Acer Travelmate 350 Service Guide

							Chapter 235
Three password types protect your computer from unauthorized access.  Setting these passwords creates 
several different levels of protection for your computer and data:
!Setup Password prevents unauthorized entry to the BIOS Utility.  Once set, you must key-in this 
password to gain access to the BIOS Utility.  
!Power-On Password secures your computer against unauthorized use.  Combine the use of this 
password with password checkpoints on boot-up and resume from hibernation for maximum 
security.
!Hard Disk Password protects your data by preventing unauthorized access to your hard disk.  
Even if the hard disk is removed from the computer and moved to another computer, it cannot be 
accessed without the Hard Disk Password.
When a password is set, a password prompt appears on the left-hand corner of the display screen.
1.When the Setup Password is set, the following prompt appears when you press F2 to enter the BIOS 
Utility at boot-up.
Type the Setup Password and press Enter to access the BIOS Utility.
2.When the Power-on Password is set, the following prompt appears at boot-up.
Type the Power-on Password (a symbol appears for each character you type) and press Enter to use the 
computer.  If you enter the password incorrectly, an x symbol appears.  Try again and press Enter.
3.When the Hard Disk Password is set, the following prompt appears at boot-up.
Type the Hard Disk Password (a symbol appears for each character you type) and press Enter to use the 
computer.   If you enter the password incorrectly, an x symbol appears.  Try again and press Enter.
You have three chances to enter a password.  If you successfully entered the password, the following symbol 
appears.
If you fail to enter the password correctly after three tries, the following message or symbol appears.
Removing a Password
Should you decide to remove a password, do the following:
1.Use the cursor up/down (↑↓) keys to highlight a Password parameter (Setup, Power-on or Hard Disk).
2.Use the cursor left/right (→←
→←→← →←) key to remove the password.
NOTE: When you want to remove the Hard Disk password, you are prompted for the Hard Disk password 
before it is removed. 
						

							36Chapter 2
Changing a Password
To change a password, follow these steps:
!Remove the current password. See “Removing a Password” on page 35.
!Set a new password.  See “Setting a Password” on page 34.
Loading Default Settings
If you want to restore all parameter settings to their default values, select this menu item and press Enter
.  The 
following dialog box displays.
If you would like to load default settings for all parameters, use the cursor left/right
 (→←
→←→← →←) keys to select Ye s
; 
then press Enter
.  Choose No
 if otherwise. 
						

							Chapter 237
BIOS Flash Utility
The BIOS flash memory update is required for the following conditions:
!New versions of system programs
!New 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.
NOTE: 
This program contains a readme.txt file.   This readme.txt file will introduce how to use AFlash utility.
Executing Flash Program
IMPORTANT:
If this diskette is not bootable, do the following actions before you use it:
1.
Create a bootable disk.
2.
Copy all AFlash files into this bootable diskette.
3.
Put the bootable disk into TravelMate 350 series mobile, then re-boot.
IMPORTANT:
Never turn off the system power while Flash BIOS is programming.  This will damage your 
system.
4.
After Flash BIOS is done, reboot the system.
NOTE: 
If there are any problems occurred during BIOS update, see “Index of PQA Diagnostic Error Code, 
Message” on page 81 for troubleshooting.  
						

							38Chapter 2
System Utility Diskette
This utility diskette is for the Acer TravelMate 350 notebook machine.  It provides the following functions:
1.
Panel ID Utility
2.
Thermal & Fan Utility
3.
Main Board Data Utility
To use this diskette, first boot from this diskette, then a “Microsoft Windows ME Startup Menu” prompt you to 
choose the testing item.  Follow the instructions on screen to proceed.
NOTE: 
This program contains a readme.txt file.  This readme.txt file will introduce each test utility and its 
functions.
IMPORTANT:
If this diskette is not bootable, do the following actions before you use it:
1.
Do system transfers. (Sys A:)
2.
Copy HIMEM.SYS to A:\.
3.
Copy RAMDRIVE.SYS to A:\.
Panel ID Utility
There is an EEPROM in the inverter which stores its supported LCD type ID code. If you replace an 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 below 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.
Thermal and Fan Utility
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.  This utility will test fan, processor thermal and system thermal.
Main Board Data Utility
This utility will display Main Board Data (MBD) which include header information, product name, manufacturer 
name, UUID (Universally Unique IDentifiers) and serial number.   This function can display and create MBD 
data as well as store those information to LCD inverter EEPROM (not flash ROM).   
						

							Chapter 239
System Diagnostic Diskette
IMPORTANT:
 1The diagnostics program here that we used is called PQA (Product Quality Assurance) and is 
provided by Acer Headquarters.  You can utilize it as a basic diagnostic tool.  To get this program, 
either download it from http://csd.acer.com.tw or find it in the TravelMate 350 service CD kit. 
To better fit local service requirements, your regional office MAY have other diagnostic program.  
Please contact your regional offices or the responsible personnel/channel to provide you with further 
technical details. 
NOTE: 
This program contains a readme.txt file.  This readme.txt file will introduce each test and its functions.
This diagnostic program divided into two diskettes is for the Acer TravelMate 350 notebook machine.  It 
provides the following functions:
Disk 1:
1.
PQA System Diagnostics
2.
Audio Resource and Speaker Out Test
3.
USB Register and Connect/Disconnect Test
4.
IR Test
NOTE: 
The Infrared Ray setting in BIOS Setup must be set to enable when executing the Infrared Ray Test.
5.
Exit
To use this diskette, first boot from this diskette, then a “Microsoft Windows ME Startup Menu” prompts you to 
choose the testing item.  Follow the instructions on screen to proceed.
IMPORTANT:
If 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
MSCDEX.EXE
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.
Running PQA Diagnostics Program
1New added description. Please pay attention to it.
PQA                                        Vx_x     xx-xx-xx
DiagResult 
SysInfoOption
Exit 
						

							40Chapter 2
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.
One Test performs a single test and Manual checks the selected test items in sequence.
Multi Test performs multiple tests of the selected items and check the selected test items in sequence.
Full Test performs all test items in detail  for your system.
Quick Test performs all test items quickly for your system.
PQA                                        Vx_x     xx-xx-xx
DiagResult
SysInfoOption
Exit
DiagONE      TEST
MULTI   TEST
FULL     TEST
QUICK   TEST 
						

							Chapter 241
The screen below appears if you select Multi 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 submenu.
The right corner screen information gives you the available function keys and the specified test number.
!Space: Enables/disables the item
!ESC: Exits the program
!F1: Help
!F2: Tests the selected item(s)
!Enter: Opens the available options
!Test Times:  Indicates the number of tests to perform.
NOTE: The F1 and F2 keys function only after you finish configuring the Test option.
NOTE: When any errors are detected by diagnostic program, refer to “Index of PQA Diagnostic Error Code, 
Message” on page 81 for troubleshooting.
PQA                                        Vx_x     xx-xx-xx
DiagResult
SysInfoOption
Exit
DiagOne         TEST
Multi         TEST
PQA                                        Vx_x     xx-xx-xx
DiagResult
SysInfoOption
Exit
DiagONE      TEST
MULTI   TEST
FULL     TEST
QUICK   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 sub-item’s menu
Test Times = 1 
						

							42Chapter 2 
						

							Chapter 343
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:
!Wrist grounding strap and conductive mat to prevent electrostatic discharge
!Flat-bladed screwdriver
!Phillips screwdriver
!Hexagonal screwdriver
!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 mismatches when putting back the components.
Machine Disassembly and Replacement
Chapter  3 
						

							44Chapter 3
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.