EPSON Endeavor ® User’s Guide Daily usage, options, diagnostics and troubleshooting
FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT FOR AMERICAN USERS This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio and television reception.
EPSON@ User’s Guide a9 This manual is printed on recycled paper and is 100% recyclable.
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 computer. 3. Unplug the computer from the wall outlet before cleaning. Use a damp cloth for cleaning; do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners. 4. Do not spill liquid of any kind on the computer. 5. Do not place the computer on an unstable cart, stand, or table. 6.
10. Do not allow the computer’s power cord to become damaged or frayed. 11. If you use an extension cord with the computer, make sure the total of the ampere ratings of the devices plugged into the extension cord does not exceed the ampere rating for the extension cord. Also, make sure the total of all products plugged into the wall outlet does not exceed 15 amperes. 12. Do not insert objects of any kind into this product through the cabinet slots. 13.
Instructions Importantes de Sécurité 1. Lire complètement les instructions qui suivant et les conserver pour references futures. 2. Bien suivre tous les avertissements et les instructions indiqués sur l’ordinateur. 3. Debrancher l’ordinateur de toute sortie murale avant le nettoyage. Utiliser un chiffon humide; ne jamais utiliser un nettoyeur liquide ou une bonbonne aerosol. 4. Ne jamais renverser un liquide d’aucune sorte sur l’ordinateur. 5.
10. S’assurer que le cordon d’alimentation de l’ordinateur n’est pas effrité. 11. Dans le cas où on utilise un cordon de rallonge avec l’ordinateur, on doit s’assurer que la valeur totale d’ampères branches dans le cordon n’excède en aucun temps les amperes du cordon de rallonge. La quantité totale des appareils branches dans la prise murale ne doit jamais exéder 15 amperes. 12. Ne jamais inserer un objet de quelque sorte que ce soit dans les cavites de cet appareil. 13.
Contents Introduction VGA Utilities . . . . . . . . . Optional Equipment . . . . . Memory . . . . . . . . . Drives . . . . . . . . . . Over Drive Processor . . Math Coprocessor . . . Alternate VGA Interface How to Use This Manual . . Chapter 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing the Processor Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Preparing the Hard Disk for Moving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using AUTOEXEC.BAT and Other Batch Files . . . . . . . . . Chapter 2 Installing and Removing Options How to Use This Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Locating the Internal Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . Removing the Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Changing the Jumper Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing a Drive in a Horizontal Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Attaching Mounting Frames to a Hard Disk . . . . . . . . Installing the Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Connecting the Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Removing a Drive From a Horizontal Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . Connecting the Hard Disk Drive Ribbon Cable to the System Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Post-installation Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 6 Troubleshooting Identifying Your System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Computer Won’t Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Computer Does Not Respond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Restoring the Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Password Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accessing Your System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Keyboard Problems . . . . .
lntroduction Your new Epson® computer is a fast, high-performance system offering flexibility and expandability in a compact design.
Using the built-in interfaces, you can connect most of your peripheral devices directly to the computer so you don’t have to install option cards. You can use the option slots to enhance your system with extra functions such as a modem card or additional interface ports. The VGA controller supports standard resolutions up to 640 x 480 in 16 colors and extended resolutions up to 1024 x 768 in 16 colors (interlaced and non-interlaced), and lower resolutions in up to 256 colors.
Drives Your system can support up to three internal mass storage devices, including hard disk drives, diskette drives, a tape drive, or a CD-ROM drive. As your storage needs expand, you can install additional drives. Over Drive Processor Depending on which system you have, you may be able to ® enhance your system by installing an Intel OverDrive™ processor. This processor doubles the internal clock speed so your system runs much faster.
How to Use This Manual This manual contains the information you need to get the best results from your computer. You don’t have to read everything in this book; check the following summary. Chapter 1 covers general operating procedures, such as turning the computer on and off, using disks and disk drives, entering a password, and changing the processor speed.
Chapter 1 Using Your Computer This chapter briefly describes the following operations: Cl Turning the computer on and off Ll Using disks and disk drives 0 Using special keys on the keyboard Q Stopping a command or program Cl Resetting the computer CI Using a password 0 Changing the processor speed Cl Preparing a hard disk for moving CI Using AUTOEXEC.BAT and other batch files.
If you want basic information on turning the computer on and off, using your disk drives and keyboard, stopping commands, or resetting the computer, read the first five sections in this chapter. If you are familiar with these aspects of operating a computer, you can skip to page l-23 to learn about system operations specific to your computer, such as using a password and changing the processor speed.
2. If you do not have a hard disk, insert your main operating system diskette in drive A. Note If you do not have a hard disk, you need to insert the operating system diskette each time you turn on your system so the computer can copy the operating system to its memory. See your operating system manual for more information. 3. To turn on the computer, press the power button located on the right side of the front panel, as shown below. power (SPEED) indicator power button The power indicator lights up.
If you have made a major change to your system, such as adding a disk drive, the computer may take a few minutes to complete power-on diagnostics the first time you turn it on. When the system has successfully completed its diagnostics, you see the following prompt: Press Del to start SETUP Note If your computer’s configuration does not match the information stored in the computer’s CMOS RAM (defined through the SETUP program), you see an error message.
Turning Off the Computer Whenever you turn off your system, follow these steps: 1. Save your data and exit any application program you are using. 2. Check the hard disk drive light and the diskette drive light(s) to make sure they are not on. Do not turn off the computer if a drive light is on, because you can damage the drive or lose data. 3. Remove any diskette(s) from the diskette drive(s). 4.
How Disks Store Data Diskettes are made of flexible plastic coated with magnetic material. This plastic is enclosed in a square jacket that is either hard (M-inch diskette) or slightly flexible (5.25-inch diskette). Unlike a diskette, a hard disk is rigid and fixed in place. It is sealed in a protective case to keep it free of dust and dirt. A hard disk stores data the same way that a diskette does, but it works much faster and has a much larger storage capacity.
Double-sided and high-density diskettes have 80 tracks on each side and double-sided, double-density diskettes have either 40 or 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. In addition, a hard disk has many more tracks per side than a diskette, but the number of tracks depends on the capacity of the hard disk. The number of sectors depends on the type of hard disk.
1.2MB drive-Use 5.25-inch, double-sided, high-density, 96 TPI, 1.2MB diskettes. These diskettes contain 80 tracks per side, 15 sectors per track, and hold up to 1.2MB of information (approximately 500 pages of text). 720KB drive-Use 3.5-inch, double-sided, double-density, 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). 360KB drive-Use 5.
5.25-inch drive/diskette compatibility If 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. Because of possible incompatibilities, always indicate the diskette type and density when you label your diskettes. (Usually this information appears on the manufacturer’s label.) Note If you want to format a 720KB diskette in a l&MB drive or a 360KB diskette in a 1.2MB drive, make sure you include the correct parameter in your format command.
Caring for Diskettes and Diskette Drives Follow these basic precautions to protect your diskettes and avoid losing data: 0 Remove all diskettes before you turn off the computer. 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 “Writeprotecting Diskettes,” below, for more details.
CI Do not place diskettes on top of your monitor or near an external hard disk drive. Always hold a 5.25-inch diskette by its protective jacket and never touch the magnetic surface (exposed by the read/write slot). The oils on your fingertips can damage it. Q Never wipe, brush, or try to clean diskettes in any way. Write on a diskette label before you attach it to the diskette. If you need to write on a label that is already on the diskette, use only a soft-tip pen-not a ballpoint pen or a pencil.
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. On a 3.5-inch diskette, the write-protect device is a small switch on the back of the diskette in the lower right comer, shown below. To write-protect a 3.
To write-protect a 5.25-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 5.25-inch diskettes. To remove the write protection, peel off the write-protect tab. Note Some program diskettes have no switch or notch so they are permanently write-protected. This protects them from being accidentally erased or altered.
inserting and Removing Diskettes To insert a diskette into a 3.5-inch drive, hold 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. release button metal shutter 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.
To insert a diskette into a 5.25-inch drive, hold the diskette with the label facing up and the read/write slot leading into the drive, as shown below. latch read/write slot 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 to access the diskette. I Note Some 5.25-inch drives have a release button rather than a latch.
Caution Never remove a diskette or reset or turn off the computer while a diskette drive light is on. You could lose data. Also, remove all diskettes before you turn off the computer. 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.
However, if you have only one diskette drive and no hard disk, you need to use that drive to load the operating system as well as any application program you are using. First, insert the operating system diskette in drive A and load the operating system; this copies it to the computer’s memory (RAM) so you do not need to leave the system diskette in the drive. Then remove the system diskette and insert your application program diskette to load that data into memory, too.
Using a Hard Disk Drive Using a hard disk is similar to using a diskette. However, the hard disk provides several advantages: An 80MB hard disk can store as much data as approximately sixty-six 1.2MB diskettes or fifty-five 1.44MB diskettes, and a 120MB hard disk can store about a third more. A 240MB hard disk can store the equivalent of two hundred 1.2MB diskettes or one hundred sixty-six 1.44MB diskettes. Your computer can perform all hard disk 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 all 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.
Special Keys on the Keyboard Certain keys on your keyboard serve special functions when your computer is running your operating system or application programs, as described in the table below.
Special key functions (continued) 1 Purpose Key [-)-IF12 Perform special functions within application programs. I- (PrtSc) Prints the screen display on a printer. @bid (Req) Generates the System Request function in some application programs (used with [). [scmw Controls scrolling in some applications. Ipause) Suspends the current operation. m Stops the current operation (used with [Cm]>.
Resetting the Computer Occasionally, you may want to clear the computer’s current settings or its memory without turning it off. You can do this by resetting the computer. For example, if an error occurs and the computer does not respond to your keyboard entries, you can reset it to reload your operating system and try again. However, resetting erases any data in memory that you have not saved; so reset only if necessary. Caution Do not reset the computer to exit a program.
Using a Password If you set a System Access 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 or reset the computer. You see the following prompt: Enter Password: 3. Type your password. You see an asterisk for each character you type. Then press [Enter].
Changing the Processor Speed Your computer’s processor can operate at two speeds: high or low. High speed is the highest speed at which your microprocessor is capable of running, such as 25,33, or 50 MHz. Low speed simulates an 8 MHz processor to provide compatibility with older application programs. Note When your computer is operating at high speed, the SPEED light on the front panel is green. When the computer is operating at low speed, the light is amber.
You can change the processor speed temporarily by entering one of the following commands from the numeric keypad on your keyboard: Ll To select low speed, press [‘)(~)[-I. Ll To select high speed, press [ctrf) [r)m. (Hold down the [F) key and the [T) key simultaneously and then press the m or I-1 key on the numeric keypad.) The speed setting remains in effect until you do the following: Ll Press [ctll] [rut) (Delete) Cl Turn off the computer CI Change it with another keyboard command.
Preparing the Hard Disk for Moving If you need to move your computer to a new location, you may want to run the HDSIT program provided on your Reference diskette to protect the hard disk during the move. HDSIT moves (or parks) the disk drive’s read/write heads to a region on the disk surface that does not contain data, and locks them securely in position. This protects the hard disk from being damaged if the computer is bumped accidentally.
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. You can automate the execution of these commands by listing them in a special file called a batch file. When you type the name of the batch file and press [=I, MS-DOS executes the commands in the file just as if you had typed each command from the keyboard.
Chapter 2 Installing and Removing Options You can enhance the performance of your computer by adding optional equipment such as memory modules, option cards, or an Intel OverDrive processor. Memory modules-also called SIMMs (single inline memory modules)-allow you to increase the amount of memory in your computer. An option card is a circuit board you install in your computer to add a particular function, such as a modem or an additional interface port.
How to Use This Chapter This chapter explains how to do the following: Ll Remove the computer’s cover Ll Change jumper settings on the main system board 0 Install (and remove) memory modules (SIMMs) cl Install an option card Ll Remove an option card Ll Remove the option card connector board (to access the main system board) 0 Replace the option card connector board 0 Install a new processor chip (CPU) CL Increase the video memory Ll Use the alternate VGA interface (feature connector) CL
Locating the lnternal Components As you follow the instructions in this chapter, refer to the following illustration to locate the different components inside your computer.
Removing the Cover You need to remove the computer’s cover to install any of the options described in this chapter or to install or remove a disk drive (as described in Chapter 3). Follow these steps: 1. Turn off the computer and then any peripheral devices (including the monitor and printer). 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 and mouse cables. 3.
6. Turn the computer around again so that the front panel is facing you. 7. Grasp the sides of the cover and pull it straight toward you until it stops, just before it reaches the front of the computer. Then lift it off at an angle as shown below. 8. Set the cover aside. 9. Ground yourself to the computer by touching the metal surface of the back panel. WARNING Be sure to ground yourself by touching the back panel of the computer every time you remove the cover.
Changing the Jumper Settings The main system board in your computer has a number of jumpers which control certain functions.
Adapter, CMOS, and PQFP jumper settings l l Factory setting * Two pin jumpers Processor jumper settings You need to change the processor jumper settings when you upgrade your system by installing a new processor chip. Make sure the jumper settings for J10, Jll, and J12 correspond to the type of chip you installed.
Note If the microprocessor in your system is a PQFP type, it is surface-mounted on the main system board. This means that if you install an OverDrive processor, you can install it in the empty OverDrive socket. In this case, you need to disable the original microprocessor by moving jumper J23 to position 2-3. You also need to make sure the jumper settings for Jl0, Jll, and J12 are set correctly.
Setting the Jumpers If you need to change any jumper settings, follow these steps: 1. Refer to the illustration below to locate the jumpers. 2. If there are any option cards installed in your computer, you need to remove them to access the jumpers. See page 2-20. 3. If the option card connector board is in your way, you can remove it. See page 2-21 for instructions.
4. A jumper’s setting is determined by where the jumper is placed on the pins. A two pin jumper either connects both pins (on) or sits on just one of the pins (off), as illustrated below. ON OFF For three pm jumpers, the jumper connects pin 1 and the middle pin (position l-2) or pin 3 and the middle pin (position 2-3), as shown below. (In the off position, a three pin jumper sits on only one of the end pins.
Memory Modules (SIMMs) Your computer comes with 4MB of memory installed in a SIMM socket. By installing memory modules-also called SIMMs (single inline memory modules)-you can increase the amount of memory in your computer up to 32MB. There are two SIMM sockets on the main system board, and each can contain one memory module. You can install SIMMs with a capacity of lMB, 4MB, or 16MB. The following table shows the possible SIMM configurations; do not install memory in any other configuration.
Before you install SIMMs, check the following guidelines to ensure that they will work properly: Use only 36-bit, fast-page mode SIMMs that operate at an access speed of 70ns (nanoseconds) or faster. Be sure all the SIMMs operate at the same speed. Use the correct SIMM configuration to add the amount of memory you want. See the table above. Your computer can use any SIMM that complies with industry standards; however, it is best to use Epson SIMM option kits to ensure reliability and compatibility.
Inserting SIMMs Follow these steps to install SWIMS: 1. Refer to the illustration on page 2-3 to locate the SIMM sockets near the front of the computer. 2. Remove any option cards that may be blocking your access to the SIMM sockets. See page 2-20 for instructions. 3. Position the SIMM over the socket at an angle, as shown below. The components on the SIMM should face the outside of the computer.
4. Push the SIMM into the socket until it is seated firmly in the slot. Then tilt it upright, as shown below, guiding the hole at each end of the SIMM over the retaining post at each end of the SIMM socket. 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 the second SIMM. 6. Replace any option cards you removed. See page 2-16 for instructions. 7.
Removing SIMMS If you need to remove SIMMs from your computer (to install different ones, for example), follow the steps below. 1. Remove any option cards that may be blocking your access to the SIMM sockets. See page 2-20 for instructions. 2. Use your fingers or two small screwdrivers to carefully pull away the tabs that secure the SIMM at each end. As you pull away the tabs, the SIMM falls to the side. Remove it from the socket. tabs 3. If necessary, follow the same procedure to remove the other SIMM.
5. The next time you turn on your computer, run the SETUP program so your computer can update its memory configuration. lnstalling an Option Card This section explains how to install an option card in your computer. Your computer has four option slots to accommodate up to four B-bit or 16-bit option cards. 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. If this is the first time you are installing a card in the option slot, you need to remove the metal cover for that slot on the inside back panel. Remove the retaining screw securing the option slot cover to the computer. (Keep the screw to secure the option card to the computer.) cover 2. Slide out the slot cover and set it aside. (Store the slot cover in a safe place in case you remove the option card later.
3. 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. 4.
Once the connectors reach the slot, push the card in firmly (but carefully) to insert it fully. You should feel the card fit into place. If it does not go in smoothly, do not force it; pull the card all the way out and try again. 5. Secure the end of the card to the computer with the retaining screw. Note If you installed a high-resolution graphics adapter card, see “Using the Alternate VGA Interface,” on page 2-26, for further instructions.
Removing an Option Curd You may need to remove an option card installed in your computer to access components on the main system board-to change a jumper setting, for example. You may also want to remove a card if you no longer need it. Follow these steps: 1. Remove the retaining screw securing the option card to the computer. Then pull the card straight out of the slot. 2. Set the card aside with the component side facing up.
Removing the Option Card Connector Board You may want to remove the option card connector board to access certain components on the main system board, such as jumpers or the disk drive controllers. ‘Follow these steps: 1. Remove any option cards. (See the instructions above.) 2. Remove the retaining screw securing the bracket on the option card connector board to the power supply. 3. Pull the board straight up and out of its socket and set it aside.
Replacing the Option Card Connector Board If you removed the option card connector board to access any system components, follow these steps to replace it: 1. Position the board above its slot as shown below, and then firmly push it straight in. 2. Secure the board to the power supply with its retaining screw. Now you can re-install any option cards you removed. See page 2-16 for instructions.
lnstalling a New Processor Chip If you have a 486SX/25 or 486DX/33 system, you can enhance your system’s performance by installing an Intel OverDrive processor. Alternatively, for the 486SX/25, you can install a 487SX/25 microprocessor with built-in math coprocessor. Complete instructions for installing the processor are provided in the manual that comes with it.
lncreasing the Video Memory Your computer comes with 512KB or 1MB of video memory. If you have 512KB, you can increase your video memory to 1MB by installing four video DRAM, 20-pin, DIP (Dual Inline Package) chips. This is useful for running graphics-intensive applications or for supporting resolutions up to 1024 x 768 on your monitor. The following table lists which video DRAM DIP parts you can install on the main system board.
2. If there is an option card in your way, remove it. See page 2-20 for instructions. Caution To avoid generating static electricity and damaging the memory chips, ground yourself by touching the metal surface on the inside of the computer’s back panel. Then remain as stationary as possible while you install them. 3. Remove the memory chips from their package and inspect each one. The pins should point inward at slightly less than o a 90 angle.
5. Gently press the chip halfway into the socket (to make sure it is correctly aligned). If the chip goes in at an angle, remove it with a chip puller or a small flat-head screwdriver and try again. 6. When the chip is properly positioned, push down firmly on both ends of the chip to make sure it is well-seated. 7. Repeat steps 4 through 6 for each of the three remaining chips. 8. Replace any option cards you removed. See page 2-16 for instructions. 9.
Follow these steps: 1. If you have not already done so, follow the instructions on page 2-16 (“Installing an Option Card”) to install the graphics adapter card in your computer. 2. Attach one end of the cable to the alternate VGA interface on the main system board near the back panel, as shown below. Align the cable so the red wire along one edge is closest to pin 1 in the socket. 3. Connect the other end of the cable to the appropriate interface on the adapter card.
Using a Display Adapter Card If you are not using a VGA monitor or if you want to install an optional display adapter card instead of using the built-in adapter to control your VGA monitor, read the guidelines in this section. Before you can connect a monitor to a display adapter card, you must install the card in your computer. If it is not already installed, follow the instructions on page 2-16 to install an option card.
Replacing the Cover When you are ready to replace the computer’s cover, follow these steps: 1. Facing the front of the computer, position the cover so the lip on its bottom edge slides under the guiderails along both sides of the computer case, as shown below. 2. Lower the cover and slide it straight back over the computer until it cannot go any farther.
3. Replace the three cover retaining screws, as shown below. 4. 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. Post-installation Procedures After you install or remove options such as memory modules or a new processor, you must run SETUP to update the computer’s configuration. See Chapter 2 of the Setup Guide for instructions.
Chapter 3 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, a CD-ROM drive, or a tape drive. Although your drive may look different from the ones illustrated here, you should be able to install it the same way.
Your computer can hold up to three drives. There are two horizontal drive bays and one vertical drive bay. The upper horizontal bay contains the diskette drive that came with your system. If your system came with only one diskette drive, you can install an additional device of one of the following types in the lower horizontal drive bay: Q 5 1/4-inch-wide diskette drive, tape drive, CD-ROM drive, or other storage device Ct 3-2 3 1/2-inch-wide hard disk drive with mounting frames attached to it.
Your computer may have a hard disk drive already installed in the vertical drive bay. If not, you can install one hard disk drive in this bay. It is best to install your computer’s first hard disk drive in the vertical drive bay. If you add a second hard disk drive or diskette drive, use the lower horizontal drive bay. How to Use This Chapter To install or remove a drive, first remove the computer’s cover as described on page 2-4.
Setting the Hard Disk Drive Jumpers Most hard disk drives have jumpers that must be set for the drive to work properly with the computer. The jumpers tell the computer whether you are using one hard disk drive or two. If you purchased your computer with a hard disk drive already installed, these jumpers have been set correctly for your system. If you install a hard disk drive in your computer, be sure to check the drive’s jumper settings before you install it.
Installing a Hard Disk in the Vertical Bay It is best to install your computer’s first hard disk drive in the vertical drive bay, as described in this section. Here you’ll find steps for the following procedures: Cl Removing the mounting frames from the hard disk drive (if necessary) Q Installing the hard disk drive in the vertical drive bay Q Connecting the cables. Note Before you install a hard disk drive, be sure to check the jumpers on the drive. For instructions, see page 3-4.
Removing the Mounting Frames Your hard disk drive may have mounting frames attached to it, as shown below. You need to remove these frames before you can install the drive in the vertical bay.
Follow these steps to remove the mounting frames: 1. On your hard disk drive, there may be a plastic guiderail and metal grounding plate attached to one of the mounting frames. If so, remove the screws securing them to the mounting frame, as shown below, and remove the guiderail and grounding plate. 2. Then remove the two screws securing each mounting frame to the drive and remove the frames, as shown below.
Installing the Hard Disk To install the hard disk drive, you first need to attach it to the mounting plate in the vertical drive bay. Follow these steps: 1. Remove the screw securing the mounting plate to the horizontal drive bays and set it aside. Then slide the mounting plate in the direction of the arrow, and lift it out.
2. Turn the hard disk drive so the components face up and the connectors face left. Then place the mounting plate on the hard disk drive and align the four holes in the plate with the four holes in the drive, as shown below. bracket holes connectors The bracket on the mounting plate should be on the opposite side of the connector end of the drive. 3. Use the four screws that came with the hard disk drive (or with your computer) to secure the mounting plate to the drive.
4. Hold the drive so the mounting plate faces the horizontal drive bays (with the bracket over the top) and the connectors face the back of the computer, as shown below. The two tabs at the bottom of the mounting plate should be just above the two slots in the computer case.
5. Lower the tabs into the corresponding slots in the computer case. Slide the drive in the direction of the arrow, until the hole in the bracket is aligned with the hole on top of the horizontal drive bays. bracket 6. Secure the mounting plate with the screw, as shown above.
Connecting the Cables To connect the hard disk drive to the computer, you need to connect two cables: the hard disk drive ribbon cable and a power supply cable. Follow the steps below: 1. If you areinstalling your computer’s first hard disk drive, you need to connect the hard disk drive ribbon cable to the system board now. Follow the instructions on page 3-33 and then return here. 2. The hard disk drive ribbon cable should be connected to the main system board.
power 4. Make sure the holes in the cable connector fit over all the pins in the hard disk drive connector; then push in the connector. 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 cable connector.
5. Locate one of the power supply cables that lead from the power supply (behind the horizontal drive bays). The power supply cables may be secured in a plastic band on the side of the power supply. If so, unfasten the band to free the cables. The cables are labelled PA, PB, PC, and PD; you can use any one that is free. (If your drive requires a small power supply cable connector, use PD.) 6.
Removing a Hard Disk From the Vertcal Bay Follow these steps to remove a hard disk drive from the vertical drive bay: 1. Disconnect the hard disk drive ribbon cable and power supply cable from the back of the drive, as shown below. Grasp the cable connectors and pull them straight out from the connectors on the hard disk drive so you do not bend the pins; do not pull on the cables.
2. Remove the retaining screw securing the hard disk drive and mounting plate to the horizontal drive bays. Then slide the hard disk drive and mounting plate in the direction of the arrow, shown below, and lift them out of the computer. 3. Remove the four screws securing the mounting plate to the hard disk drive. You can store the mounting plate and its screw or replace it in the computer and secure it with the screw. 4.
If you removed one hard disk drive and are leaving another one in the computer, you need to set the jumpers on the remaining drive to indicate that you now have only one hard disk drive. For the correct settings, see the documentation that came with the drive. installing a Drive in a Horizontal Bay This section describes how to install a drive in a horizontal drive bay.
Depending on the type of drive you are installing, you may need to attach mounting frames to it before you install it in a horizontal bay. Follow these guidelines: If you are installing a diskette drive, skip to “Installing the Drive” on page 3-20. If you are installing a hard disk drive that has a 3.5-inch form factor, it must have mounting frames attached to it so it fits properly in the horizontal drive bay. Follow the steps in the next section.
Attaching Mounting Frames to a Hard Disk To attach mounting frames to a hard disk drive, follow these steps: 1. Locate the two mounting frames and four screws that came with the drive. 2. As shown below, place a mounting frame on top of one side of the drive and align it so that the holes in the drive are approximately in the middle of the oval holes in the frame. Then secure the mounting frame to the drive with the two screws. mounting frame 3.
Installing the Drive Follow these steps to install the drive in a horizontal drive bay: 1. Locate the two metal guiderails and six screws that came with the computer. 2. Using the appropriate screw holes, attach one guiderail to each side of the drive (or each mounting frame, if attached), as shown below. The bracket on the guiderail should be on the opposite side of the connector end of the drive.
3. If you are installing a drive in the lower bay, remove the two, retaining screws securing the metal drive bay cover to the front of the computer and remove the cover. Store it in a safe place and save the screws to use later in these steps. 4. If you are installing a 5.25-inch diskette drive, hold it so that the diskette release latch is above the diskette slot. If you are installing a 3.
5. To insert a diskette drive, align the guiderails on each side of the drive with the notches on each side of the drive bay and slide the drive into the bay as far as it will go, as shown below. Secure the guiderails to the computer case with the two retaining screws.
6. If you are installing a diskette drive in the lower bay, you need to remove the faceplate on the computer’s front panel because it covers this bay. Remove the screws securing the faceplate to the inside of the computer’s cover and remove the faceplate, as shown below. Store the faceplate and screws in a safe place; you may want to install it again later. Then go to “Connecting the Cables” on page 3-24.
7. To insert a hard disk drive, align the guiderails on each side of the drive with the notches on each side of the drive bay and slide the drive all the way into the bay, as shown below. Secure the guiderails to the computer case with the two retaining screws. Connecting the Cables To connect the drive to the computer, you need to connect two cables: a drive ribbon cable and a power supply cable. The steps below describe how to connect these cables to the drive.
1. Locate the diskette drive ribbon cable. One end of the cable is connected to the system board. If you are installing a second diskette drive in the lower horizontal drive bay, the other end of the cable is connected to the top diskette drive; use the middle connector. If you are installing a diskette drive in the upper bay, use the free end connector. The diskette drive connector that extends from the back of the drive has gold contacts on both sides.
2. Locate the hard disk drive ribbon cable. If you are installing a second hard disk drive, one end of the cable is connected to the system board and the other end is connected to the first hard disk drive in the vertical drive bay; use the free middle cable connector to connect the second hard disk drive as described below. If you are installing your computer’s first hard disk drive, you need to connect the hard disk drive ribbon cable to the system board now.
Note When the hard disk drive ribbon cable is positioned correctly, the red wire on the cable is next to the power supply connector on the hard disk drive, as shown above. Make sure the holes in the cable connector fit over all the pins in the hard disk drive connector; then push in the cable connector. 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 cable connector. 3.
4. Position the power supply cable connector so that its notched comers line up with the notched comers of the drive’s power supply connector, as shown below. Make sure the holes fit over all the pins and then push in the connector. diskette drive hard disk drive notched corners Caution If you do not align the cable connector correctly, you could severly damage your drive when you push it in.
Removing a Drive From a Horizontal Buy This section describes how to remove a drive from a horizontal drive bay. Although the illustrations show a diskette or hard disk drive in the lower bay, you can use these same instructions to remove a diskette drive from the upper bay. Follow these steps to remove a drive from a horizontal bay: 1. Disconnect the drive ribbon cable and power supply cable from the back of the drive, as shown below.
hard disk drive 2. Remove the two retaining screws securing the drive to the drive bay. Then grasp the front of the drive and pull it completely out of the bay.
3. If you are leaving the drive bay empty, replace the metal drive bay cover and two retaining screws, as shown below. 4. If you are replacing the drive you removed with another drive, remove the guiderails and screws from the drive and use them to install the other drive as described in “Installing a Drive in a Horizontal Bay” on page 3-17. 5. Wrap the drive in its original packing materials and store it in a safe place. 6.
If you removed one hard disk drive and are leaving another one in the computer, you need to set the jumpers on the remaining drive to indicate that you now have only one hard disk drive. See the documentation that came with the drive for the correct jumper settings. 7. If you removed a diskette drive from the lower bay and you are leaving the bay empty or installing a hard disk drive in it, you need to replace the front panel faceplate to cover the bay.
Connecting the Hard Disk Drive Ribbon Cable to the System Board Follow these steps to connect the hard disk drive ribbon cable to the system board: 1. Locate the hard disk drive connector on the system board. As shown below, it is next to the diskette drive connector, between the option card connector board and the power supply. (The diskette drive ribbon cable is removed from the illustration for clarity.
2. Locate the hard disk drive ribbon cable that came with the computer. It is a flat cable with three connectors: one on each end and one in the middle, as shown below. 3. Select the connector on the end of the longest part of the cable (the main system board connector). Notice the small tab in the middle of the cable connector, as shown in the illustration above. Align the connector so that the tab faces the back of the computer (toward the option slots), as shown below.
Note You may find it easier to plug in the cable connector if you first remove the option card connector board and diskette drive ribbon cable. To remove the option card connector board, see page 2-21. To disconnect the diskette drive ribbon cable, grasp the cable connector and pull it straight out from the system board connector so you do not bend the pins; do not pull on the cable. 4.
Post-installation Procedures After you install or remove your drive(s) and replace the computer’s cover, follow the necessary steps below to make sure your new configuration works properly: 1. Run the SETUP program to configure your computer for your new set of drives. See Chapter 2 of the Setup Guide for instructions. 3-36 2.
Chapter 4 Running System Diagnostics You can test the following devices using System diagnostics: Cl System board CI Numeric coprocessor Cs System memory D Diskette drive(s) Ll Hard disk drive(s) Cs Serial port(s) Q Parallel port(s) Q Video adapter 0 Keyboard 0 Dot matrix printer(s). See the table on page 4-7 for a list of the tests available for each device. Note The Write, read checks for the hard disk drive(s) and diskette drive(s) destroy data on the disk.
Starting the Program Follow these steps to start the System diagnostics program: 1. Insert the Reference diskette in drive A and turn on or reset the computer. Note Always boot the computer from the Reference diskette to start System diagnostics. This clears any terminate-andstay-resident (TSR) programs or other utilities from memory and frees it for use by the diagnostics program. 2. At the A: prompt, type DIAG and press [K). 3. You see a menu bar at the top of the screen with items Detected highlighted.
Deleting Tests To remove devices from the Items Detected list so the System diagnostics program cannot test them, follow these steps: 1. Press [y) to select Delete Tests. You see the Delete menu, such as the following: System Board Numeric Coprocessor System Memory Diskette Drive A Hard Disk Drive #l Serial Port COMl Serial Port COM2 Printer Port LPTl Video Adapter Test Keyboard Test 2. Press 1T-J or [T] to highlight the device you want to delete and press (E]. The device is removed from the Delete menu.
Adding Tests If you want to add devices to the Items Detected list, follow these steps: 1.Press[c] or[T)t to select Add Tests. You see the Add menu, such as the following: Numeric Coprocessor Diskette Drive B Hard Disk Drive #2 Serial Port COM3 Serial Port COM4 Printer Port LPT2 Printer Port LPT3 LPTl Printer Test LPT2 Printer Test The Add menu lists the testable devices that the computer has not detected as Enabled in your system.
Running Tests Follow these steps to run a test from the Execute menu: 1. Press [t3 or (T] to select Execute. You see the Execute menu, such as the following: System Board Numeric Coprocessor System Memory Diskette Drive A Hard Disk Drive #1 Serial Port COMl Printer Port LPTl Video Adapter Test Keyboard Test 2. Press (t) or 17) to highlight the device you want to test and press [Enter). You see the Repeat prompt: How often to repeat test? 1 3. If you want to run the test once, press [E).
Use (I‘) or [T] or type the number of the desired option to highlight a test and then press [c) to run it. If you selected to run the tests more than once, you do not see a submenu. The program immediately begins executing all tests that do not destroy data. 5. When the test is completed, you see the Execute menu or the test submenu again. You can select another test or exit the menu. To exit System diagnostics, press (7) to select Quit and press I=]. You return to the operating system command prompt.
System Diagnostic Tests The table below lists all the System diagnostic tests you can run on your system.
System diagnostic tests (continued) Device Tests available Description Video Adapter Adapter check Attribute check Character set check Graphics mode check Screen paging check Sync check Run all above checks Tests the operation of the built-in VGA display adapter Tests the operation of your keyboard by displaying an asterisk on a keyboard diagram for each key you have pressed Keyboard l The Write, read check destroys data on the disk.
System diagnostic error messages (continued) Running System Diagnostics 4-9
Chapter 5 Formatting a Hard Disk This chapter describes how to low-level (or physically) format a hard disk. This procedure should not be confused with the logical format performed by your operating system. The physical formatting of a hard disk is a separate step that is usually done at the factory by the disk manufacturer. If your computer came with a factory-installed hard disk, or if you installed an optional Epson IDE hard disk, it has already been physically formatted. (All IDE drives come formatted.
Starting the Program Follow these steps to start the hard disk formatting program: 1. Insert the Reference diskette in drive A and log onto drive A. 2. Type HDFMTALL and press [El. You see the Hard Disk Format Menu: 1 - Format 2 - Destructive surface analysis 3 - Non-destructive surface analysis 0 - Exit The option you choose depends on whether you are formatting a new disk or reformatting a used disk.
Formatting a New Disk To format a new hard disk that has never been formatted, select the Format option. You may need to modify the defective track table to add bad tracks when you format the disk. Many hard disk drives come with a printed list of bad tracks, but the bad tracks are not flagged on the disk. Other hard disks (such as Epson disks) come with the bad tracks already flagged. Reformatting a Used Disk To reformat a disk you have been using, follow these steps: 1.
Selecting a Drive If you have more than one hard disk drive, you see this prompt: Enter drive number ? (l/2) Select 1 for the first hard disk or 2 for the second hard disk. Then see the instructions below for the Hard Disk Format Menu option you want to use.
2. Next you see the following prompt: Accept recommended skewed sectors in format : 1 ? (Y/N) For an Epson hard disk drive, it is best to accept the recommended skewed sector (also called the interleave factor) of 1, since this setting allows your drive to perform more efficiently. For other hard disk drives, you may need to change this value if the documentation that came with the disk recommends a different number. To accept the default, select Y. Then go to step 3. To enter a new value, select N.
To enter a new value, select N. You see the following prompt: Enter new skewed sectors per head in format (O-16): Enter the recommended number, which equals the maximum sector number for the drive minus 1. The maximum sector number depends on the drive type. Then press (Enter]. 4. The program now allows you to edit the defective track table. At the bottom of the table is this prompt: Modify defective track table ? (Y/N) Select N if you want to leave the table as it is.
To add a bad track, follow these steps: 1. Press m. You see this prompt: Enter cylinder number (1 - nnnn): 2. Type the number of the cylinder containing the bad track and press [Enter). You see this prompt: Enter head number (0 - nn): 3. Type the head number for the bad track and press (x). (To cancel the operation, press [E] without typing a value.) When you complete a valid entry, it appears in the table and you can add the next bad track, if necessary.
Formatting the Disk When you are ready to start formatting the disk, you see the following warning: WARNING! ALL DATA WILL BE DESTROYED IN ALL PARTITIONS OF HARD DISK, NOT JUST IN MS-DOS PARTITION! Do you want to start formatting ? (Y/N) If you are not sure you want to format the hard disk, select N. If you are sure, select Y; the program gives you one more chance to cancel: DOUBLE CHECK THAT YOU HAVE BACKUP DISKETTE COPIES OF ALL YOUR FILES.
Option 2, Destructive Surface Analysis You can perform a Destructive surface analysis of your hard disk to accurately locate any bad tracks and flag them, if they are not flagged. The test writes, reads, and verifies information on every track, except those that are already flagged as bad. Caution If any errors occur during this check, all data on the track that caused the error is destroyed.
If the program finds an unflagged bad track, the report is followed by a table like this: Write, Read Error Tracks Cylinder Head Cylinder Head Cylinder Head Cylinder Head 237 2 Confirm to register the tracks in the Write, Read Error Track Table as bad tracks. Do you want to register the error tracks as bad tracks? (Y/N) To flag these tracks as bad, select Y. You see a list of the tracks as they are flagged. When the process is complete, press (F) to return to the Hard Disk Format Menu.
As the program checks each track, it decreases the cylinder numbers to zero. When the test is complete, the program displays a report on the status of the disk, such as the following: Analysis finished. = Count of tracks flagged bad 12 Count-of tracks with read, verify errors = n Count of good tracks = nnnn No read, verify error was detected. If the program finds errors, the screen displays a table of the tracks that produced the errors. Then you see this message: Press ENTER to return to the menu.
Chapter 6 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 chapter. 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 diagnostic checks on the various components of your system. See Chapter 4 for instructions.
1. Turn on your computer. 2. When the computer performs its power-on memory test, the version number of your video BIOS appears at the top of the screen. Next, the system BIOS version number appears in a window at the bottom of the screen. Quickly write down these version numbers. If you do not have enough time to do this, press [ctrl) Ait [E] and try ii again. 3. When you see Press Del to start SETUP, press [El.
What the system does when it encounters an error depends on how you’ve set the Halt on option in the SETUP program. (See Chapter 2 of the Setup Guide for instructions on using the SETUP program.) With this option, you can tell the computer to halt system initialization when it detects the following types of errors: Q All errors CL All errors, except diskette drive and keyboard errors 0 All errors, except diskette drive errors 0 All errors, except keyboard errors 0 No errors.
The following table lists error messages that may appear during power-on diagnostics. If you receive an error message, look it up in the table below; it directs you to the proper troubleshooting section in this chapter or offers a solution. If you do not see an error message, read the section that covers your problem. Power-on diagnostics error messages Error message Action AWARD CMOS HAS BEEN CHANGED A virus is possibly attacking the contents of your CMOS RAM. immediately turn off your computer.
Power-on diagnostics error messages (continued) Error message Action DISPLAY SWITCH IS SET INCORRECTLY Jumper J5 conflicts with the video options in the SETUP program. See Chapter 2 of the User’s Guide for correct jumper settings and Chapter 2 of the Setup Guide for instructions on running SETUP. DISPLAY TYPE HAS CHANGED SINCE LAST BOOT The display adapter has been changed. Run SETUP. See Chapter 2 of the Setup Guide.
Power-on diagnostics error messages (continued) 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. Make sure the power cord is securely connected to both the AC inlet on the back panel and an electrical outlet. Replace your main operating system diskette or Reference diskette, if necessary, and turn on the computer again.
2. If the power light still does not come on, check the electrical outlet for power. Turn off your computer, unplug the power cord, and plug a lamp into the outlet. Turn it on to see if the outlet supplies power. 3. If you installed or removed any of your system components, such as a disk drive, check to make sure you have reconnected all the internal and external cables correctly. See Chapters 2 and 3 for instructions. 4.
2. If you have just made a change in your system configuration, your computer may take a few minutes to complete its power-on diagnostics. The first time you turn on your computer after making such a change, it can take several minutes to finish its self test, depending on what you changed. If the computer does not display the operating system prompt after five minutes, turn off the computer, wait 20 seconds, and try again.
9. If you installed a display adapter card (and did not connect it to the feature connector on the main system board), you must set jumper J6 to disable the built-in VGA adapter. Otherwise, you will not see any display on the screen. See “Changing the Jumper Settings” in Chapter 2. 10. If your computer suddenly stops operating, its power supply thermal detection circuits may have detected excessive operating temperatures and automatically shut down the power. This protects your system from damage.
0 An overload of the power supply limitations. Check the table in Appendix A to see if you have exceeded the option slot power limits. See your option card manual(s) for the power requirements for your option card(s). 3. After you correct the problem causing the overheating, allow the computer to cool down for at least five minutes at room temperature (about 78” F or 25” C). This resets the thermal detection circuits. 4. If you removed the computer’s cover, replace it now. (See Chapter 2 for instructions.
Accessing Your System If you have forgotten your current System Access or Setup Access password, follow these steps: 1. Turn off the computer. 2. Follow the instructions under “Changing the Jumper Settings” in Chapter 2 to disable the password function by setting jumper J7 to On. Caution When you move J7 to the On position, all the settings you changed using the SETUP program return to the factory defaults. If you move this jumper, you must run SETUP to update your system configuration again. 3.
9. To disable the password, highlight the Security option, then press a or I-) to change the setting to Disable. (See Chapter 2 of the Setup Guide for more information.) 10. Check all the settings in SETUP and change any that do not match your system configuration. (Resetting J7 erased all your previous SETUP settings and restored the factory default settings.) 11. Save your settings as you exit SETUP. (See Chapter 2 of the Setup Guide for instructions.) The computer reboots.
If you want to change the initial setting of the num lock function, see “Setting the NumLock Boot Status” in Chapter 2 of the Setup Guide. 4. If you still have trouble with the keyboard, run the Keyboard diagnostic test described in Chapter 4. If the diagnostics indicate an error, contact your Authorized Epson Servicer. Monitor Problems For monitor problems, check the following: 1. If there is no display on the screen, check that the monitor’s power switch is on and that its power light is lit.
6. If you are running an application program, see if you need to set up the program for the type of monitor and display adapter you have. Also make sure you are using the appropriate monitor and display adapter for your software. Note If your application program requires a monitor that supports graphics but you have a monochrome monitor, the results will be unpredictable. J 7.
Diskette Problems If you see an error message or have trouble accessing data on a diskette, try the following steps: 1. You may have inserted the diskette upside-down or it may not be inserted all the way. Remove the diskette from the drive and reinsert it. If the diskette drive has a latch, be sure to turn it down to secure the diskette in the drive. See Chapter 1 for detailed instructions on inserting and removing diskettes. 2.
6. Did you receive one of the following MS-DOS error messages? Disk Drive Error: Abort, Ignore, Retry? Disk error reading drive d: Disk error writing drive d: If you see one of these messages, make sure the diskette is properly inserted in the drive. If the problem persists, try removing the diskette and reinserting it. If the error message still occurs, you may have a defective diskette. Try copying the files from the bad diskette to a new diskette. 7.
Diskette Drive Problems If you see a diskette error message or have difficulty with a diskette drive, follow these steps: 1. If you have problems with a new diskette drive that someone else installed for you, consult that person about the problem. 2. If you installed the drive yourself, did you carefully follow all the steps in Chapter 3? Review the instructions and check all the cable connections to make sure you have installed the drive correctly. 3.
Hard Disk Problems If you have a problem with a hard disk, it could be the result of improper installation, incomplete disk preparation, or corrupted data. Consult one of the following sections, depending on the problem you are having: 0 Installing the drive 0 Preparing the drive for use 0 Accessing data on the drive. For example, if you could use the data on your disk in the past but suddenly cannot, see “Accessing Data on the Drive.
3. If you installed an IDE hard disk drive, be sure you run SETUP to update your configuration. Check to make sure you selected the correct drive type and that you enabled the built-in IDE hard disk drive controller. (If you connected the IDE drive to a controller on an option card, be sure you set the built-in controller to Disabled.) See Chapter 2 of the Setup Guide for instructions. 4.
If you do not prepare the drive correctly, you cannot store data on the disk. For example, if you partition the drive and format it for MS-DOS (or for another operating system) but you do not copy the operating system to the drive, you will not be able to load the operating system from the hard disk. If you are sure the hard disk was installed properly and you prepared it for use as described above but you cannot access the drive, review the instructions in your operating system manuals.
Software Problems If you have trouble with an application program, try the following: 1. If the application program does not start, check that you are following the correct procedure for starting the program, and that it is installed correctly. If you have a hard disk and the program is stored in a directory on that drive, make sure you are logged onto or specifying the correct directory. If you don’t have a hard disk, make sure you inserted the correct diskette in drive A. 2.
5. If resetting the computer does not help, remove any diskettes, turn off your system, wait 20 seconds, and turn it back on. Then restart your application program. If none of these solutions solve your software problem, contact the software manufacturer for technical support. Printer Problems Below are some general steps to follow if you have difficulty with your printer. If the problem persists and you need more detailed information, check your printer manual.
If it does not, you may need to change the internal setting of the computer’s parallel port for a parallel printer (or serial port for a serial printer). To do this, use the MS-DOS MODE or SETMODE command. See your printer manual and MS-DOS documentation for more details. 5. Many application programs (such as word processors) must be set up properly before they can use a printer. Check your program manual to see what customizing may be required. 6.
4. Did you run the SETUP program to update your computer’s configuration after installing the card? See Chapter 2 of the Setup Guide. 5. If you used the option card to add an external device to your computer, did you use the proper cable to connect the device to the card? 6. Did you perform the correct setup procedures for the software you are using with the option card? See your option card or software manual for instructions.
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 may not have installed the SIMMs correctly. They may be the wrong type of SIMM or they may not be inserted all the way. See “Memory Modules (SIMMs)” in Chapter 2 and make sure you followed all the instructions. 2.
Appendix A Specifications CPU and Memory 32-bit CPU 4SX/25: Intel i486SX, 25 MHz microprocessor; can be replaced with optional 487SX/25 or ODP486-25 OverDrive processor 4DX/33: Intel i486DX, 33 MHz microprocessor; can be replaced with optional ODP486-33 OverDrive processor 4DX2/50: Intel i486DX2,50 MHz microprocessor System speed High and low speeds available; high speed is CPU-dependent (25 MHz, 33 MHz, or 50 MHz), low speed is simulated 8 MHz speed; speed selection through keyboard command; 0 wait sta
Video RAM 512KB or 1MB DRAM on main system board; 512KB configuration expandable to 1MB Shadow RAM Supports shadowing of system and video BIOS ROM into RAM Cache 8KB of internal cache (built into the microprocessor) Math coprocessor On 4DX/33 and 4DX2/50 systems, math coprocessor built into the microprocessor; optional 487 upgrade available for 4SX/25 system Clock/ calendar Real-time clock, calendar, and CMOS RAM socketed on main system board with built-in battery backup Controllers Video Cirrus®
lnterfaces Monitor VGA interface built into system board for analog or multifrequency VGA monitor; 15-pin, D-shell connector Parallel One standard 8-bit parallel, uni- or bidirectional interface built into main system board; I/O address selectable through SETUP; 25-pin, D-shell connector Serial Two RS-232C, programmable, asynchronous interfaces built into main system board; 9-pin, D-shell connector Keyboard PS/2 compatible keyboard interface built into main system board; num lock setting selectable t
Mass Storage Diskette drives Three half-height drives maximum (one vertical mount and two horizontal mounts) configurable using the following: 5.25-inch diskette drive, 1.2MB (high-density) storage capacity 3.5-inch diskette drive, 1.44MB (high-density) storage capacity 5.25-inch diskette drive, 360KB (double-density) storage capacity 3.
Physical Characteristics Width 14.8 inches (370 mm) Depth 16.5 inches (412 mm) Height 4.8 inches (120 nun) Weight 16.7 lb (7.5 kg), with one diskette drive and one hard disk, but without keyboard Power Supply Type 145 Watt, fan-cooled, switch selectable voltage Input ranges 90 to 132 VAC and 180 to 264 VAC Maximum outputs +5 VDC at 18 Amps, +12 VDC at 4.0 Amps, -5 VDC at 0.3 Amps, -12 VDC at 0.
Environmental Requirements A-6 Specifications
Power Source Requirements 720 Volt power source requirements 240 Volt power source requirements Specifications A-7
System Memory Map A-8 Specifications
GIossary Access speed The length of time it takes for an information storage device, such as memory or a disk drive, to return a piece of data requested by another device. For example, your computer’s SIMMs return data requested by the microprocessor at an access speed of 70ns (nanoseconds). 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, such as a VGA monitor.
GIossary Access speed The length of time it takes for an information storage device, such as memory or a disk drive, to return a piece of data requested by another device. For example, your computer’s SIMMs return data requested by the microprocessor at an access speed of 70ns (nanoseconds). 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, such as a VGA monitor.
Asynchronous A method of data transmission in which one machine sends data, one character at a time, to another machine at variable intervals that do not need to be synchronized to a timing device, such as a system clock. AUTOEXEC.BAT file The batch file your computer runs automatically whenever you load MS-DOS. It configures the installed system devices and sets various user preferences. See also Batchfile.
Bit A binary digit (0 or 1). The smallest unit of information a computer can process and store. The value of a bit represents a single electrical pulse through a circuit, or a small spot on a disk, that contains either a 0 or a 1. Boot The process a computer performs to start itself up, check its components, and then load the operating system into its memory. Bus A wire or group of wires that sends information from component to component in the computer.
Character Anything that can be printed in a single space on the page or the screen; includes numbers, letters, punctuation marks, spaces, formatting codes, and graphic symbols that are represented to the computer by one byte of data. See also Byte. Chip A piece of silicon containing many miniature transistors and resistors wrapped in insulating material. Chips process electrical signals sent to them and then transmit the processed signals to the computer system. Also called an integrated circuit.
Configuration The particular setup of your computer’s internal and external components. A typical configuration consists of a computer with a certain amount of memory, one diskette drive, and one hard disk drive connected to a monitor, printer, and keyboard. Control code A command (generated when you hold down [T] and press another key on the keyboard) that instructs the computer to perform a specific function.
cursor The highlighted marker or pointer that shows the screen position at which keystrokes will appear when typed or where the next mouse command will be executed. 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. See also Tracks. Data Information, such as text or graphics, stored or processed by a computer.
Device driver A file containing instructions that allow your computer to recognize and communicate with a device. The device may be a printer, monitor, or other type of device. Diagnostics See System diagnostics and Power-on diagnostics. DIP switch Dual Inline Package switch. A small rocker- or sliding-type switch on a device that controls a particular function. Directory A group of files stored in a particular area on a disk.
Display adapter card A circuit board that can be installed in one of the computer’s option slots to control the way a monitor displays text and graphics. A VGA display adapter is built into your computer’s main system board. Also called video card. DOS Disk Operating System. The generic term for the operating system software that controls a computer and directs its input and output functions. See also MS-DOS and Operating system.
Extended memory Memory above 1MB that is accessed by 386 or 486 microprocessors when they are operating in protected or virtual mode. This memory is available to OS/2 programs, but is available to MS-DOS only if an extended memory manager program is installed. See also Expanded memory and OS/2. Extension A suffix of up to three characters which you can add to a filename to identify its contents or purpose.
Format To prepare a new disk (or an old one you want to reuse) so that the data you store on it can be used by your operating system. Formatting divides a disk into tracks and sectors and creates addressable locations where your operating system can find your data. Graphics Screen or file data such as lines, angles, and curves. A graphics program creates images by joining individual pixels on the screen to represent virtually any shape desired.
High-density A type of diskette format that allows you to store more data than on single- or double-density diskettes. A 5.25-inch, high-density diskette can store 1.2MB of data. A 3.5-inch, high-density diskette can store 1.44MB of data. IDE Integrated Drive Electronics. A type of hard disk drive interface in which the controller is located on the drive, instead of on a controller card. Your computer includes an interface on the main system board for up to two IDE hard disk drives.
Kilobyte (KB) A unit used to measure storage space in a computer’s memory or on a disk. One kilobyte equals 1024 bytes. See also Byte. LIM EMS 4.0 Version 4.0 of the Lotus/Intel/Microsoft Expanded Memory Specification- a description of a capability your computer has for supporting programs that use expanded memory. See also Expanded memory. Main system board The circuit board inside your computer containing the circuitry and components your computer needs to operate.
Megabyte (MB) A unit used to measure storage space in a computer’s memory or on a disk. One megabyte equals 1024KB (kilobytes). See also Byte. Megahertz (MHz) A unit used to measure oscillation frequency, such as that of a computer’s internal clock. A megahertz is one million cycles per second. Memory The circuitry in your computer that stores data for possible retrieval. Memory contents are stored permanently (in ROM) or temporarily (in RAM).
Microprocessor A small CPU contained on one semiconductor chip. See also CPU. Modem MOdulator/DEModulator. A device that allows a computer to transfer data to and from another computer by transmitting signals over telephone lines. Monitor The hardware device that contains the video screen and displays images produced by your computer’s display adapter.
Multifrequency monitor A monitor that accepts input at different frequencies and can display in a variety of resolutions. Multitasking The ability of a computer and an operating system to work on more than one command or task at a time. The tasks are actually not performed at the same time, but they are assigned priorities and rapidly processed by the computer in sequential order. See also OS/2 and UNIX. Numeric keypad The number and cursor control keys grouped together on the right side of the keyboard.
Option card A circuit board you can install inside the computer to provide additional capabilities, such as a modem or an additional I/O port. Option cards plug directly into the special option slots so you do not have to alter a computer’s circuitry to enhance your system. See also Bus. OS/2 Operating System/2. The enhanced operating system developed jointly by Microsoft and IBM that provides protected mode processing and multitasking capabilities. See also DOS, MS-DOS, and Operating system.
Partition (1) The area an operating system defines on a hard disk so you can use that area as though it were a physically separate device; (2) to divide a hard disk into separate logical areas. You can create a primary partition and one or more extended partitions on a hard disk. Password The unique sequence of characters you type after you turn on or reset the computer (or before running SETUP) in order to access and use your SETUP program or your system.
PQFP Plastic Quad Flat Pack. A device that is permanently attached (surface mounted) to your main system board rather than fitting into a socket designed to hold it. On your system, the processor may be surface mounted. Processor speed See Operating speed. Program A file containing coded instructions that tell the computer what to do and how to do it. See also File. Prompt A message displayed by the operating system or a program to request information from you or tell you what action to perform next.
Read/write head The physical device inside a disk or tape drive that reads data from and writes data to the magnetic surface of the disk or tape. Real-time clock A clock inside the computer that keeps track of the time and date, even when the computer is turned off, by using power from a backup battery. Refresh rate The frequency with which a monitor can redraw a screen image. The faster the refresh rate, the less the screen will flicker. Reset To restart a computer without turnin it off.
RS-232C A widely used, standard type of serial communication. You can connect an RS232C device to either of the computer’s built-in RS-232C serial ports. Sector A small section of a disk track (typically 512 bytes long) that provides an address at which the computer can store and retrieve data. See also Track. Self test See Power-on diagnostics. Serial The type of communication that transmits data from a serial interface to a serial device, one bit at a time, over a single wire.
Subdirectory In a hierarchical disk directory structure, a group of files in a directory that is contained within another directory or the root directory. Surface mounted A method of connecting a device (such as a microprocessor chip) directly to the surface of the system board instead of soldering it into holes pre-drilled to hold it. Switch An optional specifier added to an MS-DOS command that modifies the way the command works. Switches are typically preceded by a / (forward slash).
Tracks Addressable, concentric circles on a disk, resembling the grooves on a record, which divide the disk into separate accessible areas. On a tape cassette, the tracks run parallel to the edge of the tape. See also Sector. Unix A powerful operating system that supports multitasking and is especially 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.
Index A C AC inlet, 6-6 AC plug, A-7 Adapter cards, see Video cards Adapter test, video, 4-8, 6-14 Addresses, I/O, A-3 memory, A-8 Alternate VGA interface, Intro-3, 2-16, 2-19, 2-26—27, 6-9, 6-14, A-3 Altitude, A-6 Application programs, 6-23 Authorized Epson Servicer, 5-1, 6-1, 6-3, 6-5—6, 6-8, 6-10, 6-13, 6-17, 6-20, 6-25 AUTOEXEC.
Control codes, CTRL ALT +, 1-25 CTRL ALT -, l-25 CTRL ALT DEL, l-22, 1-25,6-8 CTRL BREAK, l-21, 6-8, 6-21 CTRL C, l-21, 6-8, 6-21 PAUSE, l-21, 6-21 SHIFT PRINTSCREEN, 6-22 Controller, diskette drive, 4-9, A-2 hard disk drive, 3-36, A-2 VGA, Intro-2, A-2 Coprocessor, math, Intro-l, 2-1, 2-23, 4-l, 4-7, 4-9, A-2 COPY command, l-9, 1-27 Copying, diskettes or files, l-9, l-17, 1-19 Copy-protected program, 1-24 Cover, computer, removing, 2-4-5, 3-3 computer, replacing, 2-29—30, 3-3 drive bay, metal, 3-21, 3-31 o
Diskette(s), backup copies, l-9, 1-17,1-19 caring for, l-10-11 choosing, l-7-9 compatibility, l-7-9 copying, l-9, 1-17,1-19 double-density, l-7-9 double-sided, l-6-9 error messages, 6-4—5, 6-15—16 formatting, l-17, 6-15 high-density, l-7—9 how they work, l-6—9 inserting, l-14—15, 6-15 labelling, l-11 precautions, l-10-11 problems, l-8—11, 6-4—5,6-15—16 read/write slot, 1-11 removing, 1-14—15 storage capacity, l-7—8 storing, 1-11 swapping, 1-16 types, l-7—9, 1-11, 6-15 write-protecting, l-10, 1-12—13, 6-15 D
G Graphics, Intro-3, 2-26—28, 6-14 Graphics cards, see Video cards Grounding plate, metal, 3-7, 3-18 Grounding yourself, 2-5, 2-25 Guiderail, metal, 3-20, 3-22, 3-24, 3-31 Guiderail, plastic, 3-7, 3-18 H Half-height drive, A-4 Halt on errors, 6-3 Hard disk drive, accessing data on, 6-20 backing up, 1-19 cable, 3-12—13, 3-15—16, 3-24, 3-26—27, 3-29—31, 3-33—35 caring for, l-19 configuration, 3-2—3, 3-36 connector, 3-10, 3-12—15, 3-26—27, 3-29, 3-33—35 controller, 3-36, 6-5, A-2 defective track table, 5-2—4,
I K IDE drive, 5-1, 6-19, A-2 Identifying your system, 6-l—2 Indicator, power, l-3, 6-6 speed, l-3, 1-24 Inserting diskettes, 1-14—15, 6-15—16 Installing, drives, 3-l—36 options, 2-l—30 Interface, VGA alternate, Intro-3, 2-16, 2-19, 2-26-27, 6-9, 6-14, A-3 Interfaces, Intro-l-2, A-3 Interlaced, Intro-2 Internal clock speed, Intro-3 Internal components, locating, 2-3 ISA, Intro-l, A-3 Items detected list, 4-2—4 Keyboard, commands, l-21, 1-25, A-l diagnostics, 4-8, 6-5, 6-12—13 error messages, 4-8, 6-5, 6-
Mass storage, Intro-l, Intro-3, A-4 Master drive, 3-4 Math coprocessor, Intro-l, 2-1, 2-23, 4-7, 4-9, A-2 Memory, adding, Intro-2, 2-l, 2-11—16 configuration, Intro-2, 2-11, 2-14, 2-16, A-l diagnostics, 4-1, 4-7, 4-9, 6-56—25 error messages, 4-9,6-5 extended, A-8 map, A-8 modules, see SIMMs problems, 6-25 SETUP, 2-14, 2-16, 2-25, 6-25 shadow RAM, Intro-l, A-2 SIMMS, see SIMMS specifications, A-l-2, A-8 tests, 41, 4-7,4-9 video, Intro-2, 2-24—26, A-2 Microprocessor, Intro-l, 2-1,2-3, 2-6-8, 2-23, A-l-2 Micro
option cards, configuration, 2-30, 6-23-24 DIP switches, 6-23 installing, 2-1, 2-16-19 jumpers, 2-16, 6-28 problems, 6-9—10, 6-14, 6-23—24 removing, 2-20 SETUP, 2-30,6-24 video, see Video cards Options, Intro-2-3, 2-l-30 Option slot, cover, 2-l 7 power limits, 6-10, A-5 Option slots, Intro-l, 2-M-20, A-3 Option, testing, 2-30 OverDrive processor, instalhng, Intro-3,2-l, 2-23, 2-30 jumpers, 2-7, 2-23 P Parallel, errors, 4-9, 6-22-23 interface, Intro-l, 6-22—23, A-3 port, Intro-l, 6-22—23, A-3 port diagnosti
R RAM, Intro-2, 1-4, 1-16, 6-2, A-l-2, A-8 RAM, shadow, Intro-l, A-2, A-8 RAM test, 6-2 Random access memory (RAM), Intro-2, 1-4, 1-16, 6-2, A-l-2, A-8 Read only memory (ROM), 6-2, A-1 Read/write heads, l-7, 1-26, 6-20 Real-time clock, A-2 Reference diskette, l-17, 2-30, 4-2, 5-2 Reformatting hard disk, 5-3 Removing cover of computer, 2-2, 2-4-5, 3-3 Removing diskettes, l-14-16 Removing drives from computer, 3-1, 3-3, 3-15—17, 3-29—32 Removing option cards, 2-20, 2-25 Removing options, 2-l—30 Replacing cove
Static electricity, 2-5, 2-25 Stopping a command or program, l-21, 6-8, 6-21 System, BIOS, Intro-l, 6-l-2, A-l-2, A-8 board, see Main system board board tests, 4-1, 4-7—9 diagnostics, 2-30, 3-36, 4-l—9, 6-17, 6-23 memory, see Memory speed, see Processor speed T Tape drive, Intro-3, 1-17, 3-l—2, A-4 Temperature, 6-9—10, A-6 Tests, see Diagnostics Tracks, l-6—8 Troubleshooting, 6-l—25 Turning off computer, l-5, 2-4, 6-6 Turning on computer, 1-24 U Upgrading computer, Intro-2-3 Utilities, VGA, Intro-2 Utilit
W Weight, A-5 Wet bulb, A-6 Width, A-5 Windows, 2-26 Write-protecting diskettes, l-10, l-12—13, 6-15 Write-protect notch, l-13, 6-15 Write-protect switch, l-12, 6-15 Write-protect tab, l-13, 6-15 X XCOPY command, l-9 10 Index
Epson Overseas Marketing Locutions Epson Deutschland GmbH Zülpicher StraBe 6, 4000 Dusseldorf 11 Germany Phone: 21l-56030 Telex: 41-8584786 Epson France S.A. B.P. 320,68 Bis Rue Majolin 92305 Levallois-Perret Cedex France Phone: 33-l-4737-3333 Telex: 42-610657 Epson Iberica, S.A. Avda. de Roma 18-26 08290 Cerdanyola del valles 08036 Barcelona, Spain Phone: 3-582-15-00 Fax: 3-582-15-55 Telex: 50129 Epson Italia s.p.a. V.le F.lli Casiraghi, 427 20099 Sesto S.
400195100
