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Re: Installing Ubuntu-based Distros on Acer Aspire A515-59GM

Installing an Ubuntu-based distro like Linux Mint on your Acer Aspire A515-59GM is entirely possible, but it requires a few specific BIOS tweaks to handle the hardware issues you encountered with Windows.

Key Installation Steps for Acer Aspire:

To ensure your SSD and input devices are recognized during the installation, follow these critical steps:

Switch to AHCI Mode: The "nightmare" with SSD drivers is usually due to Intel's VMD/RST technology. Linux requires the SATA mode to be set to AHCI.

Enter BIOS by tapping F2 at startup.

If the SATA/VMD setting is hidden, go to the Main tab and press Ctrl + S to reveal it.

Change the setting from "VMD" or "RST with Optane" to AHCI.

Set a Supervisor Password: On many Acer models, advanced security settings like Secure Boot cannot be toggled until you set a BIOS supervisor password.

Disable Secure Boot: Once the password is set, disable Secure Boot to prevent "trusted boot" errors during the Linux installation.

Touchpad Fix: If your touchpad doesn't work in the "Live" session, look for a "Touchpad" setting in the BIOS (under the Main or Advanced tab) and change it from Advanced to Basic.

How Linux Handles Drivers vs. Windows:

Unlike Windows, which often requires you to manually hunt for "Acer-specific" drivers, Linux includes most drivers directly in the Linux Kernel.

Automatic Recognition: Most hardware like your keyboard, screen, and USB ports should work out of the box because the drivers are pre-baked into the OS.

Proprietary Drivers: For components like Nvidia GPUs or certain Broadcom/Intel Wi-Fi chips, use the built-in Driver Manager (in Mint) or Additional Drivers (in Zorin) after installation to activate the official manufacturers' versions.

Kernel Choice: For newer hardware like the A515-59GM, choose the "Edge" edition of Linux Mint or the latest Zorin OS, as these come with newer kernels for better hardware support.

Acer Laptops and Linux Compatibility:

While Acer doesn't sell many laptops with Linux pre-installed, several modern models are frequently cited by the community for having solid compatibility:

Acer Aspire 5 Series: Generally, works well once the AHCI and Secure Boot hurdles are cleared.

Acer Swift Series: These often use standard Intel or AMD components that have excellent support in the Linux kernel.

Acer Nitro & Predator: These gaming models are compatible but usually require the installation of proprietary Nvidia drivers for the best performance.

Click on 'Yes' if my comment answers your question! Click on "Like" if you find my answer is useful in anyways.

Murav

Re: Acer Dual Mode Gaming Mouse OMR279. However, I cannot find the correct driver anywhere. I also cannot register the product.

Hi MikeVerhaert,

Finding the correct software for the Acer Dual Mode Gaming Mouse OMR279 can be tricky because it is often managed through regional support or specialized "Gadget" portals rather than the main laptop driver page.

1. Finding the Driver & Software
The OMR279 requires official driver software to unlock its full 24,000 DPI customization, programmable buttons, and RGB lighting effects.
Regional Support Site: Visit the official Acer Support Drivers and Manuals page for your specific region.
Acer Gadget Portal: Some Acer peripherals are listed under a dedicated "Acer Gadget" website rather than the standard PC support site.
Manual Adjustments: If you cannot access the driver immediately, you can still cycle through 9 RGB modes by holding the front side button and scrolling the wheel.

2. Troubleshooting Product Registration
Users frequently report issues when registering standalone accessories like this mouse.
Use the Right Portal: Ensure you are logged into your Acer ID account to register.
Registration Errors: If the site says your information is invalid or already registered, it is often a server-side error.
Contact Local Support: Because this is a specific peripheral, it is highly recommended to Contact Acer Support directly via chat or email. They can manually update your warranty and registration in their database if the web portal fails.

3. Quick Setup Tips (No Driver Required)
Pairing: Turn the switch on the bottom to ON and plug the USB-A receiver (stored under the back cover) into your computer; it should connect automatically.
Reset: To reset the mouse to factory settings, press and hold the Left Button + Right Button + Front Side Button + Back Button for 3 seconds until the lights flash.
Toggle Side Buttons: Hold the Front Side + Back buttons for 3 seconds to enable or disable them.
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Axxo

Re: Acer M6E Connect_5G_MiFi (Cant Access APN Page in Settings)

Hello @Emergence,

Some carriers limit how many times an eSIM can be reinstalled. If you are troubleshooting, it is safer to keep the profile rather than deleting and attempting a reinstall.

If you accidentally delete the eSIM, you may need a new QR code from your carrier, as most eSIM profiles cannot be re-downloaded.

It is always safe to connect once with your Carrier before proceeding with the factory re-set.

Click on 'Yes' if my comment answers your question! Click on "Like" if you find my answer is useful in anyways.

Murav

Re: Acer M6E Connect_5G_MiFi (Cant Access APN Page in Settings)

Hi Emergence,

This issue is a known bug reported by users following a recent firmware update for the Acer Connect M6E 5G MiFi, which can restrict or hide access to manual APN settings.

To regain access or resolve the connectivity issue, try the following steps:
1. Perform a Factory Reset
Since the settings page is inaccessible through the standard UI, a physical factory reset is often necessary to restore default accessibility.
Ensure the device is powered on.
Locate the small RESET hole (usually near the power button or on the back/bottom).
Use a paperclip or SIM eject tool to press and hold the button inside for approximately 10 seconds.
The device will reboot. Once the lights stabilize, try logging into the web admin panel again using the default credentials found on the device sticker.

2. Access the Web Admin Panel (Browser)
If the touchscreen interface is restricted, use the Web GUI, which often provides more advanced configuration options:
Connect your laptop or phone to the MiFi's Wi-Fi network.
Open a browser and enter http://192.168.1.1 or http://acerconnect.com.
Log in with the Admin Password located on the sticker at the bottom of your device.
Navigate to 5G Network > Connection Configuration Management (or similar "Dial-up" / "Profile Management" section) to find APN settings.

3. Check SIM/eSIM Status
SIM Lock/Restriction: Some updates might automatically lock the device to a specific carrier profile or "SignalScan" mode, preventing manual overrides.
eSIM vs. Physical SIM: Ensure you have selected the correct SIM slot in the settings if you are switching between a physical SIM and an eSIM.

4. Browser Troubleshooting
If the APN page appears blank or fails to load in the browser:
Incognito Mode: Open the admin panel in a private/incognito window to bypass cached bugs.
Clear Cache: Clear your browser's cookies and cache before attempting to log in again.
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If this comment answers your question, Please "Click on Yes" and then Answered.

Axxo

Re: Acer M6E Connect_5G_MiFi (Cant Access APN Page in Settings)

Hello @Emergence,

A factory reset of your Acer M6E Connect 5G MiFi typically will not delete your eSIM profile.

eSIM profiles are stored in the device's secure hardware rather than the general user data partition that is wiped during a reset.

However, it will erase all your custom network settings, Wi-Fi passwords, and APN configurations.

Troubleshooting the Missing APN Page:

The restriction you're seeing is a known issue reported by other users following recent firmware updates for the M6E.

If the APN settings are "missing" or "restricted" on the touchscreen, try accessing them through the Web Admin Panel instead:

Connect to the MiFi: Link your laptop or phone to the M6E via Wi-Fi.

Access the Gateway: Open a browser and enter the default gateway IP, usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1.

Navigate to APN Settings: Go to Mobile Broadband or Network Settings > Connection or Advanced Settings.

Manual Mode: Look for an option to change the network selection or APN configuration from "Automatic" to "Manual" or "Custom" to reveal the input fields.

Important Considerations for Factory Reset:

If you decide to proceed with a factory reset:

eSIM Safety: During the reset process on many modern devices, you are specifically asked whether to "Keep eSIMs" or "Erase eSIMs". Ensure you select the option to keep your downloaded SIMs.

Roaming: If you are using an international eSIM, ensure Data Roaming is turned ON in the network settings, as many eSIMs require this to function even if you are in the same country.

Manual Selection: Some firmware versions have disabled manual operator selection entirely, which can hinder eSIMs that don't auto-connect to the preferred local carrier.

If the APN page remains inaccessible even via the Web Admin Panel, it is likely a deep firmware bug that may require a future patch from Acer Support.

Let us know how it goes or if you see any new symptoms after these steps.

Click on 'Yes' if my comment answers your question! Click on "Like" if you find my answer is useful in anyways.

Murav

Re: Is it better to keep my battery charged at 100% and continue to use it or just limit it to 80%?

It's completely safe to keep connected to the power source once they reach 100% charge. Laptops come with a battery management system that bypasses the battery by supplying power to the laptop directly from the charger if it has already been fully charged.

It is recommended to keep the battery at 100% and plugged in for optimal battery health. Lithium-ion batteries have a limited number of charge cycles, so frequent discharging and recharging reduces their lifespan faster. Users who want to run the laptop on battery power can do so, but should not do it frequently and must avoid letting the charge drop below 20%. Some people also perform battery calibration, draining from 100% to 5%, then recharging to 100% and continuing use, once every three months to maintain accuracy.

80% battery limit is also removed from many laptops as it was causing more negative effect with modern power management of windows. So, Keep 100% and plugged in mostly

GAMING6698

Re: Is it better to keep my battery charged at 100% and continue to use it or just limit it to 80%?

Hello Crepes

You can safely leave the adapter or USB‑C charger plugged in 24/7 without causing detrimental effects on battery wear. Modern laptops bypass the battery once it’s full, drawing power directly from AC.

The option to limit charging to 80% no longer appears in recent versions of Acer Care Center because it was never a truly useful feature. The idea of extending battery life by capping charge at 80% is an internet myth; it hasn’t been professionally tested. Limiting charging doesn’t slow down wear and tear, and in fact can interfere with Windows 11’s ACPI drivers and the Modern Standby protocol, leading to power issues.

Likewise, the notion of monthly discharging a Li‑Ion battery to zero before charging is based on the old Ni‑Cad “memory effect” concept, which does not apply to Li‑Ion chemistry. Lithium‑ion batteries do not benefit from full discharge cycles; they are designed for partial use and managed by the system firmware.

In short: