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Chapter 4

Troubleshooting
Use the following procedure as a guide for computer problems.
NOTE: The diagnostic tests are intended to test this model. Non-Acer products, prototype cards, or modified
options can give false errors and invalid system responses.
1. Duplicate symptom and obtain the failing symptoms in as much detail as possible.
2. Distinguish symptom. Verify the symptoms by attempting to re-create the failure by running the diagnostic
test or by repeating the same operation.
3. Disassemble and assemble the unit without any power sources.
4. If any problem occurs, you can perform visual inspection before you fellow this chapter's instructions. You
can check the following:
power cords are properly connected and secured;
there are no obvious shorts or opens;
there are no obviously burned or heated components;
all components appear normal.
5. Use the following table with the verified symptom to determine which page to go to.




Symptoms (Verified) Go To
Power failure. (The power indicator does not go "Power System Check" on page 65.
on or stay on.)
POST does not complete. No beep or error "Power-On Self-Test (POST) Error Message" on
codes are indicated. page 67
"Undetermined Problems" on page 79
POST detects an error and displayed messages "Error Message List" on page 68
on screen.
Other symptoms (i.e. LCD display problems or "Power-On Self-Test (POST) Error Message" on
others). page 67
Symptoms cannot be re-created (intermittent Use the customer-reported symptoms and go to
problems). "Power-On Self-Test (POST) Error Message" on
page 67
"Intermittent Problems" on page 78
"Undetermined Problems" on page 79




Chapter 4 63
System Check Procedures
External Diskette Drive Check
If an error occurs with the internal diskette drive, reconnect the diskette connector on the system board.
If the error still remains:
1. Reconnect the external diskette drive/DVD-ROM module.
2. Replace the external diskette drive/CD-ROM module.
3. Replace the main board.

External CD-ROM Drive Check
Do the following to isolate the problem to a controller, drive, or CD-ROM. Make sure that the CD-ROM does
not have any label attached to it. The label can cause damage to the drive or can cause the drive to fail.
Do the following to select the test device:
1. Boot from the diagnostics diskette and start the diagnostics program.
2. See if CD-ROM Test is passed when the program runs to CD-ROM Test.
3. Follow the instructions in the message window.
If an error occurs, reconnect the connector on the System board. If the error still remains:
1. Reconnect the external diskette drive/CD-ROM module.
2. Replace the external diskette drive/CD-ROM module.
3. Replace the main board.

Keyboard or Auxiliary Input Device Check
Remove the external keyboard if the internal keyboard is to be tested.
If the internal keyboard does not work or an unexpected character appears, make sure that the flexible cable
extending from the keyboard is correctly seated in the connector on the system board.
If the keyboard cable connection is correct, run the Keyboard Test.
If the tests detect a keyboard problem, do the following one at a time to correct the problem. Do not replace a
non-defective FRU:
1. Reconnect the keyboard cables.
2. Replace the keyboard.
3. Replace the main board.


The following auxiliary input devices are supported by this computer:
Numeric keypad
External keyboard
If any of these devices do not work, reconnect the cable connector and repeat the failing operation.

Memory check
Memory errors might stop system operations, show error messages on the screen, or hang the system.
1. Boot from the diagnostics diskette and start the doagmpstotics program (please refer to main board.
2. Go to the diagnostic memory in the test items.
3. Press F2 in the test items.
4. Follow the instructions in the message window.
NOTE: Make sure that the DIMM is fully installed into the connector. A loose connection can cause an error.


64 Chapter 4
Power System Check
To verify the symptom of the problem, power on the computer using each of the following power sources:
1. Remove the battery pack.
2. Connect the power adapter and check that power is supplied.
3. Disconnect the power adapter and install the charged battery pack; then check that power is supplied by
the battery pack.
If you suspect a power problem, see the appropriate power supply check in the following list:
"Check the Battery Pack" on page 66




Chapter 4 65
Check the Battery Pack
To check the battery pack, do the following:
From Software:
1. Check out the Power Management in control Panel
2. In Power Meter, confirm that if the parameters shown in the screen for Current Power Source and Total
Battery Power Remaining are correct.
3. Repeat the steps 1 and 2, for both battery and adapter.
4. This helps you identify first the problem is on recharging or discharging.
From Hardware:
1. Power off the computer.
2. Remove the battery pack and measure the voltage between battery terminals 1(+) and 6(ground). See the
following figure
3. If the voltage is still less than 7.5 Vdc after recharging, replace the battery.
To check the battery charge operation, use a discharged battery pack or a battery pack that has less than 50%
of the total power remaining when installed in the computer.
If the battery status indicator does not light up, remove the battery pack and let it return to room temperature.
Re-install the battery pack.
If the charge indicator still does not light up, replace the battery pack. If the charge indicator still does not light
up, replace the DC/DC charger board.

Touchpad check
If the touchpad doesn't work, do the following actions one at a time to correct the problem. Do not replace a
non-defective FRU:
1. After rebooting, run Tracking Pad PS2 Mode Driver. For example, run Syn touch driver.
2. Run utility with the PS/2 mouse function and check if the mouse is working.
3. If the the PS/2 mouse does not work, then check if the main board to switch board FPC is connected O.K.
4. If the main board to switch board FPC is connected well, then check if the FCC on touch pad PCB
connects properly.
5. If the FFC on touch pad PCB connects properly, then check if LS851 JP1 Pin6=5V are pulese. If yes, then
replace switch board. If no, then go to next step.
6. Replace touch pad PCB.
7. If the touch pad still does not work, then replace FPC on Track Pad PCB.
After you use the touchpad, the pointer drifts on the screen for a short time. This self-acting pointer movement
can occur when a slight, steady pressure is applied to the touchpad pointer. This symptom is not a hardware
problem. No service actions are necessary if the pointer movement stops in a short period of time.




66 Chapter 4
Power-On Self-Test (POST) Error Message
The POST error message index lists the error message and their possible causes. The most likely cause is
listed first.
NOTE: Perform the FRU replacement or actions in the sequence shown in FRU/Action column, if the FRU
replacement does not solve the problem, put the original part back in the computer. Do not replace a
non-defective FRU.
This index can also help you determine the next possible FRU to be replaced when servicing a computer.
If the symptom is not listed, see "Undetermined Problems" on page 79.
The following lists the error messages that the BIOS displays on the screen and the error symptoms classified
by function.
NOTE: Most of the error messages occur during POST. Some of them display information about a hardware
device, e.g., the amount of memory installed. Others may indicate a problem with a device, such as the
way it has been configured.
NOTE: If the system fails after you make changes in the BIOS Setup Utility menus, reset the computer, enter
Setup and install Setup defaults or correct the error.




Chapter 4 67
Index of Error Messages
Error Message List

Error Messages FRU/Action in Sequence
Struck Key See "Keyboard or Auxiliary Input Device Check" on page 64
System CMOS checksum bad - Default RTC battery
configuration used Run BIOS Setup Utility to reconfigure system, then reboot system.
Real time clock error RTC battery
Run BIOS Setup Utility to reconfigure system time, then reboot
system.
Main board
Previous boot incomplete - Default configuration "Load Default Settings" in BIOS Setup Utility.
used RTC battery
Main baord
Invalid System Configuration Data "Load Default Settings" in BIOS Setup Utility.
Main board
Operating system not found Enter Setup and see if fixed disk and drive A are properly identified.
Dikette drive
Hard disk drive
Main board




68 Chapter 4
Error Message List

No beep Error Messages FRU/Action in Sequence
Power-on indicator turns off and LCD is blank. Power source (battery pack and power adapter.) See "Power
System Check" on page 65
Ensure every connector is connected tightly and correctly.
Reconnect the DIMM.
Main board.
Power-on indicator turns on and LCD is blank. Power source (battery pack and power adapter.) See "Power
System Check" on page 65
Reconnect the LCD connector
Hard disk drive
LCD cable
LCD inverter
LCD
Main board
Power-on indicator turns on and LCD is blank. Reconnect the LCD connectors.
But you can see POST on an external CRT. LCD cable
LCD inverter
LCD
Main board
Power-on indicator turns on and a blinking cursor Ensure every connector is connected tightly and correctly.
shown on LCD during POST. Main board




Chapter 4 69
Phoenix BIOS Beep Codes

Code Beeps POST Routine Description
02h Verify Real Mode
03h Disable Non-Maskable Interrupt (NMI)
04h Get CPU type
06h Initialize system hardware
08h Initialize chipset with initial POST values
09h Set IN POST flag
0Ah Initialize CPU registers
0Bh Enable CPU cache
0Ch Initialize caches to initial POST values
0Eh Initialize I/O component
0Fh Initialize the local bus IDE
10h Initialize Power Management
11h Load alternate registers with initial POST
values
12h Restore CPU control word during warm boot
13h Initialize PCI Bus Mastering devices
14h Initialize keyboard controller
16h 1-2-2-3 BIOS ROM checksum
17h Initialize cache before memory autosize
18h 8254 timer initialization
1Ah 8237 DMA controller initialization
1Ch Reset Programmable Interrupt Controller
20h 1-3-1-1 Test DRAM refresh
22h 1-3-1-3 Test 8742 Keyboard Controller
24h Set ES segment register to 4 GB
26h Enable A20 line
28h Autosize DRAM
29h Initialize POST Memory Manager
2Ah Clear 215 KB base RAM
2Ch 1-3-4-1 RAM failure on address line xxxx
2Eh 1-3-4-3 RAM failure on data bits xxxx of low byte of
memory bus
2Fh Enable cache before system BIOS shadow
30h 1-4-1-1 RAM failure on data bits xxxx of high byte of
memory bus
32h Test CPU bus-clock frequency
33h Initialize Phoenix Dispatch Manager
36h Warm start shut down
38h Shadow system BIOS ROM
3Ah Autosize cache
3Ch Advanced configuration of chipset registers
3Dh Load alternate registers with CMOS values
42h Initialize interrupt vectors
45h POST device initialization
46h 2-1-2-3 Check ROM copyright notice


70 Chapter 4
Code Beeps POST Routine Description
48h Check video configuration against CMOS
49h Initialize PCI bus and devices
4Ah Initialize all video adapters in system
4Bh QuietBoot start (optional)
4Ch Shadow video BIOS ROM
4Eh Display BIOS copyright notice
50h Display CPU type and speed
51h Initialize EISA board
52h Test keyboard
54h Set key click if enabled
58h 2-2-3-1 Test for unexpected interrupts
59h Initialize POST display service
5Ah Display prompt "Press F2 to enter SETUP"
5Bh Disable CPU cache
5Ch Test RAM between 512 and 640 KB
60h Test extended memory
62h Test extended memory address lines
64h Jump to User Patch1
66h Configure advanced cache registers
67h Initialize Multi Processor APIC
68h Enable external and CPU caches
69h Setup System Management Mode (SMM) area
6Ah Display external L2 cache size
6Bh Load custom defaults (optional)
6Ch Display shadow-area message
6Eh Display possible high address for UMB
recovery
70h Display error messages
72h Check for configuration errors
76h Check for keyboard errors
7Ch Set up hardware interrupt vectors
7Eh Initialize coprocessor if present
80h Disable onboard Super I/O ports and IRQs
81h Late POST device initialization
82h Detect and install external RS232 ports
83h Configure non-MCD IDE controllers
84h Detect and install external parallel ports
85h Initialize PC-compatible PnP ISA devices
86h Re-initialize onboard I/O ports
87h Configure Motherboard Configurable Devices
(optional)
88h Initialize BIOS Area
89h Enable Non-Maskable Interrupts (NMIs)
8Ah Initialize Extended BIOS Data Area
8Bh Test and initialize PS/2 mouse
8Ch Initialize floppy controller


Chapter 4 71
Code Beeps POST Routine Description
8Fh Determine number of ATA drives (optional)
90h Initialize hard-disk controllers
91h Initialize local-bus hard-disk controllers
92h Jump to UserPatch2
93h Build MPTABLE for multi-processor boards
95h Install CD ROM for boot
96h Clear huge ES segment register
97h Fixup Multi Processor table
98h 1-2 Search for option ROMs. One long, two short
beeps on checksum failure.
99h Check for SMART drive (optional)
9Ah Shadow option ROMs
9Ch Set up Power Management
9Dh Initialize security engine (optional)
9Eh Enable hardware interrupts
9Fh Determine number of ATA and SCSI drives
A0h Set time of day
A2h Check key lock
A4h Initialize Typematic rate
A8h Erase F2 prompt
AAh Scan for F2 key stroke
ACh Enter SETUP
AEh Clear Boot flag
B0h Check for errors
B2h POST done- prepare to boot operating system
B4h 1 One short beep before boot
B5h Terminate QuietBoot (optional)
B6h Check password (optional)
B9h Prepare Boot
BAh Initialize DMI parameters
BBh Initialize PnP Option ROMs
BCh Clear parity checkers
BDh Display MultiBoot menu
BEh Clear screen (optional)
BFh Check virus and backup reminders
C0h Try to boot with INT 19
C1h Initialize POST Error Manager (PEM)
C2h Initialize error logging
C3h Initialize error display function
C4h Initialize system error handler
C5h PnPnd dual CMOS (optional)
C6h Initialize notebook docking (optional)
C7h Initialize notebook docking late
C8h Force check (optional)
C9h Extended checksum (optional)
D2h Unknown interrupt


72 Chapter 4
Code Beeps POST Routine Description
E0h Initialize the chipset
E1h Initialize the bridge
E2h Initialize the CPU
E3h Initialize the system timer
E4h Initialize system I/O
E5h Check force recovery boot
E6h Checksum BIOS ROM
E7h Go to BIOS
E8h Set Huge Segment
E9h Initialize Multi Processor
EAh Initialize OEM special code
EBh Initialize PIC and DMA
ECh Initialize Memory type
EDh Initialize Memory size
EEh Shadow Boot Block
EFh System memory test
F0h Initialize interrupt vectors
F1h Initialize Run Time Clock
F2h Initialize video
F3h Initialize System Management Mode
F4h 1 Output one beep before boot
F5h Boot to Mini DOS
F6h Clear Huge Segment
F7h Boot to Full DOS




Chapter 4 73
Index of Symptom-to-FRU Error Message
LCD-Related Symptoms

Symptom / Error Action in Sequence
LCD backlight doesn't work First, plug a monitor to CRT port. Next, enter BIOS utility to running
"Load Default Settings" then reboot the system.
Reconnect the LCD connectors.
Keyboard (if the brightness function key doesn't work).
LCD cable
LCD inverter
LCD
Main board
LCD is too dark Enter BIOS Utility to execute "Load Setup Default Settings", then
LCD brightness cannot be adjusted reboot system.
Reconnect the LCD connectors.
Keyboard (if the brightness function key doesn't work).
LCD cable
LCD inverter
LCD
Main board
Unreadable LCD screen Reconnect the LCD cable
Missing pels in characters LCD cable
Abnormal screen LCD
Wrong color displayed Main board
LCD has extra horizontal or vertical lines
displayed.


Indicator-Related Symptoms

Symptom / Error Action in Sequence
Indicator incorrectly remains off or on, but system Main board
runs correctly
HDD/CD-ROM active indicators cannot work HDD/CD-ROM drive
Device driver
Main board

Power-Related Symptoms

Symptom / Error Action in Sequence
Power shuts down during operation Power source (battery pack and power adapter). See "Power
System Check" on page 65.
Battery pack
AC adapter
See if the thermal module is overheat (Heat sink or fan).
Main board
The system cannot power-on. Power source (battery pack and power adapter). See "Power
System Check" on page 65.
Battery pack
Power adapter
CPU
Main board
The system cannot power-off. In Windows XP operating system, hold and press the power switch
for more than 4 seconds. If the system can power off, then the main
board is OK. Verify OS in the HDD.
Main board



74 Chapter 4
Power-Related Symptoms

Symptom / Error Action in Sequence
Battery can't be charged or discharged See "Check the Battery Pack" on page 66.
Battery pack
Main board
System hang during POST ODD/HDD/FDD/RAM module
Main board


PCMCIA-Related Symptoms

Symptom / Error Action in Sequence
System cannot detect the PC Card (PCMCIA) PCMCIA slot assembly
Main board
PCMCIA slot pin is damaged. PCMCIA slot assembly
PC Card cannot be inserted or ejected Check if the PCMCIA slot is blocked
Main board

Memory-Related Symptoms

Symptom / Error Action in Sequence
Memory count (size) appears different from Enter BIOS Setup Utility to execute "Load Default Settings" then
actual size. reboot system.
RAM module
Main board
Check BIOS revision
System can power on, but you hear two long Reinsert DIMM
beeps: "B--, B--" and the LCD is blank. DIMM
Main board

Speaker-Related Symptoms

Symptom / Error Action in Sequence
In Windows, multimedia programs, no sound OS volume control
comes from the computer. Audio driver
Speaker
Main board
Internal speakers make noise or emit no sound. Speaker
Main board
Microphone cannot work Audio driver
Volume control in Windows XP
Main board


Power Management-Related Symptoms

Symptom / Error Action in Sequence
The system will not enter hibernation mode Power option in Windows XP
Hard disk drive
Main board
The system doesn't enter standby mode after Driver of Power Option Properties
closing the lid of the portable computer. Lid close switch in upper case
Main board




Chapter 4 75
Power Management-Related Symptoms

Symptom / Error Action in Sequence
The system doesn't resume from hibernation/ Connect AC adapter then check if the system resumes from
standby mode. Standby/Hibernation mode.
Check if the battery is low.
Hard disk drive
Main board
The system doesn't resume from standby mode LCD cover switch
after opening the lid of the portable computer. Main board
Battery fuel gauge in Windows doesn't go higher Refresh battery (continue use battery until power off, then charge
than 90%. battery).
Battery pack
Main board
System hangs intermittently. Reconnect hard disk/CD-ROM drives.
Main board


Peripheral-Related Symptoms

Symptom / Error Action in Sequence
System configuration does not match the Enter BIOS Setup Utility to execute "Load Setup defaults", then
installed devices. reboot system.
Reconnect hard disk/CD-ROM drives/FDD or other peripherals.
Main board
External display does not work correctly. Press Fn+F5, LCD/CRT/Both display switching
Keyboard
Main board
USB does not work correctly Main board
Print problems. Enter BIOS Setup Utility to execute "Load Default Settings" then
reboot the system.
Run printer self-test.
Printer driver
Printer cable
Printer
Main board
Parallel port device problems Enter BIOS Setup Utility to execute "Load Default Settings" then
reboot the system.
Device driver
Device cable
Device
Main board


Keyboard/Touchpad-Related Symptoms

Symptom / Error Action in Sequence
Keyboard (one or more keys) does not work. Reconnect the keyboard cable.
Keyboard
Main board
Touchpad does not work. Reconnect touchpad cable.
Touchpad board
Main board




76 Chapter 4
Modem/LAN-Related Symptoms

Symptom / Error Action in Sequence
Internal modem does not work correctly. Phone cable
Driver
Reconnect the Internal modem cable to the main board tightly.
Main board
Internal LAN does not work correctly Lan cable
Driver
Main board
NOTE: If you cannot find a symptom or an error in this list and the problem remains, see "Undetermined
Problems" on page 79.




Chapter 4 77
Intermittent Problems
Intermittent system hang problems can be caused by a variety of reasons that have nothing to do with a
hardware defect, such as: cosmic radiation, electrostatic discharge, or software errors. FRU replacement
should be considered only when a recurring problem exists.
When analyzing an intermittent problem, do the following:
1. Run the diagnostic test for the system board in loop mode at least 10 times.
2. If no error is detected, do not replace any FRU.
3. If any error is detected, replace the FRU. Rerun the test to verify that there are no more errors.




78 Chapter 4
Undetermined Problems
The diagnostic problems does not identify which adapter or device failed, which installed devices are incorrect,
whether a short circuit is suspected, or whether the system is inoperative.
Follow these procedures to isolate the failing FRU (do not isolate non-defective FRU).
NOTE: Verify that all attached devices are supported by the computer.
NOTE: Verify that the power supply being used at the time of the failure is operating correctly. (See "Power
System Check" on page 65):
1. Power-off the computer.
2. Visually check them for damage. If any problems are found, replace the FRU.
3. Remove or disconnect all of the following devices:
Non-Acer devices
Printer, mouse, and other external devices
Battery pack
Hard disk drive
DIMM
PC Cards
4. Power-on the computer.
5. Determine if the problem has changed.
6. If the problem does not recur, reconnect the removed devices one at a time until you find the failing FRU.
7. If the problem remains, replace the following FRU one at a time. Do not replace a non-defective FRU:
System board
LCD assembly




Chapter 4 79
Use NAPP CD to Build Master Hard Disc Drive
CD to Disk Recovery
1. Prepare NAPP CD, Recovery CD and System CD.
2. Put NAPP CD into the optical drive. Then boot up the system.
3. The system will ask you if you want to build NAPP Master HDD. Please press any key to continue.




4. NAPP CD will start to preload the system, please click [Y].




5. Select CD to Disk Revocery.




80 Chapter 4
6. Put the Recovery CD to the optical drive. This step is to create image files to the system, you do not have
to put the Recovery CD to the optical drive in order. Place one Recovery CD to the drive at one time till
you finish all Recovery CDs.




After you place the Recovery CD to the optical drive, you will see the display below.




Chapter 4 81
7. Then insert the System CD to the optical drive.




8. You will see the screen displaying "PASS" when the system has buit NAPP Master hard disc drive.




82 Chapter 4
Disk to Disk Recovery
1. Prepare NAPP CD, Recovery CD and System CD.
2. Put NAPP CD into the optical drive. Then boot up the system.
3. The system will ask you if you want to build NAPP Master HDD. Please press any key to continue.




4. NAPP CD will start to preload the system, please click [Y].




Chapter 4 83
5. Select Disk to Disk Recovery. Then choose Single Language or Multi-Languages Recovery.
NOTE: For Multi-Languages Recovery, not more than five languages could be loaded to the system.




6. Put the Recovery CD to the optical drive. This step is to create image files to the system, you do not have
to put the Recovery CD to the optical drive in order. Place one Recovery CD to the drive at one time till
you finish all Recovery CDs.




84 Chapter 4
After you place the Recovery CD to the optical drive, you will see the display below.




7. Then insert the System CD to the optical drive.




Chapter 4 85
8. You will see the screen displaying "PASS" when the system has buit NAPP Master hard disc drive.




86 Chapter 4