-1 Packard Bell Desktop Computer User’s Manual Packard Bell Desktop Computer User’s Manual
- © 2013. All Rights Reserved. Packard Bell Desktop Computer Covers: Tower models This revision: October 2013 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 on and off............... 4 Taking care of your computer ..................... 5 Power cord information ............................... 5 Cleaning and servicing................................ 6 Recovery 7 Creating a recovery backup.....................
- First things first FIRST THINGS FIRST We would like to thank you for making this Packard Bell desktop computer your choice for meeting your computing needs. Your guides To help you use your Packard Bell desktop computer, 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 Cleaning and servicing When cleaning the computer, follow these steps: 1. Turn off the computer. 2. 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; • The computer does not operate normally See Frequently asked questions on page 62.
Recovery - 7 RECOVERY If you are having trouble with your computer, and the frequently asked questions (see Frequently asked questions on page 62) 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 - 9 • 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 - 11 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 - 13 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 - 15 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 17. 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 - 17 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 - 19 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 on page 19. 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 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. 6. Click Reset. 7. After the recovery has finished, you can start using your computer by repeating the first-start process.
Connecting to the Internet - 21 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 46. 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.
- BIOS utility 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 - 23 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. Using passwords Passwords protect your computer from unauthorized access. Setting these passwords creates several different levels of protection for your computer and data: • Supervisor Password prevents unauthorized entry into the BIOS utility. Once set, you must enter this password to gain access to the BIOS utility.
- Securing your computer • Type the User Password and press to use the computer. If you enter the password incorrectly, a warning message appears. Try again and press . Important You have three chances to enter a password. If you fail to enter the password correctly after three tries, the system halts. Press and hold the power button for four seconds to shut down the computer. Then turn on the computer again, and try again.
Power management - 25 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 5. Scroll down and disable Turn on fast startup. 6. Select Save changes.
Memory card reader - 27 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 - 29 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) - 31 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 - 33 • 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 - 35 Always have your ITW passport on hand, especially when you travel, to receive the benefits from our support centers. Attach your proof-ofpurchase to the ITW passport. 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.
F r e qu e nt ly a sk 36 - 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 - 37 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 & devices > Lock screen.
Frequently asked questions - 39 How do I set the alarm? Your computer can act as an alarm clock. Start typing ’Alarms’ to search for the Alarms app. 1. Set the time using the sliders on the left-hand side of the screen. 2. Select AM or PM. 3. Choose which days the alarm should go off. 4. Select the notification. 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.
- Frequently asked questions 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 - 41 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. I can't find apps like Notepad and Paint! Where are they? Move your cursor to the upper right-hand corner of the screen and click Search, type the name of the app you would like to open using the pop-up keyboard. Alternatively, open All apps and scroll to ’Windows Accessories’ to see the list of legacy programs.
- Frequently asked questions 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 - 43 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 - 45 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 49). 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 - 47 Wireless networks A wireless LAN or WLAN is a wireless local area network, which may link two or more computers without using wires. Setting up a wireless network is easy and allows you to share files, peripheral devices and an Internet connection. What are benefits of a wireless network? Mobility Wireless LAN systems allow you and other users of your home network to share access to files and devices connected to the network, for example a printer or scanner.
- Internet and online security Wireless adapter Diagram of a working network 1. Access point/router 2. Desktop computer 3. Modem 4. Printer 5. Portable computer 6. PDA/Smartphone 7. Network cables (RJ45) 4 5 1 3 7 2 6 Turning on/off a wireless network connection If your computer has wireless access, but does not feature a Communication button, you may turn your wireless network on or off, or control what is shared over the network with the network management options.
Internet and online security - 49 Packard Bell is dedicated to provide you with on-going personalised support. Check out our Support section to get help tailored to your needs. www.packardbell.com is your portal to a world of online activities and services: visit us regularly for the latest information and downloads! Security You are probably eager to explore everything the Internet has to offer.
- Internet and online security browsing activity, collect personal information, cause pop-up ads to appear, or even change the configuration of your computer. Spyware consumes resources on your computer; it can slow down your Internet connection or entire computer system, and even cause crashes. Spyware is sometimes used by unscrupulous companies to monitor and track the sites you visit on the Internet so as to determine your web-surfing habits and display targeted pop-up ads on your screen.
Internet and online security - 51 Keep your computer current with the latest patches and updates One of the best ways to keep attackers away from your computer is to apply patches and other software fixes when they become available. By regularly updating your computer, you block attackers from being able to take advantage of software flaws (vulnerabilities) that they could otherwise use to break into your system.
- Internet and online security alternative to installing, configuring and updating several different types of security software. A complete version of Norton Internet Security is pre-installed on your Packard Bell system. It includes a free trial subscription to protection updates.
Internet and online security - 53 • Keep an eye out for phony email messages. Things that indicate a message may be fraudulent are misspellings, poor grammar, odd phrasing, Web site addresses with strange extensions, Web site addresses that are entirely numbers where there are normally words, and anything else out of the ordinary.
- Internet and online security Online offers that look too good to be true usually are The old saying "there's no such thing as a free lunch" still rings true today. Supposedly "free" software such as screen savers or smileys, secret investment tricks sure to make you untold fortunes, and contests that you've surprisingly won without entering are the enticing hooks used by companies to grab your attention.
Internet and online security - 55 can improve your computing experience and help protect your computer against new viruses and attacks. How do I know when my computer is at risk? If the Action Center reports an alert, or if your computer behaves erratically, crashes unexpectedly or if some of your programs do not work correctly, your computer may be infected by malicious software.
- 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.
