Acer Personal Computer RC500 User Manual
Copyright  
Acer and the Acer logo are registered trademarks and Aspire is a trademark of Acer Inc. and Acer  
America Corporation.  
Microsoft Windows and the Windows Logo are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Intel  
and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corp. All other brands/product names are trademarks  
or registered trademarks of their respective companies.  
© 2003 by Acer Incorporated. All rights reserved.  
Printed in China  
First printing: May 2003  
 
1
Welcome  
Congratulations on purchasing your new Aspire computer! You now have  
the convenience and flexibility of a full-featured multimedia PC, offering  
increased productivity combined with first class digital entertainment.  
®
®
Incorporating the latest Microsoft Windows XP operating system, your  
Aspire offers a host of functions designed to improve your computing  
experience.  
Major Benefits  
Your new Aspire computer enables you to do the following:  
•
Use the latest productivity software to perform a range of office tasks,  
such as word processing, working with financial spread sheets and  
creating presentations.  
•
•
•
Maximize your use of the Internet by down loading and playing exciting  
new multimedia files.  
Enjoy your audio CDs, even when you are not using your computer for  
other tasks.  
Delight in using a stylish new PC that offers convenient connections for  
the latest peripherals.  
 
   
2
Before You Start  
To ensure that you can use your computer safely and correctly, please read  
this user guide carefully before you start. For future reference, keep this user  
guide handy at all times.  
Safety Instructions  
•
•
Follow all warnings and instructions marked on your computer.  
Do not attempt to service your computer yourself. Refer servicing to  
qualified personnel.  
•
•
•
Unplug your computer and monitor from the wall outlet before cleaning  
or before opening the case.  
Clean your computer case and monitor with a damp cloth. Do not use  
liquid or aerosol cleaners.  
Do not use your computer near water. Never spill liquid of any kind on  
your computer.  
•
•
Do not place your computer on an unstable surface.  
Do not expose your computer to a heat source or leave it in direct  
sunlight for a prolonged period of time.  
•
Do not cover or block any ventilation slots in the case. Also, ensure the  
room has adequate ventilation.  
•
•
Never push objects of any kind into your computer.  
Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord. Do not locate your  
computer where anyone will walk on the power cord.  
•
Your computer should be operated from the type of power indicated on  
the marking label. If you are unsure of the type of power available,  
consult your dealer or local power company.  
•
•
Your computer is designed for connection to a grounded (earthed)  
outlet. Do not disable this important safety feature.  
If a power strip is used, make sure that the total ampere rating of the  
equipment does not exceed the power strip ampere rating. Use a power  
strip with surge protection.  
•
If your computer causes interference to radio or television reception, try  
one or more of the following measures:  
-
-
Reorient or relocate the radio or television antenna.  
Increase the distance between your computer and the radio or  
television receiver.  
 
   
3
-
-
Connect your computer into an outlet on a circuit different from  
that to which the radio or television is connected.  
Consult your dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for more  
help.  
Setting Up The System  
It only takes a few minutes to set up your new Aspire system. Start by  
preparing your workspace. Make sure that the surface is stable, level and  
clean.  
Open the box carefully, ensuring that you do not damage the box or any of  
the other packing materials. The box will be required if you ever have to  
store or ship your computer. Unpack the box and set out the contents on  
your work surface.  
The package contains an Out Of Box Experience (OOBE) poster. Refer to the  
OOBE poster for a step-by-step guide to setting up your computer system.  
Placement Tips  
•
For maximum viewing comfort, set up your monitor at arm’s length from  
your seat, with the top third of the screen at eye level. Tilt and swivel the  
display to find the optimum position.  
•
Place your mouse and keyboard side by side in front of the monitor.  
Check that you are able to adopt a comfortable typing position.  
•
•
Choose a chair that can be adjusted for maximum comfort.  
Make sure your work area is well lit.  
 
   
4
System Overview  
Take a few moments to study your new Aspire computer system. Learn the  
locations of the buttons, ports and other hardware features.  
Computer Rear View  
RC900  
RC500  
Description  
1
5
Power supply  
2
2
Case lock  
3
1
Ventilation slot  
Coaxial S/PDIF Audio-out Jack  
Optical S/PDIF Audio-out Jack  
Power cord socket  
Voltage Selector Switch  
PS/2 Mouse Port  
PS/2 Keyboard Port  
Serial Port  
4
4
5
3
6
18  
17  
6
7
8
9
7
10  
11  
12  
13  
14  
15  
16  
17  
18  
8
9
Parallel Port  
10  
11  
12  
13  
14  
15  
16  
VGA Port  
1394 Port  
USB Ports  
Lan Port  
Microphone-in Jack  
Audio-out Jack  
Audio-in Jack  
 
   
5
Aspire RC900  
Aspire RC500  
 
6
Computer Front View  
RC900  
RC500  
Description  
1
2
1
9
Super Dial for selecting PC / Entertainment modes  
Power Button  
2
3
Eject button for Optical Drive  
Eject button for Optical Drive  
Speaker/ Headphone jack  
Microphone-in jack  
1394 port  
4
5
6
5
4
3
6
7
8
USB ports  
9
LED Indicator  
10  
11  
12  
13  
14  
15  
16  
17  
18  
19  
20  
21  
7
Mode Display  
8
Media buttons  
10  
Optical Drive  
Optical Drive  
14  
16  
15  
17  
18  
13  
12  
11  
FDD Drive  
FDD Indictor  
FDD Eject button  
MMC/SD Slot  
MS Slot*.  
SM/xD Slot  
CFI/CFII Slot*.  
CFI/CFII Eject button.  
*Caution! Please insert these media upside down to avoid damaging your hardware.  
 
7
Aspire RC900  
Aspire RC500  
 
8
Installing New Components  
Make sure you only use components that are compatible with your Aspire  
computer. Consult your dealer about the suitability of new components  
before you purchase them.  
To ensure correct installation, refer to the documentation that comes with  
your new components before you start to add or replace components.  
Possible upgrade options include the following:  
•
•
•
Replace the HDD with a higher capacity model, or add a second HDD.  
Install additional memory.  
Install a graphics card as a substitute for the embedded graphics  
subsystem.  
•
•
Replace the CD drive with a DVD or CD-RW drive.  
Install an add-on card, such as a fax/modem card, in one of the empty PCI  
slots.  
Opening The Case  
Before you open the case, turn your computer off and unplug the power  
cord from the wall outlet.  
a) Gently lay down the computer on a flat surface as to access the side panel  
of the unit.  
b) Press the Case Lock to the right and pull the side panel toward you to  
remove the side panel off.  
 
   
9
Aspire RC900  
Aspire RC500  
 
10  
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.  
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular  
installation. If this device does cause harmful interference to radio or television  
reception, which can be determined by turning the device off and on, the user is  
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following  
measures:  
•
•
•
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna  
Increase the separation between the device and receiver  
Connect the device into an outlet on a circuit different from that to  
which the receiver is connected  
•
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for help  
Notice: Shielded cables  
All connections to other computing devices must be made using shielded cables to  
maintain compliance with FCC regulations.  
Notice: Peripheral devices  
Only peripherals (input/output devices, terminals, printers, etc.) certified to comply  
with the Class B limits may be attached to this equipment. Operation with non  
certified peripherals is likely to result in interference to radio and TV reception.  
Caution! Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer  
could void the user’s authority, which is granted by the Federal Communications  
Commission, to operate this computer.  
 
11  
Use conditions  
This part complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following  
two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device  
must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause  
undesired operation.  
Notice: Canadian users  
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-  
Causing Equipment Regulations.  
Remarque à l’intention des utilisateurs canadiens  
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respected toutes les exigences du Règlement sur  
le matériel brouilleur du Canada.  
Important safety instructions  
Read these instructions carefully. Save these instructions for future reference.  
1. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product.  
2. Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use  
liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.  
3. Do not use this product near water.  
4. Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, or table. The  
product may fall, causing serious damage to the product.  
5. Slots and openings in the housing and the back or bottom are provided  
for ventilation; to ensure reliable operation of the product and to  
protect it from overheating, these openings must not be blocked or  
covered. The openings should never be blocked by placing the product  
on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface. This product should never  
be placed near or over a radiator or heat register, or in a built-in  
installation unless proper ventilation is provided.  
6. This product should be operated from the type of power indicated on  
the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power available,  
consult your dealer or local power company.  
7. Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord. Do not locate this  
product where persons will walk on the cord.  
8. If an extension cord is used with this product, make sure that the total  
ampere rating of the equipment plugged into the extension cord does  
not exceed the extension cord ampere rating. Also, make sure that the  
total rating of all products plugged into the wall outlet does not exceed  
the fuse rating.  
 
12  
9. Never push objects of any kind into this product through cabinet slots as  
they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could  
result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the  
product.  
10. Do not attempt to service this product yourself, as opening or removing  
covers may expose you to dangerous voltage points or other risks. Refer  
all servicing to qualified service personnel.  
11. Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified  
service personnel under the following conditions:  
a
b
c
When the power cord or plug is damaged or frayed  
If liquid has been spilled into the product  
If the product has been exposed to rain or water  
d
If the product does not operate normally when the operating  
instructions are followed. Adjust only those controls that are  
covered by the operating instructions since improper adjustment of  
other controls may result in damage and will often require extensive  
work by a qualified technician to restore the product to normal  
condition.  
e
f
If the product has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged  
If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance, indicating a  
need for service.  
12. Replace the battery with the same type as the product's battery we  
recommend. Use of another battery may present a risk of fire or  
explosion. Refer battery replacement to a qualified serviceman.  
13. Warning! Batteries may explode if not handled properly. Do not  
disassemble or dispose of them in fire. Keep them away from children  
and dispose of used batteries promptly.  
14. Use only the proper type of power supply cord set (provided in your  
accessories box) for this unit. It should be a detachable type: UL listed/  
CSA certified, type SVT, rated 7A 125V minimum, VDE approved or its  
equivalent. Maximum length is 15 feet (4.6 meters).  
Laser compliance statement  
The CD or DVD drive in this computer is a laser product. The CD or DVD drive’s  
classification label (shown below) is located on the drive.  
CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT  
CAUTION: INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION WHEN OPEN. AVOID EXPOSURE TO BEAM.  
 
13  
Lithium battery statement  
CAUTION  
Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or  
equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according  
to the manufacturer’s instructions.  
®
Macrovision statement  
This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by  
method claims of certain U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights owned by  
Macrovision Corporation and other rights owners. Use of this copyright protection  
technology must be authorized by Macrovision Corporation, and is intended for home  
and other limited viewing uses only unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision  
Corporation. Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited.  
Year 2000 compliance statement  
Your computer carries the "Hardware NSTL Tested Year 2000 Compliant" logo, which  
certifies that this model has been tested by NSTL using the YMark2000 test, and has  
been found to meet NSTL's standards for Year 2000 hardware compliance.  
 
14  
Frequently asked questions  
The following questions are possible situations that may arise during the use of your computer and  
each is followed by easy answers and solutions to the situation.  
Q: I pressed the power switch but the system did not boot up.  
A: Check the LED located above the power switch.  
If the LED is not lit, no power is being applied to the system. Do any of the following:  
•
Check if the voltage selector switch located on the rear panel of the computer is set to the  
correct voltage.  
•
•
Check if you plugged the power cable properly into an electrical outlet.  
If you are using a power strip or AVR, make sure that it is plugged in and turned on.  
If the LED is lit, check the following:  
•
Is a non boot able (non system) diskette in the floppy drive? If yes, remove or replace it with  
a system diskette and press Ctrl + Alt + Del to restart your computer.  
•
The operating system files may be damaged or missing. Insert the start-up disk you created  
during Windows setup into the floppy drive and press Ctrl + Alt + Del to restart your  
computer. This will automatically diagnose your system and make necessary fixes. However,  
if the diagnostic utility still reports a problem, then you may have to perform the recovery  
process to restore your system to its original default factory settings.  
Note: For more information about recovering your system, refers to the RCD  
instruction sheet.  
Q: Nothing appears on the screen.  
A: Your computer’s power management function automatically blanks the screen to save power.  
Just press any key to turn the display back on.  
If pressing a key does not work, you can restart your computer. If restarting your computer does  
not work, contact your dealer or the technical support center for assistance.  
Q: The printer does not work.  
A: Do the following:  
•
•
Make sure that the printer is connected to a power outlet and that it is turned on.  
Make sure that the printer cable is connected securely to the system’s parallel port and the  
corresponding port on the printer.  
•
For additional information concerning the printer, refer to the printer’s documentation.  
Q: No sound comes out from the computer.  
A: Check the following:  
•
The volume may be muted. Look for the Volume icon on the taskbar. If it is crossed-out,  
click on the icon and deselect the Mute option. You can also press the volume control/mute  
knob on your USB keyboard to toggle from mute to sound on.  
•
If headphones, earphones, or external speakers are connected to the line-out jack of your  
computer, the internal or built-in speakers are automatically turned off.  
 
 
15  
Q: System cannot read diskette, hard disk, CD or DVD information.  
A: Check the following:  
•
•
•
•
Make sure that you are using the correct type of disc.  
Make sure the CD or DVD is inserted into the drive correctly.  
Check if the CD or DVD is clean and not scratched.  
Check your drive by using a good (i.e., undamaged) disc. If your drive can not read the  
information on the good disc there may be a problem with the drive. Contact your dealer or  
technical support center for assistance.  
Q: System cannot write data on the hard disk or CD-R/CD-RW.  
A: Check the following:  
•
•
Make sure the diskette or hard disk is not write-protected.  
Make sure that you are using the correct type of disc or diskette.  
Taking care of your computer  
Please read the important instructions listed in this section. Following these instructions will help  
you maximize the durability of your computer.  
Important tips  
•
Do not expose the computer to direct sunlight. Do not place it near sources of heat, such as a  
radiator.  
o
o
o
o
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
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 on the computer.  
Do not subject the computer to heavy shock or vibration.  
Do not expose the computer to dust and dirt.  
Never place the system on uneven surfaces.  
Do not step on the power cord or place heavy objects on top of it. Carefully route the power  
cord and any cables away from personal traffic.  
•
•
When unplugging the power cord, do not pull on the cord itself but pull on the plug.  
The total ampere rating 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.  
•
Check the documentation that came with your software programs to see if you can select  
other combinations of resolution and color. These adjustments could make viewing the  
screen more comfortable.  
Cleaning and servicing  
To clean your computer and keyboard  
1
Turn off the computer and unplug the power cord.  
 
     
16  
2
Use a soft cloth moistened with water and gently wipe the exterior of the computer and the  
keyboard. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.  
To clean your pointing device  
To clean a regular mouse (with rubber ball)  
1
2
3
Open the circular cover underneath the mouse.  
Take out the rubber ball and wipe it with a soft, damp cloth.  
Put the ball back and close the cover.  
To clean an optical mouse  
For users of an optical mouse, refer to the documentation that came with your mouse for  
maintenance instructions.  
To clean your monitor  
Make sure that you keep your screen clean. For cleaning instructions, refer to the documentation  
that came with your monitor.  
When to contact a service technician  
•
•
•
•
If you dropped and damaged the computer  
If liquid has been spilled into the computer  
If the computer is not operating normally  
If a computer problem persists even after you have checked and done the troubleshooting  
tips discussed in the “Frequently-asked questions” section on page 14  
•
•
If your problem is not listed in the “Frequently-asked questions” section on page 14  
If you want to replace or upgrade any of your computer’s internal components  
Asking for technical assistance  
For technical assistance, contact your local dealer or distributor. You may also access the Web site  
(www.acersupport.com) for information on how and where to contact the service centers available  
in your area.  
 
 

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