Acer Aspire 5910 Service Manual

Acer Aspire 5910 Notebook Computer

Service Guide

Service guide files and updates are available

on the Acer CSD web site at http://csd.acer.com.tw

PRINTED IN TAIWAN

Revision History

Refer to the table below for the updates made on this version of the Aspire 5910 Notebook Computer Service Guide.

Date Chapter Updates

Copyright © 2007 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 and Centrino are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation. Intel Core is a trademark of Intel Corporation. Other brand and product names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

III

Conventions

The following textual conventions are used in this service guide.

SCREEN MESSAGES Denotes actual messages that appear on screen.

NOTE Gives additional information related to the current topic.

WARNING Alerts you to any physical risk or system 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.

Service Guide Coverage

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.

FRU Information

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.

Table of Contents

System Tour 1

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Aspire Tour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Open Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Close Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Left View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Right View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Rear View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Base View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Status Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Easy-launch Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

System Utilities 11

Phoenix TrustedCore Setup Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Accessing the Setup Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Navigating Through the Setup Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Setup Utility Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

BIOS Flash Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Launch Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

System Disassembly 23

Disassembly Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Stages of the Disassembly Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Equivalent Torque Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

System Screw List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Pre-disassembly Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

External Modules Disassembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

External Modules Disassembly Flowchart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Removing the SD Dummy Card. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Removing the ExpressCard/54 Dummy Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Removing the Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Removing the Lower Case Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Removing the Memory Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Removing the WLAN Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Removing and Dismantling the HDD Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Removing and Dismantling the ODD Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Removing the Cooling Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Removing the Heat Sink . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Removing the Processor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Removing the VGA Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Main Unit Disassembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Main Unit Disassembly Flowchart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Removing the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Removing the Middle Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Removing the LCD Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Removing the Power Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Removing the Upper Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Removing the Power FPC Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

Removing the Speaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Removing the E-key Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Removing the Launch Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

VII

Table of Contents

Removing the Touchpad Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Removing the Modem Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Removing the Bluetooth Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Removing the Subwoofer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Removing the USB Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Removing the System Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Removing the Card Reader Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Removing the DC-in Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

LCD Module Disassembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

LCD Module Disassembly Flowchart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Removing the LCD Bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Removing the LCD Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Removing the Inverter Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Removing the LCD-CCD Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

Removing the LCD Panel Brackets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Removing the LCD Module Hinges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Removing the CCD Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Removing the Microphones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Removing the WLAN Antennas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

System Troubleshooting 63

Hardware Diagnostic Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

System Check Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

External Diskette Drive Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64

External CD-ROM Drive Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64

Keyboard or Auxiliary Input Device Check. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Memory Check. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Power System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

Touchpad Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

POST Error Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

POST Error Message. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

POST Beep Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70

Index of Symptom-to-FRU Error Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75

Intermittent Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Undetermined Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79

Online Support Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80

System Block Diagram and Board Layout 81

System Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81

System Board Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82

Top View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Bottom View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83

System Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84

Aspire 5910 Series Model Configurations 85 Test Compatible Components 89 Technical Specifications 93 Index 103

VIII

Chapter 1

System Tour

Features

Your Aspire 5910 is part of the Acer Gemstone line of notebook computers. It provides superior computing performance and excellent audio-visual experience in an all new sleek and elegant exterior.

NOTE: The features listed in this section is for your reference only. The exact configuration of your Aspire

computer depends on the model purchased.

Computing platform

T Mobile technology: Intel T Processor: Intel

sequence: T7600, T7400, T7200, T5600, and T5500.

T Processor technologies

t Intel Virtualization Technology (Intel VT) t Enhanced Intel

t Intel 64-bit architecture t Execute Disable Bit functionality

T Core logic: Mobile Intel 945PM Express Chipset

Centrino® Duo mobile technology

Core™ 2 Duo processor. Your Aspire notebook supports the following processor

SpeedStep® Technology

Memory

T Two DIMM slots supporting DDR2 533/667 MHz memory modules T Maximum 4 GB system memory using two soDIMM modules T Supports dual-channel memory mode T 1 MB flash BIOS and shadow RAM support

Storage subsystem

T SATA hard disk drives in 80–,120–, and 160 GB capacities (higher HDD capacity supported) T DVD-Super Multi double-layer drive or DVD/CD-RW combo drive

T 5-in-1 card reader slot supports Secure Digital (SD), MultiMediaCard (MMC), Memory Stick

Memory Stick Pro™ (MS Pro), and xD-Picture Card™ (xD) formats

Display and graphics

T 15.4" WXGA high-brightness (220-nits) Acer CrystalBrite™ TFT LCD (1400 x 900 pixel resolution, 16.7

million colors)

T Graphics controller: ATI Mobility™ Radeon™ X2300 HD T Acer GridVista™ for simultaneous multi-window viewing (8 ms response time) T Acer Arcade™ featuring Acer CinemaVision™ and Acer ClearVision™ technologies T Supports the following video capabilities:

t Dual independent display t MPEG-2/DVD hardware-assisted function (full decode) t WMV9 (VC-1) and H.264 (AVC, full decode) t S-video/TV-out (NTSC/PAL) t True Digital Visual Interface (DVI-D) with support for High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP)

(MS),

Chapter 1 1

Audio

T One speaker grill with L/R stereo speakers T One subwoofer supporting low-frequency effects T Two built-in stereo microphones supports beam forming, echo cancellation, and noise suppression

technologies

T Realtek ALC883 Azalia High Definition Audio Codec T Intel High Definition Audio (Intel HD Audio, integrated in the Intel ICH7-M) T Supports the following audio technologies:

t Dolby t Dolby Home Theater t S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface) t MS-Sound

SurroundSound

Connectivity

T WLAN controller options

t Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection (tri-mode 802.11a/b/g) t Intel Wireless Wi-Fi Link 4965AGN t Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG Network Connection (dual mode 802.11b/g)

T Broadcom NetLink™ BCM5787 Gigabit Ethernet Controller with PCI Express T Acer Video Conference solution for advanced Voice and Video over Internet Protocol (VVoIP)

t Acer OrbiCam™310,000 pixel camera supporting the Acer PrimaLite™ and Acer VisageON™ technologies t Acer PureZone audio technology for crisp, uninterrupted voice communication

T Multiple network connection options

t WLAN via Acer InviLink™ 802.11b/g Wi-Fi CERTIFIED t WPAN via Bluetooth

t LAN via a Gigabit Ethernet port (Wake-on-LAN ready) t 56K ITU V.92 MDC 1.5 modem (PTT approved, Wake-on-Ring ready)

2.0+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) interface

solution; Acer SignalUp™ compatible

Keyboard and special keys

T 88-/89-/93-key keyboard with international language support

t Embedded numeric keypad t Inverted "T" cursor keys, 12 function keys, Windows

key, independent US and Euro dollar sign keys, and

hotkey controls

t Seamless touchpad pointing device with 4-way scroll button t 2.5 mm (minimum) key travel

T Acer MediaTouch keys: play/pause, stop, previous, next, and record keys T Easy-launch keys: WLAN, Internet, email, Bluetooth, Acer Empowering, and Acer Arcade™

I/O interface

T Front panel ports

t Line-in t Microphone-in t Headphone (with S/PDIF support) t 5-in-1 card reader slot

T Rear panel: DC-in jack for the AC adapter

2 Chapter 1

T Left panel ports

t Kensington lock t Ethernet (RJ-45) t DVI-D t VGA (external monitor) t S-video/TV-out t USB 2.0 (2x) t IEEE 1394 t ExpressCard™/54 slot

T Right panel ports

t USB 2.0 (2x) t Modem (RJ-11)

T Infrared port

Status indicators

T Power status T Battery charge level T HDD activity T Num Lock T Caps Lock

Power subsystem

T 71W 4800 mAh Li-ion battery pack (8-cell) or 44W 4000 mAh Li-ion battery pack (6-cell) T Acer QuicCharge™ battery technology

t 80% charge in 1 hour t 2-hour rapid charge system-off t 3-hour charge-in-use

T 3-pin 90W 19V AC adapter (DIS) T ACPI 3.0 CPU power management standard (supports standby and hibernation modes)

Physical

T Dimensions (width x length x height): 366.3 x 273.9 x 40.0/43.9 mm (14.4 x 10.8 x 1.6/1.7 in) T Weight (with 8-cell battery pack): 3.2 kg (7.0 lbs) T Two-spindle design for portability T Holographic 3D finish exterior for a sleek, elegant look T CeramiFinish interior surface for a comfortable hands-on fit

Chapter 1 3

Software

T Operating system options

t Windows Vista™ Ultimate t Windows Vista Home Premium t Windows Vista Home Basic t Linpus Linux

T System tools and utilities

t Acer Empowering Technology (eNet, ePower, eAudio , ePresentation, eDataSecurity, eLock, eRecovery, and

eSettings Management)

t Acer Crystal Eye t Acer PureZone t Acer GridVista t Acer Launch Manager t Acer Arcade or Acer Arcade Deluxe (DV Wizard, DVDivine, VideoMagician, Play Movie, and HomeMedia) t Microsoft Works 8.5 with Office Home and Student 2007 Trial

t Adobe t CyberLink

t NTI CD-Maker™ t Norton Internet Security™

Reader

Environment

T Temperature:

t Operating: 5 C to 35 C

PowerProducer

°°

t Non-operating: -20 C to 65 C

T Humidity (non-condensing):

t Operating: 20% to 80% t Non-operating: 20% to 80%

°°

Accessories

T Acer Xpress VoIP phone with the Acer Video Conference Manager T 512 MB, 1 or 2GB DDR2 667 MHz soDIMM modules T 8-cell Li-ion battery pack T 3-pin 90 W AC adapter T External USB floppy disk drive

4 Chapter 1

Aspire Tour

This section is a virtual tour of your Aspire notebook’s interior and exterior components.

Open Front View

Number Icon Item Description

1 Internal microphone Create sound recording and conduct voice

communication. Supports Acer PureZone audio technology.

2 Acer OrbiCam

camera 3 LCD panel Displays computer output. 4 Power button Turns the computer on and off.

5 Speaker grill Delivers Dolby-quality audio output. 6 Easy-launch buttons Press to launch frequently used programs/function. Use

7 Keyboard For entering data into your computer. 8 Palmrest Comfortable support area for your hands when you use

9 Status indicators Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) for monitoring the power

10 Click buttons The left and right buttons function like the left and right

Chapter 1 5

Conduct video communication. (for selected models)

Launch Manager to configure these keys.

the keyboard.

status and battery charge level.

mouse buttons; the center button serves as a 4-way scroll button.

Number Icon Item Description

Note:

11 Touchpad Touch-sensitive pointing device which functions like a

computer mouse.

12 Acer MediaTouch

keys 13 Acer Arcade key Press to launch the Acer Arcade program.

For controlling playback in multimedia programs, including in Acer Arcade.

14 Acer Empowering

key 15 Status indicators LEDs for monitoring the HDD activity, as well as the Num

Press to launch the Acer Empowering Technology widgets.

Lock and Caps Lock functions.

Close Front View

Number Icon Item Description

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

stereo walkman).

2 Microphone-in jack Accepts an external microphone.

3 Headphone jack Accepts audio line-out devices (e.g., speakers,

headphones). S/PDIF support provided.

4 Volume control Adjust the system audio-out volume . 5 Lid latch Locks and releases the notebook lid.

6 5-in-1 card reader

slot

7 IR port Interfaces with Infrared devices (e.g. infrared printer,

6 Chapter 1

Accepts MS, MS PRO, MMC, SD, and xD formats memory cards.

IR-aware computers). Note: In Bluetooth-enabled models, this is where the

Bluetooth board is located.

Left View

Number Icon Item Description

1 Kensington lock

hatch

2 Ethernet port (RJ-45) Connects to an Ethernet 10/100/1000-based network

3 4 VGA port Connects to an external display device (e.g., external

5 S-Video/TV-out port Connects to a television or display device with an S-video

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

7 IEEE 1394 ports Connects to a IEEE 1394 devices.

DVI-D

DVI-D port Connects to a display device with DVI-D input.

Accepts a Kensington-compatible computer security lock.

(selected models).

monitor, LCD projector).

input. Supports both NTSC and PAL standards.

camera).

8 ExpressCard/54 slot Accepts an ExpressCard/54 module.

Right View

Number Icon Item Description

1 Optical disc drive

(ODD) 2 ODD access indicator * Lights up when a the optical drive is active . 3 ODD eject button * Ejects the optical disc from the drive. 4 Emergency eject hole * Ejects the ODD tray when the computer is turned off. 5 USB 2.0 ports Connects to USB 2.0 devices (e.g. USB mouse, USB

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

Accepts CDs or DVDs (drive type maybe slot-load or tray-load depending on model).

camera).

* Item location varies depending on the drive model.

Chapter 1 7

Rear View

Number Icon Item Description

1 AC power indicator Lights up blue when the AC adapter is connected to the

DC-in jack (AC power mode).

2 DC-in jack Connects to an AC adapter.

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

use.

Base View

Number Icon Item Description

1 Ventilation slots and

cooling fan

2 Battery pack Provides power to the computer. 3 Battery release latch Releases the battery pack for removal.

4 Battery lock Secures the battery pack in position.

5 Memory compartment Houses the computer's main memory. 6 Subwoofer Emits low frequency sound output.

7 HDD compartment Houses the computer's hard disk drive.

8 Chapter 1

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

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

Status Indicators

The computer has several status indicators for monitoring various system components and functions.

Number Icon Indicator Description

1 Power Indicates the computer’s power state. It lights up:

T Blue when the computer is powered on. T Flashing orange when the computer is in standby or

hibernation mode.

2 Battery charge Indicates the battery charging state. It lights up:

T Orange when the computer is charging. T Green when the computer is in AC mode.

3 Hard drive activity Flashes blue when there is hard drive activity.

4 Num Lock Lights up blue when the Num Lock function is activated.

5 Caps Lock Lights up blue when the Caps Lock function is activated.

Chapter 1 9

Easy-launch Keys

On the left and right side of the keyboard are special keys for launching commonly-used programs.

Number Icon Indicator Description

1 WLAN key/indicator Press to enable/disable the wireless LAN function.

This key also indicates the WLAN status. It lights up:

T Blue when there is an active WLAN connection T Orange when there is no WLAN connection.

2 Web browser * Press to launch the preferred Internet browser.

3 Mail * Press to launch the preset E-mail application.

4 Bluetooth key/indicator * Press to enable/disable the Bluetooth function.

This key also indicates the Bluetooth status. It lights up:

T Blue when there’s an active Bluetooth connection T Orange when there’s no Bluetooth connection.

5 Acer Arcade key Press to launch the Acer Arcade program.

6 Acer Empowering key * Press to launch the Acer Empowering Technology

widgets.

* These keys are user-programmable. Run Launch Manager to configure them. Go to page 22 for instructions.

10 Chapter 1

Chapter 2

System Utilities

Phoenix TrustedCore Setup Utility

Phoenix TrustedCore Setup Utility is a hardware configuration program built into your system's Basic Input/ Output System (BIOS). Since most systems are already properly configured and optimized, there is normally no need to run this utility.

You will need to run this utility under the following conditions:

T When changing the system configuration including:

t Setting the system time and date t Configuring the hard drives t Specifying the boot device sequence t Configuring the power management modes t Setting up system passwords or making other changes to the security setup

T When a configuration error is detected by the system and you are prompted (“Run Setup” message) to

make changes to the BIOS settings.

IMPORTANT: If you repeatedly receive “Run Setup” messages, the RTC battery located on the system

board (RTC1) may be defective. In this case, the system cannot retain configuration values in CMOS. Replace the RTC battery with a new one.

NOTE: For ease of reading, Phoenix TrustedCore Setup Utility will be simply referred to as “Setup” or “Setup

Utility” in this Service Guide. The screenshots used in this guide display default system values. These values may not be the same

as those in your computer. In the descriptive tables following each of the menu screen illustrations, settings in boldface are the

default and suggested parameter settings.

The Setup Utility loads the configuration values in a battery-backed nonvolatile memory called CMOS RAM. This memory area is not part of the system RAM, which allows configuration data to be retained when power is turned off. The values take effect when the system is booted. Power-On Self Test (POST) uses these values to configure the hardware. If the values and the actual hardware do not agree, POST generates an error message. You must run this utility to change the BIOS settings from the default or current configuration.

Chapter 2 11

Accessing the Setup Utility

1. Turn on the computer. If the computer is already turned on, save your data and close all open applications, then restart the

computer.

2. During POST, press F2. If you fail to press F2 before POST is completed, you will need to restart the computer.

The first page to be displayed will be the Information menu. Use the left ( ) and right ( ) arrow keys to move between selections on the menu bar.

Menu bar

Legend bar

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Navigating Through the Setup Utility

Use the keys listed in the legend bar on the bottom of the Setup screen to work your way through the various menu and submenu screens of the Setup Utility. The table below lists these legend keys and their respective functions.

Key Function

and To move between selections on the menu bar.

and

F5 or (-) F6, (+), or

Space

Enter To select a field value. Esc or Alt-X If you press this key:

F1 or Alt-H To bring up the General Help

F9 Press to load default system values. F10 Press to save changes and close the Setup Utility.

To move the cursor to the field you want.The currently selected field will be highlighted. The right side of each menu screen displays a field help panel—Item Specific Help This panel displays the help text for the currently selected field. It updates as you move the cursor to each field.

You can also use these keys to navigate through the multipage General Help

window.

To select a value for the curre ntly selected field (only if it is user-config u rab l e ). P ress F5 or (-) to select the next lower value; F6, (+), or Space to select the next higher value.

A parameter that is enclosed in square brackets [ ] is user-configurable. Parameters are not user-configurable for one of the following reasons:

T The field value is auto-configured or auto-detected.· T The field value is informational only. T The field is password-protected.

T On one of the menu screens, the Exit menu displays. T On a General Help window, closes the window.

window. This window lists other Setup navigation keys that

are not displayed on the legend bar.

panel.

Additional help information is available on the General Help window. Just press F1 on any screen.

Chapter 1 13

Setup Utility Menus

The PhoenixBIOS Setup Utility has five menus for configuring the various system functions. These include:

• Information

•Main

• Security

• Boot

• Exit

Information

The Information menu screen displays a summary of your computer hardware information. These information are necessary for troubleshooting and may be required when asking for technical support.

Field Description

CPU Type Displays the processor name, sequence number, and clock speed. CPU Speed Displays the CPU speed. IDEO Model Name Displays the hard disk drive model. IDEO Serial Number Displays the hard disk drive serial number. ATAPI Model Name Displays the optical disc drive model. System BIOS Version Displays the current system BIOS version. VGA BIOS Version Displays the current VGA firmware version. KBC Version Displays the current keyboard controller version. Serial Number Displays the system serial number. Asset Tag Number Displays the system asset tag number Product Name Displays the official model name of the product. Manufacturer Name Displays the manufacturer of the computer. UUID Displays the universally unique identifier of your computer. This will only be

visible when an internal LAN device is presenting.

14 Chapter 1

Main

The Main menu screen allows you to configure the basic system settings and view the memory allocations.

Field Description Value

System Time Set the system time. HH:MM:SS

(hour:minute:second)

System Date Set the system date. MM/DD/YYYY

(month/day/year)

System Memory Displays the size of system memory detected during boot-up. Memory size is

fixed at 640 MB.

Extended Memory Displays the size of extended memory detected during boot-up. Extended

memory size is equal to total memory size less 1 MB.

Video Memory Displays the size of video memory detected during

boot-up.

Quiet Boot When enabled, the Acer logo screen appears

during boot-up

Network Boot When enabled, remote host with appropriate boot

image can boot this computer. (Only works with an Ethernet device.)

F12 Boot Menu When enabled, the “Press F12 to enter Multi-Boot

Menu” message is displayed during POST.

D2D Recovery When enabled, pressing Alt-F10 during POST will

activate the Acer disc-to-disc recovery function. The function allows the user to create a hidden partition on the hard drive to store a copy of the OS and restore the system to its default factory settings.

128 MB

256 MB Disabled

Enabled

Disabled

Enabled

Disabled

Enabled Disabled

Enabled

Chapter 1 15

Security

The Security menu screen displays system passwords options to help safeguard and protect your computer from unauthorized use.

Field Description Value

Supervisor Password Is Indicates whether a supervisor password is in use (Set) or not (Clear). User Password Is Indicates whether a user password is in use (Set) or not (Clear). HDD Password Is Indicates whether an HDD password is in use (HDD Password Set) or not

(Clear).

Set Supervisor Password

Set User Password When set, this password will restrict a user’s access to the Setup menus. Only

Set HDD Password W hen set, this password will restrict a user’s access to the internal hard disk

Password on Boot Referred to as power-on password. When set, the

When set, this password will allow the user to access and change all settings in the Setup Utility. Press Enter to configure.

the following menus will be accessible:

T System Time T System Date T Boot menu options T All Exit menu options excluding Load Setup Defaults

A supervisor password must first be set before creating a user password.

drive. It will be required during boot-up or when resuming from S4 mode (hibernation).

Note: If this password is the same as the power-on password, it will not be required anymore at boot-up.

Disabled

user or supervisor password will be required to boot

Enabled

up the system or when resuming from S4 mode. A supervisor password must first be set before creating this password.

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Setting a system password

Note the following before you define a system password:

• The maximum length of password contains eight alphanumeric characters—A - Z, 0 - 9, and ‘;’ (for a French keyboard).

• System passwords are case-insensitive.

• Password re-try is limited to three times. If user failed to enter the correct password, the system will hang up.

T o set a system password:

1. Press or to highlight a set password field, then press Enter.

The password box appears.

2. Type a password then press Enter. IMPORTANT: Be very careful when typing your password because the characters do not appear on the

screen. Only shaded blocks representing each typed character are visible.

3. Retype the password to verify the first entr y, then press Enter. You will be prompted to save the new password.

4. Press Enter. The corresponding password status field displays Set to indicate that a password has been enabled.

5. Press F10 to save the password and close the Setup Utility.

Chapter 1 17

T o change a system password:

1. Press or to highlight an enabled password field, then press Enter.

The password box appears.

2. Type the original password, then press Enter.

3. Type a new password, then press Enter.

4. Retype the new password to verify the first entry, then press Enter.

You will be prompted to save the new password.

5. Press Enter.

6. Press F10 to save the password and close the Setup Utility.

To remove a system password:

1. Press or to highlight a password parameter, then press Enter.

The password box appears.

2. Type the original password, then press Enter.

3. Press Enter twice without entering anything in the new and confirm password fields.

You will be prompted to confirm the password removal.

4. Press Enter. The corresponding password status field displays Clear to indicate that the password has been disabled.

5. Press F10 to save the changes you made and close the Setup Utility.

To clear a lost password:

If you have forgotten the user password, the computer will continue to function normally but you will have limited access to the Setup Utility.

If you have enabled the Password on Boot field and you forget the supervisor password, you will not be able to boot up the computer. The same thing applies if you forget an HDD password. You will need to clear the lost password by shorting the SW1 dip switch located near the DIMM slot (DM1).

Perform the following procedure to clear all the system passwords (user , supervisor, and HDD).

1. Turn off the computer and unplug all the peripherals connected to it.

2. Unplug the power cord from the computer.

3. Remove the lower case cover according to the instructions described on page 28.

4. Remove the memory modules according to the instructions described on page 29.

18 Chapter 1

5. Peel off the black tape near the DIMM slot to expose the SW1 dip switch.

6. Locate the SW1 dip switch (G55).

7. Position the SWI dip switch to ON to clear all system passwords.

8. Reinstall the memory modules and the lower case cover.

9. Turn on the computer and press F2 during bootup to access the Setup Utility.

10. Press F9 to load the system defaults.

11. Press F10 to save the changes you made and close the Setup Utility.

Boot

The Boot menu screen allows users to set the drive sequence in which Setup attempts to boot the operating system. By default, Setup searches for boot devices in the order shown in the screen below.

To set the boot drive sequence:

1. Press or to select a bootable device.

2. Press F6 to move the device up the list, or F5 to move it down the list.

3. Press F10 to save the changes you made and close the Setup Utility.

Chapter 1 19

Exit

The Exit menu displays the several options on how to quit from the Setup Utility. Select any of the exit options then press Enter.

Option Description

Exit Saving Changes Saves changes made and closes the Setup Utility.

Keyboard shortcut: F10· Exit Discarding Changes Discards changes made and closes the Setup Utility. Load Setup Defaults Loads the factory-default settings for all Setup fields.

Keyboard shortcut: F9 Discard Changes Discards all changes made to the Setup Utility and loads the previous

configuration settings. Save Changes Saves all changes made to the Setup Utility.

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BIOS Flash Utility

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

T When there are new versions of system programs T When new hardware options are installed T When the BIOS has been corrupted and you need to restore it

BIOS Flash Precautions

T If you do not have a crisis recovery diskette at hand, create a Crisis Recovery Diskette in Windows XP

of Vista before you use the flash utility.

T Do not install memory-related drivers (XMS, EMS, DPMI) when you use the flash utility. T Place the computer in AC mode during the BIOS flash procedure. If the battery pack does not contain

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

To flash the BIOS:

1. Prepare a bootable diskette.

2. Copy the flash utilities to the bootable diskette.

3. Boot the system from the bootable diskette.

The flash utility will automatically be executed.

4. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the flashing of the BIOS.

BIOS Recovery

If a BIOS flash procedure fails to complete, perform a BIOS recovery procedure by using the Crisis Recovery Diskette. During this procedure, the system will force the BIOS to enter a special BIOS block, called boot

block, to boot up the system with minimum BIOS initialization.

To perform BIOS recovery:

1. Make sure the power cord is connected to the computer.

1. Attached a USB floppy drive to th e co mp ut er.

2. Insert the Crisis Recovery Diskette into the floppy drive.

3. Press and hold the Fn+Esc keys, then press the power button .

This initialize the BIOS recovery process. The boot block BIOS will start to restore the failed BIOS code. Short beeps should be heard during this process. Once the process is completed, a long be ep should be heard.

4. Turn off the computer once the process is complete.

5. Turn on the computer again and flash the BIOS. Refer to the previous instructions.

Chapter 1 21

Launch Manager

Launch Manager allows users to configure three of the easy-launch keys—Acer Empowering, Web browser, and Mail.

To configure an easy-launch key:

1. Select Start | All Programs | Launch Manager.

2. Select which key to configure, then click the Add button opposite it.

3. You can set the key to open a particular file or program, or display a Web site address. Select the

corresponding radio button, then type or browse for your selection.

4. If you’ve entered a Web site address, key in a descriptive label for the new easy-launch key function.

5. Click OK.

6. Click OK to save the new settings.

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