Acer Aspire 5102

When I start it everything is fine. You see the Acer logo. Ubuntu starts with a BIOS BUG #81[49435000]. Then when the Ubuntu load screen just freezes. When I reboot it the screen is dead. But after a cold start it's fine.

I don't think it's because of the bug, I've read it's because I have a 32-bit linux on a 64-bit. When I try to install XP it works for a while but then the screen just dies.

 

When I try to install XP it loads everything but then stops when it says Setup something. The HD light stops flashing too.

 

Installing 32 bit ubuntu won't be the issue. Your CPU is probably 64bit capable, but it should run a 32 bit OS no problems.

I'm guessing the 5102 is part of the 5100 series, so i've just had a quick look through the bios and there are some updates in it regarding cold boot issues, whether this would fix your problems I don't know. It maybe worth a try, below are notes from the bios release:

Like I said, not sure these would fix the issues but it's worth a shot, there was also a few other fixes for corrupt displays and hanging from sleep. If you do Flash the bios, make sure it completes properly as it will brick your system if it's not done properly, so be very careful. Don't have anything else running, turn of Anti Virus, Windows update etc.

this is the link to the bios.

http://support.acer-euro.com/drivers/notebook/as_5100.html

It's version 3.13

 

The thing is I can't get access to any OS. So I need to make it a boot-cd. How do I do that? I've searched but I didn't find anything.

 

Is there anyway you can check you hdd.

Just reading your post again, and it sounds like there might be some issues with your HDD. Forget what I said about the bios for now.

Can you get into the XP recovery console and run chkdsk. If you don't know how, follow these steps:

How to run checkdisk from recovery console (Windows xp).

1. Insert the Windows XP startup disk into the floppy disk drive, or insert the Windows XP CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive, and then restart the computer.
Note:Click to select any options that are required to start the computer from the CD-ROM drive if you are prompted to do so.
2. When the "Welcome to Setup" screen appears, press R to start the Recovery Console.
Note:If you have a dual-boot or multiple-boot computer, select the installation that you want to access from the Recovery Console.
3. When you are prompted to do so, type the Administrator password. If the administrator password is blank, just press ENTER.
4. At the Recovery Console command prompt, type the following then press Enter:

chkdsk /r

5. Allow this to run UNDISTURBED until completed (45 min or so)
6. Report any errors

 

When I put my XP CD in it never comes to the step Welcome to Setup. It's on the step before and just freezes. The screen is still on but I can't get to Welcome to Setup. I've waited like 5-10 min. Shouldn't that be enough?

 

Switch to IDE mode from the BIOS(if possible) and retry the above.

 

I don't understand. Should I have my DVD driver on 1. or the HD? I have a IDE 1(DVD) and a IDE 2(HD).

EDIT: Or did you mean that I never got to the Setup? I can boot the CD but I can't get past this one screen.

 

I meant:
1. Power on the laptop
2. Enter into the BIOS(F2 or Del)
3. Switch the HDD Mode from AHCI to IDE(if available). If such option is not available ignore my post.
4. Save settings and quit.
5. Boot with the XP CD and follow bangert's instructions

By the way I think the problem is either the HDD or the HDD connector, lots of 5100 series owners reported similar problems in the past.

 

Ok. The only option was IDE.

So I need to purchase a new HD? Is there no other solution?

 

Could you test the RAM, just to eliminate this.

Basically, take it out and test each stick (if you have 2) in each slot on its own.

 

Well, I'm only assuming, I might be wrong. You can get the ultimate bootcd and test your HDD with some of the tools. The CD is bootable, no OS required to use its tools.

 

But what is up with the screen turning of then? How is that related to the problem. Going to try the CD and memtest.

 

There are many Dianostics Tools, which one should I choose?

 

I ran memtest and Windows Dianostics Tool. Got many errors. Harddisk is fine. I need to purchase a new RAM, how do you see how many pins you have?

 

The aspire 5100 series uses 200pin DDR2 So-dimm modules, if you need to purchase new ram look for PC2-5300 (667mhz) 200 pin So-dimm ram modules. Try to stick to the mainstream brands like Crucial, Kingston, Corsair, Samsung, Hynix etc.

The ram slots (your unit has 2 ram slots) are located under the largest panel on the bottom of the notebook.

 

How do I make sure that they will not break again? Is there something in my computer that will break them again?

 

Well there is nothing in your PC that should break a module however when you are installing them please handle them with care. Memory modules can fail for many reasons... sometimes they can even come from the factory dead (it is rear but it happens) but if you stick with the brands I listed they usually come with lifetime warranties which means if a module ever fails again you can get them to replace it.

 

Is there a limit on how much RAM I can have? Or can I just pop in 2x4 GB?

 

The aspire 5100 series supports up to 4Gb of DDR2 memory, so that means you can install a max of 2x2Gb.