OWNER’S HANDBOOK MS540 apricot COMPACT MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC
Apricot MS540 Owner’s Handbook MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC
Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation. Microsoft ® and Windows ® 95 are registered trademarks of Microsoft in the U.S. and other countries. Soundblaster is a registered trademark of Creative Labs Inc. Any other trademarks referred to within this document but not listed above are hereby recognised and acknowledged. Apricot Computers Ltd.
CONTENTS OWNER’S MANUAL CONTENTS 1 THE BEGINNING Connections Turning on and booting up Energy saving features Installing other software Turning the power off Cleaning and transporting 2 THE SYSTEM DRIVES Using the floppy drive Using a CD-ROM drive The Hard disk drive Software backup 3 3/2 3/6 MEMORY UPGRADES Adding system memory Adding cache memory Adding video memory 5 2/1 2/3 2/5 2/7 EXPANSION Configuring a card Installing a card 4 1/1 1/2 1/3 1/4 1/5 1/6 4/1 4/5 4/7 MULTIMEDIA FEATURES The
CONTENTS 6 TROUBLESHOOTING Problems when starting Restoring the Software Checklist System disk drives Television card Software security A THE SYSTEM UNIT Anti-static precautions Opening the system unit The components inside Drive specification Physical characteristics B B/1 B/2 B/4 B/6 B/8 SYSTEM BIOS AND SET-UP Entering set-up Control keys Set-up runs on its own Opening screen Sub-menu pages Error messages CONTENTS/2 A/1 A/2 A/3 A/4 A/5 SYSTEM MOTHERBOARD General specification Board layout Extern
THE BEGINNING 1 THE BEGINNING. . . You should read this chapter even if you do not read any other. It provides important basic information to help you in using your computer. It is the minimum you need to know in order to start work straight away. Computers are very easy to use providing you establish a routine with a few basic disciplines. Note particularly the information given in the section ‘Energy Saving Features’.
THE BEGINNING Turning on and booting the computer Turning the power on If you have a TV card fitted, check the chapter ‘Multimedia’ for important information. To turn on the computer, press the lower POWER button. The green POWER ON light should come on to show that the system unit is powered. Remember that the monitor has its own power control (see the monitor’s User’s Guide for details) and that it may take a few moments to warm up.
THE BEGINNING Caution Changing or splitting the partition on a hard disk totally erases all the programs and data recorded on that disk. Always make a backup copy of the contents of the hard disk before you start to make any serious alterations to the hard disk set-up. It cannot be undone afterwards !. Inexperienced or new users should take a few moments to run one or more of the many tutorials in the HELP menu.
THE BEGINNING stop and then the hard drive will spin down, etc. In this mode the computer system consumes very little power at all, typically below 20W. To restart the system, press the violet ‘Standby’ button on the facia. As the monitor is in a controlled ‘off’ state, it may take a moment or two to fully return to normal. ‘Standby’ can also be initiated or restored by means of the standby button on the Remote control. (Details of the remote control are given in a comprehensive help file in Windows).
THE BEGINNING Some manufacturers still only supply their software on 3.5 inch floppy disks and these would of course have to use the floppy disk drive. Guidance on using either the CD drive, or the floppy drive, is given in chapter 2 ‘The system drives’. The only thing you need to know is the name of the program on the disk that does the work. The software’s accompanying literature should tell you, but it is usually either ‘SETUP’ or ‘INSTALL’.
THE BEGINNING will close down all your applications in an orderly manner and will prompt you to save any unsaved work in the process. • You should always turn off any attached peripherals first. However, there is no need to turn off the monitor (if it is powered from the system unit). • To turn off the computer, simply press the POWER button again. The power indicator on the system goes out. If the monitor is powered from the system unit, it will be turned off at the same time.
THE BEGINNING Do not use aerosols or sprays near any part of the system, in particular, air vents or grills, ports, or removable-media drives, as microscopic droplets can remain in the air for some time and then penetrate and cause irreparable damage. The system unit • Occasionally wipe the system unit with a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth. • Occasionally wipe the air vents on the rear and sides of the system unit. Dust and fluff can block the vents and limit the airflow.
THE BEGINNING 3. If the liquid is thin and clear, try unplugging the keyboard, turning it upside down to let the liquid drain out, and drying it for at least 24 hours at room temperature. If the keyboard does not work, call your supplier or an authorised maintainer. 4. If a solid object drops between the keys, turn the keyboard upside down and shake it gently. Do not probe between the keys as this may cause serious damage.
THE BEGINNING Transporting the computer Use common sense when handling the computer. Hard disks in particular can be damaged if the computer is dropped or handled roughly. As a precaution, back up your data from the hard disks to tape or floppy disks before moving the computer. (See the Hard disk section of the chapter ‘System drives’). Do not try to move the computer while it is plugged into the AC power supply or with any other cables, network, printer etc., still attached.
THE SYSTEM DRIVES 2 THE SYSTEM DRIVES This chapter contains useful information about the drives that are currently fitted in your computer, either behind the front drop-down panel or, in the case of the Hard drive, inside the system. Using the floppy disk drive The floppy disk drive is usually configured in the system BIOS as drive A:, with a capacity of 1.44 Mbytes. Virtually all software still supplied on floppy disk is now sent out in HD (or 1.44 MB) format from the manufacturer.
THE SYSTEM DRIVES Disks should always be kept away from bright sunlight, dust, moisture and any strong magnetic fields, e.g. do not place them on the monitor, printer, or near a telephone. It is common to store them in a lockable “disk-box”, away from the computer itself. Avoid opening the metal window on the disk as this exposes the magnetic surface to contamination which could damage the data or cause the disk to become useless.
THE SYSTEM DRIVES 4. The system should now be able to access the disk and the information it may contain. While the system is accessing the disk, the “drive in use” LED should be lit. Pressing the button, when the drive is not in use, will eject the floppy disk. Using a CD-ROM drive Unless either a second hard drive has been installed, or the existing hard drive has been given more than one partition then the CDROM drive is usually drive D:.
THE SYSTEM DRIVES Warning The laser beam inside the CD-ROM drive is harmful to the eyes if looked at directly. Do not attempt to remove the drive cover or otherwise disassemble the CD-ROM drive. If a fault occurs, call an authorised maintainer. Keep CDs well away from dust, moisture and temperature extremes and avoid touching the surface of the CD. Store them in solid containers wherever possible. Replacement plastic CD containers are available from most large record stores. Inserting a compact disc 1.
THE SYSTEM DRIVES To remove a compact disc, press the eject button and then lift out the CD. It is best to close the draw, to prevent dust getting in, unless you intend to put in a new CD. Do not attempt to move the computer while a CD is in the drive, as serious damage may be caused to both the CD and the drive, especially if the drive is active at the time. To remove a CD manually (for example, during a power failure) you must first ensure that the computer is turned off.
THE SYSTEM DRIVES The primary hard drive Your Apricot computer is supplied with one internal or ‘primary’ hard drive (HDD) designated as the C: drive. Windows 95 will normally be installed on this drive. Data is stored on the HDD in Directories and Subdirectories, now referred to in Windows 95 as ‘folders’.
THE SYSTEM DRIVES DriveSpace It is possible, as an alternative to the expense of fitting a second HDD, to use disk utility software such as DriveSpace within Windows 95, which increases the usable capacity of your HDD. It can more than double the usable size of the drive using software compression technology. See the Windows 95 HELP for details on using this utility. Remember it is advisable to backup your software first.
SYSTEM EXPANSION 3 SYSTEM EXPANSION Your computer can accept various Expansion cards or boards. Most are simple to install with the benefit of the ‘Plug and Play’ features, explained in the guide to Windows 95. (Look out for the ‘Plug and Play’ symbol on the packaging of these add-in boards). You can extend the capabilities of the computer, for example,• A graphics/movie card can provide more specialised video functions than those offered by the on-board EVGA system.
SYSTEM EXPANSION Configuring the card Part of the installation procedure for many expansion cards involves setting up or configuring the card so it works correctly in the system. To configure, you assign values to various settings on the card, which enable the card to communicate with the computer. The chosen settings MUST be registered in the BIOS see appendix C ‘System BIOS and set-up’ and the section ‘ISA Legacy resources’.
SYSTEM EXPANSION ISA Interrupt request level (IRQ) The interrupt request level or IRQ (the two terms are used interchangeably) is the line over which the expansion card sends a signal to get the attention of, or interrupt, the processor. Many of these are reserved for components on the computer’s motherboard. Some interrupts are fixed, others can be re-assigned. The following table lists the interrupts used by the computer and shows which may be available for use by expansion cards.
SYSTEM EXPANSION Direct memory access (DMA) channel Some hardware devices can use a DMA channel to access system memory without directly burdening the processor. Computers have DMA channels numbered DMA0 to DMA7. The following table lists the DMA channels used by the computer and shows which are available for use by expansion cards.
SYSTEM EXPANSION I/O ports Default assignment All addresses below 100h are used by the system board for various fixed system components and chipset controller settings. They are unavailable for use.
SYSTEM EXPANSION Note Memory addresses are always written in base 16 or hexadecimal notation. Unlike the ten digits of the decimal system (0-9), hexadecimal uses sixteen digits (0-9 and A-F, where A=10, B=11, C=12 and so on up to F=15). Hexadecimal numbers are denoted either by the suffix “h” or by the prefix “0x”. The final digit of a five-digit memory address is often omitted, so C8000h may be written as C800h.
SYSTEM EXPANSION 3. At the rear of the system unit are metal blanking plates, one for each expansion card slot. Opposite the blanking plates, at the front of the system unit, there are card guides. These ensure that the front edge of a full-length card is supported securely. 4. First decide in which of the available slots you wish to install the card. In general it is easiest to start with the lowest slot and work upwards. 5. Check on two things, the type of board (ISA or PCI) and then its length.
SYSTEM EXPANSION 8. Position the expansion card alongside the slot in which you wish to install it. Align the rear of the card with the slot in the rear of the system unit, and, if the card is full length, align the front of the card with the card guide. 9. Slide the card into the slot ensuring that the card edge connector engages correctly with the socket on the riser board. Do not use excessive force. 10. Secure the card by replacing all the screws/clamps that you removed in Step 5. 11.
MEMORY UPGRADES 4 MEMORY UPGRADES Read this chapter before purchasing any memory upgrade and if in any doubt consult your supplier. Then, if having read the relevant instructions, you still do not feel confident about installing the upgrade, you may wish to have your supplier or service organisation install it for you. Caution Apricot Computers Ltd have extensively tested many combinations of memory and all of our upgrade parts are guaranteed.
MEMORY UPGRADES Either bank can be used first. A normal specification of 32-Bit SIMMs having an access time of 70ns for a 5V power supply applies. Parity checking (36-Bit) SIMMs are not necessary. The Electronic Data Output (EDO) type SIMMs are fully supported and will give enhanced performance, more noticeably if L2 cache is low or not fitted. This table shows all the supported memory configurations.
MEMORY UPGRADES Caution If you are unfamiliar with the recommended anti-static precautions and/or the process of removing the system unit cover, refer to Appendix A, “The System Unit”. 3. Remove carefully the floppy disk drive module which restricts access to the SIMM sockets (first identifying the way all cables are fitted) by disconnecting the cables, loosening the screws and lifting out. 4. Compare the current configuration of SIMMs with the configuration for the memory upgrade you intend to install.
MEMORY UPGRADES 3. Pushing gently on its top corners, stand the SIMM upright in the socket until the pegs of the socket engage the holes on the SIMM and the metal clips hold both ends of the SIMM firmly in position. Do not use excessive force. 4. If the SIMM will not fit easily, remove it and start again. 5. Repeat these steps for each SIMM you want to install. Note It is not important which pair of SIMM sockets are used first, but it is usual to start with the outer bank (sockets MM1 and MM2).
MEMORY UPGRADES 3. The SIMMs are of the correct type It may be necessary to refit the original memory SIMMs to check if there is a problem with your new SIMMs. If in any doubt contact your supplier. Adding more cache memory An external or secondary level (L2) cache is a small amount of specialised memory with significantly faster access times than the computer’s system RAM.
MEMORY UPGRADES Caution If you are unfamiliar with the recommended anti-static precautions and/or the process of removing the system unit cover, refer to Appendix A, “The System Unit”. 3. Identify the cache memory socket see appendix B ‘System Motherboard’, in conjunction with the picture below. 4. To fit or remove a module in the cache socket, you may have to remove any expansion cards that are in the way. (Take note of which way all cables are connected.
MEMORY UPGRADES 8. Refit and secure the system unit cover, reconnect the system and switch on. 9. Check the BIOS sign-on message to see the new value of cache memory is displayed. Adding more video memory Video memory is memory reserved for use by the on-board EVGA controller. More video memory provides more colours and/or higher resolutions (provided that your monitor can cope). The on board vidoe section of your computer has 1 Mbyte of video memory, which is more than adequate for normal use.
MEMORY UPGRADES to touch the metal pins. These memory chips are particularly static sensitive. Handle with extreme caution. 6. It is extremely important that the chips are fitted the right way round. Each chip has a notch at one end or small bevel at one corner, corresponding to the notch or bevel on the socket corner. These must be aligned as shown. 7. One at a time, press the chips in the sockets., push firmly home. 8.
MULTIMEDIA 5 MULTIMEDIA This chapter is designed to give you basic information on a few of the multimedia features that may be fitted to your computer. It is a catch-all term that covers audio, CD-ROM, communications, education, fax, games, Internet, modem, movies, networking, photoediting, publishing, radio, scanners. television, voice-mail and more, as it is an area under continuous development.
MULTIMEDIA DISC DRAWER T COMPAC HEADPHONE JACK AND HEADPHONE LEVEL BUSY INDICATOR EMERGENCY EJECT HOLE EJECT BUTTON This causes the drive tray to open in order to place a CD into the drive. The other two controls are as shown above, headphone connection and volume control, which are for use whilst playing commercial audio or music CDs. That is if you are not using any external speakers, or feeding the output to your hi-fi system.
MULTIMEDIA software titles designed to read and edit images from the standard Photo CD formats. The word ‘Multisession’ is often used to describe Photo CDs. It simply means that some of the photographs were recorded on the CD at different times or in separate ‘sessions’. This is no problem for modern CD drives. The sound connections There are two separate panels for audio connections, one on the front bezel and one to the rear, mounted at the bottom of the expansion slot area.
MULTIMEDIA Rear connections 1 2 3 4 5 1 10101 2 1. Joystick/MIDI port. 2. Microphone socket (will ‘mix’ with front socket.) 3. Line IN socket. 4. Line OUT socket. 5. Speakers jack socket (cuts off if front headphones used.) Remote control This computer is supplied with a multifunction infrared remote control handset. This is covered in Windows 95 with extensive on screen help. It can fully control the system, even be a remote mouse.
MULTIMEDIA HELP/MENU HELP The Remote Control Changing the batteries ++ Battery size ; Standard AA cells. Quantity ; 2 off, fitted as shown. Observe polarity.
MULTIMEDIA Television (if fitted) Note The Windows 95 video mode must be set to 256 colours for television. As stated at the beginning of this chapter there are many and varied facilities that can be added to your computer. One that is a popular option and fitted to order in the factory is the Television card. It enables you to receive broadcast television on your computer and view it on your monitor. It also has many other features that are covered in the Windows 95 icon ‘Apricot TV’ and its HELP.
MULTIMEDIA The connection cable for (3) is supplied within the accessories set supplied with the computer. It is to connect the computer video output to the TV card, to enable composite and synchronised pictures on the monitor. The monitor signal cable then connects to the TV card. Warning Remember that in most countries you will require a TV or Broadcast reception licence. Check with the appropriate authority.
TROUBLESHOOTING 6 TROUBLESHOOTING This chapter offers advice if you suspect a fault with your computer. If in doubt Turn off the computer and unplug all power cords before consulting your supplier or maintenance provider. Make a note of any of the symptoms, error codes, display messages etc., before calling.
TROUBLESHOOTING 4. If the replacement fuse blows, call your supplier or maintenance provider. 5. If the replacement fuse does not blow, reconnect one peripheral at a time and switch it on. Repeat this step for each peripheral in turn. Power-on self-test Whenever the computer is switched on, the POST routine tests various hardware components, including memory, and compares the actual configuration of the computer with that recorded in configuration (CMOS) memory.
TROUBLESHOOTING floppy, in which case remove it, or replace it with one that is. If the message persists there may be a fault with the HDD, in which case, check the BIOS settings are correct. If they are then the HDD may need to be reformatted and the system software restored. Restoring the Software In the event of a complete disaster the original software can be restored by means of the special sealed pack supplied with the system. Full instructions are supplied with this CD and floppy disk.
TROUBLESHOOTING Power Check that the AC power supply is switched on, and that the fuse in the AC plug (if any) has not blown. If the system still does not seem to be getting power, obtain another power cord from your supplier. Monitor If there is no display check that the monitor is turned on, and the brightness and contrast controls are not turned to minimum.
TROUBLESHOOTING Check also that the front window is not obscured on either the system unit or the handset. Periodic cleaning with a soft lint-free cloth is advised. System BIOS Check the system BIOS to ensure that it has not been disturbed from the original settings. If the settings appear to have altered, there may be a fault with the BIOS battery. See Appendix B, ‘System Motherboard’ and Appendix C ‘System BIOS and set-up’.
TROUBLESHOOTING Television card (if fitted) Black screen, Coloured screen, Snowy picture or just Blank screen. This can be symptomatic of one or more minor problems ; • Check that your Monitor signal lead is connected to the TV card and not the normal Monitor port. • Check that the external VGA loop, from Monitor port to the TV card VGA IN is fitted. • Ensure that the Windows 95 video driver is configured for 256 colour mode.
TROUBLESHOOTING your guard. The supplier may not be aware of the potential problem. Illegal copying of programs has led to vast distribution of the many common types of virus. There are various software companies who design Anti-Virus software for both home and corporate use and some of these are very reliable. They are however no substitute for tight control of your system and your software. Virus infection can be avoided.
Tecnical Information A THE SYSTEM UNIT This appendix provides instructions regarding access to the inside of the system unit for the purposes of maintaining or upgrading the system, plus some of the general system/drives specifications. The only tool required is a small cross head screwdriver. Warning Turn off the computer and unplug all power cords before removing the top cover. Anti-static precautions Static electricity can cause permanent damage to electronic components.
Technical Infomation an earthed wrist strap and anti-static clothing. It is also a good idea to use an ionizer or humidifier to remove static from the air. • When installing any upgrade, be sure you understand what the installation procedure involves before you start. This will enable you to plan your work, and so minimise the amount of time that sensitive components are exposed. • Do not remove the system unit cover, nor the anti-static bag or wrapping of any upgrade, until you need to.
Tecnical Information 5. Slide the top cover rearwards slightly, then lift it off. Refitting the cover is simply the reverse of removal. Take effective anti-static precautions while the top cover is off. 8 9 10 1 7 2 3 5 4 6 The components inside 1 System main board, for details see ‘appendix B’. 2 Processor and system cooling fan. 3 Multimedia interface board. (under front bezel). 4 Floppy disk drive, see chapter ‘The system drives’ 5 CD-ROM drive, see chapter ‘The system drives’.
Technical Infomation Drive Specification summary Floppy disk drive (removable media only) Manufacturer Interface Power Mitsubishi Disk formats (3 Mode) Reliability MTBF Manufacturer Interface Sony IDE Mode 2 Speed Quadruple Access time Cache Power Built in Connector Loading Internal line Headphones Size Types Connector Loading MF355F-450MP 34 Pin connector 4 pin miniature 1.5W during read/write 100mW during standby (400ms start time) DS-DD 720 Kb 1.2 Mb (NEC, Japan) HD 1.
Tecnical Information Physical Characteristics (system unit) Weight and dimensions Height Depth Width Component Weight 120 mm 400 mm 435 mm System unit 11-12 Kg* 40 mm 205 mm 488 mm Keyboard 1.
Technical Information B SYSTEM MOTHERBOARD This appendix details the specification and settings for the main processor board fitted inside your computer. Normally the vast majority of jumper settings should never be changed. Board Specification Processor Type Intel Pentium 75Mhz upward Bus speeds 50, 60, 66 MHz Support logic BIOS Intel TRITON chipset Surepath 1.
Technical Information Audio On board Creative Labs 16 Bit with integral Yamaha OPL3 . Drives Floppy drives Support for 720 Kb, 1.2 Mb (3-Mode), 1.44 Mb at 3.5 in. and 1.2 Mb at 5.25in. formats Hard drives PCI/IDE controller built into Triton chipset CD-ROM ATA-PI IDE drives. (Primary connector for IDE Hard disk drives) (Secondary connector for ATA-PI CD-ROM drives) Ports Parallel 25-way female ‘D’ connector IEEE1284 (EPP/ECP) Serial Two 9 way male ‘D’ type RS232, 16550 chipset.
Technical Information 14 Video Parallel Com 2 13 12 Com 1 Mouse Key/Bd 11 10 9 15 8 7 6 16 5 4 17 18 19 20 21 1 3 2 Board layout 1 4 7 10 13 16 19 Front audio connection Floppy ribbon connector Wave table connection CD audio connector Riser board socket Video upgrade sockets System connections 2 5 8 11 14 17 20 SIMMs sockets 3, 4 CD ribbon connector Modem audio connector Rear audio connection External ports * CMOS Battery Processor ZIFF socket 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 SIMMs sockets 1, 2 HDD
Technical Information System Ports (external connections) Serial communications COM 1, COM 2 9 way Male D-type connector 10101 1 5 6 9 1. Data carrier detect 2. Receive data 3. Transmit data 4. Data terminal ready 5. Signal ground 6. Data set ready 7. Request to send 8. Clear to send 9. Ring indicate Parallel port 25 way female D-type connector 1 13 25 B/4 14 1. -Strobe 2. Data bit 0 3. Data bit 1 4. Data bit 2 5. Data bit 3 6. Data bit 4 7. Databit 5 8. Data bit 6 9.
Technical Information Keybord and Mouse ports 6 pin miniature DIN connector 5 3 1 6 6 4 4 5 3 2 2 1 Both of the connections have the same voltages and signals. 1. Data 2. Reserved 3. Ground 4. +5V DC 5. Clock 6.
Technical Information Jumper configurations There are very few jumpers that will ever need changing, most of them have been factory set for your system and its needs, but for completeness, the details are given here. Internal speaker operation PL2 Next to outer SIMM socket, default position link pins 4 and 5 gives audio output to the internal speaker in mono. Only to be removed in a system having internal stereo speakers.
Technical Information Clear BIOS settings PL21 Next to outer video upgrade socket, default position link pins 1 and 2. Moving the link to pins 2 and 3 disconnects the battery from the BIOS memory, and will cause all the user settings to be lost. To be used with caution and only in the event of an access password being lost. PL22 A single jumper may be the only one fitted, at the end nearest PL21.
Technical Information PL24, PL28 PL28 Pin1 PL24 Pin1 This range of pins is not for jumpers, but is used to connect various features around the system case to the motherboard.
Technical Information The battery is a 3 volt lithium type (CR2032 or equivalent) typically used in calculators, watches and other small, battery-powered electronic items. To replace the battery 1. Turn off the computer and unplug all power cords. 2. Take suitable anti-static precautions and remove the system unit cover. If you are unfamiliar with the recommended anti-static precautions and/or the process of removing the system unit cover, refer to Appendix A, “Inside the System Unit”. 3.
Technical Information C SYSTEM BIOS AND SET-UP When the system is switched on, the POST does its job depending upon the information it finds in the BIOS and sets up the computer to boot into operation. You can access the BIOS and check or alter the configuration via its set-up utility. Caution The BIOS has been set in our factory for the optimum system performance and operation. It is not advisable to alter any settings under normal use.
Technical Information ↑ and ↓ Scroll through a menu list. ←and→ To toggle values or settings. ↵ The enter key, to select the highlighted item. 0 9 Numbers, used in places where values are to be entered. +/_ Used when required, similar to numbers. F9 Restores the original settings that you entered with.
Technical Information Opening screen On entering the set-up utility a main menu screen appears. If there is an associated sub-menu, or a further sub-menu available, then the listed options have a preceding bullet, as shown below ; •System summary •Devices and I/O ports •Date and time •Security •Start options •Advanced set-up •ISA Legacy resources •Power management Information about the system. Processor, memory, drives etc. The settings for serial, parallel ports, IDE interfaces, HDD.
Technical Information Sub-menu pages System summary This page cannot be edited, but gives a summary of the system main settings. Changes made in other pages will be reflected here. Make a note of the information on this page before you progress any further or make any changes. Devices and I/O ports Serial ports 1 & 2 (COM1 & COM2) Selects the I/O ports and interrupts used by the two serial ports. Normally set to default settings.
Technical Information Floppy disk drives This is available purely to change the mode of the floppy drive. The drive supplied and fitted is a 3.5inch 1.44 Mbyte. This setting, if changed, could prevent software access to the fitted drive. Hard disk drives Hard disk type is auto detected on switch on, but various parameters can be manually set for each drive, the system being capable of controlling two HDD’s ; HDD 0 HDD 1 The system hard drives are normally attached to the primary PCI IDE interface.
Technical Information System time Using the left and right arrow keys to move around, you then use either the number keys to insert new figures or the + and - keys to increase/decrease the existing number. The time is in 24 hour format. System date The procedure is the same as setting the time, the date being in UK format of Day / Month / Year, e.g.
Technical Information Delete User password Use this to clear or remove the existing password, without replacing it with a new one. You may be asked for confirmation or to enter the old password. Warning Remember your passwords, But do not write them down on a piece of paper and leave it in your desk drawer, or pin it on your wall ! Password prompt The system can be set to ‘ask’ for the password on switch on or reboot.
Technical Information Diskette-less Operation If this option is Disabled, POST will report a fault or any absence of the floppy drive and halt the boot process, if Enabled, POST will bypass the floppy test and continue, providing another boot device is available e.g. HDD. Displayless Operation If this option is Disabled, POST will halt on any absence of a monitor, Enabled, will allow the system to start without a monitor e.g. when used as a small fileserver.
Technical Information Cache Control A simple two line screen allows you to either enable or disable the L2 cache memory (external to the processor). The default setting is Enabled, and should not normally be changed. Some older software is speed sensitive and on rare occasions you may need to disable the L2 cache. Cache Size This value also appears in the System Summary. It is detected by the POST and the value is not editable.
Technical Information If shown as available, it is assumed by the system not to be in use by any ISA card or device and therefore will be made available for the PCI auto-configure process. Although many ISA cards are very simple to configure, the resources they use, if any, must be registered in the BIOS. Power Management Note Read also the information in the Help topics within the Apricot Power Management programme in Windows before attempting any changes.
Technical Information Error Messages Code Cause Code Cause 101 Timer tick interrupt failure 301 Keyboard clock line failure 102 Timer 2 test failure 301 Keyboard data line failure 106 Diskette controller failure 301 Keyboard stuck key failure 110 System board memory parity interrupt 604 Diskette drive 0 failure 114 Option ROM checksum failure 604 Diskette drive 1 failure 151 Real time clock failure 605 Diskette unlocked problem 161 Real time clock battery failure 662 Diskette
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