Acer Travelmate 290 Service Guide

Chapter 463
Keyboard or Auxiliary Input Device Check
Remove the external keyboard if the internal keyboard is to be tested.
If the internal keyboard does not work or an unexpected character appears, make sure that the flexible cable 
extending from the keyboard is correctly seated in the connector on the main board.
If the keyboard cable connection is correct, run the Keyboard Test.
If the tests detect a keyboard problem, do the following one at a time to correct the problem. Do not replace a...

64Chapter 4
Check the Power Adapter
Unplug the power adapter cable from the computer and measure the output voltage at the plug of the power 
adapter cable. See the following figure
1.If the voltage is not correct, replace the power adapter.
2.If the voltage is within the range, do the following:
TReplace the main board.
TIf the problem is not corrected, see “Undetermined Problems” on page 73.
TIf the voltage is not correct, go to the next step.
NOTE: An audible noise from the power adapter does not...

Chapter 465
Check the Battery Pack
To check the battery pack, do the following:
From Software:
1.Check out the Power Options in control Panel
2.In Power Meter, confirm that if the parameters shown in the screen for Current Power Source and Total 
Battery Power Remaining are correct.
3.Repeat the steps 1 and 2, for both battery and adapter.
4.This helps you identify first the problem is on recharging or discharging.
From Hardware:
1.Power off the computer. 
2.Remove the battery pack and measure the...

66Chapter 4
still occurs, continue next step.
Replace the CPU with another of the same specifications. If the problems still occurs, go to next 
step.
The main board may be damaged. Replace main board.
3.If the external monitor has the same problem as the internal monitor,  the main board may be damaged. 
Please insert the diagnostic disk and run the display test program and go through the sub-steps under 
step 2.
Sound Check
To determine if the computer’s built-in speakers are functioning properly,...

Chapter 467
Insyde MobilePro BIOS POST Beep Code and POST Messages
The POST error message index lists the error message and their possible causes. The most likely cause is 
listed first.
NOTE: Perform the FRU replacement or actions in the sequence shown in FRU/Action column, if the FRU 
replacement does not solve the problem, put the original part back in the computer. Do not replace a 
non-defective FRU.
This index can also help you determine the next possible FRU to be replaced when servicing a...

68Chapter 4
N/A “NO INTERRUPTS FROM TIMER 0” Timer 0 of the clock timer controller does not 
generate system interrupts correctly.
N/A “UNEXPECTED AMOUNT OF 
MEMORY - RUN SCU”The system memory size does not match with 
the CMOS record.
N/A “CLOCK NOT TICKING CORRECTLY” The system clock does not working correctly.
N/A “TIME/DATA CORRUPT - RUN SCU” The time/date information in CMOS is invalid.
N/A “MACHINE IS LOCKED - TURN KEY” The keyboard operation is locked.
N/A “BOOT SECTOR 0 HAS CHANGED” The boot...

Chapter 469
Index of Symptom-to-FRU Error Message
LCD-Related Symptoms
Symptom / ErrorAction in Sequence
LCD backlight doesnt work
LCD is too dark
LCD brightness cannot be adjusted
LCD contrast cannot be adjustedEnter BIOS Utility to execute “Load Setup Defaults” on Exit screen, 
then reboot system.
Reconnect the LCD connectors.
Keyboard (if contrast and brightness function key doesnt work).
LCD cable
LCD inverter
LCD
Main board
Unreadable LCD screen 
Missing pels in characters
Abnormal screen 
Wrong...

70Chapter 4
PCMCIA-Related Symptoms
Symptom / ErrorAction in Sequence
System cannot detect the PC Card (PCMCIA)  PCMCIA slot assembly
Main board
PCMCIA slot pin is damaged. PCMCIA slot assembly
Memory-Related Symptoms
Symptom / ErrorAction in Sequence
Memory count (size) appears different from 
actual size.DIMM
Main board
Speaker-Related Symptoms
Symptom / ErrorAction in Sequence
In Windows, multimedia programs, no sound 
comes from the computer. See “Sound Check” on page 66
Audio driver
Speaker
Main...

Chapter 471
NOTE: If you cannot find a symptom or an error in this list and the problem remains, see “Undetermined 
Problems” on page 73. Peripheral-Related Symptoms
Symptom / ErrorAction in Sequence
System configuration does not match the 
installed devices. Enter BIOS Setup Utility to execute “Load Setup defaults”, then 
reboot system.
Reconnect hard disk/CD-ROM/diskette drives.
External display does not work correctly. See if there is an error beep. If there is an erro beep, then change 
main board....

72Chapter 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 diagnostic test for several times to isolate the problem.
2.If no error is detected, do not replace any FRU.
3.If any error is detected,...