Acer Travelmate 730 Service Guide

							Chapter 225
The items in this sub-menu are important and vital information about your computer.  If you experience 
computer problems and need to contact technical support, this data helps our service personnel know more 
about your computer.
Basic System Settings
The Basic System Settings sub-menu allows you to set the system date and time.
The following table describes the parameters in this sub-menu.
Product Name Shows the official name of the product “brand 
name + model name”.  The default setting is 
TravelMate 730.  Product name will be stored in 
LCD inverter
.
Manufacturer Name Shows the name of the manufacturer and stored 
in LCD inverter.  The default setting is Acer.
UUID Shows the universally unique identifier number of 
the computer, also known as GUID (Globally 
Unique Identifier).  It is the requirement 
specification of SMBIOS 2.1 (System 
Management BIOS).  UUID are fixed-size 128-bit 
value and are unique across both space and time 
as well as stored in LCD inverter.  UUID number 
can identify a person and even confidential 
documents user created.
ParameterDescriptionFormat
Date Sets the system date. DDD MMM DD, YYYY (day-of-the-week month day, year)
Time Sets the system time. HH:MM:SS (hour:minute:second)
ParameterDescriptionFormat
Basic System Settings
Date ............................ [Mon Aug 28, 1998]
Time ............................ [12:00:00]
­¯ = Move highlight bar, 
®¬ = Change Setting,  F1 = Help
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							26Chapter 2
Startup Configuration
The Startup Configuration sub-menu contains parameter values that define how your computer behaves on 
system startup.
The following table describes the parameters in this sub-menu.  Settings in boldface
 are the default and 
suggested parameter settings.
ParameterDescriptionOptions
Boot Display Sets the display on boot-up.
When set to 
Auto, the computer automatically 
determines the display device when the computer 
starts up.  If an external display device (e.g., 
monitor) is connected, it becomes the boot 
display; otherwise, the computer LCD is the boot 
display.  When set to 
Both, the computer outputs 
to both the computer LCD and an external display 
device if one is connected.Auto or 
Both
Screen Expansion Enables or disables the screen expansion 
feature.  When enabled, DOS screens expand to 
fill the LCD.Disabled or 
Enabled
Resume on LAN Access
Disabled or Enabled
Hotkey Beep Enables or disables a system beep when a 
hotkey or key combination is pressed.Enabled or Disabled
Fast Boot Fast Boot allows your computer to boot up and 
resume from Sleep mode (including Standby and 
Hibernation modes) faster.  When enabled, the 
operating system and BIOS communicate 
information about Plug-and-Play resources and 
previous boot-ups.Enabled or Disabled
Boot Drive Sequence Specifies the order in which the computer starts 
up from.  See the section below.1st: Hard Disk, 
2nd: Floppy Disk, 
3rd: CD-ROM, DVD-ROM
Startup Configuration
Boot Display .................... [Auto] / [
Both]
Screen Expansion ................ [Disabled] / [
Enabled]
Resume on LAN Access ............ [
Disabled] / [Enabled]
Hotkey Beep ..................... [
Enabled] / [Disabled]
Fast Boot ....................... [
Enabled] / [Disabled]
Boot Drive Sequence:
    1st ......................... [Hard Disk]
    2nd ......................... [Floppy Disk]
    3rd ......................... [CD-ROM, DVD-ROM]
­¯ = Move highlight bar, ®¬ = Change Setting,  F1 = Help
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							Chapter 227
Setting the Boot Drive Sequence
The Boot Drive Sequence section lists boot priorities (1st, 2nd and 3rd) for bootable drives in your computer.
For example, the default value (1st:Hard Disk, 2nd:Floppy Disk, and 3rd:CD-ROM, DVD-ROM) tells the 
computer to first search for a hard disk.  If it finds one present, it boots up from that hard disk.  If not, the 
computer continues to search for a bootable floppy disk in the floppy drive.  If it cannot boot up from the floppy  
disk drive, it continues to search for a bootable CD-ROM in the CD-ROM drive or a bootable DVD-ROM in the 
DVD-ROM  drive.
To set the boot drive sequence, use the cursor up/down
 (­¯) keys to select a priority level (1st, 2nd, or 3rd); 
then use the cursor left/right 
(®¬) keys to select the device for that priority level.
Onboard Device Configuration
The parameters in this screen are for advanced users only.  You do not need to change the values in this 
screen because these values are already optimized.
The Onboard Devices Configuration sub-menu assigns resources to basic computer communication 
hardware.
NOTE: 
 1.  This option item is set to 1 if user chooses ECP.
  2.  This option item should be [---] if user chooses EPP, Bi-directional and Standard mode.
  3.  When the device is disabled, all the sub-item will be showed with [---].
The following table describes the parameters in this sub-menu.  Settings in boldface
 are the default and 
suggested parameter settings.
ParameterDescriptionOptions
Serial Port Enables or disables the serial port.
When enabled, you can set the base I/O address and 
interrupt request (IRQ) of the serial port.Enabled or Disabled
3F8h, 3E8h or 2E8h
4 or 11
IrDA Port Enables or disables the infrared port.
When enabled, you can set the base I/O address, 
interrupt request (IRQ) and direct memory access (DMA) 
channel of the infrared port.Disabled or Enabled 
2F8h, 3E8h or 3F8h
3, 10 or 11
3 or 0
Onboard Device Configuration
Serial Port ..................... [
Enabled] / [Disabled]
    Base Address ................ [
3F8h] / [3E8h] / [2E8h]
    IRQ ......................... [
4] / [11]
Infrared Port ................... [
Disabled] / [Enabled]
    Base Address ................ [
2F8h] / [3F8h] / [3E8h]
    IRQ ......................... [
3] / [10] / [11]
    DMA Channel ................. [
3] / [0]
Parallel Port ................... [
Enabled] / [Disabled]
    Base Address ................ [
378h] / [278h] / [3BCh]
    IRQ ......................... [
7] / [5]
    Operation Mode .............. [
ECP] / [EPP] / [Bi-directional] /
                                  [Standard]
    ECP DMA Channel ............. [
1] *Note 1
­¯ = Move highlight bar, ®¬ = Change Setting,  F1 = Help
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							28Chapter 2
System Security
The System Security sub-menu allows you to safeguard your computer and data with passwords and other 
security measures.
NOTE: 
1.  In POST, BIOS must query the current HD password state and reflect it to the “Hard Disk Password” 
      setting.
 2.  If the user wants to change the password when the HD password is already enabled, the old 
       password must be checked first.
The following table describes the parameters in this screen.  Settings in boldface
 are the default and 
suggested parameter settings.
Parallel Port Enables or disables the parallel port.
When enabled, you can set the base I/O address, 
interrupt request (IRQ) and operation mode of the 
parallel port.
If operation mode is set to ECP, the direct memory 
access (DMA) channel of the parallel port is set to 1.Enabled or Disabled
378h, 278h, or 3BCh
7 or 5
ECP, EPP, Standard, or Bi-directional
ParameterDescriptionOptions
Setup Password When set, this password protects the computer 
and this BIOS Utility from unauthorized entry.  
See the following section for instructions on how 
to set a password.None or Present
Power-on Password When set, this password protects the computer  
from unauthorized entry.  See the following 
section for instructions on how to set a password.None or Present
Hard Disk Password When set, this password protects the hard disk 
from unauthorized access.  See the following 
section for instructions on how to set a password.None or Present
Processor Serial Number The Pentium III processor includes a unique 
serial number which allows individual CPUs to be 
identified.  You can turn off this feature by setting 
this parameter to Disabled.Enabled or Disabled
ParameterDescriptionOptions
System Security
Setup Password .................. [None] / [Present]
Power On Password ............... [None] / [Present]
Hard Disk Password .............. [None] / [Present]
Processor Serial Number ......... [Enabled] / [Disabled]
­¯
 = Move highlight bar, ®¬
 = Change Setting,  F1 = Help
730sg-1.book  Page 28  Wednesday, December 1, 1999  6:03 PM 
						

							Chapter 229
Setting a Password
Follow these steps: 
TUse the cursor up/down keys to highlight a Password parameter (Setup, Power-on or Hard Disk) 
and press the Enter
 key.  The password box appears:
TType a password.  The password may consist of up to seven characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9).
 
IMPORTANT:
Be very careful when typing your password because the characters do not appear on the 
screen. 
TPress Enter
.  Retype the password to verify your first entry and press Enter
.
After setting the password, the computer automatically sets the chosen password parameter to Present.
Three password types protect your computer from unauthorized access.  Setting these passwords creates 
several different levels of protection for your computer and data:
TSetup Password prevents unauthorized entry to the BIOS Utility.  Once set, you must key-in this 
password to gain access to the BIOS Utility.  
TPower-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.
THard 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.
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							30Chapter 2
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:
TUse the cursor up/down
 (­¯) keys to highlight a Password parameter (Setup, Power-on or Hard 
Disk).
TUse 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.
IMPORTANT:
The jumper setting Switch 4 of SW4 on the system main board, the default setting is “OFF: 
Enable Password Check”, this means that the system will always check the password when users set 
in.  However, if users miss their own password, the servicers can switch the jumper to “ON: Disable 
Password Check” and then the Setup passsword and Power-on password will be unlocked.  
Therefore, users can reset their new password.  (Refer to Chapter 5 Jumper and Connector for more 
information on setting the switches).
IMPORTANT:
If Setup password is forgot by users, service technicians may need to update computers’ BIOS 
or set up jumper SW4 Switch 4 on mainboard to bypass.
IMPORTANT:
If Power-on password is forgot by users, service technicians may set the jumper SW4 to bypass 
password check, then remove the password.
IMPORTANT:
If Hard Disk Password is missing, service technician can solve the lock of hard disk by using 
master HDD password utility.   For the HDD password utility, service technician can contact with local 
service management level. 
Changing a Password
To change a password, follow these steps:
TRemove the current password. See “Removing a Password” on page 30.
TSet a new password.  See “Setting a Password” on page 29.
Load 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.
730sg-1.book  Page 30  Wednesday, December 1, 1999  6:03 PM 
						

							Chapter 231
Flash Utility
The BIOS flash memory update is required for the following conditions:
TNew versions of system programs
TNew 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 730 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.
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							32Chapter 2
System Utility Diskette
This utility diskette is for the Acer TravelMate 730 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 98 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.
2.
Copy HIMEM.SYS to A:\.
3.
Copy EMM386.EXE 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, manufacture 
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).  
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							Chapter 233
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 730 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 730 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
NOTE: 
The USB setting in BIOS Setup must be set to enable and a USB device is required when executing 
USB Connection/Disconnection Test, or this test fails.
4.
Exit
To use this diskette, first boot from this diskette, then a “Microsoft Windows 98 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
LASTDRV.COM
RAMDRIVE.SYS
Disk 2:
1.
Infrared Ray Test
NOTE: 
The Infrared Ray setting in BIOS Setup must be set to enable when executing the Infrared Ray Test.
2.
Modem Test
NOTE: 
A phone line is required for the modem test.
To use this diskette, first boot from this diskette, then a “Microsoft Windows 98 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
EMM386.EXE
CHOICE.COM
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.
1New added description. Please pay attention to it.
730sg-1.book  Page 33  Wednesday, December 1, 1999  6:03 PM 
						

							34Chapter 2
Running PQA Diagnostics Program
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.
The screen below appears if you select Multi Test.
PQA                                        Vx_x     xx-xx-xx
DiagResult 
SysInfoOption
Exit
PQA                                        Vx_x     xx-xx-xx
DiagResult
SysInfoOption
Exit
DiagONE      TEST
MULTI   TEST
FULL     TEST
QUICK   TEST
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
730sg-1.book  Page 34  Wednesday, December 1, 1999  6:03 PM