Acer Aspire 9420 Service Guide

Chapter 111
Windows keys
The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions.
Hotkeys
The computer employs hotkeys or key combinations to access most of the computers controls like screen 
brightness, volume output and the BIOS utility. To activate hotkeys, press and hold the  key before pressing 
the other key in the hotkey combination.
KeyIconDescription
Windows key Press alone. This key has the same effect as clicking on the Windows 
Start button. It launches the Start menu. It can also...

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Special keys
You can locate the Euro symbol and the US dollar sign on the upper-center and/or bottom-right side of the 
keyboard.
The Euro Symbol
1. Open a text editor or word processor.
2. Either directly press the Euro key on the bottom-right side of the keyboard, or hold Alt Gr key then press the 
Euro symbol on the number five key.
Note: Some fonts and software do not support the Euro symbol. Please refer to www.microsoft.com/
typography/faq/faq12.htm for more information.
The US Dollar...

Chapter 113
Indicators
The computer provides an array of three indicators located above the keyboard, in addition to four indicators on 
the front cover. These indicators show the status of the computer and its components.
The front panel indicators are visible even when the computer cover is closed up.
IconItemDescription
HDD Indicates when the hard disk drive is active.
Caps Lock Lights up when Caps Lock is activated.
Num Lock Lights up when Num Lock is activated.
Power Lights when the computer is on....

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Easy-launch Buttons
There are several conveniently located easy-launch buttons. They are one user-programmable button, web 
browser button, mail button, and Acer Empowering Key  . Press   to run the Acer Empowering Technology. 
Although the mail and web browser buttons are pre-set to E-mail and Internet programs, they can be redefined by 
users. To set the web browser, mail and programmable buttons, run the Acer Launch Manager.
Easy-launch buttonDefault application
Acer Empowering Technology...

Chapter 115
Touchpad
The built-in touchpad is a pointing device that senses movement on its surface. This means the cursor responds 
as you move your finger across the surface of the touchpad. The central location on the palmrest provides 
optimum comfort and support.
Touchpad Basics
Use the touchpad as follows:
•Move your finger across the touchpad (2) to move the cursor.
•Press the left (1) and right (4) buttons located on the edge of the touchpad to perform selection and 
execution functions. These...

16Chapter 1
Acer Empowering Technology
Acer’s innovative Empowering Technology makes it easy to have access to the frequently used functions and 
manage the notebook. It features the following handy utilities:
• Acer eDataSecurity Management protects data with passwords and advanced encryption algorithms.
• Acer eLock Management limits access to external storage media.
• Acer ePerformance Management improves system performance by optimizing disk space, memory and 
registry setting.
• Acer eRecovery...

Chapter 117
Acer eDataSecurity Management
Acer eDataSecurity Management is a handy file encryption utility that protects the files from being accessed by 
unauthorized persons. It is conveniently integrated with Windows Explorer as a shell extension for quick and easy 
data encryption and decryption and also supports on-the-fly file encryption for MSN Messenger and Microsoft 
Outlook.
There are two passwords that can be used to encrypt and decrypt a file: the supervisor password and the file-
specific...

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Chapter 119
Acer eLock Management
Acer eLock Management is a security utility that allow you to lock up your removable data, optical and floppy 
drives to ensure that data can not be stolen while your notebook is unattended.
•Removable data devices: includes USB disk drives, USB pen drives, USB flash drives, USB MP3 drives, 
USB memory card readers, IEEE 1394 disk drives and any other removable disk drives that can be 
mounted as a file system when plugged into the system.
•Optical drive devices:...

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Acer ePerformance Management
Acer ePerformance Management is a system optimization tool that boosts the performance of the Acer notebook. 
It provides you with the following options to enhance overall system performance:
•Memory optimization: releases unused memory and checks memory usage.
•Disk optimization: removes unneeded items and files.
•Speed optimization: improves the usability and performance of the Windows XP system.