49 Taking care of your battery pack....19 Recovering from Windows ....... 50 Cleaning and servicing......19 Recovering from a recovery backup ..54 Your Acer notebook tour Power management Screen view............22 Saving power........... 58 Keyboard view..........24 Battery pack Left view ............
Page 4
Traveling with the computer ......70 Frequently asked questions Preparing the computer ......70 Requesting service .......... 85 What to take with you........ 70 Troubleshooting..........87 Special considerations ......70 Troubleshooting tips......... 87 Traveling internationally with the computer..71 Error messages........87 Preparing the computer ......
AFETY AND COMFORT AFETY INSTRUCTIONS Read these instructions carefully. Keep this document for future reference. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product. Turning the product off before cleaning Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners.
Page 6
- If an extension cord is used with this product, make sure that the total ampere rating of the equipment plugged into the extension cord does not exceed the extension cord ampere rating. Also, make sure that the total rating of all products plugged into the wall outlet does not exceed the fuse rating.
Page 7
- Do not increase the volume to block out noisy surroundings. - Decrease the volume if you can't hear people speaking near you. Bundled dummy cards - Note: Information in this section may not apply to your computer. Your computer shipped with plastic dummies installed in the card slots. Dummies protect unused slots from dust, metal objects or other particles.
Page 8
- Your device and its enhancements may contain small parts. Keep them out of the reach of small children. Product servicing Do not attempt to service this product yourself, as opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage points or other risks. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
Page 9
Dispose of batteries according to local regulations. Please recycle when possible. Do not dispose as household waste. - Note: Please refer to www.acer.com for battery shipping documents. Replacing the battery pack The computer uses lithium batteries. Replace the battery with the same type as that which came bundled with your product.
Page 10
ADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE - Warning! For safety reasons, turn off all wireless or radio transmitting devices when using your laptop under the following conditions. These devices may include, but are not limited to: wireless LAN (WLAN), Bluetooth and/or 3G. Remember to follow any special regulations in force in any area, and always switch off your device when its use is prohibited or when it may cause interference or danger.
Page 11
- Always keep the device more than 15.3 centimeters (6 inches) from the pacemaker - Not carry the device near your pacemaker when the device is switched on. If you suspect interference, switch off your device, and move it. Hearing aids.
Page 12
ENERGY STAR Acer's ENERGY STAR qualified products save your money by reducing energy cost and protecting the environment without sacrificing features or performance. Acer is proud to offer our customers products with the ENERGY STAR mark. 12 - Safety and comfort...
Page 13
Products that are ENERGY STAR qualified use less energy and prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Acer is committed to offering products and services worldwide that help customers save money, conserve energy and improve the quality of our environment.
Page 14
- Coldness or weakness. If you have these symptoms, or any other recurring or persistent discomfort and/or pain related to computer use, consult a physician immediately and inform your company's health and safety department. The following section provides tips for more comfortable computer use. Finding your comfort zone Find your comfort zone by adjusting the viewing angle of the monitor, using a footrest, or raising your sitting height to achieve maximum comfort.
Page 15
- Keep your display clean. - Keep your head at a higher level than the top edge of the display so your eyes point downward when looking at the middle of the display. - Adjust the display brightness and/or contrast to a comfortable level for enhanced text readability and graphics clarity.
Page 16
AUTION FOR PTICAL RIVE EVICE - Note: Information in this section may not apply to your computer. CAUTION: This appliance contains a laser system and is classified as a "CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT." In case of any trouble with this device, please contact your nearest AUTHORIZED service station.
IRST THINGS F I R S T We would like to thank you for making an Acer notebook your choice for meeting your mobile computing needs. Your guides To help you use your Acer notebook, we have designed a set of guides: First off, the Setup Guide helps you get started with setting up your computer.
If you need to power down the computer for a short while, but don’t want to completely shut it down, you can put it into Hibernate by pressing the power button. You can also put the computer in sleep mode by pressing the sleep hotkey <Fn>...
• Never place the computer on uneven surfaces. Taking care of your AC adapter Here are some ways to take care of your AC adapter: • Do not connect the adapter to any other device. • Do not step on the power cord or place heavy objects on top of it. Carefully route the power cord and any cables away from foot traffic.
Page 20
1. Turn off the computer and remove the battery pack. 2. Disconnect the AC adapter. 3. Use a soft, moist cloth. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners. If either of the following occurs: • The computer has been dropped or the body has been damaged; •...
OU R CER N OT E B O OK TOUR After setting up your computer as illustrated in the setup poster, let us show you around your new Acer computer. Aspire E1-472/E1-470/E1-430/E1-422 Your Acer notebook tour - 21...
Screen view Icon Item Description Web camera for video communication. Webcam A light next to the webcam indicates that the webcam is active. Screen Displays computer output. Microphone 22 - Your Acer notebook tour...
Page 23
Charging: The light is amber when the Battery indicator battery is charging. Fully charged: The light is blue when plugged in. Indicates when the hard disk drive is HDD indicator active. Communication Indicates the computer’s wireless indicator connectivity device status. Your Acer notebook tour - 23...
Item Description Power button Turns the computer on and off. For entering data into your computer. Keyboard See "Using the keyboard" on page 31. Touch-sensitive pointing device which Touchpad functions like a computer mouse. 24 - Your Acer notebook tour...
Page 25
Icon Item Description The left and right side of the button Click buttons (left function as left and right selection and right) buttons. Your Acer notebook tour - 25...
Supports high-definition digital video HDMI port connections. Connects to USB devices. If a port is black it is USB 2.0 USB port compatible, if it is blue it is also USB 3.0 compatible (see below). 26 - Your Acer notebook tour...
(CD/DVD) drive. 3 4 5 Icon Item Description Connect to USB devices. If a port is black it is USB 2.0 USB ports compatible, if it is blue it is also USB 3.0 compatible. Your Acer notebook tour - 27...
Page 28
Ejects the optical drive tray when the computer is turned off. Emergency eject Carefully insert a straightened hole paper clip to eject the optical drive tray. DC-in jack Connects to an AC adapter. 28 - Your Acer notebook tour...
Insert a suitable tool and slide to release. Memory Houses the computer's main memory. compartment Speakers Deliver stereo audio output. Ventilation and Allows the computer to stay cool. cooling fan Do not cover or obstruct the openings. Your Acer notebook tour - 29...
Page 30
Note: For models with an AMD processor and a single memory module: If you replace the memory module, the new module must go into the same slot occupied by the module that was removed. 30 - Your Acer notebook tour...
SING TH E KEYBOARD Your computer has a compact keyboard with an embedded numeric keypad. Windows keys The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions. Windows key Returns to the Start screen. It can also be used with other keys for special functions;...
Scroll Lock When Scroll Lock (<Fn> + <F12>) is on, text on the screen moves one line up or down when you press the up or down arrow keys. Scroll Lock does not work with most applications. Num Lock When Num Lock (<Fn> + <F11>) is on, the embedded keypad is switched to numeric mode.
Hotkeys The computer employs hotkeys or key combinations to access most of the computer's controls like screen brightness and volume output. To activate hotkeys, press and hold the <Fn> key before pressing the other key in the hotkey combination. Hotkey Icon Function Description...
Page 34
Hotkey Icon Function Description NumL Turns the embedded numeric <Fn> + <F11> Number Lock keypad on or off. <Fn> + <F12> Scr Lk Scroll Lock Turns Scroll Lock on or off. Increases the screen <Fn> + < > Brightness up brightness.
OUCHPAD Touchpad basics The touchpad controls the arrow (or 'cursor') on the screen. As you slide your finger across the touchpad, the cursor will follow this movement. Press the left or right side of the button located beneath the touchpad to perform selection and execution functions.
Touchpad gestures Windows 8 and many applications support touchpad gestures that use one or more fingers. Note: Support for touchpad gestures depends on the active application. These allow you to control applications with a few simple gestures, such as: • Swipe in from edge: Access Windows tools by swiping into the center of the touchpad from the right, top or left.
(see page 83) do not help, you can 'recover' your computer - i.e. return it to an earlier state. This section describes the recovery tools available on your computer. Acer provides Acer Recovery Management, which allows you to create a recovery backup, a drivers and applications backup, and to start recovery options, either using Windows tools, or the recovery backup.
Page 38
USB drive with a capacity of 32 GB or larger. 1. From Start, type 'Recovery' and then click Acer Recovery Management in the list of apps. 2. Click Create Factory Default Backup. The Recovery Drive window...
Page 39
opens. Make sure Copy contents from the recovery partition to the recovery drive is selected. This provides the most complete and safest recovery backup. 3. Plug in the USB drive then click Next. Recovery - 39...
Page 40
• Since the recovery backup requires at least 16 GB of storage after formatting, it is recommended to use a USB drive with a capacity of 32 GB or larger. 4. You will be shown the backup progress on the screen. 5.
7. Unplug the USB drive and label it clearly. Important: Write a unique, descriptive label on the backup, such as 'Windows Recovery Backup'. Make sure you keep the backup in a safe place that you will remember. Creating a drivers and applications backup To create a Drivers and Applications Backup, that contains the factory- loaded software and drivers needed by your computer, you may use either Recovery - 41...
Page 42
USB storage drive or, if your computer features a DVD recorder, one or more blank recordable DVDs. 1. From Start, type 'Recovery' and then click Acer Recovery Management in the list of apps. 2. Click Create Drivers and Applications Backup.
Page 43
• If you are using a USB drive, make sure your USB drive has enough capacity before continuing. • If using DVDs, it will also show the number of blank, recordable discs you will need to complete the recovery discs. Make sure that you have the required number of identical, blank discs.
3. Click Start to copy files.You will be shown the backup progress on the screen. 4. Follow the process until it completes: • If you are using optical discs, the drive ejects each disc as it completes burning it. Remove the disc from the drive and mark it with a permanent marker....
solved by returning your system to a previous state when everything was working correctly. For instructions, see "Returning to an earlier system snapshot" on page 48. 3. Reset your operating system. If nothing else has solved the problem and you want to reset your system, but keep your user information, see "Returning your system to its factory condition"...
Page 46
If you are reinstalling using Windows and the recovery information stored on your computer: • From Start, type 'Recovery' and then click Acer Recovery Management in the list of apps. • Click Reinstall Drivers or Applications. 46 - Recovery...
Page 47
1. Insert the Drivers and Applications Backup into the disc drive or connect it to a free USB port. • If you inserted a DVD wait for Acer Resource Center to start. • If Acer Resource Center does not start automatically, press the Windows key + <E>, then double-click on the optical drive icon.
2. You should see the Contents section of the Acer Resource Center. 3. Click the install icon for the item you want to install, then follow the onscreen prompts to complete the installation. Repeat this step for each item you want to reinstall.
apps. Type 'Windows system restore' in the Search Help box, then press Enter. Returning to a restore point 1. From Start, type 'Control Panel' and then click Control Panel in the list of apps. 2. Click System and Security > Action Center, then click Recovery at the bottom of the window.
Recovering from Windows Start Acer Recovery Management: • From Start, type 'Recovery' and then click Acer Recovery Management in the list of apps. Two options are available, Restore Factory Settings (Reset my PC) or Customized Restore (Refresh my PC). Restore Factory Settings deletes everything on your hard drive, then reinstalls Windows and all software and drivers that were pre-installed on your system.
Page 51
Restore Factory Settings with Acer Recovery Management 1. Click Restore Factory Settings. Caution: 'Restore Factory Settings' will erase all files on your hard drive. 2. The Reset your PC window opens. Images for reference only. 3. Click Next, then choose how to erase your files:...
Page 52
a. Just remove my files quickly erases all files before restoring your computer and takes about 30 minutes. b. Fully clean the drive completely cleans the drive after each file is erased, so no files can be viewed after the recovery. Cleaning the drive takes much longer, up to 5 hours, but is much more secure as old files are completely removed.
Page 53
Customized Restore with Acer Recovery Management 1. Click Customized Restore (Retain User Data). 2. The Refresh your PC window opens. 3. Click Next, then Refresh. 4. The recovery process begins by restarting your computer, then continues by copying files to your hard drive. This process takes about 30 minutes.
Recovering from a recovery backup To recover from a recovery backup on a USB drive: 1. Find your recovery backup. 2. If your computer does not have a built-in keyboard, make sure a keyboard is attached to your computer. 3. Plug in the USB drive and turn on your computer. 4.
Page 55
7. Select Troubleshoot and then choose the type of recovery to use: a. Click Advanced then System Restore to start Microsoft System Restore: Microsoft System Restore periodically takes a 'snapshot' of your system settings and saves them as restore points. In most cases of hard-to-resolve software problems, you can return to one of these restore points to get your system running again.
Page 56
Reset your PC from the recovery backup Caution: Reset your PC will erase all files on your hard drive. 1. The Reset your PC window opens. Images for reference only. 2. Click Next. 3. Select the operating system to recover (normally only one option is available).
Page 57
drive takes much longer, up to 5 hours, but is much more secure as old files are completely removed. 6. Click Reset. 7. After the recovery has finished, you can start using your computer by repeating the first-start process. Refresh your PC from the recovery backup 1.
OWER 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, the computer stops some or all of these devices in order to conserve energy.
Page 59
Your computer will also not start if it receives an instruction to start over a network (Wake on LAN). 1. Open the Desktop. 2. Click Power Options in the Notification area. 3. Select More Power Options. 4. Select Choose what the power buttons do. 5.
Page 60
6. Scroll down and disable Turn on fast startup. 7. Select Save changes. 60 - Power management...
ATTERY P A CK The computer uses a battery pack that gives you long use between charges. Battery pack characteristics The battery is recharged whenever you connect the computer to the AC adapter. Your computer supports charge-in-use, enabling you to recharge the battery while you continue to operate the computer.
Page 62
Conditioning a new battery pack Before you use a battery pack for the first time, there is a conditioning process that you should follow: 1. Insert the new battery without turning the computer on. 2. Connect the AC adapter and fully charge the battery. 3.
• Using the computer on constant AC power with the battery inserted. If you want to use constant AC power, you are advised to remove the battery pack after it is fully charged. • Not discharging and recharging the battery to its extremes, as described above.
Checking the battery level The power meter indicates the current battery level. Rest the cursor over the battery/power icon on the taskbar to see the battery's present charge level. Battery-low warning When using battery power pay attention to the power meter. Warning! Connect the AC adapter as soon as possible after the battery-low warning appears.
Situation Recommended Action The AC adapter or a power outlet is 1. Save all necessary files. unavailable. You 2. Close all applications. have no spare 3. Turn off the computer. battery pack. Installing and removing the battery pack Important: Before removing the battery from the unit, connect the AC adapter if you want to continue using your computer.
RAVELING W I T H YOUR COMPUTER This section gives you tips and hints to consider when moving around or traveling with your computer. Disconnecting from the desktop Follow these steps to disconnect your computer from external accessories: 1. Save any open files. 2.
Preparing the computer Before moving the computer, close and latch the display cover to place it in Sleep mode. You can now safely take the computer anywhere you go within the building. To bring the computer out of Sleep mode, open the display;...
close the display cover whenever you are not actively using the computer. Taking the computer home When you are moving from your office to your home or vice versa. Preparing the computer After disconnecting the computer from your desktop, follow these steps to prepare the computer for the trip home: •...
Special considerations Follow these guidelines to protect your computer while traveling to and from work: • Minimize the effects of temperature changes by keeping the computer with you. • If you need to stop for an extended period of time and cannot carry the computer with you, leave the computer in the trunk of the car to avoid exposing the computer to excessive heat.
Traveling with the computer When you are moving within a larger distance, for instance, from your office building to a client's office building or traveling locally. Preparing the computer Prepare the computer as if you were taking it home. Make sure that the battery in the computer is charged.
Traveling internationally with the computer When you are moving from country to country. Preparing the computer Prepare the computer as you would normally prepare it for traveling. What to bring with you Bring the following items with you: • AC adapter. •...
Page 72
purchase a power cord that is compatible with the local AC voltage. Do not use converter kits sold for appliances to power the computer. • If you are using the modem, check if the modem and connector are compatible with the telecommunications system of the country you are traveling in.
ECURING Y O U R COMPUTER Your computer is a valuable investment that you need to take care of. Learn how to protect and take care of your computer. Security features include hardware and software locks — a security notch and passwords.
• Password on Boot secures your computer against unauthorized use. Combine the use of this password with password checkpoints on boot- up and resume from Hibernation (if available) for maximum security. Important: Do not forget your Supervisor Password! If you forget your password, please get in touch with your dealer or an authorized service center.
ONNECTING TO A NETWORK Built-in network feature The built-in network feature allows you to connect your computer to an Ethernet-based network. To use the network feature, connect an Ethernet cable from the Ethernet (RJ-45) port on the chassis of the computer to a network jack or hub on your network.
IRELESS N E TW ORK S Connecting to the Internet Your computer's wireless connection is turned on by default. Windows will detect and display a list of available networks during setup. Select your network and enter the password if required. To turn your computer's wireless connections on or off, press Fn+F3.
Page 77
Installation speed and simplicity Installing a wireless LAN system can be fast and easy and eliminates the need to pull cables through walls and ceilings. Components of a wireless LAN To set up your Wireless network at home you need to have the following: Access point (router) Access points (routers) are two-way transceivers that broadcast data into the surrounding environment.
HDMI HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is an industry-supported, uncompressed, all-digital audio/video interface. HDMI provides an interface between any compatible digital audio/video source, such as a set-top box, DVD player, and A/V receiver and a compatible digital audio and/or video monitor, such as a digital television (DTV), over a single cable.
(USB) N I V E R S A L E R I A L The USB port is a high-speed serial bus which allows you to connect USB peripherals without taking up system resources. Universal Serial Bus (USB) - 79...
D V D L A Y I N G MOVIES When the DVD drive module is installed in the optical drive bay, you can play DVD movies on your computer. 1. Insert a DVD. 2. The DVD movie will automatically play after a few seconds. Important: When you launch the DVD player for the first time, the program asks you to enter the region code.
Page 81
Recovering your hard disk does not reset the number of times the region code has been set. Playing DVD movies - 81...
BIOS UTILITY The BIOS utility is a hardware configuration program built into your computer's BIOS. Your computer is already properly configured and optimized, and you do not need to run this utility. However, if you encounter configuration problems, you may need to run it. To activate the BIOS utility, press <F2>...
REQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS The following is a list of possible situations that may arise during the use of your computer. Easy solutions are provided for each one. I turned on the power, but the computer does not start or boot up Look at the power indicator: •...
Page 84
• The brightness level might be too low. Press <Fn> + < > (increase) to adjust the brightness level. • The display device might be set to an external monitor. Press the display toggle hotkey <Fn> + <F5> to toggle the display back to the computer.
Place your proof-of- purchase in the flap located inside the front cover of the ITW passport. If the country you are traveling in does not have an Acer-authorized ITW service site, you can still get in contact with our offices worldwide. Please visit www.acer.com.
Page 86
Before you call Please have the following information available when you call Acer for online service, and please be at your computer when you call. With your support, we can reduce the amount of time a call takes and help solve your problems efficiently.
Troubleshooting This chapter shows you how to deal with common system problems. Read it before calling a technician if a problem occurs. Solutions to more serious problems require opening up the computer. Do not attempt to open the computer yourself; contact your dealer or authorized service center for assistance.
Page 88
Error messages Corrective action Insert a system (bootable) disk, then press Disk boot failure <Enter> to reboot. Press <F2> (during POST) to enter the BIOS Equipment utility, then press Exit in the BIOS utility to configuration error reboot. Contact your dealer or an authorized service Hard disk 0 error center.
Tips and hints for using Windows 8 We know this is a new operating system that will take some getting used to, so we've created a few pointers to help you get started. Three concepts you might want to keep in mind 1.
How do I turn off my computer? Press the Windows key + <C>, click Settings > Power and select the action you'd like to take. Alternatively, from Desktop, click Acer Power Button and select the action you'd like to take.
How do I unlock my computer? Press the any key and click on a user account icon to unlock the computer. If your account has a password set, you will need to enter the password to continue. How do I personalize my computer? You can personalize Start with a different background image or by arranging the tiles to suit your personal needs.
To change the background, press the Windows key + <C> and click Settings > Change PC settings > Personalize. Click Lock screen at the top of the page and select the image and apps you would like to see on the lock screen.
Page 93
To view the complete list of apps, press the space bar or the Menu key and click All apps. How do I make an app appear on Start? If you're in All apps and you want to make an app appear on Start, you can select the app and right-click on it.
What is a Microsoft ID (account)? A Microsoft account is an email address and password that you use to sign in to Windows. You can use any email address, but it is best if you choose the one you already use to communicate with friends and sign in to your favorite websites.
Press the Windows key + <C> and click Settings > Change PC settings > Windows Updates. Click Check for updates now. Where can I get more information? For more information please visit: • Windows 8 tutorials: www.acer.com/windows8-tutorial • Support FAQs: www.acer.com/support Frequently asked questions - 95...
EGULATIONS AND SAFETY N OT IC E S STATEMENT This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
Page 97
Caution: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user's authority, which is granted by the Federal Communications Commission, to operate this computer. OTICE FOR ANADA This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. Remarque à l'intention des utilisateurs canadiens Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme a la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
Page 98
Declaration of Conformity for EU countries Hereby, Acer, declares that this computer is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC. Wireless operation channels for different domains N. America 2.412-2.462 GHz Ch01 through Ch11 Japan 2.412-2.484 GHz...
Page 99
Departments in which the use of the 2400 - 2483.5 MHz band is permitted with an EIRP of less than 100 mW indoors and less than 10 mW outdoors: 01 Ain Orientales 25 Doubs 59 Nord 71 Saone et Loire 02 Aisne 26 Drome 60 Oise...
Page 100
List of national codes This equipment may be operated in the following countries: Country ISO 3166 Country ISO 3166 2 letter code 2 letter code Austria Malta Belgium Netherlands Cyprus Poland Czech Republic Portugal Denmark Slovakia Estonia Slovenia Finland Spain France Sweden Germany...
Page 101
This device complies with RSS210 of Industry Canada. This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003, Issue 4, and RSS-210, No 4 (Dec 2000) and No 5 (Nov 2001). "To prevent radio interference to the licensed service, this device is intended to be operated indoors and away from windows to provide maximum shielding.
Page 102
The FCC RF safety requirement The radiated output power of the wireless LAN Mini PCI Card and Bluetooth card is far below the FCC radio frequency exposure limits. Nevertheless, the computer shall be used in such a manner that the potential for human contact during normal operation is minimized as follows: 1.
Page 103
3. An improper installation or unauthorized use may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Also any tampering of the internal antenna will void the FCC certification and your warranty. — L (RSS-210) ANADA POWER LICENSE EXEMPT RADIO COMMUNICATION DEVICES Exposure of humans to RF fields (RSS-102) The computer employs low gain integral antennas that do not emit RF field in excess of Health Canada limits for the general population;...