Acer Extensa 500 Service Guide

							Chapter 241
AFlash Utility
The BIOS flash memory update is required for the following conditions:
qNew versions of system programs
qNew features or options
Use the AFlash utility to update the system BIOS flash ROM. 
Note: 
Do not install memory-related drivers (XMS, EMS, DPMI) when 
you use AFlash.
The AFlash functions support all the operations required for system Flash 
ROM.  The functions are divided into four steps as follows.
1.  Load BIOS file to buffer 
reads a specified file from a diskette to memory 
for future program use or for check only.  It supports the 64-KB, 128-KB, 
192-KB, or 256-KB files.
2.  Save BIOS to disk file
 reads BIOS from the current BIOS area and writes 
to the file specified by the user.
3.  Edit OEM string
 reads specified file from a diskette to memory, edits 
OEM string and writes to a file.
4.  Program flash memory
 programs Flash memory according to the data 
loaded in step 1.  This function also shows the BIOS checksum and BIOS 
type to make sure that the operation is correct.
Executing AFlash
Follow these steps to execute AFlash:
1.  Copy the MSG.DAT and AFLASH.EXE files from the system utilities 
diskette into the subdirectory of your choice.
2.  From that subdirectory, type:
aflash      Enter
3.  A help message appears.  Press any key to continue.
4.  The main menu appears.  Use the 
­ or ¯
 key to highlight the options.  
Press Enter 
to select.
5.  If you want to save a copy of the current BIOS into a file, select Save 
BIOS to Disk File.
6.  Select Load BIOS File
 to load the BIOS file into memory.
7.  Select Program Flash Memory
 to erase the current BIOS, and program 
Flash ROM.
Note: 
Never turn off the system power while Flash BIOS is 
programming.  This will destroy the BIOS.
8.  Reboot the system. 
						

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Software Utilities 
Quick Way to Execute AFlash
When you have already copied the AFlash files into your hard disk, you can 
simply type the following on the DOS prompt (subdirectory where the files are 
located) to quickly execute the program.
aflash (file name)          Enter
The program automatically performs the loading and programming functions, 
then reboots the system.
If the program cannot find the BIOS file, it returns to the main menu and 
flashes the following message:
Can’t Read This File!!!      Press any key to continue.....
In this case, follow the procedures for loading and programming the BIOS file 
using the main menu. 
						

							Chapter 243
System Utility Diskette
1.  This utility diskette is for the Acer Extensa 500 notebook machine.  It 
provides the following functions:
2.  Read/write LCD panel ID
3.  Set thermal sensor threshold
4.  Verify thermal sensor threshold (by testing fan function)
To use this diskette, first boot from this diskette, then a “Microsoft Windows 
95 Startup Menu” prompt you to choose the testing item.  Follow the 
instructions on screen to proceed.
Important!!
 This diskette is not bootable, do the following actions before you 
use it:
1.  Do system transfers.
2.  Copy HIMEM.SYS to A:\.
3.  Copy HIMEM.COM to A:\.
Set LCD Panel ID
There is an EEPROM in the inverter which stores its supported LCD type ID 
code. If you replace a LCD with one of a different brand or use a new inverter, 
the ID information in the inverter EEPROM should be updated.
Follow the steps blew to see the LCD Panel ID:
1.  Follow the instruction on screen to read current or to set new LCD Panel 
ID code.
Note: 
When you set a new LCD Panel ID and the new LCD is not yet 
enabled (to function), so connect an external CRT to see the 
program execution process.
Note:  Make sure the new ID code you choose corresponds with the 
LCD brand and type. If you write a wrong ID into inverter, just 
reboot and re-execute the program and input the correct ID code.
2.  Restart computer - the new LCD should work normally.
Note: 
If LCD cannot display after change ID code, make sure you write 
the correct ID code, or try reconnecting the LCD FPC cable 
connectors.
Set Thermal Sensor Threshold
The system is equipped with sensors to protect against system overheating. 
By setting System and processor thermal thresholds, the system can turn on 
the cooling fan or shut down automatically when temperatures reach the 
defined threshold parameters. 
						

							44
Software Utilities 
System Diagnostic Diskette
This diagnostic diskette is for the Acer Extensa 500 notebook machine.  It 
provides the following functions:
1.  System Test
2.  Modem Dialing Test
Note: 
A phone line is required when executing the Modem Dialing Test, 
or this test fails.
3.  Audio Function Test
4.  CD-Player Function Test
5.  USB Register and Connect/Disconnect Test
Note: 
A USB device is required when executing USB Connection/
Disconnection Test, or this test fails.
To use this diskette, first boot from this diskette, then a “Microsoft Windows 
95 Startup Menu” prompts you to choose the testing item.  Follow the 
instructions on screen to proceed.
Important!!
  This diskette is not bootable, do the following actions before you 
use it:
1.  Do system transfers.
2.  Copy the following files to A:\
HIMEM.SYS
EMM386.SYS
MSCDEX.SYS
CHOICE.COM
RAMDRIVE.SYS
Note: 
 When executing a parallel or serial port test in System Test item, 
a loopback tool is needed.  This loopback is Acer proprietary 
design.  You may reach the [email protected] for 
ordering information. 
						

							Chapter 245
Running PQA Diagnostics Program.
Press ®
¬ to move around the main menu. Press Enter to enable the 
selected option. The main options are Diag, Result, SysInfo, Option and Exit.
The Diag option lets you select testing items and times.
The following screen appears when you select Diag from the main menu.
Manual Test Performs a single test and Manual checks the selected test 
items in sequence.
Auto Test Performs multiple tests of the selected items and AUTO check the 
select test items in sequence.
Note: 
 PCMCIA Diagnostic Supports Manual test only. Do not select 
PCMCIA Diagnostic in Auto Test.
PQA                                        Vx_x     xx-xx-xx
DiagResult 
SysInfoOption
Exit
PQA                                        Vx_x     xx-xx-xx
DiagResult
SysInfoOption
Exit
DiagMANUAL TEST
AUTO      TEST 
						

							46
Software Utilities 
The screen below appears if you select AUTO Test.
Specify the desired number of tests and press Enter
.
After you specify the number of tests to perform, the screen shows a list of 
test items (see below).
Move the highlight bar from one item to another. Press Space to enable or 
disable the item. Press Enter
 to view the available options of each selected 
item. Press Esc
 to close the close the submenu.
The right corner screen information gives you the available function keys and 
the specified test number.
qSpace: Enables/disables the item
qESC: Exits the program
qF1: Help
qF2: Tests the selected item(s)
qEnter: Opens the available options
PQA                                        Vx_x     xx-xx-xx
Diag Result
SysInfoOption
Exit
DiagMANUAL TEST
AUTO      TEST
TEST COUNT VALUE (1...9999) 1
PQA                                        Vx_x     xx-xx-xx
DiagResult
SysInfoOption
ExitDiagMANUAL TEST
AUTO      TESTTest Items
[ ] System Board
[ ] Memory 
[ ] Keyboard
[ ] Video
[ ] Parallel Port
[ ] Serial Port
[ ] Diskette Drive
[ ] Hard Disk
[ ] CD-ROM
[ ] Coprocessor
[ ] Pointing Dev.
[ ] Cache
SPACE: mark/unmark selecting item
ESC    : return to upper menu
F2       : test the marked item(s)
ENTER: open subitem’s menu
Test Times = 1 
						

							Chapter 247
qTest Times:  Indicates the number of tests to perform.
Note: 
The F1 and F2 keys function only after you finish configuring the 
Test option.
Diagnostic Program Error Code and Messages
Error 
CodeMessageFRU/Action in Sequence
16XX Backup battery error Backup battery
1XXX CPU or main board 
errorReload BIOS default setting.
CPU
System board
2XXX Memory error Reconnect CPU board
DIMM
System board
3XXX Keyboard error Reseat Keyboard
Keyboard
System board
4XXX Video error System board
5XXX Parallel Port error System board
6XXX Serial port or main 
board errorSystem board
7XXX Diskette drive error Diskette drive
System board
8XXX Hard disk error Reload BIOS default setting.
Hard disk
System board
9XXX CD-ROM error Reseat CD-ROM cable
CD-ROM drive
System board
10XXX CPU or main board 
errorCPU
System board
11XXX Pointing device error Reseat Keyboard
Keyboard
System board 
						

							48
Software Utilities  
						

							Chapter 349
This chapter contains step-by-step procedures on how to disassemble the 
notebook computer for maintenance and troubleshooting.
To disassemble the computer, you need the following tools:
qWrist grounding strap and conductive mat for preventing electrostatic 
discharge
qFlat-bladed screwdriver
qPhillips screwdriver
qTw ee z e rs
qFlat-bladed screwdriver or plastic stick
Note: 
The screws for the different components vary in size. During the 
disassembly process, group the screws with the corresponding 
components to avoid mismatch when putting back the 
components.
Chapter  3
Machine Disassembly 
						

							50
Machine Disassembly 
General Information
Before You Begin
Before proceeding with the disassembly procedure, make sure that you do 
the following:
1.  Turn off the power to the system and all peripherals.
2.  Unplug the AC adapter and all power and signal cables from the system.
3.  Remove the battery pack.
Connector Types
There are two kinds of connectors on the system board: 
qConnectors with no locks
Unplug the cable by simply pulling out the cable from the connector.
qConnectors with locks
You can use a plastic stick to lock and unlock connectors with locks.
Unplugging the cable with locks
To unplug the cable, first unlock the connector by pulling up the two clasps on 
both sides of the connector with a plastic stick. Then carefully pull out the 
cable from the connector.
Plugging the cable with locks
To plug the cable back, first make sure that the connector is unlocked, then 
plug the cable into the connector. With a plastic stick, press the two clasps on 
both sides of the connector to secure the cables in place.
Note: 
The cables used here are special FPC (flexible printed-circuit) 
cables and more delicate than normal plastic-enclosed cables.  
Do not force cables out of the connectors to prevent damage.
Unpl uggi ng
the CablePl uggi ng
the Cable
Pl uggi ng
the Cable
Unpl uggi ng
the Cable