ACER ASPIRE 3 A315-23G (01) PDF Document

If your ACER ASPIRE 3 A315-23G runs on Windows OS, it may have been registered automatically when you first started it up. You can log in at the Acer website with the email address you registered for Windows OS to review your product record.

If the record is not found, please follow these steps to register:

1. Ensure you are connected to the Internet.

2. Go to the Acer register-product website.

3. Sign in or sign up for an Acer ID.

4. Enter the S/N or SNID of your device to register it.

To turn the power off on your ACER ASPIRE 3 A315-23G, do any of the following:

• Use the Windows shutdown command: Press the Windows key or select the Windows Start button, select Power > Shut down.

• Right-click the Windows Start button > Shut down or sign out > Shut down.

If you cannot power off the computer normally, press and hold the power button for up to ten 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.

If you need to power down the ACER ASPIRE 3 A315-23G for a short while, but don’t want to completely shut it down, you can put it to Sleep by doing any of the following:

• Press the power button.

• Press the sleep hotkey.

• Press the Windows key or select the Windows Start button, select Power > Sleep.

• Right-click the Windows Start button > Shut down or sign out > Sleep.

Your ACER ASPIRE 3 A315-23G will serve you well if you take care of it.

• Only use the adapter provided with your device, or an Acer-approved adapter to power your device.

• Do not expose the computer to direct sunlight. Do not place it near sources of heat, such as a radiator.

• Do not expose the computer to temperatures below 0° C (32° F) or above 50° C (122° F).

• Do not subject the computer to magnetic fields.

• Do not expose the computer to rain or moisture.

• Do not spill water or any liquid on the computer.

• Do not subject the computer to heavy shock or vibration.

• Do not expose the computer to dust or dirt.

• Never place objects on top of the computer.

• Do not slam the computer display when you close it.

• Never place the computer on uneven surfaces.

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. Route the power cord and any cables away from where people walk.

• When unplugging the power cord, do not pull on the cord itself but pull on the plug.

• The total ampere ratings of the equipment plugged in should not exceed the ampere rating of the cord if you are using an extension cord. Also, the total current rating of all equipment plugged into a single wall outlet should not exceed the fuse rating.

When cleaning your ACER ASPIRE 3 A315-23G, 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.

The useful lifespan of a battery is adversely affected by constantly charging the battery when already at full capacity, or charging it at temperatures above 35 °C (95 °F) or below 0 °C (32 °F).

To prevent damage, follow these precautions:

• Stop charging the battery once it reaches 100% capacity. Regularly charging a fully charged battery for an extended period may cause deformation or damage. It is recommended to recharge the device when the battery level drops below 70%.

• Do not charge the battery in temperatures above 35 °C (95 °F) or below 0 °C (32 °F).

• The charging port must be clean and free from debris and should only be used with Acer charging equipment.

• If you plan to store the device for a long period, turn it off, remove AC power, and store it at room temperature (0 °C – 35 °C) in a dry (humidity: 45% – 80%), well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight, high temperatures, and high humidity. Do not leave the battery completely discharged for a long time. It is recommended that the battery is checked and charged to approximately 50% capacity every 6 months.

• ONLY CHARGE THE BATTERY IN A CLEAN, WELL VENTILATED AREA.

To activate hotkeys, press and hold the Fn key before pressing the other key in the hotkey combination. To swap the hotkey and special function of the F1 to F12 keys, change the function key setting in the BIOS. To open the BIOS press F2 when starting your computer, then select the Main menu and change Function key behavior to Function keys.

The Precision Touchpad on your ACER ASPIRE 3 A315-23G supports various gestures. Note that some gestures may not be supported by the specific application or program you are using.

Single-finger slide: Slide a finger across the touchpad to move the cursor.

Single-finger press or tap: Press the touchpad down, or lightly tap it with your finger, to perform a ‘click’, which will select or start an item. Quickly repeat the tap to perform a double tap or ‘double click’.

Two-finger press: Lightly tap the touchpad with two fingers to perform a ‘right click’. In the Start screen, this will toggle the app commands. In most apps this will open a context menu related to the selected item.

Two-finger slide: Swiftly scroll through web pages, documents and playlists by placing two fingers on the touchpad and moving both in any direction.

Two-finger pinch: Zoom in and out of photos, maps and documents with a simple finger-and-thumb gesture.

Three-finger press: Lightly tap the touchpad with three fingers to open the Search Windows.

Three-finger swipe: Swipe up to open Task View, swipe down to minimize all open windows and show Desktop, and swipe left or right to switch between open windows.

Four-finger press: Lightly tap the touchpad with four fingers to open the Action Center.

Four-finger swipe: Swipe up to open Task View, and swipe down to minimize all open windows and show Desktop.

To change the touchpad settings to suit your personal requirements, please do the following:

1. In the icon tray in the lower right-hand corner of the screen, select the Notifications icon to open the Notifications pane.

2. Select All settings.

3. Select Devices > Touchpad.

4. Now you can adjust the settings to suit your personal needs. You can switch off the touchpad if you prefer to use a mouse, or adjust the touchpad sensitivity. Scroll down to see more settings.

Recovery Management allows you to quickly and easily back up your files.

1. From Start, select Care Center then Recovery Management.

2. Select the Backup tab and click Get started for Create backup to open the Backup window.

3. Plug in a USB drive (or a portable external hard drive) and click + to add a drive. Select the USB drive from the drop-down list.

4. Click More options to select back-up options which best fit your needs, such as the backup interval, how long you want to keep those backups (default is Forever), and which folders to be backed up or excluded. Click Back up now to continue.

5. Follow the process until it completes.

6. Unplug the USB drive (or portable external hard drive) and label it clearly. It is important to write a unique, descriptive label on the backup and keep it in a safe place that you will remember.

You can use these backups to install the wireless and LAN drivers if you install another operating system.

1. From Start, select Care Center then Recovery Management.

2. Select the Backup tab and click Get started for Backup wireless and LAN drivers. Choose a folder to save your drivers and select OK.

3. You will be shown the backup progress on the screen.

This process allows you to back up your operating system, installed apps, and data.

1. From Start, select Care Center then Recovery Management.

2. Select the Backup tab and click Get started for Create backup to open the Backup window.

3. Click Go to Backup and Restore (Windows 7).

4. Click Security and Maintenance in the bottom left of the page and click Recovery.

5. Select Create a recovery drive to open the Recovery Drive window.

6. Make sure Back up system files to the recovery drive is selected and click Next. Since the recovery backup requires at least 8 GB of storage after formatting, it is recommended to use a USB drive with a capacity of 16 GB or larger.

7. Plug in the USB drive and wait for the PC to detect it, then click Next.

8. Everything on the drive will be deleted. Click Create to continue.

9. You will be shown the backup progress on the screen.

10. Follow the process until it completes.

11. Unplug the USB drive and label it clearly with a descriptive name like ‘Windows Recovery Backup’.

This process will refresh your PC and reinstall your operating system without removing your personal files. However, any apps you have installed will be removed.

1. From Start, select Care Center then Recovery Management.

2. Select the Restore tab and click Get started to open the Recovery window.

3. Click Get started to Choose an option. Select Keep my files. Click Next to continue.

4. Resetting the PC will reinstall Windows, change settings back to their factory defaults, and remove all preinstalled apps and programs without removing your personal files. Click Reset to continue. This will take a while and your PC will restart.

5. You will be shown the reset progress on the screen. The screen will turn off during the reset process.

6. The screen will turn back on when it is installing Windows. Your PC will restart several times during the reset process.

7. Follow the process until it completes.

8. When your PC has completed the reset process, Windows will have been reset back to its factory default settings without removing your personal files.

This process will restore your PC to its factory default status, removing all of your personal files, apps and settings.

1. From Start, select Care Center then Recovery Management.

2. Select the Restore tab and click Get Started to open the Recovery window.

3. Click Get started to Choose an option. Select Remove everything.

4. Click Change settings to choose restore settings (Data erasure and Data drives). Turning on “Data erasure” will remove all of your personal files and accounts, along with pre-existing drivers that may affect your Windows installation. Then click Confirm to continue.

5. Make sure all settings are properly made, click Next to continue.

6. Click Reset to continue.

7. You will be shown the reset progress on the screen. The screen will turn off during the reset process.

8. The screen will turn back on when it is installing Windows. Your PC will restart several times during the reset process.

9. Follow the process until it completes.

10. When your PC has completed the reset process, Windows will use factory default settings.

To use Bluetooth, you must ensure Bluetooth is enabled on both devices and that they are “paired” (or connected).

1. Press the Windows key or select the Windows Start button > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices, and click the toggle under Bluetooth to enable/disable it.

2. Click on Add Bluetooth or other device then select the device that you want to add.

3. Your computer will automatically start searching for devices, as well as make itself visible to other devices.

4. Select the device you wish to pair from the list of discovered devices.

5. After pairing, if there is a code displaying on the screen, enter that code on the device to proceed with the connection. Some devices using older versions of Bluetooth may require a PIN (usually “0000” or “1234”).

1. Ensure you have a wireless router/access point and an internet connection. Make a note of the wireless network’s name and password (if necessary).

2. Click the Network icon in the notification area. If Wi-Fi is turned off, click the Wi-Fi tile to turn it on.

3. You will see a list of available wireless networks. Select the one you wish to use.

4. Once you select a wireless network, select Connect.

5. If required, enter the network’s password.

If your ACER ASPIRE 3 A315-23G has a network port, plug one end of a network cable into the network port on your computer, and the other end into a port on your router. Then, you’ll be ready to get online.

The Bluelight Shield can be enabled to reduce blue-light emissions from the screen to protect your eyes. To configure it, search for ‘Quick Access’ in the Start Menu. From here you can toggle Bluelight Shield on or off, and choose from four different modes:

Using a computer security lock: The computer comes with a computer 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. Insert the lock into the notch and turn the key to secure the lock.

Using passwords:

• Supervisor Password: Prevents unauthorized entry into the BIOS utility. Once set, you must enter this password to gain access to the BIOS utility.

• User Password: Secures your computer against unauthorized use. Combine this with password checkpoints on boot-up and resume from Hibernation for maximum security.

• Password on Boot: Secures your computer against unauthorized use. Combine this with password checkpoints on boot-up and resume from Hibernation for maximum security.

To activate the BIOS utility on your ACER ASPIRE 3 A315-23G, press F2 while the computer logo is being displayed during boot up.

Boot sequence: To set the boot sequence, activate the BIOS utility, then select Boot from the categories listed on the top of the screen.

Setting passwords: To set a password on boot, activate the BIOS utility, then select Security from the categories listed on the top of the screen. Find Set Supervisor Password and enter a password to enable this feature. Once you have entered a password, you may then enable/disable Password on Boot. Remember to select F10 to properly save and exit the BIOS utility when you are done making changes.

Your ACER ASPIRE 3 A315-23G uses Fast startup to start quickly, but this uses a small amount of power. If you prefer to reduce your computer’s power requirements, turn off Fast startup:

1. Press the Windows key or select the Windows Start button then select Settings > System > Power & sleep.

2. Select Additional power settings.

3. Select Choose what the power buttons do.

4. Select Change settings that are currently unavailable.

5. Scroll down and disable Turn on fast startup.

6. Select Save changes.

Charging the battery: Plug the AC adapter into the computer, and connect it to a mains power outlet.

Conditioning a new battery pack: Before you use a battery pack for the first time, or if a battery hasn’t been used for a long time, there is a conditioning process you should follow:

1. Connect the AC adapter and fully charge the battery.

2. Turn on the computer and complete setting up the operating system.

3. Disconnect the AC adapter.

4. Operate the computer using battery power.

5. Fully deplete the battery until the battery-low warning appears.

6. Reconnect the AC adapter and fully charge the battery again.

Follow these steps again until the battery has been charged and discharged three times. This process ensures your battery accepts the maximum possible charge.

Optimizing battery life helps you get the most out of battery operation. You are advised to follow these suggestions:

• Use AC power whenever possible, reserving battery for mobile use.

• Remove accessories that are not being used (e.g. a USB disk drive), as they can continue to draw power.

• Store your PC in a cool, dry place. The recommended temperature is 10° C (50° F) to 30° C (86° F). Higher temperatures cause the battery to self-discharge faster.

• Excessive recharging decreases the battery life.

• Look after your AC adapter and battery.

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. When the battery-low warning appears, the recommended course of action depends on your situation:

Follow these steps to disconnect your ACER ASPIRE 3 A315-23G from external accessories:

1. Save any open files.

2. Shut down the computer or put it into Sleep or Hibernate mode.

3. Close the display cover.

4. Disconnect the cord from the AC adapter.

5. Disconnect the keyboard, pointing device, printer, external monitor and other external devices.

6. Disconnect the Kensington / Noble lock if you are using one to secure the 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.

3. Connect the monitor power cable and plug it into a properly grounded wall outlet.

4. Follow any setup instructions in the monitor’s user’s guide.

5. Turn on power to the monitor, then the computer.

6. The correct resolution and refresh rate should be detected automatically. If necessary, change the display settings used by the computer. To access the display controls, right-click anywhere on the desktop and select Display settings.

Your ACER ASPIRE 3 A315-23G has one or more 3.5 mm jacks to connect audio devices.

• Use the headphone port to plug in stereo headphones or powered speakers; connecting an audio device to the headphone port disables the built-in speakers.

• Use the microphone port to connect an external microphone; connecting a microphone disables the built-in microphone.

Some computers have a single “combo” port that allows you to use single-pin headsets with a built-in microphone, which are most commonly used with smartphones.

Check if power is being supplied to the computer (if your computer has a power indicator, it will be off); if there is no power, check the following:

• If you are using the battery, it may be low and unable to power the computer. Connect the AC adapter to recharge the battery pack. You may need to wait a few minutes before trying to turn your computer on again.

• Make sure that the AC adapter is properly plugged into the computer and to the power outlet.

If power is being supplied to the computer, check the following:

• Do you have a USB storage device (USB drive, CD drive or smartphone) plugged into your computer? Unplug it and press Ctrl + Alt + Del to restart the system.

The computer’s power management system automatically blanks the screen to save power. Press any key to turn the display back on.

If pressing a key does not turn the display back on, three things might be the cause:

• The brightness level might be too low. Use the Brightness up hotkey to adjust the brightness level.

• The display device might be set to an external monitor. Press the display toggle hotkey to toggle the display back to the computer.

• The computer may be in Sleep or Hibernate mode (if there is a power LED, it will flash). Press and release the power button to resume.

Check the following:

• The volume may be muted. Look at the volume control (speaker) icon in the taskbar. If it is crossed-out, click the icon and drag the slider to the right to increase the volume.

• 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 hotkeys 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.

Try attaching an external keyboard to a USB port on the computer. If it works, the internal keyboard cable may be loose and you should contact your dealer or an authorized service center.

This recovery process helps you restore the C: drive with the original software content that is installed when you purchased your computer. Your C: drive will be reformatted and all data will be erased. It is important to back up all data files before using this option.

Before performing a restore operation, please check the BIOS settings:

1. Access the BIOS utility by pressing F2 when you see the Acer logo during boot up.

2. If there is a D2D Recovery setting in Main, make sure it is Enabled.

3. Exit the BIOS utility and save changes. The system will reboot.

For more detailed instructions, you can reset your PC either keeping your files or removing everything using the Acer Care Center.

• How do I get to Start? Press the Windows key or select the Windows Start button on the lower left-hand corner of the screen.

• How do I see all of my apps? Press the Windows key or select the Windows Start button to show a list of installed apps.

• How do I turn off my computer? Press the Windows key or select the Windows Start button and select the power icon > Shut down. You can also right-click the Windows Start button > Shut down or sign out > Shut down.

• Can I turn off notifications? Yes. Press the Windows key or select the Windows Start button and select Settings > System > Notifications & actions. From here you can enable/disable notifications for all your apps or choose which apps to enable/disable.

• How do I unlock my computer? Press the space bar and select 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 check for Windows updates? Press the Windows key or select the Windows Start button > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Select Advanced options to configure the settings.

To change the background, press the Windows key or select the Windows Start button and select Settings > Personalization > Lock screen. From here you can:

• Select a background image for the lock screen.

• Turn the Slideshow on or off.

• Select lock screen apps.

To set up the lock screen slideshow:

1. In the Lock screen settings, select Slideshow.

2. Select Add a folder and open the folder you wish to use. Select Choose this folder.

3. Select a folder and select Remove to remove it from the slideshow.

4. Change other settings to suit your needs.

• Move tiles: Select a tile and drag it to the place on Start that you want it to appear.

• Arrange tiles in groups: Select an existing tile and drag it to arrange Start. Right-click on an app and select Pin to Start to create a new group. You can give the group(s) a name and arrange the tiles within them.

• Make tiles bigger or smaller: Right-click on a tile and select Resize. Select a size from the menu that appears.

Your ACER ASPIRE 3 A315-23G can act as an alarm clock. Type ‘Alarms’ in the search box to find the Alarms & Clock app.

1. Select an alarm from the list, or select the + in the lower-right corner to create a new alarm.

2. Enter the Alarm name.

3. Set the time by choosing the hour and minute.

4. Choose which days the alarm should go off.

5. Select the sound notification.

6. Select the snooze time.

7. Select the Save icon in the bottom right-hand corner to save the alarm.

8. Select On or Off to activate or deactivate the alarm. The alarm will only sound if your computer is awake at the set time.

If you receive an error message, note the message and take the corrective action from the table below. If the problem cannot be resolved, contact your dealer.