User Guide
Copyright © 2009. Acer Incorporated. All Rights Reserved. eMachines User Guide Original Issue: 01 / 2009 Changes may be made periodically to the information in this publication without obligation to notify any person of such revisions or changes. Such changes will be incorporated in new editions of this manual or supplementary documents and publications.
Information for your safety and comfort Safety 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. Use a damp cloth for cleaning. Warnings • • • • • Do not use this product near water. Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand or table.
: Warning! The grounding pin is a safety feature. Using a power outlet that is not properly grounded may result in electric shock and/or injury. Note: The grounding pin also provides good protection from unexpected noise produced by other nearby electrical devices that may interfere with the performance of this product. • Use the product only with the supplied power supply cord set.
Disposal instructions Do not throw this electronic device into the trash when discarding. To minimize pollution and ensure utmost protection of the global environment, please recycle.For more information on the Waste from Electrical and Electronics Equipment (WEEE) regulations, visit http://global.acer.com/about/sustainability.htm.
: ENERGY STAR is a government program (public/private partnership) that gives people the power to protect the environment in a cost effective way and without sacrificing quality or product features. Products that earn the ENERGY STAR prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the US Department of Energy (DOE).
• • • • take short rests to relax your neck and shoulders avoid tensing your muscles or shrugging your shoulders install the external display, keyboard and mouse properly and within comfortable reach if you view your monitor more than your documents, place the display at the center of your desk to minimize neck strain Taking care of your vision Long viewing hours, wearing incorrect glasses or contact lenses, glare, excessive room lighting, poorly focused screens, very small typefaces and low-contrast disp
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Contents Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Computer . . . 1 About this guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Chapter 2: Setting Up and Getting Started. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Working safely and comfortably . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contents Expansion cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . File management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 1 Checking Out Your Computer 1
Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Computer About this guide This guide includes information and maintenance instructions that are specific to your model of computer. Some illustrations in this guide may look different than your computer because hardware options and port locations may vary. Front Component Icon Description DVD/CD drive Use this drive to listen to audio CDs, install games and programs, watch DVDs, and store large files onto recordable discs (depending on drive type).
Back Important Your computer’s hardware options and port locations may vary from this illustration. Component Icon Description Kensington lock slot (optional) Connects to a Kensington-compatible computer security lock. Voltage switch The switch is preset at the factory. Make sure that this is set to the correct voltage for your area. Power connector Plug the power cord into this connector. PS/2 keyboard port Plug a PS/2 keyboard into this port.
Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Computer Component Icon Description Center/subwoofer jack (orange plug) (optional) Plug your center speaker and subwoofer into this jack. Surround L/R speaker jack (black plug) Plug your rear right and left speakers into this jack.
Chapter 2 Setting Up and Getting Started 5
Chapter 2: Setting Up and Getting Started Working safely and comfortably Before using your computer, follow these general guidelines for setting up a safe and comfortable work area and avoiding discomfort and strain: • Keep hands and arms parallel to the floor. • Adjust the screen so it is perpendicular to your line of sight, and the top of the screen is no higher than eye leve. • Place your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest. • Keep ventilation openings clear of obstructions.
Preparing power connections Protecting from power source problems Warning High voltages can enter your computer through both the power cord and the modem connection. Protect your computer by using a surge protector. If you have a telephone modem, use a surge protector that has a modem jack. If you have a cable modem, use a surge protector that has an antenna/cable TV jack. During an electrical storm, unplug both the surge protector and the modem.
Chapter 2: Setting Up and Getting Started Checking the voltage selection Caution If you set the voltage selection switch incorrectly, your system will be damaged. Make sure this switch is set correctly for your location before turning on your computer. In the United States, the utility power is supplied at a nominal 115 volts at 60 Hz. The power supply should always be set to this when your computer is operating in the United States.
Connecting to a broadband modem or network Important Your computer may be equipped with a built-in Ethernet (network) jack. For information about setting up a wired or wireless Ethernet network. You can connect your computer to a cable or DSL (broadband) modem or to a wired Ethernet network. To connect to a broadband modem or to an Ethernet network: 1 Insert one end of the network cable into the network jack on the back of your computer. For the location, see “Back” on page 3.
Chapter 2: Setting Up and Getting Started 2 Insert the other end of the modem cable into a telephone wall jack. (The modem will not work with digital or PBX telephone lines.) 3 If you want, you can connect a telephone to the PHONE jack on the modem on the back of your computer. Using the World Wide Web The World Wide Web is a multimedia window to the Internet that gives you access to millions of information sources.
Connecting to a Web site After you set up an account with an Internet service provider (ISP), you can access the many information sources on the World Wide Web. To connect to a Web site: 1 Connect to your Internet account. 2 Depending on the method you use to connect to your Internet account, you may need to start your Web browser. Click (Start), then click Internet. Your default Web browser opens showing an opening page or welcome screen.
Chapter 2: Setting Up and Getting Started Downloading files Caution To protect your computer against viruses, make sure that you scan the files you download. Downloading is the process of transferring files from a computer on the Internet to your computer. To download files or programs from a Web site: 1 Connect to your Internet account. 2 In the address bar, type the address of the Web site that contains the file or program you want to download, then press ENTER.
Ethernet networking Wired Ethernet networking An wired Ethernet network consists of two or more computers connected together through an Ethernet cable. This connection type is commonly used in offices around the world and can be used to build computer networks in the home. Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, or Gigabit Ethernet Important Check local code requirements before installing Ethernet cable or other wiring in your home or office.
Chapter 2: Setting Up and Getting Started Attached to the router are all of your computers or Ethernet-ready devices. Also connected to the router is a cable or DSL modem that provides access to the Internet. Cable/DSL modem Router Equipment you need for a router-based Ethernet network Important For best results, all Ethernet components should be either standard Ethernet (10 Mbps), Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps or 10/100), or Gigabit Ethernet (1000 Mbps or 10/100/1000).
When buying your router, be sure the model includes everything your network needs, including: • Internet security features, such as a firewall, to protect your network from unwanted intruders • 4-port switch to eliminate the need for additional network hardware • DHCP server/dynamic IP address assignment to automatically configure network and IP addresses Determining if an Ethernet card is already installed on your computer To determine if an Ethernet card is already installed on your computer: 1 Click (Sta
Chapter 2: Setting Up and Getting Started Installing Ethernet cards and drivers After you have determined the type of Ethernet you are using for your network, you need to install Ethernet cards and drivers on the computers that do not have Ethernet already installed. Use the documentation that comes with your Ethernet cards for instructions on installing the card and any required drivers.
In addition to a router, you need a straight-through cable for each computer you want to connect to the network. Cable/DSL modem Router WAN port To set up a network using a router: 1 Plug one end of the power adapter into the AC connector on the router and the other end into a grounded, 110V electrical outlet. 2 Turn on your computers. 3 Plug one end of a straight-through network cable into any numbered port on the router (except the WAN port).
Chapter 2: Setting Up and Getting Started Establishing your Ethernet network connection Naming the computers and the workgroup Important You must give each computer on the network a unique Computer Name and the same Workgroup Name. Make sure that you have set up your router (wired network) or access point (wireless network). If you are setting up a wired network, make sure that you have connected the network cabling. To identify this computer on the network: 1 Click Start, then click Control Panel.
Configuring the TCP/IP protocol A networking protocol is a language computers use to talk to each other. One of several available protocols must be set up on each computer you plan to use on your network. We recommend you use the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), which is widely accepted and compatible for local area networks (LANs), as well as for Internet communications. When networking is set up in Windows Vista™, TCP/IP is automatically installed as the default protocol.
Chapter 2: Setting Up and Getting Started Testing your network Now that your home network is set up, log onto one of your computers and access a favorite Internet Web site. If you are unable to connect to the Internet: • Click Start, Control Panel, Network and Internet, then click Network and Sharing Center. Select Diagnose and Repair on the left of the window. Take any actions suggested. • If you are using a wired Ethernet network, check all physical cable connections.
Adding a printer to your network Instead of plugging a printer into each of your computers, you can add a printer to your network. To add a printer to the network, do one of the following: • Connect your printer to your networked computer, then share the printer. For information about sharing printers, see “Sharing drives and printers” on page 21. • Connect your printer to your router or access point if the router or access point includes a USB or parallel port.
Chapter 2: Setting Up and Getting Started 2 Right-click the drive or folder that you want to share, then click Share. The Properties dialog box opens. If you share a drive, the entire contents of that drive will be available to everyone on your network. If you share a folder, only the contents of that folder will be available to everyone on the network. 3 Click the Sharing tab. Click Share. - OR If Share is grayed out, click Advanced Sharing to set sharing for this drive or folder.
Sharing printers To share printers: 1 Click (Start), then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens. 2 Under Hardware and Sound, click Printer The Printers window opens. 3 Right-click the name and icon of the printer you want to share, then click Sharing on the menu. 4 On the Sharing tab, click Share this printer, then click OK.
Chapter 2: Setting Up and Getting Started Creating a shortcut to a network drive After a shortcut is created on a computer for a drive or folder on another computer, the contents of the drive or folder can be accessed as if the drive were attached directly to the computer. For example, a shortcut is created on computer 2 to the Documents folder on computer 1. To access the Documents folder on computer 1 from computer 2, double-click the shortcut icon.
Printing files across the network Important Before you can print a file across the network, you must install the driver for the printer on the computer you are sending the file from. You can obtain the printer driver and installation instructions from the CD that shipped with your printer or from the manufacturer’s Web site. To print files across the network: 1 Open the file you want to print, then click Print. 2 Click the arrow button to open the printer name list, then click the network printer.
Chapter 2: Setting Up and Getting Started 26
Chapter 3 Troubleshooting 27
Chapter 3: Troubleshooting First steps If you have problems with your computer, try these things first: • Make sure that the power cord is connected to your computer and an AC outlet and that the AC outlet is supplying power. • If you use a power strip or surge protector, make sure that it is turned on. • If a peripheral device (such as a keyboard or mouse) does not work, make sure that all connections are secure. • Make sure that your hard drive is not full.
Add-in cards The computer does not recognize an add-in card • Shut down and restart your computer. • Make sure that you have installed the required software. For more information, see the documentation that came with your add-in card. Audio See “Sound” on page 46. CD or DVD drives See “Optical disc drives” on page 42. DVD drives • See “CD or DVD drives” on page 29.
Chapter 3: Troubleshooting • Make sure that all computers are using the same Subnet Mask. • If you assigned IP addresses to the computers, make sure that all computers have different IP addresses. For home networks, IP addresses should be 192.168.N.N where N is a number you assign between 0 and 254. The first N should be the same for all computers on your network and the second N should be different for all computers on your network.
Expansion cards The computer does not recognize an expansion card • Shut down and restart your computer. • Make sure that you have installed the required software. For more information, see the documentation that came with your expansion card. File management Help For more information about restoring deleted files, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type System Restore in the Search box, then press ENTER.
Chapter 3: Troubleshooting • Empty the Recycle Bin by right-clicking the Recycle Bin icon, then clicking Empty Recycle Bin. Caution All deleted files will be lost when you empty the Recycle Bin. • Save your files to another drive. If the hard drive is full, copy any files not regularly used to backup media, then delete them from the hard drive. You see a “Data error” message • This may be the result of a defective area on the hard drive. To fix hard drive problems, run the Error checking program.
You see a “Non-system disk” or “disk error” error message • Your hard drive may have become damaged. Internet See also “Modem (dial-up)” on page 36. You cannot connect to the Internet • If you are using a dial-up modem, make sure that the modem cable is plugged into the modem jack and not the Ethernet network jack. See your setup poster to make sure that the connections have been made correctly.
Chapter 3: Troubleshooting You see an “Unable to locate host” message and are unable to browse the Internet • This problem can occur when you have typed a URL (Web address) incorrectly, you have lost your Internet connection, or your ISP is having technical difficulties. • Double-check the URL or try a different URL. If the error message still appears, disconnect from the ISP connection and close your browser, then reconnect and open the browser.
Keyboard The keyboard does not work • Make sure that the keyboard cable is plugged in correctly. For more information, see the poster that came with your computer. • Remove all extension cables and switch boxes. • Clean the keyboard by using an aerosol can of air with a narrow, straw-like extension to remove dust and lint trapped under the keys. • Try a keyboard that you know works to make sure that the keyboard port works. • Reinstall the keyboard device driver.
Chapter 3: Troubleshooting You see a “Not enough memory” error message • Close all programs, then restart your computer. Memory card reader Drive letters for the memory card slots do not appear in the My Computer window • Reboot your computer. Modem (cable or DSL) • See the documentation that came with your modem for additional troubleshooting information. Modem (dial-up) See also “Internet” on page 33.
To check the dialing properties: 1 Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens. If your Control Panel is in Category View, click Printers and Other Hardware. 2 Click Phone and Modem Options, then click the Dialing Rules tab. 3 Click the location from which you are dialing, then click Edit. 4 Make sure that all settings are correct. Help For more information about dialing properties, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type dialing in the Search box, then press ENTER.
Chapter 3: Troubleshooting • Try another telephone line (either a • different telephone number in your house or a telephone line at a different location). If you can connect on this line, call your telephone service. Try connecting with the modem at a lower connection speed. If reducing the connect speed lets you connect, call your telephone service. The telephone line may be too noisy. You cannot connect to the Internet • The ISP may be having technical difficulties.
The modem is not recognized by your computer • Make sure that the line connected to the modem is working and plugged into the appropriate port on your computer. See your setup poster to make sure that the connections have been made correctly. • If the modem shares the telephone line with another device, make sure that the telephone line is not in use (for example, someone is on the telephone, or another modem is in use). • Use the modem cable that came with your computer.
Chapter 3: Troubleshooting The modem is noisy when it dials and connects When your modem tries to connect to another modem, it begins handshaking. Handshaking is a digital “getting acquainted” conversation between the two modems that establishes connection speeds and communication protocols. You may hear unusual handshaking sounds when the modems first connect. If the handshaking sounds are too loud, you can turn down the modem volume.
• Reinstall the device driver. • Connect a monitor that you know works to your computer. The color is not uniform • Make sure that the monitor warms up for at least 30 minutes before making a final judgment about color uniformity. The text on the display is dim or difficult to read • Adjust the brightness and contrast controls. • Change the display settings. For more information. For more information about display types, see your monitor and video card documentation.
Chapter 3: Troubleshooting Networks You cannot connect to your company network Every network is unique. Contact your company computer department or network administrator for help. For more information about setting up a network in your home. Help For more information about network troubleshooting, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type network troubleshooting in the Search box, then press ENTER.
An audio CD does not produce sound • Make sure that the disc label is facing up, then try again. • Some music CDs have copy protection software. You may not be able to play these CDs on your computer. • Make sure that the volume controls are turned up. • Make sure that the mute controls are turned off. • Make sure that the speaker cables are connected correctly and securely. • Shut down and restart your computer. • Clean the disc. • Reinstall the audio device drivers.
Chapter 3: Troubleshooting Passwords Your computer does not accept your password • Make sure that CAPS LOCK is turned off, then retype the password. Power Your computer will not turn on • Make sure that the power cord is connected to an AC power source and to your computer, and that your computer is turned on. • If your computer is plugged into a surge • protector, make sure that the surge protector is connected securely to an electrical outlet, turned on, and working correctly.
The printer is on but will not print • Check the cable between the printer and your computer. Make sure that it is connected to the correct port. • Make sure that the printer is online. Many printers have an online/offline button that you may need to press so the printer can start printing. Press the button to put the printer online. • Check the cable for bent or broken pins. • If the printer you want to print to is not the default printer, make sure that you have selected it in the printer setup.
Chapter 3: Troubleshooting 3 Right-click the name of the printer you want to use. If the menu shows a check mark next to Use Printer Offline, click Use Printer Offline to clear the check mark. • Wait until files have been printed before • sending additional files to the printer. If you print large files or many files at one time, you may want to add additional memory to the printer. See the printer documentation for instructions for adding additional memory.
Recovering your system You can solve most computer problems by following the information in “Troubleshooting” on page 27 or in the technical support pages at www.emachines.com. Problem solving may also involve reinstalling some or all of the computer’s software (also called recovering or restoring your system). eMachines provides everything you need to recover your system under most conditions.
Chapter 3: Troubleshooting Creating recovery discs If your computer experiences problems that are not recoverable by other methods, you may need to reinstall the Windows operating system and factory-loaded software and drivers. To reinstall using discs, you must create the set of recovery discs beforehand. To create recovery discs: 1 Click (Start), All Programs, eMachines, then click eMachines Recovery Management. eMachines Recovery Management opens.
Recovering pre-installed software and drivers As a troubleshooting step, you may need to reinstall the software and device drivers that came pre-installed on your computer from the factory. You can recover using either your hard drive or the backup discs you have created. • New software—If you need to recover software that did not come pre-installed on your computer, you need to follow that software’s installation instructions.
Chapter 3: Troubleshooting Returning your system to its factory condition In case your computer experiences problems that are not recoverable by other methods, you may need to reinstall everything to return your system to its factory condition. You can reinstall using either your hard drive or the recovery discs you have created. Caution This complete recovery deletes everything on your hard drive, then reinstalls Windows and all software and drivers that were pre-installed on your system.
4 Click OK. The recovery process begins by restarting your computer, then continues by copying files to your hard drive. This process may take a while, but a eMachines Recovery Management screen shows you its progress. When the recovery has finished, a dialog box prompts you to restart your computer. 5 Click OK. Your computer restarts. 6 Follow the on-screen prompts for first-time system setup.
Chapter 3: Troubleshooting 4 Insert the second recovery disc when prompted, then follow the on-screen prompts to complete the recovery. Creating Labelflash Disc Labels What is Labelflash? With Labelflash, you no longer need to print separate disc labels. Labelflash™ is a technology for creating a “label” image on the top surface of an optical disc. Because the image is part of the disc, it will never peel off.
2 Click (Start), All Programs, CyberLink LabelPrint, then click LabelPrint. The LabelPrint program starts. 3 Click LabelFlash, then click the green arrow (in the lower-right corner) to continue. The Edit titles and other information screen opens.
Chapter 3: Troubleshooting 54 4 Enter the information you want printed on the disc into the fields, such as Disc Title, Author, and the track’s Title. 5 Click the green arrow pointing to the right to continue, or click the green arrow pointing to the left to return to the previous screen. If you click the right arrow, the Select the label’s layout and background screen opens.
• To change the font of the text that will be printed on the disc, double-click the box’s dotted outline, then specify the font attributes and click OK. • To change the general layout style, click Select in the Layout Style box.
Chapter 3: Troubleshooting • To change the background, click Select in the Background Image box. You can use images included with the software, or you can use your own photos or artwork by clicking Browse. Valid image formats are: JPG/JPEG TIF/TIFF BMP GIF Click green arrow pointing to the right to continue. The Begin labelling your Labelflash disc screen opens and shows you a preview of your disc label.
7 Click the gold CD button to continue. A message box tells you to insert an unlabeled Labelflash disc. 8 Make sure that an unlabeled Labelflash disc is in the Labelflash drive, label side down, then click Next. The Labelflash Wizard’s settings screen opens. Tip The label side of most discs is the least “shiny” side. 9 Click Preview to see how the disc will look when printed. The Preview window opens. 10 Click Close. 11 Click Next to start the printing process.
Chapter 3: Troubleshooting 12 When the printing of the label image is finished, the drive tray opens and the LabelFlash Wizard window displays the message “Burning completed.” 13 Click Close. Telephone support Before calling Customer Care If you have a technical problem with your computer, follow these recommendations before contacting Customer Care: • Make sure that your computer is connected correctly to a grounded AC power outlet that is supplying power.
• If you have “how to” questions about using a program, see: • Online Help • Printed documentation • The Microsoft Windows documentation • The software publisher’s Web site • See the troubleshooting section of this chapter.
Chapter 3: Troubleshooting 60
Appendix A Regulations and safety notices 61
Appendix A: Regulations and safety notices FCC notice 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. This device generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
Remarque à l'intention des utilisateurs canadiens Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme a la norme NMB-003 du Canada. Declaration of Conformity for EU countries Hereby, eMachines, declares that this PC series is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC. Compliant with Russian regulatory certification Modem notices Notice for USA This equipment complies with Part 68 of the FCC rules.
Appendix A: Regulations and safety notices List of applicable countries EU member states as of May 2004 are: Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Spain, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, Finland, Sweden, United Kingdom Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Cyprus and Malta. Usage allowed in the countries of European Union, as well as Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
7 Use of pulse dialing, when this equipment is connected to the same line as other equipment, may give rise to bell tinkle or noise and may also cause a false answer condition. Should such problems occur, the user should NOT contact the telecom Fault Service. 8 This equipment may not provide for the effective hand-over of a call to another device connected to the same line. 9 Under power failure conditions this appliance may not operate.
Appendix A: Regulations and safety notices technology must be authorized by Macrovision, and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision. Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited. Radio device regulatory notice Note: Below regulatory information is for models with wireless LAN and/or Bluetooth only.
List of applicable countries EU member states as of May 2004 are: Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Spain, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, Finland, Sweden, United Kingdom Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Cyprus and Malta. Usage allowed in the countries of European Union, as well as Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
Appendix A: Regulations and safety notices 68
