Page 2 - Copyright
II Copyright Copyright © 1999 by Acer Incorporated. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language or computer language, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical...
Page 3 - Conventions
III Conventions The following conventions are used in this manual: Screen messages Denotes actual messages that appear on screen. NOTE Gives bits and pieces of additional information related to the current topic. WARNING Alerts you to any damage that might result from doing or not doing specific act...
Page 4 - Preface
IV Preface Before using this information and the product it supports, please read the following general information. 1. This Service Guide provides you with all technical information relating to the BASIC CONFIGURATION decided for Acer's "global" product offering. To better fit local market ...
Page 5 - Table of Contents
V Table of Contents Chapter 1 System Specifications 1 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1System Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Board Layout ....
Page 7 - Features; Performance; System Specifications; Chapter 1
Chapter 1 1 Features This computer was designed with the user in mind. Here are just a few of its many features: Performance T Intel ® Pentium ® III Coppermine processor with 256 KB L2 cache T 64-bit memory bus T 2X AGP video graphic accelerator with 8 MB video memory T Large and vibrant Thin Film T...
Page 9 - System Block Diagram; CPU
Chapter 1 3 System Block Diagram SDRAM SDRAM CLK BUF CLK BUF DIMM DIMM * 2 CPU CPU COPPERMINE / A2 NORTH BRIDGE 440BX/ C1 GEYSERVILLE VGA VGA ATI Mobility-M1/M 8M/ 4M VRAM LCD TV CRT CardBus OZ6933T CardBus CONN Slot A/B Pow er SW SOUTH BRIDGE PIIX4M/ A0 USB Primary EIDE HDD MiniPCI LAN/ Modem Secon...
Page 10 - Board Layout; Top View
4 Chapter 1 Board Layout Top View 1 Volume Control 18 LED/Inverter Board Connector 2 Microphone-in Port 19 External CD/DVD-ROM Module Connector 3 Line-in Port 20 Internal Keyboard Connector 4 Line-out Port 21 Jumper Setting (SW4) 5 PCMCIA Socket 22 Finger Print Check 6 FAN Connector 23 HDD Connector...
Page 11 - Bottom View
Chapter 1 5 Bottom View 1 Keyboard Controller 7 Power Switch Connector 2 DC-DC Board Connector 8 DIMM Socket 1 3 DC-DC Board Connector 9 DIMM Socket 2 4 Modem Connector 10 FDD FPC Connector 5 Docking Station Connector 11 South Bridge 6 North Bridge 12 FAX/Modem Board Socket 730sg-1.book Page 5 Wedne...
Page 12 - Panel; Left Panel
6 Chapter 1 Panel Ports allow you to connect peripheral devices to your computer as you would with a desktop PC. Left Panel # Icon Port Connects to... 1 Infrared port Infrared device (e.g., infrared printer, IR-aware computers) 2 PC Card slot 16-bit PC Cards and 32-bit CardBus PC Cards (ZV support) ...
Page 13 - Rear Panel
Chapter 1 7 Rear Panel # Icon Port Connects to... 1 DC-in jack AC adapter and power outlet 2 PS/2 port PS/2-compatible devices (e.g., PS/2 keyboard/mouse/keypad) 3 Modem jack Phone line (only for models with an internal fax modem) 4 Serial port Serial devices (e.g., serial mouse) 5 Parallel port Par...
Page 14 - Bottom Panel
8 Chapter 1 Bottom Panel # Icon Port Connects to... 1 Mini docking connector DockMate V mini docking station 730sg-1.book Page 8 Wednesday, December 1, 1999 6:03 PM
Page 15 - Right Panel
Chapter 1 9 Right Panel # Icon Port Connects to... 1 N/A Notebook Camera N/A 2 N/A Battery CN28 3 N/A DVD/CD-ROM drive CN15 1 3 2 730sg-1.book Page 9 Wednesday, December 1, 1999 6:03 PM
Page 16 - Indicators
10 Chapter 1 Indicators The computer has six easy-to-read status icons on the right of the display screen. The Power and Standby status icons are visible even when you close the display cover so you can see the status of the computer while the cover is closed. # Icon Function Description 1 Power Lig...
Page 17 - Hot Keys
Chapter 1 11 Hot Keys The computer employs hot keys or key combinations to access most of the computer’s controls like screen contrast and brightness, volume output and the BIOS Utility. To activate hot keys, press and hold the Fn key before pressing the other key in the hot key combination. Hot Key...
Page 18 - Hardware Specifications and Configurations
12 Chapter 1 Hardware Specifications and Configurations System Board Major Chips Item Controller System core logic Intel 440BX / PIIX4M Super I/O controller NS PC97338VJG Audio controller ESS Solo-1E (ES1946) Video controller ATI Rage Mobility - M1 BGA Hard disk drive controller PIIX4M Keyboard cont...
Page 29 - BIOS Setup Utility; Navigating the BIOS Utility; BIOS Utility; System Information; System Utilities; Chapter 2
Chapter 2 23 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 optimized, and you do not need to run this utility. However, if you encounter configuration problem...
Page 31 - Basic System Settings
Chapter 2 25 The items in this sub-menu are important and vital information about your computer. If you experience computer problems and need to contact technical support, this data helps our service personnel know more about your computer. Basic System Settings The Basic System Settings sub-menu al...
Page 32 - Startup Configuration
26 Chapter 2 Startup Configuration The Startup Configuration sub-menu contains parameter values that define how your computer behaves on system startup. The following table describes the parameters in this sub-menu. Settings in boldface are the default and suggested parameter settings. Parameter Des...
Page 33 - Setting the Boot Drive Sequence; Onboard Device Configuration
Chapter 2 27 Setting the Boot Drive Sequence The Boot Drive Sequence section lists boot priorities (1st, 2nd and 3rd) for bootable drives in your computer. For example, the default value (1st:Hard Disk, 2nd:Floppy Disk, and 3rd:CD-ROM, DVD-ROM) tells the computer to first search for a hard disk. If ...
Page 34 - System Security
28 Chapter 2 System Security The System Security sub-menu allows you to safeguard your computer and data with passwords and other security measures. NOTE: 1. In POST, BIOS must query the current HD password state and reflect it to the “Hard Disk Password” setting. 2. If the user wants to change the ...
Page 35 - Setting a Password
Chapter 2 29 Setting a Password Follow these steps: T Use the cursor up/down keys to highlight a Password parameter (Setup, Power-on or Hard Disk) and press the Enter key. The password box appears: T Type a password. The password may consist of up to seven characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9). IMPORTANT:Be ve...
Page 36 - Load Default Settings
30 Chapter 2 If you fail to enter the password correctly after three tries, the following message or symbol appears. Removing a Password Should you decide to remove a password, do the following: T Use the cursor up/down (↑↓) keys to highlight a Password parameter (Setup, Power-on or Hard Disk). T Us...
Page 37 - Flash Utility; Executing Flash Program
Chapter 2 31 Flash Utility The BIOS flash memory update is required for the following conditions: T New versions of system programs T New features or options Use the AFlash utility to update the system BIOS flash ROM. NOTE: Do not install memory-related drivers (XMS, EMS, DPMI) when you use AFlash. ...
Page 38 - System Utility Diskette; Panel ID Utility
32 Chapter 2 System Utility Diskette This utility diskette is for the Acer TravelMate 730 notebook machine. It provides the following functions: 1. Panel ID Utility 2. Thermal & Fan Utility 3. Main Board Data Utility To use this diskette, first boot from this diskette, then a “Microsoft Windows ...
Page 39 - System Diagnostic Diskette
Chapter 2 33 System Diagnostic Diskette IMPORTANT: 1 The diagnostics program here that we used is called PQA (Product Quality Assurance) and is provided by Acer Headquarters. You can utilize it as a basic diagnostic tool. To get this program, either download it from http://csd.acer.com.tw or find it...
Page 40 - Running PQA Diagnostics Program
34 Chapter 2 Running PQA Diagnostics Program Press →← to move around the main menu. Press Enter to enable the selected option. The main options are Diag, Result, SysInfo, Option and Exit. The Diag option lets you select testing items and times. The following screen appears when you select Diag from ...
Page 43 - Chapter 3; Machine Disassembly and Replacement
Chapter 3 37 This chapter contains step-by-step procedures on how to disassemble the notebook computer for maintenance and troubleshooting. To disassemble the computer, you need the following tools: T Wrist grounding strap and conductive mat for preventing electrostatic discharge T Flat-bladed screw...
Page 44 - General Information; Before You Begin
38 Chapter 3 General Information Before You Begin Before proceeding with the disassembly procedure, make sure that you do the following: 1. Turn off the power to the system and all peripherals. 2. Unplug the AC adapter and all power and signal cables from the system. 3. Remove the battery pack. 730s...
Page 45 - Disassembly Procedure Flowchart; D I S A S S E M B L Y F L O W C H A R T O F T M 7 3 0
Chapter 3 39 Disassembly Procedure Flowchart The flowchart on the succeeding page gives you a graphic representation on the entire disassembly sequence and instructs you on the components that need to be removed during servicing. For example, if you want to remove the system board, you must first re...
Page 46 - Screw List
40 Chapter 3 Screw List Item Description A Screw M2 X L4 (Black) B Screw M2.5 X L6 (Black) C Screw M2.5 X L10 ((Black) D Screw M2.5 X L3.5 (Black) E Screw M2 X L4 (Silver) M a i n U n i t M i d d l e C o v e r L C D M o d u l e U p p e r C a s e T o u c h p a d H e a ts i n k P l a t e C P U H e a t...
Page 47 - Removing the Battery Pack
Chapter 3 41 Removing the Battery Pack 1. Push the battery release button inward. 2. Slide the battery pack out from the main unit. 730sg-1.book Page 41 Wednesday, December 1, 1999 6:03 PM
Page 48 - Removing the External DIMM Module
42 Chapter 3 Removing the External DIMM Module 1. Remove the screw of the DIMM cover, then remove the DIMM cover from the lower case. 2. Use two flat-bladed screw drivers to push out the latches on either side of the DIMM socket and remove the DIMM memory. 730sg-1.book Page 42 Wednesday, December 1,...
Page 49 - Removing the External Modem Combo Card
Chapter 3 43 Removing the External Modem Combo Card 1. Remove the screw holding the modem cover. 2. Use two flat-bladed screw drivers to push out the latches on either side of the modem socket. 3. Remove the modem board from the mainboard. 4. Disconnect the modem power cable from the modem board. 73...
Page 51 - Removing the Hard Disk Drive Module
Chapter 3 45 Removing the Hard Disk Drive Module 1. Remove the screw of the hard disk cover, then remove the HDD cover. 2. Pull the plastic tag to remove the HDD module. 730sg-1.book Page 45 Wednesday, December 1, 1999 6:03 PM
Page 52 - Removing the Floppy Disk Drive Module
46 Chapter 3 Removing the Floppy Disk Drive Module 1. Remove the screw as shown here. 2. Disconnect the FDD FPC cable. 3. Slide out the FDD module from the upper case smoothly. WARNING:Be careful not to break the FDD FPC cable, when sliding out the module. 730sg-1.book Page 46 Wednesday, December 1,...
Page 53 - Disassembling the Main Unit; Removing the Keyboard
Chapter 3 47 Disassembling the Main Unit Removing the Keyboard 1. First, release the left and right hinge caps. 2. Slide the middle cover to the right, then remove it from the main unit. 3. Release the middle hinge cap. 4. Hold the keyboard upward. 5. Disconnect the keyboard cable from the mainboard...
Page 54 - Removing the LCD Module; Removing the TouchPad Module
48 Chapter 3 Removing the LCD Module 1. Remove the two screws as shown. 2. Disconnect the LED/inverter board FPC cable and the LCD FPC cable from the mainboard. 3. Release the two screws on the main unit. 4. Lift up the LCD module cautiously. Removing the TouchPad Module 1. Use a flat-bladed plastic...
Page 55 - Removing the CPU
Chapter 3 49 3. Disconnect the touchpad cable 4. Remove the touchpad board. Removing the CPU 1. Release the four screws on the heatsink plate. 2. Remove the heatsink plate. 3. Release the six screws on the CPU heatsink. 4. Remove the CPU heatsink. 5. Loose up the CPU secure knot. 6. Remove the CPU. ...
Page 56 - Removing the RTC
50 Chapter 3 Removing the RTC 1. Use a plastic flat bladed screw driver to remove the RTC battery from its socket NOTE: To replace the RTC battery, press the RTC battery into the socket. Separating the Lower Case from the Upper Case 1. Disconnect the touchpad cable from the mainboard. 2. Release the...
Page 59 - Disassembling the LCD Module; Removing the LCD Bezel; Removing the Speaker Assembly Module
Chapter 3 53 Disassembling the LCD Module Removing the LCD Bezel 1. Remove the five mylars from the LCD module. NOTE: 13.3” and 14.1” LCD have 5 mylars; 15” has only 3 mylars. 2. Remove the five screws from the LCD module. NOTE: 13.3” and 14.1” LCD have 5 screws; 15” has only 3 screws. 3. Snap the L...
Page 62 - Removing the Left and Right Hinges
56 Chapter 3 Removing the Left and Right Hinges 1. Release the two screws as shown below. 2. Remove the left and right hinges. 730sg-1.book Page 56 Wednesday, December 1, 1999 6:03 PM
Page 63 - Troubleshooting; Chapter 4
Chapter 4 57 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 ...
Page 64 - System Check Procedures; External Diskette Drive Check
58 Chapter 4 System Check Procedures External Diskette Drive Check Do the following to isolate the problem to a controller, driver, or diskette. A write-enabled, diagnostic diskette is required. NOTE: Make sure that the diskette does not have more than one label attached to it. Multiple labels can c...
Page 65 - Check the Power Adapter
Chapter 4 59 The following auxiliary input devices are supported by this computer: T Numeric keypad T External keyboard If any of these devices do not work, reconnect the cable connector and repeat the failing operation. Memory Check Memory errors might stop system operations, show error messages on...
Page 66 - Check the Battery Pack; Touchpad Check
60 Chapter 4 Check the Battery Pack To check the battery pack, do the following: From Software: 1. Check out the Power Management in control Panel 2. In Power Meter, confirm that if the parameters shown in the screen for Current Power Source and Total Battery Power Remaining are correct. 3. Repeat t...
Page 68 - Index of Error Messages
62 Chapter 4 Index of Error Messages Error Message List Error Messages FRU/Action in Sequence Failure Fixed Disk Reconnect hard disk drive connector. “Load Default Settings” in BIOS Setup Utility. Hard disk drive System board Stuck Key see “Keyboard or Auxiliary Input Device Check” on page 58 . Keyb...
Page 73 - Intermittent Problems
Chapter 4 67 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...
Page 74 - Undetermined Problems
68 Chapter 4 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-defec...
Page 75 - Index of AFlash BIOS Error Message
Chapter 4 69 Index of AFlash BIOS Error Message Error Message Action in Sequence Hardware Error See “System Diagnostic Diskette” on page 33 VPD Checksum Error Reboot the system and then restest with this diskette. BIOS Update Program Error Turn off the power and restart the system. System Error Make...
Page 76 - Index of PQA Diagnostic Error Code, Message
70 Chapter 4 Index of PQA Diagnostic Error Code, Message Error Code Message Action in Sequence 16XXX Backup battery error Backup battery 01XXX CPU or main board error Reload BIOS default setting. System board 02XXX Memory error DIMM System board 03XXX Keyboard error Reset Keyboard Keyboard System bo...
Page 77 - Jumper and Connector Locations; Chapter 5
Chapter 5 71 Top View PCB 99202-SB CN1 Serial Port CN16 Cardbus Socket CN2 Parallel Port CN17 Touchpad Connector CN3 VGA Port CN18 Internal Keyboard Connector CN4 LAN Connector (RJ45) CN19 HDD Connector CN5 Modem Connector (RJ11) CN20 Debug Board CN6 S-Video Port CN27 Line-out Port CN7 PS/2 Port CN2...
Page 78 - SW4 Settings
72 Chapter 5 SW4 Settings SW4 Setting Switch 1, Switch 2 OFF, OFF: US International keyboardON, OFF: Japanese keyboardOFF, ON: German keyboard Switch 3 ON: Enable BootBlock ErasableOFF: Disable BootBlock Erasable Switch 4 ON: Disable password checkOFF: Enable password check 730sg-1.book Page 72 Wedn...
Page 81 - Chapter 6
Chapter 6 75 This chapter gives you the FRU (Field Replaceable Unit) listing in global configurations of TravelMate 730. Refer to this chapter whenever ordering for parts to repair or for RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization). Please note that WHEN ORDERING FRU PARTS, you should check the most up-t...
Page 99 - Model Definition and Configuration; Appendix A
Appendix A 93 This appendix provides the BASIC model number and the configuration to TravelMate 730 decided for Acer’s “global” product offering. Contact your regional offices or the responsible personnel/channel to provide you with further extension model numbers and configurations. T Trade Mark: A...
Page 101 - Test Compatible Components; Appendix B
Appendix B 95 This computer’s compatibility is tested and verified by Acer’s internal testing department. All of its system functions are tested under Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 2000 and Windows NT environment. Refer to the following lists for components, adapter cards, and peripherals which ha...
Page 102 - Windows 95 Environment Test
96 Appendix B Windows 95 Environment Test Item Specifications Processor Intel Pentium III 450Intel Pentium III 500 Memory 64MB SDRAM 128MB SDRAM LCD 13.3 TFT LCD 14.1 TFT LCD 15 TFT LCD Hard Disk IBM 6GB IBM 9GB IBM 12GB IBM 15GB IBM 18GB CD-ROM 24x CD-ROM FDD Mitsumi 3.5” FDD (support 3 mode) Batte...
Page 103 - Windows 98 Environment Test
Appendix B 97 Windows 98 Environment Test Item Specifications Processor Intel Pentium III 450Intel Pentium III 500 Memory 32MB SDRAM 64MB SDRAM 128MB SDRAM LCD 13.3 TFT LCD 14.1 TFT LCD 15 TFT LCD Hard Disk IBM 6GB IBM 9GB IBM 12GB IBM 15GB IBM 18GB CD-ROM 24x CD-ROM FDD Mitsumi 3.5” FDD (support 3 ...
Page 104 - Windows 2000 Environment Test
98 Appendix B Windows 2000 Environment Test Item Specifications Processor Intel Pentium III 450Intel Pentium III 500 Memory 32MB SDRAM 64MB SDRAM 128MB SDRAM LCD 13.3 TFT LCD 14.1 TFT LCD 15 TFT LCD Hard Disk IBM 6GB IBM 9GB IBM 12GB IBM 15GB IBM 18GB CD/DVD ROM 24x CD-ROM 6x DVD ROM FDD Mitsumi 3.5...
Page 105 - Windows NT Environment Test
Appendix B 99 Windows NT Environment Test Item Specifications Processor Intel Pentium III 450Intel Pentium III 500 Memory 64MB SDRAM 128MB SDRAM LCD 13.3 TFT LCD 14.1 TFT LCD 15 TFT LCD Hard Disk IBM 6GB IBM 9GB IBM 12GB IBM 15GB IBM 18GB CD-ROM 24x CD-ROM FDD Mitsumi 3.5” FDD (support 3 mode) Batte...
Page 107 - Online Support Information; Appendix C
Appendix C 101 This section describes online technical support services available to help you repair your Acer Systems. If you are a distributor, dealer, ASP or TPM, please refer your technical queries to your local Acer branch office. Acer Branch Offices and Regional Business Units may access our w...
Page 109 - Index
Index 103 A AC Adapter 19 ACPI 1.0a 12 Ambit 13 APM 1.2 12 Audio 12, 15 Audio Jack Cover Removing 52 B Battery 18 Battery Pack 41 battery pack charging indicator 10 BIOS 12 package 12password control 12ROM size 12ROM type 12vendor 12Version 12 BIOS Supports protocol 12 BIOS Utility 23–30 Basic Syste...
Page 110 - Online Support Information 101
104 Index DMA Channel Assignment 22 DVD-ROM Interface 15 E Environmental Requirements 20 Error Symptom-to-Spare Part Index 61 External CD-ROM Drive Check 58 External Diskette Drive Check 58 F Fan Removing 51 Fan Utility 32 Features 1 FIR 17 Floppy Disk removing the 46 Floppy Disk Drive Interface 14 ...
