All About Laptops

Forward Learning Initiative

Through the Forward Learning Initiative, every student in grades 3-12 carries with them and uses a personal device both throughout the school day and at home. Click on the link below for complete information including the student device guidelines and agreement as well as purchase information.

1:1 Laptop program

Checkouts, Repairs, or Questions

Borrowing technology:

Acer laptops are checked out through the Media Center.
Student is responsible for reporting problems with laptops to the Media Center.
Replacement laptops will be available when laptop needs service.
Student is financially responsible for damage to laptop in accordance with the Student Device Agreement.
To pay for a damaged item go HERE and select "Library/Textbook Fines" in the dropdown.

Helpful Hints from Mrs. Geddes!

Self-help guide (Fn key only used on older models)

Trackpad problems:

Use Fn+F7 to disable the trackpad, then hit these keys again to re-enable it (F8 key on newer models). This often stops a spastic trackpad. If the problem is persistent, the laptop will need to go to the Tech Team.
Clean trackpad with a microfiber cloth to remove greasy fingerprints.

Sound problems:

Use Fn+ up and down arrow keys to increase and decrease volume (F10 or F11 on newer models).
Use FN+F8 to mute/restore (F9 on newer models).
You can also change the volume in the top right hand corner of the screen by clicking on the sound symbol and adjusting the sliding scale.
A factory reset may be required if the other steps don't work (see below).

Screen brightness:

Use FN+ left and right arrow keys to change brightness (F3 and F4 on newer models).

Wireless problems:

● RESTORE COMPUTER (see below). It should be using the LVUSD Devices network at school.

Computer Coma (blackish glowing screen, computer appears to be off, but light on front blinking green which means it's on):

Push and hold power button on side until blinking green light stops flashing (and screen will go totally black).
Tap power button to turn back on.

Machine not behaving properly (screen freezing, applications not loading, wireless won’t connect, and all of the above issues can be solved).

Restore Laptop to factory settings (see below).

How to Restore to Factory Settings:

1. If the machine is already off, TAP the power button to turn it on (do not hold down) . If computer is already on, press the power button and choose "Restart" from the menu that appears.

2. The screen will go black and you will see a 3 second countdown timer in the top left corner- press ESC during those 3 seconds to enter the boot menu. Be prepared- you will only have 3 seconds to press the ESC key. Alternately, you can just tap the escape rapidly as it is booting to get into the correct menu.

3. When the menu pops up, arrow down to "Restore Factory Settings"

4. After a few moments, you will see two options.

5. To preserve your files, choose Option 1. Type 1 ENTER.

6. To wipe all files, choose Option 2. Type 2 ENTER, yes ENTER to complete the restore process. (use this option if the first one still gives you issues)

Security Boot Fail:

Temporary fix (for more permanent fix on laptops dated 2019, bring into library for me to update):

Tap power button to restart, tap quickly over and over F2 during restart
Arrow over to Security, hit ENTER.
Type 1 <ENTER>, 1 <ENTER>, <ENTER>
Use Arrow keys to go to "Boot" menu <ENTER>
Arrow to "Disable" <ENTER>
Arrow over to "Security" <ENTER>
Type 1 <ENTER>, <ENTER>, <ENTER>
F10 to save, then <ENTER>

Add a Google Shortcut:

To make accessing frequent sites easy:

Open a page in Google Chrome
Click the Star at the right of the site address (it will turn yellow)
A pop up will appear where you can rename the shortcut, and choose the folder to keep it in
** To remove a shortcut, go to the website, click the star, then choose "remove" in the pop up.

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