard.
The Euro symbol
1.Open a text editor or word processor.
2.Either press < > at the bottom-right of the keyboard, or hold  and then press the  key 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.Either press < > at the bottom-right of the keyboard, or hold  and then press the  key at the 
upper-center of the keyboard.
NOTE: This function varies according to the language settings. 
						

							Chapter 115
Using the System Utilities
Acer Empowering Technology
NOTE: Models shipped with Windows Vista Starter Edition only support Acer eRecovery Management.
The Empowering Technology toolbar makes it easy for you to access frequently used functions and manage 
your new Acer system. Displayed by default in the upper half of your screen, it provides access to the following 
utilities:
TAcer eNet Management hooks up to location-based networks intelligently.
TAcer ePower Management optimizes battery usage via customizable power plans.
TAcer ePresentation Management connects to a projector and adjusts display settings.
TAcer eDataSecurity Management protects data with passwords and encryption.
TAcer eLock Management limits access to external storage media.
TAcer eRecovery Management backs up and recovers data flexibly, reliably 
and completely.
TAcer eSettings Management accesses system information and adjusts settings easily.
For more information, right click on the Empowering Technology toolbar, then select the Help or Tu t o r i a l  
function.
Empowering Technology Password
Before using Acer eLock Management and Acer eRecovery Management, you must initialize the Empowering 
Technology password. Right-click on the Empowering Technology toolbar and select Password Setup to do 
so. If you have not initialized the Empowering Technology password and run Acer eLock Management or Acer 
eRecovery Management, you will be asked to create it.
NOTE: If you lose the Empowering Technology password, there is no way to reset it except by reformatting 
your system. Make sure to remember or write down your password! 
						

							16Chapter 1
Acer eNet Management 
Acer eNet Management helps you quickly connect to both wired and wireless networks in a variety of 
locations. To access this utility, select Acer eNet Management from the Empowering Technology toolbar or 
run the program from the Acer Empowering Technology program group in Start menu. You can also set Acer 
eNet Management to start automatically when you boot up your PC.
Acer eNet Management automatically detects the best settings for a new location, while offering you the option 
to manually adjust the settings to match your needs. 
						

							Chapter 117
Acer eNet Management can save network settings for a location to a profile, and automatically switch to the 
appropriate profile when you move from one location to another. Settings stored include network connection 
settings (IP and DNS settings, wireless AP details, etc.), as well as default printer settings. Security and safety 
concerns mean that Acer eNet Management does not store username and password information. 
						

							18Chapter 1
Acer ePower Management 
Acer ePower Management features a straightforward user interface for configuring your power management 
options. To access this utility, select Acer ePower Management from the Empowering Technology toolbar, 
run the program from the Acer Empowering Technology program group in Start menu, or right-click the 
Windows power icon in the system tray and select Acer ePower Management.
Using Power Plans
Acer ePower Management comes with three predefined power plans: Balanced, High performance and Power 
saver. You can also create customized power plans. You can create, switch between, edit, delete and restore 
power plans, as described below.
View and adjust settings for On Battery and Plugged In modes by clicking the appropriate tabs. You can open 
Windows power options by clicking More Power Options.
NOTE: You cannot delete the predefined power plans.
To create a new power plan:
Creating customized power plans allows you to save and quickly switch to a personalized set of power 
options.
1.Click the Create Power Plan icon. 
2.Enter a name for your new power plan.
3.Choose a predefined power plan to base your customized plan on.
4.If necessary, change the display and sleep settings you want your computer to use.
5.Click OK to save your new power plan.
To switch between power plans:
1.Select the power plan you wish to switch to from the drop-down list.
2.Click Apply.
To edit a power plan:
Editing a power plan allows you to adjust system settings like LCD brightness and CPU speed. You can also 
turn on/off system components to extend battery life.
1.Switch to the power plan you wish to edit
2.Adjust settings as required.
3.Click Apply to save your new settings.
To delete a power plan:
You cannot delete the power plan you are currently using. If you want to delete the active power plan, switch to 
another one first.
1.Select the power plan you wish to delete from the drop-down list.
2.Click the Delete Power Plan icon.  
						

							Chapter 119
Battery status
For real-time battery life estimates based on current usage, refer to the panel in the upper half of the window. 
Click the   to view estimated battery life in sleep and hibernate modes. 
						

							20Chapter 1
Acer ePresentation Management 
Acer ePresentation Management lets you project your computers display to an external display device or 
projector using the hotkey:  + . If auto-detection hardware is implemented in the system and the 
external display supports it, your system display will be automatically switched out when an external display is 
connected to the system. For projectors and external devices that are not auto-detected, launch Acer 
ePresentation Management to choose an appropriate display setting.
NOTE: If the restored resolution is not correct after disconnecting a projector, or you need to use an external 
resolution that is not supported by Acer ePresentation Management, adjust your display settings using 
Display Properties or the utility provided by the graphics vendor.