EPSON ® EQUITY® 286 PLUS U s e r ’ s G u i d e
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 or television reception.
® EPSON EQUITY® 286 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. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning. 4. Do not use this product near water. 5. Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, or table. The product may fall, causing serious damage to the product. 6.
11. Never push objects of any kind into this product through cabinet openings, as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result in a risk of fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the product. 12. Except as specifically explained in the User’s Manual, do not attempt to service this product yourself. Opening or removing those covers that are marked “Do Not Remove” may expose you to dangerous voltage points or other risks.
® ® Epson Equity 286 PLUS User’s Guide Correction Please note that the setting of jumper J6 on your computer’s main system board, described on page 5-7, should be as follows: *Factory setting Also note that the jumper settings described on page D-6 should be reversed. To disable the password function, set jumper J6 to position B. To enable the password function, set jumper J6 to position A.
Contents Introduction Optional Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Operating Systems and Other Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . How to Use This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Where to Get Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chapter 1 Setting Up Your System 1 Choosing a Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Removing the Protector Card. . . . . . . .
Setting the Hard Disk Drive(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hard Disk Drive Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Setting the Primary Display Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Setting the Keyboard Test Function. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Setting the Shadow RAM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Setting the CPU Clock Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EMS Size.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 4 Enhancing System Operations Using AUTOEXEC.BAT and Other Batch Files. . . . . . . . . . . Changing the Processor Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Entering Keyboard Commands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using the ESPEED Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using Expanded Memory Beyond 1MB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Modifying the CONFIG.SYS File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using the VGA Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendix A Specifications CPU and Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Controllers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Power Supply. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mass Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Keyboard.. . . . . . . . . . .
Appendix C Performing System Diagnostics Starting the Diagnostics Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Main Menu Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Setting the Run Time Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Error Logging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Selecting Diagnostic Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Selecting Multiple Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendix D Troubleshooting Identifying Your System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Computer Won’t Start. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Computer Does Not Respond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Password Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accessing Your Current Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Introduction The Epson® Equity® 286 PLUS is a high-performance personal computer which offers exceptional speed and convenience in a compact design. The computer’s 12 MHz 80286 microprocessor makes all your programs run faster, even when supporting multitasking operations. Your system includes 1MB of internal memory, a built-in VGA (video graphics array) display adapter, built-in parallel and serial interfaces, an IBM®PS/2™ compatible mouse port, and four standard option slots (three 16-bit and one 8-bit).
By adding memory modules to the main system board, you can expand the computer’s memory up to 5MB. Memory modules are efficient because they eliminate the need to use one of your option slots to add memory to your system. Your computer can also access memory installed on memory modules faster than memory installed on an option card. You can add a memory card, however, if you want to expand your memory up to 16MB.
Epson has included special VGA utilities that you can use with your built-inVGA adapter. These utilities provide 132-column text mode and emulation of different adapter types, as well as a program to turn off your display automatically when you’re not using it. How to Use This Manual This manual explains how to set up and operate your computer, install options, and run diagnostics checks.
Chapter 5 describes some of the options you can use in your computer and contains instructions for removing the cover, setting jumpers, replacing the battery, and installing options. Appendix A gives the technical specifications for the computer. Appendix B describes how to install and remove a hard disk or diskette drive. Appendix C outlines the system diagnostics checks. If you are having trouble with any part of the hardware, you may want to run some of these. Appendix D contains troubleshooting tips.
Chapter 1 Setting Up Your System Setting up your Equity 286 PLUS personal computer is easy. Just follow the eight steps in this chapter. As you set up your computer, you may want to leave this manual’s back cover foldout open so you can refer to the illustrations identifying the different parts. Note The illustrations in this manual show the computer with a 5 1/4-inch diskette drive. If your system has a M-inch diskette drive instead, and you need additional instructions, see Chapter 3 when necessary.
Before you set up your computer, it’s important to choose a safe, convenient location that provides the following: cl A large, sturdy desk or table. The surface should be strong enough to easily support the weight of your system and all of its components. Select a location that allows plenty of space so you can work comfortably. cl A flat, hard surface. Soft surfaces like beds and carpeted floors attract static electricity, which can erase data on your disks and damage the computer’s circuitry.
3 Removing the Protector Card If you have a 5 1/4-inch diskette drive, there is a protector card in the diskette slot. This card is inserted at the factory to protect the read/write heads in the drive. To remove it, flip the latch up to pop the card out part way, then pull it out, as shown below. (If you have a second 5 1/4-inch diskette drive, be sure to remove the protector card from that drive as well.) Save the protector card.
3 Connecting a Monitor The procedure you use to connect your monitor to the computer depends on the type of monitor you have. If you have a VGA monitor (or a multi-frequency monitor with an analog connector), you can connect it to the computer’s built-in VGA port. See “Using the VGA Interface” below. If you have any other type of monitor, see “Using a Display Adapter Card” below. Using the VGA Interface Follow these steps to connect your VGA monitor to the VGA port on the computer: 1.
4. Examine the connector end of the monitor cable, and position the plug to match the orientation of the monitor port (marked with a monitor icon). Then insert the plug into the port (the connector should fit in easily when properly oriented), as shown below. retaining screws Caution To avoid damaging the connector, take care not to bend the pins when inserting the plug. 5. If the connector has retaining screws, tighten them by hand or with a screwdriver, depending on the screw type.
6. Plug the monitor power cord into the monitor’s power inlet, as shown below. 7. Plug the other end of the power cord into an electrical outlet.
Using a Display Adapter Card If you are using a non-VGA monitor, you’ll need to install a display adapter (video) card in one of the computer’s option slots before you can connect the monitor. (Your dealer may have already installed the video card for you.) If the video card has not yet been installed, you’ll need to follow the instructions in Chapter 5 to install an option card. But first, check the following table to make sure your display adapter card and monitor are properly matched.
Note If you install a display adapter card, you must set jumper J3 on the main system board to disable the built-in VGA interface so that your card can operate as the primary display adapter. You may also need to set jumper J5 to indicate whether a color or monochrome monitor is installed. See Chapter 5 for instructions on changing jumper settings. Once you have installed your video card, return to this section to connect your monitor to the computer.
Once you have the correct printer cable, follow these steps: 1. Place the printer next to the computer with the back panels of both components facing you. 2. One end of the printer cable has a 25-pin, D-shell connector. Position the plug to match the orientation of the parallel interface (marked with a special icon). Then insert the connector into the port, as shown below. If the plug has retaining screws, tighten them by hand or with a screwdriver, depending on the screw type.
3. Connect the other end of the cable to the printer, as shown below. To secure the cable, squeeze the clips at each side of the printer port and push them into place. 4. Plug the printer’s power cord into a three-prong, 120-volt, grounded electrical outlet.
Using the Serial Interface If you have a printer, a modem, or other peripheral device with a serial interface, you can connect it to the serial (RS-232C) port on the back of the computer. The serial port uses a DB-9P connector, so be sure you have a compatible cable. To connect a serial device, follow the same steps as above for connecting a parallel device but insert the connector into the serial port, marked with a special icon, as shown below.
5 Connecting the Keyboard Follow these steps to connect the keyboard: 1. Hold the keyboard cable connector so the indicator on the housing faces up. Insert the plug into the appropriate socket, marked with a keyboard icon, as shown below. keyboard connector Caution Although the keyboard and mouse connectors are physically identical, they cannot be used interchangeably. Be sure to insert the keyboard plug into the keyboard socket.
2. You can raise the keyboard by adjusting the legs on the bottom. To change the angle of the keyboard, turn it over and flip each leg upward until it locks into place, as shown below. 6 Connecting the Mouse Your computer has an auxiliary port for an IBM PS/2 compatible mouse that uses a miniature DIN (60pin) connector. If you have purchased a mouse with this type of connector, you can connect it to the built-in port on your computer.
mouse connector Caution Although the mouse and keyboard connectors are physically identical, they cannot be used interchangeably. Be sure to insert the mouse plug into the mouse port. Once you have connected a mouse, you may need to add commands to your MS-DOS CONFIG.SYS file to enable your computer to use a mouse. See your MS-DOS Reference Manual and the manual that came with your mouse for instructions.
7 Connecting the Power Cord Follow these steps to connect the power cord: 1. Plug the power cord into the AC power inlet on the back panel, as shown below. WARNING To, avoid an electric shock, be sure to plug the cord into the computer before plugging it into the wall socket. 2. Plug the other end of the power cord into a three-prong, 120-volt, grounded electrical outlet.
8 Turning On the Computer After you set up your system, you’re ready to turn on the power. But first, read the following safety rules to avoid accidentally damaging your computer or injuring yourself: Do not unplug cables from the computer when the power is on. Never turn on the computer with a protector card in the diskette drive. Never turn off or reset your computer while a disk drive light is on. This can destroy data stored on disk or make an entire disk unusable.
3. Turn on the monitor, printer, and any other peripheral devices connected to the computer. 4. To turn on the computer, press the power button located on the right side of the front panel, as shown below. power button The power indicator next to the button lights up. After a few seconds, the computer counts the amount of memory in your computer, and then performs a diagnostic self test.
When the system has successfully completed its self test, you see the following prompt: Press to start SETUP Do not press any key yet. If MS-DOS has already been installed on your system, you’ll see a prompt to enter the date. (For information about loading the operating system, see your MS-DOS Installation Guide or Reference Manual.) If there is no operating system on your computer, you see an error message. Ignore the message for now.
Chapter 2 Running the SETUP Program When you use your computer for the first time, you need to run the SETUP program to define how your system is set up. This is a simple procedure which you must do at least once. You may need to do it again later if you change some part of your configuration. The SETUP program is stored in the computer’s read-only memory (ROM), so you can run the program any time you turn on or reset your computer. You do not need to insert a diskette or access the hard disk.
The configuration you define through SETUP is stored in a special area of memory called CMOS RAM. This memory is backed up by a battery, so it will not be erased when you turn off or reset the computer. Whenever you reboot the computer, it checks the settings, and if it discovers a difference between the information in the CMOS RAM and your system’s configuration, it prompts you to run SETUP.
The first option is highlighted. Press ” to highlight Run SETUP, and then press Enter. The SETUP menu appears on the screen. The menu automatically displays the base memory size, the extended memory size, and whether a math coprocessor (numeric processor) is installed. Additionally, the SETUP menu lists the parameters you can change. Selecting Options A solid cursor bar highlights the parameter currently selected. You can scroll through the parameters using the four arrow keys ( ‘ , ’ , “ , ” ).
To change the time, move the cursor to the next line and press Page Up or Page Down to enter the correct hour and minutes according to a 24-hour clock. For example, 5 p.m. would be hour 17. You cannot set the number of seconds. Setting the Diskette Drive(s) Your system probably came with one diskette drive installed. You may have added another drive or replaced the existing drive with one of a different size or capacity.
Setting the Hard Disk Drive(s) The SETUP program lets you select the type of hard disk drive(s) installed in your computer. If you have two hard disk drives, the first one is C and the second one is D. Be sure to choose the correct setting for both drives. Follow these guidelines: If your system does not have a hard disk, select Not installed for drives C and D. If you have only one hard disk drive, select Not installed for drive D.
Hard disk drive types 2-6 Running the Setup Program
Hard disk drive types (continued) Defining your own drive type if the parameters listed for your hard disk (in the documentation that came with it) do not match any of the types listed in the table above, you can define your own type using the SETUP program. Follow these steps: 1. With the cursor at the Hard disk type option,press Page Up or Page Down to scroll through the types until you come to 47 = USER TYPE. 2.
Press Enter after typing each number. If you enter an invalid number, the computer beeps and does not go on to the next parameter. Check your drive documentation and try again. You do not enter a value for Size ; SETUP does this automatically based on the other numbers you have provided. Setting the Primary Display Type This option lets you define the type of adapter you are using in your computer for your primary display device: 0 VGA or EGA Q Color 80 x 25 0 Monochrome 0 Color 40 X 25.
Q If you have a composite color monitor, such as a color television with a video input, try selecting CO1or 80x25. If YOU find that the monitor’s resolution is poor, run SETUP again and select Color 40x25. If you have two display adapters of different types, select the setting for the one you want to be your primary display adapter. The other one is your secondary adapter. A message appears at power-on telling you whether you are currently using your primary or secondary adapter.
Setting the Shadow RAM Your computer can access RAM (random access memory) faster than ROM (read-only memory). The Shadow RAM feature enables the Equity 286 PLUS to copy the contents of its system BIOS and/or video ROM into RAM so it can perform certain operations faster. It uses the RAM memory between the first 640KB and 1MB. The SETUP Shadow RAM option lets you choose what to place in the shadow RAM area: 0 System 0 Video 0 System and video 0 None.
At high speed, it can access memory faster, so your programs work faster. YOU should use high speed for everything you do unless you are using an application program that requires the slower speed. Some programs (especially older ones) have specific timing requirements when accessing diskettes. Check your application program manual. You can also set the processor to change speed automatically.
If you have not installed any additional memory in your computer (beyond the IMB of on-board memory) , there is no memory available for you to use as expanded memory. If you have installed more memory, the total amount appears in the information window; you can define how much you want to use as expanded memory in units of 5 12KB. For example, if you have installed an additional 1MB of memory, for a system total of 2MB, you can specify either 512KB or 1024KB to be expanded memory.
Now type the password you want to use. You can type up to eight characters using the letter or number keys, in upper- or lowercase. For example, you could enter the following as your password: 123aBc! YOU can use the backspace key to correct mistakes. After you type the password you want, press Enter. Note Be sure to remember the password you enter or write it down and keep it in a safe place. If you cannot remember it, you will not be able to access the computer the next time you turn it on.
Setting the Built-in Interfaces This option lets you define how the following built-in interfaces in your computer operate: 0 Parallel port (LPT1 , LPT2, LPT3) 0 Serial port (COMl or COM2) Cl Hard disk drive controller (HDC) Cl Floppy disk drive controller (FDC). Read the following descriptions to make sure the settings are correct. Setting the Parallel Interface The built-in parallel port in your computer is set to act as the primary port (LPTl).
0 If you have installed three additional parallel ports and you do not want to use the built-in port, select Disable. Note Be sure to also set any jumpers on the card(s) you install to indicate how you want the port to be recognized (LPTl, LPT2, or LPT3). Setting the Serial Interface The built-in serial port in your computer is set to act as the primary port (COMl). If you install an option card that provides an additional serial interface, that port automatically becomes a secondary port (COM2).
Saving Your Settings After you have made your selections for SETUP, press ESC to exit. You see the following prompt: Save SETUP configuration (Y/N)? Press ESC to return to the menu to make corrections. Press Y and Enter to save the settings in the CMOS RAM. Press N and Enter to exit SETUP without saving your changes. If you saved your changes, the SETUP program resets your system and the computer runs through its power-on diagnostic tests. Then you see the prompt to press Del if you want to run SETUP.
Chapter 3 Using Your Computer This chapter briefly describes the following procedures for using your computer: D Installing MS-DOS or another operating system P Using special keys on the keyboard 0 Stopping a command or program cl Resetting the computer 0 Using a password P Using disks and disk drives. Installing MS-DOS or Another Operating System After you connect the components of your system and run the SETUP program, you must install the operating system on your computer.
Special Keys on the Keyboard Certain keys on your keyboard serve special functions when your computer is running MS-DOS or application programs. The keyboard layout is shown below, and the special keys are described in the table. function keys Key functions 3-2 Key Purpose Tab I ‘ Tab ’ I Moves the cursor one tab to the right in normal mode and one tab to the left in Shift mode. Caps Lock Changes the letter keys from lower- to uppercase, changes back to lowercase when pressed again.
Key functions (continued) Key Purpose Atl Works with other keys to enter alternate character codes or functions. ‘ Backspace Moves the cursor back one space, deleting the character to the left of the cursor. 8 Enter Ends a line of keyboard input or executes a command. Insert (Ins) Turns the Insert function on and off. Delete (Del) Deletes the character marked by the cursor. Home, End Page UP PgUp) Page Down (PgDn) “”‘’ Control cursor location.
Stopping a Command or Program YOU may sometimes need to stop a command or program while it is running. Many programs provide a command you can use to cancel or even undo an operation. If you have entered an MS-DOS command that you want to stop, try one of the following commands: 0 Hold down the Ctrl key and press C. 0 Hold down the Ctrl key and press Break. These methods may also work in your application program. If not, you may need to reset the computer, as described below.
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, MS-DOS 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 Startup diskette in drive A. There are two ways to reset the computer: 0 If you are using MSDOS, hold down Ctrl and Alt and press the Del key.
Using a Password If you set a password when you ran the SETUP program, you must enter it every time you turn on the computer or press the RESET button. Follow these steps to use your password: 1. If you do not have a hard disk, insert your Startup diskette in drive A. 2. Turn on the computer or press RESET. After your computer completes its memory test, the screen displays the following prompt: 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: 0 Use different types of diskettes and diskette drives LI Care for your diskettes and diskette drives 0 Write-protect diskettes Ll Use a single diskette drive system i3 Insert and remove diskettes c3 Format diskettes 0 Make backup copies Q Use a hard disk drive.
A disk is further divided by sectors, which are similar in shape to 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.
Cl 360KB drive—Use 5 1/4-inch, double-sided, double-density, 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. With 9, sectors per track, a diskette holds up to 360KB of information, which is approximately 150 pages of text. Ll 720KB drive—Use 3 l/2-inch, double-sided, double-density, 135 TPI, 720KB diskettes.
31/2-inch drive/diskette compatibility Because of these incompatibilities, always indicate the diskette type and density when you label your diskettes. (Usually this information appears on the manufacturer’s label.) If you have any combination of the above drives (1.44 MB, 1.2MB, 720KB, or 360KB), you can copy files from one drive to another-using COPY or XCOPY—as long as the correct diskette type is in each drive. You can also use these commands to copy files between a hard disk and any type of diskette.
0 Keep diskettes away from dust and dirt. Small particles of dust or dirt can scratch the magnetic surface, destroy data, and ruin the read/write heads in a diskette drive. 0 Never wipe, brush, or try to clean diskettes in any way. 0. Keep diskettes in a moderate environment. They work best at normal room temperature and in normal humidity. Don’t leave diskettes sitting in the sun, or in extreme cold or heat.
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. If you try to change data stored on a writeprotected diskette, MS-DOS displays an error message. To write-protect a 51/4-inch diskette, cover the small, rectangular notch (shown below) with an adhesive write-protect tab.
On a 3 ?&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 31/2-inch diskette, slide the switch toward the edge of the diskette until it clicks into position, exposing a hole in the comer. write-protect switch To remove the write protection, slide the switch toward the center of the diskette until it clicks into position and the hole is covered.
Using a Single Diskette Drive System MS-DOS expects the computer to have at least two diskette drives and displays prompts and messages accordingly. Usually, MS-DOS recognizes the first diskette drive (the top drive) as A and a second diskette drive as 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.
Note You can load MS-DOS from an application program diskette if that diskette contains the operating system. See your MS-DOS Reference Manual for information about creating a system diskette. Inserting and Removing Diskettes If you have a 5 1/4-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 into the slot until it is in all the way.
If you have a 3 1/2-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. Caution Never remove a diskette or reset or turn off the computer while a diskette drive light is on.
Formatting Diskettes Before you can store data on a new diskette, you must format it using the FORMAT command. Formatting prepares the diskette so that MS-DOS 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.
0 You can use the BACKUP command to back up hard disk files to diskettes. Because BACKUP can split large files across two or more diskettes, it makes more efficient use of diskette space than COPY or XCOPY. It also allows you to back up files that are larger than the capacity of your diskettes. See your MS-DOS Reference Manual for instructions on using these commands. Using a Hard Disk Drive Using a hard disk is similar to using a diskette.
Backing up the hard disk While the hard disk is very reliable, it is essential to back up your hard disk files to diskettes 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 to diskettes whenever you revise them to keep your backup diskettes up-to-date.
Follow these steps to run HDSIT: 1. Exit any program you are using and make sure the MS-DOS command prompt appears on the screen. 2. Insert the Reference diskette in drive A. Then type A : and press Enter to log onto that drive. 3. Type the following and press Enter: HDSIT You see a message on the screen that tells you the disk drive’s read/write heads will remain locked until you reset the computer or turn the power off and on again. The computer locks the heads and disables the keyboard.
Chapter 4 Enhancing System Operations This chapter tells you how to use the following procedures to enhance the operation of your computer: 0 Using AUTOEXEC.BAT and other batch files 0 Changing the processor speed 0 Using expanded memory beyond 1MB 0 Using the VGA utilities. Using AUTOEXEC.BAT and Other Batch Files As you get used to using MS-DOS and 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. To modify the file or create another one, you can use the COPY or EDLIN command, or a word processing program that can save a file as a text-only file. However, 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 Reference Manual for more information about creating and using batch files.
Some copy-protected programs require the computer to run at low speed while accessing the program on a diskette. These programs also usually require you to leave a key disk-the diskette that contains the copy protection-in the diskette drive. If you use a copy-protected program often, you may want to set your processor speed to change automatically to low speed when accessing the diskette and return to high speed when it is finished. There are different types of copyprotected programs.
If you frequently use programs that require the processor to operate at low speed or require the automatic speed change when your computer is accessing a diskette, use SETUP to change the processor speed. See Chapter 2 for instructions. If you use these programs only occasionally, you should use the keyboard commands or the ESPEED program (described below) to change the processor speed.
To enter these commands, hold down the Ctrl key and the Alt key and press the + or - key on the numeric keypad. The speed setting remains in effect until you press the RESET button or turn off the computer, or until you change it again using the SETUP program, another keyboard command, or the ESPEED program, described below.
The message tells you the switches you should use to set the speed to high or low. At the MS-DOS prompt, type the ESPEED command again and include the appropriate switch, such as the following: ESPEED L This command changes the processor speed to low. To see the current CPU speed, type ESPEED only and press Enter. You see the following: : Speed Up : Speed Down : Exit <+> 12.
Using Expanded Memory Beyond 1MB The Equity 286 PLUS comes with 1MB of random access memory. MS-DOS and your application programs that run under MS-DOS use the first 640KB of memory. If you have installed additional memory (above 1MB) in your computer, you can use it as extended memory or expanded memory, as described below. Expanded memory is required by certain programs (such as ® Lotus l-2-3 ) that support the Lotus/Intel/Microsoft Expanded Memory Specification (LIM 4.0 EMS).
Modifying the CONFIG.SYS File If you have a word processing program that can save a file as a text-only file (also called an ASCII file), you can use it to add the memory manager to the CONFIG.SYS file. Follow these steps: 1. Start your word processing program. 2. Load the file CONFIG.SYS and add the following command line: DEVICE=EMM286.SYS For information on optional parameters, see “Using EMM286.SYS options,” below. Note If the EMM286.
If you do not have a word processing program capable of saving an ASCII text file, you can modify CONFIG.SYS using the MS-DOS EDLIN or COPY CON command. See your MS-DOS Reference Manual for instructions. Using EMM286.SYS options You can include optional parameters in the DEVICE= command line to tailor the way the memory manager works with your system. The table below summarizes the EMM286.SYS options. Each option is described in more detail following the table.
For example, to specify a page frame address 0CC000h for EMM286.SYS, add the following command line to your CONFIG.SYS file: DEVICE=EMM286.SYS /M4 Note If you have installed an EGA or VGA display adapter card, you cannot enter the following values for n: /Ml -Ml /M2 -M2 The P[nnn] option specifies the number of handles (process IDS) available to EMM286.SYS. The value for nnn must be in the range of 64 to 256. The default value is 64. The D option specifies whether you want EMM286.
The Reference diskette contains the following VGA utilities: VGAMODE Provides 132-column text in text-based programs such as WordStar’s’ and WordPerfect? SET-VGA Sets the built-in VGA adapter to emulate the operation of a variety of graphics adapters. SNOOZE Turns off your VGA display when you have not used your computer for a specified period of time.
3. Type the following command and press Enter to create a utility file directory on your hard disk (if you do not already have one): MKDIR C:\UTIL You can name the directory something other than UTIL; just substitute the directory name you choose in the rest of the steps in this section. 4. Insert the Reference diskette in drive A. 5.
Modifying your AUTOEXEC.BAT file For convenience in accessing your VGA utilities, you can include the pathname to the utility directory in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file. Follow these steps: 1. At the MS-DOS command prompt in the root directory, type the following and press Enter: COPY AUTOEXEC.BAT+CON AUTOEXEC.BAT 2.
For example, if you want your screen to display 132 columns and 25 rows, type the following and press Enter: VGAMODE 132, 25 To use VGAMODE, you must configure the application program that uses VGAMODE for the same screen sire. See the appropriate section below for your application program(s). Note Certain monitors cannot display 132 columns or 50 rows on the screen. The following table specifies the number of rows that can be displayed on common monitors: Running WordStar, versions 4.0 and 5.
5. The program then asks for the name of a file where the changes for the new configuration are to be saved. Type the following and press Enter: WS132.EXE 6. At the Main Installation Menu, select Console. 7. From the console menu, select Mon i t or . 8. Thenchoose Screen Sizing. 9. At the Screen Siring menu, select B (for width), type 132, and press Enter. Press X at each menu to exit from the installation program. 10. When the installation program asks if you want to save the new configuration, press Y.
Running WordPerfect, versions 4.0 and 4.1 After you have installed WordPerfect version 4.0 or 4.1 on your hard disk, follow these steps: 1. Install the VGAMODE utility, if you have not already. 2. Type the following and press Enter to start VGAMODE and initialize 132-column text mode: VGAMODE 132, 25 3. Log onto the WordPerfect directory on your hard disk. 4. Type the following and press Enter: WP /s 5. At the setup menu, select Specify Screen Size. 6. Type 132 to edit the number of columns field. 7.
Running WordPerfect, version 5.0 Follow these steps to run WordPerfect version 5.0 in 132xchnn text mode: 1. Type the following and press Enter: VGAMODE 132, 25 2. Start WordPerfect. If WordPerfect does not display 132 columns and 25 rows on the screen, type the following and press Enter to start the program: WP /SS=25,132 Using SETVGA SETVGA lets you operate your built-in VGA adapter in a specific emulation mode.
Use one of the following values for emulation: For example, type the following and press Enter: SETVGA EGAC Using SNOOZE The SNOOZE utility causes your monitor screen to go blank after a specified period of time if your system has been inactive. This prevents any single image from being “burned into” the monitor screen. The screen remains blank until you press any key; then it resumes display of the current activities. To activate the utility, type SNOOZE and press Enter.
Chapter 5 Installing and Removing Options You can enhance the performance of your computer by adding a variety of options, including the following: 0 Option cards 0 Memory modules 0 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 connector to which you connect a monitor.
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 steps in this chapter. This chapter also explains how to change the jumper settings inside the computer.
4. Turn the computer around so you are facing the back panel. As shown below, the cover is secured by a large screw on the back panel. Turn the screw counterclockwise to unlock the cover. 5. The cover is also secured by two latches on the back of the cover 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 inside, 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.
Changing the Jumper Settings If you change your computer’s configuration or need to alter the way it operates, you may need to change a jumper setting inside the computer. A jumper is a small electrical connector that controls one of the computer’s functions.
Setting the Jumpers The illustration below shows the locations of the jumpers. You’ll need to remove the subassembly to see all of the jumpers (described later in this section). 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.
Caution Be careful not to bend the jumper pins or damage any surrounding components on the main system board.
If you need to change any jumper settings, follow these steps: 1. Remove any option cards that may be blocking your access to the jumpers. See page 5-17 for instructions. 2. If you need to change the settings of jumper J5 or J6, remove the subassembly. See page 5-18. 3. Change the jumper settings. 4. Replace the subassembly, if necessary. See page 5-33. 5. Replace any option cards you removed. See “Installing an Option Card” on page 5-12. 6.
Note When the battery runs out, your computer loses the information stored in the CMOS RAM and the time stored in the real-time clock. After you replace the battery, you must run the SETUP program to reconfigure your system and set the real-time clock. If necessary, follow the instructions on page 5-2 to remove the computer’s cover. Then follow these steps to replace the battery: 1. Turn the computer so that the front panel is facing you.
To disconnect the battery from the main system board, pull up on the connector plugged into socket CN 1, as shown below. battery cable connector CN1 2. 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 the battery aside.
3. Remove the new battery from its package and position it so that the Velcro is facing down and the cable is facing connector CNl. Then attach it to the bottom of the computer case, as shown below. 4. Connect the battery cable to socket CN-1 on the main system board.
5. Follow the steps on page 5-41 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 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.
The illustration below shows the four standard option slots inside your computer. Slot 1 is designed for an 8-bit option card and slots 2 through 4 are designed for 16-bit cards. As you can see below, a 16-bit card has an extra connector along the bottom.
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 8-bit cards in a 16-bit slot. However, you must follow these guidelines when deciding which slot to use: 0 An 8-bit card with an additional tab along the bottom must go into an 8-bit slot. Cl If you install a disk drive controller card, place the card as close as possible to the drive it is controlling. 0 Some option cards must be installed in a specific slot.
3. Remove the retaining screw from the top of the metal option slot cover: hold on to the screw as you remove it so it doesn’t fall into the computer. Lift out the slot cover. Keep the screw to secure the option card to the computer. Store the slot cover in a safe place in case you remove the option card later. 4. Unpack the option card and adjust any switches or jumpers on it, if necessary. (Check the option card instructions.
5. Grip the card firmly by the top comers and position it at the top of the slot, as shown below. Make sure the connector pins point down and the component side faces the power supply inside the computer. 6. Insert the card into the slot, guiding it straight down. Once the connector pins reach the connector slot, push the card downward firmly (but carefully) to insert it fully. You should feel the card fit into place.
7. Secure the end of the card to the back of the computer with the retaining screw. 8. Follow the instructions at the end of this chapter to replace the cover. Then see “Post-installation Setup,” following that section. Removing an Option Card If you need to remove an option card, follow these steps: 1. First, remove the cover from the computer. See page 5-2 for instructions. 2. Remove the screw securing the card to the back of the computer and pull it straight up and out of the slot.
3. Cover the option slot opening with the original metal cover and secure it with the retaining screw. 4. if you are removing an option card that controls a mouse, you need to change the setting of jumper J4 on the main system board. If you are removing a display adapter card, you may need to change the settings of jumpers J1,J3, and J5. See page 5-7 for instructions. 5. Replace the cover. See page 5-41 for instructions.
Follow these steps to remove the subassembly: 1. Remove the front panel from the computer by lifting up slightly on the three clips at the top of the panel and tilting it toward you. Then set it aside. clips front panel 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 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 just behind the hard disk drive socket; disconnect it in the same manner. 4. 5-20 To lift the subassembly from the front of the computer, place your thumbs under the diskette drive and grasp the top edge of the computer with the rest of your fingers, as shown in the following illustration. (If you have a diskette drive installed in the lower horizontal drive bay, place your thumbs underneath that drive instead.
5. Raise the front of the subassembly, as shown below. 6. Reach back underneath the subassembly and disconnect the two power supply cables connected to the back right side of the main system board, as shown below. Pull each of the connectors straight up. Do not pull only on the cables.
7. Lift the entire subassembly out of the computer and carefully place it on your work surface. Adding Memory Modules Your computer comes with 1MB of memory which is soldered directly onto the main system board. By installing SIMMs (single inline memory modules), you can increase the amount of memory in your computer up to 5MB. (You can add a memory card, however, if you want to expand your computer’s memory up to 16MB.
Installing Memory Modules There are four SIMM sockets on the main system board organized in two banks consisting of two sockets each. Each socket can contain one memory module. You must fill both sockets in any bank you use. The sockets in Bank 1 are labelled U27 and U28 while the sockets in Bank 2 are labelled U29 and U30. Therefore, if you use Bank 1, for example, you must install one SIMM in socket U27 and one SIMM in socket U28.
3. Turn the computer so the front panel is facing you. The SIMM sockets are located on the front of the main system board next to the math coprocessor, as shown below. The sockets are labelled as shown below.
4. Hold the SIMM in your hand so the component side faces to the right and the metal connector pins face down. To insert the SIMM in the socket, place it on the right side of the tabs at an angle, as shown below. 5. Gently push down on the SIMM and, at the same time, guide the top of the SIMM to the right until it is vertical.
The SIMM should snap into place between the tabs and the retaining posts. If it does not go in smoothly, do not force it; pull it all the way out and try again. Make sure the SIMM is fully inserted into the socket and that the pins on the retaining posts protrude through the holes in both ends. 6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for each SIMM you want to install. 7. Replace the subassembly. See page 5-33 for instructions. 8. Follow the steps on page 5-41 to replace the computer’s cover.
3. Turn the computer so the front panel is facing you. The SIMM sockets are located on the front of the main system board, next to the math coprocessor, as shown below. The SIMM sockets are labelled as shown below.
4. Use your fingers or two small screwdrivers to pull away the tabs that secure the SIMM at each end. Be careful not to pull the tabs too far, or they may break. tab As you pull away the tabs, the SIMM falls to the left.
When the SIMM is at an angle, release the tabs and carefully remove it from the socket. 5. Repeat step 4 for each SIMM you need to remove. 6. Replace the subassembly. See page 5-33. 7. Follow the steps on page 5-41 to replace the computer’s cover. Then see “Post-installation Setup” (following that section) 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. See page 5-2 for instructions. 2. Remove the subassembly. See page 5-18. 3. Remove the math coprocessor from its package and set it aside. 4. If you are installing an 8 MHz math coprocessor, set jumper J2 to position A; for a 10 MHz coprocessor, set J2 to position B. See page 5-7 for instructions. 5. Turn the computer so the front panel is facing you.
6. The math coprocessor socket is rectangular. There is a notch at one end of the socket, as shown below. notch There is also a notch on one end of the math coprocessor: notch Align the notched side of the coprocessor with the notched side of its socket. The notched sides must be aligned for the coprocessor to operate properly, so be sure the alignment is correct before you proceed to the next step.
Caution If you insert the math coprocessor in the wrong position, you could permanently damage it and destroy the components on the main system board. 7. Set the coprocessor on the socket and line up all of the pins on the coprocessor with the holes in the socket. Then gently push the coprocessor into the socket, pressing evenly on both ends, as shown below. If the coprocessor does not go in smoothly, do not force it; pull it all the way out and try again, keeping it straight as you insert it.
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 described earlier in this chapter to remove the subassembly. Then remove the coprocessor with the tool and replace the subassembly and the computer’s cover.
There are four corresponding tabs on the inside back panel of the computer which fit into the openings in the subassembly slots. Lift up the subassembly from your work surface and lower the back end into the computer, guiding the top slots on the subassembly into the top tabs on the computer, as shown in the next illustration.
tabs in 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 one 120pin 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. Then push the connector onto the pins.
Caution If you do not correctly align the holes with the pins in the socket, you could severely damage your computer when you push in the connector. 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 as you lower it.
Guide the tabs on 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 sits over the front of 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 longer 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. Both sockets have a notch on one side. Connect the diskette drive cable first. As shown below, there is a tab on one side of the connector.
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. Caution If you do not correctly align the holes with the pins, you could severely damage your computer when you push in the connector. 7. Now connect the hard disk drive cable in the same manner. 8.
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 in the back of the front panel of the computer.
3. Lower the back of the cover onto the computer and press down firmly on all edges of the cover 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.
LI If you want to use any of the memory on your card as expanded memory, see “Using Expanded Memory Beyond 1MB” in Chapter 4. Also see “Post-installation Setup,” below, for more information on setting up your computer for use with an option card. Using the CORFIX Program To configure your computer for use with the Rampage Plus 286+ memory card, you need to run CORFIX, an Epson utility on your Reference diskette, and SMART, the Rampage Plus 286+ setup program. You must run CORFIX before you use SMART.
3. To run the program, press Y. To exit without running CORFIX, press N. If you press Y, you see the MS-DOS prompt and this message: Configuration completed. The SMART installation utility may now be used. 4. Use the SMART setup program now. See your RampagePlus 286+ manual for instructions. Post-installation Setup After you install or remove options such as memory modules, a math coprocessor, or a disk drive, you need to run the SETUP program to update the computer’s configuration information.
If you have added a hard disk drive and you want to load MS-DOS or another operating system from that drive, you need to install the operating system on it. See your MS-DOS Installation Guide or the documentation that came with your operating system for instructions. If you install an optional memory card, use the setup program that comes with it to configure the computer for use with the card. See your memory card manual for instructions.
Appendix A Specifications CPU and Memory 16-bit CPU 80286 microprocessor, 12 MHz system clock speed, 12 MHz or 6 MHz processor speed; user selectable 0 wait state memory access speed at 12 MHz System memory 1MB RAM standard; expandable using 256KB or 1MB SIMMs up to 5MB (maximum); SIMMs must be 100ns or faster access speed Memory expandable to 16MB if memory option card is used ROM 128KB (includes system BIOS and VGA BIOS) Shadow RAM 0 wait state access speed; system ROM BIOS and video ROM can be co
Controllers Diskette Supports up to two drives in any of four formats: 5 1/4-inch, high-density, 1.2MB; 5 1/4-inch, double-density, 360KB; 3 1/2-inch, high-density, 1.
Power Supply TYPE l45W, fan-cooled Input ranges 98 VAC to 132 VAC, 47 Hz to 63 Hz Maximum outputs +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 drive types: Diskette drives 5 1/4-inch diskette drive, 1.2MB (high-density) storage capacity 3 1/2-inch diskette drive, 1.
Detachable, two position; 101 sculpted keys 58-key QWERTY main keyboard; 17-key numeric/cursor pad; 10 cursor keys; additional 4-key cursor pad; 16 function keys (user-definable) Four levels (normal, shift, control, alternate); user-definable Environmental Requirements Physical Characteristics Width 14.75 inches (375 mm) Depth 17.5 inches (444 mm) Height 6.0 inches ( 152 mm) Weight Single diskette drive model without keyboard: 20.6 lb (9.
Appendix B Installing and Removing Disk Drives This appendix describes how to do the following: 0 Install a hard disk or diskette drive Cl Remove a hard disk or diskette drive Ll Change the hard disk drive jumper settings. Your system can include up to three drives: either two diskette drives and one hard disk drive or one diskette drive and two hard disk drives. Your computer has two horizontal drive bays and one vertical mounting position to hold the drives, as shown below.
Caution Installing or removing a disk drive is a complicated procedure, so you may want to ask your dealer to do it for you. If you decide to do it yourself, you must carefully follow all the instructions in this appendix or you could damage your equipment. Using the Correct Drive Bay The upper horizontal drive bay probably contains the diskette drive that came with your system.
How to Use This Appendix The instructions in this appendix describe how to install and remove optional Epson diskette and hard disk drives. All drives sold by Epson for the Equity 286 PLUS are qualified and recommended for use in this system. Your drive may look a bit different from the one illustrated in this appendix, but you install it the same way.
Setting the Hard Disk Drive Jumpers You need to check or change the hard disk drive jumper settings if you are installing or removing any hard disk drives. 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.
Changing the Jumper Settings The hard disk drive jumpers are located on the drive’s circuit board, near the large cable connector. The jumpers on your drive may be in a slightly different location, but you set them the same way. There are four positions for the jumpers on each hard disk drive. Jumpers are installed in only two of the positions and the other two positions are left open.
The following table lists the jumper settings for all the possible hard disk drive configurations. 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. Be careful not to drop the jumper or damage the pins as you install it. If you are going to use only one hard disk drive, the jumpers should be set in positions C/D and ACT.
If one of your hard disk drives is already installed in the computer, follow the steps under “Removing a Hard Disk From the Vertical Position” on page B-24 to remove it. Then set the jumpers on both drives while they are out of the computer. The steps in that section tell you which instructions to follow next. 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.
Removing the Mounting Frames From the Drive Your hard disk drive comes with 5 1/4-inch mounting frames attached to each side of the hard disk drive, as shown below.
On one side, there may also be a plastic guide rail. Follow these steps to remove the mounting frames (and guide rail) from the drive: 1. If necessary, remove the screws securing the plastic guide rail and the metal grounding plate to one of the mounting frames, as shown below. grounding plate screws 2. Remove the four screws securing the mounting frames to the hard disk drive. There are two screws securing each frame, as shown below.
Keep the four screws so you can use them to secure the mounting plate to the hard disk drive. Then set the drive aside with the component side facing up. Removing and Attaching the Mounting Plate If you are installing a new 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 side of the subassembly, as shown below. Follow these steps to remove the mounting plate from your computer: 1.
2. Using a screwdriver, remove the screw securing the mounting plate to the computer and set it aside. Then lift up the mounting plate to remove it. 3. Turn your hard disk drive so the components are facing up and the connectors at the back of the drive are facing to the right.
Then place the flat side of the mounting plate on the hard disk drive and align the four holes on the mounting plate with the four holes on the bottom of the drive, as shown below. 4. Locate the four screws that you removed from the 21/4-inch mounting frames and use them to secure the mounting plate to the hard disk drive. Installing the Drive Follow these steps to install the hard disk drive in the vertical mounting position: 1.
Note If the package containing your disk drive came with instructions for folding the cable before you install it in the computer, you can ignore the instructions. No special folding procedure is necessary. The connector at one end of the cable has two rows of holes, one of which is blocked with a plug, as shown below. The ribbon cable socket on the back of the drive has two rows of pins. In one of the rows, a pin is missing.
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 the connector onto the pins. 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. 2. Place the hard disk drive on top of the subassembly with the mounting plate facing up.
3. Locate one of the power supply cables that lead from the power supply in the computer (behind the horizontal drive bays). The cables are labelled Pl, P2, or P3. You can use any of the three cables. As shown below, the end of the connector has two notched comers. power supply cable power supply socket notched corners notched corners The power supply socket is on the back of the hard disk drive, next to the cable you just connected. The socket also has two notched comers, as shown above.
Make sure the holes fit over all the pins and then push the connector onto the pins. 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. 4. Pick up the hard disk drive and hold it above the vertical mounting area so the mounting plate is facing the subassembly, as shown below. Notice that there are two tabs facing downward on the bottom of the mounting plate.
5. As you lower the drive into the vertical mounting area, guide the ribbon cable underneath the drive. As shown above, fit the tabs on the mounting plate into the slots on the side of the subassembly. Then tilt the drive toward the subassembly and align the retaining screw hole on the mounting plate with the hole in the bracket. 6. Secure the drive to the bracket with the retaining screw.
Connecting the Hard Disk Drive Cables Follow these steps to lift up the subassembly and connect the drive cable to the main system board: 1. Remove the front panel from the computer by lifting up slightly on the three clips at the top of the panel and tilting it toward you. Then set it aside. clips front panel 2.
4. Use one of your hands to hold up the subassembly or have someone do it for you. With your other hand, grasp the hard disk drive ribbon cable that you tucked beneath the subassembly. Pull the cable under the subassembly all the way to its left side. 5. Carefully lower the front of the subassembly onto the computer, as shown below.
Guide the tabs on the front of the subassembly over the opening in the front of the computer so that the two small tabs sit behind the opening and the large tab with the ~ curved lip sits over the front of the opening. If necessary, press on the large tab until the subassembly snaps into place. 6. Locate the hard disk drive socket on the main system board (in front of the socket that holds the diskette drive ribbon cable). There is a notch on one side of the socket, as shown below.
Pick up the hard disk drive cable and notice the connector on the end of the cable. There is a tab on one side of the connector, as shown below. tab Pull the cable over toward the socket and fold it to align the connector with the socket. Make sure the side of the connector with the tab lines up with the side of the socket with the notch. Then line up the holes over all of the pins and push the connector onto the pins.
7. 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. notches tabs 8. Tilt up the front panel until the clips on the top touch the computer. Then push on the top of the panel until it clicks into place. Your diskette drive(s) should be flush with the front of the panel. 9. Follow the steps on page 5-41 to replace the computer’s cover.
Removing a Hard Disk From the Vertical Position 1. Turn the computer so that the front panel is facing you. The vertically mounted drive is attached to the right side of the subassembly, as shown below.
2. Remove the retaining screw securing the hard disk drive mounting plate to the computer and set it aside. 3. Tilt the hard disk drive slightly to the right, away from the subassembly, and lift it out of the vertical mounting area. Turn it over and set it on top of the subassembly with the gray mounting plate facing up. Since the drive is attached to its cables, make sure you do not try to move it too far away from the subassembly as you turn it.
4. Disconnect the power supply connector from the socket on the back of the hard disk drive, as shown below. Firmly pull the connector straight out from the socket so you do not bend the pins. Do not pull too hard on the cable; pull on the plastic connector, if possible. 5. Remove the ribbon cable connector from the back of the drive in the same manner, as shown above.
7. Wrap the hard disk drive in its original packing materials and set it aside. Then carefully arrange the power supply cable so that it does not interfere with any other cables or mechanisms. 8. Follow the steps on page 5-41 to replace the computer’s cover. Then see “Post-installation Setup” later in Chapter 5 for instructions on configuring your computer for use without a hard disk drive.
Removing the Subassembly You can remove the subassembly by yourself, but it is easier if you have someone help you. Follow these steps: 1. Turn the computer so that the front panel is facing you. 2. To remove the front panel, lift up slightly on the three clips at the top of the panel and tilt it toward you, as shown below. clips front panel Pull the panel away from the front of the computer.
3. Place the front panel face down and use a screwdriver to remove the screws securing the slot cover to the panel. Lift out the slot cover, as shown below. slot cover Set the front panel, slot cover, and screws aside. The hard disk drive cable is connected to the main system board on the left side of the subassembly, as shown below. hard disk drive cable ‘subassembly Grasp the connector and pull it straight up to remove it from the socket. Do not pull only on the cable. 5.
6. The subassembly is the large metal casing enclosing the horizontal drive bays and the power supply, as shown below. To remove the subassembly, first lift it up from the front only. Place your thumbs under the diskette drive and grasp the top edge of the computer with the rest of your fingers, as shown in the next illustration. (If you have a diskette drive installed in the lower horizontal drive bay, place your thumbs underneath that drive instead.
7. Lift up the front of the subassembly with your thumbs. Raise it to a slight angle, as shown below.
8. Use one of your hands to hold up the subassembly at an angle or have someone hold it up for you. With your other hand, reach back underneath the subassembly and disconnect the two power supply cables connected to the back right side of the main system board, as shown below. Pull each of the connectors straight up. Do not pull only on the cables. 9. Lift the entire subassembly out of the computer and carefully place it on your work surface.
Installing a Disk Drive in the Horizontal Position Before you perform the following steps, be sure that you have set the jumpers on any hard disk drive(s) that you’ll be using. (If not, see “Setting the Hard Disk Drive Jumpers” on page B-4 for instructions.) If you are adding a 3M-inch diskette drive or hard disk drive, you need to make sure that 51/4-inch metal mounting frames are attached to the drive so it fits properly in the 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. Insert the drive in the lower drive bay and slide it 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. After you align the 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. Near one end of the interface, there is a gap to accommodate the plastic divider on the connector. 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.
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 on the end of this cable to the drive that will be mounted vertically. As shown below, there are two rows of holes in the connector. One of the holes is blocked with a plastic plug. 7. Pick up the hard disk drive that you removed from the vertical mounting position.
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 the connector onto the pins. 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. If you will have two hard disk drives in your system, perform the procedures in steps 6 and 7 again.
8. Looking at the subassembly, locate one of the power supply cables that lead from the power supply (behind the horizontal drive bays). The cables are labelled Pl, P2, or P3. You can use any of the three cables. As shown below, the end of the connector has two notched comers. The power supply socket on the back of the drive is next to the ribbon cable connector. The socket also has two notched comers, as shown below.
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. notched corners notched corners Make sure the holes fit over all the pins and then push the connector onto the pins. Caution If you do not correctly align the holes with the pins, you could severely damage your drive when you push in the connector.
Replacing the Drive on the Subassembly This section describes how to reinstall your hard disk drive in the vertical mounting position. The following illustrations show the subassembly installed inside the computer with the front panel attached. However, if your subassembly is out of the computer you can install the drive in the manner described below. Follow these steps: 1.
2. As you lower the drive onto the subassembly, guide the ribbon cable underneath the drive. hole tabs in slots As shown above, fit the tabs on the mounting plate into the slots on the side of the subassembly. Then tilt the drive toward the subassembly and align the retaining screw hole on the mounting plate with the hole in the bracket. 3. Secure the drive to the bracket with the retaining screw. 4. To replace the subassembly, see the instructions on page B-46.
Removing a Disk Drive From the Horizontal Position The figures in this section show a diskette drive in the lower horizontal drive bay, but you can use the same instructions to remove a hard disk drive from the lower bay or to remove a diskette drive from the upper bay. 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. ribbon cable connector 2. Remove the power supply connector from the back of the drive.
3. Using a screwdriver, remove the screws securing the drive to the drive bay. There are two screws on each side, as shown below.
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. (If not, see “Setting the Hard Disk Drive Jumpers” on page B-4 for instructions.) If you do not need to replace a hard disk drive in the vertical mounting position, see “Replacing the Subassembly” on page B-46.
Replacing the Subassembly Follow the steps below to replace the subassembly inside your computer: 1. Notice that there are four mounting slots on the back of the subassembly: two in the upper comers and two in the lower corners.
There are four corresponding tabs on the inside back panel of the computer which fit into the openings in the subassembly slots. tabs Lift up the subassembly from your work surface and lower the back end into the computer, fitting the top tabs in the computer into the openings in the top slots on the subassembly, as shown in the next illustration.
tabs in slots 2. Hold up the front of the subassembly at a slight angle and arrange the ribbon cables leading from the back of the drives so they curve underneath the subassembly toward its left side.
3. Holding up the subassembly at an angle, reach under it and grasp the two main system board power supply cables, labelled P4 and PS. Each connector has six pin holes and a large tab on one side, as shown below. There is one 120pin 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.
4. 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. Make sure the holes fit over all six pins and then push the connector onto the pins. Caution If you do not correctly align the holes with the pins in the socket, you could severely damage your computer when you push in the connector. 5.
6. 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 as you lower it.
Guide the tabs on 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 sits over the front of the opening. If necessary, press on the large tab until the subassembly snaps into place. 7. Locate the hard disk drive and diskette drive ribbon cables. (The hard disk drive cable is slightly wider than the diskette drive cable.) Check the back of the drives to make sure you know which cable is which.
8. 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 socket hard disk drive socket subassembly Both sockets have a notch on one side. The hard disk drive socket is also a bit longer than the diskette drive socket.
Connect the diskette drive ribbon cable first. As shown below, there is a tab on one side of the connector. diskette drive connector diskette drive socket Align the connector with the socket so that 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. Caution If you do not correctly align the holes with the pins, you could severely damage your computer when you push in the connector.
9. Now locate the hard disk drive ribbon cable. Pull the cable over toward the socket and fold it so the tab and notch are aligned. Then connect it in the same manner as the diskette drive cable. 10. 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. notches tabs 11. Tilt up the front panel until the clips on the top of the panel touch the computer. Then push on the top of the panel until it clicks into place.
Appendix C 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: CI System board 0 Memory 0 Hard disk drive(s) Cl Diskette drive(s) CI Keyboard Cl Video adapter and monitor 0 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. 2. Type A : and press Enter to log onto drive A. 3. Type AMIDIAG and press Enter to run System diagnostics. You see a title screen. 4. 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 time 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: 0 Each test is performed one time (passbound) 0 The program waits if an error occurs 0 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 ESC at any time to exit and return to the submenu of diagnostic tests.
Press N and Enter if you want the diagnostics program to continue when an error occurs. The next option is: Error logging (Y/N) ? N Press Y and Enter to record the errors that may occur during the test. See “Error Logging,” below, for details. Press N and Enter if you do not want to create the log. (N is the default setting.) Note If you press N at the Wait on error prompt, you should press Y for Error logging so you can review any errors that may occur during the tests.
If you selected Passbound testing, you see this prompt: No. of passes : 00001 Specify the number of times (from 1 to 65535) you want the program to run the test(s). Or press Enter 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: Press ” or “ to highlight the disk on which you want to log the error messages and press Enter. (You do not see drive D unless you have a second hard disk drive.) 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 ’ or ‘ to highlight the test category on the Main menu. Then press ” or “ to highlight the particular test in the submenu and press Enter 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 F3. To cancel a selection, highlight the test and press F3 again.
You can stop testing at any time and return to the main menu by holding down Ctrl and pressing Break. 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 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 refers you to other sections in this chapter for additional information, if necessary.
System diagnostic tests (continued) Component Tests Function 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’ Keyboard Controller Scan/ASCII code Tests the keyboard controller Tests the scan codes assigned to the keys (see “Keyboard Scan/ASCII Codes”) Tests the keyboard clo
System diagnosric tests (continued) l Test appears only if you have installed a color monitor. Memory Diagnostics If you have relocated any memory addresses, you must change the addresses to their original locations before running the memory tests or they will not work properly. If an error occurs during a memory test, the program displays this message: Press to view faulty memory chip. Press Enter. The program displays a diagram of the main system board and highlights the faulty memory chip.
Destructive tests Nondestructive tests Format Media analysis Force bad tracks Performance Seek Read/verify Check test cylinder Caution You should not run any of the destructive tests on an SCSI type hard disk drive. Before performing any destructive test, the program displays the following messages: W A R N I N G All data on hard disk you have specified may be lost... Do you still want to continue (Y/N)? Press Y and Enter to begin the test. Press N and Enter to stop the operation.
Disk drive identifier The program displays this prompt for the disk drive identifier: ? c Disk drive (C/D) If only one hard disk is connected to the computer, the program assume; it is drive C and does not display this prompt. Disk drive type The program determines the type of hard disk drive based on the type number stored in the CMOS RAM by the SETUP program and displays the following prompt: Disk drive type ? 17 A window on the screen lists the possible drive types.
Bad track list Entering the bad track list is optional. The program displays the following prompt for the bad track list: Mark bad tracks (Y/N) ? N You do not need to enter a bad track list for the hard disk that comes with the Equity 286 PLUS. Press N, if necessary, and then press Enter. If you press Y and then Enter, you see the following submenu: Add an entry Revise an entry Delete an entry Clear bad track list Save and Exit Use ” or “ to highlight a menu option and press Enter.
Enter the first and last cylinder numbers on which you want to perform the tests. The default for the start cylinder number is 0, and the default for the end cylinder number is one less than the highest cylinder number of your hard disk. For example, on a 40MB hard disk, the highest cylinder number is 976.
Caution The hard disk format procedure destroys any data on your hard disk. You may want to reformat a hard disk if you have a serious problem with the drive. However, before formatting a disk with data on it, try every other recovery procedure described in your MS-DOS Reference Manual. Then back up all the data on the disk before you begin. Note If you do not enter a bad track list before you format the disk, the format program analyzes the surface of the hard disk to determine the bad tracks.
Performance Test This test checks the performance of your hard disk by determining the data transfer rate and track-to-track seek time based on the transfer size, the seek count, and the amount of data transferred. The program measures the data transfer rate in kilobytes per second. It reads 64KB of data 15 times and counts the number of timer ticks using this formula: Transfer rate = (64KB x 15 x 18.
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. Caution The Force bad tracks test destroys any data on your hard disk.
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 When you are finished running any of these tests on the test diskette, you must reformat it using the MS-DOS FORMAT command before you can use it with MS-DOS. You see the following prompt before the program performs a test: Diskette drive (A/B) ? If necessary, type the drive identifier and press Enter. (If you have only one diskette drive, drive A is already entered for you.) Press Y and Enter at the Proceed prompt to begin the test. Press N and Enter to make corrections.
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 diagnostics procedure: 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 t
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 - Printer out of paper Error - Printer not selected Error - Printer interface I/O error Error - Time out on printer Communication Adapter Test Before running this test on your serial port, you must connect a special RS232C, 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 Error Error Error Error - Break detected Framing error Overrun error Parity error Time out! Check to make sure that the test connector is securely connected to the port. If the error persists, contact your dealer.
Appendix D 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 C for instructions.
1. If you do not have a hard disk, insert the MS-DOS Startup diskette in drive A. Turn on your computer or press the RESET button. You see the version number of your video BIOS at the top of the screen as your computer boots. Write down the number. 2. Then the computer performs a 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. 3.
Write down the error message and give it to your dealer when reporting a problem. If the error is serious, the computer cancels further checking and halts system initialization. The error message remains on the screen and the computer locks up. If this happens, contact your dealer as soon as possible. Report this information and both the error message and code number to your dealer. The Computer Won’t Start If your computer does not start when you turn on the power, check the following: 1.
The Computer Does Not Respond If your computer locks up and does not respond when you type on the keyboard, follow these steps: 1. Some operations rake longer than others to complete. For example, the computer takes longer to sort a database than to accept a single typed character. If your computer still does not respond after a reasonable length of time, proceed to the next step. 2.
7. If your computer still does not respond, you can reset it using the Ctfl Alt Del command or the RESET button. See “Resetting Your Computer” in Chapter 3 for more information. 8. If resetting the computer does not work, turn it off and wait at least five seconds. If you do not have a hard disk drive, insert the Startup or Reference diskette in drive A. Then turn on the computer. It should load MS-DOS. 9.
Accessing Your Current Password If you have forgotten your current password and cannot use your computer, follow these steps: 1. Turn off the computer and follow the instructions under “Changing the Jumper Settings” in Chapter 5 to disable the password function by setting jumper J6 to position A. Caution Be sure to ground yourself on the back inside panel of the computer before touching any of the interior components. Always replace the cover on the computer before you turn it on again. 2.
7. If you do not have a hard disk, insert the Startup diskette in drive A. Turn on the computer. If you set a new password or kept the same one, you see the Password : prompt. Enter the password to access your system. (See "Using the Password” in Chapter 3.) If you deleted your password, you do not see the Password : prompt and can access your system immediately. Note Be sure to remember your new password or write it down and keep it in a safe place.
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 the power light on the monitor is lit. If the power light is on but you still do not see anything on the screen, check the monitor’s brightness and contrast controls. 2. If the power switch is on but the power light is not, turn off the monitor’s power, wait five seconds, and turn the power back on. Wait to see if the screen displays any text. 3.
Note If your application program requires a monitor that supports graphics but you have a monochrome monitor, the results will be unpredictable. 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 J3 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 jumpers Jl and J5.
3. If reinserting the diskette does not solve the problem and you have access to another diskette drive of the same type, place the diskette in the other drive and repeat the operation. If this works, the trouble may be in your diskette drive. See “Diskette Drive Problems,” below. 4. Check to see if you have inserted the right type of diskette. See “Types of Diskette Drives” in Chapter 3 for more information. 5. If your diskette is the right type for your drive, see if it is write-protected.
If you see one of these messages, make sure the diskette is properly inserted in the drive. On a 5 1/4-inch diskette drive, make sure the drive latch is closed. Try the operation again. If the problem persists, try removing the diskette and reinserting it. This may solve the problem if the diskette was not seated properly in the drive. If the error message still occurs, you may have a defective diskette. Use the MS-DOS COPY command to copy the files from the bad diskette to a new diskette.
2. If you installed the drive yourself, did you carefully follow all the instructions in Appendix B of this manual? Review the instructions and check all the cable connections to make sure you have installed it correctly. 3. Did you run the SETUP program to define the correct type of diskette drive as part of the computer’s configuration? (See Chapter 2 for instructions.) 4. If you are still having trouble with the drive, run the Floppy disk system diagnostics tests, described in Appendix C.
Caution If your disk has data on it, be very careful before you perform any procedure that may erase data (such as formatting the disk). Consult your dealer if you have any questions. Always be sure to back up your data before reformatting or repartitioning the disk drive. See the descriptions of COPY, XCOPY, and BACKUP in your MS-DOS Reference Manual. Installing the Drive If you are having problems with a newly-installed drive, check the following: 1.
Caution Do not perform the low-level format if your disk contains data, unless your dealer advises you to do so. 4. If your computer came with a hard disk drive that you are no longer using, make sure the hard disk drive power cable and the cable that connected the drive to the main system board are disconnected. 5.
If you are sure the hard disk has been installed properly and you have prepared it for use as described above but you cannot access the drive, review the instructions in your MS-DOS Installation Guide. Make sure you performed each step in the installation processcorrectly for your configuration. If you cannot identify the problem, consult your dealer.
Software Problems If you are having trouble with an application program, try the following solutions: 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 have inserted the application program diskette in drive A.
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 for instructions or see your printer manual. 2. Check the printer manual for the printer’s correct DIP switch or control panel settings.
6. 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 C describes these tests. If the test indicates an error, contact your printer dealer. Option Card Problems If you install an option card and it is not functioning properly, check the following: 1. Is the option card installed correctly? The most common problem with option cards is a loose connection. Make sure the card is well-seated in its slot.
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. Also, be sure you have connected it to the correct port. See Chapter 1 for more information. 2. If the mouse is connected properly, be sure that jumper J4 on your computer’s main system board is set correctly for your mouse. See Chapter 5 for more information. 3.
Battery Problems The battery in your computer is a 3.6 volt, lithium battery. It should last from three to five years before you need to replace it. When the battery’s life is exhausted, you may see an error message. After you purchase a new battery pack, follow the instructions in Chapter 5 to install it. (You may want your dealer to install it for you.) Math Coprocessor Problems If your math coprocessor does not seem to be operating properly, check the following: 1.
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 high speed (12 MHz) to low speed (6 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 programs-usually 640KB. Also called conventional memory or main memory.
Byte 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 Ctrl and press another key on the keyboard) that instructs the computer to perform a specific function. Coprocessor An optional device that enables the computer to process certain mathematical calculations faster.
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. A default value stays in effect unless you override it temporarily by changing a setting or you reset the default value itself. Delimiter A character or space used to separate different parts of an MS-DOS command.
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.
Double-density A type of diskette format that allows you to store twice as much data as the standard-density format. A 51/4-inch double-density diskette can store 360KB of data. A 31/2-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. A type of display adapter card that allows you to display high-resolution graphics on a compatible monitor.
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. Format To prepare a new disk (or an old one you want to reuse) so that it can store information.
High-density A type of format that allows you to store more data than on single- or double-density diskettes. A 51/4-inch high-density diskette can store 1.2MB of data. A 3 1/2-inch high-density diskette can store 1.44MB of data. Input/output (I/O) port See Port. Interface A physical or software connection used to transmit data between equipment or programs. Jumper A small device that connects two pins on an option card, a disk drive, or the main system board to activate a particular function.
Math coprocessor An optional device that enables the computer to process certain mathematical calculations faster. MCGA Monochrome/Color Graphics Adapter. A type of display adapter that runs either a monochrome or color graphics monitor. MDA Monochrome Display Adapter. A type of display adapter that displays text in only one color, such as green or amber. Megabyte (MB) A unit used to measure storage space in a computer’s memory or on a disk. One megabyte equals 1024KB.
Memory on card The additional memory on an option card installed in the computer. MGA Multi-mode Graphics Adapter. A type of display adapter card that can display monochrome text and color graphics on the screen. Microprocessor A small version of a CPU contained on one semiconductor chip. 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.
MS-DOS Microsoft Disk Operating System. The operating system most commonly used with your computer. See Operating system. Numeric keypad The number and cursor control keys grouped to the right of the keyboard. Operating speed The speed at which the central processing unit can execute commands. The Equity 286 PLUS can run at 12 MHz or 6 MHz. Operating system A collection of programs (such as MS-DOS, OS/2, or Unix) that manages a computer’s operations.
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. All data stored in RAM is erased when you turn off or reset the computer; so you must store any data you want to keep on disk.
Reset To reload a computer’s operating system so you can retry a task or begin using a different 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. Root directory The top-level directory in MS-DOS, designated by a \ (backslash). All other directories are subdirectories of the root directory.
Serial The type of interface that transmits data one bit at a time. See interface and Parallel. Shadow RAM The feature provided by the Equity 286 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.
Tracks Addressable, concentric circles on a disk, resembling the grooves on a record, which help to divide the disk into separate accessible areas. VGA Video Graphics Array. A type of high-resolution display adapter. The VGA adapter built into the system board of your computer can display 16-color graphics at resolutions up to 640 x 480 on a compatible VGA monitor. Video card A display adapter card that can be installed in one of the computer’s option slots to provide a monitor interface.
I ndex A AMIDIAG, C-2 AUTOEXEC.BAT, 4-l-2 Auto speed, 2-10-l1, 4-2-4 Auxiliary device problems, D-19 Auxiliary interface, A-2 B Backing up data, from diskettes, 3-18 on hard disk, 3-18, 3-20 with BACKUP, 3-19 with DISKCOPY, 3-18 BACKUP, 3- 19 Base memory, 2-3 Batch files, 4-l-2 AUTOEXEC.
Copying, diskettes, 3-11,3-18 files, 3-18-20 Copy-protected programs, 2-l1, 4-3 CORFIX, 5-42-44 Cover, removing, 5-24 replacing, 5-41-42 CPU, A-l CPU speed, see Processor speed CPRL ALT +, 4-4-5 CTRL ALT -, 4-4-5 CTRL ALT DEL, 3-5 CTRL BREAK, 3-4 CTRL C, 3-4 Cursor bar, 2-3 D Date, setting, 2-3-4 Diagnostics, power-on, D-2-3 system, C-1-14 DISKCOPY, 3-11,3-18 Diskette drive, cable, B-29, B-35-36 caring for, 3-11-12 compatibility, 3-9-11 configuring, 2-4 controller, 2-15 diagnostics, C-20-23 inserting diske
Epson Consumer Information Center number, intro-4, D-l Error logging, C-6-7 Error messages, 2-2,2-16, D-2-3 system diagnostics, C-7, C-19-20, C-22-23, C-25 ESPEED program, 4-3-6 Expanded memory, 2-11-12, 4-7-10, 5-43 Extended memory, 2-3, 2-11-12, 4-7-10, 5-44 F Files, AUTOEXEC.BAT, 4-l-2 backing up, 3-18-20 batch, 4-1-2 CONFIG.SYS, 4-7-10 copying, 3- 18-20 EMM286.
K Key disk, 4-3 Keyboard, adjusting angle, 1-13 cable, 1-12 check, C- 10 connecting, 1-12-13 controller check, D-2 diagnostics, C-11 layout, 3-2, A-4 problems, D-7 special keys, 3-2-3 speed commands, 4-4-5 test function, 2-9 tests, C-11 L LIM 4.
Mouse, connecting, l-13-14 port specifications, A-2 problems, D- 19 setting jumper, 5-5-8 MS-DOS, copying files, 3-1,3- 18-19 diskettes, 3- 1 installing, 2- 16, 3- 1 loading, 3-15-16 Multi-frequency monitor, 1-4, 4-10 N Num lock mode, 3-3 0 Operating speed, see Processor speed Option cards, configuring, 2-8-9, 5-42-45 instailing, 5-1, 5-12-17 memory, 5-1, 5-42-45 problems, D-18 removing, 5-17-l8 testing, 5-45 video, see Video cards option slots, 5-12-14, A-2 Options, installing, 5-145, B-l-55 OS/2, Intro-
R RAM check, D-2 Random access memory (RAM), 202, 345, D-2 Read only memory (ROM), 2-1, 2-10, D-2, A-l Read/write heads, 3-9,3-20-21 Real-time clock, 2-3-4, A-l Redirecting printer output, l-11 Reference diskette, 3- 18 Removing diskettes, 3-16-17 RESET button, 3-5 Resetting the computer, 3-4-5 ROM, see Read Only Memory Run time parameters, C-3-9 2-2-3 S Secondary port, 2-14-15 Sector, 3-8 Serial, cable, l-l1 interface, l-11,2-14-15, A-2 port, l-11,2-14-15 port test, C-24-25 SETMODE, l-11 Setting up, 1-
System, BIOS, 2-10 board tests, C-10 diagnostics, C-l-25 memory, see Memory setting up, l-1-18 T Time, setting, 2-3-4 Timer check, D-2 Tracks, 3-7-8 Troubleshooting, D-l-20 TURBO light, 2-10,402 Turning off computer, l-18 Turning on computer, l-16-18 U Utilities, VGA, 4-10-18 V VER, D-l-2 VGA emulation mode, 4-17-18 VGA port, configuring, 2-89 connecting monitor, l-4-6 diagnostics, C-11-12 specifications, A-2 tests, C-12 VGA utilities, 4-10-18 VGAMODE utility, 4-13-17 Video cards, CGA, l-7, 2-8-9 compati
