Acer Travelmate 8531 Service Guide

							Chapter 113
Touchpad basics (with two-click buttons)
The following items show you how to use the touchpad with two-click buttons.
‰Move your finger across the touchpad to move the cursor.
‰Press the left and right buttons located beneath the touchpad to perform selection and execution 
functions. These two buttons are similar to the left and right buttons on a mouse. Tapping on the 
touchpad is the same as clicking the left button.
NOTE: Illustrations for reference only. The exact configuration of your PC depends on the model purchased.
NOTE: When using the touchpad, keep it 
— and your fingers — dry and clean. The touchpad is sensitive to 
finger movement; hence, the lighter the touch, the better the response. Tapping harder will not 
increase the touchpads 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 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.
* 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 (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 keypadType numbers in a normal manner.
Cursor-control 
keys on embedded 
keypadHold  while using cursor-
control keys.Hold  while using cursor-
control keys.
Main keyboard 
keysHold  while typing letters on 
embedded keypad.Type the letters in a normal manner. 
						

							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 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 
keyThis 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  key before pressing the other key in the hotkey combination.
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 Decreases the sound volume. 
						

							Chapter 117
Using the system utilities
Acer Bio-Protection (only for certain models)
Acer Bio-Protection Fingerprint Solution is a multi-purpose 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 player 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 three 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 Fingerprint 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, refer to the Acer Bio-Protection help files.
NOTE:  
* Acer ProfileLaunch, MusicLaunch, MyLaunch and FingerNav are only available on select models.
** In models without Acer ProfileLaunch, Acer FingerLaunch can be used to open applications in the Acer 
ProfileLaunch icons area; a single finger swipe will launch only one application at a time. 
						

							18Chapter 1
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 (vertical), Triple (primary at left), Triple (primary at right), or Quad.
Acer Gridvista is dual-display compatible, allowing two displays to be partitioned independently.
Acer GridVista 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. 
						

							Chapter 119
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. 
						

							20Chapter 1
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 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 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
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. 
						

							Chapter 121
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.
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. 
						

							22Chapter 1
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.
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.