Digital Equipment HiNote VP 700 Series Service Quick Reference Manual

DIGITAL HiNote
VP 700 Series

Service Quick Reference Guide

Part Number: ER-PJ1WW-SR. A01

Digital Equipment Corporation

December 1997

The information in this document is subject to change without
notice and should not be construed as a commitment by Digital
Equipment Corporation.

Digital Equipment Corporation assumes no responsibility for any
errors that might appear in this document.

The software described in this document is furnished under a
license and may be used or copied only in accordance with the
terms of such license. No responsibility is assumed for the use
or reliability of software or equipment that is not supplied by
Digital Equipment Corporation or its affiliated companies.

Restricted Rights: Use, duplication, or disclosure by the U.S.
Government is subject to restrictions as set forth in
subparagraph (c) (1) (ii) of the Rights in Technical Data and
Computer Software clause at DFARS 252.227-7013.

DIGITAL HiNote VP 700 Series Service
Quick Reference Guide

Copyright © Digital Equipment Corporation.
All Rights Reserved.

DEC, DIGITAL, ThinWire, and the DIGITAL logo are registered
trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation
Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation
Microsoft, MS-DOS, and Windows are registered trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation.

All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property
of their respective holders.

FCC Notice

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC
rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation.

Any changes or modifications made to this equipment may void
the user's authority to operate this equipment.

This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference
by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna

• Increase the separation between the equipment and

receiver

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit
different from that to which the receiver is connected

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV
technician for help

All external cables connecting to this basic unit need to be
shielded. For cables connecting to PCMCIA cards, see the
option manual or installation instructions.

Contents

..............................................................................................................v

Preface

1
Overview

Introduction.................................................................................................1-1

System Overview....................................................................................... 1-1

CPU............................................................................................................. 1-1

Chip Set ......................................................................................................1-2

Memory....................................................................................................... 1-3

BIOS............................................................................................................ 1-4

PCI Bus Devices........................................................................................1-4

Cardbus Controller ................................................................................1-4

Video Controller Chip............................................................................1-5

ISA Bus Devices ........................................................................................1-6

Audio.......................................................................................................1-6

Wavetable (Optional).............................................................................1-6

BIOS.......................................................................................................1-7

Super I/O................................................................................................1-7

Components, Controls and Indicators...................................................... 1-8

Front and Side Components (Panel Closed) ......................................1-8

Rear View.............................................................................................1-10

Left Side Components.........................................................................1-12

Right Front View (Panel Open) ..........................................................1-14

Controlling Power.....................................................................................1-16

LCD Status Display..................................................................................1-17

Battery Charge Gauge (in LCD Status Display) ....................................1-18

i

Contents

Keyboard Hot Keys (US Keyboard)........................................................1-19

General Battery Information ....................................................................1-21

Nickel Metal Hydride Battery Care..........................................................1-21

Memory Effect......................................................................................1-21

NiMH Battery Life............................................................................1-21

Forming a Battery..................................................................................... 1-22

LiIon Battery.............................................................................................. 1-23

Smart Battery Operation..........................................................................1-25

Power Management Modes....................................................................1-25

Standby Mode......................................................................................1-26

Suspend Mode ....................................................................................1-26

Save to Disk Mode..............................................................................1-28

Related Information..................................................................................1-29

Documentation.....................................................................................1-29

World Wide Web .................................................................................1-29

2
System Restoration

Introduction.................................................................................................2-1

Reinstalling and Installing Drivers............................................................. 2-1

Reinstalling Drivers................................................................................2-1

Installing Drivers.....................................................................................2-2

Creating a Bootable Floppy.......................................................................2-3

Windows 95 System Restoration.............................................................. 2-4

Re-installing Windows 95..........................................................................2-5

System Restoration Using Existing Partitions.......................................... 2-6

Complete System Restoration.................................................................. 2-7

RAM Increase Over 80MB Total............................................................... 2-9

Windows NT 4.0 System Restoration ....................................................2-10

Creating an Emergency Repair Disk......................................................2-10

System Recovery Using an Emergency Repair Disk ...........................2-11

Windows NT 4.0 System Restoration ....................................................2-12

NTFS Conversion................................................................................2-13

Creating a Save-to-File (FAT16 Only—Non NTFS).........................2-14

3
System BIOS

Introduction.................................................................................................3-1

BIOS Setup Program.................................................................................3-1

Navigating through the Setup Program....................................................3-2

ii

Contents

Accessing the Setup Program ..................................................................3-3

Menu Bar................................................................................................3-4

Item Specific Help.................................................................................. 3-4

Legend Bar.............................................................................................3-5

Launching Submenus................................................................................3-6

General Help...............................................................................................3-6

The Main Menu ..........................................................................................3-7

The Hard Disk Submenu......................................................................3-9

The System Devices Menu.....................................................................3-10

The Security Menu...................................................................................3-16

Setting System Password...................................................................3-18

Changing System Password..............................................................3-18

Deleting System Password.................................................................3-18

The Power Menu......................................................................................3-19

The Boot Menu......................................................................................... 3-23

The Exit Menu ..........................................................................................3-24

4
Troubleshooting

Introduction.................................................................................................4-1

Troubleshooting Tips..................................................................................4-2

System Start Failure..............................................................................4-3

Power Supply Failure............................................................................ 4-4

Boot-up Failure ......................................................................................4-6

Post Failure............................................................................................ 4-7

LCD Panel Failure................................................................................. 4-8

CRT Failure............................................................................................ 4-9

Notebook Computer Keyboard Failure..............................................4-10

External Keyboard or PS/2 Mouse Failure........................................4-11

HDD Failure.........................................................................................4-12

FDD Failure..........................................................................................4-13

CD-ROM Failure..................................................................................4-13

Battery Failure......................................................................................4-14

Check Points and Error Messages.........................................................4-15

Phoenix BIOS Test Points.......................................................................4-16

iii

Contents

5
FRU Replacement

Introduction.................................................................................................5-1

Required Tools........................................................................................... 5-2

Removing the Battery Pack....................................................................... 5-6

Removing the 20x CD/FDD Combination Module and

Supplementary Battery............................................................................5-8

Removing the HDD Assembly................................................................5-10

Removing Memory Modules (DIMMs) ...................................................5-12

Removing the Speaker Cover.................................................................5-16

Removing the Keyboard..........................................................................5-18

Removing the LCD Assembly.................................................................5-20

Shell Installation Instructions...................................................................5-24

Prior to Disassembly ...........................................................................5-25

Disassembly Instructions....................................................................5-25

A
Specifications

Base Unit.....................................................................................................A-1

Ports............................................................................................................A-3

Audio...........................................................................................................A-4

LCD Display................................................................................................A-5

PCMCIA (PCI)............................................................................................A-6

BIOS Support .............................................................................................A-6

Power..........................................................................................................A-7

Battery, Status Display, Keyboard............................................................A-8

Physical.......................................................................................................A-8

B
Device Mapping

Memory Map...............................................................................................B-1

DMA Channel Assignments......................................................................B-2

Notebook Computer Interrupt Levels........................................................B-3

I/O Address Map ........................................................................................B-4

iv

Contents

v

Preface

P

This Service Quick Reference Guide describes how to test,
troubleshoot, and remove and replace the DIGITAL HiNote VP
700 Series notebook computer Field Replaceable Units (FRUs).

This guide is written specifically for DIGITAL approved on-site
service engineers. On-site repair of systems beyond the
approved FRU list is prohibited and may void warranty.

CAUTION

certified engineers attempt to repair this
equipment. All troubleshooting and repair
procedures are detailed to support
subassembly/module level exchange. Because
of the complexity of the individual boards and
subassemblies, no one should attempt to make
repairs at the component level or make
modifications to any printed circuit board.
Improper repairs can create a safety hazard.
Any indications of component replacement or
circuit board modifications might void any
warranty or exchange allowances.

: DIGITAL recommends that only A+

v

Preface

vi

1

Overview

1

Introduction

This chapter introduces the DIGITAL HiNote VP 700 series
notebook computer. It provides a system overview and
describes the controls, indicators, and hot keys.

System Overview

The DIGITAL HiNote VP 700 series notebook computer is a
high-performance portable computer designed for the mobile
professional.

CPU

The DIGITAL HiNote VP 700 series notebook computer
supports the notebook version of the P55C 166MHz and beyond
Intel Pentium processors mounted on an MMO daughter card.

The following is a list of the general features of these processors:

• Low power consumption operating at 1.8V.

• Full System Management Interrupt (SMI) support.

1-1

Overview

• Fully static - support Stop Grant and Stop Clock states.

• 32-bit address bus.

• 64-bit data bus.

• 32KB internal write-back cache (L1).

• Capable of executing two instructions per clock cycle

using two pipelined integer units.

• Multimedia extension (MMX) register set.

Chip Set

The Intel 430TX PCI chip set is used to implement the core
functions of the syste m.

• The 430TX System Controller, 82439TX, provides core
system functions.

− Support for all Intel Pentium processors since

P54C.

− Integrated L2 Cache Controller featuring support

for Write-Back cache policy for cache sizes 256KB
and 512KB, DIRECT Mapped Organization (Write­Back only), Cache Hit Read/Write cycle timings @
3-1-1-1, and back-to-back Read/Write cycles @ 3­1-1-1-1-1-1-1.

− Fully synchronous, Minimum Latency 30/33MHz

PCI bus interface supporting five PCI bus Masters,
a 10 Dword PCI-to-DRAM Read Prefetch buffer,
an 18 Dword PCI-to-DRAM Post Buffer, and a
Multiple Transaction timer to support multiple short
PCI transactions.

1-2

Overview

− 64-bit host and DRAM bus interface with an

integrated DRAM controller with 64Mbit
DRAM/SDRAM Technology and programmable­strength for DRAM interface.

− Integrated PCI bus arbiter.

− Advanced Power Management features.

− Support for USB.

• The PCI ISA IDE Xcelerator, PIIX4, provides the PCI to

ISA bridge interface.

− Integrated IDE Controller supporting up to 4 drives,

PIO Mode 4 transfers up to 14Mbytes per second,
and integrated 8x32 buffers for IDE PCI Burst
transfers.

− Enhanced DMA Controller supporting two 8237

DMA controllers supporting PCI DMA with
3PC/PCI channels and Distributed DMA protocols.

− Interrupt Controller with support for 15 interrupts

and independently programmable for Edge/Level
sensitivity.

− Support for full Positive Decode or Subtractive

Decode.

− Advanced Power Management features.

− Support for two USB ports for serial transfers at

12Mbit/s or 1.5Mbit/s.

Memory

The system comes with 16MB o f on-board SDRAM for system
memory and 256KB or 512KB of L2 cache memory depending
on the model purchased.

1-3

Overview
System memory can be upgraded to a total of 144MB. The

upgrade is performed by installing any combination of 16MB,
32MB and 64MB SDRAM SO-DIMMs. There are two slots for
additional memory. Memory can be upgraded one module at a
time. Either slot can be populated first.

1-4

Overview

BIOS

The system has a 2 56KB F lash ROM fo r syste m BIOS ( P hoenix
BIOS 4.0 Release 6). BIOS provides support for the following:

• Suspend to RAM.

• Save to Disk

• Full APM 1.2 supported.

• Password protection (Boot and System options).

• Auto-configured with module and docking options.

• Windows 95 ready with PnP.

• 32KB ROM for 51SL keyboard controller.

• Gas-gauge for battery status information

• Various hot-ke ys for system co ntr ol .

PCI Bus Devices

The internal PCI bus and PCI components operate at 3.3V. The
PCI bus is also available to supported docking options.

Cardbus Controller

Cardbus support is provided by the TI1131 controller. This chip
provides the following functions:

• Support for Zoomed Video.

• Support for two PC Card/Cardbus slots with hot

removal/insertion.

• Uses burst transfers to maximize data throughput on
the PCI/Cardbus bus.

• Support for serialized ISA IRQs.

• Support for 16-bit distributed DMA.

1-5

Overview

• Support for Ring Indicate.

Video Controller Chip

Video support is provided by theNeo Magic 2160 Controller
Chip. This chip provides the following functions:

• 128-bit memory interface.

• 2MB 3.3V High Speed Video DRAM.

• Support for Zoomed Video.

• Simultaneous display supported.

• VESA DDC1 support for external monitors.

• Advanced power management features minimize power

consumption during:

− Normal operation

− Standby mode

− Panel-off

• High resolution panel:

− TFT displays support XGA (1024x768) at a

maximum of 64K colors.

− DSTN displays support XGA (1024x768) at a

maximum of 64K colors.

1-6

Overview

ISA Bus Devices

The ISA bus interface is provided by the Intel 430TX PCIset
System Controller.

Audio

Audio support is provided by the Crystal CS4237B chip. This
chip provides the following functions:

• Integrated SRS 3D sound technology

• Enhanced full-duplex operation.

• Dual Type-F DMA support.

• Advanced MPC3-Compliant input/output mixer.

• Hardware master volume control

• Advanced Power Management..

• Support for 16-bit Stereo, FM Synthesizer, and MPU-

401 MIDI.

• Enhanced digital gameport.

Wavetable (Optional)

Wavetable support is provided by the Crystal CS9236 chip. This
chip provides the following functions:

• High quality MIDI sample set including 128 melodic
instruments and 47 percussion sounds.

• Receives standard serial MIDI data stream and outputs
stereo 16-bit digital audio stream at 44.1kHz.

• Independent reverb and chorus levels for each MIDI
channel.

• General MIDI (GM) compliant.

1-7

Overview

• Fully static power down capability.

BIOS

The system BIOS is implem ente d u sing the In tel 2 8F002BX-T
2MB Boot block Flash ROM.

Super I/O

I/O support is provided by theSMC EDC37C669FR chip. This
chip supports the following functions:

• 2.38MB Super I/O Floppy Disk controller supporting two
floppy drives and offering Japanese floppy support.

• Floppy Disk available on Parallel port pins.

• Two high speed NS 160550 compatible UARTs Serial

Ports.

• Integrated Infrared Communications controller
supporting SIR (115Kbps) and FIR (4Mbps) data
transfers.

• Multi-Mode Parallel Port – IEEE 1284 compliant.

• Full Plug-and-Play support.

• Game Port Select Logic

1-8

Overview

Components, Controls and Indicators

This section shows the locations and provides detailed
description of the different components, controls, and indicators
on your DIGITAL HiNote VP 700 Series notebook computer.

Front and Side Components

Component Description

Lid Release Slide this latch to the right to open the

➊

Main Battery Module Removable battery module that can be

➋

Expansion bay Supports the 20X CD-ROM/FDD

➌

Minidock Locking Tab Used to secure the notebook to the

➍

Power/Charge LED Indicates the power and charge status

➎

LCD panel.

replaced with a charged battery.

Combination module and optional
lithium-ion secondary battery module.

Minidock.

of notebook.
System plugged into AC Power

System running on Battery Power

(Panel Closed)

LED solid, battery is charging.

•

LED blinking (fast), battery

•

not charging.

LED blinking (slow), notebook is

•

in suspend.

1-9

Overview

DEC01350

Figure 1-1: Right Front View (Panel Closed)

1-10

Rear View

Component Description

Fast Infrared Interface

➊

Universal Serial Bus

➋

(USB) Port

Serial (COM) Port

➌

Overview

Allows wireless high speed data
transfer between the notebook and
other IR devices.

A USB device, such as a mouse,
digital camera, keyboard, or scanner,
connects to this port.

A serial device connects to this port.

Parallel LPT Port

➍

Reset Button

➎

External Display Port

➏

Minidock Port

➐

Rear Panel Port

u

Cover
External Keyboard or

v

PS/2 Mouse Port

A parallel device, such as a printer,
connects to this port.

Using a pen or paper clip, press this
button to reboot the system. All
unsaved data will be lost.

An external monitor connects to this
port.

This 240-pin port allows you to
connect the notebook to the Minidock.

Open this cover to expose the Serial,
Parallel, and VGA Ports.

An external PS/2 keyboard or PS/2
mouse connects to this port. To
connect both a PS/2 keyboard and
PS/2 mouse, use the PS/2 Y­connector cable packaged with
notebook.

1-11

Overview

Figure 1-2: Rear View

DEC01351

1-12

Left Side Components

Component Description

Minidock Locking

➊

Tab
PC Card Sockets Insert either two Type II or one Type III

➋

PC Card Eject

➌

Buttons

Line-in Port Connect an external audio source to this

➍

External Mic Port Connect an external microphone to this

➎

Line-out Port Connect external speakers or

➏

AC Power Port The AC Adapter connects to this port.

➐

Security Lock Port Connect a Security Lock cable to this

u

Used to secure the notebook to the
Minidock.

PC Card into this socket.
Upper button ejects a PC Card Type II

from the upper socket and the lower
button ejects a PC Card Type II or III
from the lower socket.

port.

port.

headphones to this port.

port. This assists in safeguarding the
notebook, HDD and RAM against theft.

Overview

1-13

Overview

DEC01352

Figure 1-3: Left Front View (Panel Closed)

1-14

Overview

Right Front View

Component Description

Lid Switch Close the notebook’s LCD lid to

➊

LCD Display DSTN or TFT XGA back-lit display.

➋

Internal Microphone Used to record music, voice and sound

➌

LCD Status Display Provides system operating status.

➍

Suspend/Resume

➎

Button

Internal Stereo

➏

Speakers
Touch pad (internal

t

PS/2 mouse)

(Panel Open)

suspend the system. Open the lid and
press the Suspend/ Resume button
again to resume the normal operation.
The Lid Switch can be configured to
CRT display mode from the Power
menu of the Setup Program. Please
refer to Chapter 2.

files.

Turns the notebook on and toggles
between the suspend/resume mode.
Press the [fn + Suspend/Resume] to
turn off the notebook.

Used to hear sound files and system
sounds through stereo speakers.

A touch sensitive pointing device
providing all the functions of a two­button mouse.

1-15

Overview

DEC01353-2

Figure 1-4: Right Front View (Panel Open)

1-16

Overview

Controlling Power

Unique to DIGITAL notebook’s, the suspend/resume button not
only enables you to take advantage of the built-in power saving
features but also turns the notebook on and off.

Action How to...

On Press the Suspend/Resume button to turn

the system on.

Suspend When the system is on, press this button to

Resume Press the Suspend/Resume button to

Off To completely shut off your notebook,

Lid Switch In its factory default mode, closing the LCD

place your system in Suspend mode.

resume normal operation from the Suspend
mode.

press and hold [fn + suspend/resume]
button until a system beep sounds,
indicating that the system has been
successfully turned off.

lid will also enter the notebook into
Suspend mode. Refer to Chapter 3, in the
section labeled
on how to configure the Lid Switch function.

Power Menu

for instructions

1-17

Overview

LCD Status Display

Icon When Displayed Indicates...

Caps Lock is enabled.

Num Lock is enabled. If you are using the
notebook’s keyboard, the embedded keypad
must also be enabled to use the embedded
keypad as a numeric keypad.

Embedded Numeric Keypad is enabled. On
external keyboards, the embedded keypad
functions as a cursor control keypad. When
displayed in conjunction with the Num Lock icon,
the embedded keypad on both internal and
external keyboards functions as a numeric
keypad.

Scroll Lock is enabled.

Hard Disk Drive/CD-ROM is being accessed b y
the system.

Floppy Disk Drive is being accessed by the
system.

PC Card socket is being used by the system.
AC adapter is being used to power the system.

Battery(ies) is installed. See the following
section, Battery Charge Gauge, for status details.

1-18

Overview

Battery Charge Gauge (in LCD Status
Display)

Icon When Displayed, Indicates…

Battery status - shows available battery power.
Each line represents approximately 10%
battery charge. The upper triangle corresponds
to the main battery and the lower triangle
corresponds to secondary battery. If the triangle
is flashing, its corresponding battery is in use or
charging. If both batteries are installed, the
battery life will be calculated based on the
charge sum of both batteries.

When the lines within the battery icon are
rotating, it indicates that the battery is being
charged. When the rotating stops, the battery
is fully charged.

51% to 60% battery operating time
remaining.

Low battery. 1% to 10% battery operating time
remaining. The system’s warning beep will
sound. Save your work, replace the low battery
with a fully charged one or use an AC power
source to run the notebook. The [fn + F7] keys
shut off the warning beep. It also mutes all
audio.

Critical low battery. The system will
automatically save all data and application
information to the hard disk (Save-to-Disk),
then power down the notebook. If system is in
Suspend mode when power low is reached, the
system will resume, then complete down.

System has ceased charging the battery. The
core of the battery has reached its maximum
temperature, indicating that charging has
stopped.

1-19

Overview

Keyboard Hot Keys (US Keyboard)

Hot keys are activated by holding down the [fn] key (located in
the lower left corner of the keyboard) and pressing the desired
function key.

[fn] +
function

Function

Places the computer in Standby Mode.

All open data and system settings are Saved to Disk.

Place the computer in Suspend Mode.

Decreases brightness level.

Increases brightness level.

Displays the second battery gauge if the optional LiIon
battery is installed in the expansion bay.

Switches between the three display modes:

1. LCD Display

2. LCD Display and External Monitor

3. External Monitor only
Each time you press this hot key combination the

computer changes to the next display mode.
Decreases the display contrast (DSTN screens only).

Increases the display contrast (DSTN screens only).

Enables or disables audio/speaker output including the
system beep which indicates low battery. The system
will emit a beep when the audio output is enabled.

continued

1-20

[fn] + Function

Toggles the keyboard’s embedded key pad on
and off. When used by itself, it functions as a
cursor control keypad. Press [fn+F9] and then
the [fn+F8] hot key combination to use the
notebook’s numeric embedded keypad.

Toggles Num Lock on and off. Used by itself,
fn+F9 enables an external keyboard numeric
keypad.

Toggles Scroll Lock on and off. The Scroll Lock
functions in certain applications, leaving the
cursor in its current position while moving the
screen in the direction of the arrow pressed.

Pauses the display output. Press a key to
resume.

If Break is enabled, pressing this hot key sends a
system break.

Determined by application software.

Increases the audio volume.

Decreases the audio volume.

Overview

1-21

Overview

General Battery Information

All batteries have limited life span. A battery’s
measured by the number of charging and draining cycles it can
undergo before it can no longer be charged. The amount of time
that your system can be operated by battery power before the
battery is drained is referred to as battery

life span

run time

is

.

Nickel Metal Hydride Battery Care

Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries are extremely common in
many types of portable systems, such as cellular phones,
camcorders and portable computing devices.

Memory Effect

A NiMH battery in poor condition may begin to exhibit
characteristics of memory effect. Memory effect will occur when
a user does not allow the battery to fully drain before charging it
again. For example, if you use the battery for 20 minutes at a
time and then recharge it, the battery will tend to “remember” that
it only needs to operate 20 minutes per charge. As a result,
during the charging process, the battery will only receive a
portion of its charge capacity.

NiMH Battery Life

Memory effect has a direct impact on the battery’s life span.
NiMH batteries have a typical life of up to 800 (charge/drain)
cycles. If the battery i s used an average of 30 minutes per cycle,
you can expect a total life of 400 hours. If you use the battery 3
hours per cycle, you can expect a tota l life of 2 ,400 hours.
Therefore, it is advantageous to use the battery as much as
possible during each cycle.

1-22

Overview

However, in attempts to prevent the memory effect, it may not
always be practical to continuously use your notebook until the
battery drains to its minimum level. As a solution, Digital

form

recommends that you periodically

or condition the battery.
When a battery is formed, it is put through a series of charging
and draining cycles. A battery which is formed will perform
better and last longer than a battery which has not been formed.

If your system will not be in use for more than 30 days, Digital
recommends that you remove the NiMH Battery from the
system. When a NiMH battery is removed from the system, it
has a shelf life of approximately 90 days before a charge cycle is
required.

Forming a Battery

Action Instructions and Information

Forming a battery Charge it to its full capacity. The notebook’s

Draining the battery Software is available to assist in the draining

battery charge LED will turn off.
Use the notebook until the battery is

completely drained.
Charge the battery to full capacity a second

time and drain it again.
Charge the battery to full capacity. The

battery is now formed.

process. Please consult your Digital
notebook dealer for information about the
kinds of software.

Lacking software: To expedite the draining
process, enter the Setup Program and
disable all power management functions.
Increase the screen brightness to its highest
setting.

continued

1-23

Overview

Action Instructions and Information

When to form a
battery

Required time Assuming it takes 2 hours to fully drain the

Form all new batteries, including the one
which came with you system.

Form batteries which do not provide as much
run time as they used to.

Form a battery to achieve maximum battery
life.

Form the battery if you are receiving
questionable readings from the battery icon
gauge in the LCD Status Display.

battery, forming a battery requires
approximately 10 hours.

To charge a battery with the system off
requires approximately 2 hours. To fully
charge a battery with the system on requires
approximately 4 hours.

Depending upon your power management
settings, to fully drain a battery requires
approximately 2 hours.

LiIon Battery

Lithium-ion batteries have an average life span than of
approximately 1,000 complete charge/discharge cycles. In
actual use, the number is larger due to the fact that most users
will not fully discharge the battery during daily usage. Unlike the
nickel-metal hydride battery, there is no need to be concerned
with fully discharging the battery before charging it again since
lithium-ion technology is not susceptible to memory effect.

1-24

Overview

If your system will not be in use for more than 30 days, DIGITAL
recommends that the LiIon Battery Pack be removed from the
system. When a lithium-ion battery is removed from the system,
it has a shelf life of approximately 90 days before a charge cycle
is required.

CAUTION: There is a danger of explosion if a
lithium battery is incorrectly replaced. Lithium
batteries must be replaced with the same or
equivalent type recommended. Replace the
main system battery o n ly with DIGITAL HiNote
VP 700 series series of rechargeable Lithium
Ion battery packs

.

Recycle or disp o se of batteries contained in this
product properly, in accordance with local
regulations for battery type as marked on the
battery. Prior to disposal or recycling, protect
batteries against accidental short circuiting by
affixing non-conductive tape across battery
terminals and conductive surfaces.

WARNING: When transporting the battery
pack, make sure that the metal terminals on the
battery pack do not come in contact with other
metal surfaces (such as loose coins, paper
clips, etc.). An electrical discharge can occur
which may cause injury or damage.

1-25

Overview

Smart Battery Operation

Your DIGITAL HiNote VP 700 Series notebook uses a Smart
Battery. The battery has circuitry that reports the amount of
charge in the battery to the system.

Initial Use –

state of the battery charge, you should:

1. Fully charge the battery.

2. Fully discharge the battery. To fully discharge the

3. Fully charge the battery.

Regular Use –

reports the state of the battery charge, it is recommended that
you allow the battery to go through a full charge and discharge
cycle at periodic intervals.

To properly initialize the circuitry that reports the

battery, use the notebook computer on battery power
until the computer enters suspend mode because of a

critically low battery state

To help maintain the accuracy of the circuitry that

.

Power Management Modes

Your notebook computer is factory-configured with preset power
management values. If you are not an advanced user, start by
using the factory-configured power management settings. If you
find that the factory settings do not fit your specific needs, enter
the Setup Program and make the needed changes. Please refer
to chapter 3 for details.

If you choose to set your own power saving features, you should
understand how it affects battery run time and system
performance before changing a setting.

Three power management modes are supported: Standby,
Suspend, and Save to Disk.

1-26

Overview

Standby Mode

In this mode, components such as the HDD, FDD and CD-ROM
drive and the LCD back-lit display are powered down and the
CPU speed is reduced. Other components, transparent to the
user, are put in their lowest active states.

Standby Mode is entered:

• Automatically when the system remains idl e fo r the

period of time specified in the Standby Time-out field of
the Setup Program.

• Manually by pressing the [fn + esc] key combination.
Standby Mode is exited by any of the following actions:

• Modem ring (if Resume on Modem ring is enabled in

the Setup Program.)

• Pressing any key on the keyboard

• Touch pad or externally connected PS/2 mouse activity

• PC Card activity

Suspend Mode

Suspend Mode saves power by cutting power to the DMA
clocks, suspending the math co-processor, turning the video off,
and turning off all controllable peripheral devices.

When the system suspends, the following events take place:

• A system beep notifies you that suspend mode has

been entered.

• The caps lock, number lock, embedded keypad lock,

and scroll lock icons in the LCD Status Display begin to
rotate.

• If AC power is not connected, the Power/Charge LED

will blink approximately once every four seconds.

1-27

Overview
Suspend Mode is entered by:

• Pressing the Suspend/Resume button.

• Pressing the [fn+A] or [fn+Q] hot key combination.

• Closing the LCD display lid (Lid Switch field in the Setup

Program must be set to Suspend)

• When the system has been in Standby for the period of

time specified in the Suspend Time-out field of the
Setup Program.

• Software aided within Windows 95 by clicking on the

Start button and then Suspend.

Suspend Mode is exited by:

• Pressing the Suspend/Resume button.

• When the clock time specified in the Resume Date and

Resume Time fields have arrived.

• Modem Ring (Resume on Modem Ring must be set to

enabled in the Setup Program)

1-28

Overview

Save to Disk Mode

Save to Disk is a dual purpose feature. When controlled by the
Setup Program, it transparently functions as a safeguard against
accidental loss of data due to low battery power. When initiated
by the user, it provides the greatest power saving capabilities.
Upon entering/initiating Save to Disk, the notebook will save all
data and system settings to a pre-created DOS file, then turn off
the system. If, in the future, you purchase a second hard drive
for expansion or backup purposes, you will need to create a
DOS file on the drive in order to take advantage of the Save to
Disk feature. Please refer to User’s Guide Addendum for details
on creating a Save to Disk DOS file. In the Save to Disk mode,
all system logic (e xcep t for the ba ttery charger) is turned off.
During the Save to Disk mode, the DRAM and video memory
are saved to the hard disk and are restored when the system is
resumed.

Save to Disk Mode is initiated by:

• Pressing the [fn+F] hot key combination

• Automatically when the battery reaches a critical low

power level. If the notebook is in Suspend when a
critical low power level is reached, the system will turn
back on for a moment and enter Save to Disk.

Save to Disk Mode is exited as follows:

• If entered by pressing [fn+F], press the

Suspend/Resume button.

• If entered by critical low battery, first connect the AC

adapter, then press the Suspend/Resume button.

1-29

Overview

Related Information

Documentation

DIGITAL HiNote VP
700 Series User’s
Guide

DIGITAL HiNote VP
700 Series
Addendum

DIGITAL HiNote VP
700 System CD

World Wide Web

Information such as drivers, BIOS updates, and on-line
documentation is available from DIGITAL’s World Wide Web
Site.

The URL for the site is:

HTTP://WWW.WINDOWS.DIGITAL.COM/

ER-PJ1WW-UA

ER-PJ1WW-AA
(Windows 95)

ER-PJ1WW-FA
(Windows NT 4.0)

AGR87WB-BH
(Windows 95)

AGR8F2A-BH
(Windows NT 4.0)

1-30

Overview

1-31

2

System Restoration

2

Introduction

This chapter provides information on how to restore the
operating system and drivers on DIGITAL HiNote VP 700 series
notebook computer. It provides instructions on how to restore the
system using the bootable floppy or the DIGITAL HiNote System
CD.

Reinstalling and Installing Drivers

Reinstalling Drivers

The procedures for reinstalling certain drivers over an existing
installation are different than installing the drivers on a clean
installation. For information on how to reinstall drivers, refer to
the latest version of the DIGITAL HiNote System CD.

2-1

System Restoration

Installing Drivers

To restore the system to its original DIG ITAL factor y-sh ipped
configuration, you must install the HiNote VP 700 Series audio,
video, and touchpad (Windows 95 only) drivers. If you have
installed WinNT, you will also want to install the EPM (Enhanced
power Management) driver, located in the Driver\WinNT
directory. Refer to Chapter 5 of the User’s Guide in the section
labeled Installing PC Cards in WinNT 4.0, for information on
EPM features. For Windows 95, these drivers can be found on
DIGITAL HiNote Windows 95 System CD, AG-R87WB-BH. For
Windows NT 4.0, these drivers can be found on DIGITAL HiNote
Windows NT 4.0 System CD, AG-R8K2A-BH.

1. Boot to Windows.

2. Insert the DIGITAL HiNote System CD into the CD-

ROM drive.

3. Click on Start and then Run. In the Run Command box

type X:\CDinstall (X:\ represents the drive letter of your
CD-ROM).

4. At the Welcome screen, click on Next. Then at the

Choose Desired category screen, click on Drivers.

5. USB (Windows 95 only), IR and PC Card drivers can

be installed automatically by clicking on the
corresponding box next to the driver’s name.

6. Audio, Video, and Touch Pad require manual

installation. Clicking on their corresponding box will
open a text file containing detailed installation
instructions. Print this file and refer to it during the
driver installation. These drivers must be installed in
the following order:

• Audio

• Video

2-2

• Touch Pad (Windows 95 only)

System Restoration

2-3

System Restoration

Creating a Bootable Floppy

A Bootable Floppy is necessary in order to restore a Windows
95 system to its DIGIT AL fa ctory co nfi guration. To create a
bootable floppy, perform the following:

1. Boot to Windows. Insert the DIGITAL HiNote VP 700

System CD into the CD-ROM drive. Click the Start
button on the Windows 95 Task bar and then on
Programs. Click on Windows Explorer. Click on the
CD-ROM drive and then double-click CDINSTALL.EXE.

2. Click through the Welcome screens until the Choose

Desired Category screen appears. From this menu you
will be able to install documentation, applications,
drivers and utilities.

3. Click on the Utilities box and then click on Next.

4. Click on Create Boot Floppy and click on Next. Click on

Next again.

5. Insert a 3½ inch 1.44 MB floppy into the floppy disk

drive. Follow the on-screen instructions. The utility
(Sysboot.exe) will format the floppy, make the floppy
bootable and copy appropriate system files to the
floppy. Before creating the boot floppy, ensure that the
floppy is NOT write protected. Any previous data on the
diskette will be erased.

6. After the bootable floppy has been created, ensure that

it is write protected. Paste a label onto the diskette and
label it HiNote VP 700 Series Bootable Floppy.

2-4

System Restoration

Windows 95 System Restoration

This section details the following:

• Re-installing Windows 95

• System Restoration Using Existing Partitions

• Complete System Restoration

• RAM Increases Over 80MB Total

CAUTION

drive compression utilities. Otherwise your notebook’s
Save to File feature will not function properly

:

Do not compress the boot drive using

.

In order to restore your system, you will need the following:

• DIGITAL HiNote VP 700 System CD AG-R87WB-BH

• Bootable Floppy (created from the DIGITAL HiNote VP

700 System CD)

• Microsoft Windows 95 Operating System CD

2-5

System Restoration

Re-installing Windows 95

In the event that Windows informs you of corrupt or missing
operating system drivers, or you en counter unresolvable system
conflicts, you may need to re-install the Windows 95 Operating
System on top of the current Windows 95 Operating System on
your hard drive. Perform the following to reinstall the Windows
95 OS.

1. Run the Setup program in the Windows\Options\Cabs

directory and follow the on-screen instruction. If Setup
is unavailable for any reason, proceed with the following
instructions.

2. Insert the HiNote VP 700 Boot Floppy into the Disk

Drive and power on the system. A list of choices
appear.

:

NOTE

T o ex it this menu and go to DOS prompt, press

1. T o re-enter this menu from DOS prompt, type
MENU and press the Enter key.

3. Place the Windows 95 CD into the CD-ROM drive.

4. From the bootable floppy Main Menu, choose Option 2,

(Re-install Microsoft Windows OS).

5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the

installation.

6. Once Windows has been reinstalled, you must load the

drivers, enhancements and updates, and desired
applications as described in the Installing Software
section of this addendum.

2-6

System Restoration

System Restoration Using Existing
Partitions

If you want to remove all files from your C:\ drive and re-install
Windows 95 Operating System but NOT remove your hard drive
partitions, please perform the following.

1. Insert the bootable floppy into the floppy disk drive.

Power on the system. A l ist of ch oice s appear.

:

NOTE

T o ex it this menu and go to DOS prompt, press

1. T o re-enter this menu from DOS prompt, type
MENU and press the Enter key

2. Choose Option 3. This Option will Format your hard

disk’s C: drive and then create a 86016 KB Save-to­file.bin file. This file is created by the PHDISKF Utility
and enables you to use your notebook's Save to Disk
feature.
If you have over 80MB of RAM installed on your
notebook, you must use the PHDISKF utility to create a
larger Save-to-file.bin file after this process is complete.
See the section entitled RAM Increases Over 80MB
Total of this addendum for detailed instructions.

3. Insert the Windows 95 CD into the CD-ROM drive.

4. Choose Option 2 (Re-install Microsoft Windows OS)

from the HiNote VP 700 Boot Floppy Main Menu. This
will run Windows SETUP program from the Windows 95
CD. SETUP runs SCANDISK and then installs the OS.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete Windows
95 installation.

.

2-7

System Restoration

5. Remove the Windows 95 CD and insert the DIGITAL

HiNote VP 700 System CD. Run CDInstall. Click on
the Next buttons until the Choose Desired Category
screen appears.

6. Click on the Drivers box. Re-install all drivers. Please

refer to the sections earlier in this document for
information.

7. Return to the Choose Desired Category screen of the

CDInstall Program and install the desired applications.
Please refer to the section earlier in this document for
information on installing applications.

Complete System Restoration

If you have purchased a new hard drive or you want to remove
all files and re-partition your hard drive and then install a
Windows 95, please perform the following:

1. Insert the HiNote VP 700 Boot Floppy into the Disk

Drive. Power on th e syste m. A list o f cho ices appear.

:

NOTE

T o ex it this menu and go to DOS prompt, press

1. T o re-enter this menu from DOS prompt, type
MENU and press the Enter key

2. Choose Option 5 from the Boot Floppy Main Menu. This

will initialize the hard disk using FDISK. Running FDISK
will erase all data from your hard drive.

.

2-8

System Restoration

When running FDISK, you will be prompted whether or
not to enable large disk (FAT32) support. Choose Yes
to enable large disk (FAT32) support. Choose No to
enable FAT16. If you choose Yes to enable large disk
support (FAT32) and want to install WinNT or a WIN95
non-SR2 operating system at a later time, you will ha ve
to repeat the Complete System Restoration procedure
and enable FAT16. Also make sure you set the Active
Partition flag to make it bootable.

3. Choose Option 3. This Option will Format your C: drive

and then create a 86016 KB Save-to-file.bin file. This
file was created by the PHDISKF Utility and enables
you to use your notebook's Save to Disk feature.
If you have over 80MB of RAM installed on your
notebook, you must use the PHDISKF utility to create a
larger Save-to-file.bin file after this process is complete.
See the section entitled RAM Increases Over 80MB
Total of this addendum for detailed instructions.

4. Insert the Windows 95 CD into the CD-ROM drive.

5. Choose Option 2 (Re-install Microsoft Windows OS)

from the Boot Floppy Main Menu. This will run
Windows SETUP program from the Windows 95 CD.
SETUP runs SCANDISK and then installs the OS.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete Windows
95 installation.

6. Remove the Windows 95 CD and insert the DIGITAL

HiNote VP 700 System CD. Run CDInstall. Click on
the Next buttons until the Choose Desired Category
screen appears.

7. Click on the Drivers box. You should now re-install all

drivers. Some of the drivers can be automatically
executed, while some require manual installation.
Please refer to the sections earlier in this document for
information.

2-9

System Restoration

8. Return to the Choose Desired Category screen of the

CDInstall Program and install the desired applications.
Please refer to the section earlier in this document for
information on installing applications.

2-10

System Restoration

RAM Increase Over 80MB Total

Your system RAM can be increased to 144MB. Your Save-to­File.bin file, which enables you to use your notebook's Save to
Disk feature, needs to reflect the increase in memory. Shipped
from the factory, your system has approximately an 84MB Save­to-File bin. The DOS file can be created before or after you install
your operating system. Creating the DOS file after the
installation of your operating system will NOT erase any data
from the hard drive. To increase the size of your Save-to-File
bin, please refer to the following:

1. Run ScanDisk to ensure there are no disk errors. Then

defrag your hard drive to ensure you have enough
contiguous free space to create the Save-to-File.bin file.

2. Insert the DIGITAL HiNote VP 700 Series System CD

into the CD-ROM drive and boot the system.

3. At the DOS prompt, type:

where XXXXX is the size of the new Save-to-File.bin file
in KB. Note that there needs to be a space between
“PHDISKF” and “/create” and a space between “/create”
and “XXXXX”.

: To determine the proper value of “XXXXX”,

NOTE

use the following equation: XXXXXKB=1024 x (Total
MB Installed + 4MB Overhead). For example, to
support Save to Disk on a system with 80MB of R AM,
the Save-to-File.bin file would have to be 86016KB in
size.

PHDISKF /create XXXXX

,

4. Press [Enter].

2-11

System Restoration

Windows NT 4.0 System Restoration

This section details the following:

• Creating an Emergency Repair Disk

• System Recovery Using an Emergency Repair Disk

• Windows NT 4.0 System Restoration

• NTFS Conversion

• Creating a Save-to-File (FAT16 Only—Non NTFS)

CAUTION

drive compression utilities. Otherwise your notebook’s
Save to File feature will not function properly

In order to restore your system, you will need the following:

• DIGITAL HiNote VP 700 System CD AG-R8K2A-BH

• Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 Operating System CD

:

Do not compress the boot drive using

.

Creating an Emergency Repair Disk

An Emergency Repair Disk allows you to restore Windows NT
Registry setting s in th e e ven t tha t the syste m b ecom es un stab le.
To create an Emergency Repair Disk:

1. Log in Windows a user with Administrative Privileges.

2. Click on the [Start] button located on the Windows Task

bar, then click [Run].

3. In the Open field, enter rdisk and click [OK].

4. When the Repair Disk Utility window appears, click on

[Create Repair Disk].

5. When prompted, label a disk “Emergency Repair Disk”

and insert it into Drive A:, then click [OK].

2-12

System Restoration

6. When Windows is finished creating the Emergency

Repair Disk, click on [Exit].

7. Eject the Emergency Repair Disk and enable write

protection. Please refer to Chapter 7 in your User’s
Guide for tips on floppy diskette care and storage.

NOTE: The Emergency Repair Disk should be
updated after each major software or hardware
configuration change. To update the Emergency
Repair Disk, insert the disk into the Floppy Drive and
run rdisk. Then click [Update Repair Info] and follow
the on-screen instructions.

System Recovery Using an Emergency
Repair Disk

This process should only be done as a last resort when you
have exhausted all other options, such as restoring from tape
backups or accessing Last Known Configuration by holding
down the Space bar as your computer starts.

1. Place the Windows NT 4.0 CD into the CD-ROM drive.

2. Boot the system. The system w ill boot from the

Windows NT 4.0 CD.

3. When the Windows NT Welcome screen appears,

press [R] to select the “To repair a damaged Windows
NT version 4.0 installation” option.

4. A Windows NT Workstation Setup screen will appear

informing you that Windows will perform all tasks
indicated with an “X”. Deselect the “Verify Windows NT
System files” option, then cursor down to the Continue
option and press the [Enter] key.

2-13

System Restoration

5. Setup will inform you tha t it is going to de tect all mass

storage devices, press [Enter] to continue.

6. Setup will search for all mass storage devices then list

the storage device that were recognized by the system.
Press [Enter] to continue.

7. When prompted that you must insert the Emergency

Repair Disk, press [Enter].

8. Insert the Emergency Repair Disk into the Floppy Disk

Drive and press [Enter].

9. Windows will then inform you that it will restore the

registry files for each option marked with “X”. Use the up
and down arrows to move cursor and press [Enter] to
mark the appropriate options. When finished marking
the registry options to be restored, cursor down to the
Continue option and press [Enter]. If you are not sure
which options to mark for repair, refer to the on-line help
which is activated by pressing [F1].

10. When Windows prompts you stating it has completed

making the necessary repairs, remove the Emergency
Repair Disk and Windows NT 4.0 CD, and reboot the
system.

Windows NT 4.0 System Restoration

This section details how to prepare a new or existing hard drive
for Windows NT 4.0 installation and how to install drivers and
software applications. To complete the process you must have
the DIGITAL HiNote VP 700 System CD and Windows NT CD
which were packaged with your notebook.

1. Place the Windows NT CD into the CD-ROM Drive and

boot the system. The system will boot from the
Windows NT CD and Windows NT Setup Program
interface will appear.

2-14

System Restoration

2. Install Windows NT as described in the Microsoft

Windows NT Workstation user's guide that was
packaged with your system. Ensure that you select
FAT16 as the Windows NT file structure.

3. Create a Save-to-File as described in Creating a Save-

to-File section of this addendum.

4. When Windows loads insert the DIGITAL HiNote VP

700 System CD. Click on Start then Run and type
X:\CDInstall, where X is drive letter assigned to the CD­ROM drive. Follow the on-screen instructions to install
the desired applications, interactive User documentation
and all system drivers.

NOTE: Internet Explorer is not included on the System
CD. If you wish to install this application, it can be
download from Microsoft’s web site:
www.microsoft.com.

NTFS Conversion

The NTFS conversion process described below includes the
creation of a non-DOS partition to be utilized by the Save-to­Disk feature.

CAUTION:

your Hard Disk drive.

This process will erase all inform ation on

1. Insert the DIGITAL HiNote VP 700 System CD into the

CD-ROM Drive and boot the system.

2. Run the FDISK utility and remove all disk partitions.

3. Reboot the system.

2-15

System Restoration

4. At the DOS prompt type: PHDISK /create 151552. This

will create a 148MB non-DOS partition to be used for
Save-to-Disk operations. Note that there must be a
space between “PHDISK “ and “/create” and a space
between “/create” and “151552”.

5. Remove the DIGITAL HiNote VP 700 System CD and

place the Windows NT 4.0 CD into the CD-ROM drive,
then reboot the system.

6. Follow the on-screen instructions ensuring that when

prompted to choose the file structure that you specify
NTFS.

7. When Setup is complete, remove the Windows NT CD

and insert the DIGITAL HiNote VP 700 System CD.
Click on Start then Run and type X:\CDInstall, where X
is drive letter assigned to the CD-ROM drive. Follow the
on-screen instructions to install the desired applications,
interactive User documentation and all system drivers.

Creating a Save-to-File (FAT16 Only—Non NTFS)

Shipped from the factory, your system has approximately an
84MB Save-to-File.bin file which enables you to use your
notebook’s Save-to-Disk feature. If you increase the RAM over
80MB total or complete the Windows NT 4.0 System Restoration
process, you need to create a DOS Save-to-File.bin file which
matches the amount of RAM installed.

To create the Save-to-File.bin file, please refer to the following:

1. Run ScanDisk to ensure there are no disk errors. Then

defrag your hard drive to ensure you have enough
contiguous free space to create the Save-to-File.bin file.

2. Insert the DIGITAL HiNote VP 700 Series System CD

into the CD-ROM drive and boot the system.

2-16

System Restoration

3. At the DOS prompt, type: PHDISKF /create XXXXX,

where XXXXX is the size of the new Save-to-File.bin file
in KB. Note that there needs to be a space between
“PHDISKF” and “/create” and a space between “/create”
and “XXXXX”.

NOTE: To determine the proper value of “XXXXX”,
use the following equation: XXXXXKB=1024 x (Total
MB Installed + 4MB Overhead). For example, to
support Save to Disk on a system with 80MB of R AM,
the Save-to-File.bin file would have to be 86016KB in
size.

4. Press [Enter].

5. Remove DIGITAL HiNote VP 700 Series System CD

from the CD-ROM drive and reboot the system.

2-17

System Restoration

2-18

3

System BIOS

3

Introduction

This chapter provides information related to the System BIOS
and its Setup Program.

BIOS Setup Program

The Setup Program is a menu driven utility that enables you to
make changes to the system configuration and tailor the
operation of your notebook to suit your individual work needs. It
is a ROM-based (Read only Memory) configuration utility that
displays the system’ s conf iguration status and provides you with
a tool to set system parameters. These parameters are stored
in non-volatile battery backed-up CMOS RAM, which saves this
information even when the power is turned off. CMOS chips are
extremely low power consuming. When the system is turned
back on, the notebook is configured with the values found in
CMOS.

3-1

System BIOS

NOTE: The CMOS battery receives a charge when the
system is being operated on AC power. If the system
is off for more than one year, the CMOS battery will
drain and the ROM data will be lost. If the CMOS
battery is completely drained, you will be prompted
with a CMOS Che cksum Error message during bootup
and given the choice of selecting F1 to resume or F2
to enter the Setup Program. Select F2, then reset the
System Time and System Date fields, and load the
default settings from the Exit menu. Then select Save
Changes and Exit to save the new configuration and
exit the Setup Program. Connect the AC adapter to
the notebook for 24 hours to recharge the CMOS
battery.

By activating user friendly Setup Program menus, you can
configure such items as:

• Hard drives, diskette drives and peripherals

• Password protection from unauthorized use

• Power Management Features

The settings made in the Setup Program affect how the
notebook performs. It is important to try to understand all the
Setup Programs options and to make settings appropriate for the
way you use the notebook.

Navigating through the Setup Program

When turning on the notebook for the first time you may get a
message prompting you to run the Setup Program. A warning
message may appear on the screen if the hardware
configuration is changed or the Power On Self Test (POST) fails.
This message will inform you of any errors or invalid settings and
prompt you to run Setup to correct the problem.

3-2

System BIOS

Even if you are not prompted by a message instructing you to
use Setup, at some time in the future you may want to change
the configuration of your computer. For example, you may want
to make changes to the power management settings, or for
security purposes, enable the notebook’s password function. It
will then be necessary to reconfigure your system using the
Setup Program so that the computer can recognize these
changes.

A few examples of why you may want to enter the Setup
Program follow.

• You want to redefine the communication ports to

prevent any conflicts.

• You want to make changes to the Power Management

configuration.

• You want to change the password or make other

changes to the security setup.

Accessing the Setup Program

To access the Setup Program, press the F2 key when prompted
during bootup. There are three essential elements to the Setup
Program screens: Menu Bar, Item Specific Help Window and
Legend Bar.

3-3

System BIOS

Menu Bar

The top of the screen has a menu bar with the following
selections:

Main

System Devices

Security
Power

Boot

Exit

Changes to the basic system configuration are
made from within this menu.

Use this menu to enable and make changes to
the system port addresses and modes.

Sets System and Boot/Resume password.
From within this menu, you will be able to

configure and enable Power Management
features.

Allows you to specify the device the system
will boot from and the boot device sequence.

Use this menu to save changes, set factory
defaults and exit the Setup Program.

Item Specific Help

Note that on the right side of each Setup screen, there is a
section labeled

Item Specific Help.

Setup Program, note that explanations for the currently
highlighted field appear in the

While moving through the

Item Specific Help

window.

3-4

System BIOS

Legend Bar

At the bottom of the Setup screen you will notice a legend bar.
The keys in the legend bar allow you to navigate through
individual setup menus. The following table lists the keys found
in the legend bar with their corresponding alternates and
functions.

Legend
Key

F1 Alt + H Displays the General Help

ESC Alt + X Exits the current menu and

or

←

or

↑

F5

F6 + (plus key)

F9 Sets the fields for the active menu

F10 Saves the new configuration and

Press
Enter

Alternate Key Function

→

↓

(minus key)

-

<space bar>

window.

returns you to the previous
screen.

Selects a different menu bar item.
Moves the cursor up and down

between fields.
Scrolls backwards through the

values of the highlighted field.
Scrolls forward through the values

of the highlighted field.

to their default values.

exits the Setup Utility.
Executes commands, selects

submenus, selects fields, or
displays available options.

3-5

System BIOS

Launching Submenus

Notice that a pointer symbol appears next to selected fields in
the menu screens. For example, see the Hard Disk option in the
Main menu. The symbol indicates the existence of a submenu
that can be launched for more advanced configuration options.
To launch a submenu:

1. Move the highlighted cell to the desired Menu Bar item

and press <Enter>.

2. Use the legend keys to navigate around the screen and

make the needed configuration changes.

3. When you finish, press the [esc] key to exit the

submenu and return to the main screen.

General Help

In addition to the Item Specific Help window, the Setup Program
also provides a General Help screen. This screen can be called
up from any menu by simply pressing the function key, F1 or the
[alt + H] combination. The General Help screen provides a
description of all the keys with their corresponding alternates and
functions which are used to navigate the Setup Program.

The scroll bar to the right of the help window indicates that there
is more information to be displayed. Use the PgUp and PgDn
keys or the up and down arrow keys (↑ ↓) to scroll through the
entire help document. Press <home> to display the first page,
press <end> to go to the last page. To exit the help window
press <enter> or the <esc> key.

3-6

System BIOS

The Main Menu

The following settings are available in the Main Menu screen of
the Setup Program.

Field Settings Description

System
Time

System
Date

Floppy
Drive

Hard Disk Submenu Displays the Hard Drive size. Press

Video
Display
Device

System
Memory

Extended
Memory

* Default value.

Enter current
time: hour,
minute, second
format

Enter current
date: month,
day, year
format

1.44 MB, 3 ½”*
Disabled

CRT Mode

LCD Mode*

Simul Mode

Display only
field

Display only
field

Sets the system to specified time.

Sets the system to specified date.

Enables/Disables support for the
Floppy Disk Drive Module.

Enter to access the Hard Disk
submenu.

Sets the Video mode.
Allows viewing of externally

connected monitor only.
Allows viewing of the notebook’s

LCD only.
Allows simultaneous viewing of

externally connected monitor (CRT)
and the notebook’s LCD display.

Indicates the amount of
conventional memory used by the
system.

Indicates the amount of RAM, minus
conventional memory (640 KB) and
high memory (360 KB), installed in
the system.

3-7

System BIOS

Figure 3-1. The Setup Main Menu

3-8

System BIOS

The Hard Disk Submenu

Move the highlighted cell to this field and press <Enter> to
launch the submenu. The following settings are available in the
Hard Disk Menu.

Field Settings Description

Type

Auto*

1-39

None

User

*Default value.

: Auto is the recommended setting for most hard

NOTE

drive types. If your hard drive is not recognized by the
system, consult the hard drive documentation for
information on the appropriate settings.

Select the type of hard drive installed in
the system.

Automatically detects and configures
all parameters, except 32 Bit I/O, for
the type of hard drive installed.

Choose from 39 predefined hard drive
types.

No hard drive is installed in the system
or hard drive is of an unknown type.

Manually configure the hard drive
parameters. Consult the hard drive
documentation for more information on
making the correct settings.

3-9

System BIOS

The System Devices Menu

Select System Devices from the menu bar the display the
following menu.

Figure 3-2. The System Devices Menu

3-10

System BIOS

The following settings are available in the System Devices Menu
screen of the Setup Program.

Field Settings Description

PS/2 Mouse Auto

IDE
Controller

*Default value.

Disabled

Enabled*

Primary

Both*

Disabled

Configured automatically by
the BIOS.

Disables the touch pad and
PS/2 mouse and frees IRQ 12.

Allows the OS to determine
whether or not to enable the
mouse.

Enables the primary IDE
channel.

Enables both the primary and
secondary IDE channels. This
field must be set to Both to use
both an IDE hard drive and an
IDE CD-ROM.

Disables the all IDE devices.

continued

3-11

System BIOS

Field Settings Description

FDD
Controller

Serial Port

Enabled*
Disabled

Auto*

PnPOS

Enables the floppy disk
controller.

Enables/Disables, configures
or disables the serial port.

Configured automatically by
the BIOS.

Configured automatically by
the Plug and Play OS.

*Default value.

3-12

Disabled
Enabled

Disables the serial port.
Manually configures the serial

port Base I/O Address.
Available configurations are:
3F8-IRQ4*, 2F8-IRQ3, 3E8­IRQ4, 2E8- IRQ3.

continued

Field Settings Description

Fast Infrared

Auto*

PnPOS

Enables, configures or disables
the Fast Infrared port.

Configured automatically by
the BIOS.

Configured automatically by
the Plug and Play OS.

System BIOS

*Default value.

Disabled
Enabled

Disables the infrared module.
Manually configure the infrared

port Base I/O Address.
Available configurations are:
3F8-IRQ4, 2F8-IRQ3*, 3E8­IRQ4, 2E8-IRQ3.

continued

3-13

System BIOS

Field Settings Description

Mode IrDA*

DMA
channel

Parallel Port

ASK-IR
FIR

DMA 0
DMA 2
DMA 3*

Auto*

PnPOS

Choose the default setting for
this field or refer to the IR
device User’s manual.

Appears only when mode is set
to FIR. Define the DMA
channel to be used by the FIR
serial port

Enables, configures or disables
the parallel port.

Configured automatically by
the BIOS.

Configured automatically by
the Plug and Play OS.

Set the parallel port to disable
in order to increase the battery
run time.

Manually configure the parallel
port Base I/O Address (278,
3BC, or 378) and Interrupt
(IRQ5 or IRQ7*).

Default value.

*

Disabled

Enabled

3-14

Field Settings Description

Parallel Port
Mode

DMA
channel

Audio

*Default value.

Normal mode
Bi-directional
mode
ECP*
EPP

DMA 0
DMA 2
DMA 3*

Auto*

PnPOS

Disabled
Enabled

Choose the default setting for
this field or refer to the parallel
device User’s manual.

To take advantage of ECP
(Extended Capabilities Port)
and EPP (Enhanced Parallel
Port) mode, the parallel device
must be ECP/EPP aware. Se e
your parallel device user’s
guide.

Appears only when the Parallel
Port Mode is set to ECP.
Define the DMA channel to be
used by the parallel port.

Enables, configures or disables
the sound device.

Configured automatically by
the BIOS.

Configured automatically by
the Plug and Play OS.

Disables the sound device.
Manually configure the sound

device SB,WSS and AdLib I/O
addresses. The defaults are
220h, 530-534h, and 388h
respectively.

System BIOS

continued

3-15

System BIOS

Field Settings Description

1st/2nd DMA
channel

Interrupt IRQ 5*

* Default value.

DMA 0*
DMA 1*
DMA 3

IRQ 7
IRQ 9
IRQ 11

Define the DMA channels to be
used by the sound device.
DMA 1 is the default for the 1st
channel and DMA 0 is the
default for 2nd channel.

In use when Audio is set to
Enabled.

The Security Menu

Select Security from the menu bar to display the following menu.

Figure 3-3. The Setup Security Menu

3-16

Field Settings Description

System
Password is
Disabled

Set System
Password

Password on
Boot

Password on
Resume

* Default value.

Display only field Indicates whether or not a

[Press Enter] Upon pressing Enter, the

Enabled
Disabled *

Enabled
Disabled *

: Passwords take effect immediately upon

NOTE

password is enabled.

system will prompt you to enter
a new password and to verify it.
Once set, this password must
be entered to access the Setup
Program.

When enabled, the system will
require the Password during
system boot. In order to enable
Password on Boot, you must
have a System Password set.

When enabled, the system will
require the Password when
resuming from suspend. In
order to enable Password on
Resume, you must have a
System Password set.

confirmation. The password will remain in effect if you
exit the Setup Program without saving the new
configuration settings.

System BIOS

3-17

System BIOS

Setting System Password

To set the System Password, move the highlighted cell to the
Set System Password field and press <Enter>. The following
dialogue box will appear:

Set System Password

Enter New Password: [ ]

Re-enter New Password: [ ]

1. Type in your password and press <Enter>. The

password can be up to eight alphanumeric characters.
Symbols and other keys are ignored.

2. Type the password in a second time to confirm. Press

<Enter>. The System Password is now set.

Changing System Password

To change the System Password, move the highlighted cell to
the System Password field and press <Enter>. When the Set
System Password dialogue box appears, enter the current
password. Then enter the new password. Enter it a second time
to confirm. The new password is now set.

Deleting System Password

To delete a previously set System Password and disable the
password feature:

1. Open the System Password dialogue box.

2. Enter the current password.

3. The cursor will move to the Enter New Password field,

press <Enter>.

3-18

System BIOS

4. The cursor will move to the Re-enter New Password

field. Press <Enter> again.

5. When the Notice dialogue box appears notifying you

that changes have been saved, press <Enter> a third
time. The password has been deleted.

The Power Menu

The Power Menu allows you to enable and adjust the notebook’s
power saving features. Enabling these features will extend the
battery run time.

Figure 3-4. The Setup Power Menu

3-19

System BIOS

Field Settings Description

Power
Manage­ment Mode

*Default value.

Disabled

Customized * Allows yo u to custo mize

Max. Power Savings Power Management fields

Max. Performance Power Management fields

Sets the Power
Management Mode.

Disables all Power
Management

the Power Management
fields (Smart CPU Mode,
Standby, Suspend Disk
Time-out, Video Time-out)
to suit your individual work
needs.

will be set with pre-defined
values to ensure
maximum battery run time.

will be set with pre-defined
values to provide best
system performance with
some power conservation.

continued

3-20

Field Settings Description

Smart CPU
Mode

Standby
Time-out

Suspend
Time-out

Hard Disk
Time-Out

*Default value.

Off
On

Disabled
1, 2* Min.
4 Min.

Disabled
4, 8* Min.
16 Min.

Disabled
30 Seconds
1 Min.
2, 4, 6*, 8, 10, 15 Min.

If enabled, the CPU slows
down during periods when
the system is not busy
thus conserving battery
power.

Indicates the amount of
time the system needs to
be idle before entering
Standby mode.
In order to make changes
to this field, Power
Management Mode must
be set to Customize.

Indicates the amount of
time the system needs to
be idle before entering
Suspend mode. Power
Savings must be set to
Customize in order to
change these values.

Indicates the amount of
time the hard disk needs
to be inactive before it is
turned off.

In order to make
customized changes to
this field, Power
Management Mode must
be set to Customize.

System BIOS

continued

3-21

System BIOS

Field Settings Description

Video
Time-out

Lid Switch
Action

Resume
on Modem
Ring

Resume
Date

Resume
Time

Resume
Date

* Default value.

Disabled*
1 Min.
2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 15 Min.

Suspend*
CRT

Disabled*
Enabled

Disabled*
Enabled

Enter resume time:
hour, minute, second
format.

Enter resume date:
month, day, year
format.

Indicates the amount of time
input devices, such as the
keyboard, need to be idle
before the LCD is turned off.

Allows you to determine
whether or not the system
will suspend or switch to
CRT display when the LCD
is closed.

If enabled, a modem ring
will resume the system from
suspend mode.

If enabled, the system will
automatically resume from
the Suspend Mode as
defined by the Resume
Time and Resume Date
fields described below.

Allows you to specify the
time the system will resume.
The Resume Date field
above must be set to
Enabled for the system to
resume.

Allows you to specify the
date the system will
resume. The Resume Date
field above must be set to
Enabled for the system to
resume.

3-22

System BIOS

The Boot Menu

From this menu you can choose where the system looks to boot
from. You can also prioritize the different boot devices.

Figure 3-5. The Setup Boot Menu

Field Description

1. [CD-ROM Drive]

2. [Diskette Drive]

3. [Hard Drive]

These fields allow you to define the order
of devices in which the system looks for
an OS. To change the order, move the
highlighted cell to the field to be moved.
Press F5 to move the field to a lower
priority. Press F6 to move the field to a
higher priority.

3-23

System BIOS

The Exit Menu

Enter the Exit Menu to save changes, set factory defaults or exit
the Setup Program.

Field Action Description

Save
Changes &
Exit

Discard
Changes &
Exit

Get Default
Values

Load
Previous
Values

Saves
Changes

<Enter> Saves the current changes and exits

the Setup Program.

<Enter> Discards the current changes and exits

the Setup Program.

<Enter> Loads the factory default values for

each of the fields in the Setup
Program.

To keep default values and exit the
Setup Program, you must move the
highlighted cell to the Save Changes &
Exit field and press the <Enter> key.

<Enter> Discards any changes made during

the current BIOS configuration
session, and loads the prior session’s
values.

You cannot exit the BIOS through this
field.

<Enter> Saves the changes made during the

current BIOS configuration session.
You cannot exit the Setup Program

through this field.

3-24

Figure 3-6. The Setup Exit Menu

System BIOS

3-25

System BIOS

3-26

4

Troubleshooting

4

Introduction

This chapter provides a systematic method of isolating problems
with the DIGITAL HiNote VP 700 series of notebook computers.
It is assumed that you have a basic understanding of DOS­based compute r syste ms as w ell as a kn ow ledge of standard
troubleshooting procedures. This manual is written under the
assumption that the problems are indeed related to the notebook
computer itself. The improper usage of the system and
application software problems are excluded in this chapter.

The system BIOS pow er on self- tests ( POST) are integral to the
system and detect certain errors with the system board. They
use a series of beep codes to identify certain system board
problems.

The troubleshooting procedures when followed step by step, can
help isolate syste m problems.

4-1

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Tips

In general, troubleshooting involves an organized system of
approach to problem solving. Try to isolate the problem and
identify the defective device (hardware) or improper setting
(software). When you have a problem, you should do a
thorough visual inspection of the notebook computer.

• If none of the indicators are lit and you cannot hear the

HDD spinning, then the notebook computer is probably
not receiving power.

• Make sure the power cord is plugged in, and the AC

adapter is securely connected. The LEDs on the AC
adapter and the system should be on when connected
to a working AC source.

• If you are using a power strip or surge protector, ensure

that these devices are turned on.

Often problems are caused by improperly connected cables.

• If you are using peripherals such as the mouse or

keyboard, make sure they are properly connected to
their respective ports. Ensure that none of the
connectors’ pins are bent or broken.

• Check all cables connected to the notebook computer.

If any are cut, frayed, or damaged in any way, replace
them right away. Never use a damaged cable. A
damaged cable is not only a fire hazard, it may also
cause a short circuit, resulting in irreparable damage to
the notebook computer.

• Check all internal connections to ensure that they are

secure. Often problems can occur because a
connection is loose or backwards.

4-2

Troubleshooting

Verify that all test equipment works before using it to test a
malfunctioning component.

Verify that a component is the only malfunctioning part of the
computer by replacing the malfunctioning component with a
properly functioning one, and then try to run the system. For
example, if you have tested an FDD in a test computer and
found it to be bad, you should also try a good FDD in the
malfunctioning FDD’s computer to be sure that another
component (such as the FDD controller) is not bad as well.

As with assembly and disassembly, make sure you have
adequate lighting, the right tools, and a stable clean working
environment.

The examples that follow provide useful tips and information that
will help isolate and solve some of the more common problems
that may be encountered.

System Start Failure

When you turn on the computer, the system hangs before
completing or starting the POST (power on self test). Power
supply failure, post failure, and boot-up failure can result in a
system start failure.

4-3

Troubleshooting

Power Supply Failure

Problem Troubleshooting Procedure

You turn on the power
switch and the following
conditions apply:

There is no panel

•

display
There is no noise

•

coming from the
HDD

The power indicator

•

light is off.

If you are operating the notebook
computer using the battery:

The system could be in suspend.

•

Press the Suspend/Resume
button.

The battery connection is loose.

•

Remove and reinstall the battery.
The battery power is depleted.

•

Plug in the AC adapter, or replace
the battery.

The battery needs to be reformed.

•

Reform the battery.
The system could be experiencing

•

a hang. Press the reset button to
shut down the system (Figure 1-2)
then power back on the system.

If you are operating the notebook
computer using the AC adapter:

Check that the AC adapter is

•

plugged into an operational power
supply.

Check that the AC adapter is

•

connected securely to the
notebook computer’s AC adapter
socket.

4-4

continued

Troubleshooting

Problem Troubleshooting Procedure

You turn on the power
switch and the following
conditions apply:

There is no panel

•

display
There is no noise

•

coming from the
HDD

The power indicator light is
off.

Check to see if the Power LED on

•

the computer is lit and the LED on
the AC adapter is lit. If not lit, then
the AC adapter is bad. Replace
the AC adapter, and test the
notebook computer again.

Press the Suspend/Resume

•

button
Press the system's "Reset Button"

•

located on the back of the unit
between the serial and parallel
port connectors.

If the above items are functioning, then
the notebook computer’s internal power
circuit is probably damaged. Check the
power circuit of the notebook computer.

4-5

Troubleshooting

Boot-up Failure

Problem Troubleshooting Procedure

You turn on the notebook
computer and the following
conditions apply:

The system

•

operating on battery
power.

The system starts

•

POST then
automatically shuts
down.

You turn on the notebook
computer and the following
conditions apply:

The notebook

•

computer’s power is
on.

There is no screen

•

display.

Check to ensure that there is

•

ample charge remaining in the
battery. If the battery is critically
low, the system will automatically
shut down.

System hung possibly hung after

•

using a screen saver. Press the
Reset button located on the back

on the unit
Check the DRAM connections to

•

be sure that they are secure.
Check the LCD connections.

•

Check the system board power

•

circuit.
System in Suspend Mode. Press

•

the Suspend/Resume button.
System could be experiencing a

•

hang. Press the Reset button
located on the back on the unit
(Figure 1-2).

Check the DRAM connections to

•

be sure that they are secure.
Check the LCD connections.

•

Check the system board power

•

circuit.

.

4-6

Troubleshooting

Post Failure

Problem Troubleshooting Procedure

You turn on the computer
and the following happens:

There is power to

•

the system.
The HDD seems to

•

be spinning.
The screen is

•

operational, and
error codes and
messages are
displayed.

A POST failure usually indicates a

•

keyboard, memory, or HDD
failure.

Check the error code or message

•

against the error codes and
messages in this chapter.

4-7

Troubleshooting

LCD Panel Failure

Problem Troubleshooting Procedure

You turn on the computer
and one of the following
conditions apply:

The system is

•

working, but there is
no LCD panel
display.

The system is

•

working, but the
LCD panel display
vertical or horizontal
lines.

The backlight comes

•

on, but there is no
display.

There is a display,

•

but you have garbled
characters on the
screen.

Make sure that the LCD cable is

•

securely connected to the
Motherboard.

Make sure that the LCD power

•

cable is securely connected to the
inverter.

If the cables are securely

•

connected and the LCD still
doesn’t work, replace the LCD
panel and test the system again.

If the display is garbled, verify the

•

video setup in the operating
system’s Control Panel Display
application. If these are correct,
there is probably a VGA chip
failure. Replace the motherboard.

4-8

Troubleshooting

CRT Failure

Problem Troubleshooting Procedure

The notebook computer
has power, the notebook
computer’s LCD panel is
working and one of the
following conditions apply:

The notebook

•

computer’s LCD
panel is working.

There is no display

•

on the CRT.
The color of the CRT

•

is wrong.
There is a display,

•

but the display is not
stable.

Make sure the CRT output is

•

enabled.
Make sure that the CRT’s power

•

is on and the power cables are
securely connected.

Make sure that the CRT to

•

notebook computer cable
connection is secure. Check the
CRT port on the notebook
computer to make sure the
connection is secure, and that
there are no damaged pins or
connectors.

Make sure the settings in the

•

operating system’s Control Panel
Display application are supported
by the monitor.

If the CRT still doesn’t work,

•

change to a different CRT and try
again.

If the color is bad, adjust the

•

Monitor’s color controls (if any).

4-9

Troubleshooting

Notebook Computer Keyboard Failure

Problem Troubleshooting Procedure

The notebook computer is
fully powered-on.
However, when pressing
any of the keys on the
keyboard, one of the
following events occurs:

Pressing on the key

•

doesn’t have any
effect.

Incorrect characters

•

are displayed on the
screen.

One stroke of a key

•

produces too many
characters on the
screen.

If incorrect characters are

•

displayed, check the
COUNTRY.SYS settings in the
operating system to see if an
incorrect language is being used
by the system.

Make sure that the keyboard

•

cable has not been damaged due
to excessive bending and is
securely connected into the
keyboard connector.

Check the keyboard circuit.

•

Replace the keyboard and check

•

again.
Replace the keyboard controller

•

BIOS chip.

4-10

Troubleshooting

External Keyboard or PS/2 Mouse Failure

Problem Troubleshooting Procedure

The notebook computer’s
power is on, and the
keyboard is working. One
of the following conditions
occur:

Pressing keys on the

•

external keyboard
has no effect.

Pressing the key on

•

the external
keyboard gives
incorrect characters.

The mouse cursor

•

on the screen
doesn’t move in
conjunction with the
external mouse.

Make sure that the external

•

mouse or keyboard’s connection
to the notebook computer’s PS/2
mini-DIN connector is secure.

Make sure the mouse trackball

•

and postion sensors are clean and
free of dust.

Replace the external mouse or

•

keyboard and try again.
If the system still doesn’t work,

•

test the mini-DIN keyboard circuit.
If incorrect characters are

•

displayed, check the
COUNTRY.SYS settings in DOS
to see if an incorrect language is
being used by the system.

4-11

Troubleshooting

HDD Failure

Problem Troubleshooting Procedure

When you try to access
the HDD, one of the
following conditions occur:

There is a message

•

indicating that the
HDD doesn’t exist.

You can’t read from

•

the HDD.
You can’t write to the

•

HDD.

Check to make sure that the BIOS

•

settings are correct. Refer to
Chapter 3 for BIOS information.

Make sure that the HDD

•

connection is secure.
Install the HDD into another

•

HiNote VP 700 series notebook
computer and test it.

If the HDD works in a test

•

notebook computer, the HDD
controller on the motherboard is
probably bad. Test the
motherboard.

4-12

Troubleshooting

FDD Failure

Problem Troubleshooting Procedure

The notebook computer’s
power is on. The HDD is
functioning correctly.
When you try to access
the FDD, one of the
following conditions
occurs:

You can’t read from

•

the FDD.
You can’t write to the

•

FDD.
You can’t hear the

•

FDD motor spinning,
and the LED
indicator light isn’t
on.

Check to ensure that the FDD

•

Controller option in the BIOS is
enabled.

Make sure the CD-ROM/FDD

•

module is
properly seated.

Switch to a different floppy disk

•

and try again. Make sure that the
floppy isn’t write protected.

Clean the FDD’s heads.

•

Change the CD-ROM/FDD

•

module and test again.
If the FDD is OK, than there is

•

probably an I/O chipset failure.
Replace the main board

CD-ROM Failure

Problem Troubleshooting Procedure

The notebook computer’s
power is on. The HDD is
functioning correctly.
When you try to access
the CD-ROM, one of the
following conditions
occurs:

You can’t read from

•

the CD-ROM.
You can’t hear the

•

CD-ROM motor ,
and the LED isn’t on.

Make sure the CD-ROM/FDD

•

module is properly seated.
Switch to a different CD-ROM disk

•

and try again.
Clean the CD-ROM’s lens.

•

Change the CD-ROM/FDD

•

module and test again.
If the CD-ROM is OK, than there

•

is probably an I/O chipset failure.
Replace the main board.

.

4-13

Troubleshooting

Battery Failure

Problem Troubleshooting Procedure

The notebook computer’s
AC power works. When
trying to use battery power,
the notebook computer
doesn’t operate. However,
when the AC Adapter is
connected, the battery
charge indicator flashes.

Make sure that the battery

•

contacts are in good condition.
Make sure that the battery

•

terminals are clean. If need be,
clean the terminals with contact
cleaner.

Form the battery and try again.

•

Change the battery and try again.

•

Check to make sure that the AC

•

power supply (the AC adapter and
AC adapter cord) are OK. If they
are not supplying the correct
voltage, it could damage the
system.

4-14

Troubleshooting

Check Points and Error Messages

At the beginning of each POST routine, the BIOS outputs the
test point error code to I/O address 80h. Use this code during
troubleshooting to establish at what point the system failed and
what routine was being performed.

If the BIOS detects a terminal error condition, it halts POST after:

• Issuing a terminal error beep code and

• Attempting to display the error code on upper left corner

of the screen and on the port 80h LED display

If the system hangs before the BIOS can process the error, the
code displayed at port 80h is that of the last test performed. In
this case, the screen does not display the error code.

4-15