Acer a-550 Series manual

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Table of contents for the manual

  • Page 1

    T ravelMate α -550 series User’ s guide TMa550.book Page i Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM[...]

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    Changes may be made periodically to the information in this publication without obligation to notify any person of such revision or changes. Such changes will be incorporated in new editions of this manual or supplementary documents and publications. This company makes no representations or warranties, either expressed or implied, with respect to t[...]

  • Page 3

    iii First things first W e would like to thank you for making the T ravelMate series of notebook computers your choice for your mobile computing needs. W e hope you will be happy with your T ravelMate as much as we enjoyed making it for you. Y our guides To help you use your T ravelMate, we have designed a set of guides: For more information about [...]

  • Page 4

    iv • Use the Windows shutdown command Click on Start , and select the Windows shutdown or turn off command. • Use the power switch If you set the power switch to “ Shut down ” , you can use this button to turn off the computer . See Windows help for details. Note: If you cannot power off the computer normally , press and hold the power swit[...]

  • Page 5

    v but pull on the plug. • The total ampere ratings of the equipment plugged in should not exceed the ampere rating of the cord if you are using an extension cord. Also, the total current rating of all equipment plugged into a single wall outlet should not exceed the fuse rating. T aking car e of your battery pack Here are some ways to take care o[...]

  • Page 6

    vi TMa550.book Page vi Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM[...]

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    Contents First things first iii Your guides iii Basic care and tips for using your computer iii 1 Getting familiar with your computer 1 A tour of your computer 3 Front view 3 Left view 5 Right view 6 Rear view 7 Bottom view 8 Features 9 Display 11 Indicators 12 Keyboard 15 Special keys 15 Keyboard ergonomics 19 Touchpad 20 Touchpad basics 20 Launch[...]

  • Page 8

    viii 3 Peripherals and options 37 External display devices 39 External monitor 39 External display with s-video input 39 Using simultaneous display 39 External input devices 40 External keyboard 40 External keypad 40 External pointing device 40 Printer 41 Audio devices 42 Expansion devices 43 PC Card slots 43 USB 44 IEEE 1394 45 Miscellaneous optio[...]

  • Page 9

    ix 5 Software 59 System software 61 Easy Button 62 E-Mail Detector 63 BIOS Setup Utility 64 Main 65 System Devices 67 Security 68 Others 71 Boot 72 Exit 73 6 Troubleshooting 75 Frequently-asked questions 77 Error messages 81 Appendix A Specifications 85 Appendix B Notices 91 Index 99 TMa550.book Page ix Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM[...]

  • Page 10

    x TMa550.book Page x Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM[...]

  • Page 11

    1 Getting familiar with your computer TMa550.book Page 1 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM[...]

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    This computer combines high-performance, versatility , power management features and multimedia capabilities with a unique style and ergonomic design. W ork with unmatched productivity and reliability with your new power computing partner . This chapter gives an in-depth "tour" of the computer ’ s many features. TMa550.book Page 2 Wedne[...]

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    3 A tour of your computer After setting up your computer as illustrated in the Just for Starters... poster , let us show you around your new notebook computer . Front view TMa550.book Page 3 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM[...]

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    1 Getting familiar with your computer 4 # Item Description 1 Display screen Also called LCD (liquid-crystal display), displays computer output. 2 Power button T urns on the computer power . 3 Status LCD LCD that display icons to show the status of the computer and its functions and components. 4 Keyboard Inputs data into your computer . 5 T ouchpad[...]

  • Page 15

    5 Left view # Item Description 1 Optical drive Depending on your model: • CD-ROM drive reads CDs • DVD-ROM drive reads CDs and DVDs • DVD/CD-RW combo drive reads CDs and DVDs, and writes to CD-Rs and CD-RWs. 2 Optical drive eject button Ejects the disc from the optical drive. 3 Optical drive emergency eject hole Ejects the disc from the optic[...]

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    1 Getting familiar with your computer 6 Right view # Item Description 1 Speaker/headphone- out jack Connects to audio line-out devices (e.g., speakers, headphones). 2 Microphone-in jack Connects an external microphone. 3 PC Card eject buttons Eject the selected PC Card from its slot. 4 PC Card slots Accepts one T ype III or two T ype II/I PC Card(s[...]

  • Page 17

    7 Rear view # Item Description 1 Security keylock Connects to a Kensington-compatible computer security lock. 2 IEEE 1394 port Connects to a IEEE 1394 compatible device (e.g., digital camcorder). 3 Network jack Connects to an Ethernet 10/100-based network. 4 Modem jack Conncts a phone line (only for models with an internal fax/data modem). 5 Parall[...]

  • Page 18

    1 Getting familiar with your computer 8 Bottom view # Item Description 1 Hard disk bay Houses the computer ’ s hard disk. 2 Battery release button Press and hold to release the battery latch. 3 Battery release latch Unlatches the battery to remove the battery pack. 4 Battery bay Houses the computer ’ s battery pack. 5 Memory compartment Houses [...]

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    9 Featur es This computer was designed with the user in mind. Here are just a few of its many features: Performance • Intel ® Pentium ™ III or Intel ® Celeron ™ processor with on-die level 2 cache • 128 MB memory onboard and one memory upgrade slot • Large LCD display with adjustable video memory • High-capacity , Enhanced-IDE hard di[...]

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    1 Getting familiar with your computer 10 • Ergonomically-centered touchpad pointing device • Launch keys (supports Audio DJ feature) Expansion • Upgradeable memory and hard disk TMa550.book Page 10 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM[...]

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    11 Display The large graphics display offers excellent viewing, display quality and desktop-performance graphics. The computer supports a Thin-Film T ransistor (TF T) liquid crystal display (LCD) displaying up to 16.7 million colors at 1400x1050 Super eXtended Graphics Array Plus (SXGA+) resolution (for models with a 15.0-inch display) or 1024x768 [...]

  • Page 22

    1 Getting familiar with your computer 12 Indicators The computer has an easy-to-read status LCD (1) located above the keyboard. T wo status indicators, power (2), and email (3) are located near the front of the computer . The status LCD displays icons that show the status of the computer and its components. Function Icon Description Caps lock Caps [...]

  • Page 23

    13 Optical drive/ Hard disk activity CD or DVD drive or hard disk is being accessed. Floppy drive activity Floppy drive is being accessed. PC Card activity PC Card is being accessed. AC power Computer is running on AC power . Battery charge Battery is being charged. Battery full Battery is fully charged. Battery gauge Battery is 75 to 100 percent f[...]

  • Page 24

    1 Getting familiar with your computer 14 In addition to the status LCD, the computer includes power and email status indicators. Function Icon Description Power Lights when the computer is on. Email Lights when incoming email is received. T o launch your email program and read the incoming email, press the email button beside this indicator . See ?[...]

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    15 Keyboar d The keyboard has full-sized keys with an embedded keypad, separate cursor keys, two Windows keys and twelve function keys. Special keys Lock keys The keyboard has four lock keys which you can toggle on and off. Lock Key Description Caps lock When Caps Lock is on, all alphabetic characters typed are in uppercase. Pad lock (Fn-F10) When [...]

  • Page 26

    1 Getting familiar with your computer 16 Embedded keypad The embedded keypad functions like a desktop numeric keypad. It is indicated by small characters located on the lower edge of the keycaps. The embedded keypad can function in numeric mode or cursor-control mode. Desired Access Num lock On Pad lock On Number keys on embedded keypad T ype numbe[...]

  • Page 27

    17 W indows keys The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions. Key Description Windows logo key Start button. Combinations with this key perform special functions. Below are a few examples:  + T ab (Activates next T askbar button)  + E (Explores My Computer)  + F (Finds Document)  + M (Minimizes All) Shift +  + M[...]

  • Page 28

    1 Getting familiar with your computer 18 Hotkeys The computer uses hotkeys or key combinations to perform functions such as controlling the screen brightness and specifying where to display output. When activating hotkeys, press and hold the Fn key before pressing the other key in the hotkey combination. HotKey Function Description Fn-F5 Display to[...]

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    19 Keyboard ergonomics Located below the keyboard, the wide and curved palm rest is ergonomically designed to provide you with a very comfortable place to rest your hands while you type. TMa550.book Page 19 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM[...]

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    1 Getting familiar with your computer 20 T ouchpad The built-in touchpad is a PS/2-compatible pointing device that senses movement on its surface. This means the cursor responds as you move your finger on the surface of the touchpad. The central location on the palm rest provides optimum comfort and support. T ouchpad basics The following teaches y[...]

  • Page 31

    21 = Note : Keep your fingers dry and clean when using the touchpad. Also keep the touchpad dry and clean. The touchpad is sensitive to finger movements. Hence, the lighter the touch, the better the response. T apping too hard will not increase the touchpad ’ s responsiveness. Function Left Button Right Button Ta p Execute Click twice quickly . T[...]

  • Page 32

    1 Getting familiar with your computer 22 Launch keys Located near the front end of the computer (between the speakers) are launch keys that perform various functions. Depending on the set mode, these launch keys may be used to launch applications or play back music CDs. Note: The Audio DJ feature is also available even when the computer is off. # I[...]

  • Page 33

    23 T o configure the launch keys and the applications they launch, see “ Easy Button ” on page 62. 21 ( AP mode) Launches a user-configurable application. Stop/Eject ( Audio DJ mode) Stops playback of the music CD; when playback is stopped, ejects the drive tray . 32 ( AP mode) Launches a user-configurable application. Play/Pause ( Audio DJ mod[...]

  • Page 34

    1 Getting familiar with your computer 24 Storage This computer ’ s all-in-one design gives you the benefit of using the following media storage options: • High-capacity Enhanced-IDE hard disk The hard disk can be upgraded when you need more storage space. Consult your dealer for details. • 3.5-inch floppy drive The floppy drive reads and writ[...]

  • Page 35

    25 Connectivity options The computer has built-in features for connecting to a network and communicating with other computers. Ethern et and LAN The built-in network feature allows you to connect your computer to an Ethernet-based (10/100 Mbps) network. T o use the network feature, connect an Ethernet cable from the network jack on the rear of the [...]

  • Page 36

    1 Getting familiar with your computer 26 Audio Y our computer includes 16-bit high-fidelity stereo audio. The dual speakers, located near the front of the computer , direct sound towards you to further enhance sound output and quality . There are audio ports on the right side of the computer . See “ Right view ” on page 6 for the location and d[...]

  • Page 37

    27 Securing your computer Security features include hardware and software locks — a security notch and a password. Security notch A security notch located on the rear panel of the computer lets you connect a Kensington-compatible computer security lock. For the location of this notch, see “ Rear view ” on page 7. Wrap a computer security lock[...]

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    1 Getting familiar with your computer 28 TMa550.book Page 28 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM[...]

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    2 Operating on battery power TMa550.book Page 29 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM[...]

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    The computer operates on AC or battery power . This chapter contains the information you need to know to operate the computer on battery power . It also includes information on how your computer manages and saves power . TMa550.book Page 30 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM[...]

  • Page 41

    31 Battery pack The computer uses a battery pack that gives you long use between charges. Battery pack characteristics The battery pack has the following characteristics: • Employs current battery technology standards • Battery-low warning Whenever possible, use the AC adapter . The battery will come in handy when you travel or during a power f[...]

  • Page 42

    2 Operating on battery power 32 T o install a battery pack: 1 Place the battery pack into the battery bay , connector-end first. 2 Press down on the battery pack until you hear the battery latch click in place. T o remove the battery pack: 1 Press and hold the battery release button. 2 Slide the battery release latch to unlatch the battery pack. 3 [...]

  • Page 43

    33 Charging the battery T o charge the battery , slide the battery pack into the battery bay and plug the AC adapter into the computer and an electrical outlet. Charging modes The adapter has two charging modes: • Rapid mode The computer uses rapid charging when power is turned off and a powered AC adapter is connected to it. In rapid mode, a ful[...]

  • Page 44

    2 Operating on battery power 34 • Use the AC adapter whenever possible so that the battery is reserved for on-the-go computing. • Keep the battery pack in the computer powered by the AC adapter . The constant trickle charge maintains the battery level to eliminate the battery self-discharge effect. The charge-in-use function also charges the ba[...]

  • Page 45

    35 The following table shows the recommended course of action to take when you encounter a battery-low condition. Situation Recommended Action AC adapter and power outlet available 1. Connect the AC adapter to the computer . 2. Save all necessary files. 3. Resume work. Power off the computer if you wish to recharge the battery rapidly . An extra fu[...]

  • Page 46

    2 Operating on battery power 36 Power management This computer has a built-in power management unit that monitors system activity . System activity refers to any activity involving one or more of the following devices: keyboard, mouse, floppy drive, hard disk, peripherals connected to the serial and parallel ports, and video memory . If no activity[...]

  • Page 47

    3 Peripherals and options TMa550.book Page 37 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM[...]

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    Y our computer offers excellent expansion capabilities with its built-in ports and connectors. This chapter describes how to connect peripherals and hardware options that help you use your computer with ease. When connecting peripherals, read the manual included with the peripheral for operating instructions. Y ou can purchase most of these and oth[...]

  • Page 49

    39 Exter nal display devices External monitor Y ou can connect an external monitor to the external display port. For the location of these ports, see “ Rear view ” on page 7. Read the monitor manual for additional instructions. Note : If an external monitor is not connected, closing the display cover puts the computer into Standby mode. Externa[...]

  • Page 50

    3 Peripherals and options 40 Exter nal input devices Extern al keyboar d This computer has a keyboard with full-sized keys and an embedded keypad. If you feel more comfortable using a desktop keyboard, you can connect an external PS/2-compatible or USB keyboard. Plug a PS/2 keyboard into the PS/2 port; plug the USB keyboard to an available USB port[...]

  • Page 51

    41 Printer This computer supports both parallel and USB printers. For a parallel printer , plug the printer cable into the parallel port. For a USB printer , connect it to the USB port. For the location of these ports, see “ Rear view ” on page 7 and “ Right view ” on page 6. T o operate your printer , see your printer manual. Note : If the[...]

  • Page 52

    3 Peripherals and options 42 Audio devices Y ou can plug an external microphone into the microphone-in jack. Amplified speakers or headphones connect to the speaker/headphone- out jack. For the location of these ports, see “ Right view ” on page 6. TMa550.book Page 42 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM[...]

  • Page 53

    43 Expansion devices PC Car d slots The computer has built-in CardBus PC Card slots that can accommodate one type III or two type II/I PC Cards. Please consult your dealer for PC Card options available that you can purchase for your computer . The PC Card slots found on the right of the computer accepts credit- card-sized cards that enhance the usa[...]

  • Page 54

    3 Peripherals and options 44 Ejecting a card Before ejecting a PC Card: • Exit the application using the card. • Left-click on the Safely Remove Hardware icon on the taskbar and click on the safely remove card operation. After it is safe to remove the card, press the slot eject button once to pop it out (1); then press it again to eject the PC [...]

  • Page 55

    45 IEEE 1394 The computer's fast IEEE 1394 port allows you to connect IEEE 1394 supported devices like a digital camcorder , external hard disks, or external CD burners. Y ou can also daisy-chain IEEE 1394 devices via a IEEE 1394 repeater . For the location of these ports, see “ Rear view ” on page 7. Disconnecting IEEE 1394 devices Before[...]

  • Page 56

    3 Peripherals and options 46 Miscellaneous options Battery pack It is a good practice to have a spare battery around, especially when you travel. The Li-ion battery , coupled with the power management features of your computer , supplies you with more power on-the-go. AC adapter The compact AC adapter charges your battery pack and supplies power to[...]

  • Page 57

    47 Key component upgrades Y our computer delivers superior power and performance. However , some users and the applications they use may demand more. This computer allows you to upgrade key components when you need increased performance. Note : Contact your authorized dealer if you decide to perform a key component upgrade. Memory upgrade This note[...]

  • Page 58

    3 Peripherals and options 48 2 Remove the screws from the memory door (1), slide the memory door (2), then lift the memory door (3) to access the memory slot. 3 Insert the memory module diagonally into the slot (1), then gently press down until it clicks into place (2). 4 Replace the memory door and secure it with the screws. The computer automatic[...]

  • Page 59

    49 Hard disk upgrade It is possible to upgrade your hard disk with a higher capacity drive when you need more storage space. The computer uses a 9.5mm 2.5- inch Enhanced-IDE hard disk. Please consult your dealer if you need to upgrade your hard disk. TMa550.book Page 49 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM[...]

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    3 Peripherals and options 50 TMa550.book Page 50 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM[...]

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    4 Moving with your computer TMa550.book Page 51 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM[...]

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    This chapter gives you tips and hints on things to consider when moving around or traveling with your computer . TMa550.book Page 52 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM[...]

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    53 Disconnecting fr om the desktop Follow these steps to disconnect your computer from external accessories: 1 Save your work in progress. 2 Shut down the operating system. 3 T urn off the computer . 4 Disconnect the cord from the AC adapter . 5 Disconnect the keyboard, pointing device, printer , external monitor , and other external devices. 6 Dis[...]

  • Page 64

    4 Moving with your computer 54 Moving ar ound when you are just moving within short distances, for example, from your office desk to a meeting room Preparing the computer Before moving the computer , close and latch the display cover to place it in Standby mode. Y ou can now safely take the computer anywhere you go within the building. T o bring th[...]

  • Page 65

    55 T aking the computer home when you are moving from your office to your home or vice versa Preparing the computer After disconnecting the computer from your desktop, follow these steps to prepare the computer for the trip home: 1 Remove all media from the drives. Failure to remove the media can damage the drive head. 2 Pack the computer in a prot[...]

  • Page 66

    4 Moving with your computer 56 the computer for 30 minutes in an environment with a temperature between outside and room temperature. Setting up a home of fice If you frequently work on your computer at home, it may be worthwhile to purchase a second AC adapter for use at home. With a second AC adapter , you can avoid transporting the extra weight [...]

  • Page 67

    57 T raveling with the computer when you are moving within a larger distance, for instance, from your office building to a client ’ s office building or traveling locally Preparing the computer Prepare the computer as if you were taking it home. Be sure the battery in the computer is charged. Airport security may require you to turn on your compu[...]

  • Page 68

    4 Moving with your computer 58 T raveling inter nationally with the computer when you are moving from country to country Preparing the computer Prepare the computer as you would normally prepare it for traveling. What to bring with you Bring the following items with you. • AC adapter • Power cords that are appropriate to the country to which yo[...]

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    5 Softwar e TMa550.book Page 59 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM[...]

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    This chapter discusses the important system utilities bundled with your computer . TMa550.book Page 60 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM[...]

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    61 System softwar e The computer comes preloaded with the following software: • Microsoft Windows operating system • Hardware BIOS setup utility • System utilities, drivers and application software Note : T o access Windows software applications, click on the Start button and select the application folder . Then click on the application icon [...]

  • Page 72

    5 Software 62 Easy Button Easy Button allows you to set the four launch keys located near the front of the computer . See “ Launch keys ” on page 22 for the location of these keys. T o configure Easy Button, double-click on its icon on the taskbar . Pressing on a launch key that has not been configured will also allow you to configure Easy Butt[...]

  • Page 73

    63 E-Mail Detector The E-Mail Detector application monitors your mail servers for incoming email. When incoming email is detected, the email status indicator lights up. Y ou can also set a notify message to appear or a sound to play when you receive incoming email. T o configure E-Mail Detector , double-click on its icon on the taskbar . T o see ot[...]

  • Page 74

    5 Software 64 BIOS Setup Utility The BIOS Setup Utility is a hardware configuration program built into your computer ’ s BIOS (basic input/ouput system). Y our computer is already properly configured and optimized, and you do not need to run this utility . However , if you encounter configuration problems, you may need to run it. Please also refe[...]

  • Page 75

    65 • Press Esc while you are in any of the menu options to go to the Exit menu. • In any menu, you can load default settings by pressing F9 . Y ou can also press F10 to save any changes made and exit the BIOS Setup Utility . Notes : Navigation keys for a particular menu are shown on the bottom of the screen. Help for parameters are found in the[...]

  • Page 76

    5 Software 66 The table below describes the parameters in this screen. Settings in boldface are the default and suggested parameter settings. Note: Main memory = system memory + extended memory Parameter Description System T ime Sets the system time. Format: HH:MM:SS (hour:minute:second) System Date Sets the system date. Format: MM/DD/YYYY (month/d[...]

  • Page 77

    67 System Devices The System Devices screen contains parameters involving your hardware devices. The table below describes the parameters in the screen. Settings in boldface are the default and suggested parameter settings. Parameter Description Pointing Device Determines whether or not to disable the internal touchpad if a PS/2 pointing device is [...]

  • Page 78

    5 Software 68 Note: VGA takes up a portion of system memory , configurable via the VGA Frame Buffer parameter . For example, if you have 128 MB SDRAM, and you set a VGA Frame Buffer of 16 MB, main memory is 112 MB. Security The Security screen contains parameters that help safeguard and protect your computer from unauthorized use. Mode Sets the ope[...]

  • Page 79

    69 The table below describes the parameters in this screen. Settings in boldface are the default and suggested parameter settings. Notes: When you are prompted to enter a password, you have three tries before the system halts. Don ’ t forget your password. If you forget your password, you may have to return your notebook computer to your dealer t[...]

  • Page 80

    5 Software 70 3 Press Enter . After setting the password, the computer sets the User Password parameter to “ Set ” . 4 If desired, you can opt to enable the Password on boot parameter . 5 When you are done, press F10 to save the changes and exit the BIOS Setup Utility . Removing a password Follow these steps: 1 Use the ↑ and ↓ keys to highl[...]

  • Page 81

    71 4 Press Enter . After setting the password, the computer sets the User Password parameter to “ Set ” . 5 If desired, you can opt to enable the Password on boot parameter . 6 When you are done, press F10 to save the changes and exit the BIOS Setup Utility . Others The Others screen contains various parameter settings. The table below describe[...]

  • Page 82

    5 Software 72 Boot The Boot screen allows you to set the order in which the system looks for bootable devices on startup. The table below describes these devices. Note: A plus (+) sign may be shown in front of a device. Y ou can press Enter to “ expand ” the device and see sub-items in this category . Installed O/S Sets the operating system in [...]

  • Page 83

    73 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. Note: In any menu, you can load default settings by pressing F9. Y ou can also press F10 to save any changes made and exit the BIOS Setup Utility . Parameter Description Exit Savin[...]

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    5 Software 74 TMa550.book Page 74 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM[...]

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    6 T r oubleshooting TMa550.book Page 75 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM[...]

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    This chapter instructs you on how to deal with common system problems. Read it before calling a technician if a problem occurs. Solutions to more serious problems require opening up the computer . Do not attempt to open and service the computer by yourself. Contact your dealer or an authorized service center for assistance. TMa550.book Page 76 Wedn[...]

  • Page 87

    77 Fr equently-asked questions This is a list of possible situations that may arise during the use of your computer , and it gives easy answers and solutions to these questions. I press the power switch, but the computer does not start or boot-up. Look at the Power status indicator: • If it is not lit, no power is being applied to the computer . [...]

  • Page 88

    6 T roubleshooting 78 tab to make sure the resolution is set to the appropriate resolution. Resolutions lower than the specified resolution are not full-screen on the computer or on an external monitor . No audio from the computer . Check the following: • The volume may be muted. In Windows, look at the volume control icon on the taskbar . If it [...]

  • Page 89

    79 • If the diskette is not the cause of the problem, the floppy drive may be dirty . Clean it using a drive cleaning kit. Follow the instructions included with the kit. The CD or DVD drive cannot access a disc. Check the following: • Make sure the disc is supported by the drive. If your computer has a CD-ROM drive, it can read CDs but cannot r[...]

  • Page 90

    6 T roubleshooting 80 charged? T o preserve the life of the battery , the system only lets you charge the battery when its capacity falls below 95%. However , it is recommended that you bring an extra battery and let the battery in the system use up its power before charging it. TMa550.book Page 80 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM[...]

  • Page 91

    81 Err or messages If you receive an error message, note the message and take the corrective action. The following table lists the error messages in alphabetical order together with the recommended course of action. Note: T o enter the BIOS Setup Utility , press F2 during POST . For more information, see “ BIOS Setup Utility ” on page 64. Error[...]

  • Page 92

    6 T roubleshooting 82 0250 System battery is dead - Replace and run SETUP CMOS clock battery needs to be replaced. Contact your dealer or an authorized service center . 0251 System CMOS checksum bad - Default configuration used CMOS has been corrupted or modified incorrectly . Enter the BIOS Setup Utility and verify the parameters; then save and re[...]

  • Page 93

    83 02D0 System cache error - Cache disabled Cache memory test failed and was disabled; cache needs to be replaced. Contact your dealer or an authorized service center . 02F4 EISA CMOS not writeable System unable to write to EISA CMOS. Write down the message and contact your dealer or an authorized service center . 02F5 DMA T est Failed System unabl[...]

  • Page 94

    6 T roubleshooting 84 If you still encounter problems after going through the corrective measures, please contact your dealer or an authorized service center for assistance. Some problems may be solved using the BIOS Setup Utility . See “ BIOS Setup Utility ” on page 64. I/O device IRQ conflict I/O device has IRQ (Interrupt Request) conflict. E[...]

  • Page 95

    Appendix A Specifications TMa550.book Page 85 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM[...]

  • Page 96

    This appendix lists the general specifications of your computer . TMa550.book Page 86 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM[...]

  • Page 97

    87 Micropr ocessor • Intel ® Pentium ™ III processor with 256K on-die L2 cache - or - Intel ® Celeron ™ processor with 128K or 256K on-die L2 cache Memory • Onboard 128 MB • Main memory expandable to 640 MB Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM) • One 1.25-inch, 144-pin industry-standard soDIMM socket (PC-133) • 512 KB Fla[...]

  • Page 98

    Appendix A Specifications 88 Audio • 16-bit stereo audio (AC ’ 97) • T wo built-in stereo speakers • Audio DJ playback controls • Audio ports for speaker/headphone-out and microphone-in devices Keyboard and pointing device • 85-/86-key Windows keyboard • Ergonomically-centered touchpad pointing device I/O ports • One type III or two[...]

  • Page 99

    89 Environment • Te m p e r a t u r e • Operating: 5 ° C ~ 35 ° C • Non-operating: -20 ° C ~ 65 ° C • Humidity (non-condensing) • Operating: 20% ~ 80% RH • Non-operating: 10% ~ 90% RH • Altitude • Operating: 0 ~ 10,000 ft • Non-operating: 0 ~ 40,000 ft Operating system • Microsoft Windows Power • Battery pack • 57-WattHo[...]

  • Page 100

    Appendix A Specifications 90 TMa550.book Page 90 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM[...]

  • Page 101

    Appendix B Notices TMa550.book Page 91 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM[...]

  • Page 102

    This appendix lists the general notices for your computer . TMa550.book Page 92 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM[...]

  • Page 103

    93 FCC notice This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This device generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not instal[...]

  • Page 104

    Appendix B Notices 94 Notice: Canadian users This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations. Remarque ¶ l ’ intention des utilisateurs canadiens Cet appareil num é rique de la classe B respected toutes les exigences du R è glement sur le mat é riel brouilleur du Canada. Modem n[...]

  • Page 105

    95 Important safety instructions Read these instructions carefully . Save these instructions for future reference. 1 Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product. 2 Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning. 3 Do not use this product near wat[...]

  • Page 106

    Appendix B Notices 96 controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the product to normal condition. e If the product has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged f If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance, indicating a need for service. 12 Replace the battery with the s[...]

  • Page 107

    97 Lithium battery statement CAUTION Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer . Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer ’ s instructions. ADV ARSEL! Lithiumbatteri - Eksplosionsfare ved fejlagtig h å ndtering. Udskiftning m å kun ske med ba[...]

  • Page 108

    Appendix B Notices 98 LCD pixel statement The LCD unit is produced with high-precision manufacturing techniques. Nevertheless, some pixels may occasionally misfire or appear as black or red dots. This has no effect on the recorded image and does not constitute a malfunction. Macr ovision copyright pr otection notice This product incorporates copyri[...]

  • Page 109

    99 Index A AC adapter caring for iv ACPI 36 audio 26 connecting externally 42 controlling volume 26 troubleshooting 78 Audio DJ 26 B battery bay 8 battery pack battery-low warning 34 caring for v characteristics 31 charging 33 charging modes 33 checking charge level 33 installing 32 low conditions 35 optimizing 33 removing 32 using the first time 3[...]

  • Page 110

    100 E emergency eject slot 5 error messages 81 Ethernet connection 25 F FAQ. See frequently-asked questions floppy drive 24 troubleshooting 78 frequently-asked questions 77 front view 3 G guide iii H hard disk 24 upgrading 49 help iii hotkeys 18 I IEEE 1394 connecting 45 K keyboard 15 connecting externally 40 embedded numeric keypad 16 hotkeys 18 l[...]

  • Page 111

    101 video-out 7 power management 36 printer connecting 41 troubleshooting 79 problems 77 audio 78 CD 79 diskette 78 display 77 DVD 79 floppy drive 78 keyboard 78 printer 79 startup 77 R rear view 7 right view 6 S safety CD or DVD 96 FCC notice 93 general instructions 95 lithium battery 97 modem notices 94 scroll lock on indicator 12 security keyloc[...]

  • Page 112

    102 TMa550.book Page 102 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM[...]