-1 Packard Bell EasyNote (15.6") User’s Manual Packard Bell EasyNote (15.
- © 2014. All Rights Reserved. Packard Bell EasyNote (15.6") Covers: TF71BM This revision: May 2014 Sign up for an Acer ID and enable Acer Remote Files Open the Acer Portal from the Start screen to sign up for an Acer ID or sign in if you already have an Acer ID.
Table of contents - 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS First things first 4 Your guides ............................................. 4 Basic care and tips for using your computer.................................................. 4 Turning your computer off........................... 4 Taking care of your computer ..................... 5 Taking care of your AC adapter .................. 5 Cleaning and servicing................................ 6 Your Packard Bell notebook tour Screen view ..............................
- First things first FIRST THINGS FIRST We would like to thank you for making this Packard Bell notebook your choice for meeting your mobile computing needs. Your guides To help you use your Packard Bell notebook, we have designed a set of guides: First off, the Setup Guide helps you get started with setting up your computer. The Quick Guide introduces you to the basic features and functions of your new computer.
First things first - 5 You can also put the computer in sleep mode by pressing the sleep hotkey + . Note If you cannot power off the computer normally, press and hold the power button for more than four seconds to shut down the computer. If you turn off the computer and want to turn it on again, wait at least two seconds before powering up. Taking care of your computer Your computer will serve you well if you take care of it. • Do not expose the computer to direct sunlight.
- First things first cord. Also, the total current rating of all equipment plugged into a single wall outlet should not exceed the fuse rating. Cleaning and servicing When cleaning the computer, follow these steps: 1. Turn off the computer. 2. Disconnect the AC adapter. 3. Use a soft, moist cloth. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.
Your Packard Bell notebook tour - 7 YOUR PACKARD BELL NOTEBOOK TOUR After setting up your computer as illustrated in the Setup Guide, let us show you around your new Packard Bell computer. Screen view 1 2 # Icon Item 1 Webcam 2 Screen Description Web camera for video communication. A light next to the webcam indicates that the webcam is active. Displays computer output.
- Your Packard Bell notebook tour Keyboard view 4 1 2 3 # 1 Icon Item Description Power button Turns the computer on and off. 2 Keyboard 3 Touchpad 4 Microphone For entering data into your computer. See "Using the keyboard" on page 12. Do not use a keyboard protector or similar cover as the keyboard includes ventilation intakes for cooling. Touch-sensitive pointing device. The touchpad and selection buttons form a single surface.
Your Packard Bell notebook tour - 9 Left view 12 3 # Icon Item Kensington lock slot 1 2 USB port 3 SD card reader Description Connects to a Kensingtoncompatible computer security lock. Wrap the computer security lock cable around an immovable object such as a table or handle of a locked drawer. Insert the lock into the notch and turn the key to secure the lock. Keyless models are also available. Connects to USB devices. Accepts one Secure Digital card (SD or SDHC).
- Your Packard Bell notebook tour Right view 1 # Icon 1 2 3 4 2 34 Item Description Internal optical drive; accepts CDs or Optical drive DVDs. Optical disk access Lights up when the optical drive is indicator active. Optical drive eject Ejects the optical disk from the drive. button Ejects the optical drive tray when the Emergency eject computer is turned off. hole Carefully insert a straightened paper clip to eject the optical drive tray.
Your Packard Bell notebook tour - 11 # Icon Item 4 HDMI port 5 Ethernet (RJ-45) port 6 Ventilation and cooling fan Description Supports high-definition digital video connections. Connects to an Ethernet 10/100/ 1000-based network. Allows the computer to stay cool. Do not cover or obstruct the openings. Base view 1 2 3 # Icon 1 Item Speakers 2 Battery reset pinhole 3 Ventilation and cooling fan Description Deliver stereo audio output.
- Using the keyboard 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. Lock key Description When Caps Lock is on, all alphabetic characters Caps Lock typed are in uppercase. When Num Lock is on, the embedded keypad is in numeric mode.
Using the keyboard - 13 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 key before pressing the other key in the hotkey combination. Hotkey Icon Function Description Turns on / off the computer's network devices. + Airplane mode (Network devices vary by configuration.) Puts the computer in Sleep + Sleep mode.
- Using the keyboard Hotkey + + + Icon Function Stop Previous Next Description Stop playing the selected media file. Return to the previous media file. Jump to the next media file. Windows keys The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions. Key Description Pressed alone it returns to the Start screen or to Windows key return to the last open app. It can also be used with other keys for special functions, please check Windows Help.
Touchpad - 15 TOUCHPAD 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. Note The touchpad is sensitive to finger movement; the lighter the touch, the better the response. Please keep the touchpad and your fingers dry and clean. The cursor is controlled by some basic gestures: • Single-finger slide: Slide a finger across the touchpad to move the cursor.
- Touchpad This allows 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 or left. • Swipe in from right edge: Toggle the charms. • Swipe in from left edge: Switch to the previous app. • Two-finger slide: Swiftly scroll through web pages, documents and playlists by placing two fingers on the touchpad and moving both in any direction.
Recovery - 17 RECOVERY If you are having trouble with your computer, and the frequently asked questions (see Frequently asked questions on page 48) 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.
- Recovery 1. From Start, type 'Recovery' and then click Packard Bell Recovery Management in the list of apps. 2. Click Create Factory Default Backup. The Recovery Drive window 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 - 19 • 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. Follow the process until it completes. 6. After creating the recovery backup, you can choose to delete the recovery information on your computer.
- Recovery may use either a 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 Packard Bell Recovery Management in the list of apps. 2. Click Create Drivers and Applications Backup. Plug in the USB drive or insert a blank DVD into the optical drive, then click Next. • If you are using a USB drive, make sure your USB drive has enough capacity before continuing.
Recovery - 21 If multiple discs are required, insert a new disc when prompted, then click OK. Continue until the process is complete. • If you are using a USB drive, unplug the drive and label it clearly. Important Write a unique, descriptive label on each backup, such as 'Drivers and Applications Backup'. Make sure you keep the backup in a safe place that you will remember. Recovering your system To recover your system: 1. Perform minor fixes.
- Recovery Reinstalling drivers and applications As a troubleshooting step, you may need to reinstall the applications and device drivers that came pre-installed on your computer from the factory. You can reinstall using either your hard drive or the backup you have created. • Other applications - If you need to reinstall software that did not come pre-installed on your computer, you need to follow that software’s installation instructions.
Recovery - 23 3. You should see the Contents section of the Packard Bell Resource Center. Images for reference only. 4. Click the install icon for the item you want to install, then follow the onscreen instructions to complete the installation. Repeat this step for each item you want to reinstall. If you are reinstalling from a Drivers and Applications Backup on a DVD or USB drive: 1. Insert the Drivers and Applications Backup into the disc drive or connect it to a free USB port.
- Recovery 2. You should see the Contents section of the Packard Bell Resource Center. Images for reference only. 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. Returning to an earlier system snapshot Microsoft System Restore periodically takes a 'snapshot' of your system settings and saves them as restore points.
Recovery - 25 4. Click the latest restore point (at a time when your system worked correctly), click Next, then Finish. 5. A confirmation window appears; click Yes. Your system is restored using the restore point you specified. This process may take several minutes, and may restart your computer. Returning your system to its factory condition If 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.
- Recovery the Windows Store). See Customized Restore with Packard Bell Recovery Management on page 27. Restore Factory Settings with Packard Bell Recovery Management 1. Click Restore Factory Settings. Important ’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: a. Just remove my files quickly erases all files before restoring your computer and takes about 30 minutes.
Recovery - 27 6. After the recovery has finished, you can start using your computer by repeating the first-start process. Recovering from the hard drive during startup 1. Turn on your computer and press + during startup. A screen appears asking you to choose the keyboard layout. 2. Several options are now presented. Click Troubleshoot. 3. Click either Refresh your PC or Reset your PC.
- Recovery 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. If it is not already enabled, you must enable the F12 Boot Menu: a.
Recovery - 29 b. Click Reset your PC to start the reset process: Reset your PC deletes everything on your hard drive, then reinstalls Windows and all software and drivers that were preinstalled on your system. If you can access important files on your hard drive, back them up now. See Reset your PC from the recovery backup below. c. Click Refresh your PC to start the refresh process: Refresh your PC will attempt to retain your files (user data) but will reinstall all software and drivers.
- Recovery 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. 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. The Refresh your PC window opens. 2. Click Next. 3.
Connecting to the Internet - 31 CONNECTING T O TH E INTERNET Note Information in this section may not apply to your computer. This chapter includes basic information on types of connections, and getting connected to the Internet. For detailed information, please refer to Network connections on page 63. Connecting with a cable Built-in network feature The built-in network feature makes it easy for you to connect your computer to the Internet using a cable.
- Connecting to the Internet Connecting wirelessly Connecting to a wireless LAN A wireless LAN (or WLAN) is a wireless local area network, which can link two or more computers without using wires. Once connected to WLAN, you can access the Internet. You can also share files, other devices, and even your Internet connection itself. Warning Using wireless devices while flying in aircraft may be prohibited.
Using a Bluetooth connection - 33 USING A BLUETOOTH CONNECTION Bluetooth is a technology enabling you to transfer data wirelessly over short distances between many different types of devices. Bluetoothenabled devices include computers, cell phones, tablets, wireless headsets, and keyboards. To use Bluetooth, you must ensure the following: 1. Bluetooth is enabled on both devices. 2. Your devices are "paired" (or connected).
- Using a Bluetooth connection 4. Tap the device you wish to add from the list of discovered devices, and tap Pair. A code displays on your computer, which should match the code displayed on your device. Select Yes. Then, accept the pairing from your device. Note Some devices using older versions of the Bluetooth technology require both devices to enter a PIN.
BIOS utility - 35 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 normally need to run this utility. However, if you encounter configuration problems, you may need to run it. To activate the BIOS utility, press during the POST while the computer logo is being displayed.
- Securing your computer SECURING Y O U R C O MP U TE R 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. Using a computer security lock The computer comes with a Kensington-compatible security slot for a security lock. Wrap a computer security lock cable around an immovable object such as a table or handle of a locked drawer.
Securing your computer - 37 Entering passwords When a password is set, a password prompt appears in the center of the display screen. • When the Supervisor Password is set, a prompt appears when you enter the BIOS utility. • Type the Supervisor Password and press to access the BIOS utility. If you enter the password incorrectly, a warning message appears. Try again and press . • When the User Password is set and the password on boot parameter is enabled, a prompt appears at boot-up.
- Power management 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, the computer stops some or all of these devices in order to conserve energy.
Power management - 39 5. Select Change settings that are currently unavailable. 6. Scroll down and disable Turn on fast startup. 7. Select Save changes.
- Battery pack BATTERY PACK The computer uses an embedded Lithium battery that gives you long use between charges. Battery 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. However, recharging with the computer turned off significantly reduces charge time. The battery will come in handy when you travel or during a power failure.
Battery pack - 41 Use this conditioning process for all new batteries, or if a battery hasn't been used for a long time. Warning Do not expose battery packs to temperatures below 0° C (32° F) or above 45° C (113° F). Extreme temperatures may adversely affect the battery pack. The battery conditioning process ensures your battery accepts the maximum possible charge.
- Battery pack 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. Important Connect the AC adapter as soon as possible after the battery-low warning appears. Data may be lost if the battery is allowed to become fully depleted and the computer shuts down.
Memory card reader - 43 MEMORY CARD READER Connectivity options Your computer has a card reader and other ports/jacks that allow you to connect peripheral devices to your computer. For instructions on how to connect different external devices to the computer, read the following section. Memory card reader Memory cards are used in a wide selection of digital cameras, PDAs, MP3 players and mobile phones. Inserting a memory card 1.
- Memory card reader (2 TB). Your computer provides an SDHC or SDXC compatible card reader. Note SDXC memory cards can only be used in an SDXC-compatible reader; SD and SDHC cards can be used in either type. Removing a card from a memory card reader 1. Click on Show hidden icons arrow in the Notification Area (next to the clock). 2. Click on the Safely Remove Hardware icon. 3. Click on Eject SD Card (or the name of the device). 4. Wait until a Safe to Remove Hardware message is displayed. 5.
Video and audio connectors - 45 VIDEO AND AUDIO CONNECTORS Connect to a monitor with a VGA or DVI port (the type of connection supported depends on your computer’s configuration). The appropriate cable is usually included with the monitor. Follow these steps to connect an monitor to your computer: 1. Check that the computer is powered off and the monitor power switch is turned off. 2. Attach the video cable to the monitor port on the computer. Secure the cable connection with the screws provided. 3.
- HDMI HDMI HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is a high-quality, digital audio/video interface. HDMI allows you to connect any compatible digital audio/video source, such as your computer, a set-top box, DVD player, and audio/video receiver to any compatible digital audio and/or video monitor, such as a digital television (DTV) with a single cable. The single cable keeps everything neat and tidy while ensuring easy connection and the best audio and visual quality.
Universal Serial Bus (USB) - 47 UNIVERSAL SERIAL BUS (USB) The USB port is a high-speed port which allows you to connect USB peripherals, such as a mouse, an external keyboard, additional storage (external hard disks), or any other compatible device. Note Two USB standards are currently available on Packard Bell computers: USB 2.0 (High-speed USB) and USB 3.0 (SuperSpeed USB). USB 2.0 ports on Packard Bell computers have a black tongue in the port, while USB 3.0 ports have a blue tongue.
- Frequently asked questions F R E Q U E N TL Y 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: • If it is not lit, no power is being supplied to the computer. Check the following: • If you are using on the battery, it may be low and unable to power the computer.
Frequently asked questions - 49 • The volume may be muted. Look at the volume control (speaker) icon in the taskbar. If it is crossed-out, click the icon and deselect the Mute all option. • The volume level may be too low. Check the volume from the volume control (speaker) icon in the taskbar. You can also use the volume control buttons to adjust the volume. • If headphones, earphones or external speakers are connected to the headphone jack on the computer, the internal speakers automatically turn off.
- Frequently asked questions I want to restore my computer to its original settings. Note If your system is the multilingual version, the operating system and language you choose when you first turn on the system will be the only option for future recovery operations. This recovery process helps you restore the C: drive with the original software content that is installed when you purchased your computer. Warning Your C: drive will be reformatted and all data will be erased.
Frequently asked questions - 51 If the country you are traveling in does not have an Packard Bellauthorized ITW service site, you can still get in contact with our offices worldwide. Please visit www.packardbell.com. Before you call Please have the following information available when you call Packard Bell 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.
F r e qu e nt ly a sk 52 - Frequently asked questions Tips and hints for using Windows 8.1 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. How do I get to Start? Press the Windows key; click the Start button on the desktop taskbar; or move your cursor into the upper right-hand corner of the screen and click the Start charm. Where’s the Start button? The Start button will appear in the desktop taskbar.
Frequently asked questions - 53 Can I boot directly to the desktop? Yes, you can, just follow these steps: 1. Go to the desktop. 2. Right-click the taskbar and select Properties from the menu that opens. 3. From the Navigation tab, check Go to the desktop instead of Start when I sign in. How do I jump between apps? Move your cursor to the upper left-hand corner of the screen and click the thumbnail of the app that you want to jump to.
- Frequently asked questions Can I personalize the Lock screen? You can personalize the lock screen with a different image, to run a slideshow of images, or to show you quick status and notifications to suit your personal needs. To change the background, move your cursor to the upper right-hand corner of the screen and click Settings > Change PC settings > PC and devices > Lock screen.
Frequently asked questions - 55 Can I make tiles bigger or smaller? Right-click anywhere on Start to open the Customize menu, click the tile(s) you wish to resize and click Resize. Select a size from the menu that appears. How do I close an app? Move your cursor to the top of the screen. You will see it change to a hand, click and drag the hand downwards past the half-way point of the screen.
- Frequently asked questions 5. Save the alarm by clicking the Save icon in the upper right-hand corner. Delete Save Hour Minutes Note The alarm will only sound if your computer is awake at the set time. Where are my apps? Move your cursor to the upper right-hand corner of the screen and click Search, start typing the name of the app you would like to open. Results will be displayed on the right-hand side of the screen.
Frequently asked questions - 57 How do I make an app appear on my taskbar? If you're in All apps and you want to make an app appear on the taskbar, right-click a tile to select it and open the Customize menu. Select Pin to taskbar. How do I install apps? You can download Windows Store apps from Store. You will need to have a Microsoft ID to purchase and download apps from Store.
- Frequently asked questions sign in to your favorite websites. When you sign in to your PC with a Microsoft account, you'll connect your PC to the people, files, and devices you care about. Do I need one? You do not need a Microsoft ID to use Windows 8.1, but it makes life easier because you can sync data across different machines you sign in to using a Microsoft ID. How do I get one? If you've already installed Windows 8.
F R E Q U E N T LY Frequently asked questions - 59 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. Troubleshooting tips This computer incorporates an advanced design that delivers onscreen error message reports to help you solve problems.
- Frequently asked questions Error messages Keyboard error or no keyboard connected Keyboard interface error Memory size mismatch Corrective action Contact your dealer or an authorized service center. Contact your dealer or an authorized service center. Press (during POST) to enter the BIOS utility, then press Exit in the BIOS utility to reboot. If you still encounter problems after going through the corrective measures, please contact your dealer or an authorized service center for assistance.
Internet and online security - 61 INTERNET AND ONLINE SECURITY First steps on the net Protecting your computer It is vital to protect your computer from viruses and attacks over the Internet (see Security on page 65). A comprehensive Internet security program is offered when you first start your computer. You should activate this protection as soon as possible, certainly before you connect to the Internet.
- Internet and online security Internet as the connection speed is low and connection time is typically charged per hour. DSL (e.g. ADSL) DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) is an ‘always-on’ connection that runs over the phone line. As DSL and phone do not use the same frequencies, you can use your telephone at the same time you are connected to the Internet (this requires a ‘micro-filter’ on each telephone socket to avoid interference).
Internet and online security - 63 Network connections A LAN (Local Area Network) is a group of computers (for example, within an office building or home) that share a common communications line and resources. When you set up a network, you can share files, peripheral devices (such as a printer) and an Internet connection. You can set up a LAN using wired technologies (such as Ethernet) or wireless technologies (such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth).
- Internet and online security services. Read carefully the documentation supplied with your Access point/router for detailed setup instructions. Network cable (RJ45) A network cable (also called RJ45 cable) is used to connect the host computer to the access point (see illustration below); this type of cable may also be used to connect peripheral devices to the access point. Wireless adapter An internal wireless adapter is normally already installed in your computer.
Internet and online security - 65 network management options. Press the Windows key ( "HomeGroup" and then click on HomeGroup. ) + W, type Warning Using wireless devices while flying in aircraft is prohibited. Switch off all devices before boarding an aircraft; they may be dangerous to the operation of the aircraft, disrupt communications, and even be illegal. Surf the Net! To surf the Internet, you need a program called an Internet browser.
- Internet and online security Norton Internet Security blocks online identity theft, detects and eliminates spyware, removes viruses and Internet worms, protects against hackers. Definitions What is a virus? Malicious software, typically called ‘viruses’, are programs designed to infect and damage computers. Most viruses are transmitted over the Internet, emails or malicious Web sites. A typical virus will replicate and pass itself undetected to multiple computers.
Internet and online security - 67 against malware, make sure it is using up-to-date antivirus and antimalware software. What is a personal firewall? A personal firewall is a software program designed to prevent unauthorized access to or from a private network. It acts as a shield to protect your Internet connection from unwanted connections, some of which may attempt to take control of your computer to install or redistribute viruses or malicious programs.
- Internet and online security latest software. Taking advantage of auto-update features in your software is a great start toward keeping yourself safe online. Protect your computer with security software Several types of security software are necessary for basic online security. Security software essentials include firewall and antivirus programs. A firewall is usually your computer's first line of defense-it controls who and what can communicate with your computer online.
Internet and online security - 69 combination of letters, numbers and symbols (e.g., # $ % ! ?). Avoid using any of the following as your password: your login name, anything based on your personal information such as your last name, and words that can be found in the dictionary, especially "password." Try to select especially strong, unique passwords for protecting activities like online banking. • Keep your passwords in a safe place and try not to use the same password for every service you use online.
- Internet and online security • Steer clear of fraudulent Web sites used to steal personal information. When visiting a Web site, type the address (URL) directly into the Web browser rather than following a link within an email or instant message. Fraudsters often forge these links to make them look convincing. A shopping, banking or any other Web site where sensitive information should have an "S" after the letters "http" (i.e. https:// www.yourbank.com not http://www.yourbank.com).
Internet and online security - 71 Review bank and credit card statements regularly The impact of identity theft and online crimes can be greatly reduced if you can catch it shortly after your data is stolen or when the first use of your information is attempted. One of the easiest ways to get the tip-off that something has gone wrong is by reviewing the monthly statements provided by your bank and credit card companies for anything out of the ordinary.
- Playing Blu-Ray or DVD movies P L A Y IN G B L U -R A Y OR DVD M O VI ES If your computer is equipped with a Blu-Ray or DVD drive, you can play movies on your computer or on a high-definition TV via the HDMI port. 1. Insert the disc into the drive. 2. After a few seconds, the movie will start playing. 3. If the movie does not start playing, open your movie playback program and open the disc from the File menu.
