Acer Travelmate 8331 Service Guide

Chapter 233
BIOS Setup Utility
The BIOS Setup Utility is a hardware configuration program built into your computer’s BIOS (Basic Input/
Output System).
Your computer is already properly configured and optimi zed, and you do not need to run this utility. However, if 
you encounter configuration problems, you may need to run Setup.  Please also refer to Chapter 4 
Troubleshooting when problem arises.
To activate the BIOS Utility, press  m during POST (when “Press   to enter Setup” message is prompted on...

34Chapter 2
Invoking BIOS Setup
The setup function can only be invoked by pressing F2 when Press   to enter Setup  message is prompted 
on the bottom of screen during POST.
The setup uses a menu driven interfac e to allow the user to configure their system. The features are divided 
into 5 parts as follows:
Information Display t he system informations.
Main allows the user to specify st andard IBM PC AT system parameters.
Security Provides security  settings of the system.
Boot Allows the user to...

Chapter 235
Main
The Main screen displays a summary of your computer hardware information, and also includes basic setup 
parameters. It allows the user to specif y standard IBM PC AT system parameters.
NOTE:  The screen above is for your reference only. Actual values may differ.
HDD1 Mode Name This field displays the 
model name of devices installed on 
secondary master. The hard disk  drive or optical drive model 
name is automatically detected by the system.
HDD1 Serial Number The field shows the...

36Chapter 2
The table below describes the parameters in this screen. Settings in boldface are the default and suggested 
parameter settings.
NOTE:  The sub-items under each device will not be shown if t he device control is set to disable or auto. This is 
because the user is not allowed to  control the settings in these cases.
ParameterDescriptionFormat/Option
System Time Sets the system time. The hours are 
displayed with 24-hour format. Format: HH:MM:SS 
(hour:minute:second) 
System Time
System Date...

Chapter 237
Security
The Security screen contains parameters that help safeguard and protect your computer from unauthorized 
use. 

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The table below describes the parameters in this screen. Settings in boldface are the default and suggested 
parameter settings.
NOTE:  When you are prompted to enter a password, you have  three tries before the system halts. Don’t forget 
your password. If you forg et your password, you may have to return your notebook computer to your 
dealer to reset it.
Setting a Password
Follow these steps as you set the  user or the supervisor password:
1. Use the  w and  y keys to highlight the Set...

Chapter 239
4.If desired, you can opt to enable the Password on boot parameter.
5. When you are done, press  u to save the changes and ex it the BIOS Setup Utility.
Removing a Password
Follow these steps:
1. Use the  w and  y keys to highlight the Set Supervisor Password parameter and press the  e key. The Set 
Password box appears:
2. Type the current password in the Enter Current Password field and press  e.
3. Press  e twice  without  typing anything in the Enter New Password and Confirm New Password...

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If the current password entered does not match the actual current password, the screen will show you the 
Setup Warning.
If the new password and confirm new password string s do not match, the screen will display the following 
message.
Boot
This menu allows the user to deci de the order of boot devices to load the operating system. Bootable devices 
includes the distette drive in m odule bay, the onboard hard disk drive and the CD-ROM in module bay. 

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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 Exit System Setu p and save your changes to CMOS.
Exit Discarding 
Changes Exit utility without saving setup data to CMOS.
Load Setup Default Load default values for all SETUP item.
Discard Changes Load previous values from CMOS for all SETUP items.
Save Changes Save Setup Data to CMOS. 

42Chapter 2
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 util ity 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....