Acer Travelmate 7730a Service Guide

							Chapter 3: Replacing notebook components131
15Remove the old processor from the system board.
16Install the new processor onto the system board making sure that Pin 1 on the 
processor (indicated by the silk-screened arrow on the corner of the processor) 
aligns with Pin 1 on the processor socket (indicated by the absence of a pin hole in 
the processor socket), then use a flat-blade screwdriver to turn the processor lock 
screw 1/2-turn clockwise.
17Remove any thermal grease residue from the cooling assembly using a soft cloth 
and isopropyl alcohol.
18Place new thermal grease on the processor. Use only enough to cover the CPU die. 
						

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19Make sure a thermal pad is placed between the new cooling assembly and other 
components as shown.
20Replace the cooling assembly by following the instructions in “Replacing the 
cooling assembly” on page 124.
21Replace the system board by following the instructions in “Replacing the system 
board” on page 120.
22Replace the modem by following the instructions in “Replacing the modem” on 
page 117.
Thermal
grease
Thermal
grease
Thermal pad 
						

							Chapter 3: Replacing notebook components133
23Replace the palm rest by following the steps in “Replacing the palm rest” on page 
96.
24Replace the LCD assembly by following the steps in “Replacing the LCD assembly” 
on page 84.
25Replace the keyboard by following the steps in “Replacing the keyboard” on page 
80.
26Replace the keyboard cover by following the steps in “Replacing the keyboard 
cover” on page 78.
27Replace the hard drive(s) by following the steps in “Replacing the primary hard 
drive” on page 64 and “Replacing the secondary hard drive” on page 73.
28Replace the graphics card by following the steps in “Replacing the graphics card” 
on page 61.
29If the notebook has wireless networking built in, reconnect the wireless antennas 
by following the steps in “Replacing the IEEE 802.11 wireless card” on page 67.
30Replace the wireless bay cover by following the steps in “Replacing the IEEE 802.11 
wireless card” on page 67. 
						

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							135
❑Diagnosing problems
❑System test procedures
❑Power-On Self-Test (POST) error message
❑Index of error messages
❑Phoenix BIOS beep codes
❑Symptom-to-FRU error messages
❑Intermittent problems
❑Undetermined problems
Troubleshooting
Chapter 4
TravelMate 7730/7730G 
						

							136Chapter 4: Troubleshooting
Diagnosing problems
Use the following procedure as a guide for diagnosing notebook problems.
Note: The diagnostic tests are intended to test only Acer products. Non-
Acer products, prototype cards, or modified options can give false 
errors and invalid system responses.
1Obtain the failing symptoms in as much detail as possible.
2Verify the symptoms by attempting to re-create the failure by running the 
diagnostic test or by repeating the same operation.
3Use 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.)“Testing the power system” on page 138
POST does not complete. No beep or 
error codes are indicated.“Power-On Self-Test (POST) error message” on page 140
“Undetermined problems” on page 153
POST detects an error and displayed 
messages on screen.“Index of error messages” on page 141
Other symptoms (LCD display problems 
or others).“Power-On Self-Test (POST) error message” on page 140
Symptoms cannot be re-created 
(intermittent problems).Use the customer-reported symptoms and go to “Power-
On Self-Test (POST) error message” on page 140
“Intermittent problems” on page 152
“Undetermined problems” on page 153 
						

							Chapter 4: Troubleshooting137
System test procedures
Testing the external diskette drive
Use the following procedure to isolate a problem in a diskette controller, driver, or drive. You 
must have a write-enabled, diagnostic diskette to complete this test.
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.
To test the external diskette drive:
1Boot from the diagnostics diskette and start the diagnostics program.
2Run the FDD Test and see if the test completes successfully.
3Follow any instructions in the message window.
If the error still remains:
1Reconnect the external diskette drive/DVD-ROM module to a USB jack.
2Replace the external diskette drive/CD-ROM module.
3Replace the system board.
Testing the external CD-ROM drive
Use the following procedure to isolate a problem in a CD-ROM controller, driver, or drive.
Note: 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.
To test the external CD-ROM drive:
1Boot from the diagnostics diskette and start the diagnostics program.
2Run the CD-ROM Test and see if the test completes successfully.
3Follow the instructions in the message window.
If an error occurs, reconnect the connector on the system board.
If the error still remains:
1Reconnect the external diskette drive/CD-ROM module to a USB jack.
2Replace the external diskette drive/CD-ROM module.
3Replace the system board.
Testing the keyboard or auxiliary input device
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 is connected correctly, run the Keyboard Test.
Note: Disconnect any external keyboards before testing the built-in 
keyboard.
If the tests detect a keyboard problem, do the following one at a time to correct the problem.
1Reconnect the keyboard cable to the system board.
2Replace the keyboard.
3Replace the system board.
Important: Do not replace a non-defective FRU.
The following auxiliary input devices are supported by this notebook: 
						

							138Chapter 4: Troubleshooting
❑Numeric keypad
❑External keyboard
If any of these devices do not work, reconnect the cable connector and repeat the failing 
operation.
Testing the memory
Memory errors can stop your programs, show error messages on the screen, or hang the system.
To test the memory:
1Boot from the diagnostics diskette and start the diagnostics program.
2Run the Memory Test and see if the test completes successfully.
3Press F2 in the test items.
4Follow the instructions in the message window.
Note: Make sure that each memory card is fully installed into the 
connector. A loose connection can cause an error.
Testing the power system
To test for a power problem:
1Turn on the notebook using each of the following power sources:
❑Remove the battery pack, connect the power adapter, then make sure that 
the notebook turns on using AC power.
❑Disconnect the power adapter, install a charged battery pack, then make sure 
that power is supplied by the battery pack.
If you suspect a power problem, complete the appropriate power supply check:
❑“Check the power adapter” on page 138
❑“Check the battery pack” on page 139
Check the power adapter
Unplug the power adapter cable from the notebook and measure the output voltage at the 
power adapter cable plug. See the following figure.
1If the voltage is not correct, replace the power adapter.
2If the voltage is within the range, do the following:
❑Replace the system board.
❑If the problem is not corrected, see “Undetermined problems” on page 153.
❑If the voltage is not correct, go to Step 3.
Note: An audible noise from the power adapter does not always indicate 
a defect.
Pin 1: +19 to +20.5V
Pin 2: 0V, Ground 
						

							Chapter 4: Troubleshooting139
3If the power-on indicator does not light up, check the power adapter’s power cord 
for correct continuity and installation.
4If the operational charge does not work, see “Check the battery pack” on page 139. 
Check the battery pack
To check the battery pack using software:
1Open Power Management in the Windows Control Panel.
2In Power Meter, make sure that the parameters shown for Current Power Source 
and Total Battery Power Remaining are correct.
3Repeat the steps 1 and 2, for both battery and adapter. This helps you identify first 
the problem is on recharging or discharging.
To check the battery pack using hardware:
1Turn off the notebook.
2Remove the battery pack and measure the voltage between battery terminals 1 (+) 
and 6 (ground). 
3If the voltage is still less than 7.5 Vdc after recharging, replace the battery.
Note: 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 notebook.
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.
Testing the touchpad
If the touchpad doesn’t work, do the following actions one at a time to correct the problem.
1Reconnect the touchpad cables.
2Replace the touchpad.
3Replace the system board.
Important: Do not replace a non-defective FRU.
After you use the touchpad, the pointer may drift 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. 
						

							140Chapter 4: Troubleshooting
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 
the FRU/Action column. If the FRU replacement does not solve the 
problem, put the original part back in the notebook. Do not replace a 
non-defective FRU.
This index can also help you determine the next possible FRU to be replaced when servicing a 
notebook.
If the symptom is not listed, see “Undetermined problems” on page 153.
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, such as 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 notebook, enter Setup, and install Setup defaults or 
correct the error.