Asus B50A Hardware User Manual

Asus b50a: user guide

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Notebook PC

Hardware User's Manual

E3901 / June 2008

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Summary of Contents for Asus B50A

Page 1 Notebook PC Hardware User’s Manual E3901 / June 2008...
Page 2: Table Of Contents
Power System �� 22 Using AC Power �� 22 Using Battery Power �� 23 Battery Care �� 23 Powering ON the Notebook PC �� 24 The Power-On Self Test (POST) �� 24 Checking Battery Power �� 25 Charging the Battery Pack �� 25 Power Options ��...
Page 3 Wireless LAN Connection (on selected models) �� 48 Windows Wireless Network Connection �� 49 Bluetooth Wireless Connection (on selected models) �� 50 Trusted Platform Module (TPM) (on selected models) �� 51 Appendix Optional Accessories �� A-2 Optional Connections �� A-3 Bluetooth Mouse Setup (optional) ��...
Page 4 Contents...
Page 5: Introducing The Notebook Pc
There may be differences between your Notebook PC and the drawings shown in this manual. Please accept your Notebook PC as being correct. Photos and icons in this manual are used for artistic purposes only and do not show what is actually used in the product itself.
Page 6: About This User's Manual
Introduces you to optional accessories and gives additional information. Notes For This Manual A few notes and warnings in bold are used throughout this guide that you should be aware of in order to complete certain tasks safely and completely. These notes have different degrees of importance as described below: NOTE: Tips and information for special situations.
Page 7: Safety Precautions
Introducing the Notebook PC Safety Precautions The following safety precautions will increase the life of the Notebook PC. Follow all precautions and instructions. Except as described in this manual, refer all servicing to qualified personnel. Do not use damaged power cords, accessories, or other peripherals. Do not use strong solvents such as thinners, benzene, or other chemicals on or near the surface.
Page 8: Transportation Precautions
OFF to prevent scratching of the hard disk surface during transport. Therefore, you should not transport the Notebook PC while the power is still ON. Close the display panel and check that it is latched securely in the closed position to protect the keyboard and display panel.
Page 9: Preparing Your Notebook Pc
Introducing the Notebook PC Preparing your Notebook PC These are only quick instructions for using your Notebook PC. Read the later pages for detailed informa- tion on using your Notebook PC. 2. Connect the AC Power Adapter 1. Install the battery pack 3.
Page 10 Introducing the Notebook PC...
Page 11: Knowing The Parts
There may be differences between your Notebook PC and the drawings shown in this manual. Please accept your Notebook PC as being correct. Photos and icons in this manual are used for artistic purposes only and do not show what is actually used in the product itself.
Page 12: Top Side
Knowing the Parts Top Side Refer to the illustration below to identify the components on this side of the Notebook PC. The keyboard will be different for each territory.
Page 13: Display Panel
Unlike traditional desktop monitors, the LCD panel does not pro- duce any radiation or flickering, so it is easier on the eyes. Use a soft cloth without chemical liquids (use plain water if necessary) to clean the display panel.
Page 14: Touchpad And Buttons
Touchpad and Buttons The touchpad with its buttons is a pointing device that provides the same functions as a desk- top mouse. A software-controlled scrolling function is available after setting up the included touchpad utility to allow easy Windows or web navigation.
Page 15: Bottom Side
Knowing the Parts Bottom Side Refer to the illustration below to identify the components on this side of the Notebook PC. The bottom side may vary in appearance depending on model. The battery pack size will vary depending on model.
Page 16: Battery Pack
Battery Lock - Spring The spring battery lock is used to keep the battery pack secured. When the battery pack is inserted, it will automatically lock. To remove the battery pack, this spring lock must be held in the unlocked position.
Page 17 WARNING! End-user removal of the CPU or hard disk drive will void the warranty. Liquid Draining Hole The liquid draining holes on the bottom are designed to drain out liquid that is spilled on the keyboard by accident, preventing the keyboard from damage.
Page 18: Left Side
Refer to the illustration below to identify the components on this side of the Notebook PC. HDMI LAN Port The RJ-45 LAN port with eight pins is larger than the RJ-11 modem port and supports a standard Ethernet cable for connection to a local network. The built-in connector allows convenient use without additional adapters.
Page 19 Optical Drive Electronic Eject The optical drive eject has an electronic eject button for opening the tray. You can also eject the optical drive tray through any software player or by right clicking the optical drive in Windows “Computer”...
Page 20: Right Side
External SATA or eSATA allows external connection of Serial-ATA devices originally designed for use inside the computer. It is up to six times faster than existing USB 2.0, & 1394 for external storage solutions and is also hot pluggable using shielded cables and connectors up to two meters.
Page 21 USB Port (2.0/1.1) The USB (Universal Serial Bus) port is compatible with USB 2.0 or USB 1.1 devices such as keyboards, pointing devices, cameras, hard disk drives, printers, and scanners connected in a series up to 12Mbits/sec (USB 1.1) and 480Mbits/sec (USB 2.0).
Page 22: Front Side
IrDA networking, you can have wireless connection to a network anywhere provided there is a direct line of sight to an IrDA node. Small offices can use IrDA technology to share a printer between several closely placed Notebook PCs and even send files to each other without a network.
Page 23: Rear Side
The battery pack is automatically charged when the Notebook PC is connected to an AC power source and maintains power to the Notebook PC when AC power is not connected. This allows use when moving temporarily between locations. Battery time varies by usage and by the specifications for this Notebook PC.
Page 24 Knowing the Parts...
Page 25: Getting Started
There may be differences between your Notebook PC and the drawings shown in this manual. Please accept your Notebook PC as being correct. Photos and icons in this manual are used for artistic purposes only and do not show what is actually used in the product itself.
Page 26 US-standard AC power cord to a different standard. Most hotels will provide universal outlets to sup- port different power cords as well as voltages. It is always best to ask an experienced traveler about AC outlet voltages when bringing power adapters to another country.
Page 27: Battery Care
The battery pack’s useful life will depend on your environment temperature, humidity, and how your Notebook PC is used. It is ideal that the battery be used in a temperature range between 5˚C and 35˚C (41˚F and 95˚F). You must also take into account that the Notebook PC’s internal temperature is higher than the outside temperature.
Page 28: Powering On The Notebook Pc
The Notebook PC’s power-ON message appears on the screen when you turn it ON. If necessary, you may adjust the brightness by using the hot keys. If you need to run the BIOS Setup to set or modify the system configuration, press [F2] upon bootup to enter the BIOS Setup. If you press [Tab] during the splash screen, standard boot information such as the BIOS version can be seen.
Page 29: Checking Battery Power
Charging the Battery Pack Before you use your Notebook PC on the road, you will have to charge the battery pack. The battery pack begins to charge as soon as the Notebook PC is connected to external power using the power adapter.
Page 30: Power Options
Getting Started Power Options The power switch turns ON and OFF the Notebook PC or putting the Notebook PC into sleep or hiberna- tion modes. Actual behavior of the power switch can be customized in Windows Control Panel “Power Options.”...
Page 31: Power Management Modes
Getting Started Power Management Modes The Notebook PC has a number of automatic or adjustable power saving features that you can use to maximize battery life and lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). You can control some of these features through the Power menu in the BIOS Setup.
Page 32: Special Keyboard Functions
The Hot Key locations on the function keys may vary depending on model but the functions should remain the same.
Page 33: 3 Getting Started
My Profile modes in order to improve contrast, brightness, skin tone, and color saturation for red, green, and blue independently. You can see the current mode through the on-screen display (OSD). Fn+V: Toggles “Life Frame” software application.
Page 34: Microsoft Windows Keys
Microsoft Windows Keys There are two special Windows keys on the keyboard as described below. The key with the Windows Logo activates the Start menu located at the bottom left of the Win- dows desktop. The other key, that looks like a Windows menu with a small pointer, activates the properties menu and is equivalent to pressing the right mouse button on a Windows object.
Page 35: Switches And Status Indicators
The selected mode is shown on the display. Keyboard lighting Key Pressing this key lights the keyboard LEDs, which help to improve the quality of your working environ- ment. This is convenient especially when you need to work in a badly-lit environment.
Page 36: Status Indicators
To unlock (enable) the touchpad, simply press this button again. Power Switch The power switch turns ON and OFF the Notebook PC or putting the Notebook PC into sleep or hibernation modes. Actual behavior of the power switch can be customized in Windows Control Panel “Power Options.”...
Page 37: Power Indicator
Front Power Indicator The power indicator lights when the Notebook PC is turned ON and blinks slowly when the Note- book PC is in the Suspend-to-RAM (Sleep) mode. This indicator is OFF when the Notebook PC is turned OFF or in the Suspend-to-Disk (Hibernation) mode.
Page 38 Getting Started...
Page 39: Using The Notebook Pc
There may be differences between your Notebook PC and the drawings shown in this manual. Please accept your Notebook PC as being correct. Photos and icons in this manual are used for artistic purposes only and do not show what is actually used in the product itself.
Page 40: Pointing Device
Left Click Using the Touchpad Light pressure with the tip of your finger is all that is required to operate the touchpad. Because the touch- Slide finger pad is electrostatic sensitive, objects cannot be used in forward place of your fingers.
Page 41: Touchpad Usage Illustrations
If the interval between the clicks or taps is too long, the operation will not be executed. You can set the double-click speed using the Windows Control Panel “Mouse.” The following 2 examples produce the same results.
Page 42: Caring For The Touchpad
Using the Notebook PC Caring for the Touchpad The touchpad is pressure sensitive. If not properly cared for, it can be easily damaged. Take note of the following precautions. • Make sure the touchpad does not come into contact with dirt, liquids or grease.
Page 43: Storage Devices
Using the Notebook PC Storage Devices Storage devices allow the Notebook PC to read or write documents, pictures, and other files to various data storage devices. This Notebook PC has the following storage devices: • Expansion Card • Optical drive •...
Page 44: Optical Drive
When the drive stops, the disc is hub. The hub should be higher than the ready to be used. disc when correctly mounted. It is normal to hear as well as feel the CD spinning with great intensity in the CD drive while data is read.
Page 45: Using The Optical Drive
Keep in mind the important safety instructions from your CD suppliers. Unlike desktop optical drives, the Notebook PC uses a hub to hold the CD in place regardless of the angle. When inserting a CD, it is important that the CD be pressed onto the center hub or else the optical drive tray will scratch the CD.
Page 46: Flash Memory Card Reader
MP3 players, mobile phones, and PDAs. This Notebook PC has a single built-in memory card reader that can use many flash memory cards as shown in the example below. The built-in memory card reader is not only convenient, but also faster than most other forms of memory card readers because it utilizes the internal high-bandwidth PCI bus.
Page 47: Hard Disk Drive
Current hard drives support S.M.A.R.T. (Self Monitoring and Reporting Technology) to detect hard disk errors or failures before they happen. When replacing or upgrading the hard drive, always visit an authorized service center or retailer for this Notebook PC.
Page 48 Using the Notebook PC Removing the Hard Disk Drive Installing the Hard Disk Drive (continued on next page)
Page 49: Memory (Ram)
Memory (RAM) Additional memory will increase application performance by decreasing hard disk access. The BIOS automatically detects the amount of memory in the system and configures CMOS accordingly during the POST (Power-On-Self-Test) process. There is no hardware or software (including BIOS) setup required after the memory This is only an example�...
Page 50: Connections
The telephone wire used to connect the Notebook PC’s internal modem should have either two or four wires (only two wires (telephone line #1) is used by the modem) and should have an RJ-11 connector on both ends. Connect one end to the modem port and the other end to an analog telephone wall socket (the ones found in residential buildings).
Page 51: Network Connection
Connect a network cable, with RJ-45 connectors on each end, to the modem/network port on the Note- book PC and the other end to a hub or switch. For 100 BASE-TX / 1000 BASE-T speeds, your network cable must be category 5 or better (not category 3) with twisted-pair wiring. If you plan on running the interface at 100/1000Mbps, it must be connected to a 100 BASE-TX / 1000 BASE-T hub (not a BASE-T4 hub).
Page 52: Wireless Lan Connection (On Selected Models)
The optional built-in wireless LAN is a compact easy-to-use wireless Ethernet adapter. Implementing the IEEE 802.11 standard for wireless LAN (WLAN), the optional built-in wireless LAN is capable of fast data transmission rates using Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) and Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) technologies on 2.4GHz/5GHz frequencies.
Page 53: Windows Wireless Network Connection
Windows Wireless Network Connection Connecting to a network 1� Switch ON the Wireless function if necessary for your model (see switches in Section 3)� 2� Press [FN F2] repeatedly until Wireless LAN 2b� Or double click the Wireless Console icon ON or WLAN &...
Page 54: Bluetooth Wireless Connection (On Selected Models)
You can wireless connect to your mobile phone. Depending on your mobile phone’s capa- bilities, you can transfer phone book data, photos, sound files, etc. or use it as a modem to connect to the Internet. You may also use it for SMS messaging.
Page 55: Trusted Platform Module (Tpm) (On Selected Models)
Each individual TPM must have an Owner before it is useful as a security device. TPM Applications TPM is useful for any customer that is interested in providing an addition layer of security to the com- puter system. The TPM, when bundled with an optional security software package, can provide overall system security, file protection capabilities and protect against email/privacy concerns.
Page 56: 4 Using The Notebook Pc
Using the Notebook PC Fingerprint Registration (on selected models) The fingerprint scanner can be used for instant and secure user authentication. These instructions will show you how to setup the fingerprint registration. 2� Select “Fingerprints” and click Next. 1� This wizard will automatically start when TPM is enabled in BIOS (see Appendix)�...
Page 57 Using the Notebook PC Fingerprint Registration (on selected models) cont. 6� Click Finish when done� 5� Select a finger on the illustration and swipe the corresponding finger on the scanner slowly� You must swipe your finger multiple times for verification� You must register at least two fingers to decrease the chance of any problems�...
Page 58 3G mobile phones. When connected, your Notebook PC can connect to the Internet just like using a wireless network. A shortcut to the 3G Watcher application will be placed on your desktop. Double-click it to launch the 3G Watcher soft- ware application.
Page 59 The main Watcher window provides status information and allows you to initiate and monitor data con- nections or make and receive phone calls (if voice is supported by your 3G modem and your service provider). The main window uses these indicators: Device status.
Page 60 (such as downloading information, exchanging email, and instant messaging). In marketing 3G services, video telephony has often been used as the main-stream application for 3G. Selected models integrate a SIM card slot for insertion of a 3G SIM card which is required to use 3G applications.
Page 61: Appendix
System BIOS Settings Common Problems and Solutions Windows Software Recovery Glossary Declarations and Safety Statements Notebook PC Information Photos and icons in this manual are used for artistic purposes only and do not show what is actually used in the product itself.
Page 62: Optional Accessories
USB peripherals through a single cable. USB Flash Memory Disk A USB flash memory disk is an optional item that can replace the 1.44MB floppy disk and provide storage up to several hundred megabytes, higher transfer speeds, and greater durability.
Page 63: Optional Connections
Windows navigation to be more comfortable. Both the external USB keyboard and mouse will work simultaneously with the Notebook PC’s built-in keyboard and touchpad. Printer Connection One or more USB printers can be simultaneously used on any USB port or USB hub.
Page 64: Bluetooth Mouse Setup (Optional
Bluetooth Mouse Setup (optional) This process can be used to add most Bluetooth devices in Windows operating system. 1� Switch ON the Wireless function if necessary for your model (see switches in Section 3)� 2� Press [FN F2] repeatedly until Bluetooth ON or 2b�...
Page 65 8� Wait while the Bluetooth mouse is being added� 9� Click Finish when adding is complete� 10� You will see your device in the window� You can also add or remove Bluetooth devices here� “RESET” may be necessary after changing batteries. Repeat steps if necessary.
Page 66: Operating System And Software
A recovery disc is optional and includes an image of the original operating system installed on the hard drive at the factory. The recovery disc provides a comprehensive recovery solution that quickly restores the Notebook PC’s operating system to its original working state provided that your hard disk drive is...
Page 67: System Bios Settings
Appendix System BIOS Settings Boot Device 1� On the Boot screen, select Boot Device Priority. 2� Select each item and press [Enter] to select a device� Security Setting To clear the password: 2� Type in a password and press [Enter]�...
Page 68: Save Changes
Password Check User Access Level Select whether to ask for a password during bootup (Always) Select the level of access to allow the “User Password” to or only when entering the BIOS setup utility (Setup)� have in the BIOS setup utility�...
Page 69: Common Problems And Solutions
1. Register the Notebook PC for a one-year-warranty using the following website: http://member.asus.com/login.aspx?SLanguage=en-us 2. Do NOT remove the battery pack while using the Notebook PC with the AC adaptor to prevent damage caused by the accidental power loss. The ASUS battery pack has protection circuitry to prevent over-charging so it will not damage the battery pack if it is left in the Notebook PC.
Page 70 Mechanical Problem - FAN / Thermal Why is the cooling fan always ON and the temperature high? 1. Make sure that the FAN works when the CPU temperature is high and check whether there is air flow from the main air vent. 2. If you have many applications running (see taskbar), close them to decrease system load.
Page 71 Software Problem - ASUS bundled software When I power ON the Notebook PC, there will be an “Open policy file error” message. A. Reinstall the latest version “Power4 Gear” utility to solve your problem. It is available on the ASUS website.
Page 72 1. Please verify the Notebook PC’s exact model and download the latest BIOS file for your model from the ASUS website. 2. Use the “WINFLASH” utility to update your BIOS. The utility can be found in your Driver & Utility CD that came with your Notebook PC.
Page 73 Common Problems and Solutions (Cont.) Symantec’s Norton Internet Security (NIS) 1. Sometimes NIS will show an alert to stop a Trojan virus from a local IP address. This problem can be solved by making sure the virus definition file is the latest one and regularly updating the virus definition file. 2. Reinstalling fails at the “Information Wizard” after uninstalling Norton Antivirus. Make sure NIS has been uninstalled from your computer, reboot your system, install NIS again, use “Live Update”...
Page 74 Turn off Privacy Control from “Status & Settings”. 11. Insufficient privilege message. Many settings, including disabling or uninstalling NIS, require you to be logged into Windows with Administrator privileges. Log Off and switch to a user account with Administrator privileges. A-14...
Page 75: Windows Vista Software Recovery
3. Read the “ASUS Preload Wizard” screen and click Next. 4. Select a partition option and click Next. Partition options: Recover Windows to first partition only. This option will delete only the first partition, allowing you to keep other partitions, and create a new system partition as drive “C”. Recover Windows to entire HD.
Page 76 “CD/DVD”) using the down cursor and press <Enter> to boot from the Recovery DVD. 3. Select a partition option and click Next. Partition options: Recover Windows to first partition only. This option will delete only the first partition, allowing you to keep other partitions, and create a new system partition as drive “C”. Recover Windows to entire HD.
Page 77: Glossary
BIOS file into the EEPROM. Bit (Binary Digit) Represents the smallest unit of data used by the computer. A bit can have one of two values: 0 or 1. Boot Boot means to start the computer operating system by loading it into system memory.
Page 78 VGA, audio, Ethernet, printer, or modem. DVD is essentially a bigger, faster CD that can hold video as well as audio and computer data. With these capacities and access rates, DVD discs can provide you with dramatically-enhanced high-color, full-motion videos, better graphics, sharper pictures, and digital audio for a theater-like experience.
Page 79 Class 4 laser is operating without proper eye protection. PCI Bus (Peripheral Component Interconnect Local Bus) PCI bus is a specification that defines a 32-bit data bus interface. PCI is a standard widely used by ex- pansion card manufacturers.
Page 80: Suspend Mode
The time-out setting of both Hard Disk and Video can be set by the BIOS Setup. The Power LED blinks when the Notebook PC is in STR mode. In STD mode, the Notebook PC will appear to be powered OFF.
Page 81: Declarations And Safety Statements
“Region Definitions” below. Copyright laws require that all DVD movies be limited to a particular region (usually coded to the region at which it is sold). While DVD movie content may be released for multiple regions, CSS design rules require that any system capable of playing CSS encrypted content must only be capable of playing one region.
Page 82: Internal Modem Compliancy
Overview On 4th August 1998 the European Council Decision regarding the CTR 21 has been published in the Official Journal of the EC. The CTR 21 applies to all non voice terminal equipment with DTMF-dialling which is intended to be connected to the analogue PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network).
Page 83 National requirements will apply only if the equipment may use pulse dialling (manufacturers may state in the user guide that the equipment is only intended to support DTMF signalling, which would make any additional testing superfluous).
Page 84: Federal Communications Commission Statement
• This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
Page 85: Ce Mark Warning
• Radio test suites according to [EN 300 328-2] CE Mark Warning This is a Class B product, in a domestic environment, this product may cause radio interference, in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.
Page 86: Wireless Operation Channel For Different Domains
• Maximum authorized power indoors is 100mW • Maximum authorized power outdoors is 10mW Departments in which the use of the 2400–2483.5 MHz band is permitted with an EIRP of less than 100mW indoors and less than 10mW outdoors: 01 Ain Orientales...
Page 87: Ul Safety Notices
These batteries contain metallic lithium, or a lithium alloy, or a lithium ion, and may consist of a single electrochemical cell or two or more cells connected in series, parallel, or both, that convert chemical energy into electrical energy by an irreversible or reversible chemical reaction.
Page 88 Batterien nach Angaben des Herstellers. (German) ADVARSELI! Lithiumbatteri - Eksplosionsfare ved fejlagtig håndtering. Udskiftning må kun ske med batteri af samme fabrikat og type. Levér det brugte batteri tilbage til leverandøren. (Danish) VARNING! Explosionsfara vid felaktigt batteribyte. Använd samma batterityp eller en ekvivalent typ som rekommenderas av apparattillverkaren.
Page 89: Optical Drive Safety Information
Optical Drive Safety Information Laser Safety Information Internal or external optical drives sold with this Notebook PC contains a CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT. Laser classifications can be found in the glossary at the end of this user’s manual. WARNING: Making adjustments or performing procedures other than those specified in the user’s manual may result in hazardous laser exposure.
Page 90 Appendix CTR 21 Approval (for Notebook PC with built-in Modem) Danish Dutch English Finnish French German Greek Italian Portuguese Spanish Swedish A-30...
Page 91 Appendix A-31...
Page 92: Notebook Pc Information
Notebook PC Information This page is provided for recording information concerning your Notebook PC for future reference or for technical support. Keep this User’s Manual in a secured location if passwords are filled out. Owner’s Name: ___________________________ Owner’s Telephone: ______________...
Page 93: Copyright Information
ASUS will only be responsible for or indemnify you for loss, damages or claims based in contract, tort or infringement under this Warranty Statement. This limit also applies to ASUS’ suppliers and its reseller. It is the maximum for which ASUS, its sup- pliers, and your reseller are collectively responsible.

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B50a-a1

Asus B50A Hardware User Manual

1 Introducing the Notebook PC

2 Knowing the Parts

3 Getting Started

4 Using the Notebook PC

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