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I have an Acer Aspire One with a blank screen error. I have been told to download BIOS onto a USB stick. Where do I find this info?

Acer Aspire One BIOS Blank Screen

Blank screen errors with the Acer Aspire One AOA110 and AOA150 can be resolved by using a USB stick to "flash" the BIOS. If you have one of these models, an update to BIOS version 3310 or above will likely solve the problem. However, it is crucial to get the correct BIOS version for your exact model. Whether you have one of these models or a different Aspire One model, the best place to go is to Acer's support website at Acer.com.

Selecting the Acer Aspire Model

Once you arrive, choose your country from the list and then navigate to the Support > Drivers and Downloads section. Using the U.S. site as an example, this will take you to a section where you are prompted to enter the model name or serial number of your computer. Alternately, you can select your computer by choosing the product family (in this case Netbook > Aspire One) and drilling down to find your exact model. Make sure to select the exact model and the exact operating system because downloads are product-specific. Choosing the wrong download could be disastrous.

Finding the BIOS

From there, you'll see a table with a series of tabs labeled Application, BIOS, Document, Driver, and Patch. Click BIOS and you should see a series of downloads with the newest version listed at the top. Click the newest version and click the download button.

The download file is usually a zipped file containing an executable BIOS file as well as a Readme file. In some cases, you may need to rename the BIOS file before copying it to the USB drive, so check the Readme file for instructions. For example, if you have an Acer Aspire One AOA110 or AOA150, you will need to rename the 3310.fd file to ZG5IA32.FD (in all caps). From there, you will need to copy the renamed file and the Flashit.exe file (which is included in the download) to a USB stick. However, that particular instruction is specific to those particular models, making it important to follow instructions specific to your computer's exact model.

Assuming you need to flash either an Acer Aspire One AOA110 or AOA150, you can find step-by-step instructions on Acer's Support page. If you have a different model, use the Acer Answers section to search for BIOS update instructions specific to your exact model.

I have an Acer Aspire 7741z-5731. I have noticed many other people are having the same issue. The computer will start to boot. I get the Acer logo with the press F2 for set up. After that the screen goes black with a blinking cursor. I have read of other issues and the answers state to flash the BIOS with the instructions on how to do so. I have downloaded the latest version of the BIOS from Acer's website.

The downloaded file has a DOS folder and a Winflash Folder. The previous instructions say to rename the BIOS file to ZG5AI32.FD. I have done this. It also says to put the FLASHIT.EXE and the BIOS file in the root directory. The problem I am facing is that there is no FLASHIT.EXE file.

In the Root Directory of the downloaded file there are two folders: DOS and Winflash. In the Winflash folder there is a single file named 17CP126.EXE. In the DOS folder there are two subfolders, a BIOS and a KBC, and a single DOSFLASH.BAT file.

The BIOS folder contains the following files:

• ACERACDC.EXE
• BIOS.BAT
• JE70126.ROM
• JE70126.WPH
• phlash16.exe

The KBC folder contains the following files:

• config.ini
• config.ini.bak
• DOSFLASH.EXE
• E08AC117.BIN
• FLASHROM.DEF
• KBC.BAT
• VERIFY.BIN

As you can see, there is not a FLASHIT.EXE file in any folder. I really need to get this computer up and running, even if it is only for a short period of time. There are some irreplaceable pictures on it. Can you help?

You are correct that the Acer Aspire models tend to experience problematic issues related to black screens and blinking cursors. While the directions that you have listed are accurate, it is just as common for the FLASHIT.EXE file to play hide-and-seek with you. One of the best ways to eliminate this game of "where did my FLASHIT.EXE file go" is to use a USB memory device to save the downloaded files.

BIOS Recovery Using USB Memory Device: The Acer Aspire 7741z-4643

1. First, obtain and format a bootable USB memory stick to FAT.
2. Once you have completed step 1, go back to the website for Acer and download the latest BIOS for your model, the Acer Aspire 7741z-4643.
3. When it is time to save the FLASHIT.EXE and the BIOS files, place them in the memory stick's root directory.
4. Be sure to rename the BIOS file to ZG5IA32.FD. Double check that you did this correctly, reading over the numbers and letters to ensure that you have the file name typed in correctly.
5. Temporarily remove the USB drive from the Acer Aspire.
6. Turn off the AC power to the Acer Aspire, so that you can see if the notebook has a good battery. If it does, reconnect the AC power.
7. Insert the USB memory stick into a USB port.
8. Press all of the following "Fn" and "Esc" and "Power" buttons at the same time. Wait about 3 or 4 seconds; release the "Fn" and "Esc" buttons.
9. Your power button should be blinking now. Press the power button once.
10. The BIOS should flash.
11. Do not press any buttons or interrupt this process by turning off the power. Eventually, the power button should stop flashing, and your Acer Aspire 7741z-4643 notebook should reboot on its own.

I have an Acer Aspire 7741z-4643. I was in Safe Mode when it went out. Before it did, it gave me a blank screen, but sometimes I would have to press F8. I did the restore point several times. Did not solve the problem. I was working in Safe Mode network, and it just when blank. I went to the Acer site to get my BIOS and download it. Look for flashit.exe and the other file to rename it. Could not find it. What can I do to get my computer back up? Tried to use the recovery disk. Still had the black screen with the blinking dash on it.

Sounds like you’ve been doing everything you can to get your notebook up and running again. Since you know how to download the files from Acer’s website for the BIOS, and the only problem is that you cannot find the files to rename them, follow this set of directions and see if it works to repair your Acer Aspire 7741z-4643. Since you are getting the blank screen, this set of directions should fix it for you.

BIOS Recovery for the Acer Aspire 7741z-4643 Notebook

1. You will need to format a bootable USB memory stick to FAT.
2. Next, revisit Acer’s website and download the latest BIOS for the Acer Aspire 7741z-4643.
3. Make sure that you put both the FLASHIT.EXE and the BIOS file in the memory stick’s root directory.
4. Now, you need to rename the BIOS file to ZG5IA32.FD. Double check by reading it over to make sure that you have the file name correct.
5. Remove the USB drive from the notebook.
6. Turn the Acer’s power off.
7. Now, you need to make sure the notebook has a working battery and reconnect the AC power.
8. You should insert the USB memory stick into one of the notebook’s USB ports.
9. Now, you need to press “Fn” and “Esc” and “Power” buttons all at the same time. Wait 3 or 4 seconds, and then release the “Fn” and “Esc” buttons.
10. The power button should be blinking, and you should press it once.
11. At this point, the BIOS should flash for you.
12. Be sure not to press anything or interrupt this process. If all goes well, the power button should stop flashing, and the Acer Aspire 7741z-4643 notebook should reboot.

I used the Ultimate Boot CD on my computer, and opted to disable certain BIOS items from starting. When I restarted the computer, I could not get past the startup screen or get the computer to read the CD player to undo these settings, so I went into the bios settings in the start up menu and disabled some more items from loading at startup. Now the computer won't come on. I took the battery and jumper out, but no luck. What can I do? It's a Windows 2000, running XP.

It sounds like you have a real dilemma here, especially since you have already taken the battery out with no resolution to the problem. Try the following suggestions and see if you can get the computer to run again. I am also going to suggest taking the battery back out, just in case.

Boot UP Using Safe Mode

The first step that you need to take is to see if you can boot the computer up using "Safe Mode." Follow these directions:

• 1) Turn the computer's power button on.
• 2) Immediately begin to press the F2, F8, F10, or F12 (depending on your model/brand of computer) key on the keyboard to allow the computer to start up in "Safe Mode."

Reset the BIOS to Original Settings

Removing the CMOS battery/resetting the CMOS jumper cable resets the BIOS back to its original settings. It's important to wait long enough when you take the CMOS battery out before replacing it. So, let's try this strategy once more.

Disconnect the computer from its power source and discharge the electricity before you begin. Remove the CMOS battery from inside the back of the computer. Wait several minutes before replacing the battery. The same thing holds true when resetting the CMOS jumper cables. You need to wait several minutes before you flip the switch back.

Replace the CMOS Battery

If your CMOS battery is more than a few years old, you can consider replacing it with a brand new one. It is possible that installing a fresh battery might resolve the problem of your computer not turning on for you.

Troubleshooting Strategies

While these issues aren't likely since you sound like you know what you are doing, it still won't hurt to try them. Double check that the computer's memory is properly seated and that the power cords are properly inserted. If your BIOS is beeping, count the number of beeps and look up what that number indicates for your specific brand/model of computer.

How do I replace the BIOS battery in my laptop?

What Does the BIOS Battery Do?

The BIOS battery is designed as a source of power that provides power to the clock and BIOS or configuration memory (CMOS) for your laptop.

How to Replace the BIOS Battery in a Laptop

The exact procedure that you use to change the BIOS battery in a laptop will vary depending on the make and model of the laptop that you have. However, the strategy that you use should be quite similar to the directions provided here. Most laptops today use a Lithium (Li) battery that is held in a spring-like manner. However, some laptops use a Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd) battery.

Directions for Replacing the BIOS Battery in a Laptop

1)   Before changing the BIOS battery in your laptop, you should write down all of your settings from the setup mode if the laptop that you have is very old. You do not need to do this with newer laptops.

2)   Obtain a replacement battery before removing the BIOS battery. The battery must be exactly the same and is usually identified with a number. You can usually purchase the correct BIOS battery using the laptop's make and model.

3)   You should close all open applications and turn off the laptop before switching bios batteries.

4)   Disconnect all peripherals from the laptop including external speakers, USB mouse, power cables, printer, etc.

5)   Carefully turn the laptop over and look for the area where the main laptop battery is secured. Open/unlock the release latches for the battery and carefully remove it.

6)   Since the BIOS battery sits in the motherboard, you now need to turn the laptop over and remove the cover. If your laptop is still under warranty, you might want to see if this activity is going to void your warranty before you complete this task. The keyboard assembly is typically connected to the laptop with ribbons that you must be careful not to damage.

7)   Remove the battery carefully. You might need a small screwdriver to help you pop the battery out. The Lithium battery is usually used with a socket that has a lateral tab, upper tab, or one in which the battery stands up. When you remove the battery, it is best to jot down how the current battery has been inserted in the laptop so that you can insert the new BIOS battery in the same manner.

8)   Insert the new battery in place of the one that you just removed.

9)   Reconnect the laptop's peripherals and power cables.

What if the BIOS Battery Is Soldered to the Motherboard?

If the BIOS battery is soldered to the motherboard, then you must replace the entire motherboard or have an experienced technician replace it for you. It is uncommon for this to be the case, but it does happen.

I have tried to flash the BIOS of my ACER Aspire One using the instructions but no joy! What else could I do?

Did you try to flash the BIOS because you were having problems, or did you want to update it with a newer version? If you were already having problems with your machine, the failure of the BIOS flash may be related to that original issue.

Flash BIOS

I'm not sure what instructions you used, so I'm going to print the basic instructions here. The Acer Aspire has built in BIOS recovery that you can access using a USB stick.

1. Get a USB stick and format it with FAT.
2. Download the latest BIOS from the Acer website.
3. Put the FLASHIT.EXE and the BIOS file in the root directory of the USB stick.
4. Rename that BIOS file Z95IA32.FD. Leave the USB stick in the port.
5. Turn the computer off, making sure that there is a battery and AC adapter connected to it.
6. Press Fn+Esc at the same time. Keeping those pressed, push the power button to turn the computer on.
7. After a few seconds, release Fn+Esc. The power button should be blinking.
8. Press the Power button one time. The computer will start the BIOS flash. Make sure it is not interrupted, or you can really damage your system. The computer will reboot when it is done. The BIOS should be flashed and the settings set back to factory default.

Acer Recovery

I'm really not sure what the original problem was, but you can try Acer Recovery to see if that fixes your issue.

1. Turn on the computer. When you see the Acer BIOS screen (if you can see it at all), hold down Alt+F10. This will start the recovery process.
2. When eRecovery has loaded, choose "Restore to Factory Default Settings".
3. Choose OK to continue.
4. The recovery process will run and update the data in the C drive.

Other Options

For a bad BIOS flash, many techs recommend crisis disks or downloads that you can find on the Internet. I can't go all the way and recommend one, but you might want to do some research. Generally, if you have a bad BIOS flash, the best remedy is to contact the manufacturer - you will likely need professional help.