Acer Travelmate 550 Service Guide

							Chapter 243
Boot
The Boot screen allows you to set the order in which the system looks for bootable devices on startup.
The table below describes these devices.
NOTE:  A plus (+) sign may be shown in front of a device. You can press e to “expand” the device and see 
sub-items in this category.
ParameterDescription
Removable Devices The computer attempts to boot fro the removable device (e.g., floppy drive). If 
unsuccessful, the system goes to the next device in the list.
Hard Drive The computer attempts to boot from the hard disk. If unsuccessful, the system goes to the 
next device in the list.
CD-ROM/DVD Drive The computer attempts to boot from the CD or DVD drive (looks for a bootable CD or 
DVD.)
Accton Network Boot The computer attemptes to boot from LAN.
Accton Network BootAccton Network Boot 
						

							44Chapter 2
Exit
The Exit screen contains parameters that help safeguard and protect your computer from unauthorized use.
The table below describes the parameters in this screen.
ParameterDescription
Exit Saving Changes Saves changes made and exits the BIOS Setup Utility (same as 
u ).
Exit Discarding Changes Discards changes made and exits the BIOS Setup Utility.
Load Setup Defaults Loads default settings for all parameters (same as 
t ).
Discard Changes Discards changes made.
Save Changes Save changes made.
Main            System Devices            Security            Others            BootExit
Item Specific Help
Exit Saving Changes
Exit Discarding Changes
Discard Changes
Save Changes Load Setup Defaults
F1   Help Select Item             F5/F6   Change Values               F9    Setup Defaults
Esc Exit Select Menu           Enter   Execute Command         F10  Save and Exit↑↓
←→ 
						

							Chapter 245
BIOS Flash Utility
The BIOS flash memory update is required for the following conditions:
❑New versions of system programs
❑New features or options
❑Restore a BIOS when it becomes corrupted. 
Use the Phlash utility to update the system BIOS flash ROM.
NOTE: If you do not have a crisis recovery diskette at hand, then you should create a Crisis Recovery 
Diskette before you use the Phlash utility.
NOTE: Do not install memory-related drivers (XMS, EMS, DPMI) when you use the Phlash.
NOTE: Please use the AC adaptor power supply when you run the Phlash utility. If the battery pack does not 
contain enough power to finish BIOS flash, you may not boot the system because the BIOS is not 
completely loaded. 
Fellow the steps below to run the Phlash.
1.Prepare a bootable diskette.
2.Copy the Phlash utilities to the bootable diskette.
3.Then boot the system from the bootable diskette. The Phlash utility has auto-execution function.
System Utility Diskette
This utility diskette is for the Acer TravelMate α 550 notebook machine. You can find the utility in Service CD 
kit. It provides the following functions:
1.Panel ID Utility
2.Thermal & Fan Utility
3.Mother 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.
System Diagnostic Diskette
IMPORTANT:1The diagnostics program we use for TravelMate α 550 is not exactly the same as PQA 
(Product Quality Assurance), the diagnostic program we used to employ in other model. The system 
diagnostic utilities is provided by Acer Headquarters. You can utilize it as a basic diagnostic tool. To 
get this program, find it in the TravelMate
 α 550 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: For ASSY Function Test Procedure, please prepare the following items for system components test: 
PIO loopback, diskette, mouse (PS/2), CD-Disk (Test Program), battery pack, SYS_card (Card Bus)X2, 
AC-adapter, keyboard, speaker and feather.
1New added description. Please pay attention to it. 
						

							46Chapter 2
Running Diagnostics Program
1.BIOS Re-flash
Insert CD-Disk and floppy disk then boot from floppy disk drive to BIOS re-flash.
2.Parallel Port Test
Insert PIO loopback ot parallel port for test.
3.RTC, FDD Test
Insert diskette to floppy disk drive for test.
.
4.Thermal Test 
						

							Chapter 247
.
5.CD-ROM Test
First test left channel, if you hear sounds then press e key to test right channel.
.
If you hear sounds then press “P” key to pass this item.
6.Batter Charge Test
Plug the AC adapter to the system for test. 
						

							48Chapter 2
7.Video mode Test
Check the RGB video mode display quality.
8.T/P Mouse Test
9.FA N  Te s t
Check if the fan has turned on with feathers.
10.LAN Test 
						

							Chapter 249
11 .Keyboard Test
Press all keys according to this order--from left to right and from up to down to test each key’s function. If pass 
then press b + Break to continue the next test.
12.32bit Syscard Test
Insert two pieces of Syscard (Card bus) into PCMCIA slots for test. Check travel card if found error code on the 
card then record to SFIS and travel card else affix QC seal on the travel card. 
						

							50Chapter 2 
						

							Chapter 351
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 for preventing electrostatic discharge
❑plastic screw driver
❑FPC fixture
❑Tw e e z e r s
❑Flat-bladed screw driver or plastic stick
❑hex screw driver
❑plastic tool that can prize stripe cover
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. 
When you remove the stripe cover, please be careful not to scrape the cover.
Chapter 3
Machine Disassembly and Replacement 
						

							52Chapter 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.
3.Remove the battery pack.
NOTE:  TravelMate
 α 550 uses mylar or tape to fasten the FFC/FPC/connectors, you may need to tear the 
tape or mylar before you disconnect different FFC/FPC/connectors.