Advent 6522 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

Memory Upgrades

1. 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).
2. Lift the keyboard clear of the notebook, there is a ribbon cable attached to the keyboard so take care.
3. Now lift the metal keyboard protector from the case.
4. Next remove the metal cover in the middle of the case (held in by two screws).
5. 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 6522 recovery CD
• Notebook utility CD
• Nero burning ROM CD, OEM
• PowerDVD CD

Items Supplied

• Advent 6522 notebook
• Power supply
• UK mains power cable (figure eight style)
• UK modem cable
• BT connector

Documentation Supplied

• User manual
• Advent installation and troubleshooting guide
• "Windows XP start here" guide

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 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 CTR + ALT + DEL to restart.

Driver CD

The notebook is supplied with a Utility CD. This can be used to restore corrupt drivers. The folders on the CD contain the following -

• Driver: Drivers for all the hardware.
• Manual: This folder contains individual PDF files for each chapter
• Utility: Flash BIOS Utilities, HDPrepare, QKey

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

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 6522 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/