EPSON® EQUITY® 386/33 PLUS User’s Guide
IMPORTANT NOTICE DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY Epson America makes no representations or warranties, either express or implied, by or with respect to anything in this manual, and shall not be liable for any implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose or for any indirect, special, or consequential damages. Some states do not allow the exclusion of incidental or consequential damages, so this exclusion may not apply to you COPYRIGHT NOTICE All rights reserved.
Important Safety Instructions 1. Read all of these instructions and save them for later reference. 2. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product. 3. Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Use a damp cloth for cleaning, not liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. 4. Do not use this product near water. 5. Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, or table. 6.
12. Except as specifically explained in the User’s Guide, do not attempt to service this product yourself. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. 13. Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions: A. When the power cord or plug is damaged. B. If liquid has entered the product. C. If the product does not operate normally when the operating instructions are followed.
Contents Introduction Where to Get Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Chapter 1 Using Your Computer Copying the Reference and Utility Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Special Keys on the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stopping a Command or Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Resetting the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using a Power-on Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using Disks and Disk Drives . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 3 Accessing Internal Components . . . . 3-2 3-5 3-9 3-17 Main System Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Changing the Jumper Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Setting the Jumpers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Replacing the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Installing an Option Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Removing an Option Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing or Removing a Drive in the Horizontal Position . . . 5-19 Installing a Drive in the Horizontal Position . . . . . . . . 5-19 Removing a Drive From the HorizontaI Position . . . . . 5-26 Appendix A Specifications CPU and Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Controllers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Power Supply. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mass Storage . . . . . . . .
Floppy Disk Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Performing the Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Floppy Disk Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Miscellaneous Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Printer Adapter Test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Communication Adapter Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exiting System Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Introduction This Equity® 386/33 PLUS User’s Guide contains the information you need to get the best results from your computer. You’ll find instructions for adding options to your system such as disk drives, option cards, or a math coprocessor, as well as general reference information such as how to use diskettes, test your system, and troubleshoot minor problems. Note For instructions on setting up your system or changing the SETUP configuration, see the Setup Guide.
Where to Get Help If you purchased your computer in the United States, Epson America provides local customer support and service through a nationwide network of authorized Epson dealers and Service Centers.
Chapter 1 Using Your Computer This chapter briefly describes the following procedures for using your computer: Q Copying the Reference and Utility diskette files CI Using special keys on the keyboard LI Stopping a command or program 0 Resetting the computer Q Using a password 0 Using disks and disk drives LI Preparing a hard disk for moving. These instructions assume you have already installed the operating system on your computer according to the instructions in your operating system manuals.
The Reference diskette also contains files for the System diagnostics program. Because you should always run this program from the Reference diskette, do not copy these files to your hard disk. The Utility diskettes contain VGA drivers that allow you to display graphics in certain high-resolution modes. If you want to use any of these extended modes on your VGA monitor, copy any VGA files you need to your hard disk. See the VGA Utilities Guide for instructions.
Special key functions (continued) Key Purpose [wl Works with other keys to perform special (control) functions, such as editing operations in MS-DOS and various application programs. [ul Works with other keys to enter alternate character codes or functions. Moves the cursor back one space, deleting the character to the left of the cursor. m Ends a line of keyboard input or executes a command. Iml Turns the Insert function on and off. @iEl Deletes the character marked by the cursor.
The [Qpllodrl, [=I, and [s#d] keys work as toggles; press the key once to turn on a function and again to turn it off. When the function is enabled, the corresponding light in the upper right comer of the keyboard is on. Stopping a Command or Program You may sometimes need to stop a command or program while it is running. If you have entered an MS-DOS command that you want to stop, try one of the following commands: 0 Hold down the [cbll key and press [cl CI Hold down the [cbll key and press m.
Caution Do not reset the computer as a means to exit a program. Some programs classify and store new data when you exit them in the normal manner. If you reset the computer without properly exiting a program, you may lose data. To reset the computer, the operating system must be either on the hard disk or on a diskette in drive A; so if you do not have a hard disk, insert the system diskette in drive A.
Using a Power-on Password If you set a power-on password when you ran the SETUP program, you must enter it every time you turn on or reset the computer. Follow these steps to use your password: 1. If you do not have a hard disk, insert your system diskette in drive A. 2. Turn on the computer or press RESET. After the computer completes its memory test, the screen displays the following prompt: Enter Password : 3. Type your password at the prompt. The screen does not display the characters you type.
Using Disks and Disk Drives The disk drives in your computer allow you to store data on disk, and then retrieve and use your stored data. This section explains how disks work and tells you how to: Use different types of diskettes and diskette drives Care for your diskettes and diskette drives Write-protect diskettes Use a single diskette drive system Insert and remove diskettes Format diskettes Make backup copies Use a hard disk drive.
A disk is further divided by sectors, which can be visualized as pie slices. The figure below provides a simple representation of tracks and sectors. Double-sided, double-density diskettes have either 40 or 80 tracks on each side, and double-sided, high-density diskettes have 80 tracks on each side. Diskettes can have 8,9,15, or 18 sectors per track. A hard disk consists of two or more platters stacked on top of one another and thus has four or more sides.
Your computer uses the read/write heads in a disk drive to store and retrieve data on a disk. To write to a disk, the computer spins it in the drive to position the disk so that the area where the data is to be written is under the read/write head. A diskette has an exposed area where the read/write head can access it. Because data is stored magnetically, you can retrieve it, record over it, and erase it just as you play, record, and erase music on a cassette tape.
0 720KB drive-Use 3½-inch, double-sided, doubledensity, 135 TPI, 720KB diskettes. These diskettes contain 80 tracks per side, 9 sectors per track, and hold up to 720KB of information (approximately 300 pages of text). Cl 360KB drive-Use 5¼-inch, double-sided, doubledensity, 48 TPI, 360KB diskettes. (You can also use single-sided, 160KB or 180KB diskettes.) These diskettes contain 40 tracks per side and 8 or 9 sectors per track. With 8 sectors per track, a diskette holds up to 320KB.
5¼-inch drive/diskette compatibility Drive type Diskette types it can read from and write to 360KB 360KB, 320KB. 180KB. 160KB 1.2MB 1.2MB, 360KB,* 320KB,* 180KB,* 160KB* It you write to this diskette in a 1.2MB drive, you may not be able to read it or write to it in a 360KB drive later. 3½-inch drive/diskette compatibility Drive type Diskette types it can read from and write to 720KB 720KB 1.44MB 1.
Caring for Diskettes and Diskette Drives Follow these basic precautions to protect your diskettes and avoid losing data: 1-12 a If you have a diskette that contains data you don’t want to accidentally write over or erase, be sure you write-protect it. This is especially important for your operating system and application program diskettes. See “Write-protecting Diskettes,” below, for more details.
Q Do not place anything on top of your diskettes, and be sure they do not get bent. D Carefully label your diskettes and indicate the type and density. Attach the label only along the top of a diskette (next to the manufacturer’s label). Do not stick several labels on top of one another; this can make it difficult to insert and remove the diskette in the drive. P Write on a diskette label before you attach it to the diskette.
Write-protecting Diskettes You can write-protect a diskette to prevent its data from being altered. When a diskette is write-protected, you can read it and copy data from it, but you cannot store new data on it or delete any files it contains. To write-protect a 5¼-inch diskette, cover the small, rectangular notch (shown below) with an adhesive write-protect tab. Write-protect tabs usually are included in a new package of blank 5¼-inch diskettes.
On a 3½-inch diskette, the write-protect device is a small switch on the back of the diskette in the lower right corner, shown below. To write-protect a 3½-inch diskette, slide the switch toward the edge of the diskette until it clicks into position, exposing a hole in the comer. To remove the write protection, slide the switch toward the center of the diskette until it clicks into position and the hole is covered. Note Some program diskettes have no notch or switch so they are permanently write-protected.
Using a Single Diskette Drive System Most operating systems expect the computer to have at least two diskette drives and display prompts and messages accordingly. MS-DOS, for example, recognizes the first diskette drive (the top drive) as drive A and a second diskette drive as drive B. If you have only one diskette drive, MS-DOS can treat it as both A and B when you need to perform operations that normally require two diskette drives.
Inserting and Removing Diskettes If you have a 5¼-inch diskette drive, insert a diskette as follows: hold the diskette with the label facing up and the read/write slot leading into the drive, as shown below. Slide the diskette all the way into the slot. Then turn the latch down to lock it in a vertical position. This keeps the diskette in place and enables the read/write heads in the drive to access the diskette. When you want to remove a diskette, first make sure the disk drive light is off.
If you have a 3½-inch diskette drive, insert the diskette with the label facing up and the metal shutter leading into the drive, as shown in the following illustration. Slide the diskette into the drive until it clicks into place. When you want to remove the diskette, make sure the drive light is off; then press the release button. When the diskette pops out, remove it and store it properly.
Formatting Diskettes Before you can store data on a new diskette, you must format it. Formatting prepares the diskette so that the operating system can write data on it. You need to do this only once, before you use the diskette for the first time. You can also reformat previously used diskettes to store new data. This process erases all the data on the diskette, so be sure you do not want to save any of the files on a used diskette before you format it.
Using a Hard Disk Drive Using a hard disk is similar to using a diskette. However, the hard disk provides several advantages: a A 40MB hard disk can store as much data as approximately thirty-three 1.2MB diskettes, and a 100MB hard disk can store as much data as approximately eighty-two 1.2MB diskettes. a Your computer can perform all disk-related operations faster.
Backing up the hard disk While the hard disk is very reliable, it is essential to back up your hard disk files to diskettes or tapes in case you lose some data accidentally. Make copies of alI your system and application program diskettes before copying the programs to the hard disk. After you create data files on the hard disk, be sure to copy them whenever you revise them to keep your backup diskettes or tapes up-to-date.
Many hard disk drives, including all Epson drives, automatically park their heads when you turn off the computer. If your hard disk drive does not do this, or if you are not sure that it does, be sure to run HDSIT. Follow these steps to run HDSIT: 1. If you copied the HDSIT.COM and HDSIT.VER files to your hard disk, log onto the directory where they are stored. If you did not copy the files to the hard disk, insert the Reference diskette in drive A. Then type A : and press @El to log onto that drive. 2.
Chapter 2 Enhancing System Operations This chapter tells you how to use the following procedures to enhance the operation of your computer: Q Using AUTOEXEC.BAT and other batch files 0 Changing the processor speed 0 Using your computer as a network server 0 Using special VGA features. Using AUTOEXEC.BAT and Other Batch Files If you are using MS-DOS to access your application programs, you may find that there are commands you need to run frequently.
When you install MS-DOS, it creates an AUTOEXEC.BAT file for you, which you can modify or replace as described above. Be sure to name the file AUTOEXEC.BAT and store it in the root directory of the hard disk or diskette from which you load MS-DOS. See your MS-DOS manuals for more information about creating and using batch files. Changing the Processor Speed Your computer’s processor can operate at two speeds: fast (33 MHz) and slow (simulated 11 MHz). At fast speed, the computer can access memory faster.
Depending on the type of program you have, you may or may not want to set the processor to auto speed. Follow these guidelines: 0 If you are using a copy-protected program that can run only on a diskette or that requires a key disk, try to load the program at fast speed. If this works, you do not need to set the speed to change automatically. If you can’t load the program at fast, set the speed to change automatically.
Entering Keyboard Commands You can change the processor speed by entering one of the commands shown in the following table. Speed setting commands Numeric keypad commands Speed setting I 33 MHz I To enter these commands, hold down the [key and the [lutl key simultaneously and then press the m or m key. Use the [+1 or [-I key on the numeric keypad. Note You can use the commands listed above while you are running a program.
Using the ESPEED Program ESPEED provides an easy way to change the processor speed if your application program does not recognize the [ctrll key commands or if you want to include the program command in a batch file. The ESPEED program is provided on the Reference diskette. If you copied this file onto your hard disk, log onto the drive where it is stored. If you do not have a hard disk, insert your Reference diskette in drive A and log onto drive A before you enter the command to start the program.
To display the current CPU speed, type m. You see the following: 33.0 MHZ ESPEED only and press <+> : Speed Up <-> : Speed Down : Exit To change the speed when you see this display, press the a or $ key; then press & to exit. The processor speed you set remains in effect until you change it using the ESPEED program again, a keyboard command, or the SETUP program; or until you press the RESET button or turn off the computer.
Using Your Computer as a Network Server A network sever is the master computer in a network and provides storage space for the other computers connected to it. It can also write files to and read files from the other computers. Even if no one is typing commands at the network server keyboard, the server can process commands sent to it from other computers. If you use your computer as the network server, you may want to prevent unauthorized users from entering commands at the keyboard.
Note If your hard disk drive has a partition larger than 32MB and you are using MS-DOS, you must use the MS-DOS SHARE command to install file sharing and locking protection in a network environment. See your MS-DOS manual for instructions.
Note You cannot change or delete a power-on password in network server mode. You must run SETUP and turn off network server mode first. See Chapter 2 of the Setup Guide for instructions. Then you can change or delete the password as described in Chapter 1 of this manual. Using Special VGA Features Your built-in VGA (video graphics array) display adapter supports both standard VGA monitors and multifrequency monitors with analog connectors.
To use graphic display drivers in 800 x 600 or 1024 x 768 resolutions, you must have a multifrequency monitor capable of displaying these resolutions. Standard VGA monitors cannot display them. You can use the VGA utilities (also provided on the Utility diskettes) to take advantage of other special features of your VGA adapter. Even if you do not use any device drivers, you may want to install some of the VGA utilities.
Chapter 3 Accessing Internal Components To reach your computer’s internal components, you need to remove the cover. In some cases, you may also need to remove the front panel and the subassembly (the metal case that holds the drive bays and the power supply). The instructions in this chapter explain how to do these tasks: Q Remove and replace the cover 0 Remove and replace the subassembly. Be sure to heed all the cautions and warnings so you do not injure yourself or damage the computer.
Removing the Cover To access any internal components, you need to remove the computer’s cover. Follow these steps: 1. Turn off the computer and then any peripheral devices (including the monitor and printer). 3-2 2. Disconnect the computer’s power cable from the electrical outlet and from the back panel. Also disconnect any cables that are connected to the computer, including the keyboard cable. 3. If the monitor is on top of the computer, lift it off and set it to one side. 4.
5. The cover is also secured by two latches on the back, near the comers. Press both latches inward and then lift up the cover from the back panel. You might meet some resistance from the grounding tabs along the inside of the cover. 6. Pull the cover away from the front of the computer to completely remove it. Then set it aside.
7. Before you touch any of the components, touch the inside of the computer’s back panel, as shown below, to ground yourself and avoid an electric shock. WARNING Be sure to ground yourself to the inside back panel of the computer every time you remove the cover. If you are not properly grounded, you could generate an electric shock when you touch a component.
Removing the Subassembly You need to remove the subassembly to install or remove disk drives, or to access the SIMM or math coprocessor sockets on your computer’s main system board. The subassembly is the large metal casing that holds the horizontal drive bays and the power supply, as shown below.
Follow these steps to remove the subassembly: 1. Remove the front panel from the computer by gently releasing the three tabs at the top of the panel and tilting it toward you. You may want to use a flat-blade screwdriver to release the tabs. 2. If you have a hard disk drive, the drive cable is connected to the main system board on the left side of the subassembly, as shown below.
Grasp the hard disk connector and pull it straight up to remove it from the socket. Do not pull only on the cable. 3. The diskette drive cable is connected to the socket above the hard disk drive socket; disconnect it in the same manner. 4. To lift the subassembly from the front of the computer, place your thumbs under the diskette drive and raise the front of the subassembly. (If there is a diskette drive installed in the lower horizontal drive bay, place your thumbs underneath that drive instead.
5. Reach back underneath the subassembly and disconnect the two power supply cables (labelled P4 and P5) connected to the right side of the main system board, as shown below. Pull each connector straight up. Do not pull only on the cables. power supply cable 6. Lift the entire subassembly out of the computer and carefully place it on your work surface.
Replacing the Subassembly Follow these steps to replace the subassembly: 1. Notice that there are four mounting slots on the back of the subassembly: two in the upper corners and two in the lower comers.
There are four corresponding tabs on the inside back panel of the computer which fit into the subassembly slots. tabs Lift up the subassembly from your work surface and lower the back end into the computer, guiding the tabs on the computer into the top slots.
2. Hold up the front of the subassembly at a slight angle and arrange the ribbon cables so they curve underneath the subassembly and extend out its left side. Then grasp the two power supply cables, labelled P4 and P5. Each connector has six pin holes and a large tab on one side, as shown below. There is a 12-pin power supply socket on the right side of the main system board (toward the back) that holds both of the power supply connectors, as shown below.
3. Position power supply connector P4 so the large tab on the connector faces the right side of the computer. Beginning with the six pins toward the back of the computer, carefully line up the holes in the connector with the pins in the socket and then push in the connector. If you do not correctly align the holes with the pins in the socket, you could severely damage your computer 4. Connect power supply connector P5 to the remaining six pins in the socket using the same procedure.
5. Carefully lower the front of the subassembly onto the computer. Make sure that all four tabs on the back of the computer are inserted into the slots on the subassembly.
Guide the front of the subassembly over the opening in the front of the computer so the two small tabs sit behind the opening and the large tab with the curved lip extends over the opening. If necessary, press on the large tab until the subassembly snaps into place. 6. Locate the hard disk drive and diskette drive ribbon cables. (The hard disk drive cable is slightly wider than the diskette drive cable.) Look at the back of each drive to make sure you know which cable is which.
Both the diskette drive and hard disk drive sockets are located on the main system board on the left side of the subassembly, as shown below. diskette drive Both sockets have a notch on one side. As shown below, there is a tab on one side of the connector. Connect the diskette drive cable first.
Align the connector with the socket so the tab on the connector lines up with the notch in the socket. Make sure the holes in the connector fit over all the pins in the socket and then push in the connector. align the holes with the pins, you your computer when you push 7. Now connect the hard disk drive cable in the same manner. 8. To replace the front panel, fit the three ridged tabs on its bottom edge into the three notches on the lower edge of the computer, as shown below. tabs 9.
Replacing the Cover Follow these steps to replace the computer’s cover: 1. Facing the back of the computer, hold the cover so that the side with three tabs on the edge faces away from you, as shown below. 2. Insert the three tabs into the three notches behind the front panel of the computer.
3. Lower the cover onto the computer and press it down firmly to form a tight seal. 4. Turn the large screw on the back panel clockwise to secure the cover to the computer. 5. Reconnect the computer to the monitor, printer, keyboard, and any other peripheral devices you have. Then reconnect the power cable to the back of the computer and to an electrical outlet.
Chapter 4 Installing and Removing Options You can enhance the performance of your computer by adding a variety of options, including the following: 0 Option cards Cl Memory modules LJ A math coprocessor. An option card is a circuit board you install in your computer to add a particular function. Most option cards contain a device, such as a modem, or provide an interface, such as a high-resolution graphics card for a VGA monitor or a network connector.
A math coprocessor speeds up the numeric calculations your computer performs when using certain application software. If you purchase a math coprocessor, it is a good idea to ask your dealer to install it for you, because it can be damaged easily. If you decide to install it yourself, follow the appropriate steps in this chapter. This chapter also explains how to change the jumper settings inside the computer.
Main System Board As you follow the instructions in this chapter and Chapter 5, use the illustration below to locate the necessary components on your main system board.
Changing the Jumper Settings A jumper is a small electrical connector that controls one of the computer’s functions. The jumper settings in your computer are preset at the factory; however, you can alter the following functions by changing the standard settings: 0 Enable or disable the built-in VGA display adapter Ll Enable or disable the built-in mouse connector D Enable or disable the password function D Set the computer to use a color or monochrome monitor.
A jumper’s setting is determined by where the jumper is placed on the pins. It connects either pin A and the middle pin (position A) or pin B and the middle pin (position B), as shown below. position A @I3 @B A position B @B A To move a jumper from one position to the other, use needle-nose pliers or tweezers to pull it off its pins and gently move it to the desired position. Caution Be careful not to bend the jumper pins or damage any surrounding components on the main system board.
The following table lists the jumper settings and their functions.
Replacing the Battery Your computer comes with a 3.6 volt lithium battery that provides power for the real-time clock and the CMOS RAM. The real-time clock keeps track of the time for your computer, and the CMOS RAM stores the information about your system configuration that was saved by the SETUP program. This battery lasts approximately three to five years. If it loses power, you will see an error message when you turn on or reset your computer.
Follow these steps to replace the battery: 1. Remove the computer’s cover as described in Chapter 3. 2. The battery is attached to the bottom of the computer case, just behind the front panel, as shown below. battery To disconnect the battery from the main system board, pull up the connector plugged into socket CN1, as shown below.
3. The battery is attached to the computer with Velcro.@ Remove the battery by pulling it up from the bottom of the computer case, as shown below. Then set it aside. 4. Remove the new battery from its package and position it so the Velcro faces down and the cable faces connector CN1. Then attach it to the bottom of the computer case, as shown below.
5. Connect the battery cable to connector CN1. battery cable connector CN1 6. Follow the steps in Chapter 3 to replace the computer’s cover. Then run the SETUP program to reconfigure your system and reset the time for the real-time clock. See Chapter 2 of the Setup Guide for instructions.
Installing an Option Card Your computer has four standard option slots: three 16-bit slots and one 8-bit slot. Each slot can accommodate an option card. You can buy option cards from authorized Epson dealers as well as other vendors. This section explains how to install option cards in your computer. If you need to remove an option card later (to access jumpers, memory modules, or a math coprocessor), see “Removing an Option Card” on page 4-15 for instructions.
Slots 1 through 3 are designed for 16-bit option cards and slot 4 is designed for an 8-bit card. As you can see below, a 16-bit card has an extra connector along the bottom. M-bit card 8-bit card Usually it does not matter which slot an option card occupies as long as the card fits in the slot. For example, you can place some B-bit cards in a 16-bit slot.
Follow these steps to install an option card: 1. Remove the computer’s cover as described in Chapter 3. 2. If you are installing an option card that controls a mouse, you need to change the setting of jumper J2 on the main system board before you install the card. If you install a display adapter card, you may need to change the settings of jumpers J1 and J4. See page 4-4 for instructions. 3.
4. Unpack the option card and adjust any switches or jumpers on it, if necessary. (Check the option card instructions.) When you handle the card, be careful not to touch any of the components on the circuit board or the gold-edged connectors. If you need to set it down before you install it, place it gently on top of its original packing material with the component side facing up. Keep the packing materials in case you remove the card later. 5.
7. Secure the end of the card to the back of the computer with the retaining screw. 8. Follow the instructions in Chapter 3 to replace the cover. Then see “Post-installation Setup” at the end of this chapter. If you installed a high-resolution graphics adapter card, see “Using the Alternate VGA Connector,” below, for instructions. Removing an Option Card If you need to remove an option card, follow these steps: 1. Remove the computer’s cover as described in Chapter 3. 2.
4. If you are removing an option card that controls a mouse, you need to change the setting of jumper J2 on the main system board. If you are removing a display adapter card, you may need to change the settings of jumpers J1 and J4. See page 4-4 for instructions. 5. Replace the cover. See Chapter 3 for instructions. Then see “Post-installation Setup” at the end of this chapter. Using the Alternate VGA Interface Your computer includes an alternate VGA interface on the main system board.
4. Locate the VGA feature cable that came with your system. (See the main system board map on page 4-3.) Attach one end of the cable to the alternate VGA interface on the main system board, as shown below. VGA interface 5. Connect the other end of the cable to the appropriate interface on the adapter card. (Check your graphics card manual for instructions.) 6. Follow the instructions in Chapter 3 to replace the computer’s cover. Then see “Post-installation Setup” at the end of this chapter.
Adding Memory Modules Your computer comes with 4MB of memory soldered directly onto the main system board. By installing 4MB SIMMs (single inline memory modules), you can increase the memory in your computer up to 16MB. Caution It is best to have your dealer install memory modules for you because they can be damaged easily if installed incorrectly. If you prefer, you can install them yourself by carefully following the instructions in this section.
Installing Memory Modules There are three SIMM sockets on the main system board. You can install one 4MB SIMM in each of these sockets. The following table shows all the possible SIMM configurations for your computer. Do not install SIMMs in any configuration that is not listed below. Keep in mind that 4MB of memory is already soldered directly on the main system board.
Follow these steps to instaIl SIMMs: 1. Remove the computer’s cover and subassembly as described in Chapter 3. 2. The SIMM sockets are located on the front of the main system board near the math coprocessor socket, as shown on page 4-3. 3. Install the first SIMM in the socket marked SIMM 1. Position it so the components on the SIMM face the other components on the main board. Place it on the left side of the metal tabs at an angle, as shown below.
4. To insert the SIMM into the socket, press it down firmly into the slot. At the same time, raise the SIMM to stand upright, as shown below. The SIMM should snap into place between the metal tabs, and the posts should extend through the holes at both ends. If it does not go in smoothly, do not force it; pull it all the way out and try again. 5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for each SIMM you want to install. 6. Replace the subassembly and cover as described in Chapter 3. 7.
Removing Memory Modules If you need to remove memory modules from your computer, have your dealer do it for you or follow the steps below. If you remove them yourself, check the table on page 4-19 to be sure you remove SIMMs from the correct sockets. Caution It is safer to have your dealer remove SIMMs for you since there is a danger of transmitting an electrostatic discharge and damaging your components. 1. Remove the computer’s cover and subassembly as described in Chapter 3. 2.
As you pull away the tabs, the SIMM falls to the side. When the SIMM is at an angle, carefully remove it from the socket. 3. Repeat step 2 for each SIMM you need to remove. 4. Replace the subassembly and cover as described in Chapter 3. 5. Then see “Post-installation Setup” at the end of this chapter for instructions on configuring your computer for use with your decreased memory.
Carefully follow these steps to install a math coprocessor: 1. Remove the computer’s cover and subassembly as described in Chapter 3. 2. Remove the math coprocessor from its package and set it aside. 3. The math coprocessor socket on the main system board is square and has three rows of pins on each side. It has a notch in the lower left corner, as shown below. notch The math coprocessor also has a notch in one corner, marked by a dot, as shown below.
Align the notched comer of the coprocessor with the notched comer of its socket. The notched sides must be aligned for the coprocessor to operate properly, so be sure its position is correct before you go to the next step. If you insert the math coprocessor in the wrong position you could permanently damage it and destroy the components on the main system board. 4. Gently push the coprocessor into the socket, pressing evenly on all sides, as shown below.
Removing a Math Coprocessor If you need to remove a math coprocessor from your computer, contact your dealer for assistance. You need a special extracting tool to remove the coprocessor without damaging it. Do not attempt to remove it without this tool; you can easily damage it. Follow the steps in Chapter 3 to remove the computer’s cover and subassembly. Then remove the coprocessor with the tool and replace the subassembly and the cover.
Using the CORFIX Program To configure your computer for use with the RampagePlus 286+ memory card, you need to run CORFIX, a utility program on your Reference diskette; and then run SMART, the RampagePlus 286+ setup program. Follow these steps to run CORFIX: 1. If you copied the CORFIX.EXE file to your hard disk, log onto the directory where it is stored. If you did not copy the file, insert the Reference disk in drive A. Then type A : and press IEnlw] to log onto that drive. 2. Type CORFIX and press m.
Post-installation Setup After you install or remove options such as memory modules, a math coprocessor, or a disk drive, you must run SETUP to update the computer’s configuration. For example, if you add a hard disk, you need to let the computer know the type of drive it is. See Chapter 2 of the Setup Guide for instructions. If you replaced the battery for the real-time clock and CMOS RAM, you must run SETUP to reconfigure your system and reset the clock. See Chapter 2 of the Setup Guide.
Chapter 5 Installing and Removing Drives The instructions in this chapter describe how to install and remove optional Epson drives in your computer. You can use these instructions to install a variety of devices, including diskette drives, hard disk drives, and tape drives. Although your drive may look a bit different from the one illustrated here, you install it the same way.
Choosing the Correct Drive Buy Your computer has two horizontal drive bays and one vertical mounting position which hold up to three drives, as shown below. vertical mounting horizontal drive bays Your computer may have come with a hard disk drive already installed in the vertical mounting position. If not, you can install one 3½-inch hard disk drive in this position. If you are installing your first hard disk drive, it is best to install it in the vertical mounting position.
The upper horizontal drive bay probably contains the diskette drive that came with your system. This drive bay can accommodate one of the following types of devices: 0 5¼-inch diskette drive 0 3Winch diskette drive with 5¼-inch mounting frames installed on it.
Setting the Hard Disk Drive Jumpers You may need to change the hard disk drive jumper settings if you install or remove a hard disk drive. The jumpers tell the computer whether you are using one hard disk drive or two. Note You do not need to set these jumpers if you are removing your only hard disk drive. If you are installing just one hard disk drive, see “Changing the Jumper Settings,” below, to check the jumpers on your drive.
Changing the Jumper Settings The hard disk drive jumpers are usually located on the drive’s circuit board, near the large cable connector. jumpers The instructions in this section describe setting the jumpers on the standard Epson 120MB hard disk drive. The jumpers on your drive may be in a slightly different location, but you set them the same way. See the documentation that came with your hard disk drive for the proper settings.
The following table lists the jumper settings for all the possible 120MB hard disk drive configurations. Hard disk drive jumper settings Jumper positions One hard disk drive Two hard disk drives: master Two hard disk drives: slave SP - X - DS X X - CS - - - X = jumper Installed - = no jumper Installed To move a jumper from one position to the other, use your fingers, needle-nose pliers, or tweezers to pull it off its pins and gently move it to the other position.
Note If you are removing one hard disk drive and leaving one in your computer, be sure to set the jumpers on the remaining drive to indicate that you have only one hard disk drive. See the table above for the jumper settings. Then follow the instructions under “Removing a Hard Disk From the Vertical Position” on page 5-17 so you can access the jumpers on the drive.
Removing the Mounting Frames from the Drive Your hard disk drive comes with 5¼-inch mounting frames attached to each side of the hard disk drive, as shown below.
On one side, there may also be a plastic guiderail. Follow these steps to remove the mounting frames (and guiderail) from the drive: 1. If necessary, remove the screws securing the plastic guiderail and the metal grounding plate to one of the mounting frames, as shown below. \ b \ 2. Remove the four screws securing the mounting frames to the hard disk drive. There are two screws securing each frame, as shown below.
Removing and Attaching the Mounting Plate If you are installing the first hard disk drive in your computer, you need to attach a hard disk drive mounting plate to the drive. This mounting plate is currently attached to the right side of the subassembly. Follow these steps to remove the mounting plate from your computer: 1. Remove the screw securing the mounting plate to the computer and set it aside. Then lift up the mounting plate to remove it. 2.
Then place the flat side of the mounting plate on the hard disk drive and align the four holes on the plate with the four holes on the drive, as shown below. mounting plate holes 3. Use the four screws that came in your hard disk drive kit to secure the mounting plate to the drive. Installing the Drive If you are going to install or remove a drive in one of the horizontal drive bays, first follow the instructions under “Installing or Removing a Drive in the Horizontal Position” on page 5-19.
Follow these steps to install the hard disk drive in the vertical mounting position: 1. Place the hard disk drive on the right side of the subassembly with the mounting plate facing up and the ribbon cable and power supply sockets facing the back of the subassembly. cable sockets 2. Locate the hard disk drive ribbon cable that came with your computer. It is a flat cable with three connectors, one on each end and one in the middle.
The connector at one end of the cable has two rows of holes, one of which is blocked with a plug, as shown below. blocked hole The ribbon cable socket on the back of the drive has two rows of pins. In one of the rows, a pin is missing. -.
3. Align the connector with the socket so that the row in the connector with the blocked hole lines up with the row in the socket with the missing pin, as shown below. Make sure the holes fit over all the pins and then push in the Connector. 4. Locate one of the power supply cables that lead from the power supply (behind the horizontal drive bays). The cables are labelled P1, P2, and P3; you can use any one.
5. The power supply socket is on the back of the hard disk drive, next to the cable you just connected. Pull the power supply cable through the lower opening in the right side of the subassembly so it reaches the drive socket easily. Align the connector with the socket so that the notched comers line up, as shown below. notched corners notched corners 6. Notice that there are two tabs facing downward on one edge of the mounting plate. These tabs will fit into two slots in the right side of the subassembly.
Guide the tabs into the slots and tilt the top of the drive toward the subassembly. Then align the retaining screw hole on the mounting plate with the hole in the subassembly bracket. bracket 7. Secure the drive to the bracket with the retaining screw.
Removing a Hard Disk From the Vertical Position You need to remove the hard disk drive from the vertical position in the following cases: Q You are replacing the drive 0 You are adding a second drive (either another hard disk drive or a diskette drive) in the lower horizontal position. Follow these steps: 1. Remove the retaining screw securing the hard disk drive mounting plate to the subassembly and set it aside. P 2. Tilt the hard disk drive slightly to the right and lift it off the subassembly.
3. Disconnect the power supply connector and the ribbon cable connector from the sockets on the back of the hard disk drive, as shown below. Firmly pull the connnectors straight out from the sockets so you do not bend the pins. Do not pull on the cables; pull on the plastic connector. hard disk drive cable power supply cable 4. If you are going to reinstall the drive, set it aside and see “Installing or Removing a Drive in the Horizontal Position” below.
Installing or Removing a Drive in the Horizontal Position This section describes how to install or remove a drive in a horizontal drive bay. Although the illustrations show a diskette drive in the lower bay, you can use these same instructions if you need to install a different drive in the upper drive bay. If you have a hard disk drive installed in the vertical mounting position, remove it before you remove or install a drive in the horizontal drive bay.
2. There are two or three holes on each side of the disk drive. When you insert the drive, align the appropriate round holes in the drive with the two oval holes on each side of the drive bay, as shown below. oval holes 3. Slide the drive into the lower drive bay, toward the back of the subassembly. Watch the oval holes on the side of the drive bay so you can see when the holes on the drive are positioned in the middle of them.
4. Locate the four retaining screws that came with your disk drive. Insert two screws into the oval holes on each side of the drive bay and tighten them with a screwdriver, as shown below. If you are installing a diskette drive, go to step 5. If you are installing a hard disk drive, go to step 6. 5. If you are installing a diskette drive in the lower drive bay, you may want to turn the subassembly upside down and place it on your work surface.
The interface that protrudes from the back of the drive has gold contacts on both sides. Align the connector with the interface so that the plastic divider on the connector lines up with the gap in the interface, as shown below. Make sure the cable connector fits properly onto the drive interface and then push it onto the interface. Then go to step 8. Caution If you do not align the connector correctly, you could severely damage your diskette drive when you push it in.
6. Locate the hard disk drive ribbon cable that you removed from the drive in the vertical mounting position. Follow the instructions below to attach the connector in the middle of this cable to the horizontal hard disk drive. As shown below, there are two rows of holes in the connector. One of the holes is blocked with a plastic plug. blocked hole Notice the ribbon cable socket on the back of the drive; you see two rows of pins. In one of the rows, a pin is missing.
7. Align the connector with the socket so that the row in the connector with the blocked hole lines up with the row in the socket with the missing pin, as shown below. Make sure the holes fit over all the pins and then push in the connector. missing pin Caution If you do not correctly align the holes with the pins, you could severely damage your hard disk drive when you push in the connector. 8.
The power supply socket on the back of the drive is next to the ribbon cable connector. Position the power supply cable connector so that the notched comers on the connector line up with the notched comers of the power supply socket on your drive. Make sure the holes fit over all the pins and then push in the connector. notched corners notched corners Caution If you do not align the connector correctly, you could severely damage your diskette drive when you push it in. 9.
Removing a Drive From the Horizontal Position Follow these steps to remove a drive from a horizontal drive bay: 1. Remove the disk drive ribbon cable from the back of the drive, as shown below. power supply cable disk drive cable 2. Then remove the power supply cable from the back of the drive.
3. Remove the screws securing the drive to the drive bay. There are two screws on each side. 4. Grasp the disk drive from the front of the drive bay, pull it completely out, and set it aside. 5. If you have removed one hard disk drive and are leaving another one in your system, make sure you have set the jumpers on the remaining drive to indicate that you now have only one hard disk drive. (See “Setting the Hard Disk Drive Jumpers” on page 5-4 for instructions.) 6.
5-28 Installing and Removing Drives
Appendix A Specifications CPU and Memory 32-bit CPU 80386DX microprocessor, 33 MHz system clock speed, 33 MHz or 11 MHz processor speed; user selectable 0 wait state memory access speed at 33 MHz System memory 4MB RAM standard; expandable using 4MB SIMMs up to 16MB; SIMM access speed must be 80ns or faster Cache memory 64KB cache SRAM on cache module ROM 64KB system BIOS, 32KB VGA BIOS Shadow RAM 128 KB, 0 wait state access speed; system ROM BIOS and video ROM can be copied into RAM through SETUP
Controllers Diskette Supports two drives in any of four formats: 5¼-inch, highdensity, 1.2MB; 5¼-inch, doubledensity, 360KB; 3Winch, highdensity, 1.
Power Supply Type 145W, fan-cooled, automatic input voltage sensing Input ranges 100VAC to 125VAC and 200 to 240 VAC Maximum +5 VDC at 18 Amps, +12 VDC at 4.2 Amps -12 VDC at 0.3 Amps, -5 VDC at 0.3 Amps Mass Storage Three half-height drives maximum (one vertical mount and two horizontal mounts) configurable using the following: Diskette drives 5¼-inch diskette drive, 1.2MB (highdensity) storage capacity 3M-inch diskette drive, 1.
Keyboard Detachable, two position; 101 sculpted keys Layout 58-key QWERTY main keyboard; 17-key numeric/cursor pad; 10 cursor keys; additional 4-key cursor pad; 16 function keys (userdefinable) Function Four levels (normal, shift, control, alternate); user-definable Environmental Requirements -330 to 9900 ft -330 to 11880 ft -330 to 39600 ft Physical Characteristics Width 14.96 inches (374 mm) Depth 17.32 inches (433 mm) Height 6.
System Memory Map 000FFFFFFh 00FF0000h System BIOS ROM: 64KB Duplicated from 0F0000h Reserved for system board: 64KB Duplicated from 0E0000h 000FE0000h 16MB (Maximum system memory) Extended memory 00100000h 000F0000h System BIOS ROM: 64KB Default Shadow RAM Duplicated at FF0000h 1MB Reserved for system board: 64KB Duplicated at FE0000h I/O Expansion ROM: 96KB Reserved for ROM on I/O adapters 000C8000h VGA BIOS ROM: 32KB Default Shadow RAM Video memory: 128KB Reserved for graphics display buffer 64
A-6 Specifications
Appendix B Performing System Diagnostics This appendix describes how to use the System diagnostics program to test the condition of your computer’s main unit and peripheral devices. The diagnostics program provides tests to check the following hardware: 0 System board cl Memory 0 Hard disk drive(s) 0 Diskette drive(s) 0 Keyboard P Video adapter and monitor P Parallel and serial ports. By changing settings on the System diagnostics main menu, you can run the tests in several different ways.
Starting the Diagnostics Program To start the diagnostics program, follow these steps: 1. Insert the Reference diskette in drive A and turn on or reset the computer. 2. When you see the following prompt, press the laktr key: Press to start SETUP 3. At the next prompt, select Start operating system 4. If necessary, verify the date and time. At the A: prompt, type DIAG and press m to run System diagnostics. You see a title screen. 5. Press any key to continue. You see the main menu.
When you select a test category from the option line at the top of the menu, you see a submenu of the available diagnostic tests. For example, the submenu for the System board category appears when you first see the main menu because the System board option is selected. The Run tune parameters window, near the bottom of the display, lets you specify how you want to run the test(s).
Setting the Run Time Parameters The tests you select will run in the following manner unless you change the run time parameters: Q Each test is performed one time (passbound) Q The program waits if an error occurs Q No errors are recorded to the printer, disk, or other device. If you want to change the default run time parameters, press F2 to move to the Run time parameters window. (Press c5 m at any time to exit and return to the submenu of diagnostic tests.
Press [Nl and [Enal if you want the diagnostics program to continue when an error occurs. The next option is: Error logging (Y/N) ? N Press [VI and m to record the errors that may occur during the test. See “Error Logging,” below, for details. Press [Nl and [M#l if you do not want to create the error log. (N is the default setting.) You may see a prompt requesting additional information that the program needs to perform the test(s).
If you selected Passbound testing, you see this prompt: No. of passes : 00001 Specify the number of times (from 1 to 65535) you want to run the test(s), or press [Enl#l without entering a number to select the default of one pass. You can use the backspace key to make corrections. Note In most cases, running a test once is sufficient. Multiple passes test the reliability of essential functions only.
If you select Log errors on disk, the program displays this submenu: Floppy disk A: Floppy disk B: Hard disk C: Hard disk D: (You do not see drive D unless you have a second hard disk drive.) Press [Ll or [tl to highlight the disk on which you want to log the error messages and press [Mwl. The program creates a file called ERROR.LOG in the current directory of the specified disk drive. After running the tests, you can open the ERROR.LOG file to review the errors that occurred during the tests.
Selecting Diagnostic Tests To start a single test, press a or [t) to highlight the test -r to category on the main menu. Then press [11 or $7 highlight the particular test in the submenu and press m to run it. When a test has been completed, you see this prompt: Press to return to Main menu. Selecting Multiple Tests To select several tests at one time, highlight each test you want to perform and press [. To cancel a selection, highlight the F3 again.
You can stop testing at any time and return to the main menu by holding down El cbl and pressing m. The program completes the current test before it stops. You must enter certain parameters to run the hard disk and diskette drive tests. If you use [F3) to select these tests, the program prompts you for the parameters immediately. If you use d F4 , the program prompts you for the parameters during the first pass of the test.
Running the Tests The table below lists all of the available System diagnostic tests and may refer you to other sections in this chapter for additional information.
System diagnostic tests (continued) Component Tests Function Memory (continued) Walking 0 Checks data lines for shorts and bits that are 0 Address Checks for address line shorts Refresh Checks the refresh interval Hard disk drives Hard disk format Media analysis Performance Seek Read/verify Check test cylinder Force bad tracks See ‘Hard Disk Diagnostics’ Floppy disk drives Diskette format Drive speed Random read/write Sequential read/write Disk change line See ‘Floppy Disk Diagnostics’ Keybo
System diagnostic tests (continued) Component Tests Function Video (continued) Page selection* Tests the paging function of the adapter Color’ Tests the background and border color mapping 640 x 350 graphics* Tests the 640 x 350 graphics display 640 x 480 graphics’ Tests the 640 x 480 graphics display Printer adapter Comm. adapter See ‘Miscellaneous Diagnostics’ I I l Test appears only if you have installed a color monitor.
Hard Disk Diagnostics Hard disk diagnostic tests fall into two categories: destructive or nondestructive. Destructive diagnostics destroy data on the hard disk, but nondestructive diagnostics do not. Be sure to back up any data on your hard disk before performing any destructive tests. The following table lists which tests are destructive and which are not.
Hard Disk Parameters The hard disk diagnostic program may ask for the following parameters: Disk drive identifier Disk drive type Interleave factor Bad track list Start cylinder number End cylinder number Start head number End head number Each parameter is described below. Disk drive identifier You see this prompt for the disk drive identifier: Disk drive (C/D) ? C If you have only one hard disk drive, the program assumes it is drive C and does not display this prompt.
If you select the User defined option (type 47), the program prompts you for the following information: Number of cylinders Number of heads Number of sectors per track Write precompensation presence Write precompensation cylinder number Landing zone. lnterleave factor The interleave factor affects the performance of your hard disk. You see the following prompt: Interleave (1-16) ? 3 Enter 1 if you are using an Epson IDE hard disk drive or enter the number your hard disk documentation recommends.
Use m or Ir] to highlight a menu option and press m. Then enter the correct track information. When the bad track list is correct, highlight Save and Exit and press [Enlwl. Note When you run the Media analysis test, the program automatically marks the bad tracks when it formats the disk.
Hard Disk Format The Hard disk format program performs a low-level format on your hard disk. If your computer came with a factory-installed hard disk or if you have installed an optional Epson hard disk, it has already been formatted for you. You may need to format the hard disk if you have installed a new, non-Epson hard disk in your computer that has never received this type of low-level format and did not come with its own format utility.
Media Analysis This test identifies the bad tracks on the hard disk by analyzing the surface of the disk to find them. The program uses three different bit patterns; formatting the disk, marking the bad tracks, and displaying the bad track list. Caution The Media analysis test destroys any data on your hard disk.
Read/Verify Test This test checks the read and verify capability of the hard disk on the specified range of cylinders and heads. The program performs both sequential and random read and verify operations and reports any errors. Check Test Cylinder This test checks the test cylinder, which is the last cylinder on the hard disk. You should perform this test if you receive a hard disk error when you boot the system. Force Bad Tracks Use this test to mark bad tracks on the hard disk without formatting it.
The controller displays one of the following messages when an error occurs during a diagnostics procedure: Address mark not found Attachment failed to respond Bad ECC on disk read Bad sector flag detected Controller has failed Drive activity failed ECC corrected data error Requested sector not found Reset failed Seek operation failed Write fault on selected drive If you see one of these error messages, check the drive, controller, cables, and power connectors.
Performing the Tests The Diskette format test checks the format capability of the diskette drive and its controller. In order to run the test, you need a blank diskette that has been formatted using the MS-DOS FORMAT command and that is not write-protected. When the program prompts you to insert a diskette, insert the newly formatted one. Once the Diskette format test is completed successfully, you must use the test diskette to run any of the tests in the following table.
Note Be sure to insert a blank diskette that has been formatted before you run the Diskette format test. Then use that diskette when you run any of the other destructive tests. Check that you have inserted the correct diskette before you press [vl at the Proceed prompt. You see the following prompt before the program performs a test: Diskette drive (A/B) ? If necessary, type the drive identifier and press m. (If you have only one diskette drive, drive A is already entered for you.
You may see the following message if you attempt to run the Change line test on a drive that does not support a change line, such as a 360KB or 720KB drive: Change line not available The controller displays one of these messages when an error occurs during a diagnosticsprocedure: Bad address mark Bad CRC error Bad DMA error Bad seek error Diskette write Protected Media change error Record not found Timeout error These errors could occur because of a faulty drive, controller, or cable, or if you attempt to
Before running the test, be sure that the printer is on-line, paper is loaded, and all connections are secure, or you may see one of the following error messages: Error Error Error Error - Printer out of pager Printer not selected Printer interface I/O error Time out on printer Communication Adapter Test Before running this test on your serial port, you must connect a special RS-232C, AT-type loopback connector to the port.
If you see one of the following errors, there may be a problem with the controller or the test cable: Error - Break detected Error - Framing error Error - Overrun error Error - Parity error Error - Time out! Check to make sure that the test connector is securely connected to the port. If the error persists, contact your dealer. Exiting System Diagnostics To exit from the System diagnostics program, press [Eecl.
B-26 Performing System Diagnostics
Appendix C Troubleshooting You should not encounter any difficulties as you set up and use your computer, but if anything out of the ordinary happens, refer to this appendix. You can correct most problems by adjusting a cable connection, repeating a software procedure, or resetting the computer. Besides trying the suggestions in this chapter, you can run diagnostics checks on the various components of your computer system. See Appendix B for instructions.
3. When the computer performs the power-on memory test, the version number of your system ROM BIOS appears at the bottom of the screen. Quickly write down the version number. If you do not have enough time to write down the entire number, press RESET and try again. 4. When you see Press to start SETUP, press the m key. Write down the appropriate information about your configuration shown on the main SETUP menu. Then exit SETUP (without saving the configuration). 5.
The following tables list error codes and messages that may appear during power-on diagnostic checks. If you receive an error message, look it up in the tables below; they direct you to the proper troubleshooting section in this appendix or offer a solution. If you do not see an error message, read the section that covers your problem.
Power-on diagnostics error messages (continued) Keyboard is locked .
Other error conditions Beeps Cause Action 1 long; then 3 short Error with conventional or extended memory See ‘Memory Module Problems” 1 long; then 8 short Failure in video RAM; or vertical and horizontal retrace Write down message, contact dealer The Computer Won’t Start If your computer does not start when you turn on the power, check the following: 1. Is the power light on? If not, remove any diskettes and turn off the power.
4. If the electrical outlet is working and all the connections are secure but your computer still won’t start, call your dealer. Note If the computer starts but you can’t see anything on the screen, see “Monitor Problems,” on page C-10. The Computer Does Not Respond If your computer locks up and does not respond when you type on the keyboard, follow these steps: 1. Wait a few moments; some operations take longer than others to complete.
4. Did you enter the correct password? See “Password Problems,” below. 5. Could your software be causing the problem? If you are running an application program, see “Software Problems,” later in this appendix. 6. The problem could be caused by your keyboard. See “Keyboard Problems,” later in this appendix. 7. If you want to stop whatever the computer is doing and return to the MS-DOS command prompt. hold down the m key and press m (or press a.
Password Problems If you set a password using the SETUP program, you must enter it before you can use the system. When you turn on the computer, it runs a memory test. Then the screen displays the Enter Password prompt. If you do not enter the correct password, you cannot use the computer. If you have any trouble using your password, try the following: Q If you type the password and press m but nothing happens, type it again and press m.
3. When the Press to start SETUP prompt appears, press @@. 4. Highlight fun SETUP menu. SETUP and press [En(wl. You see the Follow the instructions in Chapter 2 of the Setup Guide to either set a new password or select Not Installed (if you do not want to set a new password). Be sure to save your SETUP information when you exit the program. 5.
Keyboard Problems If you are having trouble with the keyboard, check the following: 1. If the screen displays a keyboard error when you turn on or reset the computer, make sure the keyboard is securely connected to its port. See “Connecting the Keyboard” in Chapter 1 of the Setup Guide for instructions. 2. If the cursor keys do not work properly, the num lock function may be on. When num lock is on, the numeric /arrow keys on the numeric keypad work only as numbers.
3. If the monitor’s power light still does not come on, check the electrical outlet for power. Turn off your monitor and unplug it from the wall outlet. Plug a lamp into the outlet and turn it on to see if the outlet supplies power. 4. If you still do not see anything on the screen, make sure your monitor is connected to the computer properly. See “Connecting a Monitor” in Chapter 1 of the Setup Guide for more details. Also check the monitor manual for instructions on how to connect it to the computer. 5.
8. If you installed a display adapter card in your computer, and you want to use that adapter as your primary display adapter, you need to change the setting of jumper J1 on the main system board to disable the built-in VGA adapter. Otherwise, you will not see any display on the screen. You may also need to set jumper J4. See “Changing the Jumper Settings” in Chapter 4 for instructions. 9. If you are still having difficulty with your monitor, run the Video diagnostic tests, described in Appendix B.
4. If your diskette is the right type for your drive, see if it is write-protected. On a 5¼-inch diskette, there may be a write-protect tab over the notch on its side or there may be no notch. On a 3Winch diskette, the write-protect switch may be set to the write-protect position or there may be no switch. You cannot alter data on a write-protected diskette. (Some application programs do not function properly if the diskette is write-protected. Check the program manual.) See Chapter 1 for information. 5.
8. If you see no error messages but there is something wrong with the data in a file, the operating system or an application program may have updated the storage information on the diskette incorrectly. This is probably the case if you have one of these problems: 0 Part of a file is missing Cl A file includes parts of other files Ll An expected output file is missing. If you are using MS-DOS, use CHKDSK to make the necessary repairs; see your MS-DOS manuals for instructions.
4. If you are still having trouble with the drive, run the Floppy disk system diagnostic tests, described in Appendix B. If the diagnostics program indicates an error, consult your Epson dealer. 5. If the diskette drive is making loud or unusual noises, contact your Epson dealer. Hard Disk Problems If you are having a problem with a hard disk, it could be the result of improper installation, incomplete disk preparation, or corrupted data.
Installing the Drive If you are having problems with a newly-installed drive, check the following: 1. If your dealer installed the drive, consult that person about the problem. 2. If you installed the hard disk in your computer yourself, did you carefully follow all the instructions in Chapter 5 of this manual? Review the instructions and check all the cable connections to make sure you have installed it correctly. Also check the jumper settings on your drive to make sure they are set correctly. 3.
5. If you installed a hard disk drive with its controller on an option card, did you disable the built-in hard disk drive controller and select the correct drive type through SETUP? See Chapter 2 of the Setup Guide for instructions. Preparing the Drive Before you can store data on a new hard disk (which has already been physically formatted), you must do the following to prepare it for use: 1. Run the SETUP program to define your hard disk as part of the computer’s configuration.
Accessing Data on the Drive If you have been using your hard disk drive successfully for some time and notice a reduction in performance, the data on the disk may have become fragmented. You may want to back up all your data and then use a disk compaction utility to reorganize the files on your disk. Contact your dealer for information. If you still have trouble with your hard disk, you can back up your data and physically reformat the disk.
2. Your computer can run at either fast speed (33 MHz) or slow speed (11 MHz). While almost all programs work properly at the faster speed, some must run at the slower speed. Check your software manual to see if this is the case, and change the CPU operating speed if necessary. See “Changing the Processor Speed” in Chapter 2 for instructions and for information on accommodating copy-protected programs. 3.
Printer Problems Below are some general steps to follow if you are having difficulty with your printer. If the problem persists and you need more detailed information, check your printer manual. 1. If your printer does not work at all, check that the printer has power and is properly connected to the computer. (Also, make sure your printer has paper in it.) See Chapter 1 of the Setup Guide for instructions or see your printer manual. 2.
6. If you are using an application program that requires a printer driver, make sure the driver is installed properly. See your application program manual for instructions. Also see your printer manual for additional instructions on using your printer with application programs. 7. Try running the Printer adapter diagnostics test if you have a parallel printer, or the Communication adapter test if you have a serial printer. Appendix B describes these tests.
6. If you installed a high-resolution graphics adapter card, did you connect it to the alternate VGA interface with the feature cable? See Chapter 4. 7. Did you perform the correct setup procedures for the software you are using with the option card? If necessary, see your software manual for instructions. Mouse Problems If you have trouble with your mouse, check the following: 1. Make sure that your mouse is securely connected to its port on the back of the computer.
Memory Module Problems If you added extra memory to your system by installing SIMMs and that memory is not operating properly, check the following: 1. If the memory count displayed by the power-on diagnostics program is incorrect, you or your dealer may not have installed the SIMMs correctly. The SIMMs may be installed in the wrong sockets, they may be the wrong type, or they may not be inserted all the way into their sockets.
Math Coprocessor Problems If your math coprocessor does not seem to be operating properly, check the following: 1. Run the SETUP program and check to make sure that the math coprocessor is listed as Installed on the SETUP display. If it is Listed as Not installed, you or your dealer may have installed the coprocessor incorrectly. See Chapter 2 of the Setup Guide and Chapter 4 of this manual for more information.
Glossary Address A number or name that identifies the location where information is stored in a computer’s memory. Analog monitor A monitor that generates, responds to, or acts upon analog data. Analog data is transmitted by varying the voltage levels in a continuous current. Application program A software program designed to perform a specific task, such as a word processing or spreadsheet program. ASCII American Standard Code for Information Interchange.
Automatic speed The feature that enables the computer to switch automatically from fast speed (33 MHz) to slow speed (11 MHz) when accessing a diskette drive. Backup An extra copy of a program, data file, or disk, that is created in the event your working copy is damaged or lost. Base memory The memory in the computer below 1MB that is available to MS-DOS and application programsusually 640KB. Also called conventional memory or main memory.
A sequence or group of eight bits that represents one character. CGA Color Graphics Adapter. A type of display adapter card that can generate up to 25 lines of text with 80 characters on each line, monochrome graphics at 640 x 200 resolution, or four-color graphics at 320 x 200 resolution. Character Anything that can be printed in a single space on the page or the screen; includes numbers, letters, punctuation marks, and graphic symbols. CMOS Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor.
Configuration The particular setup of a group of components. A typical system configuration consists of a computer with one diskette drive and one hard disk drive connected to a monitor and a printer. Control code A command (generated when you hold down [ and press another key on the keyboard) that instructs the computer to perform a specific function. Coprocessor See Microprocessor. Copy-protected program A type of program that cannot be copied.
Cylinders The vertical alignment of tracks in a hard disk that can be lined up under one read/write head. The number of tracks on a disk is equal to the number of cylinders times the number of heads. Data Information such as text or graphics stored or processed by a computer. Data diskette A formatted diskette on which you store data files (as opposed to program files). Default Any value or setting that takes effect when the computer is turned on or reset.
DIP switch Dual Inline Package switch. A small switch on a computer, option card, or printer that controls a particular function. Directory A list of files stored in a particular area on a disk; part of a structure for organizing files into groups. A directory listing shows the name, location, and size of the files in the directory. A directory can contain both files and subdirectories. Disk The collective term for diskettes and hard disks.
DOS Disk Operating System. A commonly used operating system that controls the computer’s input and output functions. See also Operating system. Double-density A type of diskette format that allows you to store twice as much data as the standard-density format. A 5¼-inch double-density diskette can store 360KB of data. A 3$4-inch double-density diskette can store 720KB of data. Drive designator The letter name of a disk drive, followed by a colon-for example, C:. EGA Enhanced Graphics Adapter.
Extension A suffix of up to three characters which you can add to a filename to better identify it. File A group of related pieces of information called records, or entries, stored together on a disk. Text files consist of words and sentences. Program files consist of codes and are used by computers to interpret and carry out instructions. Filename A name up to eight characters long that MS-DOS uses to identify a file. Fixed disk See Hard disk.
Hardware Any physical component of a computer system, such as a monitor, printer, keyboard, or CPU. Hexadecimal A numbering system with a base of 16, frequently used by programmers. Any decimal number between 0 and 255 can be expressed by a two-digit hexadecimal number. High-density A type of format that allows you to store more data than on single- or double-density diskettes. A 5¼-inch high-density diskette can store 1.2MB of data. A 3Winch high-density diskette can store 1.44MB of data.
Kilobyte (KB) A unit used to measure storage space in a computer’s memory or on a disk. One kilobyte equals 1024 bytes. LIM 4.0 EMS Version 4.0 of the Lotus/Intel/Microsoft Expanded Memory Specification-a protocol that allows certain application programs to use memory that MS-DOS cannot use. Main system board The board built into your computer containing the circuitry the computer requires to operate.
Megahertz (MHz) A unit used to measure oscillation frequency (of a computer’s internal timing clock). A megahertz is one million cycles per second. The Equity 386/33 PLUS operates at 33 MHz or simulates 11 MHz. Memory The area where your computer stores data. Memory contents are stored permanently (in ROM) or temporarily (in RAM). Memory module A small circuit board that contains memory chips. You can add 4MB memory modules to the main system board inside the computer to expand the computer’s memory.
Modem A device that allows a computer to transmit signals over telephone lines so it can send and receive data. Modem stands for Modulator/DEModulator. Monitor The piece of hardware that contains the screen and displays information. Monochrome monitor A monitor that displays in only one color, such as green or amber, as opposed to a color monitor which can display in several colors. Mouse A hand-held pointing device with one or more buttons.
Operating speed The speed at which the central processing unit can execute commands. The Equity 386/33 PLUS can run at 33 MHz or simulated 11 MHz. Operating system A collection of programs (such as MS-DOS, OS/2, or UNIX) that manages a computer’s operations. The operating system determines how programs run on the computer and supervises all input and output. Option card A circuit board you install inside the computer to provide additional capabilities, such as a modem. OS/2 Operating System/2.
Parity A method used to verify the accuracy of data transmissions by adding a bit that makes the total of the byte odd for odd parity or even for even parity. Partition (1) The area defined on a hard disk for use by an operating system; (2) to divide a hard disk into separate sections or logical drives. You can define a primary partition and one or more extended partitions on a hard disk.
Processor speed See Operating speed. Program A file that contains coded instructions and tells a computer what to do and how to do it. Prompt A message the screen displays to request information or tell you what action you need to perform next. See also Command prompt. RAM Random Access Memory. The portion of the computer’s memory used to run programs and store data while you work.
Reset To reload a computer’s operating system. Resetting erases all information in RAM. RGB Red Green Blue. A type of color monitor. ROM Read Only Memory. A portion of memory that can only be read and cannot be used for temporary storage. ROM retains its contents even when you turn off the power. Roof directory The top directory in MS-DOS, designated by a \ (backslash). All other directories are subdirectories of the root directory. RS-232C A widely used, standard type of serial interface.
Shadow RAM The feature provided by the Equity 386/33 PLUS that enables the computer to copy the system ROM BIOS and video ROM into the RAM area of memory to speed up processing. SIMM See Memory module. Software The programs that enable your computer to perform the tasks and functions you indicate. Subdirectory A directory or group of files that branches down from another subdirectory or from the root directory. Switch An option added to an MS-DOS command that modifies the way the command works.
Tracks Addressable, concentric circles on a disk, resembling the grooves on a record, which help to divide the disk into separate accessible areas. UNIX An operating system that supports multitasking and is suited to multi-user environments. UNIX is compatible with a range of computers, from personal computers to mainframes. See also Operating system. VGA Video Graphics Array. A type of high-resolution display adapter.
Index A Alternate VGA interface, 2-9, 4-12, 4-16-17 AUTOEXEC.BAT, 2-1 -2 Auto speed, 2-2 -3 B Backing up data, from diskettes, 1-11, 1-19 on hard disk, 1-21 with DISKCOPY, 1-11 Base memory, A-5 Batch files, 2-1 -2, 2-6 AUTOEXEC.
Diskette drive, compatibility, 1-9-11 configuring, 4-28 controller, A-2 diagnostics, B-20 -23 inserting diskettes, 1-16 -18 installing, 5-1 -28 problems, C-14 -15 removing, 5-1 -28 removing diskettes, 1-16 -18 single, 1-16 specifications, A-2 -3 tests, B-20 -23 types, 1-9-11 using, 1-7 -22 Diskette(s), backing up, 1-11, 1-19 caring for, 1-12 -13 choosing, 1-9 -11 compatibility, 1-9-11 copying, 1-11, 1-16, 1-19 doubledensity, 1-9 -10 double-sided, 1-9 -10 formatting, 1-11, 1-19, B-21 -22 highdensity, 1-9 -10
H K Hard disk, see also Diskette drive backing up, 1-21 caring for, 1-21 configuring, 4-28 controller, A-2 diagnostics, B-13 -20 drive cable, 3-6, 3-15 -16, 5-12 -14, 5-18, 5-23 formatting, 1-20, B-17, C-17 how they work, 1-7 -9, 1-20 -22 installing, 5-1 -27 jumpers, 5-4 -7 master drive, 5-4, 5-6 mounting frames, 5-7 -9 mounting plate, 5-10 -11 parking the heads, 1-21 -22 partitions, 1-20, 2-8, B-17, C-17 physical formatting, B-17, C-17 precautions, 1-21 preparing for moving, 1-21-22 preparing for use, 1-
Monitor, diagnostics, B-11 -12 interface, A-2 jumper, 4-4 -6 multifrequency, 2-9 problems, C-10 -12 tests, B-11 -12 Mounting frames, hard disk, 5-7 -9 Mounting plate, hard disk, 5-10 -11 Mouse, port specifications, A-2 problems, C-22 setting jumper, 4-4 -6, 4-13 MS-DOS, batch files, 2-1 -2 copying files, 1-11, 1-16 diskettes, 1-11 stopping commands, 1-4 Multifrequency monitor, 2-9 N Network server mode, 2-7-9 NumLock mode, 1-3 O Operating speed, 2-2-6, C-19 Option cards, configuring, 4-26-28 installing, 3
Removing disk drives, 5-1 -27 Removing diskettes, 1-16 -18 Replacing cover, 3-17 -18 RESET button, 1-5, 2-4, C-6 -7 Resetting computer, 1-4 -5 ROM, A-1, A-5, C-2 ROM BIOS, version, C-1 -2 Run time parameters, B-3 -9 T S Utilities, VGA, 1-1 -2, 2-9 -10 Utility diskettes, 1-1 -2, 2-9 -10 Sector, 1-8 Serial, interface, A-2 port test, B-24 -25 Shadow RAM, A-1 SHARE, 2-8 SIMMS, configuring memory on, 4-19 installing, 4-1, 4-18 -22 problems, C-23 removing, 4-22 -23 specifications, 4-18-19, A-1 Slave drive, 5-
W Write-protecting diskettes, 1-12, 1-14 -15 Write-protect notch, 1-14 Write-protect switch, 1-15 Write-protect tab, 1-14 X XCOPY, 1-11 6 index
