Epson Equity 320SX PLUS manual

EPSON ® EQUITY ® 32Osx 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 [...]

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 hamrful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio[...]

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Important Safety Instructions Read all of these instructions and save them for later reference. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product. Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Use a damp cloth for cleaning, not liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Do not use this product near water. D[...]

13. Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions: A. When the power cord or plug is damaged. B. If liquid has entered the product. C. If the product does not operate normally when the operating instructions are followed. Adjust only those controls that are covered by the [...]

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Importantes Mesures de Séurité Lire attentivement les instructions qui suivent. Les conserver en lieu stir. Observer les avertissements et suivre rigoureusement les instructions marquees sur l’ordinateur. Debrancher l’appareil avant de le nettoyer. Se servir d’un chiffon humide, sans detergents ni aerosols. Ne pas[...]

12. Sauf dans les cas specifiquement indiques dans le Guide de l’utilisateur, ne pas essayer de réparer l’ordinateur soi-même; s’adresser à un spécialiste qualifié. 13. Debrancher l’appareil et s’adresser au personnel de service qualifie dans les cas suivants: A. Lorsque le cordon, les broches, la prise ou le socle sont endommages. B[...]

Contents Introduction Optional Equipmen t ............................... 1 Operating Systems and Other Softwar e ............... . 2 VGA Utilitie s ..................................... 2 How to Use This Manual ............................ 3 Where to Get Help . ................................ 4 Chapter 1 Setting Up Your System 1 Choosing a Locati[...]

Setting the Primary Display Type ..................... 2-8 Setting the Keyboard Test Function ................... 2-9 Setting the Shadow RAM. ........................... 2-10 Setting the CPU Clock Speed ........................ 2-11 EMSSize ......................................... 2-12 Setting the Password ............................... 2-13 Chan[...]

Chapter 4 Enhancing System Operations Using AUTOEXEC.BAT and Other Batch Files ........... 4-l Changing the Processor Speed ....................... 4-2 Entering Keyboard Commands. .................. 4-4 Using the ESPEED Program. ..................... 4-5 Using Expanded Memory Beyond 640KB. .............. 4-7 Modifying the CONFIG.SYS File ..........[...]

Chapter 7 Installing and Removing Disk Drives Using the Correct Drive Bay ......................... 7-2 How to Use This Chapter ........................... 7-3 Setting the Hard Disk Drive Jumpers .................. 7-4 Changing the Jumper Settings ................... 7-5 Installing a Hard Disk in the Vertical Position ........... 7-7 Removing the M[...]

Appendix B Performing System Diagnostics Starting the Diagnostics Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-2 The Main Menu Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-2 Setting the Run Time Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-4 Error Logging. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [...]

Appendix C Troubleshooting Identifying Your System ............................ C-l Error Messages .................................... C-2 The Computer Won’t Start .......................... C-3 The Computer Does Not Respond .................... C-4 Password Problems ................................ C-5 Accessing Your Current Password. .........[...]

Introduction The Epson ® Equity ® 320sx PLUS is a high-performance personal computer which offers exceptional speed and convenience in a compact design. Your 20 MHz, 80386SX system includes 2MB of internal memory, a built-in VGA (video graphics array) display adapter, built-in parallel and serial interfaces, and an IBM ® PS/2™ compatible mouse[...]

You may want to install an 80387SX, 20 MHz math coprocessor in your computer to speed up mathematical calculations in certain application programs. Check with your authorized Epson dealer for information on optional equipment. Operating Systems and Other Software You probably have a version of MS-DOS® to use with your computer. However, you can ru[...]

How to Use This Manual This manual explains how to set up and operate your computer, install options, and run diagnostic checks. Although the illustrations show a computer with a 21/4-inch diskette drive, instructions for using a 31/2-inch drive are included. You do not need to read everything in this book; see the following chapter summaries. Chap[...]

Chapter 7 describes how to install and remove disk drives. Appendix A gives the technical specifications for the computer. Appendix B outlines the system diagnostic tests you can run to diagnose hardware problems. Appendix C contains troubleshooting tips. At the end of the manual, you’ll find a glossary and an index. Where to Get Help If you purc[...]

Chapter 1 Setting Up Your System Setting up your Equity 320sx PLUS personal computer is easy. Just follow the eight steps in this chapter. As you set up your system, you may want to leave this manual’s back cover foldout open so you can refer to the illustrations identifying the different parts. 1 Choosing a Location Setting Up Your System 1-1[...]

Before you set up your computer, it’s important to choose a safe, convenient location that provides the following: 0 0 cl cl cl 0 A sturdy desk or table strong enough to support the weight of your system and all of its components. A flat, hard surface. Soft surfaces like beds and carpeted floors attract static electricity, which can erase data on[...]

2 Removing the Protector Cord If you have a SW-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, as shown below; then pull it out. (If you have a second 51/4-inch diskette drive, be sure[...]

3 Connecting a Monitor The way you 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 D[...]

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, as shown below. 5. If the connector has retaining screws, be sure to tighten them. Setting Up Your System 1-5[...]

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. 1-6 Setting Up Your System[...]

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[...]

Note If you install a display adapter card, you must set jumper Jl 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 J3 to indicate whether a color or monochrome monitor is installed. See Chapter 6 for instructions on changing jumper settings.[...]

3. 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 shown in the illustration below). Then plug 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 scre[...]

4. 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. 5. Plug the printer’s power cord into a three-hole, 120-volt, grounded electrical outlet. 1-10 Setting Up Your System[...]

Using the Serial lnterface If you have a printer, a modem, or other peripheral device with a serial interface, you can connect it to the serial (IR-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 parall[...]

5 Connecting the Keyboard Follow these steps to connect the keyboard: 1. Make sure the computer is turned off. 2. Hold the keyboard cable connector so the indicator on the housing faces up. Insert the connector into the appropriate port, marked with a keyboard icon, as shown Although the connectors and ports for the keyboard and mouse are physicall[...]

3. 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 (6-pin) connector. Before you connect a mouse, [...]

mouse connector 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 and mouse manuals for instructions. If you want to use a mouse or other pointing device 1-14 Setting Up Your System[...]

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-hole, 120-volt, groun[...]

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: a a a a a a Do not connect or disconnect any peripheral device or power cables when the computer’s power is on. Never turn on the computer with a[...]

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. This is a series of checks the computer completes ea[...]

When the system has successfully completed its self test, you see the following prompt: Press <Del> 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 manuals.) If there is no operating syste[...]

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 run it again later if you change some part of your configuration. The SETUP program is stored in the computer’s read-o[...]

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?[...]

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 arro[...]

Setting the Diskette Drive(s) Your system probably came with one diskette drive installed and you may have another drive of a different size or capacity. The SETUP menu offers five possible selections for your diskette drives (A and B): P 1.2MB 51/4-inch D 360KB 51/4-inch P 1.44MB 31/2inch 0 720KB 31/2-inch 0 Not installed. Check the settings displ[...]

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: Cl If your system does not have a hard disk, select Not i n s t a11e[...]

Hard disk drive types 2-6 Running the SETUP Program[...]

Hard disk drive types (continued) Defining your own drive type If the parameters for your hard disk (listed in its documentation) do not match any of the types listed in the table above, you can define your own type. 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[...]

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 values you have entered. Setting the Primary Display Type This option lets you define the[...]

0 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 Co1or 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[...]

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 32sx PLUS to copy the contents of its system BIOS and/or video ROM into RAM so it can perform certain operations faster. The SETUP Shadow RAM option lets you choose what to place in the shadow RAM [...]

Setting the CPU Clock Speed This option lets you set the default speed at which your computer’s processor operates when you turn it on: P High speed (20 MHz) 0 Low speed (10 MHz) Q Auto speed. When it is running at high speed, the TURBO light on the front panel is illuminated. At high speed, it can access memory faster, so your programs work fast[...]

EMS Size The EMS Size option provides a simple way to set the amount of memory you want to use as expanded. Expanded memory can be used by application programs conforming to the Lotus/Intel ® /Microsoft ® Expanded Memory Specification (LIM EMS). The Equity 320sx PLUS is compatible with version 4.0 of the LIM EMS. Once you have set the expanded me[...]

For example, with 2MB of memory, you can specify any of the following as expanded memory: 0 0KB 3 256KB Li 512KB Q 768KB Q 1024KB Cl 1280KB. Setting the Password The SETUP program lets you set an optional password to control who can use your system. If you do not want to set a password for your computer, skip this section. Once you set a password t[...]

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: 123aBc! You can use the backspace key to correct mistakes. After you type the password, press Enter. Note Be sure to remember the password you enter or write it down and keep[...]

Setting the Built-in interfaces This option lets you define how the following built-in interfaces operate: Cl Parallel port (LPTl, LPT2, LPT3) 0 Serial port (COMl or COM2) 0 Hard disk drive controller (HDC) 0 Floppy disk drive controller (FDC). Setting the Parallel lnterface The built-in parallel port is set to act as the primary port (LPTl). If yo[...]

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 port, that port automatically becomes secondary (COM2). However, if you want the port on the card to be COMl, select COM2 for the built-in port. If you install a card (or c[...]

If you saved your changes, the SETUP program resets your system and the computer runs through its power-on diagnostic tests. If something is wrong, however, you see an error message and a prompt to run SETUP. Follow the instructions on the screen to run SETUP again to correct it. (You may need to reset the computer.) If you have just run SETUP for [...]

Chapter 3 Using Your Computer This chapter briefly describes the following procedures for using your computer: P Installing MS-DOS or another operating system Cl Using special keys on the keyboard Cl Stopping a command or program D Resetting the computer Q Using a password P Using disks and disk drives. Installing MS-DOS or Another Operating System[...]

Special Keys on the Keyboard Certain keys on your keyboard serve special functions when your computer is running MS-DOS or application programs. The special keys are described in the table below. Special key functions 3-2 Using Your Computer[...]

Special key functions (continued) The Caps Lock, Num Lock, and Scroll Lock keys work as toggles; press the key once to turn on a function and again to turn it off. When the function is enabled, the corresponding light in the upper right corner of the keyboard is on. Stopping a Command of Program You may sometimes need to stop a command or program w[...]

These methods may also work in your application program. If not, you may need to reset the computer, as described below. Caution It is best not to turn off the computer to stop a program or command. If you created new data and have not yet stored it, the data will be erased if you turn off the computer. The computer stores your data in its memory a[...]

There are two ways to reset the computer: 0 If you are using MS-DOS, hold down Ctrl and Alt and press the Del key. The screen goes blank for a moment and then the computer should reload MS-DOS. If it doesn’t, try the next method. 0 Press the RESET button on the front panel. This method works even when the computer does not respond to your keyboar[...]

If you do not enter the correct password the first time, press Enter and try again. If you want to change or delete your current password, you must run the SETUP program. See Chapter 2 for instructions. 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 sect[...]

All disks are divided into data storage compartments by sides, tracks, and sectors. Double-sided diskettes store data on both sides. On each side are concentric rings, called tracks, on which a disk can store data. A disk is further divided by sectors, which are similar in shape to pie slices. The figure below provides a simple representation of tr[...]

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 magnet[...]

0 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 [...]

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 [...]

0 Keep diskettes in a moderate environment. Don’t leave diskettes sitting in the sun, or in extreme cold or heat. 0 Keep diskettes away from magnetic fields, such as electrical appliances, telephones, and loudspeakers. (Remember that diskettes store information magnetically.) Q Do not place diskettes on top of your monitor or near an external har[...]

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 write-protected diskette, MS-DOS displays an error message. To write[...]

On a 3M-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 3M-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[...]

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 perf[...]

You can load MS-DOS from an application program diskette if that diskette contains the operating system This means it is a bootable diskette. See your MS-DOS manuals for information about creating a system diskette. Inserting and Removing Diskettes If you have a 51/4-inch diskette drive, insert a diskette as follows: hold the diskette with the labe[...]

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 disk[...]

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[...]

Using a Hard Disk Drive Using a hard disk is similar to using a diskette. However, the hard disk provides several advantages: cl D Cl A 40MB hard disk can store as much data as approximately thirty-three 1.2MB diskettes, and a 100MB hard disk can store as much data as approximately eighty-two 1.2MB diskettes. Your computer can perform all disk-rela[...]

Caring for your hard disk drive Follow these precautions to protect your hard disk drive from damage and to avoid losing data: Never turn off or reset the computer when the hard disk access light is on. This light indicates that the computer is copying data to or from the hard disk. If you interrupt this process, you can lose data. Never attempt to[...]

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. Remove any diskettes and turn off the computer. You are now ready to move it to the new location. Note For convenience, you may[...]

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 Using expanded memory beyond 640KB Using the VGA utilities. Using AUTOEXEC. BAT and Other Batch Files As you get used to using MS-DOS an[...]

When you install MS-DOS, it creates an AUTOEXEC.BAT file for you. To modify the file or replace it with a new one, you can use the COPY or EDLIN command, a text editor, 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[...]

There are different types of copy-protected programs. Depending on the type you have, you may or may not want to set the processor to automatic speed. Follow these guidelines: 0 0 If you are using a copy-protected program that can run only on a diskette or that requires a key disk, try to start the program on high speed. If this works, you do not n[...]

Entering Keyboard Commands You can change the processor speed by entering one of the commands shown in the following table. Speed setting commands To enter these commands, hold down the Ctrl key and the Alt key simultaneously and then press the 2, +, 1, or - key. Use the + or - key on the numeric keypad or the 1 or 2 key on the main keyboard. Note [...]

Using the ESPEED Program ESPEED provides an easy way to change the processor speed if your application program does not recognize the Cttl keyboard commands or if you want to include the program command in a batch file. The ESPEED program is provided with your system on the Reference diskette. If you do not have a hard disk, insert your Reference d[...]

To display the current CPU speed, type ES P EED only and press Enter. You see the following: <+> : Speed Up 20.0 MHz <-> : Speed Down <Esc> : Exit To change the speed when you see this display, press the + or - key; then press Esc to exit. The processor speed you set remains in effect until you change it using the ESPEED program a[...]

Using Expanded Memory Beyond 640KB The Equity 320sx PLUS comes with 2MB of random access memory. MS-DOS and your application programs that run under MS-DOS use the first 640KB of memory. You can use any memory above 1MB as extended memory (up to 16MB) or expanded memory (up to 24MB). Shadow RAM uses 128KB of the RAM available between 640KB and 1MB [...]

3. Add a command to the CONFIG.SYS file to include the memory manager as a device driver, as described in the next section. The CONFIG.SYS file is used by MS-DOS to set up the computer’s system configuration requirements. 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 A[...]

3. Save the file as an ASCII text file. 4. Reset the computer. 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, or a text editor. See your MS-DOS manuals for instructions. Using EMM386SXSYS options You can include optional parameters in the DEVIC[...]

The M[n] parameter specifies a particular 64KB page frame address for EMM386SX.SYS. The value n must be a number from 1 to 9 to indicate one of the following addresses: l Default setting For example, to specity a page frame address of 0CC000h, add the following command line to your CONFIG.SYS file: DEVICE-EMM386SX.SYS /M4 Note If you have installed[...]

EMM386SX.SYS automatically excludes from mapping any addresses that are reserved for use by your system ROM and RAM. If you install an option card, such as a network card, that uses the memory address range C000 through E000, include the X parameter in the DEVICE= command line to exclude this memory range from expanded memory mapping. For more info[...]

You can use the VGA utilities (also provided on the Utility diskettes) to take advantage of other special features of your VGA adapter. Even if you do not use any device drivers, you may want to install some of the VGA utilities, such as the following: VGAMODE Provides 132-column text in text-based programs such as WordStar ® and WordPerfect. @ SE[...]

Chapter 5 Accessing Internal Components To access your computer’s internal components, you need to remove the cover and possibly the subassembly that contains the drive bays and the power supply. Follow the instructions in this chapter when you need to perform these steps: Ll Remove the computer’s cover P Remove the subassembly D Replace the su[...]

Removing the Cover To access any internal components, you need to remove the computer’s cover. Follow these steps: 1. Turn off the computer and then any peripheral devices (including the monitor and printer). 2. Disconnect the computer’s power cable from the electrical outlet and from the back panel. Then disconnect any cables that are connecte[...]

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 g-rounding tabs along the inside of the cover. latches 6. Pull the cover away from the front of the computer to completely remove it. Then set it asid[...]

7. Before you touch any of the components, touch the inside of the computer’s back panel, as shown below, to ground yourself and avoid an electric shock. WARNING Be sure to ground yourself to the inside back panel of the computer every time you remove the cover. If you are not properly grounded, you could generate an electric shock when you touch[...]

Removing the Subassembly You need to remove the subassembly to install or remove disk drives, or to access the SIMM or math coprocessor sockets on your computer’s main system board. The subassembly is the large metal casing that holds the horizontal drive bays and the power supply, as shown below. subassembly Accessing Internal Components 5-5[...]

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 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. 5[...]

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 behind the hard disk drive socket; disconnect it in the same manner. 4. To lift the subassembly from the front of the computer, place your thumbs under the diskette drive and grasp the top e[...]

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 right side of the main system board, as shown below. Pull each connector straight up. Do not pull only on the cables. - 5-8 Accessing Internal Components[...]

7. Lift the entire subassembly out of the computer and carefully place it on your work surface. 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. Accessing Internal Compon[...]

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, guiding the top slots on the subassembly into the top tabs on the computer. 5-10 Accessing Internal Components[...]

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 12-pin power supply socket on the right [...]

3. Position power supply connector P4 so the large tab on the connector faces the right side of the computer. Beginning with the six pins toward the back of the computer, carefully line up the holes in the connector with the pins in the socket and then push in the connector. Caution If you do not correctly align the holes with the pins in the socke[...]

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. small tabs Accessing Internal Components 5-13[...]

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 cable[...]

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. diskette drive connector tab diskette drive socket Accessing Interna[...]

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 [...]

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, Accessing Internal Components 5-17[...]

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 [...]

Chapter 6 Installing and Removing Options You can enhance the performance of your computer by adding a variety of options, including the following: 0 Option cards D Memory modules Q 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[...]

A math coprocessor speeds up the numeric calculations your computer performs when using certain application software. If you purchase a math coprocessor, it is a good idea to ask your dealer to install it for you, because it can be damaged easily. If you decide to install it yourself, follow the appropriate steps in this chapter. This chapter also [...]

Setting the Jumpers The illustration below shows the locations of the jumpers on your computer’s main system board. 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. To move a jumper from one position to t[...]

Caution Be careful not to bend the jumper pins or damage any surrounding components on the main system board. The following table lists the jumper settings and their functions. Main system board jumper settings l Factory setting 6-4 Installing and Removing Options[...]

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 6-13 for instructions. 2. Change the jumper settings. 3. Replace any option cards you removed. See “Installing an Option Card” on page 6-9. 4. Follow the instructions in Chapter 5 to replace the com[...]

If necessary, follow the instructions on page 5-2 to remove the computer’s cover. Then follow these steps to replace the battery: 1. The battery is attached to the bottom of the computer case, just behind the front panel, as shown below. To disconnect the battery from the main system board, pull up on the connector plugged into socket CNl, as sho[...]

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 it aside. 3. Remove the new battery from its package and position it so the Velcro faces down and the cable faces connector CNl. Then attach it to the bottom of the computer case, as shown below.[...]

4. Connect the battery cable to connector CNl. 5. Follow the steps in Chapter 5 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. 6-8 Installing and Removing Options[...]

Installing an Option Card Your computer has four standard option slots: three 16-bit slots and one 8-bit slot. Each slot can accommodate an option card. You can buy option cards from authorized Epson dealers as well as other vendors. This section explains how to install option cards in your computer. If you need to remove an option card later (to a[...]

Slots 1 through 3 are designed for 16-bit option cards and slot 4 is designed for an 8-bit card. As you can see below, a 16-bit card has an extra connector along the bottom. 16-bit option card B-bit option card Usually it does not matter which slot an option card occupies as long as the card fits in the slot. For example, you can place some 8-bit c[...]

Follow these steps to install an option card: 1. If you are installing an option card that controls a mouse, you need to change the setting of jumper J4 on the main system board before you install the card. If you install a display adapter card, you may need to change the settings of jumpers Jl, J3, and J5. See page 6-2 for instructions. 2. Remove [...]

3. 4. 5. Unpack the option card and adjust any switches or jumpers on it, if necessary. (Check the option card instructions.) When you handle the card, be careful not to touch any of the components on the circuit board or the gold-edged connectors. If you need to set it down before you install it, place it gently on top of its original packing mate[...]

6. Secure the end of the card to the back of the computer with the retaining screw. 7. Follow the instructions in Chapter 5 to replace the cover. Then see “Post-installation Setup” at the end of this chapter. Removing on Option Card If you need to remove an option card, follow these steps: 1. Remove the screw securing the card to the back of th[...]

Adding Memory Modules Your computer comes with 2MB of memory soldered directly onto the main system board. By installing SIMMs (single inline memory modules), you can increase the memory in your computer up to 24MB. The first 16MB can be used as either extended or expanded; any memory above 16MB can be used only as expanded. You can install 256KB, [...]

Installing Memory Modules There are six SIMM sockets on the main system board organized in three banks consisting of two sockets each. The sockets are labelled SIMM1 through SIMM6. The following table shows all the possible SIMM configurations for your computer. Do not install SIMMs in any configuration that is not listed below. Keep in mind that 2[...]

Follow these steps to install SIMMs: 1. Remove the computer’s cover and subassembly as described in Chapter 5. 2. The SIMM sockets are located on the front of the main system board near the math coprocessor socket, as shown below. SIMM sockets SIMM2 math coprocessor socket 6-16 Installing and Removing Options[...]

3. Install the SlMMs in the sockets closest to the right side of the main system board first. Position each SIMM so the notch on its edge faces the front of the computer and place lt on the left side of the tabs at an angle, as shown below. 4. Gently push down on the SIMM and, at the same time, guide the top of the SIMM to the right until it is ver[...]

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 extend through the holes in both ends. 5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for each SIMM you want to instal[...]

2. The SIMM sockets are located on the front of the main system board near the math coprocessor socket, as shown below. SIMM sockets SIMM2 math coprocessor socket Installing and Removing Options 6-19[...]

3. Remove the SIMMs in the sockets closest to the left side of the main system board first. 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 th[...]

lnstalling a Math Coprocessor Your computer has a socket on the main system board to accommodate an 80387SX, 20 MHz math coprocessor. A math coprocessor speeds up your computer’s numeric calculations and graphic image displays when you are using certain application software. It is best to have your dealer install a math coprocessor for you, since[...]

3. The math coprocessor socket is located on the front of the main system board near the SIMM sockets, as shown below. 4. The math coprocessor socket is hollow and square, and has a notch in the lower left comer, as shown below. notch 6-22 Installing and Removing Options[...]

The math coprocessor also has a notch in one corner, marked by a dot, as shown below. notch Align the notched corner of the coprocessor with the notched corner of its socket. The notched sides must be aligned for the coprocessor to operate properly, so be sure its position is correct before you go to the next step. 5. Gently push the coprocessor in[...]

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. It is completely inserted when the surface of the coprocessor is flush (even) with the surface of the socket. Be sure it is inserted all the way. 6. Replace the subassembly and cover as described in Chapter 5. 7.[...]

Post-Installation Setup for Memory Cards After you install an optional memory card, you need to configure your computer to use it. Follow these guidelines: 0 0 0 Run the SETUP program to reset your computer’s configuration to include the memory on your memory card. See Chapter 2 for instructions. Use the setup program that comes with your memory [...]

If you install a hard disk drive that has never received a hardware level format (such as some non-Epson hard disk drives), you need to format the disk. Check the manual that came with your drive, and then, if necessary, follow the instructions in Appendix B to format your new hard disk. If you have added a hard disk drive and you want to load MS-D[...]

Installing and Removing Disk Drives The instructions in this chapter describe how to install and remove optional Epson drives in your computer. You can use these instructions to install a variety of devices, including diskette drives, hard disk drives, and tape drives. Although your drive may look a bit different from the one illustrated here, you [...]

Your computer has two horizontal drive bays and one vertical mounting position to hold up to three drives, as shown below. Using the Correct Drive Bay Your computer may have come with a hard disk drive already installed in the vertical mounting position. If not, you can install one 31/2-inch hard disk drive in this position. If you are installing y[...]

The upper horizontal drive bay probably contains the diskette drive that came with your system. This drive bay can accommodate one of the following types of devices: P 51/4-inch diskette drive Li 31/2-inch diskette drive with a 51/4-inch mounting frame installed on it. You can install an additional device of one of the following types in the lower [...]

Setting the Hard Disk Drive Jumpers You may need to change the hard disk drive jumper settings if you install or remove a hard disk drive. The jumpers tell the computer whether you are using one hard disk drive or TW0. Note You do not need to set these jumpers if you are removing your only hard disk drive. If you are installing just one hard disk d[...]

Changing the Jumper Settings The hard disk drive jumpers are located on the drive’s board, near the large cable connector. circuit 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 t[...]

The following table lists the jumper settings for all the possible hard disk drive configurations. Jumper One hard Two hard disk Two hard disk positions disk drive drives: master drives: slave HSP - - - C/D X X - DSP - X - ACT X X X X = jumper installed -= no jumper installed To move a jumper from one position to the other, use your fingers, needle[...]

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 7-17 to remove it. Then set the jumpers on both drives while they are out of the computer. Note If you are removing one hard disk drive and leaving one in your computer, be sure to set the jumper[...]

Removing the Mounting Frames From the Drive Your hard disk drive comes with 51/4-inch mounting frames attached to each side of the hard disk drive, as shown below. 7-8 Installing and Removing Disk Drives[...]

On one side, there may also be a plastic guiderail. Follow these steps to remove the mounting frames (and guiderail) from the drive: 1. If necessary, remove the screws securing the plastic guiderail and the metal grounding plate to one of the mounting frames, as shown below. 2. Remove the four screws securing the mounting frames to the hard disk dr[...]

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 right side of the subassembly. Follow these steps to remove the mounting plate from your computer: 1. Remove the screw securing the[...]

Then place the flat side of the mounting plate on the hard disk drive and align the four holes on the plate with the four holes on the drive, as shown below. mounting plate holes 3. Use the four screws that came in your hard disk drive kit to secure the mounting plate to the drive. Installing the Drive If you are going to install or remove a drive [...]

Follow these steps to install the hard disk drive in the vertical mounting position: 1. Place the hard disk drive on the right side of the subassembly with the mounting plate facing up and the ribbon cable and power supply sockets facing the back of the subassembly. mounting plate 2. Locate the hard disk drive ribbon cable that came with your compu[...]

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. Installing and Removing Disk Drives 7-13[...]

3. Align the connector with the socket so that the row in the connector with the blocked hole lines up with the row in the socket with the missing pin, as shown below. Make sure the holes fit over all the pins and then push in the connector. If you do not correctly align the holes with the pins you could severely damage your hard disk drive when 7-[...]

4. Locate one of the power supply cables that lead from the power supply (behind the horizontal drive bays). The cables are labelled Pl, P2, and P3; you can use any one. 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 th[...]

6. Notice that there are two tabs facing downward on one edge of the mounting plate. These tabs will fit into two slots in the right side of the subassembly. Guide the tabs into the slots and tilt the top of the drive toward the subassembly. Then align the retaining screw hole on the mounting plate with the hole in the subassembly bracket. bracket [...]

7. Secure the drive to the bracket with the retaining screw. Now you can replace the subassembly and the computer’s cover. See Chapter 5 for instructions. Removing a Hard Disk From the Vertical Position You need to remove the hard disk drive from the vertical position in the following cases: 0 You are replacing the drive 0 You are adding a second[...]

3. Disconnect the power supply connector and the ribbon cable connector from the sockets on the back of the hard disk drive, as shown below. Firmly pull the connectors straight out from the sockets so you do not bend the pins. Do not pull on the cables; pull on the plastic connector. 4. If you are going to reinstall the drive, set it aside and see [...]

Installing or Removing a Drive in the Horizontal Position This section describes how to install or remove a drive in a horizontal drive bay. Although the illustrations show a diskette drive in the lower bay, you can use these same instructions if you need to install a different drive in the upper drive bay. If you have a hard disk drive installed i[...]

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. 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[...]

4. Locate the four retaining screws that came with your disk drive. Insert two screws into the oval holes on each side of the drive bay and tighten them with a screwdriver, as shown below. screws 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 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. divider Make sure the [...]

6. Locate the hard disk drive ribbon cable that you removed from the drive in the vertical mounting position. Follow the instructions below to attach the connector in the middle of this cable to the horizontal hard disk drive. As shown below, there are two rows of holes in the connector. One of the holes is blocked with a plastic Plug- Notice the r[...]

7. Align the connector with the socket so that the row in the connector with the blocked hole lines up with the row in the socket with the missing pin, as shown below. Make sure the holes fit over all the pins and then push in the connector. 8. Looking at the subassembly, locate one of the power supply cables that lead from the power supply (behind[...]

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. power supply cable power supply socket notched corners notched corners Position the power supply cable connector so that the notched comers on the connector line up with the notched comers of the power supp[...]

9. If necessary, follow the instructions under “Installing a Hard Disk in the Vertical Position” on page 7-7 to reinstall your vertically mounted drive. Removing a Drive From the Horizontal Position Follow these steps to remove a drive from a horizontal drive bay: 1. Remove the disk drive ribbon cable from the back of the drive, as shown below.[...]

3. Remove the screws securing the drive to the drive bay. There are two screws on each side. 4. Grasp the disk drive from the front of the drive bay, pull it completely out, and set it aside. 5. If you have removed one hard disk drive and are leaving another one in your system, make sure you have set the jumpers on the remaining drive to indicate t[...]

Appendix A Specifications CPU and Memory 32-bit CPU System memory ROM Shadow RAM Math coprocessor (optional) Clock/calendar Battery 80386SX microprocessor, 20 MHz system clock speed, 20 MHz or 10 MHz processor speed; user selectable 0 wait state memory access speed at 20MHz 2MB RAM standard; expandable using 256KB, lMB, or 4MB SIMMs up to 24MB (the[...]

Controllers Diskette Hard disk Interfaces Monitor Supports up to two drives in any of four formats: 51/4-inch, high-density, 1.2MB; 51/4-inch, double-density, 360KB; 31/2-inch, high-density, 1.44MB; 31/2-inch, double-density, 720Kb; controller on main system board Supports up to two drives; embedded (IDE) controllers; interface on main system board[...]

Power Supply Type Input ranges 98 VAC to 132 VAC and 195 to 264 VAC Maximum outputs +5 VDC at 18 Amps, +12 WC at 4.2 Amps 140W, fan-cooled, automatic input voltage sensing -12 WC at 0.3 Amps, -5 WC at 0.3 Amps Mass Storage Three half-height drives maximum (one vertical mount and two horizontal mounts) configurable using the following drive types: D[...]

Keyboard Layout 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) Function Four levels (normal, shift, control, alternate); user-definable Environmental Requirements Physical Characteristics Width 14.75 inches (375 mm) De[...]

System Memory Map Specifications A-5[...]

Appendix B Performing System Diagnostics This appendix describes how to use the System diagnostics program to test the condition of your computer’s main unit and peripheral devices. The diagnostics program provides tests to check the following hardware: cl Cl P Cl 0 Q Cl System board Memory Hard disk drive(s) Diskette drive(s) Keyboard Video adap[...]

Starting the Diagnostics Program To start the diagnostics program, follow these steps: 1. Insert the Reference diskette in drive A and turn on or reset the computer. 2. When you see the following prompt, press the Del key: Press <Del> to start SETUP 3. At the next prompt, select Start operating system. 4. At the A : prompt, type D I AG and pr[...]

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 specif[...]

Setting the Run Time Parameters The tests you select will run in the following manner unless you change the run time parameters: 3 Each test is performed one time (passbound) 3 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 [...]

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.) You may see a prom[...]

If you selected Passbound testing, you see this prompt: No. of passes : 00001 Spedfy 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. Mult[...]

If youselect Log errors on disk, the program displays this submenu: Floppy disk A: Floppy disk B: Hard disk C: Hard disk D: (You do not see drive D unless you have a second hard disk drive.) Press 1 or ? to highlight the disk on which you want to log the error messages and press Enter. The program creates a file called ERROR.LOG in the current dire[...]

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 <Enter> to return to Main menu. Selecting Multiple Tests To select seve[...]

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 [...]

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 B-10 Performing System Diagnostics[...]

System diagnostic tests (continued) Component Tests Hard disk Hard disk format drives Media analysis Performance Seek Read/verify Check test cylinder Force bad tracks Function See “Hard Disk Diagnostics” Floppy disk Diskette format See “Floppy Disk drives Drive speed Diagnostics” Random read/write Sequential read/write Disk change line Keyb[...]

System diagnostic tests (continued) Component Video (continued) Tests Function 440 x 350 graphics* Test the 640 x 350 graphics display 640 x 480 graphics* Test the 640 x 480 graphics display Misc. Printer adapter Comm. adapter See “Miscellaneous Diagnostics” l Test appears only if you have installed a color monitor. Memory Diagnostics If you ha[...]

Destructive tests Format Media analysis Force bad tracks Non-destructive tests Performance Seek Read/verify Check test cylinder Before performing any destructive test, the program displays the following messages: WARNING 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.[...]

Disk drive identifier You see this prompt for the disk drive identifier: Disk drive (C/D) ? C If you have only one hard disk drive, the program assumes it is drive C and does not display this prompt. 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 t[...]

Bad track list Entering the bad track list is optional. The the following prompt for the bad track list: program displays 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 320sx PLUS. Press N, if necessary, and then press Enter. If you press Y and then Enter, you see the following subme[...]

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 the 40MB hard disk, the highest cylinder number is 976. Start and end head numbers The program d[...]

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 manuals. Then back up all the data on the disk before you begin. Note If you do [...]

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 tick[...]

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[...]

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 [...]

Note Be sure to insert a blank diskette that has been formatted using the MS-DOS FORMAT command before you run the Diskette format test. Then use that diskette when you run any of the other destructive tests. Check that you have inserted the correct diskette before you enter Y at the Proceed prompt. You see the following prompt before the program p[...]

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[...]

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 seria[...]

If you see one of the following errors, there may be a problem with the controller or the test cable: Error - Break detected Error - Framing error Error - Overrun error Error - Parity error Error - Time out! Check to make sure that the test connector is securely connected to the port. If the error persists, contact your dealer. Exiting System Diagn[...]

Appendix C Troubleshooting You should not encounter any difficulties as you set up and use your computer, but if anything out of the ordinary happens, refer to this appendix. You can correct most problems by adjusting a cable connection, repeating a software procedure, or resetting the computer. Besides trying the suggestions in this chapter, you c[...]

3. When 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. 4. When you see Press <Del> to start SETUP, press the Del key. Write down the appropriate[...]

The Computer Won ‘t Start If your computer does not start when you turn on the power, check the following: 1. Is the power light on? If not, remove any diskettes and turn off the power. Check that the power cord is securely connected to both the AC inlet on the back panel and an electrical outlet. Replace the Startup or Reference diskette, if nec[...]

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 take 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 o[...]

7. If your computer still does not respond, you can reset it using the Ctrl 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 i[...]

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 6 to disable the password function by setting jumper J2 to position A. Caution Be sure to ground yourself on the back i[...]

If you did not set a new password, you do not see the Enter Password prompt and you can access your system immediately. Note: Be sure to remember your new password or write it down and keep it in a safe place. If you forget the password you enter now, you may have to repeat the above procedure the next time you reboot your computer. Keyboard Proble[...]

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 [...]

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 Jl on the main system board to disabl[...]

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.[...]

If you see one of these messages, make sure the diskette is properly inserted in the drive. On a 51/4-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 [...]

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 diagnostic tests, described in Appendix B. If the diagnostics program indicates an error, consult your Epson dealer. [...]

Installing the Drive If you are having problems with a newly-installed drive, check the following: 1. If your dealer installed the drive, consult that person about the problem. 2. If you have installed the hard disk in your computer yourself, did you carefully follow all the instructions in Chapter 7 of this manual? Review the instructions and chec[...]

Preparing the Drive Before you can store data on a new hard disk (which has already been physically formatted), you must do the following to prepare it for use: 1. Run the SETUP program to define your hard disk as part of the computer’s configuration. (See Chapter 2 for instructions.) 2. Partition the drive, format it for MS-DOS, and install MS-D[...]

If you still have trouble with your hard disk, you can back up your data and physically reformat the disk. Then you’ll need to reinstall MS-DOS and copy your files back onto the disk. See “Hard Disk Format” in Appendix B and your MS-DOS manuals for instructions. If you cannot access data on your hard disk or you are receiving read/write error[...]

4. An application program can occasionally lock the computer, making it unresponsive to the keyboard. If your computer does not respond when you type on the keyboard, you can reset it. Follow the instructions in Chapter 3. 5. If resetting the computer does not help, turn off your system, wait five seconds, and then turn it back on. Then you can res[...]

If it does not, you may need to change the internal setting of the computer’s parallel port for a parallel printer (or serial port for a serial printer). To do this, use the MS-DOS MODE or SETMODE command. See your printer manual and the MS-DOS manuals for more details. 5. Many application programs (such as word processors) must be set up properl[...]

3. 4. 5. 6. Did you set the necessary jumpers on the main system board? See Chapter 6 for more information. Did you run the SETUP program to update your configuration after installing the card? See Chapter 2. If you used the option card to add an external device to your computer, did you use the proper cable to connect the device to the card’s co[...]

Memory Module Problems If you added extra memory to your system by installing SIMMs and that memory is not operating properly, check the following: 1. If the memory count displayed by the power-on diagnostics program is incorrect, you or your dealer may not have installed the SlMMs correctly. The SlMMs may be installed in the wrong sockets, they ma[...]

Math Coprocessor Problems If your math coprocessor does not seem to be operating properly, check the following: 1. Run the SETUP program and check to make sure that the math coprocessor is listed as Insta11ed on the SETUP display. If it is listed as Not instal1ed, you or your dealer may have installed the coprocessor incorrectly. See Chapters 2 and[...]

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 t[...]

Automatic speed The feature that enables the computer to switch automatically from high speed (20 MHz) to low speed (10 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 [...]

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 sp[...]

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 fu[...]

Cylinders The vertical alignment of tracks in a hard disk that can be lined up under one read/write head. The number of tracks on a disk is equal to the number of cylinders times the number of heads. Data Information such as text or graphics stored or processed by a computer. Data diskette A formatted diskette on which you store data files (as oppo[...]

Diagnostics The tests and procedures the computer performs to check its internal circuitry and set up its configuration. DIP switch Dual lnline 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[...]

DOS Disk Operating System. A commonly used operating system that controls the computer’s input and output functions. See also Operating system. Double-density A type of diskette format that allows you to store twice as much data as the standard-density format. A 51/4-inch double- density diskette can store 360KB of data. A 31/2-inch double- densi[...]

Fife 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. Fo[...]

Hexadecimal A numbering system with a base of 16, frequently used by programmers. Any decimal number between 0 and 255 can be expressed by a two-digit hexadecimal number. High-density A type of format that allows you to store more data than on single- or double-density diskettes. A 51/4-inch high-density diskette can store 1.2MB of data. A 31/2-inc[...]

Main system board The board built into your computer containing the circuitry the computer requires to operate. 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. [...]

Memory module A small circuit board that contains memory chips. You can add 256KB, IMB, or 4MB memory modules to the main system board inside the computer to expand the computer’s memory. A memory module is commonly called a SIMM (single inline memory module). Memory on curd The additional memory on an option card installed in the computer. MGA M[...]

Mouse A hand-held pointing device with one or more buttons. When you slide the mouse over a flat surface in a certain direction, the cursor moves in the same direction on the screen. MS- DOS Microsoft Disk Operating System. The operating system most commonly used with your computer. See also Operating system. Muiti-frequency monitor A monitor that [...]

OS/2 Operating System/2. The enhanced operating system by Microsoft that provides dual mode processing and multitasking capabilities. See also Operating system. Porallel The type of interface that transmits all the bits in a byte of data simultaneously over separate lines. See also Interface and Serial Parameter A qualifier added to a command that [...]

Peripheral device An external device (such as a printer or a modem) connected to a computer that depends on the computer for its operation. Port A physical input/output socket on a computer to which you can connect a peripheral device. Power-on diagnostics Tests that the computer runs to check its internal circuitry and configuration each time you [...]

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. Read To copy data from one area to another. For example, when you open a text file stored on disk, the com[...]

Root directory The top-level directory in MS-DOS, designated by a (backslash). All other directories are subdirectories of the root directory. RS-232C A widely used, standard type of serial interface. You can connect an RS-232C compatible device to the built-in port on your computer. sector A contiguous section of a disk track that provides an ad[...]

Subdirectory A directory or group of files that branches down from another subdirectory or from the root directory. Switch An option added to an MS-DOS command that modifies the way the command works. Switches are usually preceded by a / (forward slash). For example, if you add the /S switch to a FORMAT command, MS-DOS installs the operating system[...]

Video card A display adapter card that can be installed in one of the computer’s option slots to provide a monitor interface. Your computer comes with a built-in VGA adapter, so you do not need to install a video card if you are going to use this interface. Write To store data on a disk. Write-protect To protect the data on a diskette from being [...]

Index A AUTOEXEC.BAT, 4-l-2,4-8 Auto speed, 2-11, 4-2-3 B Backing up data, from diskettes, 3-10,3-l7 on hard disk, 3-17-18 with BACKUP, 3-17 with DISKCOPY, 3-17 BACKUP, 3-17 Base memory, 2-3, 2-10, 4-7, A-5 Batch files, 4-l-2 AUTOEXEC.BAT, 4-l-2,4-8 Battery, cable, 6-5-8 problems, C-19 purpose, 2-2 replacing 6-2, 6-5-8 specifications, A-l Break, 3-[...]

CTRL ALT DEL, 3-5 CTRL BREAK, 3-3 CTRL C, 3-3 Cursor bar, 2-3 D Date, setting, 23 Diagnostics, power-on, C-2 system, B-l-25 DISKCOPY, 3-10, 3-17 Diskette drive, cable, 7-21-24, 7-26 caring for, 3-10-l1 compatibility, 3-8-10 configuring, 2-4 controller, 2-16 diagnostics, B-20-23 inserting diskettes, 3-15-16 installing, 7-l-27 problems, C-l1-12 remov[...]

F Files, AUTOEXEC.BAT, 4-l-2, 4-8 backing up, 3-17-18 batch, 4-l-2 CONFIG.SYS, l-14, 4-8-11 copying, 3-17-18 EMM386SXSYS, 4-7-11 ESPEED, 45 HDSIT, 3-19-20 Floppy disk drive, see Diskette drive Floppy disks, see Diskette(s) FORMAT, 3-17, B-21-22 Formatting, diskettes, 3-9, 3-17, B-21-22 hard disk, 3-18, B-16-17, C-13-15 physical, B-l 6-l 7, C-13-15 [...]

L LIM 4.0 EMS, 4-7 Loading MS-DOS, 3-14-15 Location, choosing for computer, l-l-2 Low speed, 2-11,4-2-6 Low-level format, see Physical formatting M Map, system memory, A-5 Mass storage, A-3 Master drive, 7-4, 7-6 Math coprocessor, configuring, 2-3 installing, 5-1, 6-2, 6-21-24 problems, C-20 removing, 6-24 specification, A-l MDA card, see Video car[...]

Option slots, 5-12-15, A-2 Options, installing, 6-l-26, 7-l-27 OS/2, Intro-2, 3-l P Parallel, cable, l-8-10 interface, l-8-10,2-15, A-2 port, l-8-10,2-15 port test, B-23-24 Partitions on hard disk, 3-18, B-16, C-14 Password, changing, 2-14 deleting, 2-14 disabling, C-5-7 entering, 3-6 jumper, 6-2-5, C-6 problems, C-5-7 setting, 2-13-14 using, 3-56 [...]

SETUP program, 2-1-17 base memory, 2-3,2-10 clock, real-time, 2-3 cursor bar, moving, 2-3 disk drive controllers, 2-16 diskette drive types, 2-4 display type, 2-8-9 EMS size, 2-12-13 error message, 2-2, 2-17 hard disk drive type(s), 2-5-8 keyboard test function, 2-9 leaving the program, 2-16-17 math coprocessor, 2-3 memory, 2-3, 2-10, 2-12-13 paral[...]

Video cards, CGA, 1-7, 2-8-9 compatibility, 1-7 diagnostics, B-l1-12 EGA, 1-7, 2-8-9 emulation, 4-12 Hercules graphics card, 1-7, 2-8-9 installing, l-7-8, 6-9-13 jumpers for, 2-9, 6-2-5, 6-11, 6-13 MDA, 1-7, 2-8-9 MGA, l-7,2-8-9 problems, C-5, C-17-18 removing, 6-13 setting display type, 2-8-9 tests, 6-26, B-11-12 VGA, 2-8-9 Video diagnostics, B-11[...]