Acer Travelmate 8331 Service Guide

Chapter 113
NOTE: Illustrations for reference only. The exact configur ation of your PC depends on the model purchased.
NOTE:  When using the touchpad, keep it 
— and your fingers — dry and clean. The t ouchpad is sensitive to 
finger movement; hence, the light er the touch, the better the response. Tapping harder will not 
increase the touchp ads responsiveness.
NOTE:  By default, vertical and horizontal scrolling is  enabled on your touchpad. It can be disabled under 
Mouse settings in Windows Control...

14Chapter 1
Using the Keyboard
The keyboard has full-sized keys and an embedded numeric keypad*, separate cursor, lock, Windows, 
function and 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 nume ric keypad. It is indicated by small characters 
located on the upper right corner of the keycaps. To si mplify the keyboard legend, cursor-control key symbols 
are not printed on the...

Chapter 115
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 launc
hes 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...

16Chapter 1
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 < Fn> 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 S ystem Property for displaying system 
information. 
 +  Bluetooth Enables/dis...

Chapter 117
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/typ ography/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. 

18Chapter 1
Using the system utilities
Acer Bio-Protection (only for certain models)
Acer Bio-Protection Fingerprint Solution is a multi-purp ose fingerprint software package integrated with the 
Microsoft Windows operating system.  Utilizing the uniqueness of ones fingerprint, Acer Bio-Protection 
Fingerprint Solution incorporates protection against  unauthorized access to your computer with centralized 
password management via Password Bank; easy music pl ayer launching with Acer MusicLaunch*; secure...

Chapter 119
Acer GridVista (dual-display compatible)
NOTE: This feature is only available on certain models.
To enable the dual display feature of your notebook, fi rst 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...

20Chapter 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...

Chapter 121
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 ma nagement scheme that...

22Chapter 1
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...