Acer Travelmate 550 Service Guide

							Chapter 363
Disassembling the External Modules
Disassembling the HDD Module
1.Remove the four screws on HDD carrier.
2.Remove the hard disk drive from the carrier.
3.Disconnect the hard disk connector.
Disassembling the Floppy Disk Drive Module
1.Disconnect the floppy disk drive FFC.
2.Unscrew the two screw holding the bracket.
3.Unscrew the screw holding the bracket.
4.Remove the right and the left brakets.
5.Press the FDD latch with the fixture and remove the FDD panel.
.
Disassembling the DVD-ROM Module
1.Unscrew the two screws holding the support plate.
2.Then remove the support plate. 
						

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							Chapter 465
Use the following procedure as a guide for computer problems.
NOTE: The diagnostic tests are intended to test this model.  Non-Acer products, prototype cards, or modified 
options can give false errors and invalid system responses.
1.Obtain the failing symptoms in as much detail as possible.
2.Verify the symptoms by attempting to re-create the failure by running the diagnostic test or by repeating 
the same operation.
3.If any problem occurs, you can perform visual inspection before you fellow this chapter’s instructions. You 
can check the following:
power cords are properly connected and secured;
there are no obvious shorts or opens;
there are no obviously burned or heated components;
all components appear normal.
4.Use the following table with the verified symptom to determine which page to go to.
Symptoms (Verified)Go To
Power failure. (The power indicator does not go 
on or stay on.)“Power System Check” on page 67.
POST does not complete. No beep or error 
codes are indicated.“Power-On Self-Test (POST) Error Message” on 
page 69
“Undetermined Problems” on page 77
POST detects an error and displayed messages 
on screen.“Error Message List” on page 70
The diagnostic test detected an error and 
displayed a FRU code.“System Diagnostic Diskette” on page 45
Other symptoms (i.e. LCD display problems or 
others).“Power-On Self-Test (POST) Error Message” on 
page 69
Symptoms cannot be re-created (intermittent 
problems).Use the customer-reported symptoms and go to 
“Power-On Self-Test (POST) Error Message” on 
page 69
“Intermittent Problems” on page 76
“Undetermined Problems” on page 77
Troubleshooting
Chapter 4 
						

							66Chapter 4
System Check Procedures
External Diskette Drive Check
Do the following to isolate the problem to a controller, driver, or diskette. A write-enabled, diagnostic diskette is 
required.
NOTE: Make sure that the diskette does not have more than one label attached to it. Multiple labels can cause 
damage to the drive or cause the drive to fail. 
Do the following to select the test device. See “System Diagnostic Diskette” on page 45 for details.
1.Boot from the diagnostics diskette and start the diagnostics program (see “System Diagnostic Diskette” on 
page 45).
2.See if FDD Test is passed as the program runs to FDD Test.
3.Follow the instructions in the message window.
If an error occurs with the internal diskette drive, reconnect the diskette connector on the system board.
If the error still remains:
1.Reconnect the external diskette drive/DVD-ROM module.
2.Replace the external diskette drive/CD-ROM module.
3.Replace the main board.
External CD-ROM Drive Check
Do the following to isolate the problem to a controller, drive, or CD-ROM. Make sure that the CD-ROM does 
not have any label attached to it. The label can cause damage to the drive or can cause the drive to fail.
Do the following to select the test device:
1.Boot from the diagnostics diskette and start the diagnostics program (refer to “System Diagnostic 
Diskette” on page 45.
2.See if CD-ROM Test is passed when the program runs to CD-ROM Test.
3.Follow the instructions in the message window.
If an error occurs, reconnect the connector on the System board. If the error still remains:
1.Reconnect the external diskette drive/CD-ROM module.
2.Replace the external diskette drive/CD-ROM module.
3.Replace the main board. 
						

							Chapter 467
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 system board.
If the keyboard cable connection is correct, run the Keyboard Test. See “System Diagnostic Diskette” on page 
45 for details.
If the tests detect a keyboard problem, do the following one at a time to correct the problem. Do not replace a 
non-defective FRU:
1.Reconnect the keyboard cables.
2.Replace the keyboard.
3.Replace the main board.
The following auxiliary input devices are supported by this computer:
❑Numeric keypad
❑External keyboard
If any of these devices do not work, reconnect the cable connector and repeat the failing operation. 
Memory Check
Memory errors might stop system operations, show error messages on the screen, or hang the system.
1.Boot from the diagnostics diskette and start the doagmpstotics program (please refer to “System 
Diagnostic Diskette” on page 45.
2.Go to the diagnostic memory in the test items.
3.Press F2 in the test items.
4.Follow the instructions in the message window.
NOTE: Make sure that the DIMM is fully installed into the connector. A loose connection can cause an error.
Power System Check
To verify the symptom of the problem, power on the computer using each of the following power sources:
1.Remove the battery pack.
2.Connect the power adapter and check that power is supplied.
3.Disconnect the power adapter and install the charged battery pack; then check that power is supplied by 
the battery pack.
If you suspect a power problem, see the appropriate power supply check in the following list:
❑“Check the Battery Pack” on page 68
❑“Check the Battery Pack” on page 68 
						

							68Chapter 4
Check the Battery Pack
To check the battery pack, do the following:
From Software:
1.Check out the Power Management 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 voltage between battery terminals 1(+) and 6(ground). See the 
following figure
3.If the voltage is still less than 7.5 Vdc after recharging, replace the battery. 
To check the battery charge operation, use a discharged battery pack or a battery pack that has less than 50% 
of the total power remaining when installed in the computer. 
If the battery status indicator does not light up, remove the battery pack and let it return to room temperature. 
Re-install the battery pack.
If the charge indicator still does not light up, replace the battery pack. If the charge indicator still does not light 
up, replace the DC/DC charger board. 
Touchpad Check
If the touchpad doesn’t work, do the following actions one at a time to correct the problem. Do not replace a 
non-defective FRU:
1.After rebooting, run Tracking Pad PS2 Mode Driver. For example, run Syn touch driver.
2.Run utility with the PS/2 mouse function and check if the mouse is working.
3.If the the PS/2 mouse does not work, then check if the main board to switch board FPC is connected O.K.
4.If the main board to switch board FPC is connected well, then check if the FCC on touch pad PCB 
connects properly.
5.If the FFC on touch pad PCB connects properly, then check if LS851 JP1 Pin6=5V are pulese. If yes, then 
replace switch board. If no, then go to next step.
6.Replace touch pad PCB.
7.If the touch pad still does not work, then replace FPC on Track Pad PCB.
After you use the touchpad, the pointer drifts on the screen for a short time. This self-acting pointer movement 
can occur when a slight, steady pressure is applied to the touchpad pointer. This symptom is not a hardware 
problem. No service actions are necessary if the pointer movement stops in a short period of time. 
						

							Chapter 469
Power-On Self-Test (POST) Error Message
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 computer.
If the symptom is not listed, see “Undetermined Problems” on page 77.
The following lists the error messages that the BIOS displays on the screen and the error symptoms classified 
by function. 
NOTE: Most of the error messages occur during POST. Some of them display information about a hardware 
device, e.g., the amount of memory installed. Others may indicate a problem with a device, such as the 
way it has been configured.
NOTE: If the system fails after you make changes in the BIOS Setup Utility menus, reset the computer, enter 
Setup and install Setup defaults or correct the error.  
						

							70Chapter 4
Index of Error Messages
Error Code List
Error CodesError Messages
006 Equipment Configuration Error
010 Equipment Configuration Error
070 Real Time Clock Error 1
071 CMOS Battery Bad 4
072 CMOS Checksum Error 1
080 Battery Is Critical Low 1
110 Incorrect password specified, system halted 1
Error Message List
Error MessagesFRU/Action in Sequence
0200 Failure Fixed Disk Hard disk error detected.
Check to see if fixed disk is attached properly.
Enter the BIOS Setup Utility and verify the hard disk is detected.
0211 Keyboard error see “Keyboard or Auxiliary Input Device Check” on page 67. 
0212 Keyboard Controller Failed see “Keyboard or Auxiliary Input Device Check” on page 67. 
May require replacing the keyboard controller.
0213Keyboard locked - Unlock key switch Unlock the system to proceed.
0220 Monitor type does not match CMOS - Run 
SETUPDisplay device mismatch.
Enter the BIOS Setup Utility and verify the parameters (try loading 
the default settings); then save and restart the computer.
0230 Shadow RAM Failed at offset: nnnn Shadow RAM test failed
System board
0231 System RAM Failed at offset: nnnn System RAM test failed
System board
0232 Extended RAM Failed at offset: nnnn Extended RAM test failed
System board
0250 System battery is dead - Replace and run 
SETUPCMOS clock battery needs to be replaced. Replace the battery and 
run BIOS Setup Utility to reconfigure system time, then reboot 
system.
0251 System CMOS checksum bad - Default 
configuration usedCMOS has been corrupted or modified incorrectly.
Run BIOS Setup Utility and verify the parameters; then save and 
restart the computer.
Check the system battery.
0260 System timer error System timer test fiailed, and the system board needs to be 
repaired.
Run BIOS Setup Utility to reconfigure system time, then reboot 
system.
System board
0270 Real time clock error RTC battery
Run BIOS Setup Utility to reconfigure system time, then reboot 
system.
System board
0280 Previous boot incomplete - Default 
configuration usedPrevious boot-up was not copleted successfully.
Enter the BIOS Setup Utility and verify the parameters (try loading 
the default settings); then save and restart the computer.
RTC battery
System board 
						

							Chapter 471
0281 Memory size found by POST differed from 
CMOSRun “Load Setup Defaults” in BIOS Setup Utility.
System board
02B0 Diskette drive A/B error Drive A: or B: is present but fails the BIOS POST diskette tests.
Check the drive is defined with the proper diskette type in BIOS 
Setup Utility
Check if the diskette drive is attached correctly.
See “External Diskette Drive Check” on page 66. 
02B2 Incorrect Drive A type - run SETUP Type of floppy drive A: not correctly identified in Setup.
System board
02D0 System cache error - Cache disabled RAM cache failed and BIOS disabled the cache. 
On older boards, check the cache jummpers. You may have to 
replace the cache.
System board
02F0 CPU ID CPU socket number for Multi-Processor error.
System board
02F4 EISA CMOS not writeable System unable to write to EISA CMOS.
System board
02F5 DMA Test Failed System unable to write to DMA (Direct Memory Access) registers.
System board
02F6 Software NMI Failed System unable to generate software NMI (Non-Maskable Interrupt).
System board
02F7 Fail-Safe Timer NMI Failed Fail-Safe Timer takes too long.
System board
device Address Conflict Specific device has an address conflict.
Enter the BIOS Setup Utility and verify the parameters (try loading 
the default settings); then save and restart the computer.
RTC battery
System board
Failing Bits: nnnn Memery test failed.
DIMM
BIOS ROM
System board
Invalid System Configuration Data Error with NVRAM (CMOS) data.
Enter the BIOS Setup Utility and verify the parameters (try loading 
the default settings); then save and restart your computer.
System board
I/O device IRQ conflict I/O device has IRQ (Interrupt Request) conflict.
Enter the BIOS Setup Utility and verify the parameters (try loading 
the default settings); then save and restart the computer.
RTC battery
System board
Operating system not found Operating system cannot be found on the boot device.
Enter the BIOS Setup Utility and verify the parameters (try loading 
the default settings); then save and restart the computer.
Recover hard disk.
Reinstall the operating system.
Parity Check 1 nnnnParity error found on system bus. BIOS attempts to locate the 
address and display it on the screen. If it cannot locate the address, 
it displays.
Parity Check 2 nnnnParity error found on I/O bus. BIOS attempts to locate the address 
and display it on the screen. If it cannot locate the address, it 
displays .
Error Message List
Error MessagesFRU/Action in Sequence 
						

							72Chapter 4
Error Message List
No beep Error MessagesFRU/Action in Sequence
No beep, power-on indicator turns off and LCD is 
blank.Power source (battery pack and power adapter). See “Power 
System Check” on page 67. 
Ensure every connector is connected tightly and correctly. 
Reconnect the DIMM.
LED board.
System board.
No beep, power-on indicator turns on and LCD is 
blank.Power source (battery pack and power adapter). See “Power 
System Check” on page 67. 
Reconnect the LCD connector
Hard disk drive
LCD inverter ID
LCD cable
LCD Inverter
LCD
System board
No beep, power-on indicator turns on and LCD is 
blank.  But you can see POST on an external 
CRT. Reconnect the LCD connectors.
LCD inverter ID
LCD  cable 
LCD inverter
LCD
System board
No beep, power-on indicator turns on and a 
blinking cursor shown on LCD during POST.Ensure every connector is connected tightly and correctly.
System board
No beep during POST but system runs correctly. Speaker
System board