ASUS Thin Client User Guide A31AD/F31AD/K31AD M12AD M52AD
E22416 Revised Edition V3 October 2023 Copyright © 2023 ASUSTeK Computer Inc. All Rights Reserved. No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written permission of ASUSTeK Computer Inc. (“ASUS”).
Contents Notices ................................................................................................................................................. 5 Safety information............................................................................................................................ 8 Conventions used in this guide................................................................................................... 9 Where to find more information........................................
Contents Putting your Thin Client to sleep...............................................................................................57 Entering the BIOS Setup...............................................................................................................58 Recovering your system................................................................................................................
Notices ASUS Recycling/Takeback Services ASUS recycling and takeback programs come from our commitment to the highest standards for protecting our environment. We believe in providing solutions for you to be able to responsibly recycle our products, batteries, other components, as well as the packaging materials. Please go to http://csr.asus.com/english/Takeback.htm for the detailed recycling information in different regions.
Avertissement relatif aux batteries Lithium-Ion MISE EN GARDE: Danger d’explosion si la pile n’est pas remplacée correctement. Remplacer uniquement avec une pile de type semblable ou équivalent, recommandée par le fabricant. Mettez au rebut les batteries usagées conformément aux instructions du fabricant. IC: Canadian Compliance Statement Complies with the Canadian ICES-003 Class B specifications. This device complies with RSS 210 of Industry Canada.
RF Equipment Notices CE: European Community Compliance Statement The equipment complies with the RF Exposure Requirement 1999/519/EC, Council Recommendation of 12 July 1999 on the limitation of exposure of the general public to electromagnetic fields (0–300 GHz). This wireless device complies with the R&TTE Directive. Wireless Radio Use This device is restricted to indoor use when operating in the 5.15 to 5.25 GHz frequency band.
Safety information Disconnect the AC power and peripherals before cleaning. Wipe the Thin Client using a clean cellulose sponge or chamois cloth dampened with solution of nonabrasive detergent and a few drops of warm water then remove any extra moisture with a dry cloth. 8 • DO NOT place on uneven or unstable work surfaces. Seek servicing if the casing has been damaged. • DO NOT expose to dirty or dusty environments. DO NOT operate during a gas leak.
Conventions used in this guide To ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual. DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to complete a task. CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to complete a task. IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task. NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.
Package contents ASUS Thin Client Mouse x1 Keyboard x1 Power cord x1 Dipole antenna x1 (optional) / Antenna x 1 (optional) DVD/SDVD/RDVD x1 (optional) Installation Guide Installation Guide x1 Warranty card x1 • If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer. • The illustrated items above are for reference only. Actual product specifications may vary with different models.
Chapter 1 Getting started Welcome! Thank you for purchasing the ASUS A31AD / F31AD / K31AD / M12AD / M52AD Thin Client! ASUS A31AD / F31AD / K31AD / M12AD / M52AD Thin Client provides cutting-edge performance, uncompromised reliability, and user-centric utilities. All these values are encapsulated in a stunningly futuristic and stylish system casing. Read the ASUS Warranty Card before setting up your ASUS Thin Client. Getting to know your computer Illustrations are for reference only.
M52AD ENGLISH USB 3.0 ports. These Universal Serial Bus 3.0 (USB 3.0) ports connect to USB 3.0 devices such as a mouse, printer, scanner, camera, PDA, and others. • DO NOT connect a keyboard / mouse to any USB 3.0 port when installing Windows® operating system. • Due to USB 3.0 controller limitation, USB 3.0 devices can only be used under Windows® OS environment and after the USB 3.0 driver installation. • USB 3.0 devices can only be used as data storage only.
ENGLISH A31AD/F31AD/K31AD USB 3.0 ports. These Universal Serial Bus 3.0 (USB 3.0) ports connect to USB 3.0 devices such as a mouse, printer, scanner, camera, PDA, and others. • DO NOT connect a keyboard / mouse to any USB 3.0 port when installing a Windows® operating system. • Due to USB 3.0 controller limitations, USB 3.0 devices can only be used under a Windows® OS environment and after the USB 3.0 driver installation. • USB 3.0 devices can only be used for data storage.
Rear panel ENGLISH M12AD / M52AD / A31AD / F31AD / K31AD Voltage selector. Use this switch to select the appropriate system input voltage according to the voltage supply in your area. If the voltage supply in your area is 100-127V, set the switch to 115V. If the voltage supply in your area is 200-240V, set the switch to 230V. Setting the switch to 115V in a 230V environment or 230V in a 115V environment will seriously damage the system! Power connector. Plug the power cord to this connector.
ENGLISH USB 2.0 ports. These Universal Serial Bus 2.0 (USB 2.0) ports connect to USB 2.0 devices such as a mouse, printer, scanner, camera, PDA, and others. HDMI™ port. This port is for a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI™) connector, and is HDCP compliant allowing playback of HD DVD, Blu-ray, and other protected content. VGA port. This port is for VGA-compatible devices such as a VGA monitor. Side Speaker Out port (gray). This port connects to the side speakers in a 4.1, 5.1, and 7.
ENGLISH LAN (RJ-45) port. This port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub. LAN port LED indications Activity/Link LED Speed LED Status Description Status Description OFF No link OFF 10Mbps connection ORANGE Linked ORANGE 100Mbps connection BLINKING Data activity GREEN 1Gbps connection ACT/LINK SPEED LED LED LAN port Air vents. These vents allow air ventilation. DO NOT block the air vents on the chassis.
Setting up your computer ENGLISH This section guides you through connecting the main hardware devices, such as the external monitor, keyboard, mouse, and power cord, to your computer. Connecting an external monitor Using the ASUS Graphics Card (on selected models only) Connect your monitor to the display output port on the discrete ASUS Graphics Card. To connect an external monitor using the ASUS Graphics Card: 1. Connect a monitor to a display output port on the ASUS Graphics Card. 2.
Using the onboard display output ports ENGLISH Connect your monitor to the onboard display output port. To connect an external monitor using the onboard display output ports: 1. Connect a VGA monitor to the VGA port, or a DVI-D monitor to the DVI-D port, or an HDMI™ monitor to the HDMI™ port on the rear panel of your computer. 2. Plug the monitor to a power source. • If your computer comes with an ASUS Graphics Card, the graphics card is set as the primary display device in the BIOS.
Connecting a USB keyboard and a USB mouse ENGLISH Connect a USB keyboard and a USB mouse to the USB ports on the rear panel of your computer. ` Connect your USB keyboard and USB mouse to the USB 2.0 ports. Connecting the power cord Connect one end of the power cord to the power connector on the rear panel of your computer and the other end to a power source.
Turning your computer ON This section describes how to turn on your computer after setting up your computer. ENGLISH Turning your computer ON To turn your computer ON: 1. Turn your monitor ON. 2. Press the power button on your computer. Power button Power button Power button 3. 20 Wait until the operating system loads automatically.
Chapter 2 ENGLISH Connecting devices to your computer Connecting a USB storage device This Thin Client provides USB 2.0/1.1 and USB 3.0 ports on the front and rear panels. The USB ports allow you to connect USB devices such as storage devices. To connect a USB storage device: • Insert the USB storage device to your computer.
Removing a USB storage device ENGLISH Windows® 8.1 To remove a USB storage device on Windows® 8.1: 1. From the Start screen, click Desktop to launch the Desktop Mode. 2. Click 3. When the Safe to Remove Hardware message pops up, remove the USB storage device from your computer. from the taskbar, then click Eject [Name of USB Drive]. Windows® 10 To remove a USB storage device on Windows® 10: , then click from the Windows taskbar on your computer, then click Eject. 1. Click 2.
ENGLISH M52AD A31AD / F31AD / K31AD ASUS A31AD / F31AD / K31AD / M12AD / M52AD 23
Connecting 2.1-channel Speakers ENGLISH Connecting 4.
ENGLISH Connecting 5.1-channel Speakers Connecting 7.
Connecting multiple external displays ENGLISH Your Thin Client may come with VGA, HDMI™, or DVI ports and allows you to connect multiple external displays. When a graphics card is installed in your computer, connect the monitors on the output ports of the graphics card. Setting up multiple displays When using multiple monitors, you are allowed to set display modes. You can use the additional monitor as a duplicate of your main display, or as an extension to enlarge your Windows desktop.
3. Turn on your computer. 4. Configure the Screen Resolution settings. ENGLISH For some graphic cards, only the monitor that is set to be the primary display has display during POST. The dual display function works only under Windows. • For details on configuring the display settings, refer to Windows® 8.1/10 Help and Support. • For some graphic cards, only the monitor that is set to be the primary display has display during POST. The dual display function works only under Windows.
Connecting an HDTV ENGLISH Connect a High Definition TV (HDTV) to the HDMI™ port of your computer. • You need an HDMI™ cable to connect the HDTV and the computer. The HDMI™ cable is purchased separately. • To get the best display performance, ensure that your HDMI™ cable is less than 15 meters.
Chapter 3 ENGLISH Using your computer Proper posture when using your Thin Client When using your Thin Client, maintaining the proper posture is necessary to prevent strain to your wrists, hands, and other joints or muscles. This section provides you with tips on avoiding physical discomfort and possible injury while using and fully enjoying your Thin Client.
Using the memory card reader ENGLISH Digital cameras and other digital imaging devices use memory cards to store digital picture or media files. The built-in memory card reader on the front panel of your system allows you to read from and write to different memory card drives. To use the memory card: 1. Insert the memory card into the card slot. • A memory card is keyed so that it fits in only one direction. DO NOT force a card into a slot to avoid damaging the card.
ENGLISH Using the optical drive Inserting an optical disc To insert an optical disc: 1. While your system is on, press the eject button below the drive bay cover to open the tray. 2. Place the disc to the optical drive with the label side facing up. 3. Push the tray to close it. 4. Select a program from the AutoPlay window to access your files. If AutoPlay is NOT enabled in your computer, to access the data on an optical disc: • On Windows® 8.
ENGLISH 32 Chapter 3: Using your computer
Chapter 4 ENGLISH Connecting to the Internet Wired connection Use an RJ-45 cable to connect your computer to a DSL/cable modem or a local area network (LAN). Connecting via a DSL/cable modem To connect via a DSL/cable modem: 1. Set up your DSL/cable modem. Refer to the documentation that came with your DSL/cable modem. 2. Connect one end of an RJ-45 cable to the LAN (RJ-45) port on the rear panel of your computer and the other end to a DSL/cable modem. Modem RJ-45 cable 3.
Connecting via a local area network (LAN) ENGLISH To connect via a LAN: 1. Connect one end of an RJ-45 cable to the LAN (RJ-45) port on the rear panel of your computer and the other end to your LAN. RJ-45 cable 2. Turn on your computer. 3. Configure the necessary Internet connection settings. LAN • Contact your network administrator for details or assistance in setting up your Internet connection.
Configuring a dynamic IP/PPPoE network connection To configure a dynamic IP/PPPoE network connection: Launch Network and Sharing Center in Windows® 8.1 / 10 system. ENGLISH 1. Windows® 8.1 • Do either of these two ways: • From the Windows® taskbar, right-click the network icon and Sharing Center. and click Open Network • From the Start screen, click Desktop to launch the Desktop mode.
ENGLISH 2. From the Open Network and Sharing Center screen, click Change Adapter settings. 3. Right-click on your LAN and select Properties. 4. Click Internet Protocol Version 4(TCP/ IPv4) and click Properties. 5. Click Obtain an IP address automatically and click OK. Continue to the next steps if you are using PPPoE connection.
Return to the Network and Sharing Center and then click Set up a new connection or network. 8. Select Connect to the Internet and click Next. 9. Select Broadband (PPPoE) and click Next. 10. Follow the next onscreen instructions to complete the setup. ENGLISH 7. Configuring a static IP network connection To configure a static IP network connection: 1. Repeat steps 1 to 4 of the previous section. 2 Click Use the following IP address. 3.
Wireless connection (on selected models only) Connect your computer to the Internet through a wireless connection. ENGLISH To establish a wireless connection, you need to connect to a wireless access point (AP). Wireless AP Modem • To increase the range and sensitivity of the wireless radio signal, connect the external antennas to the antenna connectors on the ASUS WLAN Card. • Place the antennas on the top of your computer for the best wireless performance. • The external antennas are optional items.
Chapter 5 ENGLISH Troubleshooting Troubleshooting This chapter presents some problems you might encounter and the possible solutions. ? ? My computer cannot be powered on and the power LED on the front panel does not light up. • Check if your computer is properly connected. • Check if the wall outlet is functioning. • Check if the Power Supply Unit is switched on. Refer to the section Turning your computer ON in Chapter 1. My computer hangs.
? The arrow keys on the number key pad are not working. ENGLISH Check if the Number Lock LED is off. When the Number Lock LED is on, the keys on the number key pad are used to input numbers only. Press the Number Lock key to turn the LED off if you want to use the arrow keys on the number key pad. ? ? ? 40 No display on the monitor. • Check if the monitor is powered on. • Ensure that your monitor is properly connected to the video output port on your computer.
? I want to restore or undo changes to my computer’s system settings without affecting my personal files or data. ENGLISH On Windows® 8.1 You can use Windows® 8.1 Refresh everything without affecting your files recovery option to restore or undo changes to your computer’s system settings without affecting your personal data such as documents or photos.
? My speakers produce no sound. ENGLISH • Ensure that you connect your speakers to the Line out port (lime) on the front panel or the rear panel. • Check if your speak is connected to an electrical source and turned on. • Adjust your speakers’ volume. • Ensure that your computer’s system sounds are not Muted. • If it is muted, the volume icon is displayed as . To enable the system sounds, click from the Windows notification area, then click .
Problem No power (The power indicator is off) Possible Cause Action Incorrect power voltage • S et your computer’s power voltage switch to your area’s power requirements. • Adjust the voltage settings. Ensure that the power cord is unplugged from the power outlet. Your computer is not turned on. Press the power key on the front panel to ensure that your computer is turned on. Your computer’s power cord is not properly connected. • E nsure that the power cord is properly connected.
ENGLISH Display Problem No display output after turning the computer on (Black screen) Possible Cause Action The signal cable is not connected to the correct VGA port on your computer. •C onnect the signal cable to the correct display port (onboard VGA or discrete VGA port). • If you are using a discrete VGA card, connect the signal cable to the discrete VGA port. Signal cable problems Try connecting to another monitor. Possible Cause Action The LAN cable is not connected.
Problem No Audio Possible Cause Action Speaker or headphone is connected to the wrong port. • R efer to your computer’s User Guide for the correct port. • Disconnect and reconnect the speaker to your computer. Speaker or headphone does not work. Try using another speaker or headphone. The front and back audio ports do not work. Try both the front and back audio ports. If one port failed, check if the port is set to multi-channel.
CPU ENGLISH Problem Too noisy right after turning on the computer. Possible Cause Action Your computer is booting up. It is normal. The fan runs on its full speed when the computer is powering on. The fan slows down after entering the OS. The BIOS settings have been changed. Restore the BIOS to its default settings. Old BIOS version Update the BIOS to the latest version. Visit the ASUS Support site at http:// www.asus.com/support to download the latest BIOS versions.
ASUS Desktop PC Windows® 8.1 / Windows® 10 User Manual Appendix Windows® 8.1 / Windows® 10 User Manual E10899 First Edition September 2015 Copyright © ASUSTeK Computer Inc.
50
Chapter 1 Using Windows® 8.1 Starting for the first time When you start your computer for the first time, a series of screens appear to guide you in configuring the basic settings of your Windows® 8.1 operating system. To start your Desktop PC for the first time: 1. Press the power button on your Desktop PC. Wait for a few minutes until the setup screen appears. 2. From the setup screen, pick a language to use on your Desktop PC.
Using the Windows® UI ENGLISH The Windows® User Interface (UI) is the tile-based display used in Windows® 8.1. It includes the following features you can use while working on your Desktop PC. Start screen The Start screen appears after successfully signing in to your user account. It helps organize all the programs and applications you need in just one place. You can press the Windows key live tiles to launch the Start screen from any apps.
Hotspots ENGLISH Onscreen hotspots allow you to launch programs and access the settings of your Desktop PC. The functions in these hotspots can be activated using your mouse. Hotspots on a running app Hotspots on the Start screen Refer to the next page for the Hotspots’ functions.
ENGLISH Hotspot upper left corner Action Hover your mouse pointer then click on the recent app’s thumbnail to go back to that app. Move your mouse pointer down to display all the running apps. lower left corner From a running app screen: Hover your mouse pointer on the lower left corner then tap to go back to the Start screen. NOTE: You can also press the Windows key keyboard to go back to the Start screen.
Working with Windows® apps Use your Desktop PC’s keyboard or mouse to launch and customize your apps. • Position your mouse pointer on an app then left-click once to launch it. • Press twice then use the arrow keys to browse through the apps. Press to launch your selected app. ENGLISH Launching apps Customizing apps You can move, resize, or unpin apps from the Start screen using the following steps. • To move an app, drag and drop the app to a new location.
Accessing the All Apps screen ENGLISH From the All Apps screen, you can configure an apps settings or pin an app to the Start screen or to the Desktop mode taskbar. Launching the All Apps screen • On the Start screen, click . • From the Start screen, press , then press on your keyboard. Pinning an app on the Start screen 56 1. Launch the All Apps screen. 2. From the All Apps screen, right-click an app to display its settings bar. 3. From the settings bar, click Pin to Start.
Charms bar ENGLISH The Charms bar is a toolbar that can be triggered on the right side of your screen. It consists of several tools that allow you to share applications and provide quick access for customizing the settings of your Desktop PC. Charms bar Launching the Charms bar When called out, the Charms bar initially appears as a set of white icons. The image above shows how the Charms bar looks like once activated. Use your Desktop PC’s mouse or keyboard to launch the Charms bar.
ENGLISH Inside the Charms bar Search This charm allows you to look for files, applications, or programs in your Desktop PC. Share This charm allows you to share applications via social networking sites or email. Start This charm reverts the display back to the Start screen. From the Start screen, you can also use this to revert back to a recently opened app. Devices This charm allows you to access and share files with the devices attached to your Desktop PC such as an external display or printer.
Snap feature ENGLISH The Snap feature displays two apps side-by-side, allowing you to work or switch between apps. Ensure that your Desktop PC’s screen resolution is set to 1366 x 768 pixels or higher before using the Snap feature. Snap bar Using Snap To use Snap: 1. Use your Desktop PC’s mouse or keyboard to activate Snap onscreen. Using your mouse a) Click on an app to launch it. b) Hover the mouse pointer on the top side of your screen.
Other keyboard shortcuts ENGLISH Using your keyboard, you can also use the following shortcuts to help you launch applications and navigate Windows® 8.1. Switches between the Start screen and the last running app. + + + + + + + + + + + + + + 60 Launches the desktop. Launches the Computer window on the desktop. Opens the File search pane. Opens the Share pane. Opens the Settings pane. Opens the Devices pane. Activates the Lock screen.
ENGLISH Launches the magnifier and zooms in your screen. + <+> Zooms out your screen. + <-> + Opens the Narrator Settings. Turning your Desktop PC OFF To turn your Desktop PC OFF: Do any of the following to shut down your Desktop PC: • From the Charms bar, click Settings > Power > Shut down to do a normal shutdown. • From the login screen, click Power > Shutdown.
ENGLISH • The F9 recovery function is not applicable for downgrade versions of Windows® 8.1. Refer to the Removing everything and reinstalling Windows section for details on doing recovery inside Windows® 8.1. In case your operating system fails, use the bundled recovery DVD to reinstall your system. • Ensure that all data are backed up before doing a full recovery of your operating system to avoid losing important files.
To create a USB recovery drive: Launch the Control Panel from the All Apps screen. ENGLISH 1. For details, refer to Launching the All Apps screen under Working with Windows® apps. 2. From the Control Panel’s System and Security, click Find and fix problems. 3. Click Recovery > Create a recovery drive. 4. Click Copy the recovery partition from the PC to the recovery drive, and then click Next. 5. Select the USB storage device where you want to copy the recovery files. 6. Click Next. 7.
Removing everything and reinstalling Windows ENGLISH Restoring your PC to its original factory settings can be done using the Remove everything and reinstall option s in PC Settings. Refer to the steps below to use this option. Back up all your data before using this option. This process may take a while to complete. 64 1. Launch the Charm bar. 2. Click Settings > PC Settings > Update and recovery > Recovery. 3. Scroll down to view the Remove everything and reinstall Windows option.
Entering the BIOS Setup ENGLISH BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) stores system hardware settings that are needed for system startup in the Desktop PC. In normal circumstances, the default BIOS settings apply to most conditions to ensure optimal performance. Do not change the default BIOS settings except in the following circumstances: • An error message appears on the screen during the system bootup and requests you to run the BIOS Setup.
ENGLISH 66 Chapter 1: Using Windows® 8.
Chapter 2 ENGLISH Using Windows® 10 Starting for the first time When you start your computer for the first time, a series of screens appear to guide you in configuring the basic settings of your Windows® 10 operating system. To start your Desktop PC for the first time: 1. Press the power button on your Desktop PC. Wait for a few minutes until the setup screen appears. 2. From the setup screen, pick your region and language that you want to use on your desktop PC. 3.
Using the Windows® 10 UI ENGLISH The Windows® 10 User Interface (UI) includes the favorite Start menu and the tiled-format on the Start screen. It includes the following features you can use while working on your Desktop PC.
Start screen ENGLISH The Start screen , which appears together with the Start menu, helps organize all the apps you need in just one place. The apps on the Start screen are displayed on tiled-format for easy access. Some apps require signing in to your Microsoft account before they are fully launched. Click to restore the Start screen Moving apps on the Start screen You can move apps from the Start screen simply through dragging and dropping the app to your preferred location.
Taskbar ENGLISH Windows® 10 comes with the standard taskbar, which stores all your currently running apps or items in the background. Unpinning apps from the taskbar 1. From the Start screen or taskbar, right-click the app you want to unpin. 2. Click Unpin from Start or Unpin this program from taskbar to remove the app from the Start screen or taskbar. Using the Task View When you have several running apps, you can click running apps, and click on an app or item to launch it.
Snap feature ENGLISH The Snap feature displays about four apps or more in one screen, allowing you to work or switch among apps. Using Snap Use your Desktop PC’s mouse or keyboard to activate Snap onscreen. Using your mouse a) Launch an app, then drag and release on a screen corner to snap it in place. b) Snap another app to your preferred location on the screen. Using your keyboard a) Launch an app, press snap the app in place.
Keyboard shortcuts ENGLISH Using your keyboard, you can also use the following shortcuts to help you launch apps and navigate Windows® 10.
Launches the magnifier and zooms in your screen. + <+> + ENGLISH Zooms out your screen. + <-> Opens the Narrator Settings. Removing everything and reinstalling Windows® 10 Restoring your PC to its original factory settings can be done using the Remove everything and reinstall options in PC Settings. Refer to the steps below to use this option. Back up all your data before using this option. This process may take a while to complete. 1.