Acer TravelMate alpha-550, Service Manual, Page: 73 / 132

Chapter 4 65
Use the following procedure as a guide for computer problems.
NOTE: The diagnostic tests are intended to test this model. 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.
3. If any problem occurs, you can perform visual inspection before you fellow this chapter’s instructions. You
can check the following:
power cords are properly connected and secured;
there are no obvious shorts or opens;
there are no obviously burned or heated components;
all components appear normal.
4. Use 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.) “Power System Check” on page 67.
POST does not complete. No beep or error
codes are indicated. “Power-On Self-Test (POST) Error Message” on
page 69
“Undetermined Problems” on page 77
POST detects an error and displayed messages
on screen. “Error Message List” on page 70
The diagnostic test detected an error and
displayed a FRU code. “System Diagnostic Diskette” on page 45
Other symptoms (i.e. LCD display problems or
others). “Power-On Self-Test (POST) Error Message” on
page 69
Symptoms cannot be re-created (intermittent
problems). Use the customer-reported symptoms and go to
“Power-On Self-Test (POST) Error Message” on
page 69
“Intermittent Problems” on page 76
“Undetermined Problems” on page 77
Troubleshooting
Chapter 4