Common Problems
Use the following procedure as a guide for computer 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.
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.
Use the following procedure as a guide for computer 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.
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.
Power On Issue
If the system doesn’t power on, perform the following actions one at a time to correct the problem. Do not replace a non-defective FRUs:
Computer Shutdown IntermittentlyIf the system doesn’t power on, perform the following actions one at a time to correct the problem. Do not replace a non-defective FRUs:
If the system powers off at intervals, perform the following actions one at a
time to correct the problem.
1. Check the power cable is properly connected to the computer and the electrical outlet.
2. Remove any extension cables between the computer and the outlet.
3. Remove any surge protectors between the computer and the electrical outlet. Plug the computer directly into a known good electrical outlet.
4. Disconnect the power and open the casing to check the Thermal Unit and fan airways are free of obstructions.
5. Remove all external and non-essential hardware connected to the computer that are not necessary to boot the computer to the failure point.
6. Remove any recently installed software.
1. Check the power cable is properly connected to the computer and the electrical outlet.
2. Remove any extension cables between the computer and the outlet.
3. Remove any surge protectors between the computer and the electrical outlet. Plug the computer directly into a known good electrical outlet.
4. Disconnect the power and open the casing to check the Thermal Unit and fan airways are free of obstructions.
5. Remove all external and non-essential hardware connected to the computer that are not necessary to boot the computer to the failure point.
6. Remove any recently installed software.
No Display Issue
If the Display doesn’t work, perform the following actions one at a time to correct the problem. Do not replace non-defective FRUs:
If the Display doesn’t work, perform the following actions one at a time to correct the problem. Do not replace non-defective FRUs:
No POST [Power On Self Test] or Video
If the POST or video doesn’t display, perform the following actions one at a time to correct the problem.
1. Make sure that the internal display is selected. On this notebook model, switching between the internal display and the external display is done by pressing Fn+F5. Reference Product pages for specific model
procedures.
2. Make sure the computer has power by checking at least one of the following occurs:
• Fans start up
• Status LEDs light up
3. Drain any stored power by removing the power cable and battery and holding down the power button for 10 seconds. Reconnect the power and reboot the computer.
4. Connect an external monitor to the computer and switch between the internal display and the external display is by pressing Fn+F5 (on this model). If the POST or video appears on the external display,“LCD Failure”.
5. Disconnect power and all external devices including port replicators or docking stations. Remove any memory cards and CD/DVD discs. Restart the computer. If the computer boots correctly, add the devices one by one until the failure point is discovered.
6. Reseat the memory modules.
If the POST or video doesn’t display, perform the following actions one at a time to correct the problem.
1. Make sure that the internal display is selected. On this notebook model, switching between the internal display and the external display is done by pressing Fn+F5. Reference Product pages for specific model
procedures.
2. Make sure the computer has power by checking at least one of the following occurs:
• Fans start up
• Status LEDs light up
3. Drain any stored power by removing the power cable and battery and holding down the power button for 10 seconds. Reconnect the power and reboot the computer.
4. Connect an external monitor to the computer and switch between the internal display and the external display is by pressing Fn+F5 (on this model). If the POST or video appears on the external display,“LCD Failure”.
5. Disconnect power and all external devices including port replicators or docking stations. Remove any memory cards and CD/DVD discs. Restart the computer. If the computer boots correctly, add the devices one by one until the failure point is discovered.
6. Reseat the memory modules.
Abnormal Video Display
If video displays abnormally, perform the following actions one at a time to correct the problem.
1. Reboot the computer.
2. If permanent vertical/horizontal lines or dark spots display in the same location, the LCD is faulty and should be replaced.
If video displays abnormally, perform the following actions one at a time to correct the problem.
1. Reboot the computer.
2. If permanent vertical/horizontal lines or dark spots display in the same location, the LCD is faulty and should be replaced.
3. If extensive pixel damage is present (different colored spots in
the same locations on the screen), the LCD is faulty and should be replaced.
4. Adjust the brightness to its highest level. See the User Manual
for instructions on adjusting settings.
NOTE: Ensure that the computer is not running on battery alone as this may reduce display brightness. If the display is too dim at the highest brightness setting, the LCD is faulty and should be replaced
NOTE: Ensure that the computer is not running on battery alone as this may reduce display brightness. If the display is too dim at the highest brightness setting, the LCD is faulty and should be replaced
5. Check the display resolution is correctly configured:
a. Minimize or close all Windows.
b. If display size is only abnormal in an application, check the view settings and control/mouse wheel zoom feature in the application.
c. If desktop display resolution is not normal, right-click on the desktop and select
Personalize´ Display Settings.
d. Click and drag the Resolution slider to the desired resolution.
e. Click Apply and check the display. Readjust if necessary.
6. Roll back the video driver to the previous version if updated.
7. Remove and reinstall the video driver.
8. Check the Device Manager to determine that:
• The device is properly installed. There are no red Xs or yellow exclamation marks.
• There are no device conflicts.
• No hardware is listed under Other Devices.
9. If the Issue is still not resolved, see “Online Support Information”
10. Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic from the operating system DVD and follow the onscreen prompts.
a. Minimize or close all Windows.
b. If display size is only abnormal in an application, check the view settings and control/mouse wheel zoom feature in the application.
c. If desktop display resolution is not normal, right-click on the desktop and select
Personalize´ Display Settings.
d. Click and drag the Resolution slider to the desired resolution.
e. Click Apply and check the display. Readjust if necessary.
6. Roll back the video driver to the previous version if updated.
7. Remove and reinstall the video driver.
8. Check the Device Manager to determine that:
• The device is properly installed. There are no red Xs or yellow exclamation marks.
• There are no device conflicts.
• No hardware is listed under Other Devices.
9. If the Issue is still not resolved, see “Online Support Information”
10. Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic from the operating system DVD and follow the onscreen prompts.
Random Loss of BIOS Settings
If the computer is experiencing intermittent loss of BIOS information, perform the following actions one at a time to correct the problem.
1. If the computer is more than one year old, replace the CMOS battery.
2. Run a complete virus scan using up-to-date software to ensure the computer is virus free.
3. If the computer is experiencing HDD or ODD BIOS information loss, disconnect and reconnect the power and data cables between devices. If the BIOS settings are still lost, replace the cables.
4. If HDD information is missing from the BIOS, the drive may be defective and should be replaced.
5. Replace the Motherboard.
If the computer is experiencing intermittent loss of BIOS information, perform the following actions one at a time to correct the problem.
1. If the computer is more than one year old, replace the CMOS battery.
2. Run a complete virus scan using up-to-date software to ensure the computer is virus free.
3. If the computer is experiencing HDD or ODD BIOS information loss, disconnect and reconnect the power and data cables between devices. If the BIOS settings are still lost, replace the cables.
4. If HDD information is missing from the BIOS, the drive may be defective and should be replaced.
5. Replace the Motherboard.
LCD Failure
If the LCD fails, perform the following actions one at a time to correct the problem.
If the LCD fails, perform the following actions one at a time to correct the problem.
Sound Problems
If sound problems are experienced, perform the following actions one at a time to correct the problem.
1. Reboot the computer.
2. Navigate to Start´ Control Panel´ System and Maintenance´ System´ Device Manager. Check the Device Manager to determine that:
• The device is properly installed.
• There are no red Xs or yellow exclamation marks.
• There are no device conflicts.
• No hardware is listed under Other Devices.
3. Roll back the audio driver to the previous version, if updated recently.
4. Remove and reinstall the audio driver.
5. Ensure that all volume controls are set mid range:
a. Click the volume icon on the taskbar and drag the slider to 50. Ensure that the volume is not muted.
b. Click Mixer to verify that other audio applications are set to 50 and not muted.
6. Navigate to Start´ Control Panel´ Hardware and Sound´ Sound. Ensure that Speakers are selected as the default audio device (green check mark).
NOTE: If Speakers does not show, right-click on the Playback tab and select Show Disabled Devices (clear by default).
7. Select Speakers and click Configure to start Speaker Setup. Follow the onscreen prompts to configure the speakers.
8. Remove and recently installed hardware or software.
9. Restore system and file settings from a known good date using System Restore. If the issue is not fixed, repeat the preceding steps and select an earlier time and date.
10. Reinstall the Operating System.
If sound problems are experienced, perform the following actions one at a time to correct the problem.
1. Reboot the computer.
2. Navigate to Start´ Control Panel´ System and Maintenance´ System´ Device Manager. Check the Device Manager to determine that:
• The device is properly installed.
• There are no red Xs or yellow exclamation marks.
• There are no device conflicts.
• No hardware is listed under Other Devices.
3. Roll back the audio driver to the previous version, if updated recently.
4. Remove and reinstall the audio driver.
5. Ensure that all volume controls are set mid range:
a. Click the volume icon on the taskbar and drag the slider to 50. Ensure that the volume is not muted.
b. Click Mixer to verify that other audio applications are set to 50 and not muted.
6. Navigate to Start´ Control Panel´ Hardware and Sound´ Sound. Ensure that Speakers are selected as the default audio device (green check mark).
NOTE: If Speakers does not show, right-click on the Playback tab and select Show Disabled Devices (clear by default).
7. Select Speakers and click Configure to start Speaker Setup. Follow the onscreen prompts to configure the speakers.
8. Remove and recently installed hardware or software.
9. Restore system and file settings from a known good date using System Restore. If the issue is not fixed, repeat the preceding steps and select an earlier time and date.
10. Reinstall the Operating System.
Microphone Problems
If internal or external Microphones do no operate correctly, perform the following actions one at a time to correct the problem.
1. Check that the microphone is enabled. Navigate to Start´ Control Panel´ Hardware and Sound´ Sound and select the Recording tab.
2. Right-click on the Recording tab and select Show Disabled Devices (clear by default).
3. The microphone appears on the Recording tab.
4. Right-click on the microphone and select Enable.
5. Select the microphone then click Properties. Select the Levels tab.
6. Increase the volume to the maximum setting and click OK.
7. Test the microphone hardware:
a. Select the microphone and click Configure.
b. Select Set up microphone.
c. Select the microphone type from the list and click Next.
d. Follow the onscreen prompts to complete the test.
If internal or external Microphones do no operate correctly, perform the following actions one at a time to correct the problem.
1. Check that the microphone is enabled. Navigate to Start´ Control Panel´ Hardware and Sound´ Sound and select the Recording tab.
2. Right-click on the Recording tab and select Show Disabled Devices (clear by default).
3. The microphone appears on the Recording tab.
4. Right-click on the microphone and select Enable.
5. Select the microphone then click Properties. Select the Levels tab.
6. Increase the volume to the maximum setting and click OK.
7. Test the microphone hardware:
a. Select the microphone and click Configure.
b. Select Set up microphone.
c. Select the microphone type from the list and click Next.
d. Follow the onscreen prompts to complete the test.
HDD Not Operating Correctly
If the HDD does not operate correctly, perform the following actions one at a time to correct the problem.
1. Disconnect all external devices.
2. Run a complete virus scan using up-to-date software to ensure the computer is virus free.
3. Run the Windows Vista Startup Repair Utility:
a. insert the Windows Vista Operating System DVD in the ODD and restart the computer.
b. When prompted, press any key to start to the operating system DVD.
c. The Install Windows screen displays. Click Next.
d. Select Repair your computer.
e. The System Recovery Options screen displays. Click Next.
f. Select the appropriate operating system, and click Next.
NOTE: Click Load Drivers if controller drives are required.
g. Select Startup Repair.
h. Startup Repair attempts to locate and resolve issues with the computer.
i. When complete, click Finish. If an issue is discovered, follow the onscreen information to resolve the problem.
4. Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool. For more information see Windows Help and Support.
5. Restart the computer and press F2 to enter the BIOS Utility. Check the BIOS settings are correct and that CD/DVD drive is set as the first boot device on the Boot menu.
6. Ensure all cables and jumpers on the HDD and ODD are set correctly.
7. Remove any recently added hardware and associated software.
8. Run the Windows Disk Defragmenter. For more information see Windows Help and Support.
9. Run Windows Check Disk by entering chkdsk /r from a command prompt. For more information see Windows Help and Support.
10. Restore system and file settings from a known good date using System Restore. If the issue is not fixed, repeat the preceding steps and select an earlier time and date.
If the HDD does not operate correctly, perform the following actions one at a time to correct the problem.
1. Disconnect all external devices.
2. Run a complete virus scan using up-to-date software to ensure the computer is virus free.
3. Run the Windows Vista Startup Repair Utility:
a. insert the Windows Vista Operating System DVD in the ODD and restart the computer.
b. When prompted, press any key to start to the operating system DVD.
c. The Install Windows screen displays. Click Next.
d. Select Repair your computer.
e. The System Recovery Options screen displays. Click Next.
f. Select the appropriate operating system, and click Next.
NOTE: Click Load Drivers if controller drives are required.
g. Select Startup Repair.
h. Startup Repair attempts to locate and resolve issues with the computer.
i. When complete, click Finish. If an issue is discovered, follow the onscreen information to resolve the problem.
4. Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool. For more information see Windows Help and Support.
5. Restart the computer and press F2 to enter the BIOS Utility. Check the BIOS settings are correct and that CD/DVD drive is set as the first boot device on the Boot menu.
6. Ensure all cables and jumpers on the HDD and ODD are set correctly.
7. Remove any recently added hardware and associated software.
8. Run the Windows Disk Defragmenter. For more information see Windows Help and Support.
9. Run Windows Check Disk by entering chkdsk /r from a command prompt. For more information see Windows Help and Support.
10. Restore system and file settings from a known good date using System Restore. If the issue is not fixed, repeat the preceding steps and select an earlier time and date.
ODD Not Operating Correctly
If the ODD exhibits any of the following symptoms it may be faulty:
• Audio CDs do not play when loaded
• DVDs do not play when loaded
• Blank discs do not burn correctly
• DVD or CD play breaks up or jumps
• Optical drive not found or not active:
• Not shown in My Computer or the BIOS setup
• LED does not flash when the computer starts up
• The tray does not eject
• Access failure screen displays
• The ODD is noisy
Perform the following general solutions one at a time to correct the problem.
1. Reboot the computer and retry the operation.
2. Try an alternate disc.
3. Navigate to Start´ Computer. Check that the ODD device is displayed in the Devices with Removable Storage panel.
4. Navigate to Start´ Control Panel´ System and Maintenance´ System´ Device Manager.
If the ODD exhibits any of the following symptoms it may be faulty:
• Audio CDs do not play when loaded
• DVDs do not play when loaded
• Blank discs do not burn correctly
• DVD or CD play breaks up or jumps
• Optical drive not found or not active:
• Not shown in My Computer or the BIOS setup
• LED does not flash when the computer starts up
• The tray does not eject
• Access failure screen displays
• The ODD is noisy
Perform the following general solutions one at a time to correct the problem.
1. Reboot the computer and retry the operation.
2. Try an alternate disc.
3. Navigate to Start´ Computer. Check that the ODD device is displayed in the Devices with Removable Storage panel.
4. Navigate to Start´ Control Panel´ System and Maintenance´ System´ Device Manager.
Double-click lDE ATA/ATAPI controllers. If a device
displays a down arrow, right-click on the device and click Enable.
b. Double-click DVD/CD-ROM drives. If the device displays a down arrow, right-click on the device and click Enable.
c. Check that there are no yellow exclamation marks against the items in lDE ATA/ATAPI controllers. If
a device has an exclamation mark, right-click on the device and uninstall and reinstall the driver.
d. Check that there are no yellow exclamation marks against the items in DVD/CD-ROM drives. If a device has an exclamation mark, right-click on the device and uninstall and reinstall the driver.
e. If the exclamation marker is not removed from the item in the lists, try removing any recently installed software and retrying the operation.
b. Double-click DVD/CD-ROM drives. If the device displays a down arrow, right-click on the device and click Enable.
c. Check that there are no yellow exclamation marks against the items in lDE ATA/ATAPI controllers. If
a device has an exclamation mark, right-click on the device and uninstall and reinstall the driver.
d. Check that there are no yellow exclamation marks against the items in DVD/CD-ROM drives. If a device has an exclamation mark, right-click on the device and uninstall and reinstall the driver.
e. If the exclamation marker is not removed from the item in the lists, try removing any recently installed software and retrying the operation.
Discs Do Not Play
If discs do not play when inserted in the drive, perform the following actions one at a time to correct the problem.
1. Check that the disc is correctly seated in the drive tray and that the label on the disc is visible.
2. Check that the media is clean and scratch free.
3. Try an alternate disc in the drive.
4. Ensure that AutoPlay is enabled:
a. Navigate to Start´ Control Panel´ Hardware and Sound´ AutoPlay.
b. Select Use AutoPlay for all media and devices.
c. In the Audio CD and DVD Movie fields, select the desired player from the drop down menu.
5. Check that the Regional Code is correct for the selected media:
IMPORTANT:Region can only be changed a limited number of times. After Changes remaining reaches zero, the region cannot be changed even Windows is reinstalled or the drive is moved to another computer.
a. Navigate to Start´ Control Panel´ System and Maintenance´ System´ Device Manager.
b. Double-click DVD/CD-ROM drives.
c. Right-click DVD drive and click Properties, then click the DVD Region tab.
d. Select the region suitable for the media inserted in the drive.
If discs do not play when inserted in the drive, perform the following actions one at a time to correct the problem.
1. Check that the disc is correctly seated in the drive tray and that the label on the disc is visible.
2. Check that the media is clean and scratch free.
3. Try an alternate disc in the drive.
4. Ensure that AutoPlay is enabled:
a. Navigate to Start´ Control Panel´ Hardware and Sound´ AutoPlay.
b. Select Use AutoPlay for all media and devices.
c. In the Audio CD and DVD Movie fields, select the desired player from the drop down menu.
5. Check that the Regional Code is correct for the selected media:
IMPORTANT:Region can only be changed a limited number of times. After Changes remaining reaches zero, the region cannot be changed even Windows is reinstalled or the drive is moved to another computer.
a. Navigate to Start´ Control Panel´ System and Maintenance´ System´ Device Manager.
b. Double-click DVD/CD-ROM drives.
c. Right-click DVD drive and click Properties, then click the DVD Region tab.
d. Select the region suitable for the media inserted in the drive.
Discs Do Not Burn Properly
If discs can not be burned, perform the following actions one at a time to correct the problem.
1. Ensure that the default drive is record enabled:
a. Navigate to Start´ Computer and right-click the writable ODD icon. Click Properties.
b. Select the Recording tab. In the Desktop disc recording panel, select the writable ODD from the drop down list.
c. Click OK.
2. Ensure that the software used for burning discs is the factory default. If using different software, refer to the software's user manual
If discs can not be burned, perform the following actions one at a time to correct the problem.
1. Ensure that the default drive is record enabled:
a. Navigate to Start´ Computer and right-click the writable ODD icon. Click Properties.
b. Select the Recording tab. In the Desktop disc recording panel, select the writable ODD from the drop down list.
c. Click OK.
2. Ensure that the software used for burning discs is the factory default. If using different software, refer to the software's user manual
Playback is Choppy
If playback is choppy or jumps, perform the following actions one at a time to correct the problem.
1. Check that system resources are not running low:
a. Try closing some applications.
b. Reboot and try the operation again.
2. Check that the ODD controller transfer mode is set to DMA:
a. Navigate to Start´ Control Panel´ System and Maintenance´ System´ Device Manager.
If playback is choppy or jumps, perform the following actions one at a time to correct the problem.
1. Check that system resources are not running low:
a. Try closing some applications.
b. Reboot and try the operation again.
2. Check that the ODD controller transfer mode is set to DMA:
a. Navigate to Start´ Control Panel´ System and Maintenance´ System´ Device Manager.
b. Double-click IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers, then right-click
ATA Device 0.
c. Click Properties and select the Advanced Settings tab. Ensure that the Enable DMA box is
checked and click OK.
d. Repeat for the other ATA Devices shown if applicable.
c. Click Properties and select the Advanced Settings tab. Ensure that the Enable DMA box is
checked and click OK.
d. Repeat for the other ATA Devices shown if applicable.
Drive Not Detected
If Windows cannot detect the drive, perform the following actions one at a time to correct the problem.
1. Restart the computer and press F2 to enter the BIOS Utility.
2. Check that the drive is detected in the ATAPI Model Name field on the Information page.
NOTE: Check that the entry is identical to one of the ODDs specified in “Hardware Specifications and Configurations”
If Windows cannot detect the drive, perform the following actions one at a time to correct the problem.
1. Restart the computer and press F2 to enter the BIOS Utility.
2. Check that the drive is detected in the ATAPI Model Name field on the Information page.
NOTE: Check that the entry is identical to one of the ODDs specified in “Hardware Specifications and Configurations”
3. Turn off the power and remove the cover to inspect the connections
to the ODD.
a. Check for broken connectors on the drive, motherboard, and cables.
b. Check for bent or broken pins on the drive, motherboard, and cable connections.
c. Try an alternate cable, if available. If the drive works with the new cable, the original cable should be replaced.
4. Reseat the drive ensuring and all cables are connected correctly.
5. Replace the ODD.
b. Check for bent or broken pins on the drive, motherboard, and cable connections.
c. Try an alternate cable, if available. If the drive works with the new cable, the original cable should be replaced.
4. Reseat the drive ensuring and all cables are connected correctly.
5. Replace the ODD.
Drive Read Failure
If discs cannot be read when inserted in the drive, perform the following actions one at a time to correct the problem.
1. Remove and clean the failed disc.
2. Retry reading the CD or DVD.
d. Test the drive using other discs.
e. Play a DVD movie
f. Listen to a music CD
If the ODD works properly with alternate discs, the original disc is probably defective and should be replaced.
3. Turn off the power and remove the cover to inspect the connections to the ODD
If discs cannot be read when inserted in the drive, perform the following actions one at a time to correct the problem.
1. Remove and clean the failed disc.
2. Retry reading the CD or DVD.
d. Test the drive using other discs.
e. Play a DVD movie
f. Listen to a music CD
If the ODD works properly with alternate discs, the original disc is probably defective and should be replaced.
3. Turn off the power and remove the cover to inspect the connections to the ODD
a.Check for broken connectors on the drive, motherboard, and
cables.
b. Check for bent or broken pins on the drive, motherboard, and cable connections.
c. Try an alternate cable, if available. If the drive works with the new cable, the original cable should be replaced.
4. Replace the ODD.
b. Check for bent or broken pins on the drive, motherboard, and cable connections.
c. Try an alternate cable, if available. If the drive works with the new cable, the original cable should be replaced.
4. Replace the ODD.
External Mouse Failure
If an external Mouse fails, perform the following actions one at a time to correct the problem.
1. Try an alternative mouse.
2. If the mouse uses a wireless connection, insert new batteries and confirm there is a good connection. See the mouse user manual.
3. If the mouse uses a USB connection, try an alternate USB port.
4. Try an alternative program to verify mouse operation. Reinstall the program experiencing mouse failure.
5. Restart the computer.
6. Remove any recently added hardware and associated software.
7. Remove any recently added software and reboot.
8. Restore system and file settings from a known good date using System Restore. If the issue is not fixed, repeat the preceding steps and select an earlier time and date.
9. Run the Event Viewer to check the events log for errors. For more information see Windows Help and Support.
10. Roll back the mouse driver to the previous version if updated recently.
11. Remove and reinstall the mouse driver.
12. Check the Device Manager to determine that:
• The device is properly installed. There are no red Xs or yellow exclamation marks.
• There are no device conflicts.
If an external Mouse fails, perform the following actions one at a time to correct the problem.
1. Try an alternative mouse.
2. If the mouse uses a wireless connection, insert new batteries and confirm there is a good connection. See the mouse user manual.
3. If the mouse uses a USB connection, try an alternate USB port.
4. Try an alternative program to verify mouse operation. Reinstall the program experiencing mouse failure.
5. Restart the computer.
6. Remove any recently added hardware and associated software.
7. Remove any recently added software and reboot.
8. Restore system and file settings from a known good date using System Restore. If the issue is not fixed, repeat the preceding steps and select an earlier time and date.
9. Run the Event Viewer to check the events log for errors. For more information see Windows Help and Support.
10. Roll back the mouse driver to the previous version if updated recently.
11. Remove and reinstall the mouse driver.
12. Check the Device Manager to determine that:
• The device is properly installed. There are no red Xs or yellow exclamation marks.
• There are no device conflicts.
Intermittent Problems
Intermittent system hang problems can be caused by a variety of reasons that have nothing to do with a hardware defect, such as: cosmic radiation, electrostatic discharge, or software errors. FRU replacement
should be considered only when a recurring problem exists. When analyzing an intermittent problem, do the following:
1. Run the advanced diagnostic test for the system board in loop mode at least 10 times.
2. If no error is detected, do not replace any FRU.
3. If any error is detected
Intermittent system hang problems can be caused by a variety of reasons that have nothing to do with a hardware defect, such as: cosmic radiation, electrostatic discharge, or software errors. FRU replacement
should be considered only when a recurring problem exists. When analyzing an intermittent problem, do the following:
1. Run the advanced diagnostic test for the system board in loop mode at least 10 times.
2. If no error is detected, do not replace any FRU.
3. If any error is detected
Undetermined Problems
The diagnostic problems does not identify which adapter or device failed, which installed devices are incorrect, whether a short circuit is suspected, or whether the system is inoperative. Follow these procedures to isolate the failing FRU (do not isolate non-defective FRU).
NOTE: Verify that all attached devices are supported by the computer.
NOTE: Verify that the power supply being used at the time of the failure is operating correctly.
The diagnostic problems does not identify which adapter or device failed, which installed devices are incorrect, whether a short circuit is suspected, or whether the system is inoperative. Follow these procedures to isolate the failing FRU (do not isolate non-defective FRU).
NOTE: Verify that all attached devices are supported by the computer.
NOTE: Verify that the power supply being used at the time of the failure is operating correctly.
1.Power-off the computer.
2. Visually check them for damage. If any problems are found, replace the FRU.
3. Remove or disconnect all of the following devices:
• Non-Acer devices
• Printer, mouse, and other external devices
• Battery pack
• Hard disk drive
• DIMM
• CD-ROM/Diskette drive Module
• PC Cards
4. Power-on the computer.
5. Determine if the problem has changed.
6. If the problem does not recur, reconnect the removed devices one at a time until you find the failing FRU.
7. If the problem remains, replace the following FRU one at a time. Do not replace a non-defective FRU:
• System board
• LCD assembly, replace the FRU. Rerun the test to verify that there are no more errors.
2. Visually check them for damage. If any problems are found, replace the FRU.
3. Remove or disconnect all of the following devices:
• Non-Acer devices
• Printer, mouse, and other external devices
• Battery pack
• Hard disk drive
• DIMM
• CD-ROM/Diskette drive Module
• PC Cards
4. Power-on the computer.
5. Determine if the problem has changed.
6. If the problem does not recur, reconnect the removed devices one at a time until you find the failing FRU.
7. If the problem remains, replace the following FRU one at a time. Do not replace a non-defective FRU:
• System board
• LCD assembly, replace the FRU. Rerun the test to verify that there are no more errors.
Chipset POST Codes [Bios Beep Codes]
If the BIOS detects error 2C, 2E, or 30 (base 512K RAM error), it
displays an additional word-bitmap (xxxx) indicating the address line or bits
that failed. For example, 2C 0002 means address line 1 (bit one set) has
failed. 2E 1020 means data bits 12 and 5 (bits 12 and 5 set) have failed
in the lower 16 bits. Note that error 30 cannot occur on 386SX systems because
they have a 16 rather than 32-bit bus. The BIOS also sends the bitmap to the
port-80 LED display. It first displays the check point code, followed by a
delay, the high-order byte, another delay, and then the low-order byte of the
error. It repeats this sequence continuously.
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