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TravelMate -550
Service Guide

Service guide files and updates are available on the ACER/CSD web; for more information, please refer to http://csd.acer.com.tw

PART NO.: HLX.0550.001 PRINTED IN TAIWAN

Revision History
Please refer to the table below for the updates made on TravelMate -550 service guide.
Date Chapter Updates

II

Copyright
Copyright © 1999 by Acer Incorporated. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language or computer language, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, chemical, manual or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Acer Incorporated.

Disclaimer
The information in this guide is subject to change without notice. Acer Incorporated makes no representations or warranties, either expressed or implied, with respect to the contents hereof and specifically disclaims any warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose. Any Acer Incorporated software described in this manual is sold or licensed "as is". Should the programs prove defective following their purchase, the buyer (and not Acer Incorporated, its distributor, or its dealer) assumes the entire cost of all necessary servicing, repair, and any incidental or consequential damages resulting from any defect in the software.

Acer is a registered trademark of Acer Corporation. Intel is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation. Pentium and Pentium II/III are trademarks of Intel Corporation. Other brand and product names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

III

Conventions
The following conventions are used in this manual: Screen messages NOTE Denotes actual messages that appear on screen. Gives bits and pieces of additional information related to the current topic. Alerts you to any damage that might result from doing or not doing specific actions. Gives precautionary measures to avoid possible hardware or software problems. Reminds you to do specific actions relevant to the accomplishment of procedures.

WARNING

CAUTION

IMPORTANT

IV

Preface
Before using this information and the product it supports, please read the following general information. 1. This Service Guide provides you with all technical information relating to the BASIC CONFIGURATION decided for Acer's "global" product offering. To better fit local market requirements and enhance product competitiveness, your regional office MAY have decided to extend the functionality of a machine (e.g. add-on card, modem, or extra memory capability). These LOCALIZED FEATURES will NOT be covered in this generic service guide. In such cases, please contact your regional offices or the responsible personnel/channel to provide you with further technical details. 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.

2.

V

VI

Table of Contents
Chapter 1 System Specifications 1
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 System Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Board Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Top View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Bottom View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Outlook View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Left Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Right Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Bottom Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Lock Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Embedded Numeric Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Windows Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Hot Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Keyboard Ergonomics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Touchpad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Touchpad Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Launch Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Hardware Specifications and Configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Chapter 2

System Utilities

37
37 37 38 39 40 42 43 44 45 45 45 46

BIOS Setup Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigating the BIOS Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Main . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . System Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Others . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Boot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BIOS Flash Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . System Utility Diskette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . System Diagnostic Diskette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Running Diagnostics Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Chapter 3

Machine Disassembly and Replacement

51
52 52 53 56 57 57 57 57 58 58 58 60 62 63 63 63
VII

General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Disassembly Procedure Flowchart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Removing the HDD Module/Thermal Module/CPU and DVD-ROM . . . . . . . . . . . . Removing the LCD Module/the Keyboard and the System Window . . . . . . . . . . . Removing the LCD Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Removing the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Removing the system window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Disassembling the Main Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Separate the main unit into the logic upper and the logic lower assembly . . . Disassembling the logic upper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Disassembling the logic lower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Disassembling the LCD Module-15 Inch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Disassembling the External Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Disassembling the HDD Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Disassembling the Floppy Disk Drive Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Table of Contents
Disassembling the DVD-ROM Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Chapter 4

Troubleshooting

65
66 66 66 67 67 67 68 69 70 73 76 77 78 79

System Check Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . External Diskette Drive Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . External CD-ROM Drive Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Keyboard or Auxiliary Input Device Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Memory Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Power System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Touchpad Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Power-On Self-Test (POST) Error Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Index of Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Index of Symptom-to-FRU Error Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intermittent Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Undetermined Problems Index of AFlash BIOS Error Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Index of PQA Diagnostic Error Code, Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Chapter 5

Jumper and Connector Locations

81
81 84 84 85

Top View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SW1 Settings (Lid switch) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SW2 Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bottom View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Chapter 6 Appendix A Appendix B Appendix C Index

FRU (Field Replaceable Unit) List Model Definition and Configuration Test Compatible Components Online Support Information

99 116 119 121 123

Main Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

Microsoft Windows XP Environment Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

VIII

Chapter 1

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

Performance


Intel® PentiumTM III or Intel® CeleronTM processor with one-die level 2 cache 128 MB memory onboard and one memory upgrade slot Large LCD display with adjustable video memory High-capacity, Enhanced-IDE hard disk Lithium-Ion main battery pack Power management system DualView capability Simultaneous LCD and CRT display

Display


14.1" Thin-Film Transistor (TFT) liquid-crystal display (LCD) displaying 16.7 million colors at 1024X768 eXtended Graphics Array (XGA) resolution -or- 15.0" TFT LCD displaying 16.7 million colors at 1400X1050 Super eXtended Graphics Array Plus (SXGA+) resolution AGP 4X support Video memory allocaton from main memory (BIOS) Simultaneous LCD and CRT display



Multimedia


16-bit high-fidelity stereo audio with 3-D sound Built-in dual stereo speakers Internal optical drive (CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or DVD/CD-RW combo) Audio DJ (CD playback) feature S-video (NTSC/PAL) output

Connectivity


High-speed 56Kbps V.90 fax/data software modem Ethernet/Fast Ethernet (10/100 Mbps) CarBus PC Card slots Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports IEEE 1394 port

Chapter 1

1

Human-centric design and ergonomics


All-in-one design (CD or DVD, floppy drive, and hard disk) Sleek, smooth and stylish design Full-sized keyboard Wide and curved palm rest Ergonomically-centered touchpad pointing device Launch keys (supports Audio DJ feature)

Expansion


Upgradeable memory and hard disk

Keyboard and Pointing Device


85-/86-key Windows keyboard Ergonomically-centered touchpad pointing device

I/O Ports


One type III or two typeII/I PC Card slots (PCMCIA, CardBus) One RJ-11 modem jack (V.90, 56K) One RJ-45 network jack (Ethernet 10/100) One DC-in jack One parallel port (ECP/EPP) One external monitor port One keyboard/mouse port (PS/2) One speaker/headphone-out jack (3.5mm minijack) One microphone-in jack (3.5mm minijack) One video-out jack (S-video) Two Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports One IEEE 1394 port

2

Chapter 1

System Block Diagram

System Block Diagram

INTEL FC-PGA370
CRT Connector
HA#(3..31) HD#(0..63)

APICCLK HCLK_CPU

Y1 14.318MHZ

TV_OUT Connector

HCLK_NB

14MOSC

Twister PN-133T (VT8606) PCIGNT#/PCIREQ#
PIRQA#
MD(0..63) MA(0..13)

PCLK_NB
DCLKWR

Clock Generator
ICS 9248-195
DCLKO

14MCRT/14.3M_TV PCLK_1394 PCLK_PCM PCLK_MINI

CLK_SDRAM0 CLK_SDRAM2,3

TFT Panel Interface
AD(0..31)

PCI BUS
1

Mini PCI Socket PIRQB#/PIRQD#
GNT#0/REQ#0 GNT#1/REQ#1 AD27/AD28

CardBus OZ6933
PIRQA#/PIRQB# GNT#3/REQ#3 AD15

USB Port 0,1 FIR
48MHZ

PCLK_SB

Memory Damping Resistor

On Board 64/128MB (Bank 0)

SO-DIMM 0 (Bank 2,3)

IEEE 1394
PIRQC# GNT#2/REQ#2 AD24

VT686B
14MOSC

AC97 Interface
SA(0..15) SD(0..15)

DIRECT CD-PLAY FUNCTION

IDE CHANNEL

Slot 0&1 Power On/Off Reset Circuit

Slot 0 ISA BUS

Pull Up/Down Resistor IDE Damping Resistor

KeyBoard 87570
DC/DC Interface RTC Battery I/O Buffer Power Circuit DC/DC BIOS KBD Touch Pad

PIO IDE Connector (FDD/HDD/CR-ROM)

Chapter 1

3

Board Layout
Top View

1 2 3 4

Power On/Off LID switch LCD connector LID switch System board connector

5 6 7 8

Software debug only, normally shipping on this connector FDD connector Internal keyboard connector Switch board connector

4

Chapter 1

Bottom View

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Mini PCI connector 1394 Connector CPU socket for FC-PGA370 CD-ROM connector Print port connector CRT connector TV out connector for S-video only HDD connector

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

So-DIMM connector for SDRAM only CPU fan connector PCMCIA socket connector Battery connector AC adapter input connector PS/2 keyboard and PS/2 mouse connector USB connector USB connector

Chapter 1

5

Outlook View
A general introduction of ports allow you to connect peripheral devices, as you would with a desktop PC.

Front View

6

Chapter 1

# 1 2

Icon 1

Item Display screen Power button

Description Also called LCD (liquid-crystal display), displays computer output. Turns on the computer power.

3

Status LCD

LCD that display icons to show the status of the computer and its functions and components. Inputs data into your computer. Touch-sensitive pointing device which functions like a computer mouse. The left and right buttons function like the left and right mouse buttons. Buttons for launching frequently-used programs. Please seee User's Guide "Launch keys" on page 22 for more details. Shows the power and email status. Outputs sound. Comfortable support area for your hands when you use the computer. Accepts a 3.65-inch diskette. Press to eject the diskette from the floppy drive.

4 5 6 7

Keyboard Touchpad Click buttons (left and right) Launch keys

8 9 10 11 12

Status indicators Speaker Palmrest Floppy drive Floppy drive eject button

Chapter 1

7

Left Panel

# 1

Icon

Item Optical drive

Description Depending on your model: --CD-ROM drive reads CDs --DVD-ROM drive reads CDs and DVDs --DVD/CD-RW combo drive reads CDs and DVDs, and writes to CD-Rs and CD-RWs.

2

Optical drive eject button Optical drive emergency eject hole

Ejects the disc from the optical drive.

3

Eject the disc from the optical drive when the computer is turned off. See User's Guide "How do I eject the optical drive tray with the computer turned off?" on page 78 fo more details.

8

Chapter 1

Right Panel

# 1

Icon

Item Speaker/headphoneout jack

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

2

Microphone-in jack

Connects and external microphone.

3 4

PC Card eject buttons PC Card slots

Eject the selected PC Card from its slot. Accepts one Type III or two TypeII/I PC Card(s).

5

DC-in jack

Connects to the AC adapter.

6

PS/2 port

Connects toa PS/2-compatible device (e.g., PS/2 keyboard/mouse/keypad).

7

USB port (two)

Connects to the USB devices (e.g., USB mouse).

Chapter 1

9

Rear Panel

# 1

Icon

Item Security keylock

Description Connects to a Kensington-compatible computer security lock.

2

IEEE 1394 port

Connects to a IEEE 1394 compatible device (e.g., digital camcorder).

3

Network jack

Connects to an Ethernet 10/100-based network.

4

Modem jack

Connects a phone line (only for models with an internal fax/data modem).

5

Parallel port

Connects to a parallel device (e.g., parallel printer).

6

External display port

Connects t a display monitor.

7

Video-out port

Connects to a display device with S-video input.

10

Chapter 1

Bottom Panel

# 1 2

Icon

Item Hard disk bay Battery release button

Description Houses the computer's hard disk. Press and hold to release the battery latch.

3 4 5

Battery release latch Battery bay Memory compartment

Unlatches the battery to remove the battery pack. Houses the computer's battery pack. Houses the computer's main memory.

Chapter 1

11

Indicators
The computer has an easy-to-read status LCD (1) located above the keyboard. Two status indicators, power (2), and email (3) are located near the front of the computer.

The status LCD displays icons that show the status of the ocmpouter and its components..
Icon Function Caps lock Description Caps Lock is activated.

Num lock

Numeric Lock (for embedded keypad) is activated.

Pad lock

Pad Lock (for embedded keypad) is activated.

Scroll lock

Scroll Lock is activated.

Optical drive/Hard disk activity

CD or DVD drive or hard disk is being accessed.

Floppy drive activity

Floppy drive is being accessed.

PC Card activity

PC Card is being accessed.

12

Chapter 1

Icon

Function AC power

Description Computer is running on AC power.

Battery charge

Battery is being charged.

Battery full

Battery is fully charge.

Battery gauge

Batter is 75 to 100 percent full.

Battery gauge

Batter is 31 to 75 percent full, and battery is running low.

Battery gauge

Battery is 6 to 30 percent full, and battery is running low.

Note: Charge the battery as soon as possible.
Battery gauge Battery is critically-low.

Note: Battery gauge icon is blinking.

Battery gauge

Battery temperature is too high. Note: Save your work and shut down your computer to let the battery cool down.

Battery gauge

Battery is not installed.

In addition to the status LCD, the computer includes power and email status indicators.

Icon Power

Function

Description Lights when the computer is on.

Email

Lights when incoming email is received. To launch your email program and rea dthe incoming email, press the email button beside this indicator.

Chapter 1

13

Lock Keys
The keyboard has three lock keys which you can toggle on and off.

Lock Key Caps Lock Pad Lock (Fn-F10) Num lock (Fn-F11)

Description When Caps Lock is on, all alphabetic characters typed are in uppercase. When Pad Lock is on, the embedded keypad is in cursor mode, The keys function as a directional keypad including Insert and Delete keys. When Num Lock is on, the embedded keypad is in numeric mode. The keys function as a calculator (complete with the arithmetic operators +, -, *, and /). Use this mode when you need to do a lot of numeric data entry. A better solution would be to connect an external keypad. See User's Manual "External keyboard" on page 40. When Scroll Lock is on, the screen moves one line up or down when you press w and y respectively. Scroll Lock does not work with some applications.

Scroll lock (Fn-F12)

14

Chapter 1

Embedded Numeric Keypad
The embedded numeric keypad functions like a desktop numeric keypad. It is indicated by small characters located on the upper right corner of the keycaps. The embedded keypad can function in numberic mode or cursor-control mode.

Desired Access Number keys on embedded keypad Cursor-control keys on embedded keypad Main keyboard keys

Num Lock On Type numbers in a normal manner. Hold j while using cursor-control keys. Hold Fn while typing letters on embedded keypad. Also hold down j for capital letters.

Pad Lock On Hold j while typing numbers. Use cursor-control keys in a normal manner. Hold Fn while tping letters on embedded keypad. Also hold down j for capital letters.

Chapter 1

15

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

Key Windows logo key

Icon

Description Start button. Combinations with this key perform special functions. Below are a few examples: + Tab (Activates next taskbar button) + E (Explores My Computer) + F (Finds Document) + M (Minimizes All)
j + Windows logo key + M (Undoes Minimize All)

+ R (Displays Run dialog box) Application key Opens a context menu (same as a right-click).

16

Chapter 1

Hot Keys
The computer uses hotkey or key combinations to perform functions such as controlling the screen brightness and specifying where to display output.

Hot Key Fn-F5

Icon

Function Display toggle

Description Switches display output between the display screen, external monitor (if connected) and both the display screen and external monitor. Increases the screen brightness.

Fn-w

Brightness Up

Fn-y

Brightness Down

Decreases the screen birghtness.

NOTE: When activating hotkeys, press and hold the Fn key before pressing the other key in the hotkey combination.

Chapter 1

17

Keyboard Ergonomics
Located below the keyboard, the wide and curved palm rest is ergonomically desinged to provide you with a very comfortable place to rest your hands while you type.

18

Chapter 1

Touchpad
The built-in touchpad is a PS/2-compatible pointing device that senses movement on its surface. This means the cursor responds as you move your finger on the surface of the touchpad. The central location on the palm rest provides you optimum comfort and support.

NOTE: If you are using an external PS/2 mouse, the touchpad is automatically disabled. You can enable or disable this function in BIOS.

Touchpad Basics
The following teaches you how to use the touchpad:



Move your finger across the touchpad to move the cursor. Press the left (1) and right (2) buttons located on the edge of the touchpad to do selection and execution functions. These two buttons are similar to the left and right buttons on a mouse. Tapping on the touchpad produces similar results.

Function Execute

Left Button Click twice quickly Click once Click and hold, then use finger to drag the cursor on the touchpad

Righ Button

Tap Tap twice (at the same speed as double-clicking the mouse button) Tap once Tap twice (at the same speed as double-clicking a mouse button) then hold finger to the touchpad on the second tap to drag the cursor

Select Drag

Access context menu Scroll

Click once

Chapter 1

19

NOTE: Keep your fingers dry and clean when using the touchpad. Also keep the touchpad dry and clean. The touchpad is sensitive to finger movements. Hence, the lighter the touch, the better the response. Tapping too hard will not increase the touchpad's responsiveness.

20

Chapter 1

Launch Keys
Located near the front end of the computer (between the speakers) are launch keys that perform various functions. Depending on the set mode, these launch keys may be used to launch applications for play back music CDs. NOTE: The Audio DJ feature is also available even when the computer is off.

# 1 1

Icon

Item Mode Switch

Description This sets the launch key mode. Slide the switch to the desired mode.

AP (Application) mode.

1

Lock mode

1

Audio DJ mode

2

1 (AP mode)

Launches a user-configurable application.

2

Stop/Eject (Audio DJ mode)

Stop playback of the music CD; when playback is stopped, ejects the drive tray.

Chapter 1

21

# 3

Icon 2

Item (AP mode)

Description Launches a user-configurable application.

3

Play/Pause (Audio DJ mode)

Plays and pauses playback of the music CD.

4

Email (AP mode)

Launches your email program.

4

Previous Track (Audio DJ mode)

Jumps to the previous track on the music CD. (AP mode) Launches your internet browser.

5

Internet Browser (AP mode)

5

Next Track (Audio DJ mode)

Jumps to the next track on the music CD.

6

Volume Buttons

Decreases (-) or increase (+) the volume.

22

Chapter 1

Hardware Specifications and Configurations
Processor
Item CPU type CPU package CPU core voltage CPU I/O voltage Specification Pentium III 1.0G/Pentium III 1.13G FC-PGA package/FC-PGA2 package 1.75V/1.475V 1.25V/1.25V

BIOS
Item BIOS vendor BIOS Version BIOS ROM type BIOS ROM size BIOS package Supported protocols Phoenix 1.0 Flash ROM 512KB TSOP ACPI 1.0b,PC Card 95, SM BIOS 2.3, EPP/IEEE 1284, ECP/IEEE 1284 1.7 & 1.9, PCI 2.2, PnP 1.0a, DMI 2.0, PS/2 keyboard and mouse, USB, VESA VGA BIOS, CD-ROM bootable, Set by setup manual Specification

BIOS password control

Second Level Cache
Item Cache controller Cache size 1st level cache control 2st level cache control Cache scheme control Built-in CPU 128KB/512KB Always enabled Always enabled Fixed in write-back Specification

System Memory
Item Memory controller Onboard memory size DIMM socket number Supports memory size per socket Supports maximum memory size Supports DIMM type Supports DIMM Speed Supports DIMM voltage Supports DIMM package Memory module combinations Via Twister-T 128MB 1 sockets (2 banks) 512MB 640MB Synchronous DRAM 100MHz or 133 MHz 3.3V 144-pin soDIMM You can install memory modules in any combinations as long as they match the above specifications. Specification

Chapter 1

23

Memory Combinations
On Board 128 MB 128 MB 128 MB 128 MB 128 MB 0 MB 64 MB 128 MB 256 MB 512 MB Slot 1 128 MB 192 MB 256 MB 384 MB 640 MB Total Memory

Above table lists some system memory configurations. You may combine DIMMs with various capacities to form other combinations. NOTE: The shipping specification for DIMM combination is 128MB in slot 1.. LAN Interface
Item Supports LAN protocol LAN connector type LAN connector location 10/100 Mbps RJ45 Rear side Specification

Modem Interface
Item Data modem data baud rate (bps) Supports modem protocol Modem connector type Modem connector location 56K V.90 MDC RJ11 Rear side Specification

Floppy Disk Drive Interface
Item Vendor & model name Floppy Disk Specifications Media recognition Sectors/track Tracks Rotational speed (RPM) Read/write heads Encoding method Power Requirement Input Voltage (V) +5V +/- 10% 2DD (720KB) 9 80 300 2 MFM/FM 2HD (1.2MB, 3-mode) 15 80 360 2HD (1.44MB) 18 80 300 Mitsumi D353G Specification

Hard Disk Drive Interface
Item Vendor & Model Name Capacity (MB) Bytes per sector Data heads Drive Format Specification TOSHIBA 15G (MK1517) 15000 512 2 IBM 15G (IC25N015AT D) 15000 512 2 TOSHIBA 20G (MK2017) 20000 512 3 IBM 20G (IC25N020AT D) 20000 512 3 TOSHIBA 30G (MK3017) 30000 512 4 IBM 30G (IC25N030AT D) 30000 512 4

24

Chapter 1

Hard Disk Drive Interface
Item Disks Spindle speed (RPM) Buffer size Interface Max. media transfer rate (disk-buffer, Mbytes/s) Data transfer rate (host~buffer, Mbytes/s) Voltage tolerance 1 4200 RPM Specification 1 4200 RPM 2 4200RPM 2 4200RPM 2 4200RPM 2 4200RPM

Performance Specifications 2048KB ATA-5 216 512KB ATA-5 235 2048KB ATA-5 287 2048KB ATA-5 216 2048KB ATA-5 235 2048KB ATA-5 287

100 MB/Sec. Ultra DMA mode-5

100 MB/Sec. Ultra DMA mode-5

100 MB/Sec. Ultra DMA mode-5

100 MB/Sec. Ultra DMA mode-5

100 MB/Sec. Ultra DMA mode-5

100 MB/Sec. Ultra DMA mode-5

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

DVD-ROM Interface
Item Vendor & model name Performance Specification Transfer rate (KB/sec) Data Buffer Capacity Interface Applicable disc format Toshiba SD-C2502 With CD Diskette Sustained: Max 3.6Mbytes/sec 128 KBytes IDE/ATAPI DVD: DVD-ROM (DVD-5, DVD-9, DVD-10, DVD-18),DVD-R (read, single border) CD: CD-DA, CD+(E)G, CD-MIDI, CD-TEXT, CD-ROM, CD-ROM XA, CD-I, CDI Bridge (Photo-CD, Video-CD) Multisession CD (Photo-CD, CD-EXTRA, CD-R, CD-RW), CD-R (read), CD-RW (read) Loading mechanism Load: Manual Release: (a) Electrical Release (Release Button) (b) Release by ATAPI command (c) Emergency Release Power Requirement Input Voltage +5 V +/- 5 % (Operating) +/- 8 % (Start up) With DVD Diskette Sustained: Max 10.8Mbytes/sec Specification

Chapter 1

25

Audio Interface
Item Audio Controller Audio onboard or optional Mono or Stereo Resolution Compatibility Mixed sound source Voice channel Sampling rate Internal microphone Internal speaker / Quantity Supports PnP DMA channel Supports PnP IRQ CS 4299 Built-in Stereo 20 bit stereo Digital to analog converter 18 bit stereo Analog to Ditial converter Microsoft PC98/PC99, AC97 2.1 Line-in, CD, Video, AUX 8/16-bit, mono/stereo 44.1 KHz No Yes DMA channel 0 DMA channel 1 IRQ3, IRQ5, IRQ7, IRQ9, IRQ10, IRQ11 Specification

Video Interface
Item Chip vendor Chip name Chip voltage Supports ZV (Zoomed Video) port VIA TWISTER-T Core/3.3V No Specification

Video Resolutions Mode (for both LCD and CRT)
Resolution 640x480 720x480 800x600 848x480 1024x768 1152x864 1280x1024 1400x1050 1600x1200 8 bits (256 colors) Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 16 bits (High color) Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 24 bits (True color) Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 32 bits (True color) Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Parallel Port
Item Parallel port controller Number of parallel port Location Connector type VT686B 1 Rear side 25-pin D-type connector, in female type Specification

26

Chapter 1

Parallel Port
Item Parallel port function control Specification Enable/Disable/Auto (BIOS or operating system chooses configuration) by BIOS Setup Note: Depending on your operating system, disabling an unused device may help free system resources for other devices. Supports ECP/EPP/Bi-directional (PS/2 compatible) Optional ECP DMA channel (in BIOS Setup) Optional parallel port I/O address (in BIOS Setup) Optional parallel port IRQ (in BIOS Setup) Yes (set by BIOS setup) Note: When Mode is selected as EPP mode, "3BCh" will not be available. DMA channel 1 and 3 3BCh, 278h, 378h IRQ7, IRQ5

USB Port
Item USB Compliancy Level OHCI Number of USB port Location Serial port function control 1.1 USB 1.1 2 Right panel Enable/Disable by BIOS Setup Specification

PCMCIA Port
Item PCMCIA controller Supports card type Number of slots Access location Supports ZV (Zoomed Video) port Supports 32 bit CardBus OZ6933 Type-III/II One type-III or Two type-II Left side No ZV support Yes (IRQ11) Specification

System Board Major Chips
Item System core logic Super I/O controller Audio controller Video controller Hard disk drive controller Keyboard controller RTC VIA PN133/VT686B Build in VT686B Crystal 4299 AC 97 codes VIA Twister-T VT686B 87570 VT686B Controller

Keyboard
Item Keyboard controller Keyboard vendor & model name Total number of keypads NS 87570 Chicony MPO 130 87 keys with 101/102 key emulation Specification

Chapter 1

27

Keyboard
Item Windows 95 keys Internal & external keyboard work simultaneously Yes Yes Specification

Battery
Item Vendor & model name Battery Type Pack capacity Cell voltage Number of battery cell Package configuration Package voltage Panasonic/SUMSUNG Li-ion 57Wh V/cell 8 4 cells in series, 2 series in parallel 14.8V Specification

LCD Inverter Specification FOR 14.1" Panel List
No. 1 2 LCD Type 14.1" SVGA TFT 14.1" SVGA TFT Vendor HANSTAR IBM Model No. HSD141PX11A REV1 ITXG77X Frequency range (Min./Typ./Max) 40/50/60KHz 40/60/65HKz Lamp current (mArms) Min/Typ/Max 20-6.5mA 2.5-6.4mA

General Description This inverter is designed for the CCFL of 550 14.1" LCD which are using on the 550 notebook. We use two signals to control the LCD brightness. One is the Enable, which turn on and turn off the birightness of LCD. The other is the PWM, which tune the brightness by modulating the duty cycle. This inverter uses open loop control circuit and meets with safety requirements. Features 1. +5V Fixed input voltage 2. Birghtness adjustment by PWM duty cycle 3. Current Limited function, meet with safety requirement Inverter Characteristics
No . 1 2 3 Parameter Input voltage Input current Lamp Current 3.0 mArms IL 5.50 5.75 6.00 mArms Enable= H, PWM Duty = 100% Enable = H, PWM Duty = 30% 4 Lamp voltage 625 Vrms At IL = 6.0 mArms Iin ---1A A Symbol +5V Min. 4.75 Typ. 4.85 Max. 4.95 V Unit Conditions

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Chapter 1

Inverter Characteristics
No . 5 6 7 8 9 10 Parameter Frequency Output power Efficiency Starting voltage Enable PWM signals *3 Symbol F Pout


Min. 45 -80 1500 2.4 --2.4 -55 -85 ---

Typ.

Max. 65 4.5 ----

Unit kHz W % Vrms V *2

Conditions

Vs VIH VIL VIH VIL

At 0 degree C Compal Output H: 3.3V Compal Output L: 0V PWM signal frequency Compal OUtput H: 5.0V Compal Output L: 0V

0.8 -0.8

V Hz V V % Multiple

150

30 11 Current Waveform factor

--

100 1.56

Ip I rms

1.27

2
-10% 0 +10% Multiple

OR

I-p I rms

*8

12

Unbalance Rate

I p - I-p Irms

Environment: Temperature: Operating temperature: 0°C~55°C Storage temperature: -20°C~80°C Humidity: 0~90% without condensation MTBF: 5000 hours NO.1: 14.1" XGA TFT, HANSTAR, HSD141PX11-A NOTE: Please pay attention to the fellowing: *1. Make sure open lamp output voltage should be within starting voltage specification. *2. Inverter should pass human body safety test. *3. PWM signal is a 150HZ square wave. The backlight brightness is maxmum when PWM at 100% duty cycle and backlight brightness is minimum when PWM at 30% duty cycle. Ps1. Duty cycle=T(on)/T(period) *4. The Inverter output should be 100% duty cycle when lamp current is less than 70% lamp current setting. (No matter of PWM signal) *5. Transformer voltage stress should not be over 85%. *6. Transformer temperature rising should be less than 30 degree C.

Chapter 1

29

*7. Audio noise: less than 36db@10cm distance NOTE: *8. Wave form requirement: 1.27<=Ip/Irms<=1.8 LCD Inverter Specification FOR 15.0" Panel Lis
No. LCD Type 15.0" XGA TFT LG Vendor Model No. LP150X1G2CP (XGA TFT) ITSX95C Frequency range Min./Typ./Max 40/60/80KHz Lamp current (mArms) Min/Typ/Max 3.0/6.0/8.0mA

15.0" SXGA TFT

IBM

40/.../60KHz

3.0/6.5/7.0mA

This Inverter is desigened for the CCFL of 550 15.1" LCD which are using on the 550 notebook. We use PWM duty to control the LCD brightness. Features 1. +5V fixed input voltage 2. Brightness adjustment by PWM duty cycle. 3. Build with Current limited function and open lamp protection function, meet with safety requirement. Inverter Characteristics
No . 1 2 3 Parameter Input voltage Input current Lamp Current 3.0 mArms ILmas 5.5 5.75 6.0 mArms Enable= H, PWM Duty = 100% Enable = H, PWM Duty = 30% 4 Lamp voltage 5 6 7 8 9 10 Frequency Output power Efficiency Starting voltage Enable PWM signals *3 F Pout


Symbol Vin Iin

Min. 4.7 --

Typ. 4.8 ---

Max. 4.9 1.2 V A

Unit

Conditions

VL

--

690 55 -85

--

Vrms kHz W % Vrms

At IL = 5.5 mArms

45 -80 1550 2.4 --2.4

65 4.6 --

*2

Vs VIH VIL VIH VIL

At 0 degree C Compal Output H: 3.3V Compal Output L: 0V PWM signal frequency Compal OUtput H: 5.0V Compal Output L: 0V

--150

-0.8 -0.8

V V Hz V V %

30

--

100

30

Chapter 1

Inverter Characteristics
No . 11 Parameter Current Waveform factor Symbol Min. 1.27 Typ. Max. 1.56 Unit Multiple OR Conditions *10

Ip I rms

2

I-p I rms

12

Unbalance Rate

-10%

0

+10%

Multiple

I p - I-p Irms

Environment: Temperature: Operating temperature: 0°C~55°C Storage temperature: -20°C~80°C Humidity: 0~90% without condensation MTBF: 5000 hours NO.1: 14.1" XGA TFT, HANSTAR, HSD141PX11-A NOTE: Please pay attention to the fellowing: *1. Make sure open lamp output voltage should be within starting voltage specification. *2. Inverter should pass human body safety test. *3. Inverter should no smoking by any component open/short test. *5. Transformer temperature rising should be less than 30 degree C. *6. Transformer voltage stress should not be over 85% under any condition (turn on overshoot transient and line transient). *7. Wave from requirement: 1.27<=Ip/Irms<= 1.56 *8 Audio noise should be less than 36dB at 10cm distance. *9 Ip implies zero to positive peak value of lamp current. *10 I-p implise zero to negative peak value of lamp current LCD
Item Vendor & model name IBM ITXG77X Specification Hannstar HSD141PX11_A Rev.1 14.1 TFT XGA (1024x768) 262K keyboard hotkey No Yes LG LP105X1-G2CP IBM ITSX95C

Mechanical Specifications LCD display area (diagonal, inch) Display technology Resolution Supports colors Optical Specification Brightness control Contrast control Suspend/Standby control Electrical Specification keyboard hotkey No Yes keyboard hotkey No Yes keyboard hotkey No Yes 14.1 TFT XGA (1024x768) 262K 15.0 TFT XGA (1024x768) 262K 15.0 TFT SXGA+ (1400x1050) 262K

Chapter 1

31

LCD
Item Supply voltage for LCD display (V) Supply voltage for LCD backlight (Vrms) 3.3 690 3.3 690 Specification 3.3 690 3.3 690

AC Adapter
Item Vendor & model name Input Requirements Maximum input current (A, @90Vac, full load) Nominal frequency (Hz) Frequency variation range (Hz) Nominal voltages (Vrms) Inrush current Efficiency Output Ratings (CV mode) DC output voltage Noise + Ripple Output current Output Ratings (CC mode) DC output voltage Constant output Dynamic Output Characteristics Start-up time Hold up time Over Voltage Protection (OVP) Short circuit protection Electrostatic discharge (ESD) Dielectric Withstand Voltage Primary to secondary Leakage current Regulatory Requirements 2150 Vdc for 1 second 100uA at 254Vac 1. FCC class B requirements(USA) 2. VDE class B requirements(German) 3. VCCI classII requirements(Japan) ACPI mode Mech. Off (G3) Soft Off (G2/S5)


Specification ADAPTER PA-1600-02 CA 60W 3 PINS 1.8 A 0.9 A 47 - 63 47 - 63 90 - 264 The maximum inrush current will be less than 50A and 100A when the adapter is connected to 115Vac(60Hz) and 230Vac(50Hz) respectively. It should provide an efficiency of 83% minimum, when measured at maximum load under 115V(60Hz). +18.8V~20.0V including the effects of line voltage variation, load current, ripple and noise 300mvp-pmax (20MHz bandwidth) for resistor load 0 A (min.) +12V ~ +19V 3.16A 2 sec. (@115Vac) 5 ms min. (@115 Vac input, full load) 27 V Output can be shorted without damage, and auto recovery 15kV (at air discharge) 8kV (at contact discharge) 3.16 A (max.) @ 90Vac @ 180Vac

Power Management All devices in the system are turned off completely. OS initiated shutdown. All devices in the system are turned off completely.

32

Chapter 1

ACPI mode Working (G0/S0) S1 Sleeping State


Power Management Individual devices such as the CPU and hard disk may be power managed in this state. CPU Stop Clock VGA Standby, turn off back-light PCMCIA Standby Hard Disk Spin Down motor CD-ROM Spin Down Super I/O Power down CPU set power down VGA Suspend PCMCIA Suspend Audio Suspend Hard Disk Power Down CD-ROM Power Down Super I/O Power Down System Saves all system states and data onto disk prior to power off the whole system.

S3 Sleeping State



S4 Sleeping State



Environmental Requirements
Item Temperature Operating Non-operating Non-operating Humidity Operating Non-operating Non-operating Vibration Operating (unpacked) Non-operating (unpacked) 5~500Hz: 1.0G 50~500Hz: 2.16G 20% to 80% RH, non-condensing 20% to 90% RH, non-condensing (unpacked) 20% to 90% RH, non-condensing (storage package) +5~+35 °C -20~+65 °C -20~+65 °C (storage package) Specification

Mechanical Specification
Item Dimensions Weight I/O Ports Specification 322 (W) x 277 (D) x 37.5/43.3(H) for 14.1 inch model 322(W) x 277 (D) x 38/44 (H) for 15.0 inch model 6.68lbs for 14.1 inch model; 7.2 lbs for 15.0 inch model 1 parallel port (25 pins) EPP/ECP capability, 1 CRT port (15 pins) supports DDC 2B, 1 external PS2/AT full keyboard connector& 1 TV-out connector, 1 microphone-in port, 1 headphone-out with SPDIF port, 1 AC adapter jack (2 pins), 1 type III or type II PCMCIA card bus slots, 2 USB ports (4 pins), 11394 port (4 pins),1 RJ-11/RJ-45 port One Housing: Byer FR2000 Panel Indicators Switch : Plastic Status LCD, Power LED, E-mail LED Power, Lid, Application/Button Lock/CD-Play, Eject/Stop Button, Play/Pause Button, Reverse Button, Forward Button, Volume Down Button, volume up button

Drive Bays Material

Chapter 1

33

Memory Address Map
Memory Address 00100000h-000F0000h 000CD000h-000C0000h 000C0000h-000A0000h 000A0000h-00000000h 128 KB 640KB 512 KB Size VGA BIOS Video memory (VRAM) Conventional memory Function System BIOS

I/O Address Map
I/O Address 000-00F 020-021 040-043 060, 064 061 040B 061 070-071 080-08F 0A0-0A1 0C0-0DF 0F0-0FF 170-177 1F0-1F7 220-22F 240-24F 278-27F 378,37A 3B0-3BB 3C0-3DF 3F0h-3F7 3F0-3F7 480-48F, 4D6 4D0-4D1 CF8-CFF Standard Floppy Disk Controller Floppy disk controller DMA controller-1 PCI configuration register DMA controller-1 Interrupt controller-1 Timer 1 Keyboard controller 38859 chip select System speaker out DMA controller-1 System speaker Real-time clock and NMI mask DMA page register Interrupt controller-2 DMA controller-2 Numeric data processor 2nd EIDE device (CD-ROM) select 1st EIDE device (hard drive) select Audio Audio (optional) Parallel port 3 Paraller port 1 Video Controller Function

IRQ Assignment Map
Interrupt Channel IRQ00 IRQ01 IRQ02 IRQ03 IRQ04 IRQ05 IRQ06 IRQ07 IRQ08 IRQ09 System timer Keyboard Programmable Interrup Controller Free Free 1. PCI Audio 2. Internal Modem and Carbus Controller and IEEE 1394 host controller Standard Floppy Disk Controller ECP Printer Port (LPT1) Real Time Clock SCI IRQ used by ACPI bus Function(Hardware)

34

Chapter 1

IRQ Assignment Map
Interrupt Channel IRQ10 IRQ11 IRQ12 IRQ13 IRQ14 IRQ15 S3 savage 4 O2Micro CardBus Control slot1 O2Micro CardBus Control slot1 USB Universal Host Control PS/2 Mouse Numeric data processor Primary IDE channel (hard disk) Secondary IDE channel (CD-ROM drive) Function(Hardware)

DMA Channel Assignment
DMA Channel 00 01 02 03 ECP Printer Port (default) Free Free Function(Hardware) Standard Floppy Disk Controller

Chapter 1

35

36

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

System Utilities
BIOS Setup Utility
The BIOS Setup Utility is a hardware configuration program built into your computer's BIOS (Basic Input/ Output System). Your computer is already properly configured and optimized, and you do not need to run this utility. However, if you encounter configuration problems, you may need to run Setup. Please also refer to Chapter 4 Troubleshooting when problem arises. To activate the BIOS Utility, press m during POST (when "Press to enter Setup" message is prompted on the bottom of screen).

Navigating the BIOS Utility
There are six menu options: Main, System Device, Security, Others, Boot, and Exit. Follow these instructions:


To choose a menu, use the cursor left/right keys (zx). To choose a parameter, use the cursor up/down keys ( wy). To change the value of a parameter, press p or q. A plus sign (+) indicates the item has sub-items. Press e to expand this item. Press ^ while you are in any of the menu options to go to the Exit menu. In any menu, you can load default settings by pressing t. You can also press u to save any changes made and exit the BIOS Setup Utility.

NOTE: You can change the value of a parameter if it is enclosed in square brackets. Navigation keys for a particular menu are shown on the bottom of the screen. Help for parameters are found in the Item Specific Help part of the screen. Read this carefully when making changes to parameter values.

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37

Main
The Main screen displays a summary of your computer hardware information, and also includes basic setup parameters.

NOTE: The screen above is for reference only. Actual values may differ.

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

Parameter System Time System Date

Description Sets the system time. Sets the system date.

Format/Option Format: HH:MM:SS (hour:minute:second)System Time Format MM/DD/YYYY (month/day/ year) System Date

Floppy Drive Hard Disk Quiet Boot Power on display LCD Display stretch System Memory Extended Memory BIOS Ver.Product Name

Shows floppy drive type information. Shows the hard disk model. Determines the way the system boots up.Shows the high-capacity disc drive installed. Determines the display device on startup. Specifies whether or not to expand the image to fill the screen Shows the amount of system memory. Shows the amount of extended memory Shows the system BIOS version. Options: Enabled or Disabled Option: Auto-Selected or Simultaneous Option: Enabled or Disabled

The items in this screen are important and vital information about your computer. If you experience computer problems and need to contact technical support, this data helps our service personnel know more about your computer. NOTE: Main memory = system memory + extended memory

38

Chapter 2

System Devices
The System Devices screen contains parameters involving your hardware devices.

Main

System Devices

Security

Others

Boot

Exit

Item Specific Help Pointing Device: Ext. Keyboard "Fn": IDE Controller: FDD Controller: Parallel Port: Interrupt: Mode: Base I/O address: DMA channel: VGA Frame Buffer Size: [Simultaneous] [Enabled] [Both] [Enabled] [Enabled] [IRQ 7] [ECP] [378] [DMA 3] [16 Mb]

F1 Help Esc Exit

Select Item Select Menu

F5/F6 Change Values Enter Select > Sub-Menu

F9 Setup Defaults F10 Save and Exit

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

Parameter Pointing Device Ext.Keyboard "Fn" IDE Controller FDD Controller Parallel Port IRQ Mode Base I/O address

Description Determines whether or not to disable the internal touchpad of a PS/2 pointing device is connected. Allows you to simulate an Fn key on an external keyboard by pressing the left b + left a keys Enables or disables the primary or secondary IDE controller or both. Enables or disables the floppy drive controller. Enables or disables the parallel port. Sets the interrupt request of the parallel port. Sets the operation mode of the parallel port. Sets the I/O address of the parallel port. This parameter is enabled only if Mode is set to ECP or Bi-directional. Sets a DMA channel for the printer to operate in ECP mode. This parameter is enabled only if Mode is set to ECP. Specifies the amount of main memory to allocate for VGA.

Options

Simultaneous or Auto-Selected Enabled or Disabled Both, Primary or Disabled Enabled or Disabled Enabled or Disabled IRQ 7 or IRQ5 ECP, EPP or Bi-directional 378, 278 or 38C

DMA Channel

3 or 1

VGA Frame Buffer Size

16Mb, 32Mb or 8Mb

NOTE: VGA takes up a portion of system memory, configurable via the VGA Frame Buffer parameter. For example, if you have 128 MB SDRAM, and you set a VGA Frame Buffer of 16MB, main memory is 112MB.

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39

Security
The Security screen contains parameters that help safeguard and protect your computer from unauthorized use.

Main

System Devices

Security

Others

Boot

Exit Item Specific Help

User Password: Set User Password: Password on boot:

Clear [Enter] [Disabled]

F1 Help Esc Exit

Select Item Select Menu

F5/F6 Change Values Enter Select > Sub-Menu

F9 Setup Defaults F10 Save and Exit

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

Parameter User Password Set User Password

Description Shows the setting of the user password. Press Enter to set the user password. When set, this password protects the BIOS Setup Utility from unauthorized access. When enabled, the user password protects the computer from unauthorized access during boot up.

Option

Clear or Set

Password on boot

Disabled or Enabled

NOTE: When you are prompted to enter a password, you have three tries before the system halts. Don't forget your password. If you forget your password, you may have to return your notebook computer to your dealer to reset it.

Setting a Password
Follow these steps: 1. Use the w andy keys to highlight the Set User Password parameter and press the e key. The Set User Password box appears:

Set Password Enter new password: Confirm new password: [ [ ] ]

40

Chapter 2

2.

Type a password in the Enter new password field. The password may consist of up to eight alphanumeric characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9). Retype the password in the Confirm new password field.

IMPORTANT:Be very careful when typing your password because the characters do not appear on the screen. 3. 4. 5. Press e. After setting the password, the computer sets the User Password parameter to "Set". If desired, you can opt to enable the Password on boot parameter. When you are done, press u to save the changes and exit the BIOS Setup Utility.

Removing a Password
Follow these steps: 1. Use the w and y keys to highlight the Set User Password parameter and press the e key. The Set Password box appears:

Set Password Enter Current Password Enter New Password Confirm New Password
2. 3. 4.

[ [ [

] ] ]

Type the current password in the Enter Current Password field and press e. Press e twice without typing anything in the Enter New Password and Confirm New Password fields. The computer then sets the User Password parameter to "Clear". When you have changed the settings, press u to save the changes and exit the BIOS Setup Utility.

Changing a Password
1. Use the w and y keys to highlight the Set User Password parameter and press the e key. The Set Password box appears:

Set Password Enter Current Password Enter New Password Confirm New Password
2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

[ [ [

] ] ]

Type the current password in the Enter Current Password field and press e. Type a password in the Enter New Password field. Retype the password in the Confirm New Password field. Press e. After setting the password, the computer sets the User Password parameter to "Set". If desired, you can enable the Password on boot parameter. When you are done, press u to save the changes and exit the BIOS Setup Utility.

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41

Others
The Others screen contains various parameter settings.

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

Parameter Low Battery Alarm Panel Close Alarm System Beep Sticky Key

Description Determines whether or not the system will alarm when the battery power is low. Determines whether or not the system will alarm when the display cover is closed. Determines whether or not the system will emit a beep on boot up. Determines whether or not to press Fn together with function keys (l,m...etc.) when you need to adjust the system functions, such as brightness. If you set it as enabled, then you do not have to press the function keys with the Fn key. You can press the Fn key once then adjust the function. If you select disabled, you have to press the Fn key with the function keys together Sets the operating system in use. Note: If your O/S is Win NT 4.0, please select the installed O/S as Win NT 4.0. Otherwise, there may be some power management problems occur, becuase Win NT 4.0 employs APC mode.

Options

Enabled or Disabled Disabled or Enabled Enabled or Disabled Enabled or Disabled

Installed O/S

Win98/Me/2K/XP or
only Win NT4.0

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Chapter 2

Boot
The Boot screen allows you to set the order in which the system looks for bootable devices on startup.

Accton Network Boot

The table below describes these devices.

Parameter Removable Devices Hard Drive CD-ROM/DVD Drive Accton Network Boot

Description The computer attempts to boot fro the removable device (e.g., floppy drive). If unsuccessful, the system goes to the next device in the list. The computer attempts to boot from the hard disk. If unsuccessful, the system goes to the next device in the list. The computer attempts to boot from the CD or DVD drive (looks for a bootable CD or DVD.) The computer attemptes to boot from LAN.

NOTE: A plus (+) sign may be shown in front of a device. You can press e to "expand" the device and see sub-items in this category.

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43

Exit
The Exit screen contains parameters that help safeguard and protect your computer from unauthorized use.

Main

System Devices

Security

Others

Boot

Exit Item Specific Help

Exit Saving Changes Exit Discarding Changes Load Setup Defaults Discard Changes Save Changes

F1 Help Esc Exit

Select Item Select Menu

F5/F6 Change Values Enter Execute Command

F9 Setup Defaults F10 Save and Exit

The table below describes the parameters in this screen.

Parameter Exit Saving Changes Exit Discarding Changes Load Setup Defaults Discard Changes Save Changes

Description Saves changes made and exits the BIOS Setup Utility (same as u ). Discards changes made and exits the BIOS Setup Utility. Loads default settings for all parameters (same as t ). Discards changes made. Save changes made.

44

Chapter 2

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


New versions of system programs New features or options Restore a BIOS when it becomes corrupted.

Use the Phlash utility to update the system BIOS flash ROM. NOTE: If you do not have a crisis recovery diskette at hand, then you should create a Crisis Recovery Diskette before you use the Phlash utility. NOTE: Do not install memory-related drivers (XMS, EMS, DPMI) when you use the Phlash. NOTE: Please use the AC adaptor power supply when you run the Phlash utility. If the battery pack does not contain enough power to finish BIOS flash, you may not boot the system because the BIOS is not completely loaded. Fellow the steps below to run the Phlash. 1. 2. 3. Prepare a bootable diskette. Copy the Phlash utilities to the bootable diskette. Then boot the system from the bootable diskette. The Phlash utility has auto-execution function.

System Utility Diskette
This utility diskette is for the Acer TravelMate 550 notebook machine. You can find the utility in Service CD kit. It provides the following functions: 1. 2. 3. Panel ID Utility Thermal & Fan Utility Mother Board Data Utility

To use this diskette, first boot from this diskette, then a "Microsoft Windows ME Startup Menu" prompt you to choose the testing item. Follow the instructions on screen to proceed. NOTE: This program contains a readme.txt file. This readme.txt file will introduce each test utility and its functions.

System Diagnostic Diskette
IMPORTANT: 1The diagnostics program we use for TravelMate 550 is not exactly the same as PQA (Product Quality Assurance), the diagnostic program we used to employ in other model. The system diagnostic utilities is provided by Acer Headquarters. You can utilize it as a basic diagnostic tool. To get this program, find it in the TravelMate 550 service CD kit. To better fit local service requirements, your regional office MAY have other diagnostic program. Please contact your regional offices or the responsible personnel/channel to provide you with further technical details.

NOTE: For ASSY Function Test Procedure, please prepare the following items for system components test: PIO loopback, diskette, mouse (PS/2), CD-Disk (Test Program), battery pack, SYS_card (Card Bus)X2, AC-adapter, keyboard, speaker and feather.

1

New added description. Please pay attention to it.

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Running Diagnostics Program
1. BIOS Re-flash Insert CD-Disk and floppy disk then boot from floppy disk drive to BIOS re-flash.

2.

Parallel Port Test

Insert PIO loopback ot parallel port for test.

3. .

RTC, FDD Test

Insert diskette to floppy disk drive for test.

4.

Thermal Test

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5. .

CD-ROM Test

First test left channel, if you hear sounds then press e key to test right channel.

If you hear sounds then press "P" key to pass this item.

6.

Batter Charge Test

Plug the AC adapter to the system for test.

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7. 8.

Video mode Test T/P Mouse Test

Check the RGB video mode display quality.

9.

FAN Test

Check if the fan has turned on with feathers.

10. LAN Test

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11. Keyboard Test Press all keys according to this order--from left to right and from up to down to test each key's function. If pass then press b + Break to continue the next test.

12. 32bit Syscard Test Insert two pieces of Syscard (Card bus) into PCMCIA slots for test. Check travel card if found error code on the card then record to SFIS and travel card else affix QC seal on the travel card.

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Chapter 3

Machine Disassembly and Replacement
This chapter contains step-by-step procedures on how to disassemble the notebook computer for maintenance and troubleshooting. To disassemble the computer, you need the following tools:


Wrist grounding strap and conductive mat for preventing electrostatic discharge plastic screw driver FPC fixture Tweezers Flat-bladed screw driver or plastic stick hex screw driver

plastic tool that can prize stripe cover NOTE: The screws for the different components vary in size. During the disassembly process, group the screws with the corresponding components to avoid mismatch when putting back the components. When you remove the stripe cover, please be careful not to scrape the cover.

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General Information
Before You Begin
Before proceeding with the disassembly procedure, make sure that you do the following: 1. 2. 3. Turn off the power to the system and all peripherals. Unplug the AC adapter and all power and signal cables from the system. Remove the battery pack.

NOTE: TravelMate 550 uses mylar or tape to fasten the FFC/FPC/connectors, you may need to tear the tape or mylar before you disconnect different FFC/FPC/connectors.

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Disassembly Procedure Flowchart
The flowchart on the succeeding page gives you a graphic representation on the entire disassembly sequence and instructs you on the components that need to be removed during servicing. For example, if you want to remove the system board, you must first remove the keyboard, then disassemble the inside assembly frame in that order.
Start

Ax2

Bx3

Battery

HDD Module

RAM Door

Main Unit (see next page)
Bx2

HDD Connector Thermal Module HDD RAM Module

Cx1

Stripe Cover DVDROM

Dx2 Ex2

15.0" LCD Module
Fx4

14.1" LCD Module
Fx4

System Window

Keyboard

LCD Module

LCD Bezel

LCD Bezel
Fx2

LCD Latch

Inverter Board
Gx4

LCD FPC

LCD Panel

LCD Bracketsx2
Fx2

LCD FPC
Fx4 Hx2

Inverter Board

LCD Bracketsx2

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Main Unit

Logic Lower (below)

Logic Upper

Stripe Cover

Right/Left Hinge Saddles

Keyboard FFC

System Window FFC

LCD Module

Audio Board FPC

Speakers Keyboard

System Window

Audio Board Module

Upper Shielding

Audio Board Shielding

Logic Lower

Touchpad Bracket

Audio Board

Floppy Disk Drive Module

Touch Pad

Switch Board

Main Board

Thermal Support

DVD Carrier

System Window FPC

PCMCIA Card

LAN/ Modem Card

Screw List
Item A B C D E F G H Description Screw M2.5 X 0.45+8FD-ZK Screw M2.5 X 4.5P+3FP-ZK Screw M2.5 X 0.45P+4FP-NI(NL) Screw M2.5 X 0.45+8FP-NI(NL) Screw M2.5 X 0.45+18FP-ZK(NL) Screw M2.5 X 0.45P+5K-2K(NL) Screw M2.0 X 0.4P+2.3(NL) Screw M2.0 X 0.4P+3FP-ZK(NL)

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Removing the Battery Pack
1. 2. Press the battery lock. Push the release button forward then remove the battery pack.

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Removing the HDD Module/Thermal Module/CPU and DVD-ROM
1. Remove the two screws of the HDD module, then remove the HDD module from the logic lower.

2.

Unscrew the three screws on the ram door. Then remove the ram door. Next, disconnect the thermal connector. Then, remove the four screws on the thermal module and remove the thermal module.

3.

Use the CPU fixture and the flat-bladed screw driver to remove the CPU.

4.

Remove the screw on the DVD-ROM bracket and push the DVD-ROM bracket. Then remove this module.

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Removing the LCD Module/the Keyboard and the System Window
Removing the LCD Module
1. 2. Remove the two (one on each side) screws holding the LCD stripe cover. Then prize the stripe cover with the plastic flat-bladed tool. Unscrew the four screws (two on each side) holding the LCD module to the main unit. Then, Disconnect LCD FPC and remove the LCD module.

Removing the keyboard
1. 2. Remove the four (two on each side) screws holding the keyboard. Disconnect the keyboard connector. After disconnect the keyboard connector then remove the keyboard.

Removing the system window
1. 2. Disconnect system window FPC. Unscrew the two screws holding the system window.Then remvoe the system window.

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Disassembling the Main Unit
Separate the main unit into the logic upper and the logic lower assembly
1. 2. Remove the four screw locks from I/O port. Then remove the two screws as the picture shows.

3. 4. 5.

Remove the eight screws on the logic lower. Disconnect switch board FPC. Remove the logic upper from the main unit.

Disassembling the logic upper
1. 2. Unscrew the five screws holding the right and the left hinge saddles. Remove the right and the left hinge saddles.

3. 4. 5. 6.

Tear the mylar from logic upper assembly. Remove the two screws holding the audio board. Remove the audio board shielding. Disconnect audio board FPC

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7. 8. 9.

Remove the four screws holding the upper shielding. Release the two locks. Then remove the upper shielding from the logic upper assembly.

10. Disconnect the two speakers wires (one on each side). 11. Remove the two screws holding the speakers on each side. Then remove the speakers. .

12. Disconnect touchpad FFC from the touch pad. 13. Remove the touchpad bracket as the pictures show. Please see the yellow arrows.

14. Remove the touchpad. 15. Disconnect the touchpad FFC and then remove it.

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16. Remove the two screws that hold switchboard on the logic upper. One is on the right; the other is on the left. 17. Disconnect the audio board FPC from the switchboard. 18. Disconnect the switchboard FPC. 19. These are complete steps for logic upper disassembly.

Disassembling the logic lower
1. 2. 3. Remove the two screws holding the floppy disk drive bracket. Disconnect the floppy disk drive FFC. Disconnect the system window FPC.

4. 5.

Remove the two screws holding the mainboard. Then remove the mainboard carefully.

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6. 7.

Unscrew the three screws that holds the DVD-ROM bracket. Remove the DVD-ROM bracket.

8. 9.

Remove the four screws holding the thermal support. Remove the thermal support.

10. Tear the tape on LAN/Modem card. 11. Disconnect the LAN/Modem card from mini PCD. 12. Disconnect LAN/Modem wires from the LAN/Modem card. 13. These are complete steps for logic lower disassembly.

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Disassembling the LCD Module-15 Inch
1. 2. 3. First remove the two screw pads then remove the two screws. Disattach the LCD bezel carefully. Please note that you have to push forward at the two indentations. Unscrew the two screws then remove the latch.

4. 5. 6.

Unscrew the two screws on the inverter board. Remove the four screws holding the right and left hinges. There are two screws on each side. Remove the right and the left hinge.

7. 8. 9.

Dettach the EMI tape and then remove LCD from the cover carefully. Disconnect the inverter board from LCD FPC. Disconnect the LCD power connector.

10. Disconnect the LCD FPC. 11. Unscrew the eight screws on the brackets. There are four on each side then remove the brackets.

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Disassembling the External Modules
Disassembling the HDD Module
1. 2. 3. Remove the four screws on HDD carrier. Remove the hard disk drive from the carrier. Disconnect the hard disk connector.

Disassembling the Floppy Disk Drive Module
1. 2. 3. Disconnect the floppy disk drive FFC. Unscrew the two screw holding the bracket. Unscrew the screw holding the bracket.

4. 5. .

Remove the right and the left brakets. Press the FDD latch with the fixture and remove the FDD panel.

Disassembling the DVD-ROM Module
1. 2. Unscrew the two screws holding the support plate. Then remove the support plate.

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Chapter 4

Troubleshooting
Use the following procedure as a guide for computer problems. NOTE: The diagnostic tests a