Acer Aspire 7740, Aspire 7740G Service Manual

Aspire 7740 and 7740G 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 7740 and 7740G Series service guide.

Date Chapter Updates

Copyright © 2009 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. 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.

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.

Table of Contents

System Specifications 1

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

System Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Your Acer Notebook tour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Top View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Hotkeys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Closed Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Rear View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

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

Right View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

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

Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Easy-Launch Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Touchpad Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Using the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Lock Keys and numeric keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Windows Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Special Key (only for certain models) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Windows Mobility Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Using the System Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Acer GridVista (dual-display compatible) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Hardware Specifications and Configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

System Utilities 23

BIOS Setup Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Navigating the BIOS Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Main . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Boot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

BIOS Flash Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

Remove HDD Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

Machine Disassembly and Replacement 37

Disassembly Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Pre-disassembly Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Disassembly Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

External Module Disassembly Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

External Modules Disassembly Flowchart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

Removing the Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Removing the Optical Drive Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Removing the Back Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Removing the Hard Disk Drive Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

Removing the Wireless LAN Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Removing the DIMM Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

Main Unit Disassembly Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Main Unit Disassembly Flowchart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Removing the Heatsink Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

Removing the CPU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

Removing the Middle Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

Removing the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

Removing the LCD Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

VII

Table of Contents

Separating the Upper Case from the Lower Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

Removing the Touchpad and Button Boards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

Removing the Left Speaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66

Removing the USB Board Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

Removing the Modem Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70

Removing the Bluetooth Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71

Removing the Microphone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72

Removing the Main Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74

Removing the Right Speaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77

LCD Module Disassembly Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79

LCD Module Disassembly Flowchart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79

Removing the LCD Bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80

Removing the LCD panel with the Brackets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81

Removing the LCD Brackets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84

Removing the FPC Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85

Removing the Web Camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86

Removing the Antennas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88

Troubleshooting 89

System Check Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90

External Diskette Drive Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90

External Optical Disk Drive Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90

Keyboard or Auxiliary Input Device Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90

Memory Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91

Power System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91

Touchpad Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92

Power-On Self-Test (POST) Error Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92

Index of Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93

Phoenix BIOS Beep Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97

Index of Symptom-to-FRU Error Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101

Intermittent Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .104

Undetermined Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .104

Connector Locations 105

Main Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105

Clearing Password Check and BIOS Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107

Clearing Password Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107

BIOS Recovery by Crisis Disk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .108

FRU (Field Replaceable Unit) List 113

Exploded Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114

Model Definition and Configuration 125

Aspire 7740/7740G Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .126

Test Compatible Components 147

Hardware Device Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .148

Online Support Information 151

Index 153

VIII

System Specifications

Features

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

Platform

• Intel

• Mobile Intel

• Acer InviLink

Core i7 processor

Core i5 processor

Core i3 processor

HM55 Express Chipset

™

Nplify™ 802.11b/g/Draft-N*

™

802.11b/g*

System Memory

• Dual-Channel SDRAM support

• Up to 4 GB of DDR3 1066 MHz memory, upgradeable to 8 GB using two soDIMM modules

Chapter 1

Display

• 16:9 aspect ratio

• 17.3" HD+ 1600 x 900

Graphics

• ATI Mobility Radeon

• Integrated Intel

• Screen resolution support

For UMA

• 1600*900

• 1440*900

• 1366*768

• 1360*768

• 1280*800

• 1280*768

• 1280*720

• 1152*864

• 1024*768

• 800*600

For Discrete

• 1600*900

• 1280*768

• 1280*720

™

HD 5650*

™

HD 5470*

Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) HD

Chapter 1 1

• 1024*768

• 800*600

Storage subsystem

• 2.5" hard disk drive

• Optical drive options:

• Blu-ray Disc

• DVD-Super Multi double-layer drive*

• Multi-in-1 card reader

™

/DVD-Super Multi double-layer drive*

Special keys and controls

• 103-/104-/107-key keyboard

• Touchpad pointing device

Audio

• Dolby

• True 5.1-channel surround sound output

• High-definition audio support

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

• MS-Sound compatible

• Built-in microphones

-optimized surround sound system with two built-in stereo speakers

Communication

• Integrated Acer Crystal Eye webcam

• WLAN:

• Intel

• Acer InviLink

• WPAN: Bluetooth

• LAN: Gigabit Ethernet; Wake-on-LAN ready

• Modem: 56K ITU V.92; Wake-on-Ring ready

Centrino® Advanced-N 6200 802.11a/g/n*

Centrino® Wireless-N 1000 802.11b/g/n*

™

Nplify™ 802.11b/g/n

™

802.11b/g

2.1+Enhanced Data Rate (EDR)

I/O Ports

• Multi-in-1 card reader (SD/MMC/MS/MS PRO/xD)

• USB 2.0 port

• HDMI

• External display (VGA) port

• Headphones/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

™

port with HDCP support

2 Chapter 1

Environment

• Temperature:

• Operating: 5 °C to 35 °C

• Non-operating: -20 °C to 65 °C

• Humidity (non-condensing):

• Operating: 20% to 80%

• Non-operating: 20% to 80%

Dimension and Weight

• Dimension: 411 (W) x 274 (D) x 40/45.0 (H) mm (16.18 x 10.78 x 1.58/1.77 inches)

• Weight: 3.2 kg (7.05 lbs.) with 6-cell battery pack*

3.26 kg (7.19 lbs.) with 8-cell battery pack*

NOTE: 1. "*" means only for certain models".

2. The specifications listed above are for reference only. The exact configuration of your PC depends on the model purchased.

Chapter 1 3

System Block Diagram

4 Chapter 1

Your Acer Notebook tour

3 4

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

Top View

# Icon Item Description

1 Acer Crystal Eye webcam Web camera for video communication.

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

3 Power button Turns the computer on and off.

4 Wireless LAN communication

button/indicator

Bluetooth communication button/indicator

Backup key Launches Acer Backup Management for three-step data backup.

HDD Indicates when the hard disk drive is active.

Num Lock Lights up when Num Lock is activated.

(only for certain models)

(Configuration may vary by models).

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

Enables/disables the Bluetooth function. Indicates the status of Bluetooth communication. (only for certain models)

Caps Lock Lights up when Caps Lock is activated.

5 Keyboard For entering data into your computer.

Chapter 1 5

# Icon Item Description

6 Touchpad Touch-sensitive pointing device which functions like a computer mouse.

Power

Indicates the computer's power status.

Battery

8 Click buttons (left, center* and

right)

9 Palmrest Comfortable support area for your hands when you use the computer.

10 Touchpad toggle Turns the internal touchpad on and off.

11 Microphone Internal microphone for sound recording.

13 Speakers Left and right speakers deliver stereo audio output.

Programmable key User-programmable.

Indicates the computer's battery status.

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

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

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

Hotkeys

The computer employs hotkeys or key combinations to access most of the computer's controls like screen brightness and volume output.

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

Hotkey Icon Function Description

<Fn> + <F2> System property Starts System Property for displaying system information.

<Fn> + <F3> Bluetooth Enables/disables the Bluetooth function. (only for certain models)

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

<Fn> + <F5> Display toggle Switches display output between the display screen, external monitor (if

connected) and both.

<Fn> + <F6> Screen blank Turns the display screen backlight off to save power. Press any key to

return.

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

Brightness up Increases the screen brightness.

Brightness down Decreases the screen brightness.

Volume up Increases the sound volume.

Volume down Decreases the sound volume.

6 Chapter 1

Closed Front View

12 3 4 5 6

# Icon Item Description

1 Multi-in-1 card reader Accepts Secure Digital (SD), MultiMediaCard (MMC), Memory Stick (MS),

Memory Stick PRO (MS PRO), xD-Picture Card (xD).

Note: Push to remove/install the card. Only one card can operate at any given time.

Rear View

# Item Description

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

Left View

# Icon Item Description

1 DC-in jack Connects to an AC adapter.

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

3 External display (VGA) port Connects to a display device

(e.g., external monitor, LCD projector).

4 HDMI HDMI port Supports high definition digital video connections.

5 USB 2.0 port Connect to USB 2.0 devices

(e.g., USB mouse, USB camera).

6 Line-in jack Accepts audio line-in devices (e.g., audio CD player, stereo walkman,

Microphone jack

mp3 player)

Accepts inputs from external microphones.

Headphones/speaker/line-out jack with S/PDIF support

Chapter 1 7

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

Right View

1234 567

# Icon Item Description

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

2 Optical disk access indicator Lights up when the optical drive is active.

3 Optical drive eject button Ejects the optical disk from the drive.

4 Emergency eject hole Ejects the optical drive tray when the computer is turned off.

Note: Insert a paper clip to the emergency eject hole to eject the optical drive tray when the computer is off.

5 Modem

(RJ-11) port

Connects to a phone line.

6 USB 2.0 port Connect to USB 2.0 devices

7 Kensington lock slot Connects to a Kensington-compatible computer security lock.

(e.g., USB mouse, USB camera).

Base View

2 3

# Icon Item Description

1 Battery bay Houses the computer's battery pack.

2 Battery lock Locks the battery in position.

3 Battery release latch Releases the battery for removal.

4 Memory compartment Houses the computer's main memory.

5 Hard disk bay Houses the computer's hard disk (secured with screws).

8 Chapter 1

# Icon Item Description

6 Ventilation slots and cooling

fan

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

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

Indicators

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

Icon Function Description

Power Indicates the computer's power status.

Battery Indicates the computer's battery status.

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

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

Power button / indicator

HDD Indicates when the hard disk drive is active.

NOTE: 1. Charging: The light shows amber when the battery is charging. 2. Fully charged: The light shows

green when in AC mode.

Turns the computer on and off. / Indicates the computer's power status.

Easy-Launch Buttons

Located on the left of the keyboard are the application buttons. These buttons are called easy-launch buttons. They are: WLAN, Bluetooth and Backup.

Icon Function Description

Wireless LAN communication button/ indicator

Bluetooth communication button/indicator

Backup key Launches Acer Backup Management for three-step data

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

Enables/disables the Bluetooth function. Indicates the status of Bluetooth communication. (only for certain models)

backup.

Touchpad Basics

The following items show you how to use the touchpad with two-click buttons.

• Move your finger across the touchpad (1) to move the cursor.

• Press the left (2) and right (3) 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.

Chapter 1 9

Function Left button (2) Right button (3) Main touchpad (1) Function

Execute Quickly click

twice.

Select Click once. Tap once. Select

Drag Click and

hold, then use finger on the touchpad to drag the cursor.

Access context menu

NOTE: Illustrations are for reference only. The exact configuration of your PC depends on the model

purchased.

NOTE: When using the touchpad, keep it — and your fingers — dry and clean. The touchpad is sensitive to

finger movement; hence, the lighter the touch, the better the response. Tapping harder will not increase the touchpad's responsiveness.

NOTE: By default, vertical and horizontal scrolling is enabled on your touchpad. It can be disabled under

Mouse settings in Windows Control Panel.

Click once. Access context menu

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.

Execute

Drag

Using the Keyboard

The keyboard has full-sized keys and an embedded numeric keypad, separate cursor, lock, Windows, function and special keys.

Lock Keys and 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 numeric 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. A better solution would be to connect an external keypad.

Scroll Lock <Fn> +

<F12>

The keyboard has a numeric keypad with cursor-control keys.

Desired access Num Lock on Num Lock off

Number keys on embedded keypad

Cursor-control keys on embedded keypad

Main keyboard keys Hold <Fn> while typing letters on

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.

Type numbers in a normal manner.

Hold <Shift> while using cursorcontrol keys.

embedded keypad.

Hold <Fn> while using cursorcontrol keys.

Type the letters in a normal manner.

10 Chapter 1

Windows Keys

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

Key Description

Windows key

Application 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

< > + <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-

< > + <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, 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.

Special Key (only for certain models)

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

The Euro symbol

1. Open a text editor or word processor.

2. Either press < > on the keyboard, or hold <Alt Gr> and then press the <5> key 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.

Chapter 1 11

2. Either press < > 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 according to the language settings.

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, volume, power plan, wireless networking on/off, external display settings, synchronization status and presentation settings.

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

To launch Windows Mobility Center:

q Use the shortcut key < > + <X>.

q Start Windows Mobility Center from the Control panel.

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

q Launch Windows Mobility Center by right-clicking in the system tray and select Windows Mobility

Center.

12 Chapter 1

Using the System Utilities

Note:

Start Control Panel Display

Settings (2)

Extend my windows desktop onto this monitor

Apply OK

Start All Programs Acer GridVista

Acer GridVista (dual-display compatible)

NOTE: This feature is only available on certain models.

To enable the dual monitor feature of the notebook, first ensure that the second monitor is connected, then select Start, Control Panel, Display and click on Settings. Select the secondary monitor (2) icon in the display box and then click the check box Extend my windows 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 (vertical), Triple (primary at left), Triple (primary at right), or Quad Acer Gridvista is dual-display compatible, allowing two displays to be partitioned independently.

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

AcerGridVista is simple 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.

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

Chapter 1 13

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

recommended value.

14 Chapter 1

Hardware Specifications and Configurations





Processor

Item Specification

CPU type

Aspire 7740: Intel

Aspire 7740G: Intel

Intel

Core logic PCH/HM55 Express chipset

CPU package PGA 988

CPU Fan True Value Table

DTS(degree C) Fan Speed (rpm) Acoustic Level (dBA)

45-50 0-3000 29

55-66 0-3300 33

68-74 3300-3800 38

78-83 3800-4100 40

86-91 4100-4800 40

Throttling 50%: On= 99 C; OFF=93 C

OS shut down at 105 C; H/W shot down at 110 .C

BIOS

Core i5 540M 2.53G 3M

Core i3 330M PGA 2.13G 3M

Core i7 620M 2.66G 4M

Core i7 720QM 1.6G 6M

Item Specification

BIOS vendor Phoenix

BIOS Version 1.06

Supported protocol ACPI 1.0b/2.0/3.0 compliance, PCI 2.2, System/HDD Password

Security Control, INT 13H Extenstions, PnP BIOS 1.0a SMBIOS

2.4, BIOS Boot Specification, Simple Boot Flag 1.0, Boot Block, PCI Bus Power Management Interface Specification, USB Specification 1.1/2.0, IEEE 1394 1.0, USB/1394 CD-ROM Boot Up support, PC Card Standard 1995 (PCMCIA 3.0 Compliant Device), IrDA 1.0, Intel AC97 CNR Specification, WfM 2.0, PXE 2.1, Boot Integrity Service Application Program Interface (BIS) 1.0, PC99a and Mobile PC2001 Compliant

System Memory

Item Specification

Memory controller Built-in

Memory size 0MB (no on-board memory)

DIMM socket number 2 sockets

Supports memory size per socket 2048MB

Supports maximum memory size 4G for 64bit OS (with two 2GB SODIMM)

Supports DIMM type DDR 3 synchronous DRAM

Supports DIMM Speed 1066/1333 MHz

Supports DIMM voltage 1.5V

Supports DIMM package 240-pin soDIMM

Chapter 1 15

System Memory

Item Specification

Memory module combinations You can install memory modules in any combinations as long as

they match the above specifications.

Memory Combinations

Slot 1 Slot 2 Total Memory

0MB 1024MB 1024MB

0MB 2048MB 2048MB

1024MB 0MB 1024MB

1024MB 1024MB 2048MB

1024MB 2048MB 3072MB

2048MB 0MB 2048MB

2048MB 1024MB 3072MB

2048MB 2048MB 4096MB

NOTE: Above table lists some system memory configurations. You may combine DIMMs with various

capacities to form other combinations. On above table, the configuration of slot 1 and slot 2 could be reversed.

LAN Module

Item Specification

LAN Chipset Broadcom BCM 57780

Supports LAN protocol 10/100/1000 Mbps

LAN connector type RJ45

LAN connector location Left side

Features Integrated 10/100 BASE-T transceiver

Wake on LAN support compliant with ACPI 2.0 PCI v2.2

Bluetooth Interface

Item Specification

Chipset Foxconn Bluetooth BRM 2046 BT2.1 (T60H928.33) f/

w:861

Data throughput 723 bps (full speed data rate)

Protocol Bluetooth 2.1

Interface USB 1.1

Connector type USB

Wireless Module 802.11b/g/n

Item Specification

Chipset LAN Intel WLAN INT1000HBG;

QMI Wireless LAN Atheros HB93 1x2 BGN (HM) EM306

Data throughput 11~54 Mbps, up to 270 Mbps for Draft-N

Protocol 802.11 b/g/n

Interface PCI Express ® mini-card rev. 1.2

16 Chapter 1

Hard Disk Drive

Item

Vendor & Model Name

Capacity (MB)

Bytes per sector

Data heads 3/4 2 3 4 2/4

Drive Format

Disks 2 2 2 2 NA

Spindle speed (RPM)

Performance Specifications

Buffer size 8MB 8MB 8MB 8MB 16MB

In ter fac e S ATA SATA SATA SATA SATA

Max. media transfer rate (disk-buffer, Mbytes/s)

DC Power Requirements

Voltage tolerance

HGST 2.5” HTS543216L9A3 00 Seagate 2.5” ST9160310AS Toshiba 2.5” Mk1655GSX WD 2.5" WD1600BEVT22ZCTO

160000 250000 320000 500000 640000

512 512 512 512 512

5400 RPM 5400 RPM 5400 RPM 5400 RPM 7200 RPM

540 875

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

HGST 2.5" HTS545025B9A3 00 Seagate 2.5” ST9250315AS Toshiba 2.5” Mk2555GSX WD 2.5” WD2500BEVT22ZCT0

(Max. 3.0 Gbit/s Buffer-host data transfer)

Seagate 2.5” ST9320320AS Toshiba 2.5” Mk3255GSX HGST 2.5" HTS545032B9A3 00 WD 2.5" WD3200BEVT22ZCT0

875 (Max. 3.0 Gbit/s Buffer-host data transfer)

HGST 2.5" HTS545050B9A 300 Seagate 2.5” ST9500325AS Toshiba 2.5” Mk5055GSX WD 2.5" WD5000BEVT22ZAT0

875 (Max. 3.0 Gbit/s Buffer-host data transfer)

WD 2.5” WD6400BEVT22A0RT0

Max. 3.0 Gbit/s Buffer-host data transfer

Optical Disc Drive

Item Specification

Vendor & model name W/O BEZEL SATA FOR HF+WINDOWS7

1. HLDS SUPER-MULTI DRIVE DL 8X GT30N LF

2. PLDS SUPER-MULTI DRIVE DL 8X DS-8A4SH LF

3. SONY SUPER-MULTI DRIVE DL 8X AD-7585H LF

4. TOSHIBA SUPER-MULTI DRIVE DL 8X TS-L633C LF

Performance Specification With CD Diskette With DVD Diskette

Transfer rate (KB/sec) Sustained:

Max 3.6Mbytes/sec

Sustained: Max 10.08Mbytes/sec

Buffer Memory 2MB

Interface SATA

Chapter 1 17

Optical Disc Drive

Item Specification

Applicable disc format Applicable disc format

CD: CD-DA, CD-ROM, CD-ROM XA, Photo CD (multi-session), Video CD, Cd-Extra (CD+), CD-text

DVD: DVD-VIDEO, DVD-ROM, DVD-R (3.9GB, 4.7GB) DVD-R DL, DVD-RW, DVD-RAM, DVD+R, DVD+R DL, DVD+RW

CD: CD-DA (Red Book) - Standard Audio CD & CD-TEXT CD-ROM (Yellow Book Mode1 & 2) - Standard Data CD-ROM XA (Mode2 Form1 & 2) - Photo CD, Multi-Session CD-I (Green Book, Mode2 Form1 & 2, Ready, Bridge) CD-Extra/ CD-Plus (Blue Book) - Audio & Text/Video Video-CD (White Book) - MPEG1 Video CD-R (Orange Book Part) CD-RW & HSRW (Orange Book Part Volume1 & Volume 2 Super Audio CD (SACD) Hybrid type US & US+ RW DVD: DVD-ROM (Book 1.02), DVD-Dual DVD-Video (Book 1.1) DVD-R (Book 1.0, 3.9G) DVD-R (Book 2.0, 4.7G) - General & Authoring DVD+R (Version 1.0) DVD+RW DVD-RW (Non CPRM & CPRM) DVD°”R Dual

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)

Blu-Ray Disc Drive

Item Specification

Vendor & model name W/O BEZEL FOR WINDOWS7

1. PIONEER BD COMBO 12.7MM TRAY DL 4X SATA BDC-TD01RS LF

2. SONY BD COMBO 12.7MM TRAY DL 4X BC-5500S LF

3. PLDS BD COMBO 12.7MM TRAY DL 4X DS-4E1S LF

Performance

With CD Disc With DVD Disc With Blu-ray Disc

Specification

Transfer rate (KB/sec) Sustained:

Max 3.6Mbytes/sec

Sustained: Max 10.08Mbytes/sec

Sustained: Max 11 Mbytes/sec

Buffer Memory 2MB 4.5 MB

Interface SATA

18 Chapter 1

Blu-Ray Disc Drive

Item Specification

Applicable disc format Applicable disc format

CD: CD-DA, CD-ROM, CD-ROM XA, Photo CD (multi-session), Video CD, Cd-Extra (CD+), CD-text

DVD: DVD-VIDEO, DVD-ROM, DVD-R (3.9GB, 4.7GB) DVD-R DL, DVD-RW, DVD-RAM, DVD+R, DVD+R DL, DVD+RW

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 ALC669X

Audio onboard or optional Built-in

Mono or Stereo Stereo

Resolution 18 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/2.1 (2W speakers)

Chapter 1 19

Video Memory

Item Specification

Chipset UMA

AMD PARK_XT 40nm 29mm*29mm M2 package AMD MADISON_PRO 40nm 29mm*29mm M2 package

Memory size 1 GB DDR3

System Board Major Chips

Item Controller

PCH IC PCH HM55 QMNT MM#904529 B3

MODEM Foxconn Delphi-AM5 V2H 1.5_3.3V AUS T60M951.36

Bluetooth Foxconn Bluetooth BRM 2046 BT2.1

Wireless 802.11 b/g/n LAN Intel WLAN INT1000HBG;

QMI Wireless LAN Atheros HB93 1x2 BGN (HM) EM306

5 in 1 Card Reader AU6433

Audio Codec Realtek ALC669X

Keyboard

Item Specification

Keyboard controller NPCE781B

Total number of keypads 103-/104-/107-key keyboard

Windows logo key Yes

Internal & external keyboard work

Plug USB keyboard to the USB port directly: Yes

simultaneously

Battery

Item Specification

Vendor SONY/SANYO/PANASONIC/SIMPLO

Battery Type Li-ion

Pack capacity 4400/4800mAh

Number of battery cell 6/8

Package configuration 3/4 cells in series, 2 series in parallel

LCD 17.3” inch

Item Specification

Vendor & model name AUO/CMO/LPL/Samsung

Screen Diagonal (mm) 17.3 inches

Display resolution (pixels) 17.3" WXGA+ Glare

Pixel Pitch 0.204 x 0.204

Pixel Arrangement R.G.B. Vertical Stripe

Display Mode Normally White

Typical White Luminance (NIT)

220

also called Brightness

20 Chapter 1

LCD 17.3” inch



Item Specification

Luminance Uniformity 1.25 max.

Contrast Ratio 400 typical

Response Time msec 8

Nominal Input Voltage VDD +3.3V

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

45/45 15/35

Temperature Range( C)

Operating Storage (shipping)

0 to +50

-40 to +60

AC Adaptor

Item Specification

Vendor DELTA, LITEON, HIPRO

Input 100-240V~ 1.5A, 50-60Hz/

Output 19V, 65W/90W, 2-pin

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 21

22 Chapter 1

+ 130 hidden pages

Acer Aspire 7740, Aspire 7740G Service Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

System Specifications

Features

System Block Diagram

Your Acer Notebook tour

Top View

Hotkeys

Closed Front View

Rear View

Left View

Right View

Base View

Indicators

Easy-Launch Buttons

Touchpad Basics

Using the Keyboard

Lock Keys and numeric keypad

Windows Keys

Special Key (only for certain models)

Windows Mobility Center

Using the System Utilities

Acer GridVista (dual-display compatible)

Hardware Specifications and Configurations