Acer 8930Q User Manual

Aspire 8930Q Series

Service Guide

Service guide files and updates are available

on the ACER/CSD web; for more information,

please refer to http://csd.acer.com.tw

PRINTED IN TAIWAN

Revision History

Please refer to the table below for the updates made on Aspire 8930Q service guide.

Date Chapter Updates

II

Copyright

Copyright © 2008 by Acer Incorporated. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced,
transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language or computer language, in
any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, chemical, manual or otherwise, without
the prior written permission of Acer Incorporated.

Disclaimer

The information in this guide is subject to change without notice.

Acer Incorporated makes no representations or warranties, either expressed or implied, with respect to the
contents hereof and specifically disclaims any warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular
purpose. Any Acer Incorporated software described in this manual is sold or licensed "as is". Should the
programs prove defective following their purchase, the buyer (and not Acer Incorporated, its distributor, or its
dealer) assumes the entire cost of all necessary servicing, repair, and any incidental or consequential
damages resulting from any defect in the software.

Acer is a registered trademark of Acer Corporation.
Intel is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation.
Pentium and Pentium II/III are trademarks of Intel Corporation.
Other brand and product names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

III

Conventions

The following conventions are used in this manual:

SCREEN MESSAGES Denotes actual messages that appear

on screen.

NOTE Gives bits and pieces of additional

information related to the current
topic.

WARNING Alerts you to any damage that might

result from doing or not doing specific
actions.

CAUTION Gives precautionary measures to

avoid possible hardware or software
problems.

IMPORTANT Reminds you to do specific actions

relevant to the accomplishment of
procedures.

IV

Preface

Before using this information and the product it supports, please read the following general information.

1. This Service Guide provides you with all technical information relating to the BASIC CONFIGURATION
decided for Acer's "global" product offering. To better fit local market requirements and enhance product
competitiveness, your regional office MAY have decided to extend the functionality of a machine (e.g.
add-on card, modem, or extra memory capability). These LOCALIZED FEATURES will NOT be covered
in this generic service guide. In such cases, please contact your regional offices or the responsible
personnel/channel to provide you with further technical details.

2. Please note WHEN ORDERING FRU PARTS, that you should check the most up-to-date information
available on your regional web or channel. If, for whatever reason, a part number change is made, it will
not be noted in the printed Service Guide. For ACER-AUTHORIZED SERVICE PROVIDERS, your Acer
office may have a DIFFERENT part number code to those given in the FRU list of this printed Service
Guide. You MUST use the list provided by your regional Acer office to order FRU parts for repair and
service of customer machines.

V

VI

System Specifications

Features

Below is a brief summary of the computer’s many feature:

Operating system

 Windows Vista™

NOTE: Windowsl

Windows
Microsoft.com/windowsvista.

Platform and memory

 Intel® Core™4 Quad mobile processor Mobile Intel® PM975 Express Chipset

 Mobile Intel

 Intel

CERTIFIED

®

VistaTM Capable PCs come with Windows® XP installed, and can be upgraded to

®

VistaTM. For more information on Windows® VistaTM and how to upgrade, go to:

®

PM975 Express Chipset

®

Wireless WiFi Link Wi-Fi CERTIFIED® network connection, or Intel® PRO/Wireless Wi-Fi

®

network connection

Chapter 1

System memory

 Dual-Channel DDR3 SDRAM support

 Up to 2 GB of DDR3 800/1066 MHz memory, upgradeable to 4 GB using two soDIMM modules

Display and graphics

 18.4" WUXGA

 NVIDIA

®

GeForce® 9650M GS with up to 1280 MB of TurboCache™ or NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M GT

with up to 1280 MB of TurboCache™

TV-tuner

 Digital TV-tuner supporting DVB-T

Audio

 Dolby® -certified surround sound system with five built-in stereo speakers and one subwoofer

supporting lowfrequency effects

 S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface) support for digital speakers

 Built-in stereo microphones

Storage subsystem

 2.5" hard disk drive

 Optical drive options:

z Blu-ray Disc™ (BD) drive

z DVD-Super Multi double-layer drive

 6-in-1 card reader

Chapter 1 1

Input devices

 105-/106-key keyboard

 Touchpad pointing device

 Acer CineDash media console capacitive human interface device

Communication

 Acer Video Conference, featuring:

z Integrated Acer Crystal Eye webcam

z Acer PureZone technology

z Optional Acer Xpress VoIP phone

 WLAN:

z Intel

®

Wireless WiFi Link network connection or Intel® PRO/Wireless network connection

I/O Ports

 ExpressCard™/54 slot

 6-in-1 card reader (SD™, MMC, MMCplus™, MS, MS PRO, xD)

 USB 2.0 ports

 HDMI™ port with HDCP support

 Consumer infrared (CIR) port

 External display (VGA) port

 Headphone/speaker/line-out jack with S/PDIF support

 Microphone-in jack

 Line-in jack

 Ethernet (RJ-45) port

 Modem (RJ-11) port

 DC-in jack for AC adapter

Environment

 Temperature:

z operating: 5°C to 35°C

z Non-operating: -20°C to 65°C

 Humidity (non-condensing):

z operating: 20%~80%

z Non-operating: 20%~80%

2 Chapter 1

System Block Diagram

Chapter 1 3

Board Layout

Top View

Aspire8930Q M/B layout and connector location

TOP view

No. Name Description

1 CN2 LCM Cable CNTR

2 CN6 Power Board FFC CNTR

3 CN3 LED Board Cable CNTR

4 CN1 LED Board Cable CNTR

5 CN4 Power Cable CNTR

6 U6 South Bridge

7 CN12 I/O Board CNTR

8 CN15 Speaker Cable CNTR

9 CN14 MDC CNTR

10 CN13 BT Cable CNTR

11 CN11 Touch Pad FFC CNTR

12 CN9 Media consle Board CNTR

4 Chapter 1

Bottom View

Bottom view

No. Name Description

1 CN501 Battery CNTR

2 CN502 CPU Socket

3 CN500 FAN Cable CNTR

4 Jack500 RJ45

5 CN503 VGA Port

6 CN507 HDMI Port

7 CN510 HDMI Port

8 CN513 USB Port

9 CN515 USB Port

10 Jack501 SPDIF

11 Jack502 MIC jack

12 Jack503 Line in jack

13 CN511 Speaker Cable CNTR

14 U510 North Bridge

15 CN516 HDD Socket

16 CN517 HDD Socket

17 CN505/506 DIMM Socket

18 CN512 ODD CNTR

19 CN508 PCI-E Socket

20 CN504 PCI-E Socket

21 CN509 VGA Card Socket

Chapter 1 5

Your Acer Notebook tour

After knowing your computer features, let us show you around your new Aspire computer.

Front View

6 Chapter 1

No. Icon Item Description

1 Acer PureZone Two internal stereo microphones for sound recording.

2 Display screen Also called Liquid-Crystal Display (LCD), displays

computer output.

3 Power button Turns the computer on and off.

4 Status indicators Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) that light up to show the

status of the computer's functions and components.

5 CineDash media

console

The CineDash media console is a touch-sensitive
entertainment interface.

6 Keyboard For entering data into your computer.

7 Palmrest Comfortable support area for your hands when you

use the computer.

8 Touchpad Touch-sensitive pointing device which functions like a

computer mouse.

9 Click buttons

(left, center* and
right)

The left and right buttons function like the left and right
mouse buttons.
*The center button serves as Acer BioProtect
fingerprint reader supporting Acer FingerNav 4-way
control function.
(for selected models)

10 Status indicators Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) that light up to show the

status of the computer’s functions and components.

11 Acer Crystal Eye Web camera for video communication.

(for selected models)

12 Empowering key Lanuch Acer Empowering Technology.

13 Speakers Left and right speakers deliver stereo audio output.

14 Easy-launch button Buttons for launching frequently used program.

Chapter 1 7

Closed Front View

No. Icon Item Description

1 Speakers Left and right speakers deliver stereo audio output.

2 6-in-1 card reader

3 CIR receiver Receives signals from a remote control.

Rear view

Accepts Secure Digital (SD), MultiMediaCard (MMC),
MultiMediaCard Plus (MMCplus), Memory Stick (MS),
Memory Stick Pro (MS PRO), xD-Picture Card (xD).

No. Icon Item Description

1 Tuba The dedicated Tuba CineBass subwoofer pumps out

earthshaking movie-house audio.

2 Ventilation slots Enable the computer to stay cool, even after

prolonged use.

8 Chapter 1

Left View

No. Icon Item Description

1 DC-in jack Connects to an AC adapter.

2 Modem (RJ-11) port Connects to a phone line.

3 Ethernet (RJ-45) port Connects to an Ethernet 10/100-based network.

4 External display

(VGA) port

5 HDMI port Supports high definition digital video connections.

6 DISPLAY port Supports high definition digital video connections.

7 2 USB 2.0 ports Connect to USB 2.0 devices (e.g., USB mouse, USB

8 USB 2.0 /

eSATA port

9 Headphones/

speaker/line-out jack
with S/PDIF support

10 Microphone-in jack Accepts input from external microphones.

11 Line-in jack Accepts audio line-in devices (e.g., audio CD player,

Connects to a display device (e.g., external monitor,
LCD projector).

camera).

Connects to USB 2.0 or eSATA devices (only for
certain models).Note: If you plug an eSATA device
you will have three USB ports available in the mean
time.

Connects to audio line-out devices (e.g., speakers,
headphones).

stereo walkman).

Chapter 1 9

Right View

No. Icon Item Description

1 ExpressCard/54 slot Acceots one ExpressCard/54 module.

2 Optical drive Internal optical drive; accepts CDs or DVDs.

3 Optical disk access

4 Optical drive eject

5 Emergency eject

6 2 USB 2.0 ports Connect to USB 2.0 devices (e.g., USB mouse, USB

7 TV-in port Accepts input signals from analog/digital TV-tuner

8 Kensington lock slot Connects to a Kensington-compatible computer

indicator

button

hole

Lights up when the optical drive is active.

Ejects the optical disk from the drive.

Ejects the optical drive tray when the computer is
turned off.

camera).

devices (for selected models).

security lock.

10 Chapter 1

Base view

No. Icon Item Description

1 Hard disk bay Houses the computer's hard disk (secured with

screws).

2 Memory

compartment

3 Ventilation slots and

cooling fan

4 Battery bay Houses the computer's battery pack.

5 Battery release latch Releases the battery for removal.

6 Battery lock Locks the battery in position.

Houses the computer's main memory.

Enable the computer to stay cool, even after
prolonged use.

Note: Do not cover or obstruct the opening of the fan.

Chapter 1 11

Acer CineDash media console

Acer CineDash media console is a touch-sensitive entertainment interface that features an ultra-smooth
surface, inviting to the touch. Total media control - including instant access to Acer Arcade™ Deluxe - provides

a new, exciting way to launch and control entertainment. Functions are activated by simply tapping the function
with your finger, while you can adjust volume by sliding your finger around the volume meter.

12 Chapter 1

No. Item Album Video Play Movie Music

1 Hold N/A N/A N/A N/A

2 Mute Mute/unmute audio

3 Arcade Return to Main page

4 Back Go back one step

5 Enter 1. Function button: Perform selected function

2. View image
fullscreen

2. Watch video
fullscreen

2. Perform movie
menu function

2. Play
highlighted
track

6Slide

counter

Select previous item Select previous

menu item

Select previous

item
clockwise
from top

7Slide

clockwise

Select next item Select next menu

item

Select next item

from
bottom

8 Left arrow Select previous item Select previous

menu item

9 Right

arrow

10 Play/

Pause

Play/pause
slideshow

11 Stop 1. Stop slideshow

2. Stop playing
music

Select next item Select next menu

item

Play/pause video Play/pause movie Play/pause music

1. Stop playing

Stop movie Stop playing

video fullscreen

2. Stop playing

Select previous
item

Select next item

music

music

12 Next Jump to next

image in
slideshow

13 Forward N/A Fast forward*

Jump to next
video and play
fullscreen

Jump to next
chapter/title and
play fullscreen

1.2x, 1.4x, 2x, 4x, 8x, 16x, 32x

Jump to and play
next track

Jump forward 5
sec and keep
playing

14 Rewind N/A Rewind* 1x, 2x, 4x, 8x, 16x, 32x Jump back 5 sec

and keep playing

15 Previous Jump to previous

image in
slideshow

16 Vol Up/

ump to previous
video and play
fullscreen

Increase/decrease volume

Jump to previous
chapter/title and
play fullscreen

Jump to and play
previous track

down

NOTE: I* depends on file format

Chapter 1 13

Indicators

The computer has several easy-to-read status indicators.

The front panel indicators are visible even when the computer cover is closed up.

No. Icon Item Description

1 Power Indicates the computer’s power status.

2 Battery Indicates the computer’s battery status.

3 HDD Indicates when the hard disk drive is active.

4 Num Lock Lights up when Num Lock is activated.

5 Caps Lock Lights up when Caps Lock is activated.

NOTE: 1. Charging: The light shows amber when the battery is charging.

2. Fully charged: The light shows green when in AC mode.

14 Chapter 1

Easy-Launch Buttons

Located beside the keyboard are application buttons. These buttons are called easy-launch buttons. They are:
WLAN, Internet, email, Bluetooth and Acer Empowering Technology.

The mail and Web browser buttons are pre-set to email and Internet programs, but can be reset by users. To
set the Web browser, mail and programmable buttons, run the Acer Launch Manager.

No. Icon Item Description

1 Empowering

Te ch n ol o gy

2 Wireless

communication
button/Indicator

3 Web browser Internet browser (user-Programmable)

Lanuch Acer Empowering Technology.
(user-programmable)

Enable/disables the wireless function. Indicates the
status of wireless LAN communication.

4 Mail Email application (user-Programmable)

5Bluetooth

communication
button/indicator

Chapter 1 15

Enable/disables the Bluetooth function. Indicates the
status of Bluetooth communication.

Touchpad Basics

The following teaches you how to use the touchpad:

 Move your finger across the touchpad (2) to move the cursor.

 Press the left (1) and right (4) buttons located beneath the touchpad to perform selection and execution

functions. These two buttons are similar to the left and right buttons on a mouse. Tapping on the
touchpad is the same as clicking the left button.

 Use the 4-way scroll (3) button to scroll up or down and move left or right a page. This button mimics

your cursor pressing on the right scroll bar of Windows applications.

Function Left Button (1) Right Button (4) Main touchpad (2) Center button (3)

Execute Quickly click

twice.

Select Click once. Tap once.

Drag Click and hold,

then use finger
on the touchpad
to drag the
cursor.

Access context
menu

Scroll Swipe up/down/

Click once.

Tap twice (at the
same speed as
double-clicking a
mouse button).

Tap twice (at the
same speed as
double-clicking a
mouse button);
rest your finger
on the touchpad
on the second
tap and drag the
cursor.

left/right using
Acer FingerNav
4-way control
function (for
selected models)
or click and hold
to move up/
down/left/right
(for selected
models).

NOTE: When using the touchpad, keep it - and your infers - dry and clean. The touchpad is sensitive to finger

movements; hence, the lighter the touch, the better the response. Tapping too hard will not increase
the touchpad’s responsiveness.

16 Chapter 1

Using the Keyboard

The keyboard has full-sized keys and an embedded keypad, separate cursor keys, two Windows keys and
twelve function keys.

Lock Keys and embedded numeric keypad

The keyboard has three lock keys which you can toggle on and off.

Lock key Description

Caps Lock When Caps Lock is on, all alphabetic characters typed are in uppercase.

Num Lock When Num Lock is on, the separate keypad is in numeric mode. The keys

function as a calculator (complete with the arithmetic operators +, -, *, and
/). Use this mode when you need to do a lot of numeric data entry.

Scroll Lock

<Fn> + <F12>

When Scroll Lock is on, the screen moves one line up or down when you
press the up or down arrow keys respectively. Scroll Lock does not work
with some applications.

Chapter 1 17

Windows Keys

The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions.

Key Description

Windows
key

Pressed alone, this key has the same effect as clicking on the Windows
Start button; it launches the Start menu.
It can also be used with other keys to provide a variety of functions:

<> : Open or close the Start menu

< > + <D>: Display the desktop

< > + <E>: Open Windows Explore

< > + <F>: Search for a file or folder

< > + <G>: Cycle through Sidebar gadgets

< > + <L>: Lock your computer (if you are connected to a network

domain), or switch users (if you're not connected to a
network domain)

< > + <M>: Minimizes all windows

< > + <R>: Open the Run dialog box

< > + <T>: Cycle through programs on the taskbar

< > + <U>: Open Ease of Access Center

Application
key

< > + <X>: Open Windows Mobility Center

< > + <BREAK>: Display the System Properties dialog box

< > + <SHIFT+M>: Restore minimized windows to the desktop

< > + <TAB>: Cycle through programs on the taskbar by using

Windows Flip 3-D

< > + <SPACEBAR>: Bring all gadgets to the front and select Windows

Sidebar

<CTRL> + < > + <F>: Search for computers (if you are on a network)

<CTRL> + < > + <TAB>: Use the arrow keys to cycle through programs

on the taskbar by using Windows Flip 3-D

Note: Depending on your edition of Windows Vista or Windows XP, some

shortcuts may not function as described.

This key has the same effect as clicking the right mouse button; it opens
the application's context menu.

18 Chapter 1

Hot Keys

The computer employs hotkeys or key combinations to access most of the computer’s controls like sreen
brightness, volume output and the BIOS utility.

To activate hot keys, press and hold the <Fn> key before pressing the other key in the hotkey combination.

Hotkey Icon Function Description

<Fn> + <F1> Hotkey help Displays help on hotkeys.

<Fn> + <F2> Acer eSettings Launches Acer eSettings in Acer

Empowering Technology.

<Fn> + <F3> Acer ePower

Management

<Fn> + <F4> Sleep Puts the computer in Sleep mode.

<Fn> + <F5> Display toggle Switches display output between the display

<Fn> + <F6> Screen blank Turns the display screen backlight off to save

<Fn> + <F7> Touchpad toggle Turns the internal touchpad on and off.

<Fn> + <F8> Speaker toggle Turns the speakers on and off.

<Fn> + < >

<Fn> + < >

<Fn> + < >

<Fn> + < >

Volume up Increases the sound volume.

Volume down Decrease the sound volume.

Brightness up Increases the screen brightness.

Brightness down Decreases the screen brightness.

Launches Acer ePower Management in Acer
Empowering Technology.

screen, external monitor (if connected) and
both.

power. Press any key to return.

Chapter 1 19

Special Key

You can locate the Euro symbol and US dollar sign at the upper-center and/or bottom-right of your keyboard.
To t y pe :

The Euro symbol

1. Open a text editor or word processor.

2. Either directly press the <> symbol at the bottom-right of the keyboard, or hold <Alt Gr> and then
press the<5> symbol at the upper-center of the keyboard.

NOTE: Some fonts and software do not support the Euro symbol. Please refer to www.microsoft.com/

typography/faq/faq12.htm for more information.

The US dollar sign

1. Open a text editor or word processor.

2. Either directly press the <> key at the bottom-right of the keyboard, or hold <Shift> and then press the
<4> key at the upper-center of the keyboard.

NOTE: This function varies by the operating system version.

20 Chapter 1

Acer Empowering Technology

The Empowering Technology toolbar makes it easy for you to access frequentlyused functions and manage
your new Acer system. Activated by pressing theEmpowering Key, it provides access to the following utilities:

NOTE: The following content is for general reference only. Actual product specifications may vary.

 Acer eAudio Management allows you to easily control the enhanced sound effects of Dolby Home

Theater on your system.

 Acer ePower Management optimizes battery usage via customizable power plans.

 Acer eDataSecurity Management protects data with passwords and encryption (for selected models).

 Acer eRecovery Management backs up and recovers data flexibly, reliably and completely.

 Acer eSettings Management accesses system information and adjusts settings easily.

For more information, right-click on the Empowering Technology toolbar, then select Help.

For help with a particular utility, launch the utility and click the icon at the buttom of the active
window.Launching Acer Empowering Technology

To launch Acer Empowering Technology:

 Press the Empowering Key to display the Acer Empowering Technology toolbar on the desktop.

 To hide the toolbar, press the Empowering Key again or click the hide button on the toolbar.

You may also launch Acer Empowering Technology by running the program from the Acer Empowering Technology program group in the Start menu, or by double-clicking the icon if you have created adesktop shortcut.

To launch Acer Empowering Technology applications:

 On the Acer Empowering Technology toolbar, click the icon that corresponds to the application you want

to launch.

 When you mouse over an application icon, a quick menu appears below the toolbar. The quick menu

allows you to perform certain tasks simply and quickly.

 You may also run the application by selecting it from the Acer Empowering Technology program group in

the Start menu.

Chapter 1 21

Acer eAudio Management

Acer eAudio Management allows you to easily control the enhanced sound effects of Dolby Home Theater on
your system. Select Movie or Game mode to experience the awesome realism of 5.1-channel surround sound
from just two speakers, via Dolby Virtual Speaker technology. Music mode lets you enjoy your favorite tunes, in
vivid detail.

To choose your playback device, click the icon on the upper right side ofthe Acer eAudio Management window.

22 Chapter 1

Acer ePower Management

Acer ePower Management features a straightforward user interface for configuring your power management
options. To access this utility, select Acer ePower Management from the Empowering Technology toolbar, run
the program from the Acer Empowering Technology program group in Start menu, or right-click the Windows
power icon in the system tray and select Acer ePower Management.

Using power plans

Acer ePower Management comes with three predefined power plans: Balanced, High performance and Power
saver. You can also create customized power plans. You can create, switch between, edit, delete and restore
power plans, as described below View and adjust settings for On Battery and Plugged In modes by clicking the
appropriate tabs. For more power options, click in the Acer ePower and select Power Options.

To create a new power plan:

Creating customized power plans allows you to save and quickly switch to a personalized set of power
options.

1. Click the New power plan option or icon.

2. Enter a name for your new power plan.

3. Choose a predefined power plan to base your customized plan on.

4. If necessary, change the display, sleep and hibernation settings you want your computer to use.

5. Click OK to save your new power plan.

To switch between power plans:

1. Mouse over the Acer ePower Management application on the Acer Empowering Technology toolbar. The
quick menu appears

2. Select the power plan you want to switch to You may also switch between power plans by launching the
Acer ePower Management application. Select the power plan you wish to switch to, thenclick Apply. click
Apply

To edit a power plan:

Editing a power plan allows you to adjust system settings like LCD brightness and CPU speed.

1. Switch to the power plan you wish to edit.

2. Adjust settings as required.

3. Click Apply to save your new settings.

To delete a power plan:

You cannot delete the power plan you are currently using. If you want to delete the active power plan, switch to
another one first.

1. Select the power plan you wish to delete.

2. Click the Delete Power Plan icon.

Chapter 1 23

Battery status

The quick menu shows the remaining battery life based on current usage. You can also launch the Acer
ePower Management application and refer to the Battery status panel located just below the power plans.
Click the Battery tab to view remaining battery life, battery status, and remaining battery life in standby and
hibernate modes

.

24 Chapter 1

Acer eDataSecurity Management

(for selected models)

Acer eDataSecurity Management is an encryption utility that protects your files from being accessed by
unauthorized persons. It is conveniently integrated with Windows Explorer as a shell extension for quick data
encryption/decryption and also supports on-the-fly file encryption for Lotus Notes and Microsoft Outlook.

On first use, the Acer eDataSecurity Management setup wizard will prompt you to create the Master Pas word.
You will use this password to access the Personal Secure Disk (PSD). The Master Password may also be
used to encrypt/decrypt files by default.

If you set a different password to encrypt a file, but you forgot the encryption password, you can use the Mater
Password to decrypt the file

.

Chapter 1 25

Acer eRecovery Management

Acer eRecovery Management is a versatile backup utility. It allows you to create full or incremental backups,
burn the factory default image to optical disc, and restore from previously created backups or reinstall
applications and drivers. By default, user-created backups are stored to the D:\ drive.system’s HDD. User­created backups are stored on D:\ drive. Acer eRecovery Management provides you with:

 Password protection.

 Recovery of applications and drivers.

 Image/data backup:

z Back up to HDD (set recovery point).

z Back up to CD/DVD.

Image/data recovery tools:

 Recover from a hidden partition (factory defaults).

 Recover from the HDD (most recent user-defined recovery point).

 Recover from CD/DVD.

For more information, please refer to “Acer eRecovery Management”

NOTE: If your computer did not come with a Recovery CD or System CD, please use Acer eRecovery

Management’s “System backup to optical disk” feature to burn a backup image to CD or DVD. To
ensure the best results when recovering your system using a CD or Acer eRecovery Management,
detach all peripherals (except the external Acer ODD, if your computer has one), including your Acer
ezDock.

26 Chapter 1

Acer eSettings Management

Acer eSettings Management allows you to inspect hardware specifications and to monitor the system health
status. Furthermore, Acer eSettings Management enables you to optimize your Windows operating system, so
your computer runs faster, smoother and better.

Acer eSettings Management also:

Provides a simple graphical user interface for navigating.

Displays general system status and advanced monitoring for power users.

Chapter 1 27

Windows Mobility Center

The Windows Mobility Center collects key mobile-related system settings in one easy-to-find place, so you can
quickly configure your Acer system to fit the situation as you change locations, networks or activities. Settings
include display brightness, power plan, volume, wireless networking on/off, external display settings, display
orientation and synchronization status.

Windows Mobility Center also includes Acer-specific settings like Bluetooth Add Device (if applicable), sharing
folders overview/sharing service on or off, and a shortcut to the Acer user guide, drivers and utilities. To launch
Windows Mobility Center:

•

• Start Windows Mobility Center from the Control panel.

• Start Windows Mobility Center from the Accessories program group in the Start menu.

Use the shortcut key < > + <X>.

28 Chapter 1

Using the System Utilities

Acer Bio-Protection (for selected models)

Acer Bio-Protection Fingerprint Solution is a multi-purpose fingerprint software package integrated with the
Microsoft Windows operating system. Utilizing the uniqueness of one's fingerprint features, Acer Bio­Protection Fingerprint Solution has incorporated protection against unauthorized access to your computer with
centralized password management with Password Bank, easy music player launching with Acer MusicLaunch,
secure Internet favorites via Acer MyLaunch, and fast application/website launching and login with Acer
FingerLaunch, while Acer ProfileLaunch can launch up to three applications/ websites from a single finger
swipe.

Acer Bio-Protection Fingerprint Solution also allows you to navigate through web browsers and documents
using Acer FingerNav. With Acer Bio-Protection Fingerprint Solution, you can now enjoy an extra layer of
protection for your personal computer, as well as the convenience of accessing your daily tasks with a simple
swipe of your finger

For more information refer to the Acer Bio-Protection help files

.

Chapter 1 29

Acer GridVista (dual-display compatible)

NOTE: This feature is only available on certain models.

To enable the dual display feature of your notebook, first ensure that a second display is connected, then,
open the Display Settings properties box using the Control Panel or by right-clicking the Windows desktop and
selecting Personalize. Select the secondary monitor (2) icon in the display box and then click the check box
Extend the desktop onto this monitor. Finally, click Apply to confirm the new settings and click OK to
complete the process.

Acer GridVista is a handy utility that offers four pre-defined display settings so you can view multiple windows
on the same screen. To access this function, please go to Start, All Programs and click on Acer GridVista.
You may choose any one of the four display settings indicated below:

Double (verticle), Triple (primary at left), Triple (primary at right), or Quad Acer Gridvista is dual-display
compatible, allowing two displays to be partitioned indepently.

Acer Gridvista is dual-display compatible, allowing two displays to be partitioned independently.

AcerGridVista is imple to set up:

1. Run Acer GridVista and select your preferred screen configuration for each display from the task bar.

2. Drag and drop each window into the appropriate grid.

30 Chapter 1

3. Enjoy the convenience of a well-organized desktop.

NOTE: Please ensure that the resolution setting of the second monitor is set to the manufacturer's

recommended value.

Launch Manager

Launch Manager allows you to set the four easy-launch buttons located above the keyboard. You can access
the Launch Manager by clicking on Start > All Programs > Launch Manager to start the application.

Chapter 1 31

Hardware Specifications and Configurations

Processor

Item Specification

CPU type Intel CPU Penryn

Core logic Intel 975PM + ICH9M

CPU package uFCPGA, Socket P

CPU core voltage 0.944~1.3V

Second Level Cache

Item Specification

Cache controller Built-in CPU

Cache size 6MB

1st level cache control Always enabled

2st level cache control Always enabled

Cache scheme control Fixed in write-back

System Memory

Item Specification

Memory controller Intel PM975

Memory size 0MB (no on-board memory)

DIMM socket number 2 sockets

Supports memory size per socket 2GB

Supports maximum memory size 4GB

Supports DIMM type DDR 3 Synchronous DRAM

Supports DIMM Speed 800/1066 MHz

Supports DIMM voltage 1.8V and 0.9V

Supports DIMM package 200-pin soDIMM

Lan Interface

Item Specification

Chipset ATHEROS_AR8121

Supports LAN protocol 10/100/1000 Ethernet

PCI-E Giga

LAN connector type RJ45

LAN connector location Left side

Features Integrated 10/100/1000 BASE-T transceiver

32 Chapter 1

Modem Interface

Item Specification

Data modem data baud rate (bps) 56K

Supports modem protocol V.92

Modem connector type RJ11

Modem connector location Left side

Bluetooth Interface

Item Specification

Chipset Built-in ICH8M

Data throughput 723 bps (full speed data rate)

Protocol Bluetooth 1.1 (Upgradeable to Bluetooth 1.2 when SIG

specification is ratified).

Interface USB 2.0

Connector type USB

Hard Disk Drive Interface

Item Specification

Vendor & Model Name

HGST HTS541680J9SA00
WD WD800BEVS-22RST0

Seagate ST9120822AS
Toshiba MK1237GSX
HGST HTS541612J9SA00
WD WD1200BEVS-22RST0

Capacity (MB) 80000 120000 160000

Bytes per sector 512

Data heads 2

4 for Toshiba and

4

HGST

Drive Format

Disks 1

Spindle speed (RPM) 5400 RPM

Performance Specifications

Buffer size 8M

Interface SATA

Max. media transfer

100,150
rate (disk-buffer,
Mbytes/s)

Data transfer rate (host~buffer, Mbytes/s)

Ultra DMA mode-5 100 MB/Sec.

DC Power Requirements

Voltage tolerance 5V(DC) +/- 5%

Data transfer rate (host~buffer, Mbytes/s)

Ultra DMA mode-5

100 MB/Sec.

DC Power Requirements

Voltage tolerance

5V(DC) +/- 5%

TOSHIBA MK1637GSX
SEAGATE ST9160821AS
HGST HTS541616J9SA00
WD WD1600BEVS-22RST0

Chapter 1 33

DVD-Super Multi Interface

Item Specification

Vendor & model name TOSHIBA 8X TS-L632D

PHILIPS 8X DS-8A1P
HLDS 8X GSA-T20N

Performance Specification With CD Diskette

Transfer rate (KB/sec) Sustained:Max 3.6Mbytes/sec

Sustained:Max 10.8Mbytes/sec

Buffer Memory 2MB

Interface Enhanced IDE(ATAPI) compatible

Applicable disc format

Support disc formats 1. Reads data in each CD-ROM, CD-ROM XA, CD-1,

Video CD, CD-Extra and CD-Plus

2. Reads data in super Audio CD (SACD) Hybrid type

3. Reads standard CD-DA

4. Reads and writes CD-R discs

5. Reads and writes CD-RW and HSRW discs

6. Reads and writes US & US+RW

7. Reads data in each DVD-ROM and DVD-Dual

8. Reads and writes in each DVD-R (Ver. 2.0 for general),
DVD-RW and DVD+R/RW (Ver1.1)

9.Reads and writes DVD+-R Dual

10.Reads and writes DVD-RAM

Loading mechanism Load: Manual

Release: (a) Electrical Release (Release Button)

(b) Release by ATAPI command
(c) Emergency Release

Power Requirement

Input Voltage 5 V +/- 5 % (Operating)

Audio Interface

Item Specification

Audio Controller Realtek ALC889X

Audio onboard or optional Built-in

Mono or Stereo Stereo

Resolution 24 bit stereo full duplex

Compatibility HD audio Interface; S/PDIF output for PCM or AC-3

content

Sampling rate 1Hz resolution VSR (Variable Sampling Rate)

Internal microphone Yes

Internal speaker / Quantity Yes/2(3W speakers)

Supports PnP DMA channel DMA channel 0

DMA channel 1

Supports PnP IRQ IRQ10, IRQ11

34 Chapter 1

Video Interface

Item Specification

Chipset Acer MXM compatible

USB Port

Item Specification

Chipset Built-in ICH8M

USB Compliancy Level 2

OHCI USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 Host controller

Number of USB port 4

Location One on the left side; three on the right side

Serial port function control Enable/Disable by BIOS Setup

Express Card Interface

Item Specification

Express card controller Built-in ICH8M

Supports card type 75mmx54mm(W)x5mm

Number of slots One

Access location Left Side

Interface PCI Express

System Board Major Chips

Item Specification

Core logic Intel PM975 + ICH8M

VGA Acer MXM compatible

LAN ATHEROS_AR8121

USB 2.0 Built in ICH8M

CardReader Jmicro JMB385

MODEM Foxconn T60M955

Bluetooth Foxconn T60H928.11

Wireless 802.11 a+b+g Built-in ICH8-M

Audio Realtek ALC889X

Chapter 1 35

Keyboard

Item Specification

Keyboard controller ITE 8512E

Total number of keypads 88-/89-key

Windows logo key Yes

Internal & external keyboard work

Plug USB keyboard to the USB port directly: Yes

simultaneously

Battery

Item Specification

Vendor & Model Name BATTERY PACK SANYO

LI-ION 8 CELL2.4,
4800MAH

Battery Type

Pack capacity

Number of battery cell

Package configuration

Normal voltage

Charge voltage

Li-ion

4800 mAH

8 cell

4 cells in series, 2 series in parallel

14.8V

16.8+-0.2V

BATTRY PACK SONY
LI-ION 8CELL2.4,
4800MAH

LCD 18.0" inch

Item Specification

Vendor & model name Samsung LNT184HT01-A01

Screen Diagonal (mm) 18.4 inches

Active Area (mm) 353.45(H) x 198.72(V) mm

Display resolution (pixels) 1920x1080 WUXGA

Pixel Pitch 0.213 (H) x 0.213(V) mm

Pixel Arrangement R.G.B. Vertical Stripe

Display Mode Normally White

Typical White Luminance (cd/m2)
also called Brightness

Luminance Uniformity N/A

Contrast Ratio 600

Response Time (Optical Rise
Time/Fall Time) msec

Nominal Input Voltage VDD +3.3V

Typical Power Consumption (watt) 4.5W

Weight(g) 550g

Physical Size(mm) 365x214x6.5

Electrical Interface Dual channel LVDS

Support Color 262,144

Viewing Angle (degree)
Horizontal: Right/Left
Vertial: Upper/Lower

300

8

65/65
50/50

36 Chapter 1

Item Specification

Temperature Range(°C)
Operating
Storage (shipping)

0 to +50

-20 to +60

LCD Inverter

Item Specification

Vendor & model name TDK

Brightness conditions N/A

Input voltage (V) 9~20V

Input current (mA) 360mA (max)

Output voltage (V, rms) 710V (1800V for kick off)

Output current (mA, rms) 6.5mA (max)

Output voltage frequency (k Hz) 58 KHz (max)

AC Adaptor

Item Specification

Input rating 100V AC to 240V AC, 47Hz to 63Hz

Maximum input AC current 1.5A

Inrush current 50A@115VAC

100A@230VAC

Efficiency 85% min. @115VAC input full load

System Power Management

ACPI mode Power Management

Mech. Off (G3) All devices in the system are turned off completely.

Soft Off (G2/S5) OS initiated shutdown. All devices in the system are turned

off completely.

Working (G0/S0) Individual devices such as the CPU and hard disc may be

power managed in this state.

Suspend to RAM (S3) CPU set power down

VGA Suspend
PCMCIA Suspend
Audio Power Down
Hard Disk Power Down
CD-ROM Power Down
Super I/O Low Power mode

Save to Disk (S4) Also called Hibernation Mode. System saves all system

states and data onto the disc prior to power off the whole
system.

Chapter 1 37

38 Chapter 1

Chapter 2

System Utilities

BIOS Setup Utility

The BIOS Setup Utility is a hardware configuration program built into your computer’s BIOS (Basic Input/
Output System).

Your computer is already properly configured and optimized, and you do not need to run this utility. However, if
you encounter configuration problems, you may need to run Setup. Please also refer to Chapter 4
Troubleshooting when problem arises.

To activate the BIOS Utility, press F2 to enter Setup Menu.

The default parameter of F12 Boot Menu is set to “disabled”. If you want to change boot device without
entering BIOS Setup Utility, please set the parameter to “enabled”.

Press <F12> during POST to enter multi-boot menu. In this menu, user can change boot device without
entering BIOS SETUP Utility.

Chapter 2 39

Invoking BIOS Setup

The setup function can only be invoked by pressing F2 when Press <F2> to enter Setup message is
prompted on the bottom of screen during POST.

The setup uses a menu driven interface to allow the user to configure their system. The features are divided
into 5 parts as follows:

Information Display the system informations.

Main allows the user to specify standard IBM PC AT system parameters.

Security Provides security settings of the system.

Boot Allows the user to specify the boot options.

Exit Allows the user to save CMOS setting and exit Setup.

NOTE: You can change the value of a parameter if it is enclosed in square brackets. Navigation keys for a

particular menu are shown on the bottom of the screen. Help for parameters are found in the Item
Specific Help part of the screen. Read this carefully when making changes to parameter values.

Please note that system information is subject to different models.

40 Chapter 2

Information

NOTE: The system information is subject to different models.

Parameter Description

CPU Type This field shows the CPU type and speed of the system.

IDE1 Model Name This field shows the model name of HDD installed on primary

IDE master.

IDE1 Serial Number This field displays the serial number of HDD installed on primary

IDE master.

IDE2I Model Name This field displays the mofel name of devices installed on

secondary IDE master. The hard disk drive or optical drive
model name is automatically detected by the system.

IDE2 Serial Number This field shows the serial number of devices installed on

secondary IDE master.

System BIOS ver Displays system BIOS version.

VGA BIOS Ver This field displays the VGA firmware version of the system.

Serial Number This field displays the serial number of this unit.

Asset Tag Number This field displays the asset tag number of the system.

Product Name This field shows product name of the system.

Manufacturer Name This field displays the manufacturer of this system.

UUID Number This will be visible only when an internal LAN device is

presenting.
UUID=32bytes

Chapter 2 41

Main

The Main screen displays a summary of your computer hardware information, and also includes basic setup
parameters. It allows the user to specify standard IBM PC AT system parameters.

NOTE: The screen above is for your reference only. Actual values may differ.

42 Chapter 2

The table below describes the parameters in this screen. Settings in boldface are the default and suggested
parameter settings.

Parameter Description Format/Option

System Time Sets the system time. The hours are

displayed with 24-hour format.

Format: HH:MM:SS
(hour:minute:second)
System Time

System Date Sets the system date. Format MM/DD/YYYY

(month/day/year)
System Date

Total Memory This field reports the memory size of the

total memory in the system.

VGA Memory Shows the VGA memory size. VGA

Memory size=64/128MB

Quiet Boot Determines if Customer Logo will be

displayed or not; shows Summary Screen

Option: Enabled or
Disabled

is disabled or enabled.
Enabled: Customer Logo is displayed, and

Summary Screen is disabled.
Disabled: Customer Logo is not displayed,

and Summary Screen is enabled.

Network Boot Enables, disables the system boot from

LAN (remote server).

F12 Boot Menu Enables, disables Boot Menu during

POST.

D2D Recovery Enables, disables D2D Recovery function.

The function allows the user to create a

Option: Enabled or
Disabled

Option: Disabled or
Enabled

Option: Enabled or

Disabled
hidden partition on hard disc drive to store
operation system and restore the system
to factory defaults.

SATA Mode Set harddisk controller configure type

NOTE: The sub-items under each device will not be shown if the device control is set to disable or auto. This is

because the user is not allowed to control the settings in these cases.

Chapter 2 43

Security

The Security screen contains parameters that help safeguard and protect your computer from unauthorized
use.

The table below describes the parameters in this screen. Settings in boldface are the default and suggested
parameter settings.

Parameter Description Option

User Password is Shows the setting of the user password. Clear or Set

Supervisor Password isShows the setting of the Supervisor

password

Set User Password Press Enter to set the user password.

When user password is set, this password
protects the BIOS Setup Utility from
unauthorized access. The user can enter
Setup menu only and does not have right to
change the value of parameters.

Set Supervisor
Password

HardDisk Security Enables or disables primary hard disk

Password on Boot Defines whether a password is required or

Press Enter to set the supervisor password.
When set, this password protects the BIOS
Setup Utility from unauthorized access. The
user can not either enter the Setup menu
nor change the value of parameters.

security function.

not while the events defined in this group
happened. The following sub-options are all
requires the Supervisor password for
changes and should be grayed out if the
user password was used to enter setup.

Clear or Set

Disabled or Enabled

NOTE: When you are prompted to enter a password, you have three tries before the system halts. Don’t forget

your password. If you forget your password, you may have to return your notebook computer to your
dealer to reset it.

44 Chapter 2

Setting a Password

Follow these steps as you set the user or the supervisor password:

1. Use the w andy keys to highlight the Set Supervisor Password parameter and press the e key. The Set
Supervisor Password box appears:

2. Type a password in the “Enter New Password” field. The password length can not exceeds 8
alphanumeric characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9, not case sensitive). Retype the password in the “Confirm New
Password” field.

IMPORTANT:Be very careful when typing your password because the characters do not appear on the

screen.

3. Press e.

After setting the password, the computer sets the User Password parameter to “Set”.

4. If desired, you can opt to enable the Password on boot parameter.

5. When you are done, press u to save the changes and exit the BIOS Setup Utility.

Removing a Password

Follow these steps:

1. Use the w and y keys to highlight the Set Supervisor Password parameter and press the e key. The Set
Password box appears:

2. Type the current password in the Enter Current Password field and press e.

3. Press e twice without typing anything in the Enter New Password and Confirm New Password fields. The

computer then sets the Supervisor Password parameter to “Clear”.

4. When you have changed the settings, press u to save the changes and exit the BIOS Setup Utility.

Chapter 2 45

Changing a Password

1. Use the w and y keys to highlight the Set Supervisor Password parameter and press the e key. The Set
Password box appears:

2. Type the current password in the Enter Current Password field and press e.

3. Type a password in the Enter New Password field. Retype the password in the Confirm New Password

field.

4. Press e. After setting the password, the computer sets the User Password parameter to “Set”.

5. If desired, you can enable the Password on boot parameter.

6. When you are done, press u to save the changes and exit the BIOS Setup Utility.

If the verification is OK, the screen will display as following.

The password setting is complete after the user presses u.

If the current password entered does not match the actual current password, the screen will show you the
Setup Warning.

If the new password and confirm new password strings do not match, the screen will display the following
message.

46 Chapter 2

Boot

This menu allows the user to decide the order of boot devices to load the operating system. Bootable devices
includes the distette drive in module bay, the onboard hard disk drive and the CD-ROM in module bay.

Chapter 2 47

Exit

The Exit screen contains parameters that help safeguard and protect your computer from unauthorized use.

The table below describes the parameters in this screen.

Parameter Description

Exit Saving Changes Exit System Setup and save your changes to CMOS.

Exit Discarding
Changes

Load Setup Default Load default values for all SETUP item.

Discard Changes Load previous values from CMOS for all SETUP items.

Save Changes Save Setup Data to CMOS.

Exit utility without saving setup data to CMOS.

48 Chapter 2

BIOS Flash Utility

The BIOS flash memory update is required for the following conditions:

 New versions of system programs

 New features or options

 Restore a BIOS when it becomes corrupted.

Use the Phlash utility to update the system BIOS flash ROM.

NOTE: Do not install memory-related drivers (XMS, EMS, DPMI) when you use the Phlash.

NOTE: Please use the AC adaptor power supply when you run the Phlash utility. If the battery pack does not

contain enough power to finish BIOS flash, you may not boot the system because the BIOS is not
completely loaded.

Fellow the steps below to run the Phlash.

1. Prepare a bootable diskette.

2. Copy the flash utilities to the bootable diskette.

3. Then boot the system from the bootable diskette. The flash utility has auto-execution function.

BIOS Crisis Recovery

Fellow the steps below to run the BIOS Crisis Recovery.

1. Download the BIOS image.

2. Copy the BIOS image file XXXXXXXX.FD to the root folder of USB Key and rename it to KM2X64.FD.

3. Connect AC adapter and the USB key.

4. Press "Fn+ESC" and "Power button", the system will do the BIOS Crisis Recovery.

There is no display on the screen during Crisis, please wait for 2 minutes at least.

System will reboot after finish doing Crisis.

Chapter 2 49

Unlock HDD password Utility

If you key in wrong HDD password for three times, error code would display on the screen. See the image
below.

If you need to solve HDD password locked problem, you can run UNLOCKHD.EXE to generate unlock
password.

Key in generate unlock password.

50 Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Machine Disassembly and Replacement

This chapter contains step-by-step procedures on how to disassemble the notebook computer Aspire 8930Q
for maintenance and troubleshooting.

To disassemble the computer, you need the following tools:

 Wrist grounding strap and conductive mat for preventing electrostatic discharge

 Small Philips screw driver

 hilips screwdriver

 Plastic flat head screw driver

 Tweezers

NOTE: The screws for the different components vary in size. During the disassembly process, group the

screws with the corresponding components to avoid mismatch when putting back the components.
When you remove the stripe cover, please be careful not to scrape the cover.

Chapter 3 51

General Information

Before You Begin

Before proceeding with the disassembly procedure, make sure that you do the following:

1. Turn off the power to the system and all peripherals.

2. Unplug the AC adapter and all power and signal cables from the system.

3. Remove the battery pack.

52 Chapter 3

Disassembly Procedure Flowchard

The flowchart on the succeeding page gives you a graphic representation on the entire disassembly sequence
and instructs you on the components that need to be removed during servicing. For example, if you want to
remove the system board, you must first remove the keyboard, then disassemble the inside assembly frame in
that order.

Main unit disassembly flow chart

Chapter 3 53

LCM module disassembly flow chart

54 Chapter 3

Removing the Battery Pack

1. Release the battery.

2. Slide the battery latch then remove the battery.

Chapter 3 55

Removing the HDD/Memory Module/Wireless LAN Card/TV Tuner Card/System Fan/Thermal Modules/CPU

Removing the HDD

1. Remove the 7 screws fastening the CTO cover

2. Detach the CTO cover from the notebook.

Removing the Wireless Cover & RAM Module

3. Remove the wireless antenna and remove the wireless screws then remove the wireless card.

4. Pop out the memory module from the DIMM socket then remove it (If the notebook has two memory

modules, then repeat this step).

56 Chapter 3

Removing the Wireless LAN Card/TV Tunder Card and System Fan

5. Disconnect the main and auxiliary antennae from the TV card.

6. Loose two screws from the TV card.

7. Remove the TV card from the machine.

8. Remove HDD module as shown.

9. Remove FAN cable from the machine.

10. Loose the FAN screw.

Chapter 3 57

11. Take out the system fan from the main unit as shown.

Removing the Thermal Modules and the CPU

12. Remove the two screws holding the finger heatsink.

13. Detach the finger heatsink from the main board.

14. Then take out the CPU heatsink from the main board.

15. Use a flat screwdriver to release the CPU lock (Turn counter clock-wise) then remove the CPU carefully.

16. Remove the Express dummy card.

58 Chapter 3

17. Remove the card reader dummy.

Removing the ODD

18. Remove the screw fastening the optical disk drive module on the bottom.

19. Use a tool to push the optical disk drive module outwards and remove the ODD module.

Removing the Hinge cover

20. Remove two hinge cover screws.

21. Then detach the Hinge cover from both side.

Chapter 3 59

Removing the BTCB screws

22. Loose 31 screws from BTCB.

23. Detach Switch cover.

24. Disconnect Media board FFC from the Switch cover.

60 Chapter 3

25. Then remove the switch cover from the machine.

Chapter 3 61

Disassembling the Main Unit

1. Turn over the keyboard as the image shows.

2. Disconnect the Keyboard FFC from the main board

3. Then remove the keyboard from the main unit.

4. Disconnect the FFC from the main board.

5. Loose One screws from the TPCB.

6. Disconnect the LCM cable.

7. Pull out the Power cable.

8. Pull out the Wireless antenna.

9. Release four TPCB locker then remove the TCB from machine.

10. Disassembling the LED boards.

62 Chapter 3

11. Loose the LED boards four screws.

12. Loose four LCM hinge screws.

13. Then remove LCM module from the machine.

Chapter 3 63

Remove I/O baord and Main Board.

14. Remove the daughter board from the machine.

15. Loose two Modem card screws.

16. Disconnect Modem card cable.

17. Remove Modem card from the M/B.

18. Disconnect Speaker cable from the MB and loose the MB screw.

19. Remove M/B from the BTCB.

20. Remove RJ11 from the BTCB.

64 Chapter 3

21. Remove the USB board from BTCB.

Chapter 3 65

Disassembly LCM module

1. Remove six LCM bezel mylar.

2. Loose 10 LCM bezel screws.

3. Remove LCM bezel.

4. Disconnect Inverter cable and Back LED board cable.

5. Remove Inverter from BTCB.

6. Loose four LCD scrws from the hinge.

7. Disconnect CCD cable.

8. Remove the LCD panel.

66 Chapter 3

9. Loose four LCD hinge screws, then remove two hinges from LCD panel.

Disassembling the External Modules

Disassembling the HDD Module

1. Remove the four screws holding the HDD (hard disk drive) foil; two on each side.

2. Carefully take out the hard disk drive from the HDD foil.

Chapter 3 67

Disassembling the ODD Module

1. Remove the two screws holding the optical bracket.

2. Then remove the optical bracket from the optical disk drive.

68 Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Troubleshooting

Use the following procedure as a guide for computer problems.

NOTE: The diagnostic tests are intended to test only Acer products. Non-Acer products, prototype cards, or

modified options can give false errors and invalid system responses.

1. Obtain the failing symptoms in as much detail as possible.

2. Verify the symptoms by attempting to re-create the failure by running the diagnostic test or by repeating

the same operation.

3. Use the following table with the verified symptom to determine which page to go to.

Symptoms (Verified) Go To

Power failure. (The power indicator does not
go on or stay on.)

POST does not complete. No beep or error
codes are indicated.

POST detects an error and displayed
messages on screen.

Other symptoms (i.e. LCD display problems or
others).

Symptoms cannot be re-created (intermittent
problems).

“Power System Check” on page 71.

“Power-On Self-Test (POST) Error Message”
on page 73

“Undetermined Problems” on page 88

“Error Message List” on page 74

“Power-On Self-Test (POST) Error Message”
on page 73

Use the customer-reported symptoms and go
to “Power-On Self-Test (POST) Error
Message” on page 73

“Intermittent Problems” on page 87
“Undetermined Problems” on page 88

Chapter 4 69

System Check Procedures

External Diskette Drive Check

Do the following to isolate the problem to a controller, driver, or diskette. A write-enabled, diagnostic diskette is
required.

NOTE: Make sure that the diskette does not have more than one label attached to it. Multiple labels can cause

damage to the drive or cause the drive to fail.

Do the following to select the test device.

1. Boot from the diagnostics diskette and start the diagnostics program.

2. See if FDD Test is passed as the program runs to FDD Test.

3. Follow the instructions in the message window.

If an error occurs with the internal diskette drive, reconnect the diskette connector on the system board.

If the error still remains:

1. Reconnect the external diskette drive/DVD-ROM module.

2. Replace the external diskette drive/CD-ROM module.

3. Replace the main board.

External CD-ROM Drive Check

Do the following to isolate the problem to a controller, drive, or CD-ROM. Make sure that the CD-ROM does
not have any label attached to it. The label can cause damage to the drive or can cause the drive to fail.

Do the following to select the test device:

1. Boot from the diagnostics diskette and start the diagnostics program.

2. See if CD-ROM Test is passed when the program runs to CD-ROM Test.

3. Follow the instructions in the message window.

If an error occurs, reconnect the connector on the System board. If the error still remains:

1. Reconnect the external diskette drive/CD-ROM module.

2. Replace the external diskette drive/CD-ROM module.

3. Replace the main board.

Keyboard or Auxiliary Input Device Check

Remove the external keyboard if the internal keyboard is to be tested.

If the internal keyboard does not work or an unexpected character appears, make sure that the flexible cable
extending from the keyboard is correctly seated in the connector on the system board.

If the keyboard cable connection is correct, run the Keyboard Test.

If the tests detect a keyboard problem, do the following one at a time to correct the problem. Do not replace a
non-defective FRU:

1. Reconnect the keyboard cables.

2. Replace the keyboard.

3. Replace the main board.

The following auxiliary input devices are supported by this computer:

 Numeric keypad

 External keyboard

If any of these devices do not work, reconnect the cable connector and repeat the failing operation.

70 Chapter 4

Memory check

Memory errors might stop system operations, show error messages on the screen, or hang the system.

1. Boot from the diagnostics diskette and start the doagmpstotics program (please refer to main board.

2. Go to the diagnostic memory in the test items.

3. Press F2 in the test items.

4. Follow the instructions in the message window.

NOTE: Make sure that the DIMM is fully installed into the connector. A loose connection can cause an error.

Power System Check

To verify the symptom of the problem, power on the computer using each of the following power sources:

1. Remove the battery pack.

2. Connect the power adapter and check that power is supplied.

3. Disconnect the power adapter and install the charged battery pack; then check that power is supplied by

the battery pack.

If you suspect a power problem, see the appropriate power supply check in the following list:

 “Check the Power Adapter” on page 71

 “Check the Battery Pack” on page 71

Check the Power Adapter

Unplug the power adapter cable from the computer and measure the output voltage at the plug of the power
adapter cable. See the following figure

Pin 1: +19 to +20.5V
Pin 2: 0V, Ground

1. If the voltage is not correct, replace the power adapter.

2. If the voltage is within the range, do the following:

z Replace the System board.

z If the problem is not corrected, see “Undetermined Problems” on page 88.

z If the voltage is not correct, go to the next step.

NOTE: An audible noise from the power adapter does not always indicate a defect.

3. If the power-on indicator does not light up, check the power cord of the power adapter for correct

continuity and installation.

4. If the operational charge does not work, see “Check the Battery Pack” on page 71.

Check the Battery Pack

To check the battery pack, do the following:

From Software:

1. Check out the Power Management in control Panel

2. In Power Meter, confirm that if the parameters shown in the screen for Current Power Source and Total

Battery Power Remaining are correct.

3. Repeat the steps 1 and 2, for both battery and adapter.

4. This helps you identify first the problem is on recharging or discharging.

Chapter 4 71

From Hardware:

1. Power off the computer.

2. Remove the battery pack and measure the voltage between battery terminals 1(+) and 6(ground). See the

following figure

3. If the voltage is still less than 7.5 Vdc after recharging, replace the battery.

To check the battery charge operation, use a discharged battery pack or a battery pack that has less than 50%
of the total power remaining when installed in the computer.

If the battery status indicator does not light up, remove the battery pack and let it return to room temperature.
Re-install the battery pack.

If the charge indicator still does not light up, replace the battery pack. If the charge indicator still does not light
up, replace the DC/DC charger board.

Touchpad Check

If the touchpad doesn’t work, do the following actions one at a time to correct the problem. Do not replace a
non-defective FRU:

1. Reconnect the touchpad cables.

2. Replace the touchpad.

3. Replace the system board.

After you use the touchpad, the pointer drifts on the screen for a short time. This self-acting pointer movement
can occur when a slight, steady pressure is applied to the touchpad pointer. This symptom is not a hardware
problem. No service actions are necessary if the pointer movement stops in a short period of time.

72 Chapter 4

Power-On Self-Test (POST) Error Message

The POST error message index lists the error message and their possible causes. The most likely cause is
listed first.

NOTE: Perform the FRU replacement or actions in the sequence shown in FRU/Action column, if the FRU

replacement does not solve the problem, put the original part back in the computer. Do not replace a
non-defective FRU.

This index can also help you determine the next possible FRU to be replaced when servicing a computer.

If the symptom is not listed, see “Undetermined Problems” on page 88.

The following lists the error messages that the BIOS displays on the screen and the error symptoms classified
by function.

NOTE: Most of the error messages occur during POST. Some of them display information about a hardware

device, e.g., the amount of memory installed. Others may indicate a problem with a device, such as the
way it has been configured.

NOTE: If the system fails after you make changes in the BIOS Setup Utility menus, reset the computer, enter

Setup and install Setup defaults or correct the error.

Chapter 4 73

Index of Error Messages

Error Code List

Error Codes Error Messages

006 Equipment Configuration Error

010 Memory Error at xxxx:xxxx:xxxxh (R:xxxxh,

070 Real Time Clock Error

071 CMOS Battery Bad

072 CMOS Checksum Error

110 System disabled.

<No error code> Battery critical LOW

<No error code> Thermal critical High

Causes:

1. CPU BIOS Update Code Mismatch

2. IDE Primary Channel Master Drive Error
(THe causes will be shown before “Equipment

Configuration Error”)

W:xxxxh)

Incorrect password is specified.

In this situation BIOS will issue 4 short beeps
then shut down system, no message will show.

In this situation BIOS will shut down system,
not show message.

Error Message List

Error Messages FRU/Action in Sequence

Failure Fixed Disk Reconnect hard disk drive connector.

“Load Default Settings” in BIOS Setup Utility.
Hard disk drive
System board

Stuck Key see “Keyboard or Auxiliary Input Device

Check” on page 70.

Keyboard error see “Keyboard or Auxiliary Input Device

Check” on page 70.

Keyboard Controller Failed see “Keyboard or Auxiliary Input Device

Check” on page 70.

Keyboard locked - Unlock key switch Unlock external keyboard

Monitor type does not match CMOS - Run
Setup

Shadow RAM Failed at offset: nnnn BIOS ROM

System RAM Failed at offset: nnnn DIMM

Extended RAM Failed at offset: nnnn DIMM

System battery is dead - Replace and run
Setup

Run “Load Default Settings” in BIOS Setup
Utility.

System board

System board

System board

Replace RTC battery and Run BIOS Setup
Utility to reconfigure system time, then reboot
system.

74 Chapter 4

Error Messages FRU/Action in Sequence

System CMOS checksum bad - Default
configuration used

RTC battery
Run BIOS Setup Utility to reconfigure system

time, then reboot system.

System timer error RTC battery

Run BIOS Setup Utility to reconfigure system
time, then reboot system.

System board

Real time clock error RTC battery

Run BIOS Setup Utility to reconfigure system
time, then reboot system.

System board

Previous boot incomplete - Default
configuration used

Run “Load Default Settings” in BIOS Setup
Utility.

RTC battery
System board

Memory size found by POST differed from
CMOS

Run “Load Default Settings” in BIOS Setup
Utility.

DIMM
System board

Diskette drive A error Check the drive is defined with the proper

diskette type in BIOS Setup Utility
See “External Diskette Drive Check” on page

70.

Incorrect Drive A type - run SETUP Check the drive is defined with the proper

diskette type in BIOS Setup Utility

System cache error - Cache disabled System board

CPU ID: System board

DMA Test Failed DIMM

System board

Software NMI Failed DIMM

System board

Fail-Safe Timer NMI Failed DIMM

System board

Device Address Conflict Run “Load Default Settings” in BIOS Setup

Utility.
RTC battery
System board

Allocation Error for device Run “Load Default Settings” in BIOS Setup

Utility.
RTC battery
System board

Failing Bits: nnnn DIMM

BIOS ROM
System board

Fixed Disk n None

Invalid System Configuration Data BIOS ROM

System board

Chapter 4 75

Error Messages FRU/Action in Sequence

I/O device IRQ conflict Run “Load Default Settings” in BIOS Setup

Utility.
RTC battery
System board

Operating system not found Enter Setup and see if fixed disk and drive A:

are properly identified.
Diskette drive
Hard disk drive
System board

Error Message List

No beep Error Messages FRU/Action in Sequence

No beep, power-on indicator turns off and LCD
is blank.

No beep, power-on indicator turns on and LCD
is blank.

No beep, power-on indicator turns on and LCD
is blank. But you can see POST on an external
CRT.

No beep, power-on indicator turns on and a
blinking cursor shown on LCD during POST.

No beep during POST but system runs
correctly.

Power source (battery pack and power
adapter). See “Power System Check” on page

71.
Ensure every connector is connected tightly

and correctly.
Reconnect the DIMM.
LED board.
System board.

Power source (battery pack and power
adapter). See “Power System Check” on page

71.
Reconnect the LCD connector
Hard disk drive
LCD inverter ID
LCD cable
LCD Inverter
LCD
System board

Reconnect the LCD connectors.
LCD inverter ID
LCD cable
LCD inverter
LCD
System board

Ensure every connector is connected tightly
and correctly.

System board

Speaker
System board

76 Chapter 4

InsydeH2O Post Codes

Sec:

NO_EVICTION_MODE_DEBUG EQU 1 (CommonPlatform\sec\Ia32\SecCore.inc)

Code POST Routine Description

0xC2 MTRR setup

0xC3 Enable cache

0xC4 Establish cache tags

0xC5 Enter NEM, Place the BSP in No Fill mode, set CR0.CD = 1, CR0.NW = 0

0xCF Cache Init Finished

Memory:

DEBUG_BIOS EQU 1 (Chipset\Alviso\MemoryInitAsm\IA32\IMEMORY.INC)

Code POST Routine Description

0xA0 First memory check point

0x01 Enable MCHBAR

0x02 Check for DRAM initialization interrupt and reset fail

0x03 Verify all DIMMs are DDR or DDR2 and unbuffered

0x04 Detect an improper warm reset and handle

0x05 Detect if ECC SO-DIMMs are present in the system

0x06 Verify all DIMMs are single or double sided and not asymmetric

0x07 Verify all DIMMs are x8 or x16 width

0x08 Find a common CAS latency between the DIMMS and the MCH

0x09 Determine the memory frequency and CAS latency to program

0x10 Determine the smallest common TRAS for all DIMMs

0x11 Determine the smallest common TRP for all DIMMs

0x12 Determine the smallest common TRCD for all DIMMs

0x13 Determine the smallest refresh period for all DIMMs

0x14 Verify burst length of 8 is supported by all DIMMs

0x15 Determine the smallest tWR supported by all DIMMs

0x16 Determine DIMM size parameters

0x17 Program the correct system memory frequency

0x18 Determine and set the mode of operation for the memory channels

0x19 Program clock crossing registers

0x20 Disable Fast Dispatch

0x21 Program the DRAM Row Attributes and DRAM Row Boundary registers

0x22 Program the DRAM Bank Architecture register

0x23 Program the DRAM Timing & and DRAM Control registers

0x24 Program ODT

0x25 Perform steps required before memory init

0x26

0x27 Enable DRAM Channel I/O Buffers

Program the receive enable reference timing control register
Program the DLL Timing Control Registers , RCOMP settings

Chapter 4 77

Code POST Routine Description

0x28 Enable all clocks on populated rows

0x29 Perform JEDEC memory initialization for all memory rows

0x30
0x31

0x32 Setup DRAM control register for normal operation and enable

0x33 Enable RCOMP

0x34 Clear DRAM initialization bit in the SB

0x35 Initialization Sequence Completed, program graphic clocks

0xAF Disable access to the XMM registers

BDS & Specific action:

Code POST Routine Description

0x00 Report the legacy boot is happening

0x12 Wake up the APs

0x13 Initialize SMM Private Data and relocate BSP SMBASE

0x21
0x27

0x28 Report status code of every memory range

0x50 Get the root bridge handle

0x51 Notify pci bus driver starts to program the resource

0x58 Reset the host controller

0x5A IdeBus begin initialization

0x70 Simple Text Output Protocol Functions(VGA class reset)

0x71 Report that VGA Class driver is being disabled

0x72 Report that VGA Class driver is being enabled

0x78 Terminal Console In reset and Console Out reset

0x79 Report that the remote terminal is being disabled

0x7A Report that the remote terminal is being enabled

0x90 Keyboard reset

0x91 USB Keyboard disable

0x92 Keyboard detection

0x93 Report that the usb keyboard is being enabled

0x94 Clear the keyboard buffer

0x95 Init Keyboard

0x98 Mouse reset

0x99
0x9A

0x9B Report that the mouse is being enabled

0xB8 Peripheral removable media reset(ex:IsaFloppy, USB device)

0xB9 Peripheral removable media disable

0xBB Peripheral removable media enable

0xE4 Report Status Code here for DXE_ENTRY_POINT once it is available

0xF8 Report that ExitBootServices() has been called

Perform steps required after memory init
Program DRAM throttling and throttling event registers

PC init begin at the stage1
Report every memory range do the hard ware ECC init

Mouse disable
Detect PS2 mouse

78 Chapter 4

Code POST Routine Description

0xF9 Runtime driver set virtual address map

Each PEIM entry point used in 80_PORT:

Code POST Routine Description

0x00

0x01 PEI_EVENT_LOG

0x02 PEI_OEM_SERVICE

0x03 PEI_SIO_INIT

0x04 PEI_MONO_STATUS_CODE

0x05 PEI_CPU_IO_PCI_CFG

0x06 PEI_CPU_IO

0x07 PEI_PCI_CFG

0x08 PEI_CPU_PEIM

0x09 PEI_PLATFORM_STAGE1

0x0A PEI_VARIABLE

0x0B
0x0C

0x0D PEI_PLATFORM_STAGE2

0x0E PEI_SB_SMBUS_ARP_DISABLED

0x0F PEI_HOST_TO_SYSTEM

0x10 PEI_MEMORY_INIT

0x11 PEI_S3_RESUME

0x12 PEI_CLOCK_GEN

0x13 PEI_OP_PRESENCE

0x14 PEI_TPM_TCG

0x15 PEI_FIND_FV

0x16 PEI_H2O_DEBUG_IO

0x17 PEI_H2O_DEBUG_COMM

0x18 PEI_SMM_CONTROL

0x19~0x1F PEI_RESERVED

0x20~0x2E PEI_OEM_DEFINED

0x2F PEI_DXE_IPL

PEI_SB_INIT
PEI_CAPSULE

Each Driver entry point used in 80_PORT:

Code POST Routine Description

0x30 RESERVED

0x31 DXE_CRC32_SECTION_EXTRACT

0x32 SCRIPT_SAVE

0x33 ACPI_S3_SAVE

0x34 SMART_TIMER

0x35 JPEG_DECODER

0x36 PCX_DECODER

0x37 HT_CPU / MP_CPU

Chapter 4 79

Code POST Routine Description

0x38 LEGACY_METRONOME

0x39 FTWLITE

0x3A RUN_RIME

0x3B MONOTONIC_COUNTER

0x3C WATCH_DOG_TIMER

0x3D SECURITY_STUB

0x3E DXE_CPU_IO

0x3F CF9_RESET

0x40 PC_RTC

0x41 STATUS_CODE

0x42 VARIABLE

0x43 EMU_VARIABLE

0x44 DXE_CHIPSET_INIT

0x45 DXE_ALERT_FORMAT

0x46 PCI_HOST_BRIDGE

0x47 PCI_EXPRESS

0x48 DXE_SB_INIT

0x49 IDE_CONTROLLER

0x4A
0x4B

SATA_CONTROLLER
SB_SM_BUS

0x4C ISA_ACPI_DRIVER

0x4D ISA_BUS

0x4E ISA_SERIAL

0x4F IDE_BUS

0x50 PCI_BUS

0x51 BOOT_PRIORITY

0x52 FVB_SERVICE

0x53 ACPI_PLATFORM

0x54 PCI_HOT_PLUG

0x55 DXE_PLATFORM

0x56 PLATFORM_IDE

0x57 SMBIOS

0x58 MEMORY_SUB_CLASS

0x59 MISC_SUB_CLASS

0x5A CON_PLATFORM

0x5B SAVE_MEMORY_CONFIG

0x5C ACPI_SUPPORT

0x5D CON_SPLITTER_UGA_VGA / CON_SPLITTER

0x5E VGA_CLASS

0x5F DATA_HUB

0x60 DISK_IO

0x61
0x62

MEMORY_TEST
CRISIS_RECOVERY

80 Chapter 4

Code POST Routine Description

0x63 LEGACY_8259

0x64 LEGACY_REGION

0x65 LEGACY_INTERRUPT

0x66 BIOS_KEYBOARD

0x67 BIOS_VEDIO

0x68 MONITER_KEY

0x69 LEGACY_BIOS

0x6A LEGACY_BIOS_PLATFORM

0x6B PCI_PLATFORM

0x6C ISA_FLOOPY

0x6D PS2_MOUSE

0x6E USB_BOT

0x6F USB_CBI0

0x70 USB_CBI1

0x71 USB_KB

0x72 USB_MASS_STORAGE

0x73 BUS_PCI_UHCI

0x74 USB_MOUSE

0x75 USB_BUS

0x76 SETUP_UTILITY

0x77 FW_BLOCK_SERVICE

0x78
0x79

USB_LEGACY_PLATFORM
GRAPHICS_CONSOLE

0x7A TERMINAL

0x7B DATA_HUB_STD_ERR

0x7C FAT

0x7D PARTITION

0x7E ENGLISH

0x7F FRENCH

0x80 HII_DATABASE

0x81 SETUP_BROWSER

0x82 OEM_SETUP_BROWSER

0x83 OEM_BADGING_SUPPORT

0x84 LEGACY_MOUSE

0x85 BIOS_SNP16

0x86 BUS_PCI_UNDI

0x87 SETUP_MOUSE

0x88 OEM_SETTING

0x89 MONITOR_KEY

0x8A PLATFORM_BDS

0x8B FAULT_TOLERANT_WRITE

0x8C UPDATE_DISPATCHER

0x8D CHINESE

Chapter 4 81

Code POST Routine Description

0x8E TPM_S3_Resume

0x8F
0x90

USB_EHCI
SNP_32_64

0x91 PXE_BC

0x92 PXE_DHCP4

0x93 EBC

0x94~0x9F RESERVED

0xA0 DXE_H2O_DEBUG_IO

0xA1 DXE_H2O_DEBUG_IO

0xA2 DXE_TPM_TCG

0xA3 DXE_TPM_PHYSICAL_PRESENCE

0xA4 DXE_OEM_SERVICE

0xA5 DXE_EVENT_LOG

0xA6
0xA7

DXE_ SECURITY_HDD_PASSWORD_SERVICE
DXE_LAN_ASF_INIT

0xA8 DXE_BUS_PCI_SERIAL

0xA9 DXE_LAN_IDER_CONTROLLER

0xAA DXE_LAN_AMT

0xAB DXE_ SECURITY_SYSTEM_PASSWORD_SERVICE

0xAC DXE_ SECURITY_ PASSWORD_CONSOLE

0xAD DXE_ DATA_HUB_RECORD_POLICY

0xAE DXE_TPM_DRIVER

0xAF RESERVED

0xB0
0xB1

JAPANESE
DXE_UNICODE_COLLACTION

Each SmmDriver entry point used in 80_PORT:

Code POST Routine Description

0xC0 SMM_ACCESS

0xC1 SMM_CONTROL

0xC2 SMM_BASE

0xC3 SMMAP

0xC4 SMMCORE

0xC5 SMM_DISPATCH

0xC6 SMM_START

0xC7 SMM_RUNTIME

0xC8 SB_SMM_DISPATCH

0xC9 SMM_THUNK

0xCA SMM_ACPI_SW_CHILD

0xCB SMM_SB_S3_SAVE

0xCC SMM_PLATFORM

0xCD

0xCE

82 Chapter 4

SMM_GMCH_MBI
SMM_FW_BLOCK_SERVICE

Code POST Routine Description

0xCF SMM_VARIABLE

0xD0 SMM_IHISI

0xD1 SMM_INT15_MICROCODE

0xD2 SMM_PNP

0xD3 SMM_USB_LEGACY

0xD4 SMM_INT13_HDD

0xD5 SMM_INIT_PPM

0xD6 SMM_OHCI1394

0xD7 SMM_ SECURITY_HDD_PASSWORD_SERVICE

0xD8 SMM_OEM_SERVICE

0xD9 SMM_PPM

0xDA SMM_DIGITAL_THERMAL_SENSOR

Chapter 4 83

Index of Symptom-to-FRU Error Message

LCD-Related Symptoms

Symptom / Error Action in Sequence

LCD backlight doesn't work
LCD is too dark
LCD brightness cannot be adjusted
LCD contrast cannot be adjusted

Unreadable LCD screen
Missing pels in characters
Abnormal screen
Wrong color displayed

LCD has extra horizontal or vertical lines
displayed.

Enter BIOS Utility to execute “Load Setup
Default Settings”, then reboot system.

Reconnect the LCD connectors.
Keyboard (if contrast and brightness function

key doesn't work).
LCD inverter ID
LCD cable
LCD inverter
LCD
System board

Reconnect the LCD connector
LCD inverter ID
LCD cable
LCD inverter
LCD
System board

LCD inverter ID
LCD inverter
LCD cable
LCD
System board

Indicator-Related Symptoms

Symptom / Error Action in Sequence

Indicator incorrectly remains off or on, but
system runs correctly

Reconnect the inverter board
Inverter board
System board

Power-Related Symptoms

Symptom / Error Action in Sequence

Power shuts down during operation Power source (battery pack and power

adapter). See “Power System Check” on page

71.
Battery pack
Power adapter
Hard drive & battery connection board
System board

The system doesn’t power-on. Power source (battery pack and power

adapter). See “Power System Check” on page

71.
Battery pack
Power adapter
Hard drive & battery connection board
System board

84 Chapter 4

Symptom / Error Action in Sequence

The system doesn’t power-off. Power source (battery pack and power

adapter). See “Power System Check” on page

71.
Hold and press the power switch for more than

4 seconds.
System board

Battery can’t be charged See “Check the Battery Pack” on page 71.

Battery pack
System board

PCMCIA-Related Symptoms

Symptom / Error Action in Sequence

System cannot detect the PC Card (PCMCIA) PCMCIA slot assembly

System board

PCMCIA slot pin is damaged. PCMCIA slot assembly

Memory-Related Symptoms

Symptom / Error Action in Sequence

Memory count (size) appears different from
actual size.

Enter BIOS Setup Utility to execute “Load
Default Settings, then reboot system.

DIMM
System board

Speaker-Related Symptoms

Symptom / Error Action in Sequence

In Windows, multimedia programs, no sound
comes from the computer.

Internal speakers make noise or emit no
sound.

Audio driver
Speaker
System board

Speaker
System board

Power Management-Related Symptoms

Symptom / Error Action in Sequence

The system will not enter hibernation See “Save to Disk (S4)” on page 37

Keyboard (if control is from the keyboard)
Hard disk drive
System board

The system doesn't enter hibernation mode
and four short beeps every minute.

Press Fn+
hibernation mode.

Touchpad
Keyboard
Hard disk connection board
Hard disk drive
System board

o and see if the computer enters

Chapter 4 85

Symptom / Error Action in Sequence

The system doesn’t enter standby mode after
closing the LCD

See “Save to Disk (S4)” on page 37.
LCD cover switch
System board

The system doesn't resume from hibernation
mode.

See “Save to Disk (S4)” on page 37.
Hard disk connection board
Hard disk drive
System board

The system doesn't resume from standby
mode after opening the LCD.

See “Save to Disk (S4)” on page 37.
LCD cover switch
System board

Battery fuel gauge in Windows doesn’t go
higher than 90%.

Remove battery pack and let it cool for 2
hours.

Refresh battery (continue use battery until
power off, then charge battery).

Battery pack
System board

System hangs intermittently. Reconnect hard disk/CD-ROM drives.

Hard disk connection board
System board

Peripheral-Related Symptoms

Symptom / Error Action in Sequence

System configuration does not match the
installed devices.

Enter BIOS Setup Utility to execute “Load
Default Settings”, then reboot system.

Reconnect hard disk/CD-ROM/diskette drives.

External display does not work correctly. Press Fn+F5, LCD/CRT/Both display

switching
System board

USB does not work correctly System board

Print problems. Ensure the “Parallel Port” in the “Onboard

Devices Configuration” of BIOS Setup Utility is
set to Enabled.

Onboard Devices Configuration
Run printer self-test.
Printer driver
Printer cable
Printer
System Board

Serial or parallel port device problems. Ensure the “Serial Port” in the Devices

Configuration” of BIOS Setup Utility is set to
Enabled.

Device driver
Device cable
Device
System board

86 Chapter 4

Keyboard/Touchpad-Related Symptoms

Symptom / Error Action in Sequence

Keyboard (one or more keys) does not work. Reconnect the keyboard cable.

Keyboard
System board

Touchpad does not work. Reconnect touchpad cable.

Touchpad board
System board

Modem-Related Symptoms

Symptom / Error Action in Sequence

Internal modem does not work correctly. Modem phone port

modem combo board
System board

NOTE: If you cannot find a symptom or an error in this list and the problem remains, see “Undetermined

Problems” on page 88.

Intermittent Problems

Intermittent system hang problems can be caused by a variety of reasons that have nothing to do with a
hardware defect, such as: cosmic radiation, electrostatic discharge, or software errors. FRU replacement
should be considered only when a recurring problem exists.

When analyzing an intermittent problem, do the following:

1. Run the advanced diagnostic test for the system board in loop mode at least 10 times.

2. If no error is detected, do not replace any FRU.

3. If any error is detected, replace the FRU. Rerun the test to verify that there are no more errors.

Chapter 4 87

Undetermined Problems

The diagnostic problems does not identify which adapter or device failed, which installed devices are incorrect,
whether a short circuit is suspected, or whether the system is inoperative.

Follow these procedures to isolate the failing FRU (do not isolate non-defective FRU).

NOTE: Verify that all attached devices are supported by the computer.

NOTE: Verify that the power supply being used at the time of the failure is operating correctly. (See “Power

System Check” on page 71):

1. Power-off the computer.

2. Visually check them for damage. If any problems are found, replace the FRU.

3. Remove or disconnect all of the following devices:

z Non-Acer devices

z Printer, mouse, and other external devices

z Battery pack

z Hard disk drive

z DIMM

z CD-ROM/Diskette drive Module

z PC Cards

4. Power-on the computer.

5. Determine if the problem has changed.

6. If the problem does not recur, reconnect the removed devices one at a time until you find the failing FRU.

7. If the problem remains, replace the following FRU one at a time. Do not replace a non-defective FRU:

z System board

z LCD assembly

88 Chapter 4

Jumper and Connector Locations

Top View

Chapter 5

Aspire8930Q M/B layout and connector location

TOP view

No. Name Description

1 CN2 LCM Cable CNTR

2 CN6 Power Board FFC CNTR

3 CN3 LED Board Cable CNTR

4 CN1 LED Board Cable CNTR

5 CN4 Power Cable CNTR

6 U6 South Bridge

7 CN12 I/O Board CNTR

8 CN15 Speaker Cable CNTR

9 CN14 MDC CNTR

10 CN13 BT Cable CNTR

11 CN11 Touch Pad FFC CNTR

12 CN9 Media consle Board CNTR

Chapter 5 89

Bottom View

Bottom view

No. Name Description

1 CN501 Battery CNTR

2 CN502 CPU Socket

3 CN500 FAN Cable CNTR

4 Jack500 RJ45

5 CN503 VGA Port

6 CN507 HDMI Port

7 CN510 HDMI Port

8 CN513 USB Port

9 CN515 USB Port

10 Jack501 SPDIF

11 Jack502 MIC jack

12 Jack503 Line in jack

13 CN511 Speaker Cable CNTR

14 U510 North Bridge

15 CN516 HDD Socket

16 CN517 HDD Socket

17 CN505/506 DIMM Socket

18 CN512 ODD CNTR

19 CN508 PCI-E Socket

20 CN504 PCI-E Socket

21 CN509 VGA Card Socket

90 Chapter 5

Chapter 6

FRU (Field Replaceable Unit) List

This chapter gives you the FRU (Field Replaceable Unit) listing in global configurations of Aspire 8930Q. Refer
to this chapter whenever ordering for parts to repair or for RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization).

Please note that WHEN ORDERING FRU PARTS, you should check the most up-to-date information available
on your regional web or channel. For whatever reasons a part number change is made, it will not be noted on
the printed Service Guide. For ACER AUTHORIZED SERVICE PROVIDERS, your Acer office may have a
DIFFERENT part number code from those given in the FRU list of this printed Service Guide. You MUST use
the local FRU list provided by your regional Acer office to order FRU parts for repair and service of customer
machines.

NOTE: To scrap or to return the defective parts, you should follow the local government ordinance or

regulations on how to dispose it properly, or follow the rules set by your regional Acer office on how to
return it.

Chapter 6 91

Aspire 8930Q Exploded Diagram

92 Chapter 6

Chapter 6 93

94 Chapter 6