Advent 6480 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

*Battery life is dependant on the tasks performed and power management settings on your notebook. Time quoted is maximum battery life under optimal conditions. To maintain maximum performance you should allow your battery to drain fully before recharging.

** 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).

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

In the Box

Disks Supplied

• Advent 6480 recovery CD
• Notebook utility CD V0.9
• Power DVD XP CD

Items Supplied

• Advent 6480 Notebook
• Power supply
• UK mains power cable
• UK modem cable
• BT connector
• Ferrite core attachment for modem cable

Documentation Supplied

• User manual
• Advent Installation and troubleshooting guide
• Windows XP "start here" guide
• Battery tips leaflet
• 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/.

A Bootable Recovery CD is supplied with these machines. To recover the system:-

• Insert CD into the drive.
• Reboot the PC.
• Press "R" when prompted to boot from the CD.
• After a few minutes the recovery screen will be displayed. By default "Non Destructive Recovery" is selected. Press Next to continue. This does NOT delete user files.
• If you wish to format the drive select Advanced Options from the main screen. Select "System Recovery - Quick Format" and click "Next". Note: By choosing this option you will lose all data on the notebook.
• You will now be reminded that System Restore can be used to attempt to remedy any problems they may have. Click YES to continue.
• Recovery now begins and takes approximately 45 minutes.
• Once complete you will be prompted to remove the CD and restart the notebook.

Driver CD

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

• Ensure Windows XP is running. Insert the CD into the drive.
• The CD will autorun and display a menu with the following options:
  • Device Driver
  • Readme
  • Release Notes
  • Browse CD
  • Exit
• Click "Device Driver" to begin. The message "The drivers for your system will now be installed. Do you wish to continue?" Click YES.
• The program will no install files and restart Windows.
• When Windows restarts the individual drivers are loaded automatically. You may receive an error message for each driver as they are not digitally signed. Click "Continue Anyway" to carry on.
• Once the drivers are installed Windows will restart one last time.

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

Battery Will Not Charge

The battery on an Advent 6480 will not charge while the laptop is switched on. This is normal behaviour as the laptop needs to be turned off while connected to the mains in order for the battery to recharge.