Acer Extensa 500 Service Manual

Extensa 500 Notebook

Service Guide

Service Guide files and updates are available on Acer
Intranet and CSD database on Lotus Notes.

For more detailed information, please refer to
Service CD kit.

Copyright

Copyright * 1996 by Acer Incorporated. All rights reserved. No part of this
publication m ay be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retri eval
system, or translated into any language o r computer language, in any form or
by any means , ele ctroni c, mech ani cal, magnet ic, optic al, c hemical , ma nual or
otherwise, with out the prior written per mission of Acer Incorpor ated.

Disclaimer

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
Incorporat ed software described i n thi s ma nual is sold or licensed "as is" .
Should the progr ams prove def ect ive f ollowing t hei r purcha se, the bu yer (and
not Acer Incorporated, its distributor, or its dealer) assumes the entire cost of
all necessary servicing, repair, and any incidental or consequential damages
resultin g from any defect in t he softwar e. F urther, Acer I ncorpor at ed rese rve s
the right to revise this publicati on and to make changes from time to time in
the contents hereof without obligation of Acer Incorporated to notify any
person of such revision or changes.

Acer is a registered trademark of Acer Incorporated.
Intel is a regist ered trademark of Intel Corporation.
Pentium is a trademar k of Intel Corporation.
Other brand and product names are trademarks and/or registered

trademarks of th eir respective holders.

PART No: 49.42B02.001....................................................PRINT IN TAIWAN

DOC No: SG281-9807A

Chapter 1 System Introduction

Basic Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Special Keys. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Hardware Configuration and Specification. . . . . . . 17

Memory Address Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Interrupt Channel Assignment . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

DMA Channel Assignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

I/O Address Map. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Processor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

BIOS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

System Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

DIMM Combinations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Video Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Cache Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 1

Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 1

Video Resolutions Modes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Parallel Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 2

Serial Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 3

PCMCIA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Diskette Drive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Hard Disk Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

CD-ROM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Battery Pack. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

DC-DC/Charger Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

LCD Inverter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

LCD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Power Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Power Management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Power Management Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

BIOS Setup Utility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Table of Content s

Chapter 2 Software Utilities

Basic System Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

4 Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Startup Configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

Onboard Devices Configuration . . . . . . . . . . .36

System Security. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Power Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

Load Default Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

AFlash Ut ilit y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Executing AFlash. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Quick Way to Execute AFlash. . . . . . . . . . . . .42

System Utility Diskette. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

Set LCD Panel ID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

Set Thermal Sensor Threshold . . . . . . . . . . . .43

System Diagnostic Diskette. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Running PQA Diagnostics Program. . . . . . . . .45

Diagnostic Program Error Code and Messages47

Chapter 3 Machine Disassembly

General Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

Connector Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

Disassembly Procedure Flowchart . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

Removing the Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

Removing the DIMM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

Removing the Modem Board. . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

Removing the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Removing the LCD Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

Disassembling the LCD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

Disassembling the Main Unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

Removing the HDD & PCMCIA Heat Sink. . . .61

Remo ving the Hard Disk Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 1

Removing the CPU Heat Sink and CPU Board62

Removing the RTC Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

Disassembling the Upper Case. . . . . . . . . . . .63

Removing the Touchpad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64

Disassembling the Lower Case. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66

Removing the CD-ROM/Diskette Drive Module66

Removing the Speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68

Removing the DC-DC/Charger Board . . . . . . .69

Removing the DC-DC/Charger Board . . . . . . .70

Removing the System Board. . . . . . . . . . . . . .70

Extensa 500 Service Guide 5

Removing the PCMCIA slot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Removing the Modem Phone Jack. . . . . . . . . 71

Chapter 4 Tro ub lesh oo tin g

System Check Procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Diskette Drive Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 4

CD-ROM Drive Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Keyboard or Auxiliary Input Device Check . . . 75

Memory Check. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Power System Check. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 5

Touchpad Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Error Symptom-to-FRU Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Error Messages List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

No-Beep Symptoms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

LCD-Related Symptoms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Indicator- Rela ted Sympto m s . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Power-Related Symptoms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

PCMCIA-Related Symptoms . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Memory-Related Symptoms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Speaker-Related Symptoms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Power Management-Related Symptoms . . . . 8 4

Peripheral-Related Symptoms . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Keyboard/Touchpad-Related Symptom s . . . . 85

Intermittent Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Undetermined Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 6

Modem-Related Symptoms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Chapter 5 Connectors and Jumpers

SW1 Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

SW2 Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Spare Parts List (P/N:91.45BXX.XXX). . . . . . 91

Chapter 6 Spare Parts List

Model Number Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

6 Table of Contents

Appendix AModel Definitions
Appendix BCompatibility Tested Components

Extensa 500 Service Guide 7

8 Table of Contents

Chapter 1

System Introduction

This computer was designed with the user in mind. Here are just a few of its
many features:

Performance

❑

Intel Pentium® pro cessor with MMX™ technology

❑

512-KB, 64-bit main m em ory and external (L2) cache memor y

❑

Large LCD display and PCI local bus video with 128-bit graphics
acceleration

❑

Internal CD-ROM drive

❑

Internal 3.5-inch floppy drive

❑

High-capacity, Enhanced-IDE removable hard disk

❑

Nickel metal-hydride battery pack

❑

Heuristic power managem ent system with standby and hibernation
power saving modes

Multimedia

❑

ISA-based 16- bit h igh-f ideli ty s tereo audi o wit h 3-D so und and wa vetabl e
synthesizer

❑

Built-in dual speakers

❑

“No power-on” audi o CD playback

❑

Ultra-slim, high-speed CD-ROM drive

Connectivity

❑

High-speed fax/ data modem port

❑

USB (Universal Serial Bus) port

Human-centric Design and Ergonomics

❑

Lightweight and slim

❑

Sleek, smooth and st ylish design

❑

Full-sized keyboard

❑

Wide and curved palm rest

❑

Ergonomically-centered touchpad pointing device

Expansion

❑

CardBus PC card (formerly PCMCIA) slots (two type II/I or one type III),
upper sort with additional ZV (Zoomed Video) port support.

❑

Mini docking st ation option for one-step connection to/disconnection

Chapter 1

9

from peripher als

❑

Upgradeable memory and hard disk

Display

The large graphics display offers excellent viewing, excellent display quality
and high performance desktop graphics. The computer supports two
differ ent display configurations — High Performance Addressing (HPA) or
Thin-Film Transistor (TFT).

Video Perform ance

The PCI local bus video with 128-bit graphics acceleration and 2MB
Extended Data Out (EDO) vi deo RAM boosts video performance.

Simultaneous Display

The computer’s large display and multimedia capabilities are great for giving
presentati ons. If you prefer , you can also connect an external monitor when
giving presentations. This computer supports simultaneous LCD and CRT
display. Simultaneous display allows you to control the presentation from
your computer and at the same time face your audience. You can also
connect other out put display devi ce s such as LCD projection panels for l arge­audience presentations.

Power Management

The power management system incorporates an “automatic LCD dim”
feature tha t automat ical ly deci des the be st settings f or your di splay and at the
same time conserves power. See “Power Management Modes” on page 30
for more informa tion on power management features.

Opening and Closing the Display

To open the displ ay, slide the display cover latch to the left and lif t up t he
cover . Then til t it to a comfortab le viewing posi t ion. The comput er employ s a
microcircuit that turns off the display (and enters standby mode) to conserve
power when you close the display cover, and turns it back on when you o pen
the display cover.

Note:

If an external monitor is connected, the compu ter turns off the
display (but does not ent er standby mode) when you close the
display cover.

To close the display cover, fold it down gently unti l the display cover latch
clicks int o place.

10

System Introduc tion

Basic Oper ati on

Indicators

The computer has si x easy- t o-read status indi cat ors ( LEDs) under the d is play
screen.

The Power and Standby indi cators are visible even when you close the
display cover so you can see the status of the computer while the cover is
closed.

# Icon Function Description

1 Power Lights when the c omputer i s on.

Blinks when a battery-low condition occurs.

2 Standby Light s when the computer enters Standby

3Media

Activity

4 Battery

Charge

5 Caps Lock Lights when Caps Lock is activated

6 Num Lock Lights when Numeric Lock is activated

mode.
Lights when the floppy dri ve, hard disk or

CD-ROM drive (or other media bay
module) is active.

Lights when the battery is being charged.

Chapter 1

11

Keyboard

The keyboard has full-siz ed keys and an embedded keypad, separ ate cursor
keys, two Windows 98 keys and twelve function keys.

Special Keys

Lock Keys

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

Num Lock
(Fn-F1 1)

Scroll Lock
(Fn-F12)

uppercase.
When Num Lock is on, the embedded keypad is in numeric

mode. The keys function as a calculator (complete with the
arithmetic oper ators +, -, *, and /). Use th is mode whe n you
need to do a lot of numeric data entry. A better solution would
be to conn ect an ex ternal keypad.

When Scroll Lock i s on, the scr een moves one line up or down
when you pr ess ↑ or ↓ re spectively. Scroll Lock does not work
with some applications.

12

System Introduc tion

Embedded Numeric Keypad

The embedded numeric keypad functions like a desktop numeric keypad. It
is indicated by sm all characters locate d on the upper right corner of the
keycaps. To simplify the key boar d lege nd, cursor -c ontrol key symbol s are not
printed on the 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

Type numbers in a norma l
manner.

Hold Shift while using
cursor-control keys.

on embedded keypad.

Hold Fn while
using cursor­control keys.

Type the letters in
a normal manner.

Note:

Chapter 1

If an external keyboard or keypad is connected to the computer,
the numlock feature automatically shifts from the internal
keyboard to the external keyboard or keypad.

13

Windows 98 Keys

The keyboard has tw o keys that perform Windo ws 98-specific funct ions.

Key Description

Windows logo key Start button. Combinations with this key performs

special functions. Below are a few examples:

+ Tab (Activate next Taskbar button)



+ E (Explore My Computer)



+ F (Find D ocument)



+ M (Minimize All)



Shift +  + M (Undo Mi nimize Al l)

+ R (Display Run dialog box)



Application key Opens the applic ation’s context menu (same as right-

click).

14

System Introduc tion

Hot Keys

The computer empl oys hot keys or key combinat ions to access most of the
computer’s controls like screen co ntrast and brightness, volume output and
the BIOS setup utility .

Hot Key Icon Function Description

Fn-F1 Hot key help Displays a list of the hotkeys and

their functions.

Fn-F2 Setup Accesses the notebook

configuration utility. .

Fn-F3 Standby Puts the computer in Standby

mode. Press any ke y to ret u rn.
See “System Standby Mode” on

page 30 t o learn more about
Standby mode .

Fn-F4 Hibernation Puts the computer in Hibernation

Fn-F5 Display toggle Switches display output between

Fn-F6 Screen blank Turns the display scree n backlight

mode (if Sleep Manager, the
hiberna tio n util ity, is install ed, valid
and enabled). Press the power
switch to resume.

Other wise, th e computer enters
Standby mode. See “Hibernation
Mode” on page 31 for more about
Hibernation mode.

the display screen, external
monit or (if connect e d) and both
the display screen and external
monitor.

off to save power. Press any key
to return.

Chapter 1

15

Hot Key Icon Function Description

Fn-F7 Touchpad on/off Turns the internal touchpad on

and of f.
When you connect an external

PS/2 mouse, the computer
automatically disables the
touchpad.

Fn-F8 Speaker on/off Turns the speakers on and off;

mutes the sound.

Fn-↑ Contrast up Increases the screen contrast

Fn-↓ Contrast down Decreases the screen contrast

Fn-→ Brightness up Increases the screen brightness.

Fn-

←

Brightness
down

(available only for models with
HPA displays).

(available only for models with
HPA displays).

Decreases the screen brightness .

16

System Introduc tion

Hardware Configuration and Specification

Memory Address Map

Memory Address Size Function

00000000-0009FFFF 640 KB Base memory
000A0000-000BFFFF 128 KB Video memory
000C0000-000C9FFF 40 KB Video BIOS
000CA000-000CBFFF 8 KB I/O ROM
000E0000-000FFFFF 128 KB System BIOS
001000 00 - to p lim i t ed

04301000-043 01FFF
04302000-043 02FFF

0430000-04300FFFF
FFFF0000-FFFFFFFF 64 KB System board extension for

Interrupt Channe l Assi gnm ent

Interrupt Channe l Function

NMI System errors
IRQ0 System timer
IRQ1 Keyboard
IRQ2 Cascade
IRQ3 Modem or Audio (optio nal)
IRQ4 COM1 or Modem (optional)
IRQ5 Audio or LPT2 (opt ional)
IRQ6 Floppy
IRQ7 LPT1 or Audio (opt ional) or Modem (optional )
IRQ8 Real time clock
IRQ9 Card bus / ACPI or Audio (optio nal)
IRQ10 USB or Audio (optional) or Modem (optional)
IRQ11 Audio (optional) or Modem (op tional)
IRQ12 PS2 pointing de vi ce
IRQ13 Numeric data processor
IRQ14 1st EIDE device (hard disk)
IRQ15 2nd EIDE device (CD-ROM drive)

-­ 4 KB

4 KB
64 KB

Extended (DIMM) memory
PCMCIA controller (slot 1)

PCMCIA controller (slot 2)
USB controller

PnP BIOS

Chapter 1

17

DMA Channel Assignment

DMA Channel Function

DRQ0 Audio(optio nal)
DRQ1 ECP or Audio(optional)
DRQ2 Floppy
DRQ3 ECP(optional)
DRQ4 DMA controller
DRQ5 Not used
DRQ6 Not used
DRQ7 Audio

I/O Address Map

I/O Address Function

000-00F DMA controll er-1
020-021 Interrupt controller-1
040-043 Timer 1
060, 064 Keyboard controller 8742 chip select
061 System speaker out
040B DMA controller-1
061 System speaker
070-071 Real-time clock and NMI mask
080-08F DMA page register
0A0-0A1 Interrupt controller-2
0C0-0DF DMA controll er-2
0F0-0FF Numeric data processor
120-13F

180-18F
170-177 2nd EIDE devi ce (CD-ROM) select
1F0-1F7 1st EIDE device (hard drive) select
220-22F Audio
240-24F Audio(optional)
278-27F Parallel port 3
2E8-2EF LT Win modem or COM4(optional)
2F8-2FF COM2 or LT Win modem(optional)
378, 37A Parallel port 2

Power management contr oller

18

System Introduc tion

I/O Address Map

I/O Address Function

3BC-3BE paraller port 1
3B0-3B B

3C0-3D F
3F0h-3F7 Standard Floppy Disk Controller
3E8-3EF COM3 or LT Win modem(optional)
3F0-3F7 Floppy disk controller
3F8-3FF COM1 or LT Win modem(optional)
480-48F, 4D6 DMA controller-1
4D0-4D1

CF8-CFF

Video Controller

PCI configuration register

Processor

Item Specification

CPU type Intel T illamook 233/266 Mhz processor

CPU package TCP package
CPU core voltage 1.8V
CPU I/O voltage 2.5V

Tillamook--Intel Pentium architecture, 64 bit data bus,
16K-Byte code cache, 16 K-Bytes write back data,
cache, with MMX technology

BIOS

Item Specification

BIOS ve nd or Acer
BIOS Version V 3.0
BIOS ROM type Flash ROM
BIOS RO M si ze 256KB
BIOS pa ck a ge 32-pin TS O P
Supports protocol PCI 2.1, APM 1.2, DMI 2.00.1, E-IDE, ACPI, USB,

ESCD 1.03, ANSI ATA 3.0, PnP 1.0a, Bootable CD­ROM 1.0, ATAPI, LDCM 3.3

BIOS password control Set by switch, see SW2(swtich 2) settings

Chapter 1

19

System Memory

Item Specification

Memory controller ALi M1531
Onboard memory size 0MB
DIMM socket number 2 sockets (2 banks)
Supports memory size per socket 16/32/64/128 MB
Supports maximum memory size 256MB (128MB x 2)
Supports DIMM type Sync hronous DRAM
Supports DIMM Speed 100MHz
Supports DIMM voltage 3.3V
Supports DIMM package 144-pin DIMM

DIMM Combinations

Slot 1 Slot 2 Total Memory

0 16MB 16MB
0 32MB 32MB
0 64MB 64MB
0 128M B 128MB
16MB 16MB 32MB
16MB 32MB 48MB
16MB 64MB 80MB
16MB 128MB 144M B
32MB 16MB 48MB
32MB 32MB 64MB
32MB 64MB 96MB
32MB 128MB 160M B
64MB 16MB 80MB
64MB 32MB 96MB
64MB 64MB 128MB
64MB 128MB 192M B
128MB 16M B 144MB
128MB 32M B 160MB
128MB 64M B 192MB
128MB 128M B 256MB

20

System Introduc tion

Video Memory

Item Specification

Fixed or upgradeable Fixed, built-in NM2097B video

controller

Video memory size 2MB

Cache Memory

Item Specification

Cache controller ALi M1531
Tag RAM l ocation U32
Tag RAM size 32 KB
Tag RAM voltage 3.3V
SRAM type PBSRAM
SRAM size 512 KB
SRAM location U37
SRAM co nfigura tion 64K*64 x1
SRAM speed Cycle time = 7ns
SRAM voltage 3.3V
1st level cache control Always enabled
2st level cache control Always enabled
Cache scheme cont rol Fixed in write-back

Video

Item Specification

Chip vendor N e oM a gic
Chip name NM2097B
Chip v oltage 3.3 Volts
Supports ZV((Zoo med Video) port Yes
Graph interface (ISA/VESA /PCI) PCI bus
Maximun resolution (LCD) 1024x768 (256 colors)
Maximnun resolution (CRT) 1024x768 (256 colors)

Video Resoluti ons M odes

Resolution Refresh Rate

CRT Only LCD/CRT Simultaneous

Chapter 1

21

Video Resoluti ons M odes

Resolution Refresh Rate

640x48 0x256 85 60
640x48 0x64K 85 60
640x48 0x16M 85 60
800x60 0x256 85 60
800X600X64K 85 60
1024x768x256 60, 75 60

Parallel Port

Item Specification

Parallel port controller NS PC97338VJG
Number of parallel ports 1
Locati on Rear side
Connector type 25-pi n D-type connector, in female

type.
Parallel port function control Enable/Diable by BIOS Setup
Supports ECP Yes (set by BIOS setup)
Optional ECP DMA channel

(in BIOS Setup)
Optional parallel port I/O address

(in BIOS Setup)
Optional parallel port IRQ

(in BIOS Setup)

DMA ch an ne l 1

DMA Channel 3

3BCh, 378h, 278h

IRQ5, IRQ7

Serial Port

Item Specification

Serial port controller NS PC97338VJG
Number of serial ports 1
Supports 16550 UART Yes
Connector type 9-pin D-type connector, in male typ e
Location Rear side
Serial port function control Enable/disable by BIOS Setup
Optional serial port

(in BIOS Setup)
Optional serial port IRQ

(in BIOS Setup)

22

3F8h, 2F8h, 3E8 h, 2E8h, Disabled

IRQ4, IRQ11

System Introduc tion

Audio

Item Specification

Audio Controller Yamaha YMF715E
Audio onboard or optional Built-in
Mono or Stereo Stereo
Resolution 16-bi t
Compatibility SB-Pro, Windows Sound System

Mixed so und source Voice, Synthesizer, Line-in,

Voice channel 8-/16-bit, mono/stereo
Sampling rate 44.1 KHz
Internal microphone Yes, on the left-higher corner of LCD

Internal speaker / Qua ntity Yes / 2 pieces, on both hinge sides
Supports PnP DMA channel DMA channel 0

Supports PnP IRQ IRQ3, IRQ5, IRQ7, IRQ9, IRQ10,

(WSS), MPU-401, OPL3, OPL3-SA3

Microphone, CD

panel

DMA ch an ne l 1
DMA ch an ne l 7

IRQ11

PCMCIA

Item Specification

PCMCIA controller O2 OZ6833T
Supports card type Ty pe-II / type-III
Number of slots Two type-II or one type-III
Access location Right side
Supports ZV (Zoomed Video) port Yes (for upper slot)
Supports 32 bit CardBus Yes (IRQ9, for both slots)

Modem

Item Specification

Chipset Luce nt 16 41 B
Fax modem data baud rate (bps) 56K
Data modem data baud rate (bps) 56K

Chapter 1

23

Modem

Item Specificat ion

Supports modem protocol V.90 data modem, V.90 fax modem,

audio mode, and digital line protection

operation
Modem connector type RJ11
Modem co nnector location Right si de

Keyboard

Item Specification

Keyboard controller Mitsubishi M38867
Keyboard vendor & model name AP I
Total number of keypads 84-/85- /89-key
Windows 95 keys Yes
Internal & external keyboard work

simultaneously

Yes

Diskette Drive

Item Specification

Vendor & model name Misumi D353F3
Floppy Disk Specifications
Media recognition 2DD (720KB) 2HD (1.2MB,

3-mode)
Sectors / track 9 15 18
Tracks 80 80 80
Data transfer rate (Kbit/s)250 ~ 300 500 500

2HD (1.44MB)

Rotational speed
(RPM)

Read/write heads 2
Encoding method MFM
Power Requirement
Input Voltage (V) +5 +-10%

300 ~ 360 360 300

Hard Disk Drive

Item Specification

Vendor & Model Name Hitachi

DK226A-32u

24

IBM DTCA­23240

IBM DKLA­24320

System Introduc tion

Hard Disk Drive

Item Specification

Drive Format
Capacity (MB) 3240 3240 4320
Bytes per sector 512 512 512
Logica l he ads 16 16 1 5
Logica l se ctors 63 63 63
Drive Format
Logica l cy li nders 6282 6304 8 94 4
Physical read/write heads 3 5 4
Disks 6 3 2
Spindle speed ( RPM) 4000 4000 4200
Performance Specifications
Buffer size 128KB 512KB 512KB
Interface IDE(AT A-3) IDE IDE(ATA-4)
Data transfer rete (disk-

buffer, Mbytes/s)
Data transfer, rat e

(host~buffer, Mbytes/s)
DC Power Requirements
Voltage tolerance 5+-5% 5+-5% 5+-5%

6.0~9.1 6.4~10.4 7.7~12.8

16.6
(PIO mode 4)

16.6 (PIO mode 4)

33.3 (Ultra DMA mode 2)

CD-ROM

Item Specification

Vendor & Model Name TEAC CD-220EA-25/BE
Performance Specification
Transfer rate (KB/sec) 1,290KB/sec ~ 3,000KB/sec. (FULL - CAV)
Access time (typ.) 180 mS
Rotation speed 4280 rpm (typ.)
Buffer memory 128 KB
Interface ATAPI
Applicable disc format CD-DA, CD-ROM (Mode-1, Mode-2), CD-ROM

XA MODE-2 (FORM-1, FORM-2), Multi-Session
Photo CD, CD-I, Video CD, Enhanced CD & CD

PLUS Compatible
Loadi ng mechanism Drawer with so ft eject and emergency eject hole
Power Requirement

Chapter 1

25

CD-ROM

Item Specification

Input Voltage 5 V

Battery Pack

Item Specification

Vendor & model name Panasonic BTP-1831

T oshiba BTP-1731
Battery Type NiMH
Pack capacity 3500 mAH
Cell voltage 1.2 V
Number of battery call 8
Package configuration 8 cells in series
Package voltage 9.6 V

DC-DC/Charger Board

Item Specification

Vendor & model name Ambit T62.101.C.00/01
Input voltage AC adapter: 19V-26V

Battery: 7.5V-13V
DC/DC converter output
Output rating 5V 3.3V +12V 6V 3.3V

Current (w/load, A) 0~5.8 0~3.3 0~0.12 0~0.1 0.01
Charger output
Normal ch arg e ( char g e wh il e

system is not operative)
Backgound charge (charge

even system is still
operative)

Battery-lower 2 level (V) 9.14V
Battery-low 3 level (V) 8V
Protection
Charger protection Security timer control

DC/DC converter protection OVP (Over Voltage Protection, V)

2.2A

0.8A

Over temperature protection

Peak voltage detection

OCP (Over Current Protection, A)

SB

26

System Introduc tion

LCD Inverter

Item Specification

Vendor & model
name

Input voltage (V) 7.3 (min.) - 22 (max.)
Input current

(mA)
Output voltage

(Vrms, no load)
Output voltage

frequency (kHz)
Output current

(mArms)
(T62.087.C.00)

Output current
(mArms)
(T62.086.C.00)

Note:

DC-AC inverter is used to generat e very high AC voltage, then

Ambit T622.087.C.00

- - 700 (max.)

1300 (min.) 155 1600 (max.)

40 (min.) - 65 (max.)

0.7~5.9 (min.) 1.0~6.5 (typ.) 1.3~7.1 (max.)

0.6~5.4 (min.) 1.0~6.0 (typ.) 1.4~6.6 (max.)

support to LCD CCFT backlight user, and is al so responsible for
the control of LCD brightness. Avoid touching the DC-AC inverter
area while the system unit is turned on.

Note:

There is an EEPROM in the inverter, which stores it's supported
LCD type and ID code. If you replace a new inv ert er or replace
the LCD with one of a different bran d, use Inverter ID utility to
update the ID information.

LCD

Item Specifications

Vendor & model name 12.1" Hitachi

TX31D27VC1CBB
Mechanical Specifications
LCD disp la y ar e a

(diagonal, inch)
Display technology TFT DSTN
Resolution SVGA (800x600) SVGA (800x600)
Supports colors 262,144 colors 262,144 colors
Optical Specification
Brightness control keyboard hotkey keyboard hotkey
Contr ast contr ol keyboard hotk ey keyboard hotkey

12.1 12.1

12.1" Sha r p
LM121S S1T53

Chapter 1

27

LCD

Item Specifications

Electrical Specification
Supply voltage for LCD

displa y ( V)
Supply voltage for LCD

backlight (Vrms)

3.0~3.6 (typ.) 3.3 (typ.)

650 (typ) , 66 0 ( ma x .) 650 (typ )

Power Adapter

Item Specification

Vendor & model name Delta ADP-45GB Rev. E5
Input Requirements
Maximum input current (A, @90Vac,

full load )
Nominal frequency (Hz) 47 - 63
Frequency vari ation ra nge (Hz) 47 - 63
Nominal voltages (Vrms) 90 - 264
Inrush current The maximum inrush current will be

Efficiency It should provide an ef ficiency of 83%

Output Ratings (CV mode)
DC output voltage +19.0V~20.5V
Noise + Ripple 300mvp-pmax (20Mhz bandw idth)
Load 0 A (min.) 2.4 A (max.)
Output Ratings (CC mode)
DC output voltage +12V ~ +19V
Constant output 2.75 ± 0.2 A
Dynamic Output Characteristics
Turn-on delay time 2 sec. (@115Vac)
Hold up time 5 ms m in. (@115 Vac input, full loa d)
Over Voltage Protection (OVP) 26 V
Short circuit protection Output can be shorted without damage
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) 15kV (at air discharge)
Dielectric Withstand V oltage

1.5 A

less than 50A and 100A when the
adapter is connected to 1 15Vac(60Hz)
and 230Vac(50Hz) respectivel y.

minimum, when measured at
maximum l oad under 115V(60Hz).

28

System Introduc tion

Power Adapter

Item Specification

Primary to secondary 3000 Vac (or 4242 Vdc), 10 mA for 1

second
Leakage current 0.25 mA max. (@ 254 Vac, 60Hz)
Regulatory Requirements Internal filter meets:

1. FCC cl ass B requiremen ts. (USA)

2. VDE 243/1991 class B

requir ements. (German)

3. CISPR 22 Class B requirements.

(Scandinavia)

4. VCCI class II requirements. (Japan)

Chapter 1

29

Power Management

This computer has a bui lt-in power management unit that monitors system
activit y. System activity refers to any activity involving one or more of the
following devices: keyboard, mouse, floppy drive, hard disk, peripherals
connected to the ser ial and parallel port s, and video memory. If no activit y is
detected for a period of time (called an inact ivity time-out), the computer
stops some or all of these devices in order to conserve energy.

This computer manages its power according to the way you use your
computer. This means the computer delivers maximum power when you
need it, and saves power when you don’t need the maximum — all without
your interve nti on. There are no timers to set, because the power
management system figures out everything for you.

Power Management Modes

Display Standby Mode

Screen activity is determined by the keyboard the built-in touchpad, and an
external PS/2 pointing device. If these devices are idle for the per iod
determined by the computer’s power management syst em , the display shuts
off until you press a key or move the touchpad or ext ernal mouse.

“Automatic Dim” Feature

The computer has a unique “automatic di m” power-saving featur e. When the
computer is usin g AC power and you di sconnect the AC adapter from th e
computer, it automatically dims the LCD backlight to save power. If you
reconnect AC power to the com puter, it automatically adj usts the LCD
backlight t o a bri ghter level.

Hard Disk Standby Mode

The hard disk enter s standby mode when there are no disk read /write
operations within the period of time determined by the power management
system. In this state, the power supplied to the hard disk is reduced to a
minimum. The hard disk returns to normal once the computer accesses it.

System Standby Mode

The computer consum es very little power in Standby m ode. Data remain
intact in th e system memory until the battery is drained.

There is one necessar y condition for the comput er to enter Standby mode:

❑

Heuristic Power Management Mode must be set to [ENABLED].

There are four ways to enter Standby mode:

30

System Introduc tion

❑

Pressing the Stan dby hot key Fn-F3

❑

If the waiting ti m e determined by the computer’s powe r managem ent
system elapses without any system activity

❑

Closing the display cover

❑

When the computer is about to enter Hibernation mode (e.g., during a
battery low cond it ion), but the Hibernati on file is invalid or not present

The following signals indicate that the computer is in Standby mode:

❑

The Standby indicator lights

To leave Standby mode and return to normal mode:

❑

Press any key

❑

Move the active poi nting device (internal or external, PS/2 or ser ial)

❑

Have the Resume Timer set and let it be matched

❑

Open the display cover

❑

Experience an inc om ing PC card modem event

Hibernation Mode

In Hibernation mo de, all power shuts off (t he com puter does not consume
any power). The computer saves all system information onto the hard di sk
before it enters Hibernation mode. Once you turn on the power, the computer
restores this information and resumes where you left off upon leaving
Hibernation mode.

There are two necessary conditions for the computer to enter Hibernation
mode:

❑

The Hibernatio n fi le created by Sleep Manager must be present and
valid.

❑

Heuristic Power Management Mode must be set to [ENABLED].

In this situation, there are four ways to enter Hibernation mode:

❑

Pressing the Hibernation hot key Fn-F4

❑

If the waiting ti me determined by the computer’s powe r managem ent
system elapses without any system activity

❑

If a battery l ow co nditi on occur s and the Bat tery Lo w Suspen d param eter
in Setup is set to [ENABLED].

❑

Invoked by the operat ing system power saving modes

❑

To exit Hibe rnat ion mode, press the power swit ch. The computer also
resumes from Hibernation mode if the resume timer is set and m atched.

Chapter 1

31

32

System Introduc tion

Chapter 2

Software Utilities

BIOS Setup Utility

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

Your computer is already properly configured and optimized, and you do not
need to run t his ut ili ty. However , if y ou enc ounter confi gurati on prob lems , you
may need to run Setup. Please also refer to Chapter 6, Troubleshooting
when a problem arises.

To activate the BIOS Utility, press F2 during POST (whi le the Extensa logo is
being displayed.

Navigating the BIOS Utility

There are six menu options: Basic System Settings, Startup Configuration,
Onboard Devices Configuration, Sys tem Security, Power Management and
Load Default Settings.

To enter a menu, highlight the item using the
Within a menu, navigate t hrough the BIOS Utility by following these

instru ctions:

❑

Press the cursor up/down keys

❑

Press the cursor lef t/right keys

❑

Chapter 2

Esc

Press
menu.

Note:

while you are in any of th e m enu options to ret urn to the main

You can change the value of a parameter if it is enclosed in

→

↓

↑

←

↓

keys; then press

↑

to move between parameters.

to change the value of a param eter.

Enter

.

33

square brackets.

Note:

Navigation key s for a particul ar menu are shown on th e bottom of
the screen.

Basic System Settings

The Basic System Settings screen contains parameters involving basic
computer setti ngs and hardware informat ion.

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

34

Parameter Description

Date Sets the system date.

Format: DDD MMM DD YYYY (day-of-the-week month
day year)

Time Sets the system time.

Format : HH:MM:SS (hour:minu te:sec ond)

Floppy
Drive A

Hard Disk Sets the hard disk type.

Note:

We suggest you set Hard Disk to [Auto] for problem-free and

Shows the floppy disk drive type (1.44MB 3.5-inch).

Options:
When set to Auto, the computer automatically detects

the hard disk information (cylinders, heads, sectors/
tracks and maximum capacity). When set to User, you
need to input these information manually.

Auto

, User or N on e.

correct detection of the hard disk.

Software Utilities

Startup Configuration

The Startup Configuration screen contains parameters that are related to
computer start up.

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

Parameter Description

Boot Display Sets the display on boot-up.

When set to Auto, the computer automatically
determines the display device. If an exte rnal
display device (e.g., monitor) is connected, it
becomes the boot display; otherwise, the computer
LCD is the boot display. When set to Both, the
comput er outputs to both t he computer LCD and an
external display device if one i s connected.

Options:

Memory Test Enables or disabled memory test on boot-up.

Options:

Silent Boot When enabled, hides the computer startup

messages on boot-up (the Extensa logo displays)
Options:

System Boot
Drive

Specifies the boot sequence (th e order of drives
that the computer will attempt to boot from). For
example, when set to Drive A Then C, the computer
attempts to boot from the floppy drive. If no
bootable floppy disk is in drive A, the computer
boots from the hard disk.

Options:
Then A

Auto

or Both

Disabled

Enabled

Drive A Then C

or Enabled

or Disabled

, Drive A, Drive C, Drive C

Chapter 2

35

Parameter Description

Boot from
CD-ROM

Operating
System

USB Function
Support

Enables boot-up from th e CD-ROM drive. When
enable d, th e co mp ut er att em pts to boot fr o m the
CD-ROM drive (looks for a bootable CD-ROM)
before following the boot sequence specified inthe
System Boot Drive parameter.

Options:
Speci fies the operating system installed in the

comput er. This parameter helps determin e certain
hardware settings for optimal computer operation.

Options:
Enables or disables the USB (Universal Serial Bus)

function.
Options:

Enabled

Windows 95/98

Disabled

or Disa bled

or Enabled

or Windows NT

Onboard Devices Configuration

The Onboard Devices Confi guration screen cont ains parameters settings for
your hardware connection devices.

Note:

The parameters in this screen are for advanced users only. You
do not need to change the value s in t his screen because these
values are already optimized.

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

Parameter Description

Serial Port Enables or disabled the serial port.

Options:

36

Enabled

or Disabled

Software Utilities

Parameter Description

Base Addr ess Sets the I/O addr ess of the serial port.

Options:

IRQ Sets the interrupt request of the serial port.

Options: 4 or 11

Parallel Port Enables or disables the parallel port.

Options:

Base Addr ess Sets the I/O addr ess of the parallel port.

Options:

IRQ Sets the interrupt request of the parallel port.

Options: 7 or 5

Operat ion
Mode

ECP DMA
Channel

Sets the operat ion mode of the parallel port.
Options:

Sets a DMA channel for the printer to ope rate in
ECP mod e. This par a m eter is enab le d on ly if
Operat ion Mode is set to ECP.

Options: 1 or 3

3F8h

, 2F8h, 3E8h or 2E8h

Enabled

378h

Bi-directional

or Disabled

, 278h or 3BCh

, ECP or Standard

System Security

The System Security screen contains parameters that help safegua rd and
protect your computer from unauthorized use.

Chapter 2

37

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

Parameter Description

Disk Drive Control
(Diskette Drive)

Disk Drive Control
(Hard Disk Drive)

Setup Password When set, this password protects the BIOS

Power-on
Password

Determines the level of operation of the floppy
driv e.

Options:
Determines the level of operation of the hard

disk.
Options:

Utility from unauthorized entry.
Options:

When set, this password protects the
computer from unauthorized entry during boot­up or resume from hibernation mode.

Options:

Normal

Normal

None

None

or Disabled

or Disabled

or Prese nt

or Prese nt

Setting a Password

Follow these steps:

↑

1. Use the
on) and press the

and ↓ keys to highlight a password parameter (Setup or Power-

Enter

key . The password box appears:

2. Type a password. The password may consist of up to seven characters

(A-Z, a-z, 0- 9).

Note:

Be very careful when typing your password because the
characters do not app ear on the screen.

3. Press

4. Retype the password to verify your first entry and press

Enter

. The retype password box appears.

Enter

.

5. After setting the password, the computer automatically sets the chosen

password param eter to Present.

6. Press

7. Press

38

Esc

to return to the main menu.

Esc

. The following dial og box appears.

Software Utilities

Select

Yes

and press

Enter

to save the password and exi t the BIOS Utility.

Changing a Password

To change a passw ord, follow the same steps used to set a password.

Removing a Password

or → key .

←

↑

and ↓ keys to highlight a password

To remove a pass word, use the
parameter and press the

Power Management

The Power Management scr een contains parameters that are related to
power-saving and power management.

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

Parameter Description

Heuristic
Power
Manage­ment Mode

Display
Always On

Hotkey
Beep

Enables or disables heuristic power management
(Windows 95 only). See “Power Management” on
page 30 for more information on power management
modes.

Options:
When enabled, the computer display is always on

(Windows 95 on ly). You may want to s et t his i f y ou are
maki ng a pre s en tation on yo ur compu ter.

Options:
When enabled, the computer gives off a beep when a

hot key (k ey c omb in at ion is pr es sed) . Se e “ Hot Key s”
on page 15 for details on hot keys.

Options:

Enabled

Disabl ed

Enabled

or Disabled

or Enabled

or Disabled

Chapter 2

39

Parameter Description

System
Resume
Timer
Mode

System
Resume
Date

System
Resume
Time

Battery­Low
Warning
Beep

Sleep on
Battery-low

When enabled and the system resume date and time
are valid, the computer resumes (wakes up) at the set
time and date.

Options:
Sets the date the computer resumes at if System

Resume Timer Mode is enabled.
Format: MM DD, YYYY (month day, year)

Sets the time the computer resumes at if System
Resum e Tim e Mo de is en abled.

Format : HH:MM:SS (hour:minu te:sec ond)
Enables or disables warn ing beeps during a b attery-

low condition.
Options:

Enables or disables the hibernation function during a
batte ry-low condition.

When the computer is running very low on battery
power, the computer will enter hibernation mode if
Sleep M anager is installed and the hibernation file is
valid.

Options:

Disabled

Enabled

Enabled

or Enabled

or Disabled

or Disabled

Load Default Settings

When you select this menu item, the following dialog box displays:

To load factory-default settings for all the parameters, select

Enter

. Otherwise, select No and press

Enter

.

40

Yes

and press

Software Utilities

AFlash Utility

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

❑

New versions of system programs

❑

New features or options

Use the AFlash utility to update the system BIOS fla sh ROM.

Note:

Do not install memory-related drivers (XMS, EMS, DPMI) when
you use AFlash.

The AFlash functions support all the operations required for system Flash
ROM. The functions are divided into four steps as fol lows.

Load BIOS file to buffer

1.
for future program use or f or check only. It supports the 64- KB, 128-KB,
192-KB, or 256-KB files.

Save BIOS to disk file

2.

to the file sp ecified by the user.

Edit OEM string

3.

OEM string and writ es to a fi le.

Program flash memory

4.

loaded in ste p 1. This function also shows the BIOS checksum and BI OS
type to make sure that the operation is correct.

reads specifi ed file from a diskett e to me mo ry, edits

Executing AFlash

reads a specified file from a diskette to mem ory

reads BIOS from the current BIOS area and wr ites

programs Flash memory according to the data

Follow these steps to execute AFlash:

1. Copy the MSG.DAT and AFLASH.EXE files from the system uti lities
diskette into the subdirectory of your choi ce.

2. From that subdirectory , type:

aflash

3. A help message appears. Press any key to continue.

4. The main menu appears. Use the ↑ or ↓ key to highlight the options.

Press

5. If you want to save a copy of the cur rent BIOS into a file, select

BIOS to Disk File.

6. Select

7. Select

Flash ROM.

Note:

Enter

Enter

to select.

Load BIOS File
Program Flash Memory

to load the BIOS file into memory.

to erase the current BIOS, and program

Never turn off the system power while Flash BIOS is

Save

programming. This will destroy the BIOS.

8. Reboot the system .

Chapter 2

41

Quick Way to Execute AFlash

When you have already copied the AFlash files into your hard disk, you can
simply type t he fol lowing o n the DOS prom pt (su bdirec tory whe re the f iles a re
located) to quickly execute the program.

aflash (file name)
The program automatically performs the loadi ng and programming functions,

then reboots the system.
If the program canno t fi nd the BIOS file, it returns to the main menu and

flashes the following message:

Can’t Read This File!!! Press any key to continue.....

In this case, foll ow the proced ures for loading and progr amming t he BIOS file
using the main menu.

Enter

42

Software Utilities

System Utility Diskette

1. This utility diskette is for the Acer Exten sa 500 notebook machine. It
provides the fol lowing functions:

2. Read/write LCD panel ID

3. Set thermal sensor threshold

4. Verify thermal sensor threshold (by testing fan function)

To use this diskette, first boot fr om thi s diskette, then a “Microsoft Windows
95 Startup Menu” prompt you to choose the testing item. Follow the
instructions on screen to proceed.

Important!!

use it:

1. Do system transfers.

2. Copy HIMEM.SYS to A:\.

3. Copy HIMEM.COM to A:\.

This diskette is not bootable, do the following actions before you

Set LCD Panel ID

There is an EEPROM in the inverter whic h stores its supported LCD type ID
code. If you repl ace a LCD with on e of a dif fer ent brand or use a new inv erter,
the ID informatio n in the inverter EEPROM should be updated.

Follow the steps blew to see the LCD Panel ID:

1. Follow the instru cti on on screen to read current or to set new LCD Panel
ID code.

Note:

When you set a new LCD Panel ID and the new LCD is not yet
enabled (to function), so connect an exter nal CRT to see the
program execut ion process.

Note:

Make sure the new ID code you choose corr esponds with the
LCD brand and type. If you write a wrong ID into i nverter, just
reboot and re-execute the program and input the correct ID code.

2. Restart computer - the new LCD should work normally.

Note:

If LCD cannot display after change ID code, make sure you wri te
the correct ID code, or tr y reconnecting the LCD FPC cable
connectors.

Set Thermal Sensor Threshold

The system is equipped with sensors to protect against system overheating.
By setting System and processor thermal thresholds, the system can turn on
the cooling fan or shut down automatically when temperatures reach the
defined thres hold parameters.

Chapter 2

43

System Diagnostic Diskette

This diagnostic diskette is for the Acer Extensa 500 notebook machine. It
provides the following functions:

1. System Test

2. Modem Dialing Test

Note:

A phone line is required when executing the Modem Dialing Test,
or this test fails.

3. Audio Function Test

4. CD-Player Function Test

5. USB Register and Connect/Di sconnect Test

Note:

A USB device is required when executing USB Connection/
Disconnection Test, or this test fails.

To use this diskette, first boot fr om thi s diskette, then a “Microsoft Windows
95 Startup Menu” prompt s you to choose the testing item. Follow the
instructions on screen to proceed.

Important!!

use it:

1. Do system transfers.

2. Copy the following files to A:\
HIMEM.SYS
EMM386.SYS
MSCDEX.SYS
CHOICE.COM
RAMDRIVE.SYS

This disket te is not boot able, do th e followi ng act ions bef ore you

Note:

When executing a parallel or serial port test in System Test item,
a loopback tool is needed. This loopback is Acer propri etary
design. You may reach the computerh w [e-mail] for
ordering information.

44

Software Utilities

Running PQA Diagnostics Program.

PQA Vx_x xx-xx-xx

Result

SysInfo

Option

Exit

Press

Diag

→

to move around the main menu. Press Enter to enable the

←

selected option. The main options are Diag, Result, SysInfo, Option and Exit.
The Diag option lets you sel ect testing items and times.
The following screen appears when you select Dia g from the main menu.

PQA Vx_x xx-xx-xx

Diag

Result

Diag

MANUAL TEST

AUTO TEST

SysInfo

Option

Exit

Manual Test Performs a single test and Manual checks the selected t est
items in sequence.

Auto Test Perf orms multiple test s of th e selected items and AUTO check the
select test items in sequence.

Note:

PCMCIA Diagnostic Support s Manual test only. Do not select
PCMCIA Diagnostic in Auto Test.

Chapter 2

45

The screen below appears if you select AUTO Test.

PQA Vx_x xx-xx-xx

Diag Resul t

Diag

MANUAL TEST
AUTO TEST

TEST COUNT VALUE (1...9999) 1

SysInfo

Specify the desi red number of tests and press

Option

Enter

Exit

.

After you speci fy t he num ber of tests to perform, the screen shows a list of
test items (see below).

PQA Vx_x xx-xx-xx

Diag

MANUAL TEST

AUTO TEST

Result

Diag

Test Items
[ ] System Board
[ ] Memory

[ ] Keyboard
[ ] Video
[ ] Parallel Port
[ ] Serial Port

[ ] Diskette Drive
[ ] Hard Disk
[ ] CD-ROM
[ ] Coprocessor
[ ] Pointing Dev.
[ ] Cache

SysInfo

Option

SPACE: mark/unmark selecting item
ESC : return to upper menu

F2 : test the marked item(s)
ENTER: open subitem’s menu
Test Times = 1

Exit

Move the highlig ht bar from one item to another. Press Space to enable or
disable the item. Press
item. Press

Esc

Enter

to view the available options of each selected

to close the close th e submenu.

The right corner screen informati on gives you the available function keys and
the specified test number .

❑

Space: Enables/disables the item

❑

ESC: Exits the program

❑

F1: Help

❑

F2: Tests the selected item(s)

❑

Enter: Opens the avai lable options

46

Software Utilities

❑

Test Times: Indicates t he num ber of tests to perform.

Note:

The F1 and F2 keys function only after you finish configuring the
Test option.

Diagnostic Program Err or Code and M essages

Error
Code

16XX Backup battery error Backup battery
1XXX CPU or main board

2XXX Memory error Reconnect CPU board

3XXX Keyboard error Reseat Keyboard

4XXX Video error System board
5XXX Parallel Port error System board
6XXX Serial port or main

7XXX Diskette drive error Diskette drive

8XXX Hard disk error Reload BIOS default setting.

9XXX CD-RO M err o r Res ea t C D -R O M ca bl e

10XXX CPU or main board

11XXX Pointing device error Reseat Keyboard

Message FRU/Action in Sequence

error

board error

error

Reload BIOS default setting.
CPU
Syste m board

DIMM
Syste m board

Keyboard
Syste m board

Syste m board

Syste m board

Hard disk
Syste m board

CD-ROM drive
Syste m board

CPU
Syste m board

Keyboard
Syste m board

Chapter 2

47

48

Software Utilities

Chapter 3

Machine Disassembly

This chapter cont ains step-by-ste p procedures on how to disassemble the
notebook computer for maintenance and troubleshooting.

To disassemble the computer, you need the following tools:

❑

Wrist grounding strap and conductive mat for preventing electrostatic
discharge

❑

Flat-blad ed screwdriver

❑

Phillip s scr e w dr iv e r

❑

Tweezers

❑

Flat-blad ed screwdriver or plastic stick

Note:

The screws for the different components vary i n size. During the
disassembly process, group the screws with the corresponding
components to avoid mismatch when putting back the
components.

Chapter 3

49

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 per ipherals.

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

3. Remove the battery pack.

Connector Types

There are two kinds of connectors on the system board:

❑

Connectors with no locks
Unplug the cable by sim ply pulling out the cable from the connector.

❑

Connectors with locks
You can use a plastic stick to lock and unlock connectors with locks.

Unplugging

the Cable

Plugging
the Cable

Plugging
the Cable

Unplugging

the Cable

Unplugging the cab le with locks
T o unpl ug the cabl e, fi rst unl ock the connec tor by pu lling up t he two c lasps on

both sides of the connector with a plastic stick. Then carefully pull out the
cable from the connector.

Plugging the cable with locks
To plug the cabl e back, first make sure that the connector is unlocked, then

plug the cable in to the conne ctor. With a plasti c stick , press th e two clasps on
both sides of the connector to secure th e cables in place.

Note:

The cables used here are special FPC (flexible printed-circuit)
cables and more delic ate than normal plastic-enclosed cables.
Do not force cables out of the connectors to prevent damage.

50

Machine Disassembly

Disassembly Procedure Flowchart

The flowchart on the succeeding page gives you a graphic representati on on
the entire disassembly sequence and instructs you on the components t hat
need to be removed dur i ng servi cing. For example , if y ou want to r emove the
system board, you must first remove the keyboard, then disassemble the
inside assembly frame in that order

Start

Battery Pack

Battery Cover

DIMM Cover

Hinge Cover

DIMM Keyboard

LCD Module

LCD Bezel

LCD

LCD FPC

Cable

Internal MIC.

(see next page)

LED Board

LED Cable

Modem Cover

Modem Board

Main Unit

Inverter

Inverter

Power
Cable

Chapter 3

51

.

Main Unit

CPU EMI

CPU Board

DC-DC
Charger

Main board

PCMCIA Card

CPU Heat Sink

Cover

Audio & Battery

Connection Board

RJ-45

Connector

Touch Pad

Lower Case

CD-ROM &
FDD Module

CD-ROM Drive

Cable

and Cable

FDD Drive

and Cable

PCMCIA & HDD

Heat Sink

HDD Module

Upper Case

CD-Palyer

Control Board

Touchpad

52

Machine Disassembly

Removing the Battery Pack

1. Pull down the battery co ver, slide the battery out from the main unit .I

2. To remove the batt ery cover , gently bend the battery cover a little bit
outward, then slide the battery cover downward to remove it.

Removing the DIMM

1. Remove the two screws shown below to remove the DI MM door..

Chapter 3

53

2. Use a plastic flat-bladed screwdriver to push the latches outward on both
sides of the DIMM socket to remove the DIMM module from the DI MM
socket.

Removing the Modem Board

1. Remove the screw shown below to remove the modem cover.

2. Use a plastic flatb laded screwdriver to push out the latches on both sides
of the modem board socket to remove the modem board.

3. Disconnect the modem phone cable from the modem board.

54

Machine Disassembly

Removing the Keyboard

1. Slide out the hinge cover s on both sides of the notebook .

2. Use a plastic flatb laded screwdriver to remove the LCD FPC cover.

3. Slide the middle cover to the left side and remove the middle cover .

Note:

Chapter 3

To replace the middle cover, be sure that the latches are lined up
with the uppercase as indicated.

55

4. Lift the keyboard up, turn it over and carefully place on the palm rest to
expose the keyboard connector.

5. Disconnect the keyboard connector CN20 as shown below.

56

Machine Disassembly

Removing the LCD Module

1. Disconnect the internal microphone cabl e at CN8 from the system board.

2. Disconnect the LED cable at CN10 from the system board.

3. Remove the two screws on the LCD FPC cable.

4. Use a plastic flatb laded screwdriver to disconnect the LCD FPC cable at
CN9 from the system board.

Chapter 3

57

5. Remove the two screws f rom the base unit, then careful ly detach the LCD
module from the main unit.

Disassembling the LCD

1. Remove the two cushions and two mylar stickers from the four corners of

display bezel.

2. Remove the five screws of the LCD bezel as shown below.

58

Machine Disassembly

3. Carefully, pull out the display bezel from the inside out.

4. Remove the two screws from the LED boar d, then lift the LED board from
the display pan el.

5. Carefully remove the internal microphone cable from the display panel.

6. Remove the six screws as shown below to sep arate th e LCD and the LCD
inverter board.

Chapter 3

59

7. To remove the LCD inve rter board, disconnec t t he LCD FPC cable and
LCD power cable from the LCD inver ter board.

8. Carefully remove the adhesive tape to remove th e LC D FPC cable fr om
the LCD.

9. This completes the disassembly of the LCD module.

60

Machine Disassembly

Disassembling the Main Unit

Removing the HDD & PCMCIA Heat Sink

1. Remove the 2 screws from the HDD & PCMCIA heat sink.

2. Slide the HDD & PCMCIA heat sink out from the upper case, using both
hands to remove .

Removing the Hard Disk Drive

1. Remove the screw from the hard disk module.

Chapter 3

61

2. To detach the hard disk module from the main unit , gent ly pull up to
remove. .

Removing the CPU Heat Sink and CPU Board

1. Remove the 4 screws of the CPU heat sink, then gently remove the heat

sink.

2. First remove the CPU EMI shield, to deta ch and remove the CPU board
from the system board.

62

Machine Disassembly

Removing the RTC Battery

1. Use a flat bladed screw driver to remove the RTC battery from its
socket.

Note:

You can al so remove RTC battery when the keyboard and CPU
heat sink are removed.

Note:

To re-install RTC battery, press the RTC battery into the sock et

Disassembling the Upper Case

1. Disconnect the touchpad cable from the system board at CN19.

Chapter 3

63

2. Remove the 11 screws as shown below.

3. Lift up the upper case and di sconnect the LCD cover switch from the
system board at CN7 to detach the upper case from the lower case.

Removing the Touchpad

1. Disconnect the touchpad FPC cable from the touchpad board.

2. Remove the 6 screws of the touchpad bracket.

64

Machine Disassembly

3. Lift the touchpad br acket, FPC cable and CD-ROM control panel board
assembly away from the upper case.

4. To detach the CD-ROM control panel board, first disconnect t he touchpad
FPC cable, then remove the 3 screws to release it.

5. Finally, remove the touchpad board from the upper case.

Chapter 3

65

Disassembling the Lower Case

1. Gently remove the spea ker nets from the lower case.

Removing the CD-ROM/Diskette Drive Module

1. Disconnect the diskette drive cable and the CD-ROM drive cable at CN15
and CN16 of the system board

2. Remove this screw from the diskette and CD-ROM/diskette drive Module.

3. Gently pull up the CD-ROM/di skette drive module fr om the l ower case.

66

Machine Disassembly

Fro CD-ROM/diskett e drive module, there are two types of cabling:

IMPORT ANT!!

Before Acer encounter ed problems, the cabli ng for the
diskette drive was originally placed between the bracket of roughly 1000
pieces. In order to avoi d dam aging these cables, Acer then redesigned the
cabling to go a round the bracket instea d. You may have to repair both types.
In the case of the limit ed quantity version , you should replace the longer
cable type and connect the diskette FRC cable to go around the bracket to
avoid the same mistake.

Type 1 Cabling (mass-production version):

1. Remove the 3 screws locat ed at t he CD-ROM /diskette drive module’s

bracket to separate the CD-ROM drive from the CD-ROM/diskette drive
module

2. Remove the 3 screws from the diskette drive

Type 2 Cabling (a limited quantity version):

Chapter 3

67

1. Remove the 3 screws locat ed at t he CD-ROM /diskette drive module’s
bracket.

2. Separate the CD-ROM drive from the CD-ROM/diskette drive module .

3. Remove the 3 screws from the diskette drive.

4. This completes the disassembly of the CD-ROM/diskette drive module.

68

Machine Disassembly

Removing the Speakers

1. Disconnect the left a nd right channel s peaker cables from the audio-I/O
and battery connect ion board.

2. Remove the 4 screws from the left and right speaker channels.

3. Remove the left and right speakers away from the lower case.

Removing the DC-DC/Charger Board

1. Disconnect the ch arger board from CN23.

Chapter 3

69

2. Remove the 2 screws from the aud io-I/O and battery conn ection board

Removing the DC-DC/Charger Board

1. Gently pull upward to r em ove the audio-I/O and battery connection board
from the system board.

Removing the System Board

1. Disconnect these 2 screws from the system board.

70

Machine Disassembly

2. Remove the modem phone jack shield from the system board.

9. Remove the system board from the lower case.

Removing the PCMCIA slot

1. Remove the 4 screws around th e PCMCI A slot .

2. Turn the boar d over, gently lift up the PCMCIA slot.

Chapter 3

71

Removing the Modem Phone Jack

1. Remove the modem phone jack from the lower case.

2. This completes the disassembly of the lower case.

72

Machine Disassembly

Chapter 4

Troublesh ootin g

Use the following procedure as a guide for comput er problems.

Note:

The diagnostic te sts are intended to test only Acer products. Non­Acer products, pro totype cards, or modi fied opti ons can give fa lse
errors and inval id system responses.

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

2. Verify the symptoms by attempting to re-create the f ailure by running the
diagnosti c test or by repeating the same ope ration.

3. Use the following tabl e with th e verifie d symptom to det ermine whi ch page
to go to .

Symptoms (Verified) Go To

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

POST does not complet e. No beep or
error codes are indicated.

POST detects an error and displayed
messag es on screen .

The diagnostic test detected an error
and disp la yed a FRU cod e.

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

Symptoms cannot be re-created
(intermittent problems).

“Power System Check” on page 75.

“Error Symptom-to-FRU Index” on
page 78.

“Undet ermined Problems” on page 86
“Error Messages List” on page 78

See “Running PQA Diagnostics
Program.” on page 45

“Error Symptom-to-FRU Index” on
page 78

Use the customer-reported symptoms
and go to “Error Symptom-to-FRU
Index” on page 78

“Intermittent Problems” on page 86
“Undet ermined Problems” on page 86

Chapter 4

73

System Check Procedures

Diskette Drive Check

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

Note:

Make sure that the disk ette does not have more than one label
attached to it. Mult iple labels can cause damage to the drive or
cause the drive to fail.

Do the following to select the test device. See “Running the Diagnostics” for
details.

1. Boot from the diagnosti cs diskette and start the PQA program (See
“Running PQA Diagnostics Program.” on page 45).

2. Go to the diagnostic Dis kette Drive in the test item s.

3. Press F2 in the test ite ms.

4. Follow the instructions in the message window.

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

If the error still remains:

1. Reconnect the diskette drive.

2. Replace the diskette driver cable.

3. Replace the diskette.

4. Replace the system board.

CD-ROM Drive Check

Do the following to isol ate the problem to a controller, drive, or CD-ROM.
Make sure that the CD-ROM does not have any label attac hed to it. The la bel
can cause damage to the dri ve or can cause the drive to fail.

Do the following to select the test device:

1. Boot from the diagnosti cs diskette and start the PQA program (refer to
“Running PQA Diagnostics Program”.

2. Go to the diagnostic CD-ROM in the test items.

3. Press F2 in the test ite ms.

4. 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 CD-ROM drive.

74

Troubleshooting

2. Replace the CD-ROM drive.

3. Replace the system board.

Keyboard or Auxiliary Input Device Check

Remove the external keyboard if the intern al keyboard is to be tested.
If the internal keyboard does not work or an unexpected character appears ,

make sure that the fl exible cable extending from the keyboa rd is correctly
seated in the connec tor on the system board.

If the keyboard cable connection is correct, run the Keyboard Test. See
“Running the Diagn ostics” for details .

If the tests detect a keyboard problem, do th e fol lowing one at a time to
correct the problem. Do not replace a non-def ective FRU:

1. Reconnect the keyboa rd cables.

2. Replace the keyboard.

3. Replace the system board.
The following auxil iary input device s are supported by this comput er:

❑

Numeric keypad

❑

External keyboard

If any of these devices do not work, reconnect the cabl e connector and
repeat the faili ng operation.

Memory Check

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

1. Boot from the diagnosti cs diskette and start the PQA program (please
refer to “Running PQA Diagnostics Program”.

2. Go to the diagnosti c m emo ry i n the t e st items.

3. Press F2 in the test ite ms.

4. Follow the instructions in the message window.

Note:

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

Power System Check

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

1. Remove the battery pack.

Chapter 4

75

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 probl em , see the appropriate power supply check in
the following li st:

❑

“Check the Power Adapter” on page 76

❑

“Check the Batter y Pack” on page 76

Check the Power Adapter

Unplug the power adapt er cable from the computer and measure the output
voltage at the plug of the power adapter cable. See the f ollowing 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 withi n the range, do the following:

❑

Replace the System boar d.

❑

If the problem is not cor rected, see “Undetermined Problems” on page

86.

❑

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

Note:

An audible nois e from th e power adap ter does not alwa ys indi cate
a defect.

3. If the power problem occurs only when the port replicator i s used, replace
the port replicator.

4. If the power-on indicator does not light up, check the power cord of the
power adapter for correct continuity and installation.

5. If the operational charge does not work, see “Check the Battery Pack” on
page 76.

Check the Battery Pack

To check the batt ery pack, do the follow ing:

1. Power off the computer.

76

Troubleshooting

2. Remove the battery pack and me asure the voltage between bat tery
terminals 2(+) and 7(ground). See the following figure

3. If t he voltage is still less than 8.0 Vdc after recharging, repl ace the battery.

To check the batt ery charge operation, use a discharged battery pack or a
battery pack th at has less than 50% of the total power re ma ini ng 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. Reinstall the battery pack.

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

Touchpad Check

If the tou chpad doesn’t work, do the follo wing actions one at a time to corr ect
the problem. Do not replace a non-defectiv e FRU:

1. Reconnect the touchpad cables.

2. Replace the touchp ad.

3. Replace the touchp ad.

After you use the touchpad, the pointer drift s on the screen for a short time.
This self-a cting pointer moveme nt can occur when a slight, st eady pressure
is applied to the touc hpad pointer. This symptom is not a hardwar e problem.
No service actions are necessary if the pointer movement stops in a short
period of time.

Chapter 4

77

Error Symptom-to-FRU Index

The symptom-to-FRU index lists the symptom s and errors and their possible
causes. The most li kely cause is listed first.

Note:

Perform the FRU replacement or actions in the sequence shown
in FRU/Action colu mn , i f the FRU replacement does not solve t he
problem, put the or iginal p art ba ck in the computer. Do n ot rep lace
a non-defective FRU.

This index can also help you det ermine the nex t possibl e FRU to be replace d
when se rvicing a computer.

If the symptom is not listed, see “Undetermined Problems” on page 86.
The following lists the error messages that the BIOS displays on the screen

and the error sympt om s classified by function.

Note:

Most of the error messages occur during POST. Some of them
display inform ation about a hardware devi ce, e.g., the amount of
memory installe d. Others may indicate a probl em with a device,
such as the way it has been configured.

Note:

If the system fails af ter you make changes in the BIOS Setup
Utility menus, reset the computer, enter Setup and install Setup
defaults or correct the error

Error Messages List

Error Messages Action in Se quence

Failure Fixed Disk Reconnect hard disk drive connector.

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

Stuck Key See “Ke y board or Auxiliary Input Device Ch eck”

on page 75.

Keyboard error See “Key board or Auxilia ry Input Device Check”

on page 75.

Keyboard Controller Failed See “Keyboard or Auxiliary Input Device Check”

on page 75.

Keyboard locked - Unlock
key switch

Monitor type does not
match CMOS - Run Setup

Shadow RAM Failed at
offset: nnnn

Syste m RAM Failed at
offset: nnnn

Unlock external keyboard

Run “Load Default Settings” in BIOS Setup Utility.

BIOS ROM
Syste m board

DIMM
Syste m board

78

Troubleshooting

Error Messages List

Error Messages Action in Se quence

Extended RAM Failed at
offset:nnnn

System battery is dead ­Replace and run Setup

System CMOS checksum
bad - Default configuration
used

System timer error RTC battery

Real ti me clock er ror RTC battery

Previous boot incomplete ­Default co nfigura tio n us ed

Memory size found by
POST diff ere d f rom CM OS

Disket te drive A error Check the dr iv e is def i ne d wi th t he pro per d i ske tt e

Incorrect Drive A type - run
SETUP

System cache error - Cache
disabled

CPU ID: CPU board

DMA Te st Failed DIMM

Software NMI Failed DIMM

DIMM
Syste m board

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

RTC battery
Run BIOS Setup Utility to reconfigu re system

time, then reboot system.

Run BIOS Setup Utility to reconfigu re system
time, then reboot system.

Syste m board

Run BIOS Setup Utility to reconfigu re system
time, then reboot system.

Syste m board
Run “Load Default Settings” in BIOS Setup Utility.

RTC battery
Syste m board

Run “Load Default Settings” in BIOS Setup Utility.
DIMM
Syste m board

type in BIOS Setup Utility
See “Diskette Drive Check” on page 74.

Check th e d r iv e is def i ne d wi th t he pro per di ske tt e
type in BIOS Setup Utility

See “Diskette Drive Check” on page 74.
CPU board

Syste m board

Syste m board

CPU board
Syste m board

CPU board
Syste m board

Chapter 4

79

Error Messages List

Error Messages Action in Se quence

Fail-Safe Timer NMI Failed DIMM

CPU board
Syste m board

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

RTC battery
Syste m board

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

RTC battery
Syste m board

Failing Bits: nnnn DIMM

BIOS ROM

Syste m board
Fixed Disk n None
Invalid System

Configuration Data
I/O device IRQ c onflict Run “Load Default Settings” in BIOS Setup Utility.

Opera ting system not found Enter Setup an d see if fixed disk a nd drive A : are

BIOS ROM

Syste m board

RTC battery

Syste m board

properly ident ifi ed .

Diskette drive

Hard disk drive

Syste m board

No-Beep Symptoms

Symptom / Error Action in Sequence

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

Power s ource (battery pa ck and power adapter).

See “Po wer System Check” on page 75.

Ensure every connector is connected tightly and

correctly.

Reconnect the DIMM.

CPU board.

DC-DC/charger board.

Syste m board

80

Troubleshooting

No-Beep Symptoms

Symptom / Error Action in Sequence

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

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 s ource (battery pa ck and power adapter).
See “Po wer System Check” on page 75.

Reconnect the LC D connector
DC-DC/charger board
CPU board.
Hard disk drive
LCD inverter ID
LCD FPC cable
Inverter
LCD
Syste m board

Reconnect the LC D connectors.
LCD inverter ID
LCD FPC cable
LCD inverter
LCD
Syste m board

Ensure every connector is connected tightly and
correctly.

Syste m board

Speaker
Syste m board

LCD-Related Symptoms

Symptom / Error Action in Sequence

LCD backlight doesn't work
LCD is too dark
LCD brightnes s ca nn ot be

adjust ed
LCD cont r as t ca nnot be

adjust ed

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

Reconnect the LC D connectors.
Keyboa r d (if contrast an d br ig htness f un ct ion key

doesn 't w ork ) .
LCD inverter ID
LCD FPC cable
LCD inverter
LCD
Syste m board

Chapter 4

81

LCD-Related Symptoms

Symptom / Error Action in Sequence

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

LCD has ex tr a hori z o nta l or
vertical lines displayed.

Reconnect the LC D connector

LCD inverter ID

LCD FPC Cable

LCD inverter

LCD

Syste m board

LCD inverter ID

LCD inverter

LCD FPC Cable

LCD

Syste m board

Indicator- R elated Symptoms

Symptom / Error Action in Sequence

Indicator incorrectly remains
off or on, but system runs
correctly

Reconnect the LED board

LED board

Syste m board

Power-Related Symptoms

Symptom / Error Action in Sequence

Power shuts down during
operation

The system doesn’t power­on.

Power s ource (battery pack and power adapter).

See “Po wer System Check” on page 75.

Battery pack

Power adapter

DC-DC/charger board

Audio-I/O & battery connection board

Syste m board

Power s ource (battery pack and power adapter).

See “Po wer System Check” on page 75.

Battery pack

Power adapter

DC/DC & Charge boar

Audio-I/O & battery connection board

Syste m board

82

Troubleshooting

Power-Related Symptoms

Symptom / Error Action in Sequence

The system doesn’t power­off.

Battery can’t be charged See “Check the Battery Pack” on page 76.

Power s ource (battery pack and power adapter).
See “Po wer System Check” on page 75.

Hold and press the power switch for more than 4
seconds.

Charger board
Syste m board

Battery pack
DC-DC/charger board
Syste m board

PCMCIA-Related Symptoms

Symptom / Error Action in Sequence

Syste m cannot detect the
PC Card (PCMCIA)

PCMCIA sl ot pin is
damaged.

PCMCIA slot assembly
Syste m board

PCMCIA slot assembly

Memory-Relat ed 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
Syste m board

Speaker-Related Symptoms

Symptom / Error Action in Sequence

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

Internal speakers make
noise or em it no sou nd.

Press Fn-F8, Speaker ON/OFF control.
Audio driver
Speaker
Syste m board

Press Fn-F8, Speaker ON/OFF control.
Speaker
Syste m board

Chapter 4

83

Power Management-Related Symptoms

Symptom / Error Action in Sequence

The system will not enter
hibernation

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

The system doesn’t enter
stand by mode after closing
the LCD

The system doesn't resu me
from hibernation mode.

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

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

System hangs intermittently. See “Set Thermal Sensor Threshold” on page 43.

Keyboard (if control is from the keyboard)

Hard disk drive

Syste m board

See “Hibernat ion Mode” on page 31.

Ensure the “Heuristic Power Management Mode”

in the Power Management of BIOS Setup Utility is

not set to [OFF].

Press F n+ F4 and see if the com puter enters

hibernation mode.

Touc hpad

Keyboard

Hard disk connec tion board

Hard disk drive

Syste m board

See “Sy s tem Standby Mode” on page 30.

LCD cover switch

Syste m board

See “Hibernat ion Mode” o n page 31.

Hard disk connec tion board

Hard disk drive

Syste m board

See “Sy s tem Standby Mode” on page 23.

LCD cover switch

Syste m board

Remove battery pack and let it cool for 2 hours.

Refresh batt ery (continue use battery until power

off, then charge battery).

Battery pack

Charger board

Syste m board

Reconnect hard disk/CD-ROM drives.

Hard disk connec tion board

Syste m board

84

Troubleshooting

Peripheral-Related Symptoms

Symptom / Error Action in Sequence

System configur ation does
not match the installed
devices.

External disp lay does not
work correctly.

USB does not work
correctly

Print problems. En su re the “Parall el Port” in the “Onboard

Serial or para ll e l p ort devi ce
proble ms.

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

Reconnect hard disk/CD-ROM/diskette drives.
Press Fn+F5, LCD/CRT/Both display switching

See “Running PQA Diagnostics Program.” on
page 45.

Syste m board
See “Sy s tem Diagnostic Di skette” on page 44

Syste m board

Devices C on fig ur ati on ” of B I OS S et up Ut il ity is se t
to Enabled.

Onboar d Devices Configuration
Run printer self-test.
Printer driver
Print er cable
Printer
System Board

Ensure the “Serial Port” in the Devices
Configuration” of BIO S Setup Utility is set to
Enabled.

Device driver
Device cable
Device
Syste m board

Keyboard/Touchpad-Related Symptoms

Symptom / Error Action in Sequence

Keyboard (one or more
keys) does not work.

Touc hpad does not work. Reconnect touchpad c able.

Reconnect the keyboard ca ble.
Keyboard
Syste m board

Touchpad board
Syste m board

Chapter 4

85

Modem-Related Symptoms

Symptom / Error Action in Sequence

Internal modem does not
work correctly.

Note:

If you cannot find a symptom or an error in this list and the

See “Sy s tem Diagnostic Di skette” on page 44.

Modem ph one jack

Modem bo ard

Syste m board

problem remains, see “Undetermined Probl em s”.

Intermittent Problems

Intermittent system hang problems can be caused by a variety of reasons
that have nothi ng to do with a hardware defect, such as: cosmic radiation,
electrostatic discharge, or software errors. FRU replacement should be
considered onl y when a recurring problem exi sts.

When analyzing an int ermittent proble m, do the f ollowing:

1. Run the advanced diagnos tic 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.

Undetermined Problems

The diagnostic problems does not identify which adapter or device fail ed,
which installed devices are incorrect, whether a short circuit is suspected, or
whether the syst em is in operative.

Follow these procedures to isolate the failing FRU (do not isolate non­defective FRU).

Note:

Verify that all attached devices are supported by the computer.

Note:

Verify that the power supply being used at the time o f the fail ure is
operating corr ectly. (See “Power System Check” on page 75):

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 follow ing devices:

❑

Non-Acer devices

❑

Devices attach ed to the port replicator

86

Troubleshooting

❑

Printer, mouse, and other external devices

❑

Batter y p ack

❑

Hard disk drive

❑

DIMM

❑

CD-ROM

❑

Diskette drive

❑

PC Cards

4. Power-on the computer.

5. Determine if the problem has changed.

6. If the problem does not rec ur, 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-def ective FRU:

❑

System board

❑

LCD assembly

❑

CPU card

Chapter 4

87

88

Troubleshooting

Chapter 5

Connectors and Jumpers

Top View

CN11 Power Switch CN16 CD-ROM Connector
CN9 LCD Connector CN15 FDD Connector
CN14 CPU Connectors CN1 3 PCMCIA Socket
CN17 Fan Connector (reserved) CN12 Golden Finger for Debug

Board
CN18 HDD Connector CN7 LCD Cover Switch Connector
CN20 Keyboard Connector CN8 Internal Micropho ne

CN19 Touchpad Connector CN10 LED Board Connector
SW1 See Next Page JK1 AC Adapter Connector
SW2 See Next Page CN3 PS/2 Port
CN2 Serial Port CN1 Parallel Port
CN6 Port Replicator CN4 Video Port
CN5 USB Port BT1 RTC Battery

Connector

Chapter 5

89

SW1 Settings

SW1 Setting

Switch 1, Switch 2 Default at OFF setting, u n-configurable.

SW2 Settings

SW2 Setting

Switch 1 ON: OEM BIOS

OFF: Acer BIOS

Switch 2 ON: Bypass password

Switch 3, Switch 4 OFF, OFF: US keyboard

OFF: Check password

OFF, ON: European keyboard
ON, OFF: Japa nese keyboard

BottoM View

90

SM1 Modem Socket
CN23, CN24 Charger Connector
CN21 DIMM Socket 2
CN22 DIMM Socket 1

Connectors and Jum pers

Spare Parts List

Spare Parts List (P/N:91.45BXX.XXX)

Chapter 6

Part Name Description

12.1" DSTN LCD

LCD Module

12.1" DSTN

LCD DSTN

12.1" DSTN

Inverter INVERTER

LED cable W.A 10/10P

LED board EXTENSA 700

LCD FPC

12.1" DSTN

LCD panel

12.1" DSTN

ASSY 12.1"DSTN
LCD MODULE

LCD 12.1DSTN
LM121SS1T53
BLACK

T62.086.C 70 0

120MM LED
AN500

LED BOARD

ASSY LCD FPC

12.1 DSTN 700

ASSY LCD PNL
(HIT12.1"DSTN)70
0

Part No.

6M.45B09.001 1

56.0743B.001 1

19.21030.181 5

50.45B11.001 5

55.47A03.001 5

60.47A07.071 1

60.45B02.031 1

*

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Chapter 6

LCD bezel ASSY LCD BZL

(12.1") 700

60.47A09.021 5

91

Spare Parts List (P/N:91.45BXX.XXX)

Part Name Description

Hinge pair
pack

ASSY HINGE
P ACK TM500

12.1" TFT LCD

LCD Module

12.1" TFT

ASSY 12.1"TFT
LCD MODULE
TM500

LCD TFT LCD TFT 12.1

TX31D27VC1CAB

Inverter INVERTER

T62.086.C 70 0

LED cable W.A 10/10P

120MM LED
AN500

LED board EXTENSA 700

LED BOARD

Part No.

*

6M.45B07.001 5

6M.45B09.011 1

56.0746B.011 1

19.21030.181 5

50.45B11.001 5

55.47A03.001 5

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92

LCD FPC TFT ASSY LCD FPC

(HIT 12.1 TFT)

LCD panel
TFT

ASSY LCD
PNL(IBM

12.1")700

LCD bezel ASSY LCD BZL

(12.1") 700

Hinge
Package

ASSY HINGE
P ACK TM500

60.45B11.011 1

60.47A08.023 1

60.47A09.021 5

6M.45B07.001 5

Spare Parts Lis t

Spare Parts List (P/N:91.45BXX.XXX)

Part Name Description

PC board

System board 500 MAIN BOARD 55.45B01.001 1

DC-DC/
charg er bo ard

Modem board
(CIS )

Modem board
(Amb i t )

DC/DC CHARG
T62.101.C.00 V.P2

MODEM MODULE
AC-5614BMCB

MODEM 1641B
AMBIT/

19.21030.391 1

54.09041.051 1

54.09042.001 1

T62.103.C.00

Audio I/O and
battery

500 AUDIO
BOARD 4L

55.45B04.001 5

connection
board

CD-ROM
contr ol panel
board

500 CD-ROM
CONTROL
BOARD

55.45B05.001 5

CPU

CPU-233
ACER

CPU-233
Hitachi

CPU-266
ACER

CPU EMI
shield

500 CPU BOARD
T-233

VEGA CPU
BOARD T-233

500 CPU BOARD
T-266

ASSY CPU EMI
BRKT AN500

55.45B02.041 1

55.45B02.021 1

55.45B02.031 1

60.45B13.001 50

Part No.

*

Q'ty

†

Chapter 6

CPU heat sink ASSY CPU HSINK

AN500

HDD

60.45B10.001 5

93

Spare Parts List (P/N:91.45BXX.XXX)

Part Name Description

HDD module IBM/DTCA23240

HDD MODULE
TM500

HDD module HIT/DK226K32U

HDD MODULE
TM500

HDD module IBM/DKLA23240

HDD MODULE
TM500

HDD module IBM/DKLA24320

HDD MODULE
TM500

HDD HDD 3240MB

2.5"IBM/
DTCA23240

HDD HDD 3240MB HIT/

DK226K-32U IDE

HDD HDD 3.2G IBM/

DKLA23240

HDD HDD 4.3G IBM/

DKLA24320

HDD
connection
board

500 HDD
TRANSPORT
BOARD 2L

Part No.

*

6M.45B05.001 1

6M.45B05.011 1

6M.45B05.021 1

6M.45B05.031 1

56.02995.001 1

56.02973.011 1

56.02971.021 1

56.02834.101 1

55.45B03.001 5

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94

HDD bracket
pack

ASSY HDD
BRACKET PACK
TM500

Touchpad

Touchpad TOUCHPAD

SYNAPTICS/TM4­220

T ouchpad
bracket

T ouchpad and
CD-ROM
contr ol panel
board module

ASSY T-P BRK
AN500

TOUCHP AD/
CDROM
CONTROL BD
TM500

6M.45B06.001 5

56.1748A.001 5

60.45B09.002 5

6M.45B15.001 5

Spare Parts Lis t

Spare Parts List (P/N:91.45BXX.XXX)

Part Name Description

T ouchpad
FPC

C.A FPC TOUCH
PAD AN500

CD-ROM & FDD

CD-ROM &
FDD module

ASSY CD-ROM &
FDD MODULE
TM500

CD-ROM CD DRV TEAC/

CD-220EA-25 20X

CD-ROM CD DRV 20X

TEAC/CD-220EA­EB

FDD FDD W/500 BZL

MITS/D353F3X

FDD Cable C.A FPC FDD

AN500

CD-ROM
Cable

CD-ROM &
FDD bracket

C.A FPC CD-ROM
AN500

ASSY BRKT CD­FDD AN500

Part No.

*

50.45B05.001 5

6M.45B02.001 1

56.10061.091 1

56.10061.111 1

56.01051.371 1

50.45B07.001 5

50.45B06.001 5

60.45B14.002 5

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Chapter 6

DIMM

95

Spare Parts List (P/N:91.45BXX.XXX)

Part Name Description

DIMM 16MB
NEC

SDRAM MDL
253309-A10 16MB

3.3V

DIMM 16MB
Mitsubishi

SO-DIMM
M5M4V16S3013T
P-10 16MB

DIMM 32MB
NEC

DIMM 32MB
Mitsubishi

SO-DIMM 253409­10 32MB(NEC)

S0-DIMM
M5M4V64S40ATP­10L 32MB

DIMM 64MB
NEC

S0-DIM M 253509 ­10(64MB)NEC

DIMM 64MB SODIMM

M5M4V64S40ATP­10L 64MB

Mechanical parts

Battery door DOOR BATTERY

PC AN500

Modem and
DIMM do or

ASSY COVER
P ACK TM500

pack
Speaker net

pack

ASSY SPEAKER
NET PACK TM500

Part No.

*

72.25330.00N 1

72.54163.00N 1

72.25349.00N 1

72.54644.00N 1

72.25359.00N 1

72.54644.A0N 1

42.45B04.001 50

6M.45B03.001 5

6M.45B14.001 5

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96

HDD and
PCMCIA heat

ASSY UP HSINK
PC+AL AN500

sink

CPU EMI
shield

ASSY CPU EMI
BRKT AN500

CPU heat sink ASSY CPU HSINK

AN500

60.45B05.002 50

60.45B13.002 50

60.45B10.001 5

Spare Parts Lis t

Spare Parts List (P/N:91.45BXX.XXX)

Part Name Description

Hinge pair
pack

Hinge cover
pair pack

ASSY HINGE
P ACK TM500

ASSY HINGE
COVER PACK
TM500

Middle cover
(long)

Middle cover
(short)

Modem phone
jack shield

CVR MIDDLE (1)
PC 050 A N500

CVR MIDDLE
(2)PC 050 AN500

BKT RJII SECC
AN500

Lower case ASSY L CASE

AN500

Part No.

*

6M.45B07.001 5

6M.45B08.001 50

42.45B01.001 50

42.45B02.001 50

33.45B09.001 50

60.45B06.002 5

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Chapter 6

Upper case ASSY U CASE 500 60.45B03.002 5

Keyboard

Keyboard

NSK-84A01 91.78S07.001 1

(English)
Keyboard

NSK-85A0G 91.78S07.00G 1

(German)
Keyboard

NSK-84A0C 91.78S07.00C 1
(Traditional
Chinese)

97

Spare Parts List (P/N:91.45BXX.XXX)

Part Name Description

Battery

Battery pack ASSY BTY PACK

BTP-1731 VEGA

Battery pack ASSY BTY PACK

BTP-1831 500

Battery RTC BTY LI 3V CR1220

36MAH

AC adapter

Adapter ADT 90-270V

ADP-45GB V.E5
370P

Adapt er A DT 12 0VAC/

9VDC 1A
WP480909DG

Power cord

Power cord
(U.S.)

CORD SPT-2
#18*2C
7A125V1830MM

Power cord
(Japan)

Power cord
(South
America)

Power cord
(U.K.)

Power cord
(Europe)

CORD T-MARK 2P
7A 125V JA PAN

CORD H03VVH2­F 2G 2.5A250V
S.A

CORD H03VVH2­F 2G 2.5A250V UK

CORD H03VVH2­F #18*2C

2.5A250V

Power cord
(Australia)

CORD SAA 2C

7.5A
250V(AUS)2LDF

Miscellaneous parts

Speaker pair
pack

ASSY SPEAKER
P ACK TM500

Part No.

*

60.45B04.001 1

60.45B04.011 1

23.20004.091 50

25.10046.151 1

25.10048.001 1

27.01618.001 50

27.03518.001 5

27.01418.021 5

27.01218.031 5

27.01218.021 50

27.01318.021 50

6M.45B13.001 1

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98

Spare Parts Lis t

Spare Parts List (P/N:91.45BXX.XXX)

Part Name Description

Modem phone
jack

CD-player
button knob

W.A. JACK6P/3P

80MM AN500

KNOB CD

POWER PC 050

Part No.

50.45B04.001

42.45B05.002 50

*

AN500

Microphone ASSY

6M.45B10.001 50
MICROPHONE &
RUBBER PACK
TM500

Cushion &
foot pa ck

Name pl at e &
hinge myl ar
pack

ASSY CUSHION &
FOOT

ASSY
NAMEPLATE/
HINGE MYLAR

6M.45B04.001 50

6M.45B11.001 5

P ACK TM500

CD-ROM &
FDD module
mylar pack

Screw pack ASSY SCREW

ASSY CDROM
FDD MODULE
MYLAR TM 500

6M.45B02.011 50

6M.45B12.001 5

P ACK TM500

* Part numbers are subject to change without notice. Contact the Acer

Spare Parts department or access the spare parts database at
http:\\csd.acer.com.tw for updates.

† Minimum ordering quantity

Q'ty

†

Chapter 6

99

100

Spare Parts Lis t