Advent 5490 DVD Laptop

Can You Help?

If you own one of these laptops can you take a couple of minutes to check the information on this page is correct. If you come across any errors or have any other information that can help fill in the gaps then please email me at info@uktsupport.co.uk.

Many thanks, Matt

Specification

* There is very little official information available on Advent memory upgrades and while I've done my best to make sure this page is accurate I would recommend double-checking before buying. One way is by running a system scanner like the one provided by Crucial Memory (shameless plug for advert below).

Bottom of Laptop

1. Fixing screw
2. Hard drive bay
3. CPU heatsink / fan grill
4. Fixing screw
5. CPU heatsink cover
6. Battery latches
7. Battery pack

Upgrading the Memory

Many thanks to Tom Evans for the additional notes on how to remove the keyboard.

1. Ensure that the power is off, the unit is unplugged and the battery is removed.
2. Remove the keyboard by lifting the 3 small clips at the front of the keyboard with a small screwdriver. *
3. Lift the keyboard clear of the notebook, there is a ribbon cable attached to the keyboard so take care.
4. Now lift the metal keyboard protector from the case.
5. You now need to remove the metal cover in the middle of the case.
6. You now have access to the 2 memory slots.

* These consist of one located at approximately 2 cm from each end of the keyboard, and one additional one located in an odd, off centre position. This central one is the most difficult to find, as it lies approximately 1.5cm to the right of the right edge of the mouse pad... directly below he scroll lock indicator (but on the front of the keyboard). NOTE: You may also encounter a difficulty in that the key locks may not be accessible without first prying the keyboard from its metal backing (or at least in my case it was). I suspect that after slipping the keyboard in place, the very small spring loaded keys simply released and slipped between the keyboard base and it's metal backing.

Adding RAM is the most cost effective way to boost your computer's performance.

In the Box

Disks Supplied

• Advent recovery CD
• Driver utility CD ver. 0.9
• InterVideo WinDVD 2000 (serial key on CD sleeve)

Items Supplied

• Advent 5490 notebook
• UK mains power cable
• Mains power adapter
• UK modem cable

Documentation Supplied

• Advent notebook user's manual
• Gettings started with Microsoft Windows Me
• Freeserve leaflet

Recovery

Replacement recovery discs can be ordered from a company called "The Tech Guys". More information is available on their website - http://support.thetechguys.com//recoverymedia/.

Warning: this process will erase all files from your computer. It is important that you save any personal files to disk before you begin.

A bootable recovery CD is supplied with these machines. To recover the system:-

• Insert CD (and floppy disk if supplied) into the drive.
• Reboot the PC.
• A warning message prompting you to backup data before proceeding.
• Press Y to continue.
• A final warning that all data will be erased is displayed.
• Press Y to continue.
• Finally a message "Remove CD-ROM when prompted" is displayed.
• Press Y to continue.
• The image file will load. Once complete you will be prompted to remove the CD and press CTRL + ALT + DEL to restart.

Driver CD

The notebook is supplied with a Utility CD. This can be used to restore corrupt drivers.

Useful Links

Repairs and Spares

All official service and support is handled by The Tech Guys (http://www.thetechguys.com/), if you laptop is covered under warranty then you need to contact them for repairs.

If your laptop is out of warranty then there are a number of other companies who do either repairs or supply spare parts, here are a selection -

TechnoMart - http://www.techno-mart.co.uk
Advent Spares - http://www.adventspares.co.uk/
DriveMyLaptop (replacement drives) - http://www.drivemylaptop.co.uk
Laptop Solutions - http://www.laptopsolutions.net/index.htm
DAB Solutions - http://www.dab-solutions.co.uk/

Accessories

There are plenty of internet sites that sell power cables, adapters, batteries, etc. for Advent laptops, here are just a selection -

MDS Battery - http://www.mdsbattery.co.uk
LaptopShop - http://www.laptopshop.co.uk
PartMaster - http://www.partmaster.co.uk

FAQ

Blank screen or EMM386 error after recovery

Once the recovery has completed the screen goes blank or an EMM386 error message is dispalayed. This happens because the laptop is having problems displaying the message to remove the CD and restart. Simply remove the CD from the drive and restart the laptop, first time setup will begin as normal.

Replacing the CMOS Battery

The laptop takes a standard CR2025 battery. Access to the battery is from underneath the laptop. First remove the CPU exhaust cover flap, next remove the CPU exhaust itself. This should give you access to a gold coloured flap under which you'll find the battery. To help this make sense you can download the webboy 340s2 (which the 5490 is based on) service manual from here - http://www.acomp.hu/pub/gericom/Notebook/Manuals/Service/Service%20Manuals/