Acer Aspire 6930 Service Guide

							Chapter 4131
HDD Not Operating Correctly
If the HDD does not operate correctly, perform the following actions one at a time to correct the problem. 
1.Disconnect all external devices.
2.Run a complete virus scan using up-to-date software to ensure the computer is virus free. 
3.Run the Windows Vista Startup Repair Utility:
a.insert the Windows Vista Operating System DVD in the ODD and restart the computer. 
b.When prompted, press any key to start to the operating system DVD. 
c.The Install Windows screen displays. Click Next. 
d.Select Repair your computer. 
e.The System Recovery Options screen displays. Click Next. 
f.Select the appropriate operating system, and click Next. 
NOTE: Click Load Drivers if controller drives are required. 
g.Select Startup Repair. 
h.Startup Repair attempts to locate and resolve issues with the computer.
i.When complete, click Finish. 
If an issue is discovered, follow the onscreen information to resolve the problem.
4.Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool. For more information see Windows Help and Support.
5.Restart the computer and press F2 to enter the BIOS Utility. Check the BIOS settings are correct and that 
CD/DVD drive is set as the first boot device on the Boot menu.
6.Ensure all cables and jumpers on the HDD and ODD are set correctly.
7.Remove any recently added hardware and associated software.
8.Run the Windows Disk Defragmenter. For more information see Windows Help and Support.
9.Run Windows Check Disk by entering chkdsk /r from a command prompt. For more information see 
Windows Help and Support.
10.Restore system and file settings from a known good date using System Restore. 
If the issue is not fixed, repeat the preceding steps and select an earlier time and date.
11 .Replace the HDD. See “Disassembly Process” on page 48.
ODD Not Operating Correctly
If the ODD exhibits any of the following symptoms it may be faulty:
•Audio CDs do not play when loaded 
•DVDs do not play when loaded 
•Blank discs do not burn correctly 
•DVD or CD play breaks up or jumps 
•Optical drive not found or not active: 
•Not shown in My Computer or the BIOS setup 
•LED does not flash when the computer starts up 
•The tray does not eject
•Access failure screen displays
•The ODD is noisy
Perform the following general solutions one at a time to correct the problem.
1.Reboot the computer and retry the operation. 
						

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2.Try an alternate disc.
3.Navigate to Start´ Computer. Check that the ODD device is displayed in the Devices with Removable 
Storage panel.
4.Navigate to Start´ Control Panel´ System and Maintenance´ System´ Device Manager.
a.Double-click lDE ATA/ATAPI controllers. If a device displays a down arrow, right-click on the device 
and click Enable.
b.Double-click DVD/CD-ROM drives. If the device displays a down arrow, right-click on the device and 
click Enable.
c.Check that there are no yellow exclamation marks against the items in l D E  ATA / ATA P I  c o n t r o l l e r s. If 
a device has an exclamation mark, right-click on the device and uninstall and reinstall the driver.
d.Check that there are no yellow exclamation marks against the items in DVD/CD-ROM drives. If a 
device has an exclamation mark, right-click on the device and uninstall and reinstall the driver.
e.If the exclamation marker is not removed from the item in the lists, try removing any recently installed 
software and retrying the operation.
Discs Do Not Play
If discs do not play when inserted in the drive, perform the following actions one at a time to correct the 
problem.
1.Check that the disc is correctly seated in the drive tray and that the label on the disc is visible.
2.Check that the media is clean and scratch free. 
3.Try an alternate disc in the drive.
4.Ensure that AutoPlay is enabled:
a.Navigate to Start´ Control Panel´ Hardware and Sound´ AutoPlay.
b.Select Use AutoPlay for all media and devices.
c.In the Audio CD and DVD Movie fields, select the desired player from the drop down menu.
5.Check that the Regional Code is correct for the selected media:
IMPORTANT:Region can only be changed a limited number of times. After Changes remaining reaches zero, 
the region cannot be changed even Windows is reinstalled or the drive is moved to another computer.
a.Navigate to Start´ Control Panel´ System and Maintenance´ System´ Device Manager.
b.Double-click DVD/CD-ROM drives. 
c.Right-click DVD drive and click Properties, then click the DVD Region tab.
d.Select the region suitable for the media inserted in the drive.
Discs Do Not Burn Properly
If discs can not be burned, perform the following actions one at a time to correct the problem.
1.Ensure that the default drive is record enabled:
a.Navigate to Start´ Computer and right-click the writable ODD icon. Click Properties.
b.Select the Recording tab. In the Desktop disc recording panel, select the writable ODD from the 
drop down list. 
c.Click OK.
2.Ensure that the software used for burning discs is the factory default. If using different software, refer to 
the softwares user manual.
Playback is Choppy
If playback is choppy or jumps, perform the following actions one at a time to correct the problem.
1.Check that system resources are not running low: 
						

							Chapter 4133
a.Try closing some applications.
b.Reboot and try the operation again.
2.Check that the ODD controller transfer mode is set to DMA:
a.Navigate to Start´ Control Panel´ System and Maintenance´ System´ Device Manager.
b.Double-click IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers, then right-click ATA Device 0. 
c.Click Properties and select the Advanced Settings tab. Ensure that the Enable DMA box is 
checked and click OK. 
d.Repeat for the other ATA Devices shown if applicable.
Drive Not Detected
If Windows cannot detect the drive, perform the following actions one at a time to correct the problem.
1.Restart the computer and press F2 to enter the BIOS Utility. 
2.Check that the drive is detected in the ATAPI Model Name field on the Information page. 
NOTE: Check that the entry is identical to one of the ODDs specified in “Hardware Specifications and 
Configurations” on page 18.
3.Turn off the power and remove the cover to inspect the connections to the ODD. See “Disassembly 
Process” on page 48.
a.Check for broken connectors on the drive, motherboard, and cables. 
b.Check for bent or broken pins on the drive, motherboard, and cable connections. 
c.Try an alternate cable, if available. If the drive works with the new cable, the original cable should be 
replaced.
4.Reseat the drive ensuring and all cables are connected correctly.
5.Replace the ODD. See “Disassembly Process” on page 48.
Drive Read Failure
If discs cannot be read when inserted in the drive, perform the following actions one at a time to correct the 
problem.
1.Remove and clean the failed disc. 
2.Retry reading the CD or DVD. 
d.Test the drive using other discs.
e.Play a DVD movie 
f.Listen to a music CD
If the ODD works properly with alternate discs, the original disc is probably defective and should be 
replaced.
3.Turn off the power and remove the cover to inspect the connections to the ODD. See “Disassembly 
Process” on page 48.
a.Check for broken connectors on the drive, motherboard, and cables. 
b.Check for bent or broken pins on the drive, motherboard, and cable connections. 
c.Try an alternate cable, if available. If the drive works with the new cable, the original cable should be 
replaced.
4.Replace the ODD. See “Disassembly Process” on page 48. 
						

							134Chapter 4
USB Failure (Rightside)
If the rightside USB port fails, perform the following actions one at a time to correct the problem. Do not 
replace a non-defective FRUs: 
						

							Chapter 4135
External Mouse Failure
If an external Mouse fails, perform the following actions one at a time to correct the problem. 
1.Try an alternative mouse.
2.If the mouse uses a wireless connection, insert new batteries and confirm there is a good connection. See 
the mouse user manual.
3.If the mouse uses a USB connection, try an alternate USB port.
4.Try an alternative program to verify mouse operation. Reinstall the program experiencing mouse failure.
5.Restart the computer.
6.Remove any recently added hardware and associated software.
7.Remove any recently added software and reboot.
8.Restore system and file settings from a known good date using System Restore. 
If the issue is not fixed, repeat the preceding steps and select an earlier time and date.
9.Run the Event Viewer to check the events log for errors. For more information see Windows Help and 
Support.
10.Roll back the mouse driver to the previous version if updated recently.
11 .Remove and reinstall the mouse driver.
12.Check the Device Manager to determine that:
•The device is properly installed. There are no red Xs or yellow exclamation marks. 
•There are no device conflicts. 
•No hardware is listed under Other Devices.
13.If the Issue is still not resolved, see “Online Support Information” on page 225.
Other Failures
If the CRT Switch, Dock, LAN Port, external MIC or Speakers, PCI Express Card, 5-in-1 Card Reader or 
Volume Wheel fail, perform the following general steps to correct the problem. Do not replace a non-defective 
FRUs:
1.Check Drive whether is OK.
2.Check Test Fixture is ok.
3.Swap M/B to Try. 
						

							136Chapter 4
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 advanced 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. 
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 On 
Issue” on page 124.):
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 
•CD-ROM/Diskette drive Module
•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 4137
POST Codes Tables
These tables describe the POST codes, drivers, and keys for the POST. 
Chipset POST Codes
The following table details the Chipset POST codes and components used in the POST.
POST CodeFunctionPhaseComponent
0xA0 MRC Entry PEI chipset/MRC
0x01 Enable MCHBAR PEI chipset/MRC
0x02 Check ME existence PEI chipset/MRC
0x03 Check for DRAM initialization interrupt and reset fail PEI chipset/MRC
0x04 Determine the system Memory type based on first populated 
socketPEI chipset/MRC
0x05 Verify all DIMMs are DDR2 and SO-DIMMS, which are 
unbufferedPEI chipset/MRC
0x06 Verify all DIMMs are Non-ECC PEI chipset/MRC
0x07 Verify all DIMMs are single or double sided and not mixed PEI chipset/MRC
0x08 Verify all DIMMs are x8 or x16 width PEI chipset/MRC
0x09 Calculate number of Row and Column bits PEI chipset/MRC
0x10 Calculate number of banks for each DIMM PEI chipset/MRC
0x11 Determine raw card type PEI chipset/MRC
0x12 Find a common CAS latency between the DIMMS and the 
MCHPEI chipset/MRC
0x13 Determine the memory frequency and CAS latency to program PEI chipset/MRC
0x14 Determine the smallest common timing value for all DIMMS PEI chipset/MRC
0x17 Power management resume PEI chipset/MRC
0x18 Program DRAM type (DDR2/DDR3) and Power up sequence PEI chipset/MRC
0x19 Program the correct system memory frequency PEI chipset/MRC
0x20 Program the correct Graphics memory frequency PEI chipset/MRC
0x21 Early DRC initialization PEI chipset/MRC
0x22 Program the DRAM Row Attributes and DRAM Row Boundary 
registers PRE JEDEC.PEI chipset/MRC
0x23 Program the RCOMP SRAM registers PEI chipset/MRC
0x24 Program DRAM type (DDR2/DDR3) and Power up sequence PEI chipset/MRC
0x25 Program the DRAM Timing PEI chipset/MRC
0x26 Program the DRAM Bank Architecture register PEI chipset/MRC
0x27 Enable all clocks on populated rows PEI chipset/MRC
0x28 Program MCH ODT PEI chipset/MRC
0x29 Program tRD PEI chipset/MRC
0x30 Miscellaneous Pre JEDEC steps PEI chipset/MRC
0x31 Program clock crossing registers PEI chipset/MRC
0x32 Program the Egress port timings PEI chipset/MRC
0x33 Program the Memory IO registers PEI chipset/MRC
0x34 Perform steps required before JEDEC PEI chipset/MRC
0x35 Perform JEDEC memory initialization for all memory rows PEI chipset/MRC 
						

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0x36 Setup DRAM control register for normal operation and enable PEI chipset/MRC
0x37 Do ZQ calibration for DDR3 PEI chipset/MRC
0x38 Perform final Dra/Drb programming, Set the mode of operation 
for the memory channelsPEI chipset/MRC
0x39 Set Enhanced addressing mode for each channel PEI chipset/MRC
0x40 Perform steps required after JEDEC init PEI chipset/MRC
0x41 Program the receive enable reference timing control register PEI chipset/MRC
0x42 Post receive enable initialization PEI chipset/MRC
0x43 Enable sense amps. Reset read/write DQS pointers PEI chipset/MRC
0x44 Perform ME steps PEI chipset/MRC
0x45 Clear DRAM initialization bit in the ICH. PEI chipset/MRC
0x46 Program Thermal Management PEI chipset/MRC
0x47 Program TS on DIMM PEI chipset/MRC
0x48 Program TS on Board PEI chipset/MRC
0xAF Exit MRC PEI chipset/MRC
0xE0 #define MEM_ERR_BAD_DIMM (S11) PEI chipset/MRC
0xE1 #define MEM_ERR_ECC_DIMM (S06) PEI chipset/MRC
0xE2 #define MEM_ERR_SIDES (S07) PEI chipset/MRC
0xE3 #define MEM_ERR_WIDTH (S08, S10) PEI chipset/MRC
0xE4 #define MEM_ERR_TRFC (FindTrasTrpTrcd) PEI chipset/MRC
0xE5 #define MEM_ERR_CAS_LATENCY (S12, S13) PEI chipset/MRC
0xE6 #define MEM_ERR_REFRESH (ProgDrt) PEI chipset/MRC
0xE7 #define MEM_ERR_BL8 (S14) PEI chipset/MRC
0xE9 #define MEM_ERR_FREQUENCY (findTCLTacTClk, S13, 
S12, ProgramGraphicsFrequency, ProgMchOdt, 
GetPlatformData)PEI chipset/MRC
0xEA #define MEM_ERR_SIZE (S14) PEI chipset/MRC
0xEC #define MEM_ERR_TRAS (FindTrasTrpTrcd) PEI chipset/MRC
0xED #define MEM_ERR_TRP (FindTrasTrpTrcd) PEI chipset/MRC
0xEE #define MEM_ERR_TRCD (FindTrasTrpTrcd) PEI chipset/MRC
0xEF #define MEM_ERR_TWR (FindTrasTrpTrcd) PEI chipset/MRC
0xF0 #define MEM_ERR_RCVEN_FINDLOW 
(CalibrateRcvenForGroup)PEI chipset/MRC
0xF1 #define MEM_ERR_RCVEN_FINDEDGE 
(CalibrateRcvenForGroup)PEI chipset/MRC
0xF2 #define MEM_ERR_RCVEN_FINDPREAMBLE 
(CalibrateRcvenForGroup)PEI chipset/MRC
0xF6 #define MEM_ERR_RCVEN_PREAMBLEEDGE 
(CalibrateRcvenForGroup)PEI chipset/MRC
0xF3 #define MEM_ERR_RCVEN_FINDCENTER 
(CalibrateRcvenForGroup)PEI chipset/MRC
0xF4 #define MEM_ERR_TYPE (S11, S04) PEI chipset/MRC
0xF5 #define MEM_ERR_RAWCARD (S11) PEI chipset/MRC
0xFA #define MEM_ERR_SFF (ProgWrioDll) PEI chipset/MRC
0xFB #define MEM_ERR_THERMAL (ProgramThrottling) PEI chipset/MRC
POST CodeFunctionPhaseComponent 
						

							Chapter 4139
Core POST Code Table
The following table details the core POST codes and functions used in SecureCore. 0xA0xx Launch BIOS ACMSclean PEI chipset/MRC
0xA4xx Launch BIOS ACMScheck PEI chipset/MRC
0xE5 Wait for ME ready DXE HECI/iAMT
0xE6 ME Ready DXE HECI/iAMT
POST
CodeFunctionPhaseComponent
0x00 Early Microcode update for CAR CEI / SEC Core
0x01 Enable CAR CEI / SEC Core
0x02 CAR Done, initial stack CEI / SEC Core
0xEE unknown CPU ID to load uCode CEI / SEC CPU
0xEF unknown DT CPU to load uCode CEI / SEC CPU
0xnn File count found in a volume PEI Core
0x11 Debug Test driver for debug test PPI 1 (If install debugTest 
driver)PEI Core
0x22 Debug Test driver for debug test PPI 2 (If install debugTest 
driver)PEI Core
0x33 Debug Test driver for debug test PPI 3 (If install debugTest 
driver)PEI Core
0x44 Entry point of loadfile PEI Core
0x88 Entry point of apMuLoader PEI Core
0x80 A PEIM found PEI Core
0x82 PEIM not dispatched yet PEI Core
0x84 PEIM satisfies depex PEI Core
0x86 Image loaded but fail on security PEI Core
0x88 Executing a PEIM PEI Core
0x8A Processing notify event for newly installed PPI PEI Core
0x8C Handing off to next phase (DXE) PEI Core
0x8F Fail to hand off to next phase, system halt PEI Core
0x90 All PEIM dispatched! Going to DxeIpl PEI Core
0xCC AP Micro-code update PEI Core
0x20 S3 resume entry S3 resume Core
0x21 Start running Boot-time bootscripts S3 resume Core
0x22 Start running Run-time bootscripts S3 resume Core
0x23 End of S3 resume, jump back to Waking vector S3 resume Core
0x80 Initialize the chipset Crisis Recovery Core
0x81 Initialize the bridge Crisis Recovery Core
0x82 Initialize the CPU Crisis Recovery Core
0x89 Set Huge Segment Crisis Recovery Core
0x83 Initialize system timer Crisis Recovery Core
0x84 Initialize system I/O Crisis Recovery Core
0x88 Initialize Multi Processor Crisis Recovery Core
POST CodeFunctionPhaseComponent 
						

							140Chapter 4
0x8A Initialize OEM special code Crisis Recovery Core
0x8B Initialize PIC and DMA Crisis Recovery Core
0x8C Initialize Memory type Crisis Recovery Core
0x8D Initialize Memory size Crisis Recovery Core
0x8F Initialize SMM Crisis Recovery Core
0x90 System memory test Crisis Recovery Core
0x91 Initialize interrupt vectors Crisis Recovery Core
0x92 Initialize Run Time Clock Crisis Recovery Core
0x99 Initialize security Crisis Recovery Core
0x93 Initialize video Crisis Recovery Core
0x94 Output one beep Crisis Recovery Core
0x98 USB Initialization Crisis Recovery Core
0x95 Initialize the installed boot devices Crisis Recovery Core
0x96 Clear Huge segment Crisis Recovery Core
0x97 Boot Crisis Disk Crisis Recovery Core
0x20 DXE starts DXE Core
0x30 BIOSPSM DXE Core
0x02 BIOSBlockIO DXE Core
0x00 BIOSPSM Exception Handler / Divide error BIOSPSM Core
0x38 Cannot locate LegacyRegion DXE BIOSPSM Core
0xB1 ACPISupport driver Installed DXE Core
0xE0 BDS Entry DXE Core
0x07 IA32 variable driver entry DXE Core
0x0D conspliter driver entry DXE Core
0x10 partition driver entry DXE Core
0x49 pciRootBridge driver entry DXE Core
0xC6 pciBusDriver entry DXE Core
0xE0 Go to legacy BIOS or BDS Entry Point DXE Core
0x90 Start Image DXE Core
0x90 Start Image Successfully DXE Core
0x90 Start Image Failed DXE Core
0x33 Debug Test driver for debug test PPI 1 DXE Core
0x22 Debug Test driver for debug test PPI 2 DXE Core
0x11 Debug Test driver for debug test PPI 3 DXE Core
0x02 Invalid event # for measuring Separator Event DXE TCG
0x02 Invalid event # for measuring Separator Event DXE TCG
0x02 PCR Index over limit (PCR > 23) DXE TCG
0x02 TCG copy memory failed DXE TCG
0x09 TCG log event failed DXE TCG
0x09 Setup event log failed DXE TCG
0x12 TIS set active locality failed DXE TCG
0x12 TIS relinquish active locality failed DXE TCG
POST
CodeFunctionPhaseComponent