The Acer 5102 Thread

Hi, I also have this brightness problem. I'm using fast user switching in Windows XP and I noticed that when this problem occurs, I need to go to change the brightness value (in empowering utility) back to normal in the user profile which was logged in first after boot. Otherwise it just keeps the wanted brightness value for 1 second. Rebooting helps also.

Anyone have any solution to this ?

 

Just bought an Aspire 5102 (100gb, 512mb RAM, Turion 64 X2) and decided to wipe the factory settings - didn't like the 2 partitions on the HDD & the FAT32 system... so I created one partition and installed my copy of XP Pro. I'm not having any major issues getting the system set up, but now I need to track down the DVD burner program. Supposedely it's OEM and can't be downloaded from the Acer website. Right now I'm assuming it's on the recovery partition of the HDD (which I didn't delete). I am trying to get eRecovery set up, and have been able to install the Empowering framework and was able to install and use ePerformance. When I install eRecovery, it goes fine, but when I try to run the program, I get an unhandled expection error with Microsoft .NET Framework. I have .NET 1.1 installed (as well as .NET 2.0)... latest version of Empowering framework is installed as well - downloaded both the Empowering and eRecovery programs from the same web page at the Acer website. Has anyone had a similar problem and knows a workaround?

thanks

 

Used this for few weeks and in general very good laptop for the $$$$. Basically good except build in web cam is so-so, battery life too short, and too big to carry around. Got a even better deal with TM4202 for $300 cheaper.

 

I have tried 3 brands of memory for this laptop. OCZ, ultra, and corsair. The OCZ seemed to be the most stable, with the fewest lockups. But it had to be removed because the lock ups were ocurring. The corsair wouldn't boot and te ultra was unstable after a few minutes. I tried to install in seperately as well as in pairs. (I bought 2 single gig sticks of each) They all failed for some strange reason. Fortunately for me I live not to far from tiger direct so the returns were easy. Acer is saying that crutial branded memory is what is prefered. I haven't tried the Crutial yet. anyone else have these problems

 

I think we should ask Acer to upgrade the BIOS of this laptop.
Searching on the Internet I found out the Video firmware doesn't work properly for opengl applications, and that's why we are having serious performance issues with OpenGL (including linux, not only on windows).

HP has already released a BIOS update, but not for every model. So Acer should do the same.

Stefano

 

Acer support in Finland instructed me to uninstall Acer's own powermanagement and just use WinXP powermanagement. And so far everything has worked just fine .

 

I have also had a problem with the memory upgrade. I have only tried the Ultra brand memory (1 GB). I've read the entire thread, and I don't think that anyone has posted a successful memory upgrade.

If anyone has sucessfully upgraded their memory and is not experiencing lock-ups/freezes, please post your memory product information.

 

Hi all, has anyone successfully upgraded the bios of their 5102wlmi.
I've tried to use winphlash to upgrade from 1.4 to 2.00 but alway get the following error

BIOS update failed! Image verification failed
BIOS image checksum verification failed
Error code: -104

I've downloaded the bios file 3 times from the acer site but always get the same error.

Any help with this would be grately appreciated.

 

I upgraded my 5102 from 1.90 to 2.0 using Winflash. It actually opened the Winflash screen after it installed and it updated the BIOS without me clicking anything. Then i checked the BIOS after shutdown and it was indeed 2.00

 

About the memory problems people are having im thinking Hynix PC5400 667 RAM will probably work in these notebooks partly because 5102 came with Hynix PC4300 533 type. Dell XPS notebooks also use Hynix PC5400 667.

 

Jabba,

Can you confirm the bios file you used, I've got the cw51200.wph, is this this same?

Thanks

 

I don't know what help I can offer, but I did download the file from Acer last night, and just ran the .exe file included with it, and all went fine. After shutdown, I went into the BIOS and confirmed it was version 2.0. I don't really know what the advantages/disadvantages of this version of the BIOS is, but there are no additional screens/options in the BIOS as a result of going to 2.0.

 

Thanks for this info and for your previous observation, Tero. These problems certainly don't give a good impression about Acer's software quality management

 

Yes but in winflash use bios.rom that winflash uses, because its setup to install right away.

 

I also noticed the Xpress x200 driver that comes with XP performs better than the X1100 thats supposed to be 35% better then the x200. Anyone know whatsup with that?

My screen also doesnt have a blue tint with the X200 like it does using the X1100 driver.

 

Try to download the BIOS after clean the internet cache

 

I too have been experiencing random crashes, lockups and blue screens on the Acer 5102WLMi after attempting a memory upgrade from 512MB to 1.5GB. I've tried different combinations on the DIMM slots, tried all the latest Acer updates and the BIOS update to 2.0. I read around with other laptops with the same symptoms that clear up after a BIOS update but failed to work with mine. I've tried OCZ 1GB (OCZ26671024VSO) at 5-5-5-15 PC25400 and Corsair 1GB Value Select (VS1GSDS533D2) PC24200 at 4-4-4-11. Seems to crash less with Corsair than OCZ but nonetheless, crashes everyday when its in. When I leave the stock 512MB by itself will run all day without a single crash. I really believe 512MB of RAM isn't adequate for WinXP, especially if you have a system with a integrated graphics processor that shares system RAM.

Seems like this laptop is VERY, VERY picky with its memory. Thanks to this thread and all its users (found it after doing a google search), I've found suggestions of trying Crucial Memory. I searched NewEgg for Crucial DDR2/SO-DIMM memory and read a review from a customer with a Acer 5102WLMi that he claims worked after a long search. Unfortunately, this module is currently out of stock. I will try it out once it becomes available and let everybody know if it works or not. The link for it is: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145097 and the model number for the 1GB Crucial OEM module is: CT12864AC53E.

Hope this helps another user with the same issue! Other than the pickyness of RAM on this laptop, it's an AWESOME machine for under $740. Wish it had 512KB of L2 per core than 256KB, but oh well, what do you expect for $740? hehe

 

Followed your instructions and everything went fine this time, must have been something to do the the version of winphlash I was using.

thanks

 

I can't remember where I read it but the Acer eRecovery Management software only works when you have at least 2 visible partitions. In other words you need to have both the C and D drive for the software to work.

I used Partition Magic to dump the D drive and eRecovery stopped working until I reinstated the D drive. I didn't restate it to its full size (I also have the 100GB disk), instead I setup a 5GB partition. It now works again.

My aim is to get everything off the PQservice partition onto a DVD or my external hard disk, then use the full 100GB in a single C partition. The Acer programs seem to have some real limitations - I'm experiencing the ePower Management brightness problem, where it resets the brightness to 0% despite being plugged in; and I've also come across the problem of closing the lid and then resuming from the sleep state, basically if you hit any button other than the power button, the laptop powers down.

 

Hello all. I successfully installed a 1GB Crucial stick to boost the memory in my 5102 up to 1.5gb. The memory has been working fine for about a month and a half. If you are thinking of upgrading your memory in this laptop go for the Crucial. It's a little on the pricey side but it remains one of the best memory sticks you can get. Just a quick question....has anybody gotten a white screen, or a screen with white lines randomly? I was having that problem and it wasn't the LCD (hooked up to an external display made no difference) I was using a 160gb 5400rpm Seagate that I bought at the time. I swapped back in the Hitachi that came in the laptop and it's been working fine. It's strange that white screens could have anything to do with a bad hard drive.

 

I'm not sure if this has been discussed already, apologies if it has, but I'm looking to source the bluetooth module for my 5102WLMi, if possible. I've purchased a copy of the engineers manual from ebay, which I've skimmed and it looks reasonably useful. Apparently the required bluetooth components are:

• 54.ABHV5.002 - Bluetooth Module Foxconn T60H928.01
• 50.ABHV5.003 - Bluetooth Cable

Has anyone been able to get hold of these? If so where?

 

I too have been searching for info on how to add an internal bluetooth module to my 5102WLMi. Paul thanks for the heads up on where to find a service manual
From what I can see in the pictures, it looks like the bluetooth module is connected via a 4 wire cable. That would indicate it's likely a usb connection. Perhaps a standard usb bluetooth dongle module could be squeezed in there. Time to do some hacking! Thanks again Paul, your find of the manual was exactly what I needed.

 

Here's some more info... from that service manual's picture of the bluetooth module and some web searching, I found a match for it:
http://www.royaldigital.com/products/pro-detail.asp?id=386
Haven't found where to get one yet, but it appears to also be used for HP laptops.

 

Here's one on ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250040590260

... now to find a cable

 

I'm looking for any acer diagnostic software for the 5102 notebook.
I've got the service manual for the notebook which talks about running the acer diagnostics, but I can't find it on the acer site. Not sure if its only for use by acer techs.
cheers

 

i've had the white screen and lines as well, it as always when the memory was acting stupid after I SWAPPED THE MEMORY STICKS. I haven't had he problem again since i went back to the the OEM 512. the only problem with using 1 gig of the crutial memory is that the ddr2 requires 2 identical sticks of ram to operate at optimum. i

 

I just purchased a 2Gig Kit of Cruical 667Mhz. I'll let everyone know how it works when I get. I still see everyone just going up to 533.

 

I suggest you update the BIOS to 2.00 before using dual channel. I havent used dual channel yet but by reading so many posts with people have problems with crashes, i think using the latest BIOS might be the only thing that helps.

 

Well guys I found Hynix 512MB DDR2 4200 ram on ebay for like $45 shipped. My 5102 came with the 5400rpm HD and 512MB Ram. It is the exact same model number ram as what comes stock in these. It has been great so far..no lockups or anything. It registers 896mb ram in my computer properties. I'm guessing the rest is for the video card or something. Anyways, just thought i'd share for anyone that wants just 512mb more from the original.

 

Very first thing I did was update the BIOS to 2.0
Then Updated the Video Driver so it would Recognize the 1100.
Then I merged the partitions, and coverted to NTFS.
Then I unistalled all the ACER garbage that came with.

I couldnt figure out how to delete that hidden Partition. I tried with Partition Magic, and it crashed, and I had to fix using the recovery CD's. I just left that on there. I was avoiding a fresh format, just wanted to re-adjust what came with.

 

I had to reinstall XP pro after trying to tweak the ATI 6.9 driver to accept X1100. The driver installed fine but after reboot the screen would go blank, and it wouldnt boot into safe mode either.

I noticed the fan is on more often using XP pro than it was with Media Center. Also the left palm rest feels a bit warmer. Maybe because i did not install the memory reader driver, But im not sure.

 

An update on adding the internal bluetooth module.

I found a post on another forum site in which someone had managed to purchase the bluetooth module for the 5102 from Capital Data USA. I e-mailed them to check and ask the cost. Apparently it is an extortionate $99 for the bluetooth module and $45 for the cable , that excludes postage.

Unsurprisingly I'm contacting other suppliers. I'll post any findings.

 

I found a bluetooth in Taiwan

http://tw.f5.page.bid.yahoo.com/tw/auction/e16161292

But seller is not willing to ship to another country.

The page contain some information for cable, so everyone can DIY

The information in below

Interface / Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL

Pin-1 3.3 volts

Pin-2 GND

Pin-3 USB D+

Pin-4 USB D-

Pin-5 LINK_IND / LED

Pin-6,7 C0EX1 and C0EX2

(for cooperative coexistence signaling with an 802.11b radio)


Pin-8 AUX (TBD)


And for the picture of connector and cable, go that website and take a look

 

I works!!! I managed to put in a Belkin Bluetooth (latest 2.0 100m) in the place the acer module would fit.

I removed the case and USB connector off the Belkin. Then wired, with very small wires (from a strip of 80pin IDE cable), 4 wires from the connector on the Acer motherboard to the Belkin bluetooth module. The above described pin info was what I needed to figure out which wire goes where. 4 wires are required:
MB pin 1 ---> USB Bluetooth Pin 1
MB pin 2 ---> USB Bluetooth Pin 4
MB pin 3 ---> USB Bluetooth Pin 3
MB pin 4 ---> USB Bluetooth Pin 2
Note MB Pin 1 is the pin closest to the corner of the Motherboard (there's a silkscreened < next to it).

 

Hey guys im sorry but im gonna need some help, this is my first laptop and im having problems with booting is there a way to reinstall xp pro without the cd? and whats the best alternative for acer epower managment, it seems like it makes my computer run slower? oh yeah im having problem reaching my router and was wondering if our computer have a range setting for the network cards? oh yes one more why doesnt the specs on my system properties say the samething as advertised like ram,hd,cpu? thaks

 

Afer taking a raping for the price of the Crucial Kit, the good news is that IT WORKED!!! FINALLY!
No Crashing, No Freezes, No Random Reboots.
Computer runs so much smoother with the extra RAM.
Followed the tweaks on Page 1 on the forum too.

Just wanted to give everyone an update. Thanks for everyone's help!

 

Hi,
Can anybody tell me where is the rigth place to fit the bluetooth?
i have been looking my notebook all around but i can't find the rigth
place/connection where it need to be fitted.

Thanks

Super34

 

The bluetooth connector is on the bottom of the laptop near the front - just behind the audio connectors. Look for a white connector marked JP31.

 

Thanks Paulgspence,

do I need to open my laptop or I just can remove one of the covers?

super34

 

I think you will need to dismantle the laptop, I haven't looked yet but do plan to dismantle mine in the near future to install a Belkin bluetooth module - as decribed by granz above.

You could perhaps remove the hard disk panel on the bottom, and the hard disk, to see if you can see the connector.

I PMed granz and he described having to totally disassemble the laptop.

 

Ok, thanks
The problem is I don't know how to disassemble this laptop,
I haven't found any good guide to do it, anyway lets wait and see.

Thank you

Super34

 

There is a person on ebay who sells a pdf manual (it's 5 bucks). Thats what I used. To get to the bluetooth connector you unfortunately have to disassemble the entire laptop. Its quite a complex process, but that manual has all the info.
The bluetooth module itself fits in a small area in front of the battery compartment (about 2 inches from the connector).

Btw, I was playing around with a 5050 (smaller version of the 5102), and it's bluetooth connector is directly under one of the access panels... nice and easy to get to. However it doesn't seem to have anyplace to actually mount (other than with sticky tape) the module. It's the connector right next to the small modem board.

 

Here's the where I got the service manual
http://cgi.ebay.com/Acer-Laptop-Maintenance-Service-Repair-Manuals_W0QQitemZ140047952681QQihZ004QQcategoryZ60270QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

Thanks for your help Granz.

Super34

 

Will this work with pretty much any bluetooth dongle, or is there some reason it has to be the Belkin?

I understand how to tell what is which pin is which on the MB, but how to you tell which is pin 1 and which is pin 4 on the Bluetooth dongle?

So, as I'm understanding it, this is simply a USB connection. So, Windows XP automatically detects it and asks for drivers (or if you already have drivers installed, it will work as if you just plugged in the Bluetooth dongle into a USB port)?

Finally, does the bluetooth switch on the front work now as well?

Sorry for all of the questions, but I am a bit new at this, and it seems like it may be simple enough to give it a try.

 

Hi! I'm from Brazil and new to this forum.
Very nice post, already bookmarked! I didn't find much info about this laptop till I got here! I bought a 5102 at B&H Photo, just waiting it to arrive!

After reading all the posts, I had a few doubts...

I was thinking to buy XP x64 but I read it's not good... why???? Are there x64 drivers for all the 5102 hardware?

One other question... Intel Core 2 Duo is faster than Turion 64 x2, right? Does anybody ever compared both processors, but with XP x64 installed on the Turion machine? Even this way the Core 2 Duo will be much faster?

Any news on the Bluetooth card and cable? Did anyone find it at reasonable price????

Hope to provide more answers than questions when the laptop arrives...
See you guys!

 

Other Bluetooth dongles may work.... the only consideration is that it will need to work on 3.3v rather than the usb standard 5v. The new v2.0 belkins do work just fine, don't know about others. Since I was doing some pretty significant dissassembly to install this, I didn't want to have to change it later, so I picked the 330ft range (class 1) version. It turns out it's exactly the same chipset as Acer uses for their module (if you could get one).

To figure out which is +5 and Gnd, put a meter on the 2 outer pins while it's plugged into a real usb port.

Things will work easier with the drivers if you install everything first with the dongle plugged into a regular usb port. The bluetooth switch on the front will work after the module is attached. Note it must be attached when the bios boots in order to 'see' it later under windows (otherwise you get the the 'no device' message).

Remember this *will* void the warranty. The location where you have to connect the 4 wires is extremely small. You will need a micro sized soldering iron and a very steady hand. Good luck!

 

There is a new BIOS upgrade avaiable... 2.40. Looks like it's been released aiming at Windows Vista...

[Fixed history]

<SYS BIOS>
v2.40-
01. Fix AMD BIOS Check failure and add Errata 125.
v2.30-
01. Fix somtimes Synaptics 4-way button fail when using tptest.exe on dos.
02. Add brightness function on win vista.
03. Auto Change FIR PNPID for Vista OS
04. Update VBIOS for M62 & M66
05. Patch for user password lost after HDD password set then pressing Ctrl-Alt-Del to restart system.
v2.20-
01. Show complete cpu type string in setup.
v2.10-
01. Fix Single Core CPU C3 VID_VDD Voltage Not Correct.
02. Fix Battery Can't be Charged Continuative after BIOS WinPhlash.
03. Update PXE ROM for Realtek 8110SCL LAN Chip.
04. Add Codes to Support SLP 2.0 .

<EC BIOS>
v2.40-
1.> Rename EC Version.
v2.30-
1.> <ENCIC039>, <Touch pad >Synaptics 8.2.19.0, touchpade crazy.
2.> Modify brightness function for VISTA.
3.> Turn on W/L power after cold boot.

 

Has anyone upgraded to the 2.40 bios? what do you guys think?

 

I have upgraded. So far eveything appears normal but i dont have 2GB's of memory to try out on it. Im planning on buying a gig of 667 ram soon.