Acer Travelmate 5000 Maintenance Manual

							3.4.7 Recharging the Battery Packs
A standalone battery charger option is available to charge notebook battery
packs. The battery packs may also be charged in the notebook as follows: 
1.Install the battery pack in your computer (if not already installed).
2.Connect the AC Adapter as described in Section 2. The LEDs on the
battery pack(s) will gradually light starting from the left.  When all
four LEDs on the battery pack light, this indicates that the battery
pack is at least 90% charged.  All four LEDs extinguish when the
battery is 100% charged.
3.To fully charge the battery packs, leave then charging in the Notebook 
for at least another 90 minutes after all four battery LED’s light. 
3.4.8 Running the DOS-Based Setup
Program
To run the DOS-Based Setup program, simultaneously press the Fn-ESC
keys. This program allows you to modify time and date, power savings
settings, define the startup condition of the keyboard and screen and other
functions such as defining drive types, set up com ports, etc. 
A System Information feature (accessed by pressing the F2 key) gives you
such information as Processor Type, BIOS version number, serial and
parallel port addresses, etc. 
n
Note: To run the Windows-based Setup Program, get into Windows and
click on the TISETUP icon in the Notebook Group.
3.4.9  Backing Up Your System Software
When you power up the notebook, it automatically runs the Setup program
and temporarily halts in the Setup Menu. Use the Up/Down Arrow keys to
highlight System Maintenance and press the Enter key to select the
System Maintenance utilities. You are then prompted through the backup
procedure. 
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Note: You will need 22 diskettes (23 for international models) to back up the
system software. These can be unformatted as the system automatically for-
mats the diskettes. 
3.4.10 Restoring Missing System Files
When you power up the Notebook, it automatically checks for certain key
files that must be present for normal system operation (E.G.
COMMAND.COM, IO.SYS, MSDOS.SYS, etc.). If any of these files are
accidently erased as indicated by error message, insert the System Recovery
Diskette and reboot the system. The missing files will automatically be
retrieved from floppy.
  
3-10 Operating Instructions 
						

							3.4.11 Rebuilding the System Software
In the event of a hard drive replacement or system board replacement which
resulted in loss of system software, you may need to rebuilt the entire
system software structure. 
The following items are required to rebuild the system software:
·Set of  22 backup diskettes of the system software (international
versions require 23 diskettes)
·System Recovery Diskette- contains Backup/Restore Utilities, key
system files and advanced diagnostics for performing system
maintenance 
·Operational Notebook 
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Note:  See the TM5000 Online User’s Technical Reference Manual for addi-
tional information. 
  
Operating Instructions 3-11 
						

							4
Troubleshooting Procedures
This section provides an overview of the fault isolation process, provides
guidelines for isolating computer malfunctions to replaceable subassemblies
and provides instructions for executing diagnostics and interpreting error
messages. 
4.1 Overview of Fault Isolation
Process
The fault isolation process  (summarized in Figure 4-1) consists of the
following: 
·Quick Check of the following:
·Notebook power system (including battery packs and AC
Adapter connections)- See Paragraph 4.4.
·Switch settings (ensure Power switch is On, and press
Suspend switch to ensure that Notebook is not in Suspend
mode; press Shift to ensure the notebook is not in
Auto-Suspend mode. 
·All external cabling (if any)
·Check LCD brightness adjustment
·Ensure that computer is not set for external monitor (cycle
power or use VGA/LCD command).
·Record and attempt to resolve any displayed error messages/LED
indications (See Paragraph 4.2.3.1 and Tables 4-1 and 4-2)
·Record and attempt to resolve any series of beeps emitted from the
notebook indicating test failure (See Table 4-2)
·Try rebooting the system (CTRL-ALT-DEL); restore system from
diskettes, if necessary.
·If the computer is capable of running the Setup program; check the
serial and parallel port configurations, Sound System enable/disable,
and other features that may affect system operation.
·Run PC-Doctor Diagnostics to further isolate problem area (See
Paragraph 4.2.5).
·For indicated hardware failures, cycle power and repeat self test to
verify that a hard failure has occurred. 
·Remove and replace suspect hardware (as described in Section 5 of this
manual) and retest the system using the diagnostic tests as described in
paragraph 4.2.5.
Troubleshooting Procedures 4-1 
						

							The detailed block diagram, shown in Figure 4-2, is useful in performing
fault analysis of various internal subsystems. For example, a sound
hardware problem can be traced to either the PCMCIA/Sound Board, the
main board, or the interconnecting cabling software. A front panel LED
problem can be the LED Board, Main Board or interconnecting cabling
between the two. Other subsystem problems can be isolated in a similar
fashion using the detailed block diagram as a troubleshooting tool. 
START
COMPUTER
TROUBLE
INDICATION
?
DEAD
COMPUTER
SYMTOMS
?
RUN
SELF TEST
ERRO R
MESSAGE
?
MODEM
PROBLEM
?
RUN
DIAGNOSTICS
DIAGNOSTICS
ERROR MSG
?
NO
YES
NO
YES
SEE PARAGRAPH
4.2.4
NO
YES
SEE PARAGRAPH
4.2.3.1
NO
NO
WHEN PO WER SWITCH
SET TO ON,, NO
INDICATION OF POWER;
SCREEN DARK, STATUS
LEDs EXTINGUISHED
SET POWER SWITCH
TO ON. SELFTEST
AUTOMATICALLY RUNS
YESSee Paragraphs
4.2.1 and 4.2.2
See PC-Doctor 
Reference Manual
Figure 4-1  Notebook Computer Troubleshooting
Flow Chart
  
4-2 Troubleshooting Procedures 
						

							Figure 4-2  Notebook Detailed Block Diagram
  
Troubleshooting Procedures 4-3 
						

							4.2 Troubleshooting Procedures
The built-in self test program and the disk resident diagnostics program
(PC-Doctor) are useful tools in computer troubleshooting. However, if the
computer has a power, keyboard or display problem, you first solve this
problem before running diagnostics. If the computer powers up and displays
messages on the LCD or emits a series of beeps, skip to Paragraph 4.2.3 for
further instructions. 
4.2.1 Troubleshooting a Power Supply
Problem
If the computer does not power up when the Power Switch is set to the ON
position, you most likely have a malfunction in the power subsystem (loss of
power at the AC Outlet, faulty AC Adapter, discharged Battery Packs, or
faulty Power Supply on the Main Board). With a power problem, all LEDs
are extinguished, the LCD screen is blank, the system does not respond
when the suspend switch several times consecutively and no drive activity
can be heard. The computer is unable to load software and displays no
visible signs of activity. 
To fault isolate a power problem, check the following:
·AC Adapter and Battery- Plug in the AC adapter and double check all
connections on the Adapter and computer. Ensure that the Notebook
Power switch is set to the On position and that the system is not in
Suspend or sleep mode. 
·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 O.K., try
replacing the AC Adapter.      
·Check to see that the battery packs are installed correctly and that the
battery charge indicators on the front of the battery packs indicate the
batteries are charged (try using a new battery pack if batteries are
discharged).  
·If the AC outlet voltage, AC Adapter, and battery packs test normal but
the computer will not power up, replace the Main Board as described in
Section 5.
4.2.2 Troubleshooting 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 (See Figure 3-1):
·Brightness - Adjust the Brightness control to a higher setting. 
·LCD suspend mode - If the LCD backlight remains off, even with the
Brightness Control set to its highest position, the LCD may be in the
Suspend Mode. In Suspend Mode, the power/suspend indicator glows
amber. Press any key to power up the system.
  
4-4 Troubleshooting Procedures 
						

							·Notebook Set for External Monitor- use VGA or WinMode Utility
command to reset notebook. 
·LCD - Replace the cover-display assembly as described in Section 5 of
this manual. 
·Low battery - Use a fully charged battery.
4.2.3 Fault Isolation Using Selftest 
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.
4.2.3.1 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 Table 4-1. 
n
Note: In the event of a hardware problem that affects the display, the Note-
book also communicates errors via a series of beeps. The interpretation of
the beep codes is provided in Table 4-2. 
  
Troubleshooting Procedures 4-5 
						

							Table 4-1  Self-Test Error Messages
Diskette drive 0 failure
This message indicates the internal floppy diskette (drive A) has failed. Press
CTRL-ALT-ESC to ensure that drive type is correctly set (3.5 inch, 1.44MB).
Run the Diagnostics to check drive A as described in Paragraph 4.2.5.  Also
try using a new, correctly formatted diskette.
Diskette read failure - strike F1 to try to retry boot
This message indicates the diskette is defective or not formatted. 
Try another known good formatted diskette and press F1:
Fixed disk failure
This message indicates the system disk drive failed to complete the self-test
or that the nonvolatile random-access memory (NVRAM) is configured
incorrectly for the installed drive type. 
Press CTRL-ALT-ESC to ensure that the hard disk type is correctly
identified in Setup (should be default for the internal hard drive).
Press the CTRL-ALT-DEL keys to attempt to reboot the system. If the error
occurs a second time, run the diagnostics as described in paragraph 4.2.5.
Fixed disk read failure - strike F1 to retry boot 
This message indicates that the hard drive improperly formatted, or that a
hardware failure has occurred in the hard disk subsystem. 
Press CTRL-ALT-ESC to ensure that the hard disk type is correctly
identified in Setup (should be default for the internal hard drive).
If the booting process still fails, run the diagnostics as described in
paragraph 4.2.5.
Invalid configuration information
This message indicates the computer has been configured incorrectly.
Check the settings in the Setup program menu. Also, NVRAM battery failure
(resulting in loss of configuration data) can generate this error message.
Install PC Adapter and recharge system.  If problem persists, replace Main
Board.
Keyboard clock/data line failure
This message indicates either the keyboard or the external keyboard (if one
is installed) is defective. If the computer has an external keyboard
connected, check the connection to ensure that it is connected correctly. If
the problem still exists, run the diagnostics as described in paragraph 4.2.5.
Keyboard stuck key failure
This message indicates the self-test has detected a stuck key on the
keyboard. Try the keyboard keys to determine if they appear to be working
properly and reboot the computer.
n
Note: Also, ensure that no key is pressed during power up and that no keys
are jammed.
  
4-6 Troubleshooting Procedures 
						

							If the self-test still fails, execute the diagnostics as described in paragraph
4.2.5.
No boot device available - press F1 to retry boot 
This message indicates the system disk, the diskette drive, or the diskette is
defective (if loading MS-DOS from diskette) or that the NVRAM is not
correctly configured for the installed disk drive type. Replace the diskette
and reboot the computer. If the self-test still fails, run the diagnostics as
described in paragraph 4.2.5.
No boot sector on system disk - press F1 to retry boot   
This message indicates the system disk is not formatted. Try powering down
the system and re-running the self test. Press CTRL-ALT-ESC to ensure
that the drive type is correctly set in Setup.  Also, press F1 to try loading
MS-DOS from the hard drive again.  If the message persists, the disk must
be reformatted and software reloaded from diskettes (see Section 3).
c
Caution:  Reformatting erases all data on the hard drive. Use this rem-
edy only as a last resort.
Non-System Disk or Disk error. Replace and press any key when ready.
This message indicates the diskette installed in floppy diskette drive A is not
a bootable diskette. Format an MS-DOS bootable diskette as described in
the Online MS-DOS User’s Guide.  Install diskette in drive A, and reboot the
computer. Also try pressing CTRL-ALT-ESC to ensure the diskette drive
type is correctly set in Setup.
Time-of-day clock stopped
This message indicates that the battery sustaining the system configuration
has failed. Reset the configuration.
n
Note: The following messages are informational messages that do not neces-
sarily indicate a self-test failure:
NNN Main Memory, NNN Extended   
This message lists the amount of standard memory and optional extended
memory that has tested successfully during self-test execution.  This
message is only displayed if  Quick Boot is off in System Setup.
Memory tests terminated by keystroke
This message tells you that you have pressed the Space Bar while the
memory tests were running. Pressing the Space Bar during memory testing
stops the tests.
Press F1 to continue 
This message tells you that an error was found during self-test execution.
Press F1 to attempt to reboot the computer.
  
Troubleshooting Procedures 4-7 
						

							4.2.3.2 Self Test Beep Error Messages
In the event of a hardware problem that affects the display, the Notebook
also communicates errors via a series of beeps. These codes may be heard
over the system’s speaker as three bursts of beeps. The interpretation of the
beep codes is provided in Table 4-2. 
To recover from a self test error, try cycling power to the computer.  Also,
press CTRL-ALT-ESC to ensure that the Setup configuration is correct. In
general, most of the failures are associated with the Main Board and may
require board removal/replacement.
Try running PC-Doctor (Paragraph 4.2.5.3) if possible to verify the source of
problem. Otherwise, replace the Main PWB.
Table 4-2   Self Test Beep Messages
Beep Code Port 80h Description
None 01h CPU Register Test in Progress
1-1-3 02h  CMOS Write/Read Failure
1-1-4 03h  ROM BIOS Checksum Failure
1-2-1 04h Programmable Interval Timer Failure
1-2-2 05h DMA Initialization Failure
1-2-3 06h DMA Page Register Write/Read Failure
1-3-1 08h DRAM Refresh Verification Failure
None 09h  1ST 64K RAM Test in Progress
1-3-3 0Ah 1ST 64K RAM Chip or Data Line Failure, 
Multi-Bit
1-3-4 0Bh 1ST 64K RAM Odd/Even Logic Failure
1-4-1 0Ch  Address Line Failure, 1ST 64K RAM
1-4-2 0Dh Parity Failure, 1ST 64K RAM
2-1-1 10h Bit 0, 1ST 64K RAM Failure
2-1-2 11h Bit 1, 1ST 64K RAM Failure
2-1-3 12h Bit 2, 1ST 64K RAM Failure
2-1-4 13h Bit 3, 1ST 64K RAM Failure
2-2-1 14h   Bit 4, 1ST 64K RAM Failure
2-2-2 15h Bit 5, 1ST 64K RAM Failure
2-2-3 16h  Bit 6, 1ST 64K RAM Failure
2-2-4  17h  Bit 7, 1ST 64K RAM Failure
2-3-1 18h Bit 8, 1ST 64K RAM Failure
2-3-2 19h Bit 9, 1ST 64K RAM Failure
  
4-8 Troubleshooting Procedures