Advent 6414 / 6414b 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
| CPU | 6414 - Intel Pentium III 1.0GHz 6414b - Intel Pentium III 1.1GHz |
| Chipset | SIS 630 |
| Memory | 256MB PC100/133 SODIMM (2 memory slots. Max 512MB) |
| Hard Drive | 30GB |
| CD Drive | 8x Toshiba SD-C2502 |
| Floppy Drive | 1.44mb 3.5" |
| Screen | 14.1" TFT (Native Res.1024x768) |
| Video Card | SiS 630 8MB shared |
| Sound Card | SiS 7018 |
| Modem | SmartLink 56K - HAMR 5600 V.90 |
| Network Card | SiS 900 |
| PC Card | Will take either 2x Type I/II or 1x Type III |
| Ports | 1x Infrared 1x Kensington lock 1x USB 1.1 1x RJ-11 modem 1x PS/2 1x Microphone 1x Headphone 1x VGA 1x Serial 1x Parallel 1x RJ-45 network |
| Battery | Li-ion |
| Made By | Gericom Webgine N340S8 (Download Drivers) |
Memory Upgrades
- Remove the keyboard by releasing the 3 retractable clips at the front of the keyboard with a small screwdriver (clips are below the 'Fn', 'Alt Gr', and 'Down Arrow' keys).
- Lift the keyboard clear of the notebook, there is a ribbon cable attached to the keyboard so take care.
- Now lift the metal keyboard protector from the case.
- Next remove the metal cover in the middle of the case (held in by two screws).
- You now have access to the 2 memory slots.
Adding RAM is the most cost effective way to boost your computer's performance.
Function Keys
FN + F1 - Hibernate
FN + F2 - Mute sound
FN + F3 - Battery Low Warning Beep on/off
FN + F4 - Toggle the display between LCD, CRT, LCD+CRT
FN + F5 - Increase volume
FN + F6 - Decrease volume
FN + F7 - Increase brightness
FN + F8 - Decrease brightness
FN + F9 - Increase screen contrast (only DSTN)
FN + F10 - Decrease screen contrast (only DSTN)
FN + Num Lock - Activate Numeric Keypad
FN + Scroll Lock - Scrolls the screen up/down using the arrow keys.
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
In the Box
Disks Supplied
- Advent recovery CD
- Driver and utility v.0.9 CD
Items Supplied
- Advent 6414 / 6414a 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
To get to the CMOS battery you need to remove the CPU heatsink cover underneath the laptop. The battery is a coin sized CR2025. If you have problems reaching the battery then you'll need to take out the CPU heatsink, to do this remove the 4 screws holding it in and lift out carefully.
Repairing a Broken Charger Socket
Kyle Millican has put together a guide for repairing a broken charger socket on this laptop. The guide is in PDF format and can be downloaded from here - Kyle Millican’s - Advent Laptop Charger Socket Repair Guide (2MB)
Getting Hold of the User/Service Manual
The Advent 6414 is also known as the Gericom 340S8, this should be printed underneath the laptop. You can download the manuals for the 340S8 from here - http://www.acomp.hu/pub/gericom/Notebook/Manuals/Service/Service%20Manuals/