Acer Aspire laptop troubleshooting – Intermittent problem – Video problem – Audio problems – HDD related problems – Laptop repair and service
Category: Laptop Repair and Service
Contents of this article
- Troubleshooting video problems
- Troubleshooting Audio problems
- HDD failures
Acer Aspire laptop
TROUBLESHOOTING
Computer Shuts Down Intermittently
If the system powers off at intervals, perform the following.
1. Makes sure the power cable is properly connected to the computer and the electrical outlet.
2. Remove all extension cables between the computer and the outlet.
3. Remove all surge protectors between the computer and the electrical outlet. Plug the computer directly into a known serviceable 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.
If the system powers off at intervals, perform the following.
1. Makes sure the power cable is properly connected to the computer and the electrical outlet.
2. Remove all extension cables between the computer and the outlet.
3. Remove all surge protectors between the computer and the electrical outlet. Plug the computer directly into a known serviceable 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 POST or Video
If the POST or video does not appear, perform the following, one at a time.
1. Make sure that internal display is selected. Switching between internal and external by pressing Fn+F5. Reference Product pages for specific model procedures.
2. Make sure the computer has power by checking for one of the following:
# Fans start up 3 Status LEDs illuminate
3. Drain stored power by removing the power cable and battery. Hold the power button for 10 seconds.
4. Connect the power and reboot the computer.
5. Connect an external monitor to the computer and switch between the internal display and the external display is by pressing Fn+F5.
If the POST or video does not appear, perform the following, one at a time.
1. Make sure that internal display is selected. Switching between internal and external by pressing Fn+F5. Reference Product pages for specific model procedures.
2. Make sure the computer has power by checking for one of the following:
# Fans start up 3 Status LEDs illuminate
3. Drain stored power by removing the power cable and battery. Hold the power button for 10 seconds.
4. Connect the power and reboot the computer.
5. Connect an external monitor to the computer and switch between the internal display and the external display is by pressing Fn+F5.
6. If the POST or video appears on the
external display only.
7. Disconnect power and all external devices including port replicators or docking stations. Remove any memory cards and CD/DVD discs.
8. Start the computer. If the computer boots correctly, add the devices one by one until the failure point is discovered.
9. Reseat the memory modules.
10. Remove the drives
7. Disconnect power and all external devices including port replicators or docking stations. Remove any memory cards and CD/DVD discs.
8. Start the computer. If the computer boots correctly, add the devices one by one until the failure point is discovered.
9. Reseat the memory modules.
10. Remove the drives
Abnormal Video
If the video appears abnormal, perform the following, one at a time.
1. Boot the computer.
# If permanent vertical/horizontal lines or dark spots appear in the same location, the LCD is faulty and should be replaced.
# If extensive pixel damage is present (different colored spots in the same locations on
the screen), the LCD is faulty and should be replaced
If the video appears abnormal, perform the following, one at a time.
1. Boot the computer.
# If permanent vertical/horizontal lines or dark spots appear in the same location, the LCD is faulty and should be replaced.
# If extensive pixel damage is present (different colored spots in the same locations on
the screen), the LCD is faulty and should be replaced
NOTE:Make sure that the computer is not running on battery alone as this may reduce
display brightness.
2. Adjust the brightness to its highest level. Refer to the User Manual for instructions on adjusting the settings. If the display is too dim at the highest brightness setting, the LCD is faulty and should be replaced.
3. Check the display resolution is correctly configured:
# Minimize or close all Windows.
# If display size is only abnormal in an application, check the view settings and control/mouse wheel zoom feature in the application.
# If desktop display resolution is not normal, right-click on the desktop and select
Personalize Display Settings.
# Click and drag the Resolution slider to the desired resolution.
# Click Apply and check the display. Readjust if necessary.
4. Roll back the video driver to the previous version if updated.
5. Remove and reinstall the video driver.
6. 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.
2. Adjust the brightness to its highest level. Refer to the User Manual for instructions on adjusting the settings. If the display is too dim at the highest brightness setting, the LCD is faulty and should be replaced.
3. Check the display resolution is correctly configured:
# Minimize or close all Windows.
# If display size is only abnormal in an application, check the view settings and control/mouse wheel zoom feature in the application.
# If desktop display resolution is not normal, right-click on the desktop and select
Personalize Display Settings.
# Click and drag the Resolution slider to the desired resolution.
# Click Apply and check the display. Readjust if necessary.
4. Roll back the video driver to the previous version if updated.
5. Remove and reinstall the video driver.
6. 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.
Sound Problems
Perform the following, one at a time.
1. Boot 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. If updated recently, roll back the audio driver to the previous version.
4. Remove and reinstall the audio driver.
5. Make sure that all volume controls are set mid range:
# Click the volume icon on the taskbar
Perform the following, one at a time.
1. Boot 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. If updated recently, roll back the audio driver to the previous version.
4. Remove and reinstall the audio driver.
5. Make sure that all volume controls are set mid range:
# Click the volume icon on the taskbar
# Drag the slider to 50. Confirm that the
volume is not muted.
# 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. Confirm 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 on-screen prompts to configure the speakers.
8. Remove any recently installed hardware or software.
9. Restore system and file settings from a known good date using System Restore.
10. If the issue is remains, repeat step 9, selecting an earlier time and date.
11. Reinstall the Operating System.
# 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. Confirm 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 on-screen prompts to configure the speakers.
8. Remove any recently installed hardware or software.
9. Restore system and file settings from a known good date using System Restore.
10. If the issue is remains, repeat step 9, selecting an earlier time and date.
11. Reinstall the Operating System.
Microphone Failure
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). The microphone appears on the Recording tab.
3. Right click on the microphone and select Enable.
4. Select the microphone then click Properties. Select the Levels tab.
5. Increase the volume to the maximum setting and click OK.
6. Test the microphone hardware:
# Select the microphone and click Configure.
# Select Set up microphone.
# Select the microphone type from the list and click Next.
# Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the test.
2. Right click on the Recording tab and select Show Disabled Devices (clear by default). The microphone appears on the Recording tab.
3. Right click on the microphone and select Enable.
4. Select the microphone then click Properties. Select the Levels tab.
5. Increase the volume to the maximum setting and click OK.
6. Test the microphone hardware:
# Select the microphone and click Configure.
# Select Set up microphone.
# Select the microphone type from the list and click Next.
# Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the test.
Other Functions Failure
HDD Not Operating Correctly
If the HDD fails to operate correctly, perform the following:
1. Disconnect all external devices.
2. Run a complete virus scan using up-to-date software to confirm 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. When the Install Windows screen appears, click Next.
d. Select Repair your computer.
e. When the System Recovery Options screen appears, click Next.
f. Select the appropriate operating system, and click Next.
NOTE: Click Load Drivers if controller drives are required.
g. Select Startup Repair.
NOTE: Startup Repair attempts to locate and resolve issues with the computer.
h. When complete, click Finish.
If an issue is discovered, follow the on-screen information to resolve the problem.
1. Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool. For more information see Windows Help and Support.
2. 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.
3. Confirm all cables and jumpers on the HDD and ODD are set correctly.
4. Remove any recently added hardware and associated software.
5. Run the Windows Disk Defragmenter. For more information see Windows Help and Support.
6. Run Windows Check Disk by entering chkdsk /r from a command prompt. For more information see Windows Help and Support.
7. Restore system and file settings from a known good date using System Restore.
8. If the issue is not fixed, repeat the preceding steps and select an earlier time and date.
9. Replace the HDD.
If the HDD fails to operate correctly, perform the following:
1. Disconnect all external devices.
2. Run a complete virus scan using up-to-date software to confirm 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. When the Install Windows screen appears, click Next.
d. Select Repair your computer.
e. When the System Recovery Options screen appears, click Next.
f. Select the appropriate operating system, and click Next.
NOTE: Click Load Drivers if controller drives are required.
g. Select Startup Repair.
NOTE: Startup Repair attempts to locate and resolve issues with the computer.
h. When complete, click Finish.
If an issue is discovered, follow the on-screen information to resolve the problem.
1. Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool. For more information see Windows Help and Support.
2. 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.
3. Confirm all cables and jumpers on the HDD and ODD are set correctly.
4. Remove any recently added hardware and associated software.
5. Run the Windows Disk Defragmenter. For more information see Windows Help and Support.
6. Run Windows Check Disk by entering chkdsk /r from a command prompt. For more information see Windows Help and Support.
7. Restore system and file settings from a known good date using System Restore.
8. If the issue is not fixed, repeat the preceding steps and select an earlier time and date.
9. Replace the HDD.
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, perform 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 an error is detected, replace the FRU. Rerun the test to verify that there are no more errors.
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, perform 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 an error is detected, replace the FRU. Rerun the test to verify that there are no more errors.
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.
Perform the following 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. Remove power from 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. Apply power to the computer.
5. Determine if the problem has changed.
6. If the problem does not recur, connect the removed devices one at a time until failing FRU is found.
7. If the problem remains, replace the following FRUs one at a time. Do not replace a non-defective FRU:
# System board
# LCD assembly
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.
Perform the following 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. Remove power from 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. Apply power to the computer.
5. Determine if the problem has changed.
6. If the problem does not recur, connect the removed devices one at a time until failing FRU is found.
7. If the problem remains, replace the following FRUs one at a time. Do not replace a non-defective FRU:
# System board
# LCD assembly
