Acer Laptop Rental Procedure¶
Complete procedure for processing Acer rental laptops, including BIOS checks, OS installation using NAPPHDD, and handling BIOS-locked returns.
Overview¶
This guide covers the complete lifecycle of Acer rental laptops: - Initial dispatch procedures - Return processing and BIOS checks - OS installation using NAPPHDD utility - Handling locked devices - New model onboarding
Part 1: First Release (Dispatch)¶
Pre-Dispatch Checklist¶
| Task | Notes |
|---|---|
| Physical inspection | Check for damage |
| Battery charge | Charge to minimum 80% |
| Clean device | Wipe down surfaces |
| Add Acer sheet | Include customer information sheet |
Windows Update
Windows Update is not required for first release. Ship as-is from imaging.
Part 2: Return Processing¶
BIOS Password Check¶
Critical First Step
Always check BIOS for password protection before attempting any other processing.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Power on laptop |
| 2 | Press F2 repeatedly during boot |
| 3 | Check if BIOS prompts for password |
| Result | Action |
|---|---|
| No password | Proceed with processing |
| Password prompt | Stop - see Locked Device Procedure |
BIOS Configuration¶
If BIOS is accessible:
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Reset to defaults | Yes |
| Boot mode | UEFI |
| F12 Boot Menu | Enabled |
| Secure Boot | Enabled (unless imaging requires disabled) |
Save and Exit¶
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Press F10 to save |
| 2 | Confirm save and exit |
| 3 | Laptop will restart |
Part 3: OS Installation (NAPPHDD)¶
Identify Laptop Type¶
Boot Type Matters
Determine if the laptop is Dual Boot or Single Boot before imaging.
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Dual Boot | Supports both Legacy and UEFI boot |
| Single Boot | UEFI only |
NAPPHDD Installation Steps¶
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Connect NAPPHDD USB external disk |
| 2 | Power on laptop |
| 3 | Press F12 for boot menu |
| 4 | Select NAPPHDD USB device |
| 5 | Follow on-screen prompts |
| 6 | Select correct image for laptop model |
| 7 | Wait for imaging to complete |
Documentation
See separate NAPPHDD document for detailed installation instructions.
Part 4: Finishing¶
Final Checks¶
| Task | Action |
|---|---|
| Battery | Charge to 100% |
| Clean | Wipe down all surfaces |
| Acer Sheet | Add customer information sheet |
| Accessories | Verify charger is included |
Quality Assurance¶
| Check | Pass/Fail |
|---|---|
| Boots to Windows | ☐ |
| WiFi functional | ☐ |
| Keyboard/Trackpad work | ☐ |
| Display no defects | ☐ |
| Battery holds charge | ☐ |
Part 5: Locked Device Procedure¶
When a laptop returns with a BIOS password set by the customer.
Initial Response¶
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Document the laptop (serial number, model) |
| 2 | Contact customer to request password |
| 3 | If customer cannot provide, proceed with Acer unlock |
Acer Unlock Code Process¶
Acer Support Required
Only Acer can provide unlock codes for BIOS-locked devices.
Information Required for Acer:
| Item | Where to Find |
|---|---|
| Model Number | Bottom label or BIOS screen |
| Serial Number | Bottom label |
| Unlock Challenge Code | Displayed on laptop after 3 failed password attempts |
Contact Acer¶
Contact: Martin Filtness Email: Martin.Filtness@acer.com
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Email Acer with laptop details |
| 2 | Include serial number and model |
| 3 | Include the challenge/unlock code from laptop |
| 4 | Acer provides unlock code |
| 5 | Enter unlock code to access BIOS |
| 6 | Reset BIOS to defaults |
Part 6: Image Installation Failures¶
Symptoms¶
- NAPPHDD fails to recognize laptop
- Image installation errors
- Boot failures after imaging
Solution: Update NAPPHDD¶
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Contact Acer for latest NAPPHDD version |
| 2 | Acer provides Microsoft Share access |
| 3 | Download updated NAPPHDD software |
| 4 | Update the USB external disk |
| 5 | Retry imaging |
Contact: Martin Filtness Email: Martin.Filtness@acer.com
Documentation
See separate document on updating NAPPHDD OS.
Part 7: New Model Onboarding¶
When receiving a new Acer laptop model not previously in the rental fleet.
Request New Image¶
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Contact Acer with new model details |
| 2 | Provide part number |
| 3 | Provide serial number |
| 4 | Acer creates and provides ISO image |
Contact: Martin Filtness Email: Martin.Filtness@acer.com
Update NAPPHDD¶
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Download new image from Acer |
| 2 | Add image to NAPPHDD USB external disk |
| 3 | Create backup copy on separate USB disk |
| 4 | Test imaging on new model |
| 5 | Document new model in procedures |
Boot Key Reference¶
| Key | Function |
|---|---|
| F2 | BIOS Setup |
| F12 | Boot Menu |
| F10 | Save & Exit (in BIOS) |
| Esc | Exit without saving (in BIOS) |
| Del | Alternative BIOS entry (some models) |
Common BIOS Settings¶
| Setting | Recommended Value |
|---|---|
| Boot Mode | UEFI |
| Secure Boot | Enabled |
| F12 Boot Menu | Enabled |
| Fast Boot | Disabled (for troubleshooting) |
| Network Boot | Disabled (unless PXE required) |
Troubleshooting¶
Cannot Enter BIOS¶
- Press F2 repeatedly immediately after power on
- Try Del on some models
- Ensure fast boot is not preventing key detection
NAPPHDD Not Booting¶
- Verify USB is properly connected
- Check boot order in BIOS
- Try different USB port
- Ensure UEFI/Legacy mode matches NAPPHDD requirements
Image Fails to Install¶
- Verify correct image for model
- Check disk space on target drive
- Update NAPPHDD to latest version
- Contact Acer if model is new/unsupported
Laptop Won't Boot After Imaging¶
- Re-run imaging process
- Check Secure Boot settings
- Verify boot mode (UEFI vs Legacy)
- Try different image version
Process Verification Checklist¶
Return Processing¶
| Task | Verified | Date |
|---|---|---|
| BIOS password checked | ☐ | |
| BIOS reset to defaults | ☐ | |
| F12 boot enabled | ☐ | |
| OS installed via NAPPHDD | ☐ | |
| Windows boots successfully | ☐ | |
| Battery charged | ☐ | |
| Device cleaned | ☐ | |
| Acer sheet added | ☐ |
Dispatch¶
| Task | Verified | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Physical inspection passed | ☐ | |
| Battery charged (80%+) | ☐ | |
| Charger included | ☐ | |
| Device cleaned | ☐ | |
| Acer sheet included | ☐ |
Contacts¶
| Contact | Purpose | |
|---|---|---|
| Martin Filtness | Martin.Filtness@acer.com | BIOS unlock, NAPPHDD updates, new images |
References¶
- NAPPHDD Update Utility (separate document)
- Acer Reimage Procedure (separate document)
- Acer Customer Notice (separate document)