Acer Aspire 5230 Service Guide

							Chapter 111
Touchpad Basics (with fingerprint reader)
The following items show you how to use the touchpad with Acer Bio-Protection fingerprint reader:
•Move your finger across the touchpad (2) to move the cursor.
•Press the left (1) and right (4) buttons located beneath the touchpad to perform selection and 
execution functions. These two buttons are similar to the left and right buttons on a mouse. 
Tapping on the touchpad is the same as clicking the left button.
•Use Acer Bio-Protection fingerprint reader (3) supporting Acer FingerNav 4-way control function 
(only for certain models) or the 4-way scroll (3) button (only for certain models) to scroll up or down 
and move left or right a page. This fingerprint reader or button mimics your cursor pressing on the 
right scroll bar of Windows applications.
NOTE: When using the touchpad, keep it - and your fingers - dry and clean. The touchpad is sensitive to finger 
movement; hence, the lighter the touch, the better the response. Tapping too hard will not increase the 
touchpad’s responsiveness.
FunctionLeft Button (1)Right Button (3)Main touchpad (2)
Execute Quickly click twice. Tap twice (at the same speed 
as double-clicking a mouse 
button).
Select Click once. Tap once.
Drag Click and hold, then use 
finger on the touchpad to 
drag the cursor.Tap twice (at the same speed 
as double-clicking a mouse 
button); rest your finger on 
the touchpad on the second 
tap and drag the cursor.
Access 
context menuClick once. 
						

							12Chapter 1
Using the Keyboard
The keyboard has full-sized keys and an embedded numeric keypad, separate cursor, lock, Windows, function 
and special keys.
Lock Keys and embedded numeric keypad
The keyboard has three lock keys which you can toggle on and off.
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. To simplify the keyboard legend, cursor-control key symbols 
are not printed on the keys.
Lock keyDescription
Caps Lock When Caps Lock is on, all alphabetic characters typed are in uppercase.
Num Lock 
 + 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.
Scroll Lock  + 
When Scroll Lock is on, the screen moves one line up or down when you press 
the up or down arrow keys respectively. Scroll Lock does not work with some 
applications.
Desired accessNum Lock onNum Lock off
Number keys on 
embedded keypadType numbers in a normal manner.
Cursor-control keys on 
embedded keypadHold  while using cursor-
control keys.Hold  while using cursor-
control keys.
Main keyboard keys Hold  while typing letters on 
embedded keypad.Type the letters in a normal 
manner. 
						

							Chapter 113
Windows Keys
The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions.
KeyDescription
Windows key Pressed alone, this key has the same effect as clicking on the Windows Start button; 
it launches the Start menu. It can also be used with other keys to provide a variety of 
functions:
 : Open or close the Start menu
 + : Display the desktop
 + : Open Windows Explore
 + : Search for a file or folder
 + : Cycle through Sidebar gadgets
 + : Lock your computer (if you are connected to a network domain), or 
switch users (if youre not connected to a network domain)
 + : Minimizes all windows
 + : Open the Run dialog box
 + : Cycle through programs on the taskbar
 + : Open Ease of Access Center
 + : Open Windows Mobility Center
 + : Display the System Properties dialog box
 + : Restore minimized windows to the desktop
 + : Cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Windows Flip 3-D
 + : Bring all gadgets to the front and select Windows Sidebar
 + 
 + : Search for computers (if you are on a network)
 + 
 + : Use the arrow keys to cycle through programs on the 
taskbar by using Windows Flip 3-D
Note: Depending on your edition of Windows Vista, some shortcuts may not function 
as described.
Application 
key
 
This key has the same effect as clicking the right mouse button; it opens the 
applications context menu. 
						

							14Chapter 1
Hot Keys
The computer employs hotkeys or key combinations to access most of the computer’s controls like screen 
brightness, volume output and the BIOS utility.
To activate hot keys, press and hold the  key before pressing the other key in the hotkey combination.
HotkeyIconFunctionDescription
 +  Hotkey help Displays help on hotkeys.
 +  Acer eSettings 
ManagementLaunches Acer eSettings Management in Acer 
Empowering Technology. 
 +  Acer ePower 
ManagementLaunches Acer ePower Management in Acer 
Empowering Technology. 
 +  Sleep Puts the computer in Sleep mode.
 +  Display toggle Switches display output between the display 
screen, external monitor (if connected) and 
both.
 +  Screen blank Turns the display screen backlight off to save 
power. Press any key to return.
 +  Touchpad toggle Turns the internal touchpad on and off.
 +  Speaker toggle Turns the speakers on and off.
 + < > Brightness up Increases the screen brightness.
 + < > Brightness down Decreases the screen brightness.
 +  Hotkey help Displays help on hotkeys.
 +  Acer eSettings 
ManagementLaunches Acer eSettings Management in Acer 
Empowering Technology.  
						

							Chapter 115
Special Key
You can locate the Euro symbol and the US dollar sign at the upper-center and/or bottom-right of your 
keyboard.
The Euro symbol
1.Open a text editor or word processor.
2.Hold  and then press the  key at the upper-center of the keyboard.
NOTE:  Note: Some fonts and software do not support the Euro symbol. Please refer to www.microsoft.com/
typography/faq/faq12.htm for more information.
The US dollar sign
1.Open a text editor or word processor.
2.Hold  and then press the  key at the upper-center of the keyboard.
NOTE:  This function varies by the operating system version. 
						

							16Chapter 1
Using the System Utilities
Acer Bio-Protection (only for certain models) Acer Bio-Protection Fingerprint Solution is a multi-purpose 
fingerprint software package integrated with the Microsoft Windows operating system. Utilizing the uniqueness 
of ones fingerprint features, Acer Bio-Protection Fingerprint Solution has incorporated protection against 
unauthorized access to your computer with centralized password management with Password Bank, easy 
music player launching with Acer MusicLaunch, secure Internet favorites via Acer MyLaunch, and fast 
application/website launching and login with Acer FingerLaunch, while Acer ProfileLaunch can launch up to 
three applications/websites from a single finger swipe.
Acer Bio-Protection Fingerprint Solution also allows you to navigate through web browsers and documents 
using Acer FingerNav. With Acer Bio-Protection Fingerprint Solution, you can now enjoy an extra layer of 
protection for your personal computer, as well as the convenience of accessing your daily tasks with a simple 
swipe of your finger!
For more information refer to the Acer Bio-Protection help files.
Acer GridVista (dual-display compatible)
NOTE: This feature is only available on certain models.
To enable the dual monitor feature of the notebook, first ensure that the second monitor is connected, then 
select Start, Control Panel, Display and click on Settings. Select the secondary monitor (2) icon in the 
display box and then click the check box Extend my windows desktop onto this monitor. Finally, click 
Apply to confirm the new settings and click OK to complete the process.
Acer GridVista is a handy utility that offers four pre-defined display settings so you can view multiple windows 
on the same screen. To access this function, please go to Start´ All Programs and click on Acer GridVista. 
You may choose any one of the four display settings indicated below: 
						

							Chapter 117
Double (vertical), Triple (primary at left), Triple (primary at right), or Quad Acer Gridvista is dual-display 
compatible, allowing two displays to be partitioned independently.
Acer Gridvista is dual-display compatible, allowing two displays to be partitioned independently.
AcerGridVista is simple to set up:
1.    Run Acer GridVista and select your preferred screen configuration for each display from the task bar.
2.Drag and drop each window into the appropriate grid.
3.Enjoy the convenience of a well-organized desktop.
NOTE: Please ensure that the resolution setting of the second monitor is set to the manufacturers 
recommended value.
Launch Manager
Launch Manager allows you to set the four easy-launch buttons located above the keyboard. You can access 
the Launch Manager by clicking on Start > All Programs > Launch Manager to start the application. 
						

							18Chapter 1
Hardware Specifications and Configurations
Processor
CPU Fan True Value Table
•CPU DTS Throttling 50% point = 100C; /recover 85C
BIOS
Cache
System Memory 
ItemSpecification
CPU type Mobile AMD Family 11h Processor
Core logic
•NB/SB AMD M780M/SB700
•ENE KB926 for Keyboard Controller, Battery management 
Unit, and RTC.
•JMicron JMB385 for 5 in 1 controller 
•RS780M Has Integrated VGA solution 
•RealTek ALC268 for High Definition Audio Codec with Dolby.
•RealTek 8111C for Giga LAN
CPU package  S1G2 package CPU
DTS (degree C°)Fan Speed (rpm)Acoustic Level (dBA)
55 2800 31
65 3200 34
75 3600 37
90 4000 40
100 4000 40
ItemSpecification
BIOS vendor Phoenix
BIOS Version V0.19T1
Features
•Flash ROM 1MB
•Support ISIPP
•Support Acer UI
•Support multi-boot
•Suspend to RAM (S3)
•Various hot-keys for system control
•Support SMBIOS 2.3,PCI2.2.
•DMI utility for BIOS serial number configurable/asset tag
•Support PXE
•Support Y2K solution
•Support WinFlashWake on LAN from S3
•System information 
ItemSpecification
Cache controller Built in 
Cache size 1 MB L2 Cache * 2
ItemSpecification
Memory controller Built-in 
Memory size 0MB (no on-board memory) 
						

							Chapter 119
Memory Combinations 
NOTE: Above table lists some system memory configurations. You may combine DIMMs with various 
capacities to form other combinations. On above table, the configuration of slot 1 and slot 2 could be 
reversed. DIMM socket number 2 sockets
Supports memory size per socket 2 GB
Supports maximum memory size 4G for 64bit OS (with two 2GB SODIMM)
Supports DIMM type DDR 2 Synchronous DRAM
Memory module combinations You can install memory modules in any combinations as long as 
they match the above specifications.
Slot 1Slot 2Total Memory
0MB 256MB 256MB
0MB 512MB 512MB
0MB 1024MB 1024MB
0MB 2048MB 2048MB
256MB 256MB 512MB
256MB 512MB 768MB
256MB 1024MB 1280MB
256MB 2048MB 2304MB
512MB 256MB 768MB
512MB 512MB 1024MB
512MB 1024MB 1536MB
512MB 2048MB 2560MB
1024MB 0MB 1024MB
1024MB 256MB 1280MB
1024MB 512MB 1536MB
1024MB 1024MB 2048MB
1024MB 2048MB 3072MB
2048MB 0MB 2048MB
2048MB 256MB 2304MB
2048MB 512MB 2560MB
2048MB 1024MB 3072MB
2048MB 2048MB 4096MB
ItemSpecification 
						

							20Chapter 1
LAN Interface
Bluetooth Interface 
Wireless Module 802.11b/g
ItemSpecification
LAN Chipset RealTek 8111C for GIGA LAN
Supports LAN protocol Integrated 10/100/10000BASE-T transceiver
LAN connector type RJ-45
LAN connector location Left side
Features
•Automatic MDI crossover function
•PCIe V1.1 compliant
•10/100/10000BASE-T full -duplex/half -duplex MAC
•Receive side scaling (RSS) for multi-core processors
•IPv4 and IPv6 large send offload and checksum offload 
(LSO/TCO)
•Wake on LAN (WOL) support meeting the ACPI 
requirements
•Statistics for SNMP MIB II, Ethernet-like MIB, and 
Ethernet MIB (IEEE 802.3z, Clause 30)
•Self-boot feature, utilizing smaller EEPROM size
•Serial flash memory support
•SMBus interface supporting Alert Standard Format (ASF) 
v2.0
•Hot Plug support
•PCI Express CLKREQ# support
•Energy Detect/Cable sense 
•68-pin QFN package
ItemSpecification
Chipset
Data throughput
Protocol
Interface
Connector type
ItemSpecification
Chipset
Data throughput
Protocol
Interface