Acer Extensa 510 Maintenance Manual

							·Measure the voltage at the AC Outlet or plug in a known good appliance
(EG. a lamp) to verify that voltage is present. If the voltage is OK, try
replacing the AC Adapter
·Check to see that the battery pack is installed correctly (try using a
recharged battery pack if battery is discharged).
·If the AC outlet voltage, AC Adapter, and battery packs test normal, but
the computer will not power up, replace the Power Supply Board and/or
Battery Board as described in Section 6.
EXTERNAL
VGA MONITOR
MAIN BOARD
XD BUS
SD BUS
Input From 
AC Adapter
SYSTEM &
VGA BIOS
XD BUS
Super I/O
Controller
RS-232
Serial Port Drivers/
Receivers
C&T 65540
Intel 
100 MHz
Pentium
Processor
Video 
Controller
System
Controller
State Machine
& Glue Logic
     
PC MC IA Adapter
      
Internal Hard Drive
Power Supply
Section
Internal 
Touchpad
Keyboard/PS2
Mouse Logic
Memory
Board
PCMCIA Option Slot(s)
512KB
Video RAM
Clock Generator
640 X 480
VGA LCD
Inverter 
BoardLocated internal
to the LCD
Assembly
RAM
Expansion
Modules
Internal Floppy Drive
Parallel Port
Internal LCD Display
Internal Keyboard
Figure5-2  Troubleshooting Block Diagram
   
5-4 
Troubleshooting 
						

							 
5.3.2Troubleshooting a Display Problem
If the LCD remains blank when you turn on the computer, and the status
indicators light, check the following controls on the display (refer to Figure
3-1):
·LCD Standby mode - If the LCD backlight remains off, even with the
Brightness and Contrast Controls set to their highest positions (refer to
Section 3), the LCD may be in Standby Mode
. Press the Standby
 or
Power
 button to resume the system.
·Notebook Set for External Monitor - use CMOS Setup to reset notebook.
·LCD - Replace the cover-display assembly as described in Section 6 of
this manual.
·Low battery - Use a fully charged battery.
5.3.3Fault Isolation Using Self Test
When the computer is first powered up, it automatically performs a self test
of its central hardware and memory functions. During self test (which lasts
for a few seconds), the display shows copyright and version number
information.
n
Note: 
 Some procedures in this paragraph require you to use keystroke se-
quences, such as Ctrl-Alt-Del
. To execute a keystroke sequence such as
this, you must press all three keys simultaneously.
5.3.3.1 Self Test Error Messages
Upon successful completion of the self test, the computer automatically
loads its operating system and other built-in utilities. If the self test fails to
complete successfully, the display shows one of the error messages
described in Appendix A.
5.3.4PCMCIA Modem Problems
If an optional PCMCIA modem does not work properly, check the following
items:
·Proper installation of any PCMCIA options (check Modem settings under
Control Panel).
·Dialing problem or wrong number - Try dialing a number that you have
previously dialed successfully.
  
Troubleshooting 5-5 
						

							·Faulty phone line - Connect a telephone to the line and listen for a dial
tone.
·Software program - Check to ensure that you have installed the
software correctly.
5.3.5Fault Isolation Using Diagnostics 
PC-Doctor, supplied with the Extensa Series Notebooks, is a powerful
diagnostics tool that can help you scan an internal RAM system for viruses,
determine the hardware configuration of a local or remote system,
benchmark its performance, analyze the performance of all subsystems,
and perform a suite of interactive and non-interactive tests on attached
devices. The test results are stored in a log which can be printed out (by
pressing F2
) or saved in a disk file (by pressing F3
).
Features of the diagnostic program are accessed through a series of
pull-down menus and basic keyboard keys (cursor keys to move highlighted
pointer, Enter key to select a highlighted feature, Esc key to cancel a
function and move back one level).
PC-Doctor is typically user friendly but if you don’t understand a feature,
context-sensitive help information is available at any time by pressing the
F1
 function key; pressing the F1
 function key twice accesses the online
Technical Reference Manual for PC-Doctor.
 A powerful set of utilities within PC-Doctor (that can be run locally or
remotely) simplify the task of determining system configuration data,
allocating and using system memory, IRQ and DMA use, what device drivers
are installed, what COM and LPT ports are assigned and what ports are
available, identifying partitioning data for fixed disk drive(s), determining
the VGA setup information, reading the software interrupts/interrupt
vectors, etc.
Functionally, PC-Doctor includes the following: 
·Group of nine non-Interactive diagnostic tests that perform a
non-destructive test of the major hardware functions in the notebook
(Processor, Memory, System board, video section, serial and parallel
ports (when loopback adapters are installed), hard disk and floppy disk.
·Group of seven Interactive tests (require operator input) for testing the
keyboard, video sections, sound subsystem, mouse, joystick, diskette
drive, printer subsystem and SCSI/CD-ROM Drive subsystems.
·Utility that provides detailed system information such as configuration
data, allocation and use of system memory, IRQ and DMA use, what
device drivers are installed, what COM and LPT ports are assigned and
what ports are available, partitioning data for fixed disk drive(s), VGA
setup information, software interrupts and interrupt vectors.
   
5-6 
Troubleshooting 
						

							·Group of special purpose utilities to run other tests from PC-Doctor,
perform a virus scan of the internal RAM system, edit configuration
files, surface scan hard drives, measure system performance, open a
DOS prompt, provides terminal access to devices connected to serial
ports, supports memory debug operations, enables remote operations,
permits deep discharge of notebook batteries and provides an extensive
test reporting function.
The PC-Doctor diagnostic program contains a group of nine non-Interactive
diagnostics, available from the Diagnostics
 heading in the main menu, that
permits testing various hardware sections without operator input. You can
select one, several, or all tests from the Diagnostics menu. These tests are
non-destructive; the serial and parallel port tests require disconnecting
external devices from your notebook and installing loopback plugs. The
Non-Interactive test categories include:
·
CPU and Coprocessor -Processor Tests
·Base RAM memory test
·System Board test
·Video Test
·COM1 and LPT1 serial port tests
·Parallel Port Test
·Fixed Disk test
·Diskette Drive tests
·Other devices (Sound card, PCMCIA options, etc.)
5.3.5.1 Interactive Tests 
The PC-Doctor diagnostic test includes a suite of seven Interactive tests that
require operator input during the course of the test. The Interactive Tests
category includes: 
·
Keyboard
 - tests the keyboard keys, LEDs and repeat function
·Video
 - tests the LCD and external VGA character sets, and colors
·Speaker 
- tests the volume response at different frequencies
·Mouse
 - tests the mouse driver, buttons and functionality
·Joystick 
- calibrates the external joystick connected to the system
and tests the joystick buttons
·Diskette Drive
 - checks diskette drive functionality
·Maximum System Load 
- thoroughly exercises the system to the
maximum extent possible for performing system burn-in and test
  
Troubleshooting 5-7 
						

							·Printer Test
 - tests the operation of a connected printer
·SCSI Test 
- sends test codes to attached SCSI devices (requires use
of a Docking System with SCSI)
·CD-ROM Test 
- checks out any attached CD-ROM Drive (requires
attachment of a Docking System with CD-ROM capability)
5.3.5.2 Supporting Online Documentation 
The PC-Doctor Diagnostic contains the following online information sources: 
·Online Technical Manual
 - selected at any time by pressing the F1
 key
twice or by clicking on the Question Mark in the upper left hand corner
of any PC-Doctor Menu
·On-line Help system
 that provides context sensitive information from
every PC-Doctor screen- accessed by pressing the F1
 key once (pressing
F1
 twice gets you into the online manual)
PC-Doctor is structured as a text-mode, windowed user interface with
pull-down menus. Program operation requires the use of the following keys:
·Cursor Keys 
- Move the highlighted pointer
·Enter Key 
- Selects the highlighted option
·Esc Key 
- Cancels current function and goes back one step
·F1 Key
 - Activates the context-sensitive help feature (pressing F1
 twice
in a row calls up the online Technical Reference Manual for PC-Doctor)
Scrolling windows, which show the results of various operations, use the
following keys:
·Page Up/Page Down 
- Moves the screen one page at a time
·F2
 - Prints the log to PRN
·F3 
- Saves the log to a file
You can also use the mouse, or Point, to interact with PC-Doctor. The
leftmost Select
 key is used to choose objects (menu entries and action
codes typically enclosed in brackets). The rightmost Select
 key is equivalent
to the Esc
 key which takes you back to your previous step.
   
5-8 
Troubleshooting 
						

							5.3.5.3 Creating a Bootable Floppy Diskette
Prior to using PC-Doctor, create a bootable floppy diskette using the
following procedure:
1.  Power up the unit; when unit displays message, Starting Windows 95,
press F8
. Choose Command Prompt Only
 from menu.
2.  Using DOS, format a floppy diskette.
3. From the A:
 prompt, copy the basic MS-DOS files to the diskette using
the following command:
  Format A: /F:1440 /S 
  where the value 1440 is the capacity of the diskette (1.44 MB in this
  example).
4.  Get into the PC-Doctor directory
(type CD C:\PCDR 
and press Enter
).
5.  Copy the PC-Doctor files to the bootable diskette using the following
command:
  XCOPY C:. A:
After completion of this procedure, you should have a bootable diskette
containing PC-Doctor.
5.3.5.4  Running PC-Doctor
PC-Doctor is a DOS-resident program that can be run from either hard disk
or from the bootable diskette you previously created.
1.From the C: prompt, change directory (type CD C:\PCDR
) and press
Enter
.
2.   From the C:\ prompt, type PCDR
 and press Enter
.
3.    The Diagnostics Program loads into system memory, and the LCD
displays the Diagnostics Header.
n
Note: 
 There are a number of command-line switches that can be entered
when starting up PC-Doctor to enable automatic virus scanning, enable
loopback testing of serial/parallel ports, work from the remote menu if per-
forming remote operations, etc. To get a listing of the available command-
line switches, startup PC-Doctor with the following command: PCDR /?
 and
press Enter
.
  
Troubleshooting 5-9 
						

							n
Note: 
 If PC-Doctor detects a virus, it will stop with an error message. You
must then use one of the standard virus detection and removal programs to
remove the virus.
5.3.5.5  Quitting PC-Doctor
To exit PC-Doctor, select the Quit
 pull down menu and then select the Quit
to DOS
 option.
n
Note: 
 For additional information, press F1 
twice to access the online Refer-
ence manual for PC-Doctor.
   
5-10 
Troubleshooting 
						

							6
Field Service
6.1 Introduction
This section contains preventive and corrective maintenance procedures for
the Extensa 51x Series Notebook Computers. The first part of the section
describes the computer cleaning procedures and preferred handling
procedures for sensitive components (e.g. disk drives, batteries).
The second part of the section identifies all field-replaceable parts; the
remainder of the section contains removal and replacement procedures for
the field-replaceable parts.
6.2 Preventive Maintenance
Preventive maintenance is limited to cleaning the plastic case, the interior of
the notebook including the keyboard, touchpad and the LCD screen.
6.2.1Cleaning the Computer
When it is necessary to clean the plastic case and keyboard, use a soft,
lint-free cloth, slightly dampened with a mild detergent solution or use the
contents of any commercially available computer cleaning kit.
c
Caution: Never use alcohol, petroleum-based solvents, or harsh deter-
gents to clean your computer. Also never spray any liquids directly on
the computer case, keyboard, or screen. If the liquid-crystal display
(LCD) screen has become smeared or dusty, clean the screen by first ap-
plying a mild glass cleaner to a soft, clean, lint-free cloth, and gently
wipe the glass. Never apply liquids directly on the screen surface.
cCaution: Do not use paper towels to clean the display screen. Paper can
scratch the display screen matte.
 
 Field Service  6-1 
						

							6.2.2 Protecting the Disk Drives
To protect the disk drives and data, back up the system disk periodically on
floppy diskettes. Periodically use a head-cleaning diskette in the floppy
diskette drive to prolong the life of the drive and to help maintain data
integrity.
6.2.3 Handling the Computer Battery Pack
The battery pack furnished with the computer requires reasonable care and
handling to ensure efficient operation and maximum life. Periodically
inspect the battery terminals and the batteries for evidence of corrosion and
oxide build-up; clean if necessary.
To ensure that the battery pack endures a normal life cycle, always observe
the following precautions when handling the battery pack:
·Do not drop the battery pack or subject it to excessive shock and
vibration.
·Do not expose the battery pack to direct sunlight, moisture, or chemical
compounds.
·Do not disassemble the battery pack.
·Do not use the battery pack to power other devices.
·Do not short the battery leads or connect the battery with reversed
polarity. 
·Never attempt to charge the battery pack in any way other than as
described in this manual.
·Always charge the battery pack as soon as possible after a low battery
indication.
6.2.4Restoring System Software
The hard drive on the notebook computer is factory loaded with Windows 95
or Windows for Workgroups and ready for operation. Supplied with the
system is a utility for creating backup diskettes of the system software. In
the event of a disk crash or other problem, you can use the Windows 95
Startup diskette or other backup diskettes to boot the unit and perform
troubleshooting.
 
6-2 
 Field Service  
						

							6.3 Required Tools and Equipment
All notebook computer corrective maintenance procedures can be performed
using the following tools:
·Tweezers
· Small flat-blade screwdriver
· Small Phillips screwdriver
· Hexagonal Screwdriver
· Plastic Stick
·Conductive mat/wrist or ankle grounding strap system for electrostatic
voltage protection.
c
Caution: All boards, options and peripherals contain components that
are sensitive to static electricity. When handling any of these items, pro-
tect against static electricity by using wrist or ankle grounding straps
and grounded conductive mats. When moving or storing items, use the
anti-static bags supplied with the items.
6.4Notebook Field-Replaceable Parts
and Assemblies
All members of the Extensa 51x Series Notebook Computers contain two
major assemblies including the Cover -Display Assembly (upper half of
notebook computer) and the System Base Assembly (lower half of the
notebook). Each of these two assemblies contain FRUs as described in the
following subparagraphs.
6.4.1 Display Assembly
As shown in Figure 6-1, the Display Assembly contains the LCD screen,
Power Inverter Board and Contrast Board.
The Field-Replaceable Units (FRUs) and their respective TI Part No.’s and
assembly/disassembly reference paragraph numbers are provided in Table
6-1.
 
 Field Service  6-3