Acer Aspire 7230 Service Guide

							Chapter 111
Touch Pad Basics (with fingerprint reader)
The following items show you how to use the Touch Pad with Acer Bio-Protection fingerprint reader:
•Move your finger across the Touch Pad (1) to move the cursor.
•Press the left (2) and right (4) buttons located beneath the Touch Pad to perform selection and 
execution functions. These two buttons are similar to the left and right buttons on a mouse. 
Tapping on the Touch Pad 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 Touch Pad, keep it - and your fingers - dry and clean. The Touch Pad is sensitive to 
finger movement; hence, the lighter the touch, the better the response. Tapping too hard will not 
increase the Touch Pad’s responsiveness.
FunctionLeft Button (2)Right Button (4)Main Touch Pad (1)
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 Touch Pad to 
drag the cursor.Tap twice (at the same speed 
as double-clicking a mouse 
button); rest your finger on 
the Touch Pad 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.
 +  Touch Pad toggle Turns the internal Touch Pad on and off.
 +  Speaker toggle Turns the speakers on and off.
 + < > Brightness up Increases the screen brightness.
 + < > Brightness down Decreases the screen brightness.
 +  Play/Pause Play/Pause the current media.
 +  Stop Stop the current media.
 +  Skip Backward Skip to the next track of the current media.
 +  Skip Forward Skip top the previous track of the current media. 
						

							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. 
						

							18Chapter 1
Hardware Specifications and Configurations
Processor
CPU Fan True Value Table
•Throttling 50%: On =97C; Off=88C
•OS Shut down: 105C
•H/W Shut down: 110C
•Fan default 3.5V
ItemSpecification
CPU type AMD CPU S1g2 Processor (Griffin Series - Turion / Sempron); 
HT3 (1.2~2.6 GT/s) (Bandwidth: 9.6GB/S to 20.8GB/s)
1.8GHz ~ 2.3GHz CPU
CPU package  638-Pin Lidless Micro PGA package (35mm * 35mm)
Features The AMD Socket S1g2 processor is a superb, high-performance 
product for mobile systems. With HyperTransport™ 3 technology 
bus and on-chip memory controller
CPU core voltage
•VCC_CORE0(based on CPU)
•VCC_CORE1(based on CPU)
•CPU_VDDNB (based on CPU)
•VLDT 1.2V_HT
•VDD I/O 1.8VSUS
•CPU Memory Interface SMDDR_VTEM
LevelFan On Temp.Fan Off Temp.RPMThrottling dB (A)
0 52 48 3100 31
1 60 55 3500 34
2 70 65 4100 37
3 90 80 4500 40 
						

							Chapter 119
Core Logic
ItemSpecification
Type NVidia MCP77MH MCP77MH (North Bridge + South Bridge)
Package  MCP77M is a 27 × 27 package with 836 balls and a 0.8 mm ball pitch.
Features The NVIDIA nForce® MCP77 family of graphics, media and 
communications processors (GMCP) are the notebook industrys first 
single-chip solutions providing DirectX 10 shader model 4.0 graphics 
features, a dedicated video processor, HDMI,LVDS, dual mode display 
Port support and a rich feature set including a second generation PCI 
Express interface, industry first HyperTransport 3 with link power 
management, native Gigabit Ethernet MAC, Serial ATA and ATA-133 
support, high definition audio, USB2.0, PCI, real-time power 
management processor, and other standard peripheral functions. 
Paired with an AMD Griffin Series -Turion64, Turion64X2,or Mobile 
Sempron CPU, all the key features needed for next generation 
entertainment, computing, and communications come together in 
MCP77. MCP77 also support innovative new hybrid-SLI functionality 
that increases performance and typical battery life for notebooks that 
also include an NVIDIA GPU.
The MCP77M master feature set includes the following features:
•Single chip for small form factor notebook designs
•Microsoft Windows Vista premium support for all 2008 
requirements visual user interface support.
•Integrated GeForce DirectX 10 model 4.0 graphics processor1. 
Unified Shader model 4.0 for geometry, vertex and pixel 
processor2. NVIDIA® Intellisample™ AA technology
•Next generation NVIDIA® PureVideo™ HD video processor for full 
HD content decode and Playback with long battery life or with 
lower cost single core CPUs.
•PowerMizer SX (System eXtensions) reduces system power 
usage.
•Integrated Display Cache 2.0 allows CPU to spend extended 
periods in Alt-vid Deeper Sleepstate without the cost or wasted 
power of a local frame buffer.
•Integrated 300 MHz DAC for external desktop displays
•Integrated TMDS interface with HDCP (High-Definition Content 
Protection) key support and optional protected audio stream mixing 
for HDMI support
•HDCP support without the need for external key ROMs
•Integrated dual channel LVDS interface for up to 1920 × 1200 LCD 
displays
•Integrated high definition TV encoder with YPrPb component video 
supporto HyperTransport 3.0×16 up and down links to the AMD 
Socket S1 g2 CPU with full HT3 link
•Support for PCI Express Base Specification, Gen 2
•Hybrid SLI support for simultaneous support of integrated and 
discrete GPUs for longer battery life in premium performance 
notebooks.
•PCI Express x16 link interface for external graphics processors
•Up to six PCI Express x1 link interfaces, with dedicated controller 
for other peripherals
•AHCI SATA controller with support for four drives at 1.5 Gbps or 
3.0 Gbps speeds
•Fast ATA-133 IDE controller 
						

							20Chapter 1
Crystal and OscillatorFeatures (continued)
•Fast ATA-133 IDE controller
•NVIDIA® MediaShield™ RAID with support for RAID 0, RAID 1
•IEEE 802.3 NVIDIA MAC for 1000BASE-T/100BASE-T/10BASE-T 
Gigabit/Fast Ethernet/Ethernet. RGMII for Gigabit/Fast Ethernet/
Ethernet, aria. MII for Fast Ethernet/Ethernet
•ASF 2.0 support for remote management
•SPI Interface to Serial flash EEPROM
•Able to load SBIOS and boot from SPI EEPROM without the use of 
extra LPC-based EEPROM
•TPM 1.2 support
•Dual USB 2.0 EHCI and USB 1.1 OHCI (supports up to twelve 
ports)
•PCI 2.3 interface
•Supports up to five PCI devices with dedicated REQ/GNT pairs
•Dual SMBus 2.0 interfaces
•UAA (Universal Audio Architecture) High Definition Audio (HDA) 
interface
•Supports up to two external UAA High Definition Audio codecs 
for 7.1 channel audio
•Supports 32-bit/192 kHz audio functionality
•LPC bus 1.0 compatible interface
•Integrated programmable clock synthesizer with spread spectrum 
support
•Support for Microsoft Vista ReadyDrive feature using commodity 
hard-drives and flash devices
•Support for direct input from accelerometer for more responsive 
hard disk park control
•ASF 2.0 support for remote manageability
•Separately programmable spread spectrum support for key 
interfaces including LVDS, SATA, HT
•AMD CPU power sequencing protection logic
CPU core voltage
•+NB_CORE for MCP77M CORE Power(+1.0V)
•+1.1V_NB for MCP77M Hyper Transport Power
•+1.1V for Hyper Transport, PCI-E, Sleep mode Core power, SATA 
Interface, TV DAC supply
•+1.8V for LVDS digital supply
•+3.3V for PLL, CRTDAC, RGB DAC supply, USB Interface, CPU 
Interface
•LAN MAC, Display
ItemSpecification
Features
•32.768Khz crystal for RTC inside MCP77 and WINBOND 
WPC8769LDG
•25MHZ crystal for MCP77 controller
•25MHZ crystal for BroadCom Lan controller BCM5764
ItemSpecification