Acer Aspire AT3-605-UR21 Desktop User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides essential information for the setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your Acer Aspire AT3-605-UR21 Desktop PC. Please read this manual thoroughly before using your new computer to ensure proper functionality and to maximize its lifespan. Keep this manual for future reference.

Figure 1: Acer Aspire AT3-605-UR21 Desktop PC. This image shows the desktop tower unit, typically accompanied by a monitor, keyboard, and mouse (not always included with the tower itself).

2. Package Contents

Carefully unpack your Acer Aspire AT3-605-UR21 Desktop PC and verify that all items are present. If any items are missing or damaged, contact your retailer immediately.

• Acer Aspire AT3-605-UR21 Desktop PC Unit
• Keyboard
• Mouse
• Power Cord
• Quick Start Guide (if included)
• Warranty Card (if included)

3. Setup Instructions

Follow these steps to set up your Acer Aspire AT3-605-UR21 Desktop PC.

3.1 Connecting Peripherals

1. Connect the Monitor: Connect your monitor's video cable (e.g., HDMI, VGA, DVI) to the corresponding port on the back of the desktop PC. Ensure the monitor is also connected to a power source.
2. Connect the Keyboard: Plug the keyboard's USB connector into an available USB port on the front or back of the PC.
3. Connect the Mouse: Plug the mouse's USB connector into an available USB port.
4. Connect to Network (Optional): For a wired internet connection, connect an Ethernet cable from your router or modem to the Ethernet port on the back of the PC. For wireless, ensure your Wi-Fi network is available after initial setup.
5. Connect Speakers/Headphones (Optional): If using external speakers or headphones, connect them to the audio output jacks on the front or back of the PC.

3.2 Powering On for the First Time

1. Connect Power: Plug the power cord into the power connector on the back of the desktop PC, then plug the other end into a grounded electrical outlet.
2. Power On: Press the power button located on the front of the desktop PC. The system will begin to boot up.
3. Initial Windows Setup: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the initial setup of Windows 8. This typically involves selecting language, region, accepting license agreements, creating a user account, and connecting to a network.

4. Operating Instructions

This section covers basic operation of your Acer Aspire AT3-605-UR21 Desktop PC.

4.1 Power Management

• Turning On: Press the power button on the front of the PC.
• Shutting Down: In Windows 8, move your mouse to the bottom-right corner of the screen to open the Charms bar, click on "Settings," then "Power," and select "Shut down."
• Restarting: Follow the same steps as shutting down, but select "Restart."
• Sleep Mode: Follow the same steps as shutting down, but select "Sleep."

4.2 Using Ports and Drives

• USB Ports: Your PC features 4 USB 2.0 ports and 4 USB 3.0 ports for connecting various devices such as external hard drives, printers, and flash drives. USB 3.0 ports offer faster data transfer speeds with compatible devices.
• Optical Drive: The 8X DVD-SuperMulti Double-Layer Drive allows you to read and write CDs and DVDs. Press the eject button on the drive to open the tray.
• Digital Media Card Reader: Insert Secure Digital (SD) cards into the card reader slot to access photos and other media.
• Audio Jacks: Use the headphone and microphone jacks for audio input and output.
• HDMI Port: Connect to an HDMI-compatible display for high-definition video and audio output.

4.3 Wireless Connectivity

• Wi-Fi: Your PC supports 802.11a/b/g/n wireless standards. To connect to a Wi-Fi network, open the Charms bar, click "Settings," then the network icon, and select your desired network.
• Bluetooth: Bluetooth 4.0 is integrated for connecting wireless peripherals such as headphones, speakers, or mobile devices. Access Bluetooth settings through the Windows Control Panel or PC Settings.

5. Maintenance

Regular maintenance helps ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your desktop PC.

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior of the PC. For dust accumulation in vents, use compressed air. Do not use liquid cleaners directly on the components.
• Software Updates: Regularly check for and install updates for Windows 8 and your device drivers. This helps improve security and performance.
• Data Backup: Periodically back up your important files to an external hard drive, cloud storage, or a USB flash drive. This protects against data loss in case of hardware failure.
• System Recovery: Your system includes a recovery partition. It is recommended to create a recovery drive (e.g., on a USB flash drive with at least 16 GB capacity) as soon as possible after initial setup. Refer to Windows documentation for instructions on creating a recovery drive.

6. Troubleshooting

This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your Acer Aspire AT3-605-UR21 Desktop PC.

6.1 No Power / System Not Booting

• Ensure the power cord is securely connected to both the PC and the electrical outlet.
• Verify the power outlet is functional by plugging in another device.
• If the system powers on but does not display anything, ensure the monitor is properly connected and powered on. Try a different video cable or monitor if possible.

6.2 Operating System Issues (Windows 8)

• If Windows 8 is not loading correctly, try restarting the computer.
• For persistent issues, consider using Windows 8's built-in recovery options (e.g., Refresh your PC, Reset your PC). Access these through the Charms bar > Settings > Change PC settings > Update and recovery > Recovery.
• If prompted for a previous ID or password upon initial setup, the unit may have been previously used. Contact your retailer for assistance.

6.3 Peripheral Not Working

• Ensure the peripheral (e.g., keyboard, mouse, printer) is correctly plugged into a functional USB port.
• Try plugging the peripheral into a different USB port.
• Check if the peripheral requires specific drivers and install them if necessary.

6.4 Performance Issues

• Ensure your system has sufficient free disk space.
• Close unnecessary applications running in the background.
• Run a virus and malware scan.
• Ensure all drivers and the operating system are up to date.

7. Specifications

Detailed technical specifications for the Acer Aspire AT3-605-UR21 Desktop PC.

8. Warranty and Support

Your Acer Aspire AT3-605-UR21 Desktop PC comes with a 1 Year Parts and Labor Limited Warranty. For technical assistance or warranty claims, please contact Acer's Toll-Free Tech Support. Refer to the included Warranty Card for detailed terms and conditions and contact information.

For additional support resources, visit the official Acer support website.