Acer Aspire 3640 Service Guide

Chapter 243
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...

44Chapter 2
Navigating the BIOS Utility
There are six menu options: Info., Main, System Devices, Security, Boot, and Exit.
Follow these instructions:
TTo choose a menu, use the cursor left/right keys (zx).
TTo choose a parameter, use the cursor up/down keys ( wy).
TTo change the value of a parameter, press por q.
TA plus sign (+) indicates the item has sub-items. Press e to expand this item.
TPress ^ while you are in any of the menu options to go to the Exit menu.
TIn any menu, you can load default...

Chapter 245
Information
NOTE: The system information is subject to different models.
ParameterDescription
CPU Type This field shows the CPU type and speed of the system.
IDE1 Model Name This field shows the model name of HDD installed on primary IDE master.
IDE1 Serial Number This field displays the serial number of HDD installed on primary IDE master.
IDE2I Model Name This field displays the mofel name of devices installed on secondary IDE master. The hard 
disk drive or optical drive model name is...

46Chapter 2
Main
The Main screen displays a summary of your computer hardware information, and also includes basic setup 
parameters. It allows the user to specify standard IBM PC AT system parameters.
NOTE: The screen above is for your reference only. Actual values may differ.
PhoenixBIOS Setup Utility 
   Information      
Main            Security       Boot       Exit 
 
  
Item Specific Help 
System Time: [19:03:49] 
System Date: [05/11/2006] 
  
System Memory:  640 KB 
Extended Memory:  510 MB...

Chapter 247
The table below describes the parameters in this screen. Settings in boldface are the default and suggested 
parameter settings.
NOTE: The sub-items under each device will not be shown if the device control is set to disable or auto. This is 
because the user is not allowed to control the settings in these cases.
ParameterDescriptionFormat/Option
System Time Sets the system time. The hours are displayed 
with 24-hour format.Format: HH:MM:SS 
(hour:minute:second) System Time
System Date Sets...

48Chapter 2
Security
The Security screen contains parameters that help safeguard and protect your computer from unauthorized 
use.
PhoenixBIOS Setup Utility 
     Information       MainBoot
 
 
Item Specific Help 
User Password is : Clear 
Supervisor Password is : Clear
Set User Password
Set Supervisor Password
  
Password on Boot[Disabled]
 
  
 
Supervisor Password 
controls accesses of the 
whole setup utility. 
It can be used to 
boot up when Password 
on boot is enabled. 
 
F1  Help       ↑↓ Select...

Chapter 249
The table below describes the parameters in this screen. Settings in boldface are the default and suggested 
parameter settings.
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 as you set the user or the supervisor password:
1.Use the w andy keys to highlight the Set Supervisor...

50Chapter 2
Removing a Password
Follow these steps:
1.Use the w and y keys to highlight the Set Supervisor Password parameter and press the e key. The 
Set Password box appears:
2.Type the current password in the Enter Current Password field and press e.
3.Press e twice without typing anything in the Enter New Password and Confirm New Password fields. 
The computer then sets the Supervisor Password parameter to “Clear”.
4.When you have changed the settings, press u to save the changes and exit the BIOS...

Chapter 251
If the current password entered does not match the actual current password, the screen will show you the 
Setup Warning.
If the new password and confirm new password strings do not match, the screen will display the following 
message. 

52Chapter 2
Boot
This menu allows the user to decide the order of boot devices to load the operating system. Bootable devices 
includes the distette drive in module bay, the onboard hard disk drive and the CD-ROM in module bay.
PhoenixBIOS Setup Utility 
    Information       Main       Security        Exit 
 
  
Item Specific Help 
+Hard Drive  
CD-ROM/DVD Drive    
 
 Keys used to view or configure
devices: 
 to expands or
collapses devices with a + or -
  and  moves the
device up or down.
 
F1  Help...