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 Panel.
FunctionLeft ButtonRight ButtonMain touchpad
Execute Quickly click twice. Tap twice (at the  same speed as 
double-clicking a 
mouse button).
Select Click once. Tap once.
Drag Click and hold, then  use finger on the 
touchpad to drag the 
cursor. Tap twice (at the 
same speed as 
double-clicking a 
mouse button); rest 
your finger on the 
touchpad on the 
second tap and drag 
the cursor.
Access context menu Click once. 
						

							
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 keys.
* only for certain models
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 (compl
ete 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 keypadType numbers in a normal manner.
Cursor-control 
keys on embedded 
keypad Hold 
  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.
Caps Lock F11/
Num Lock
F12/
Scroll Lock
Fn 
						

							
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 (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. 
						

							
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 ables 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 Decreases the sound volume. 
						

							
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 
Internet favorites via Acer MyLaunch*; and fast  application/website launching and login with Acer 
FingerLaunch. Acer ProfileLaunch** can launch up to thre e applications/ websites with a single finger swipe.
Acer Bio-Protection Fingerprint Solution also allows  you to navigate through web browsers and documents 
using Acer FingerNav*. With Acer Bio-Protection Finger print Solution, you can now enjoy an extra layer of 
protection for your personal computer, as well as the  convenience of accessing your daily tasks with a simple 
swipe of your finger!
For more information, re fer to the Acer Bio-Protection help files.
NOTE:   
* Acer ProfileLaunch, MusicLaunch , MyLaunch and FingerNav are only available on select models.
** In models without Acer ProfileLaunc h, Acer FingerLaunch can be used to open applications in the Acer 
ProfileLaunch icons area; a single finger swip e will launch only one application at a time. 
						

							
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 confirm the new settings and click  OK to 
complete the process.
Acer GridVista is a handy utility that offers four pre-def ined 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 (vertical), Triple (p rimary at left), Triple (primary at right), or Quad.
Acer Gridvista is dual-display compatible, allo wing two displays to be partitioned independently.
AcerGridVista is imple to set up: 1. Run Acer GridVista and select your preferred screen configuration for each display from the taskbar.
2. Drag and drop each window into the appropriate grid. 
						

							
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 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.
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. 
						

							
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 supports the  advanced configuration and power 
interface (ACPI), which allows for maximum  power conservation and maxi mum 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 featur es of your computers graphics sub-system to reduce 
overall power consumption. When you press the Acer  PowerSmart key, the screen brightness is reduced and 
the graphics chip switched to a lower speed; PCI and  WLAN switch to power-saving modes. Press the Acer 
PowerSmart key again to return  to your previous settings.
NOTE:  This feature is only available on certain models.
Acer eRecovery Management
Acer eRecovery Management is a tool  to quickly restore the system. You can back up/restore the factory 
default image, and reinstal l applications and drivers.
NOTE:  All of the following content is for general reference only.  Actual product specifications may vary.
Acer eRecovery Management consis ts of the following functions:
‰ Backup:
zCreate Factory Default Disc
z Create Drivers and Applications Disc
‰ Restore:
zCompletely Restore Syst em to Factory Defaults
z Restore Operating System and Retain User Data
z Reinstall Drivers or Applications
This chapter will guide you through each process.  
NOTE:  This feature is only available on certain models. Fo r 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 eRec overy Management, you must first set the password. The 
password is set by launching Acer eRecovery Management and clicking  Settings. 
						

							
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 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.