Acer Travelmate 4520 Service Manual
Acer TravelMate 4520 Notebook Computer
Service Guide
Service guide files and updates are available
on the Acer CSD web site at http://csd.acer.com.tw
PRINTED IN TAIWAN
Revision History
Refer to the table below for the updates made on this version of the TravelMate 4520 Notebook Computer
Service Guide.
Date Chapter Updates
II
Copyright
Copyright © 2007 by Acer Incorporated. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced,
transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language or computer language, in
any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, chemical, manual or otherwise, without
the prior written permission of Acer Incorporated.
Disclaimer
The information in this guide is subject to change without notice.
Acer Incorporated makes no representations or warranties, either expressed or implied, with respect to the
contents hereof and specifically disclaims any warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular
purpose. Any Acer Incorporated software described in this manual is sold or licensed "as is". Should the
programs prove defective following their purchase, the buyer (and not Acer Incorporated, its distributor, or its
dealer) assumes the entire cost of all necessary servicing, repair, and any incidental or consequential
damages resulting from any defect in the software.
Acer is a registered trademark of Acer Corporation.
Intel and Centrino are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.
Intel Core is a trademark of Intel Corporation.
Other brand and product names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
III
Conventions
The following textual conventions are used in this service guide.
SCREEN MESSAGES Denotes actual messages that appear on screen.
NOTE Gives additional information related to the current topic.
WARNING Alerts you to any physical risk or system damage that might result
from doing or not doing specific actions.
CAUTION Gives precautionary measures to avoid possible hardware or
software problems.
IMPORTANT Reminds you to do specific actions relevant to the accomplishment
of procedures.
IV
Service Guide Coverage
This Service Guide provides you with all technical information relating to the BASIC CONFIGURATION
decided for Acer's "global" product offering. To better fit local market requirements and enhance product
competitiveness, your regional office MAY have decided to extend the functionality of a machine (e.g. add-on
card, modem, or extra memory capability). These LOCALIZED FEATURES will NOT be covered in this generic
Service Guide. In such cases, please contact your regional offices or the responsible personnel/channel to
provide you with further technical details.
FRU Information
Please note WHEN ORDERING FRU PARTS, that you should check the most up-to-date information available
on your regional web or channel. If, for whatever reason, a part number change is made, it will not be noted in
the printed Service Guide. For ACER-AUTHORIZED SERVICE PROVIDERS, your Acer office may have a
DIFFERENT part number code to those given in the FRU list of this printed Service Guide. You MUST use the
list provided by your regional Acer office to order FRU parts for repair and service of customer machines.
V
VI
Features 1
System Tour 1
1
Chapter 1 1
1
TravelMate Tour 5
Open Front View 5
Close Front View 6
Left View 7
Right View 8
Rear View 8
Base View 9
Status Indicators 10
Easy-launch Keys 11
Productivity Keys 12
Phoenix TrustedCore Setup Utility 13
System Utilities 13
Chapter 2 13
13
Accessing the Setup Utility 14
Navigating Through the Setup Utility 15
Setup Utility Menus 16
BIOS Flash Utility 24
Launch Manager 25
Disassembly Tools 27
Stages of the Disassembly Process 27
Equivalent Torque Values 27
Table of Contents
System Disassembly 27
Chapter 3 27
System Screw List 28
Pre-disassembly Procedure 28
External Modules Disassembly 29
External Modules Disassembly Flowchart 29
Removing the SD Dummy Card 30
Removing the PC Card Dummy Card 30
Removing the Battery Pack 31
Removing the Lower Case Cover 32
Removing the Memory Modules 32
Removing the WLAN Board 33
Removing and Dismantling the HDD Assembly 34
Removing and Dismantling the ODD Assembly 36
Removing the Processor Cooling Fan 38
Removing the Heat Sink 39
Removing the Processor 40
Main Unit Disassembly 41
Main Unit Disassembly Flowchart 41
Removing the Middle Cover 42
Removing the Keyboard 42
Removing the LCD Module 43
Removing the Upper Case 47
VII
Table of Contents
Removing the LED Board 49
Removing the Fingerprint and Touchpad Boards 50
Removing the Card Reader Board 52
Removing the Bluetooth Board 53
Removing the System Board 54
Removing the Modem Board 55
Removing the Speakers 55
LCD Module Disassembly 57
LCD Module Disassembly Flowchart 57
Removing the LCD Bezel 58
Removing the Inverter Board 59
Removing the LCD Module Hinges 60
Removing the LCD Panel 60
Removing the LCD-CCD Cable 61
Removing the LCD Panel Brackets 62
Removing the Internal Microphone and the CCD Board 63
Removing the WLAN Antennas 64
Hardware Diagnostic Procedure 65
System Troubleshooting 65
Chapter 4 65
System Check Procedures 66
External Diskette Drive Check 66
External CD-ROM Drive Check 66
Keyboard or Auxiliary Input Device Check 66
Memory Check 67
Power System Check 67
Touchpad Check 68
POST Error Indicators 69
POST Error Message 69
POST Beep Codes 72
Index of Symptom-to-FRU Error Message 77
Intermittent Problems 80
Undetermined Problems 81
Online Support Information 82
System Block Diagram 83
System Block Diagram and Board Layout 83
Chapter 5 83
83
System Board Layout 84
Top View 84
Bottom View 85
System Switch 86
FRU (Field Replaceable Unit) List 87
Chapter 6 87
Aspire 5910 Exploded Diagram 88
TravelMate 4520 FRU List 89
TravelMate 4520 Series Model Configurations 107
Appendix A 107
VIII
Test Compatible Components 113
Appendix B 113
Technical Specifications 117
117
Appendix C 1 117
117
Index 127
Table of Contents
IX
Table of Contents
X
Chapter 1
System Tour
Features
Your TravelMate 4520 is part of the Acer ProFile line of notebook computers. It provides superior computing
performance and flexible usability in a classic matte black magnesium alloy casing.
NOTE: The features listed in this section is for your reference only. The exact configuration of your TravelMate
computer depends on the model purchased.
Computing platform
AMD Better by Design solution with the following features:
T Processor options
t AMD Turion™ 64 X2 Dual-Core Mobile Technology (TL-50, TL-52, TL-56, TL-60, or TL-66 models)
t Mobile AMD Sempron™ Processor (3400+, 3500+, or 3600+ models)
T Processor technologies
t Dual-Core Technology
t AMD64 Technology
t Enhanced Virus Protection (EVP)
t HyperTransport™ Technology (1600 MHz)
t AMD PowerNow!™ Technology
T Core logic: ATI M690G chipset
T Mobile technology: Acer InviLink™ 802.11b/g Wi-Fi CERTIFIED solution supporting the Acer
SignalUp™ wireless technology
1
Memory
T Two DIMM slots supporting DDR2 533/667 MHz memory modules
T Maximum 4 GB system memory using two 2 GB soDIMM modules
T Supports dual-channel (interleaving) memory mode
T 1 MB flash BIOS and shadow RAM support
Storage subsystem
T Hard disk drive (HDD)
t SATA hard disk drives in 80–,120–, and 160 GB capacities (higher HDD capacity supported)
t Acer DASP (Disk Anti-Shock Protection)
T Optical disc drive (ODD) options
t DVD-Super Multi double-layer drive
t DVD/CD-RW combo drive
T 5-in-1 card reader slot supports Secure Digital (SD), MultiMediaCard (MMC), Memory Stick
Memory Stick Pro™ (MS Pro), and xD-Picture Card™ (xD) formats
1
EVP is only supported by certain operating systems including the current versions of Microsoft Windows, Linux,
Solaris and BSD Unix. Consult your OS documentation for information on enabling EVP.
®
(MS),
Chapter 1 1
Display and graphics
T 14.1" WXGA TFT LCD (1280 x 800 pixel resolution, 16.7 million colors)
T Graphics controller: ATI Radeon™ X1250
t 896 MB of HyperMemory™
t 256 MB of dedicated DDR2 VRAM
t 640 MB of shared system memory
t Microsoft
T Acer GridVista™ for simultaneous multi-window viewing
T Supports the following video capabilities:
t Dual independent display
t MPEG-2/DVD hardware-assisted function
t WMV9 (VC-1) and H.264 (AVC)
t S-video/TV-out (NTSC/PAL)
®
DirectX® 9 compliance
Audio
T Two built-in Acer 3DSonic stereo speakers
T One built-in stereo microphone
T Intel High Definition Audio support
T MS-Sound compatible
Communications
T Multiple network connection options
t WLAN via Acer InviLink 802.11b/g Wi-Fi CERTIFIED
t WPAN via Bluetooth
t LAN via a Gigabit Ethernet port (Wake-on-LAN ready)
t 56K ITU V.92 MDC 1.5 modem (PTT approved, Wake-on-Ring ready)
T Acer Video Conference solution for advanced Voice and Video over Internet Protocol (VVoIP)
t Built-in Acer Crystal Eye webcam supporting the Acer PrimaLite™ technology
t Optional Acer Bluetooth
T WLAN controller options
t Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection (tri-mode 802.11a/b/g)
t Intel Wireless Wi-Fi Link 4965AGN
t Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG Network Connection (dual mode 802.11b/g)
T Broadcom NetLink™ BCM5787 Gigabit Ethernet Controller with PCI Express
®
2.0+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) interface
®
VoIP phone
solution; Acer SignalUp compatible
Keyboard and special keys
T Acer FineTouch™ keyboard with
t 88-/89-key models with 5 curve for better typing comfort
t Embedded numeric keypad
t Inverted "T" cursor keys, 12 function keys, Windows
hotkey controls
t Seamless touchpad pointing device with 4-way scroll button
t 2.5 mm (minimum) key travel
t International language support
T Productivity keys: Lock, Presentation, and Sync keys
T Easy-launch keys: Acer Empowering, Internet, email, and a blank P (programmable) keys
T Front-access communication switches: Bluetooth and WLAN
2 Chapter 1
°
®
key, independent US and Euro dollar sign keys, and
I/O interface
T Front panel
t IEEE 1394
t Infrared (IR)
t USB 2.0 (1x)
t UAA (Universal Audio Architecture)
T Rear panel: Modem (RJ-11)
T Left panel
t Kensington lock
t USB 2.0 (1x)
t 5-in-1 card reader slot
T Right panel
t PC Card slot (Type II)
t USB 2.0 (2x)
t S-video/TV-out
t Ethernet (RJ-45)
t VGA (external monitor)
t DC-in jack
T Acer Bio-Protection fingerprint solution with FingerLaunch, FingerNav and PBA (Pre-Boot
2
ready audio jacks: line-in, microphone-in, and headphone
Authentication) support provides enhanced security
Status indicators
T Left edge: HDD activity, Num Lock, and Caps Lock
T Front edge: power status, battery charge; Bluetooth, and WLAN functions
T Ethernet and modem ports: link and activity indicators
Power subsystem
T 44W 4000 mAh Li-ion battery pack (6-cell)
T 3-pin 65W AC adapter
T Acer QuicCharge™ battery technology
T ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface) 3.0 power management standard (supports
standby and hibernation modes)
System security and compliance features
T Physical security
t Acer DASP absorbs shocks and insulates the hard drive.
t Kensington lock notch deters theft by letting you secure the notebook to a permanent object.
t Magnesium-alloy casing for a light-weight and reliable safeguard against physical damage.
T Data security
t Acer Bio-Protection solution provides network and data security by verifying an individual's true identity.
t Acer Empowering Technology (particularly the eDataSecurity and eLock features)
T Industry standard compliance
t Wi-Fi
t ACPI 3.0
t Mobile PC 2002
t DMI 2.0 (Desktop Management Interface)
2
UAA refers to a class driver architecture for PC audio solutions supported in Microsoft Windows Vista .
Chapter 1 3
Software
T Operating system options
t Windows Vista™ Business
t Windows Vista Home Premium
t Windows Vista Home Basic
T System tools and utilities
t Acer Empowering Technology (eNet, ePower, eAudio , ePresentation, eDataSecurity, eLock, eRecovery, and
eSettings Management)
t Acer Crystal Eye
t Acer Video Conference Manager
t Acer GridVista
t Acer Launch Manager
t Microsoft Office Ready 2007
t NTI Shadow
t Adobe
t CyberLink
t NTI CD-Maker™
t Norton Internet Security™
®
®
Reader
®
PowerProducer
®
Physical specifications
T Dimensions (width x depth x height): 331 x 248 x 29.7/41.08 mm (13.03 x 9.76 x 1.17/1.62 in)
T Weight (with 6-cell battery pack): 2.4 kg (5.29 lbs)
T Two-spindle design for portability
T Streamlined ProFile chassis for professional style and optimized portability
Environmental specifications
T Temperature:
t Operating: 5 C to 35 C
t Non-operating: -20 C to 65 C
T Humidity (non-condensing):
t Operating: 20% to 80%
t Non-operating: 20% to 80%
°°
°°
Accessories
T Acer Bluetooth VoIP phone with the Acer Video Conference Manager
T 512 MB, 1 or 2GB DDR2 667 MHz soDIMM modules
T 9-cell 4800 mAh Li-ion battery pack
T 3-pin 65 W AC adapter
T External USB floppy disk drive
4 Chapter 1
TravelMate Tour
This section is a virtual tour of your TravelMate notebook’s interior and exterior components.
Open Front View
Number Icon Item Description
1 Acer OrbiCam
camera
2 Internal microphone Create sound recording and conduct voice
3 LCD panel Displays computer output.
4 Keyboard For entering data into your computer.
5 Status indicators Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) for monitoring the hard
6 Touchpad Touch-sensitive pointing device which functions like a
7 Click buttons The left and right buttons function like the left and right
8 Stat us ind i cat o rs LEDs for monitoring the po w e r status and battery charge
9 Function may vary base on actual notebook model. It can
10 Palmrest Comfortable support area for your hands when you use
11 Easy-launch buttons Press to laun ch frequently used programs/functions. Go
12 Power button Turns the computer on and off.
Conduct video communication. (for selected models)
communication.
drive activity, as well as the Num Lock and Caps Lock
functions. Go to page 10 for more information.
computer mouse.
mouse buttons.
level, as well as the Bluetooth and WLAN functions. Go to
page 10 for more information.
either be a 4-way scroll button or an Acer Bio-Protection
fingerprint reader.
the keyboard.
to page 11 for more information.
13 Productivity keys Press to access TravelMate’s protection and
manageability features. Go to page 12 for more
information.
Chapter 1 5
Close Front View
Number Icon Item Description
1 IEEE 1394 ports Connects to a IEEE 1394 devices.
2 IR port Interfaces with IR-aware (e.g. infrared printer,
IR-aware computers and mobile phone). Your computer
can transfer data at speeds of up to 4 Mbps at a distance
of up to one meter.
3 Front USB 2.0 port Connects to USB 2.0 devices (e.g. USB mouse, USB
camera).
4 Line-in jack Accepts audio line-in devices (e.g., audio CD player,
stereo walkman).
5 Microphone-in jack Accepts an external microphone.
6 Headphone jack Accepts headphones or external speakers.
7 Bluetooth switch Toggles the Bluetooth function on and off.
8 WLAN switch Toggles the WLAN function on and off.
9 Speakers Delivers High Definition (HD) audio output.
10 Lid latch Locks and releases the notebook lid.
6 Chapter 1
Left View
Note:
Number Icon Item Description
1 Kensington lock notch Accepts a Kensington-compatible computer security lock.
2 Optical disc drive
(ODD)
3 ODD access indicator * Lights up when a the optical drive is active .
4 ODD eject button * Ejects the optical disc from the drive.
5 Emergency eject hole * Ejects the ODD tray when the computer is turned off.
6 USB 2.0 port Connects to USB 2.0 devices.
7 5-in-1 card reader slot Accepts MS, MS PRO, MMC, SD, and xD formats
* Item location varies depending on the drive model.
Accepts CDs or DVDs (drive type maybe slot-load or
tray-load depending on model).
memory cards.
Chapter 1 7
Right View
Number Icon Item Description
1 PC Card slot eject
button
2 PC Card slot Accepts one Type II PC Card.
3 USB 2.0 ports Connects to USB 2.0 devices.
4 S-Video/TV-out port Connects to a television or display device with an S-
5 Ethernet port (RJ-45) Connects to an Ethernet 10/100/1000-b ased network
6 VGA port Connects to an external display device (e.g., external
7 DC-in jack Connects to an AC adapter.
Ejects the PC Card from the slot.
video input. Supports both NTSC and PAL standards.
(selected models).
monitor, LCD projector).
Rear View
Number Icon Item Description
1 Ventilation slots Enable the computer to stay cool, even after prolonged
use.
2 Modem port (RJ-11) Connects to a phone line.
8 Chapter 1
Base View
Number Icon Item Description
1 Battery lock Secures the battery pack in position.
2 Battery pack Provides power to the computer.
3 Battery release latch Releases the battery pack for removal.
4 Ventilation slots Enable the computer to stay cool, even after prolonged
use.
Note: Do not cover or obstruct the opening of the fan.
5 Acer DASP pad Provides anti-shock/bump protection to the hard drive.
6 Lower case cover Protects the external modules located on the system
lower case.
Chapter 1 9
Status Indicators
The computer has several status indicators for monitoring various system components and functions.
Number Icon Indicator Description
1 Hard drive activity Flashes green when there is hard drive activity.
2 Num Lock Lights up green when the Num Lock function is activated.
3 Caps Lock Lights up green when the Caps Lock function is
activated.
4 Power * Indicates the computer’s power state. It lights up:
T Green when the computer is powered on.
T Amber when the computer is in standby or
hibernation mode.
5 Battery charge * Indicates the battery charging state. It lights up:
T Amber when the computer is charging.
T Green when battery charging is complete.
6 Bluetooth * Indicates the Bluetooth status. It lights up:
T Green when there’s an active Bluetooth connection
T Amber when there’s no Bluetooth connection.
7 WLAN * Indicates the WLAN status. It lights up:
T Green when there is an active WLAN connection
T Amber when there is no WLAN connection.
* These indicators remain visible when the computer lid is closed.
10 Chapter 1
Easy-launch Keys
On the upper right side of the keyboard are special keys for launching commonly-used programs. Use Launch
Manager to customize the function assigned to any of these keys. Go to page 25 for instructions.
Number Icon Indicator Description
1 Acer Empowering key * Press to launch the Acer Empowering Technology
widgets.
2 Web browser * Press to launch the preferred Internet browser.
3 Mail * Press to launch the preset E-mail application.
1
Programmable key Press to launch a customized program or function.
P
Chapter 1 11
Productivity Keys
The productivity keys on the upper right side of the keyboard provides one-touch manageability for a more
secure and smarter work mode.
Number Icon Indicator Description
1 Lock Press to launch the Windows Lock window. This
enable users to protect the system from unauthorized
access. If your computer is equipped with an
Acer Bio-Protection fingerprint reader, you only need to
swipe your finger to log into Windows again.
2 Presentation Press to enable professional presentations without
screen saver interruptions or system notifications.
3 Sync Press to launch the NTI Shadow program. This allows
users to perform real-time backups to any designated
storage device.
12 Chapter 1
Chapter 2
System Utilities
Phoenix TrustedCore Setup Utility
Phoenix TrustedCore Setup Utility is a hardware configuration program built into your system's Basic Input/
Output System (BIOS). Since most systems are already properly configured and optimized, there is normally
no need to run this utility.
You will need to run this utility under the following conditions:
T When changing the system configuration including:
t Setting the system time and date
t Configuring the hard drives
t Specifying the boot device sequence
t Configuring the power management modes
t Setting up system passwords or making other changes to the security setup
T When a configuration error is detected by the system and you are prompted (“Run Setup” message) to
make changes to the BIOS settings.
IMPORTANT: If you repeatedly receive “Run Setup” messages, the RTC battery located on the system
board (RTC1) may be defective. In this case, the system cannot retain configuration values in
CMOS. Replace the RTC battery with a new one.
NOTE: For ease of reading, Phoenix TrustedCore Setup Utility will be simply referred to as “Setup” or “Setup
Utility” in this Service Guide.
The screenshots used in this guide display default system values. These values may not be the same
as those in your computer.
In the descriptive tables following each of the menu screen illustrations, settings in boldface are the
default and suggested parameter settings.
The Setup Utility loads the configuration values in a battery-backed nonvolatile memory called CMOS RAM.
This memory area is not part of the system RAM, which allows configuration data to be retained when power is
turned off. The values take effect when the system is booted. Power-On Self Test (POST) uses these values to
configure the hardware. If the values and the actual hardware do not agree, POST generates an error
message. You must run this utility to change the BIOS settings from the default or current configuration.
Chapter 2 13
Accessing the Setup Utility
1. Turn on the computer.
If the computer is already turned on, save your data and close all open applications, then restart the
computer.
2. During POST, press F2.
If you fail to press F2 before POST is completed, you will need to restart the computer.
The first page to be displayed will be the Information menu. Use the left ( ) and right ( ) arrow keys to
move between selections on the menu bar.
Menu bar
Legend bar
14 Chapter 2
Navigating Through the Setup Utility
Use the keys listed in the legend bar on the bottom of the Setup screen to work your way through the various
menu and submenu screens of the Setup Utility. The table below lists these legend keys and their respective
functions.
Key Function
and To move between selections on the menu bar.
and
F5 or (-)
F6, (+), or
Space
Enter To select a field value.
Esc or Alt-X If you press this key:
F1 or Alt-H To bring up the General Help
F9 Press to load default system values.
F10 Press to save changes and close the Setup Utility.
To move the cursor to the field you want.The currently selected field will be highlighted .
The right side of each menu screen displays a field help panel—Item Specific Help
This panel displays the help text for the currently selected field. It updates as you move
the cursor to each field.
You can also use these keys to navigate through the multipage General Help
window.
To select a value for the currently selected field (only if it is user-configurable ). Pr ess F5
or (-) to select the next lower value; F6, (+), or Space to select the next higher value.
A parameter that is enclosed in square brackets [ ] is user-configurable. Parameters are
not user-configurable for one of the following reasons:
T The field value is auto-configured or auto-detected.·
T The field value is informational only.
T The field is password-protected.
T On one of the menu screens, the Exit menu displays.
T On a General Help window, closes the window.
window. This window lists other Setup navigation keys that
are not displayed on the legend bar.
panel.
Additional help information is available on the General Help window. Just press F1 on any screen.
Chapter 2 15
Setup Utility Menus
The PhoenixBIOS Setup Utility has five menus for configuring the various system functions. These include:
• Information
•Main
• Security
• Boot
• Exit
Information
The Information menu screen displays a summary of your computer hardware information. These information
are necessary for troubleshooting and may be required when asking for technical support.
Field Description
CPU Type Displays the processor name, sequence number, and clock speed.
CPU Speed Displays th e CPU speed.
IDEO Model Name Displays the hard disk drive model.
IDEO Serial Number Displays the hard disk drive serial number.
ATAPI Model Name Displays the optical disc drive model.
System BIOS Version Displays the current system BIOS version.
VGA BIOS Version Displays the current VGA firmware version.
KBC Version Displays the cu rrent keyboard controller version.
Serial Number Displays the system serial number.
Asset Tag Number Di splays the system asset tag number
Product Name Displays the official model name of the product.
Manufacturer Name Displays the manufacturer of the computer.
UUID Displays the universally unique identifier of your computer. This will only be
visible when an internal LAN device is presenting.
16 Chapter 2
Main
The Main menu screen allows you to configure the basic system settings and view the memory allocations.
Field Description Value
System Time Set the system time. HH:MM:SS
(hour:minute:second)
System Date Set the system date. MM/DD/YYYY
(month/day/year)
System Memory Displays the size of system memory detected during boot-up. Memory size is
fixed at 640 MB.
Extended Memory Displays the size of extended memory detected during boot-up. Extended
memory size is equal to total memory size less 1 MB.
Video Memory Displays the size of video memory detected during
boot-up.
Quiet Boot When enabled, the Acer logo screen appears
during boot-up
Network Boot When enabled, remote host with appropriate boot
image can boot this computer. (Only works with an
Ethernet device.)
F12 Boot Menu When enabled, the “Press F12 to enter Multi-Boot
Menu” message is displayed during POST.
D2D Recovery When enabled, pressing Alt-F10 during POST will
activate the Acer disc-to-disc recovery function.
The function allows the user to create a hidden
partition on the hard drive to store a copy of the OS
and restore the system to its default factory
settings.
128 MB
256 MB
Disabled
Enabled
Disabled
Enabled
Disabled
Enabled
Disabled
Enabled
Chapter 2 17
Security
The Security menu screen displays system passwords options to help safeguard and protect your computer
from unauthorized use.
Field Description Value
Supervisor Password Is Indicates whether a supervisor password is in use (Set) or not (Clear).
User Password Is Indicates whether a user password is in use (Set) or not (Clear).
HDD Password Is Indicates whether an HDD password is in use (HDD Password Set) or not
(Clear).
Set Supervisor
Password
Set User Password When set, this password will restrict a user’s access to the Setup menus. Only
Set HDD Password When set, this password will restrict a user’s access to the internal hard disk
Password on Boot Referred to as power-on password. When set, the
When set, this password will allow the user to access and change all settings
in the Setup Utility. Press Enter to configure.
the following menus will be accessible:
T System Time
T System Date
T Boot menu options
T All Exit menu options excluding Load Setup Defaults
A supervisor password must first be set before creating a user password.
drive. It will be required during boot-up or when resuming from S4 mode
(hibernation).
Note: If this password is the same as the power-on password, it will not be
required anymore at boot-up.
Disabled
user or supervisor password will be required to boot
Enabled
up the system or when resuming from S4 mode. A
supervisor password must first be set before
creating this password.
18 Chapter 2
Setting a system password
Note the following before you define a system password:
• The maximum length of password contains eight alphanumeric characters—A - Z, 0 - 9, and ‘;’
(for a French keyboard).
• System passwords are case-insensitive.
• Password re-try is limited to three times. If user failed to enter the correct password, the system will
hang up.
T o set a system password:
1. Press or to highlight a set password field, then press Enter.
The password box appears.
2. Type a password then press Enter.
IMPORTANT: Be very careful when typing your password because the characters do not appear on the
screen. Only shaded blocks representing each typed character are visible.
3. Retype the password to verify the first entr y, then press Enter.
You will be prompted to save the new password.
4. Press Enter.
The corresponding password status field displays Set to indicate that a password has been enabled.
5. Press F10 to save the password and close the Setup Utility.
Chapter 2 19
T o change a system password:
1. Press or to highlight an enabled password field, then press Enter.
The password box appears.
2. Type the original password, then press Enter.
3. Type a new password, then press Enter.
4. Retype the new password to verify the first entry, then press Enter.
You will be prompted to save the new password.
5. Press Enter.
6. Press F10 to save the password and close the Setup Utility.
To remove a system password:
1. Press or to highlight a password parameter, then press Enter.
The password box appears.
2. Type the original password, then press Enter.
3. Press Enter twice without entering anything in the new and confirm password fields.
You will be prompted to confirm the password removal.
4. Press Enter.
The corresponding password status field displays Clear to indicate that the password has been disabled.
5. Press F10 to save the changes you made and close the Setup Utility.
To clear a lost password:
If you have forgotten the user password, the computer will continue to function normally but you will have
limited access to the Setup Utility.
If you have enabled the Password on Boot field and you forget the supervisor password, you will not be able to
boot up the computer. The same thing applies if you forget an HDD password.
You will need short the G41 pin located near the DIMM slot (DM1) to clear the supervisor password.
To clear the supervisor password:
1. Turn off the computer and unplug all the peripherals connected to it.
2. Unplug the power cord from the computer.
3. Remove the lower case cover according to the instructions described on page 32.
4. Remove the memory modules according to the instructions described on page 32.
20 Chapter 2
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