Acer TravelMate -550, Service Manual

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Chapter 2 45
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 utility 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.
NOTE: Please use the AC adaptor power supply when you run the Phlash utility. If the battery pack does not
contain enough power to finish BIOS flash, you may not boot the system because the BIOS is not
completely loaded.
Fellow the steps below to run the Phlash.
1. Prepare a bootable diskette.
2. Copy the Phlash utilities to the bootable diskette.
3. Then boot the system from the bootable diskette. The Phlash utility has auto-execution function.
System Utility Diskette
This utility diskette is for the Acer TravelMate
α
550 notebook machine. You can find the utility in Service CD
kit. It provides the following functions:
1. Panel ID Utility
2. Thermal & Fan Utility
3. Mother Board Data Utility
To use this diskette, first boot from this diskette, then a “Microsoft Windows ME 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.
System Diagnostic Diskette
IMPORTANT:
1
The diagnostics program we use for TravelMate
α
550 is not exactly the same as PQA
(Product Quality Assurance), the diagnostic program we used to employ in other model. The system
diagnostic utilities is provided by Acer Headquarters. You can utilize it as a basic diagnostic tool. To
get this program, find it in the TravelMate
α
550 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: For ASSY Function Test Procedure, please prepare the following items for system components test:
PIO loopback, diskette, mouse (PS/2), CD-Disk (Test Program), battery pack, SYS_card (Card Bus)X2,
AC-adapter, keyboard, speaker and feather.
1
New added description. Please pay attention to it.