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Epson Equity 386SX PLUS, User Manual

The Epson Equity 386SX PLUS is an advanced computer system that revolutionizes productivity. Enhance your technology experience with this powerful and reliable device. For a better understanding of its features, specifications, and setup instructions, download the free Product Information Manual from our website.

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Keyboard Problems

If you are having trouble with the keyboard, check the

following:

1. If the screen displays a keyboard error when you turn on or

reset the computer, make sure the keyboard is securely
connected to the computer. See “Connecting the
Keyboard” in Chapter 1 for instructions.

2. If nothing happens when you type on the keyboard, see

“The Computer Locks Up,” earlier in this appendix.

3. If the cursor keys do not work properly, the Num Lock

function may be on. When Num Lock is on, the numeric/
arrow keys on the numeric keypad work only as numbers.
Check to see if the 

Num Lock 

indicator in the upper right

corner of the keyboard is lit; if it is, press the 

Num Lock 

key

to turn off the function.

Monitor Problems

For monitor problems, check the following:

1. If there is no display on the screen, check that the monitor’s

power switch is on and that the power light on the monitor

is lit. If the power light is on but you still do not see
anything on the screen, check the monitor’s brightness and
contrast controls.

2. If the power switch is on but the power light is not, turn off

the monitor’s power, wait five seconds, and turn the power
back on. Wait a few seconds to see if the screen displays any
text.

A-8

Troubleshooting

Summary of Contents for Equity 386SX PLUS

Page 1: ...m u cl3 0 z E 5 J I 1 al y 8 c 7 5 w ii u l X ...

Page 2: ...wing Excellent Good Fair Poor n Organization of this manual Ll 0 cl Li W Technical accuracy Li ci ci 0 n Completeness of instructions Li Ll Ll cl n Clarity of concepts and wording Ll Li Ll Ll n Quality of examples and pictures cl cl cl cl W Quantity of examples and pictures cl cl Ll cl Comments Name Title Company Address City State Zip Please tear out and mail in Thank you EPSON ...

Page 3: ...PLACE STAMP HERE EPSON America Inc 2780 Lomita Blvd Torrance CA 90505 MS 4 1 Fold Here Tape Here Do Not Staple L ...

Page 4: ...EPSON E Q U I T Y 3 8 6 S X User s Guide Y19299100100 ...

Page 5: ... has been taken in the preparation of this publication Epson America assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions Nor is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein Further this publication and features described herein are subject to change without notice TRADEMARKS Epson is a registered trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation Equity is a tradema...

Page 6: ...is product should not be placed in a built in installation unless proper ventilation is provided 7 This product should be operated from the type of power source indicated on the marking label If you are not sure of the type of power available consult your dealer or local power company 8 This product is equipped with a 3 wire grounding type plug a plug having a third grounding pin This plug will on...

Page 7: ...uct from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions A When the power cord or plug is damaged or frayed B If liquid has been spilled into the product C If the product has been exposed to rain or water D If the product does not operate normally when the operating instructions are followed Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operat...

Page 8: ...r 1 11 5 Connecting the Power Cord 1 12 6 Connecting the Keyboard 1 13 7 Turning On the Computer 1 15 Chapter 2 Running the Setup Program Starting the Setup Program 2 2 Continuing From an Error Message 2 4 Moving the Cursor Block 2 6 Setting the Display Adapter Card Type 2 6 Setting the Power on Password 2 8 Setting the Fast Boot Function 2 11 Setting the Auto Speed Function 2 12 Setting the Real ...

Page 9: ...lecting the Operating Speed 3 5 Special Keys on the Equity 386SX Keyboard 3 6 Stopping a Command or Program 3 8 Resetting the Computer 3 8 Using Disks and Disk Drives 3 9 How Disks Store Data 3 10 Types of Diskette Drives 3 12 Caring for Diskettes and Diskette Drives 3 14 Inserting and Removing Diskettes 3 16 Write protecting Diskettes 3 18 Making Backup Copies 3 20 Using a Single Diskette Drive 3...

Page 10: ... Pathnames 4 20 Including Filenames With Pathnames 4 21 Including Drive Letters With Pathnames and Filenames 4 21 Creating Directories 4 23 Listing the Contents of a Directory 4 23 Displaying a List of Directories 4 25 Removing Directories 4 27 Formatting Diskettes 4 27 Using the FORMAT Command 4 28 Backing Up Data 4 30 Using the DISKCOPY Command 4 31 Using the BACKUP Command 4 34 The MS DOS Shell...

Page 11: ...allation Setup 5 25 Appendix A Troubleshooting Error Messages A 1 The Computer Won t Start A 2 The Computer Locks Up A 3 Password Problems A 4 Removing a Password A 5 Setting a New Password A 7 Keyboard Problems A 8 Monitor Problems A 8 Diskette Problems A 10 Diskette Drive Problems A 13 Hard Disk Problems A 14 Software Problems A 17 Printer Problems A 18 Option Card Problems A 19 Appendix B Power...

Page 12: ...n All Above Checks C 14 Color Graphics Adapter and CRT Check C 15 Color Graphics Adapter Check C 15 Attribute Check C 16 Character Set Check C 16 40 column Character Set Check C 17 320x200 Graphics Mode Check C 18 640x200 Graphics Mode Check C 19 Screen Paging Check C 20 Light Pen Check C 21 Color Video Check C 22 Sync Check C 22 Run All Above Checks C 23 Diskette Drives and Controller Check C 23 ...

Page 13: ... 36 Error Codes and Messages C 37 Appendix D Physically Formatting a Hard Disk Choosing the Type of Format Reformatting a Used Disk Formatting a New Disk Selecting an Option Starting the Formatting Process Option 1 Format Modifying the Defective Track Table Formatting the Disk Option 2 Destructive Surface Analysis Option 3 Non destructive Surface Analysis Exiting the Hard Disk Format Menu Appendix...

Page 14: ...Appendix F Specifications CPU and Memory Controllers Interfaces Power Supply Mass Storage Keyboard Environmental Requirements Physical Characteristics F 1 F 1 F 2 F 2 F 2 F 3 F 3 F 4 Glossary Index xi ...

Page 15: ...nternal memory five standard option slots four 16 bit and one 8 bit serial and parallel interfaces and an auxiliary mouse connector You can easily upgrade your computer by installing additional memory and adding optional devices Because of its industry standard architecture the Equity 386SX is fully compatible with the current installed base of personal computer hardware and software You can insta...

Page 16: ...nd other items included in your system making it easier for you to get started Your Equity 386SX comes with version 4 01 of MS DOS the operating system by Microsoft This version of MS DOS includes a Shell program which lets you run MS DOS commands by selecting options from on screen menus You ll find a set of MS DOS manuals packed in the box with the computer You probably also purchased other soft...

Page 17: ... see the following chapter summaries Chapter 1 provides simple step by step instructions for setting up your system On the back cover foldout are illustrations identifying the different parts of the Equity 386SX you may want to refer to this while setting up your system Chapter 2 describes how to run the Setup program to define your computer s configuration You must do this for a new computer befo...

Page 18: ...t the same type of format you can perform with the MS DOS FORMAT command Appendix E lists the types of hard disk drives you can use in the Equity 386SX Appendix F gives the technical specifications for the computer At the end of the manual you ll find a glossary of the computer terms used in this manual and an index Where to Get Help Customer support and service for Epson products are provided by ...

Page 19: ...he Epson Consumer Information Center at 1 800 922 8911 for the following Cl The nearest Epson dealer 0 The nearest Customer Care Center Cl Information on Epson User Groups To locate or purchase accessories or supplies contact your nearest Epson dealer or call 1 800 873 7766 Introduction 5 ...

Page 20: ...6 Introduction ...

Page 21: ...ur computer you may want to leave this manual s back cover foldout open so you can refer to the two illustrations identifying the different parts of the computer 1 Unpacking As you remove your system components from their cartons be sure to inspect each piece If anything is missing or looks damaged check with your Epson dealer Setting Up Your System 1 1 ...

Page 22: ...on to these items you need a compatible monitor and display adapter card You may also have a printer or other peripheral device You ll find a warranty card and a registration card with the computer Keep the warranty card for your records Fill out the registration card now and mail it to Epson With your registration card on file Epson can send you update information Be sure to keep your packing mat...

Page 23: ...f space around the computer to allow ventilation Moderate environmental conditions Protect your computer from extremes in temperature humidity dust and smoke Avoid direct sunlight or any other source of heat High humidity also hinders operation so select a cool dry area Appropriate power sources To prevent static charges connect all your equipment to three prong 120 volt grounded outlets You need ...

Page 24: ...ter 5 for instructions on how to remove the computer s cover and install an option card a video card in this case The monitor type must match the video card installed in the computer Check the following table to make sure your card and monitor match Monitor video card compatibility Monitor Monochrome Color or EGA Video card Monochrome display adapter MDA Multi mode graphics adapter MGA Enhanced gr...

Page 25: ...nnect the appropriate end of the monitor cable to the video card connector on the back of the computer as shown below If the plug has retaining screws tighten them by hand or with a screwdriver depending on the screw type UL II 111111111111111111 I I I I retaining screws 4 If there are any switches or jumpers on the video card for example to indicate color or monochrome be sure they are set proper...

Page 26: ...onitor s power inlet as shown below 6 Plug the other end of the power cord into an electrical outlet Note If the monitor has the proper type of plug you can plug it into the AC power outlet on the back of the computer 1 6 Setting Up Your System ...

Page 27: ... Using the Parallel Interface The Equity 386SX parallel interface is Centronics compatible and uses a DB 25S connector To connect a printer to the computer you need an IBM compatible printer cable If you are not sure which one you need check with your Epson dealer Once you have the correct printer cable follow these steps to connect your printer to the parallel interface on the computer 1 Be sure ...

Page 28: ...l male connector Connect this end to the parallel port on the back panel of the computer as shown below If the plug has retaining screws tighten them by hand or with a screwdriver depending on the screw type retaining screws 1 8 Setting Up Your System ...

Page 29: ... 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 an electrical outlet Setting Up Your System 1 9 ...

Page 30: ...ble To connect a serial device follow the same steps as above for connecting a parallel device Note You need to ensure that the serial port is set up so it functions properly If you are using the port for a serial printer you need to redirect printer output to the serial port instead of the parallel port To do this you can use the MS DOS MODE or SETMODE command or the MENU program See your MS DOS ...

Page 31: ...e with your computer you may need to add commands to your MS DOS CONFIGSYS file See your MS DOS Reference Manual for instructions mouse connector 6 5 4 3 2 1 Note If you want to use a mouse or other pointing device connected to a port on an option card in your computer you need to disable the built in mouse connector by changing a jumper setting in the computer See Changing Jumper Settings in Chap...

Page 32: ... turned off 2 Plug the power cord into the AC power inlet on the back panel as shown below To avoid an electric shock be sure to plug the cord into the computer before plugging it into the wall socket 3 Plug the other end of the power cord into a three prong 120 volt grounded electrical outlet 1 12 Setting Up Your System ...

Page 33: ...ese steps to connect the keyboard 1 Turn the computer around so the front is facing you 2 Open the door on the lower left corner of the computer s front panel by pressing it in slightly and then releasing it Setting Up Your System 1 13 ...

Page 34: ...e into the socket as shown below Do not force the connector but be sure to insert it all the way Guide the keyboard cable through the notch on the left side of the panel c 4 Close the panel access door 1 14 Setting Up Your System ...

Page 35: ...rules to avoid accidentally damaging your computer or injuring yourself Ll D Ll Do not dismantle any part of the computer Only remove the cover to install or remove optional devices or change jumper settings If there is a hardware problem you cannot solve after reading the information on troubleshooting in Appendix A check with your Epson dealer Always turn off the power disconnect the computer s ...

Page 36: ... its components Spilled liquid can damage the circuitry of your components Follow these steps to turn on your system 1 Make sure the power cord is plugged into the AC power inlet on the back panel of the computer and into a three prong 120 volt grounded electrical outlet 2 Turn on the monitor printer and any other peripheral devices connected to the computer Always turn on the monitor and any peri...

Page 37: ...ot see the screen display clearly use the controls on your monitor to adjust the brightness and contrast until characters on the screen are clear and bright If the display is not stable check your monitor s horizontal and vertical hold controls After you adjust the monitor s brightness and contrast press the power button again to turn off the computer Then turn off the monitor and any peripherals ...

Page 38: ...1 18 Setting Up Your System ...

Page 39: ...ion Real time clock s time and date Hard disk drive configuration Diskette drive type s Serial and parallel port settings The configuration you define with the Setup program is stored in the CMOS RAM which is permanent because it is backed up by a battery Whenever you turn on the computer it searches the CMOS RAM for the correct installation information The Equity 386SX automatically defines your ...

Page 40: ...ices if you have not already done so 2 Insert the Reference diskette into drive A with the label facing up and the metal shutter leading into the drive as shown below Slide the diskette into the drive until it clicks into place For more instructions on inserting and removing diskettes see Chapter 3 2 2 Running the Setup Program ...

Page 41: ...ics 4 Prepare hard disk for moving 0 Exit to DOS for more utilities Note If an error message appears when you rum on the computer see Continuing From an Error Message below 4 The Setup option is highlighted To select it press Enter The screen displays the main Setup menu Exit Display Password Fast boot Auto speed Real time clock Hard disk drive Diskette drive Serial Parallel Running the Setup Prog...

Page 42: ... F1 The computer beeps and the screen displays messages such as the following Error s detected The error message following the diamond indicates the condition causing the error There may be more than one error listed in the message Here are the error messages you may see Time is invalid HDD and or HDC failed initialization Memory size is incorrect correction made Incorrect configuration Checksum i...

Page 43: ...Setup program 2 Be sure Y is highlighted and press Enter The Setup program changes the setting that caused the error to a setting that is more likely to match your system configuration The screen displays the main Setup menu Exit Display Password Fast boot Auto speed Real time clock Hard disk drive Diskette drive Serial Parallel You should check all the settings in the Setup program to make sure t...

Page 44: ...ce to disable Num Lock mode and enable the arrow keys on the numeric keypad If you need to enter numbers while using the Setup program and you want to use the numeric keypad you need to turn on Num Lock Follow the instructions in the rest of this chapter to use the Setup program to define your computer s configuration Setting the Display Adapter Card Type Follow the steps below to set the type of ...

Page 45: ...if it is an EGA VGA or MCGA card If you installed a different type of display adapter card or a type listed as one of the first three options you see Special Adapter as the fourth option 3 Press Enter to move the cursor block into this submenu and then use or L to highlight the option that matches your display adapter card If you are not sure which one to choose follow these guidelines Cl If you h...

Page 46: ...our display adapter card 4 After you highlight the appropriate display adapter card type press Enter The screen displays your new display adapter card setting 5 Highlight SAVE SETTING and press Enter to return to the main Setup menu Setting the Power on Password Setting a power on password lets you control who can use your system However you do not need to set a power on password to use the Equity...

Page 47: ...ection Follow these steps to set a power on password when one does not exist and turn network server mode on or off 1 At the main Setup menu highlight Pas sword This submenu appears Power on password Network server mode OFF 2 Press Enter The cursor block moves to Power on password Note If a password already exists this message appears Power on password already installed The Setup program does not ...

Page 48: ... to access the computer the next time you turn it on If you want to return to the password submenu without saving any changes press ESC 4 After you enter a password press Enter to return to the password submenu 5 Highlight Network server mode To turn network server mode on or off press Enter The Setup program requires a power on password to turn network server mode on If you did not enter a passwo...

Page 49: ...lso checks the internal devices in your computer When you enable Fast boot the program performs abbreviated versions of these tests You should enable Fast boot when you are using your computer in its current configuration If you install additional memory in your computer disable Fast boot before you make the change The next time you turn on your computer it runs complete power on diagnostics allow...

Page 50: ...ulate an 8 MHz operating speed The 16 MHz speed is high and the simulated 8 MHz speed is low You can use the CPU SPEED switch on the computer s front panel to select either speed See Selecting the Operating Speed in Chapter 3 You ll probably use high speed for almost all your operations Some copy protected application programs however require the computer to run at the low speed while accessing th...

Page 51: ...able Auto speed D If you are using a copy protected program that does not require a key disk but requires a special procedure to install the program on a hard disk set the CPU SPEED switch on the front panel to LOW while you are installing the program Once it is installed set the switch to HIGH where you should be able to leave it while you load and run the program LI If this does not work try loa...

Page 52: ...te for your computer You may need to use this option again later to adjust the time for daylight savings time The computer automatically changes the date for leap years Another way to change the real time clock s time and date is with the MS DOS TIME and DATE commands See your MS DOS Reference Manual for instructions Follow these steps to set the real time clock 1 At the main Setup menu highlight ...

Page 53: ...4 Using a 24 hour time period enter the time in the exact format shown in the box Type two digits for each part the Setup program automatically inserts the colons For example to set the time to 1 30 p m you would type the following 133000 You can use the backspace key to make corrections Note If you want to use the number keys on the numeric keypad to enter the time or date press the Num Lock key ...

Page 54: ...y and four digits for the year the Setup program automatically inserts the dashes For example to set the date for December 30 1989 you would type the following 12301989 You can use the backspace key to make corrections If you enter an invalid date for example a number greater than 12 for the month or greater than the number of days in that month the computer beeps and ignores your entry Try again ...

Page 55: ... the computer s hard disk configuration 1 At the main Setup menu highlight Hard disk drive Your current settings appear Drive 1 Type 17 Drive 2 None The Type number indicates the type of hard disk installed in your computer See Appendix E for a list of hard disk drive types and the documentation supplied with your hard disk to find the correct type for the hard disk drive installed in your compute...

Page 56: ...s tracks the number of read write heads the number of sectors the precompensation cylinder the landing zone the cylinder on which you want to park the heads when moving the computer and the total storage capacity in megabytes 3 If you want to change the settings for Drive 1 which is drive C on most computers press Enter to highlight Drive 1 If you want to change the settings for Drive 2 press Ente...

Page 57: ...w these guidelines to set the drive type D If the ESDI controller does not have its own BIOS ROM and your hard disk drive type is not listed on the hard disk drive parameter table go to step 7 If the hard disk drive type is listed on the hard disk drive parameter table go to step 6 and set the type Cl If the ESDI controller has its own BIOS ROM you must set the hard disk drive type to Type 1 Go to...

Page 58: ... drive type number one number at a time increases the drive type number in increments of 10 for example from 47 to 57 decreases the drive type number in increments of 10 for example from 47 to 37 enters drive type 1 the first available drive type enters drive type 63 the last available drive type This is a handy way to verify new hard disk settings before you press Enter because the settings list ...

Page 59: ...en the Num Lock mode is enabled Num Lock mode is enabled The information for Number of cylinders is automatically updated on the submenu above and you see the next parameter Number of heads Enter the correct number of read write heads for the hard disk and press Enter Follow this same procedure for each remaining item in the settings list the number of sectors the precompensation cylinder and the ...

Page 60: ...ry installed diskette drive If you removed the installed drive or added a second diskette drive you need to change the diskette drive settings to match your configuration If you haven t made any changes you can verify the drive type settings Follow these steps 1 At the main Setup menu highlight Diskette drive The current settings appear Each diskette drive is followed by its specific type 360KB 72...

Page 61: ...s highlight Drive B and press Enter The cursor block moves into the submenu Use 1 or to highlight the correct type for your diskette drive and press Enter The screen displays the new diskette drive type you selected If you want to enter the type for another diskette drive return to step 3 When the diskette drive settings are correct highlight SAVE SETTINGS and press Enter The cursor block returns ...

Page 62: ...re are some examples D If you install an option card with a port pre set as primary by the manufacturer you must designate it as the primary port and make the computer s built in port the secondary port 0 If you install an option card or peripheral with a port not pre set you must designate it as the secondary port and the built in port as the primary port Cl If you install two option cards with p...

Page 63: ...ting Note If you add an option card with a parallel or serial port and highlight a setting that causes a conflict between your built in ports and the port on the option card you see this message Conflict with option card Highlight a setting that is appropriate for your system configuration and press Enter If you want to change the setting for the other port return to step 3 5 When the serial and p...

Page 64: ...d Network server mode OFF Display type Monochrome 80 column Fast boot enabled If you see an error message on the first Setup summary screen see Adding an Optional Memory Card later in this chapter There are two more Setup summary screens you need to check To display the next screen press PgDn You see the following Real time clock Time 13 40 38 Date 12 30 1989 Auto speed disabled Coprocessor not in...

Page 65: ...er 300 Landing zone 977 Total capacity MB 40 5 Number of cylinders 0 Number of heads 0 Number of sectors 0 Precomp cylinder 0 Landing zone 0 Total capacity MB 0 Change settings Exit without saving EXIT AND SAVE Check each Setup summary screen to see if all the information is correct You can press PgUp to display the previous screen or PgDn to display the next screen If anything is incorrect be sur...

Page 66: ...ck your Setup program settings see Appendix B or ask your dealer for assistance Note If you did not change any settings or you want to cancel the changes you made highlight Exit without saving at a Setup summary screen and press Enter The Operation Menu appears Press 0 and Enter to exit from the Opera Menu If you changed the time or date the new setting takes effect even if you exit the Setup prog...

Page 67: ...fficient way to add memory than optional memory cards You can also add both SIMMs and a memory card All memory in your system has a particular address A memory address is the exact area where the memory resides in the system If you add memory by installing a memory card the address of the memory on the card could overlap the address of memory you added by installing SIMMs or there could be a gap b...

Page 68: ...s the ending address of that 384KB of memory If you reset your memory card to the first recommended starting address your system cannot use the 384KB of on board extended memory in your configuration since its address is used by memory on the memory card By choosing the second recommended starting address you can include the 384KB of memory in your configuration because the memory you add on the m...

Page 69: ......

Page 70: ...2 32 Running the Setup Program ...

Page 71: ...the computer Installing MS DOS After you connect the components of your system and run the Setup program you must install MS DOS Follow the instructions in your MS DOS Installation Guide The MS DOS installation process automatically copies the MS DOS files onto your hard disk or generates working copies of the original MS DOS diskettes It is best to make another set of backup copies of your origin...

Page 72: ...ter Follow these steps 1 If you do not have a hard disk insert your Startup diskette in drive A 2 Turn on your system The screen displays a key prompt 3 At the key prompt enter the power on password you set when you ran the Setup program The key turns when you type a character The screen does not display the characters you type Then press Enter After you type the complete password correctly and pr...

Page 73: ...nging a Power on Password To change your power on password follow these steps 1 If you do not have a hard disk insert your Startup diskette in drive A 2 Turn on or reset the computer At the key prompt enter your current power on password followed by a forward slash After the slash enter the new password you want to use For example if your current password is 123 and you want to change it to ABC ty...

Page 74: ... it you must enter the new power on password Deleting a Power on Password To delete your power on password follow these steps 1 If you do not have a hard disk insert your Startup diskette in drive A 2 Turn on or reset the computer At the key prompt enter your current power on password followed by a forward slash For example if your password is 123 type 1 2 3 3 Press Enter A happy face character ap...

Page 75: ...If you enabled the Auto speed function when you ran the Setup program the computer automatically slows down to low speed whenever it accesses a diskette drive See Chapter 2 for information on the Auto speed function Use the CPU SPEED switch on the front panel to change the CPU speed move it left for low and right for high When the computer runs at low speed the power light is orange at high speed ...

Page 76: ...es the letter keys from lower to uppercase changes back to lowercase when pressed again The numeric symbol keys on the top row of the keyboard and the symbol keys in the main part of the keyboard are not affected Shift Produces uppercase characters or the top symbols on the keys when used with the main character keys Produces lowercase characters when the Caps Lock function is on Ctrl Works with o...

Page 77: ...e cursor changes back when pressed again Cancels the current command line or operation Perform special functions within application programs Prints the screen display on a line printer Generates the System Request function in some application programs when used with Alt Controls scrolling in some applications Suspends the current operation Terminates the current operation when used with Ctrl The C...

Page 78: ...best not to turn off the computer to stop a program or command If you created new data and you have not yet stored it the data will be erased if you turn off the computer The computer stores your data in its memory until you save it but the memory area is erased each time you turn off or reset the computer Resetting the Computer Occasionally you may want to clear the computer s current settings or...

Page 79: ...then the computer should reload MS DOS If it doesn t try the second method 2 Press the RESET button on the front panel This method works even when the computer does not respond to your keyboard entries If this does not correct the problem try the third method 3 Remove any diskette s from the diskette drive s Turn off the computer and wait five seconds If your computer does not have a hard disk ins...

Page 80: ...square jacket that is either hard 3 z inch diskettes or slightly flexible 5 inch diskettes Unlike a diskette a hard disk is rigid and fixed in place It is sealed in a protective case to keep it free of dust and dirt A hard disk stores data the same way that a diskette does but it works much faster and has a much larger storage capacity All disks are divided into data storage compartments by sides ...

Page 81: ... hard disk has A disk is further divided by sectors To understand what a sector is picture the spokes on a bicycle wheel radiating from the center of the wheel to the tire The space between one spoke and the next is like a sector on a diskette the lines dividing the sectors cut across the tracks See the figure below A diskette can have 8 9 15 or 18 sectors per track The number of sectors on a hard...

Page 82: ...ately 600 pages of text MB stands for megabyte each megabyte equals 1 048 576 bytes or 1024KB You may also have a second diskette drive and it may be the same type or it may be different The following list describes the other types of diskette drives you can use in the Equity 386SX and which diskettes to use with them Cl 720KB drive With this drive use 3 inch double sided double density 135 TPI 72...

Page 83: ...t contain data you want to erase See diskettes or diskettes that contain data you want to erase See Chapter 4 for instructions on formatting diskettes Chapter 4 for instructions on formatting diskettes Drive and diskette incompatibilities If your computer has more than one type of diskette drive or if you use diskettes from other computers with other types of diskette drives you need to be aware o...

Page 84: ...e COPY or XCOPY command as long as the correct diskette type is in each drive You can also use these commands to copy files between a hard disk and any type of diskette However you cannot use the DISKCOPY command to copy from one diskette drive to another if the two drives are not the same type For more information on the MS DOS COPY XCOPY and DISKCOPY commands see Chapter 4 Caring for Diskettes a...

Page 85: ...an external hard disk drive Do not slide the metal shutter on a 3 2 inch diskette this exposes the diskette s magnetic surface If you have a 5 l 4 inch diskette drive the surface of the diskette is exposed by the read write slot Always hold this diskette by its protective jacket and never touch the magnetic surface The oils on your fingertips can damage it Do not place anything on top of your disk...

Page 86: ...not store diskettes flat or stack them on top of each other If you use any 5 l 4 inch diskettes store them in their protective envelopes Inserting and Removing Diskettes Insert the diskette with the label facing up and the metal shutter leading into the drive as shown below Slide the diskette into the drive until it clicks into place To remove the diskette press the release button The diskette pop...

Page 87: ...write heads in the diskette drive to access the diskette To remove the diskette turn the latch up until it is horizontal and the edge of the diskette pops out Carefully pull out the diskette place it in its protective envelope and store it in a proper location such as a diskette container WARNING Never remove a diskette or turn off the computer while the diskette drive light is on You could lose d...

Page 88: ...d diskette MS DOS displays an error message On a 3 I inch diskette the write protect device is a small switch on the back of the diskette in the lower right corner shown below To write protect a 3 z inch diskette slide the switch toward the edge of the diskette until it clicks into position exposing a hole in the comer write protect switch To remove the write protection slide the switch toward the...

Page 89: ...or altered It is a good idea to write protect the backup copies you make of your MS DOS and Reference diskettes To write protect a 5 inch diskette cover the small rectangular notch shown below with an adhesive write protect tab Write protect tabs usually come with new 5 inch diskettes when you buy them To remove the write protection peel off the write protect tab Using the Equity 386SX 3 19 ...

Page 90: ...mmand the MS DOS Shell or the MENU program See Chapter 4 your Shell User s Guide or your MS DOS Reference Manual for instructions It is best to store the programs and data files you use regularly on the hard disk Keep backup copies of all your program files on diskettes and regularly copy important data files to diskettes as well See Backing up the hard disk in this chapter for more information No...

Page 91: ...en copying is complete you see a prompt to insert the original diskette for drive A Because you may often swap diskettes this way it is important to remember which diskette is which It is also a good idea to write protect your original diskette If you have a hard disk and one diskette drive you can load the operating system and application programs from the hard disk create and store your data the...

Page 92: ...an store as much data as approximately 30 1 44MB diskettes and a 100MB hard disk can store as much data as approximately 70 1 44MB diskettes Q Your computer can perform all disk related operations faster CI You can store frequently used programs and data files on the hard disk eliminating the inconvenience of swapping diskettes to access different files The added storage capacity makes it easy to ...

Page 93: ... If you interrupt this process you can lose data Never attempt to open the hard disk drive The disk itself is enclosed in a sealed container to protect it from dust Before you move your computer even to another part of the room you need to prepare the hard disk for moving See Preparing the hard disk for moving below for instructions A hard disk must be partitioned and formatted before you can use ...

Page 94: ...Y command the MS DOS Shell or the MENU program See Chapter 4 your Shell User s Guide or your MS DOS Reference Manual for instructions Preparing the hard disk for moving If you need to move your computer to a new location whether it is across the country or just across the room you should run the HDSIT program to protect the hard disk during the move The HDSIT program moves the disk drive s read wr...

Page 95: ...r locks the heads and disables the keyboard You can now turn off the computer and prepare to move it to the new location Turning Off the Computer Before you turn off your computer save your data exit the program you are using and remove any diskettes from the diskette drives Turn off the computer first then turn off the monitor and any peripherals Using the Equity 386SX 3 25 ...

Page 96: ... 7 R _ ri h 14 3 26 Using the Equity 386SX ...

Page 97: ...run application programs the few MS DOS commands you ll need are introduced in this chapter If you plan to use advanced features refer to your MS DOS Reference Manual for complete descriptions of MS DOS commands and features This chapter covers the following topics Starting and exiting MS DOS Using drive designators Types of MS DOS commands Entering an MS DOS command Setting the date and time Crea...

Page 98: ...diskette is one of the working diskettes MS DOS generates during the installation process See your MS DOS Installation Guide for instructions on how to install the operating system If you set a power on password when you ran the Setup program the computer displays the key prompt n before loading MS DOS At the key prompt type your power on password and press Enter See Using a Power on Password in C...

Page 99: ...if you have only one diskette drive If you have a second hard disk drive MS DOS identifies its primary partition as drive D If you created one or more extended partitions on your hard disk when you installed MS DOS the logical drives that make up the extended partition s are identified by drive letters For example if you have one hard disk one physical drive partitioned into three logical drives t...

Page 100: ...rrent drive s letter followed by a greater than symbol Depending on how you installed MS DOS it may also include additional information Thus when you see C on the screen you know the current drive is C The MS DOS command prompt also lets you know that MS DOS is ready to receive a command from you If you need to access a file or program on another drive you can either change the current drive or sp...

Page 101: ...e files which MS DOS must be able to find before it can execute the command If it cannot find the file MS DOS displays an error message If you installed MS DOS according to the instructions in your MS DOS Installation Guide most external commands are stored in a subdirectory named DOS on the hard disk unless you specified a different name when you installed MS DOS The external commands CONFIG SYS ...

Page 102: ...kette into a diskette drive Then you can either log onto that drive and enter the FORMAT command or specify the appropriate drive when you enter the command For example if you have two diskette drives and you want to format a diskette that is in drive B you need to insert the Startup diskette into drive A and log onto drive A Then type the following and press Enter FORMAT B MS DOS finds the file n...

Page 103: ...ve A is FORMAT A delimiter FORMAT is the name of the command that tells MS DOS to execute the file FORMAT COM The A is a parameter that tells MS DOS what to format in this case the diskette in drive A The space between FORMAT and A is the delimiter that allows MS DOS to distinguish the command name FORMAT from the parameter A Some commands also have optional switches you can use A switch is a type...

Page 104: ...o either of two things Cl Use the backspace key to delete the error Cl Press ESC and then Enter to cancel the current command line and move to a new one Then reenter the command correctly If you press Enter when a command line has an error in it the screen displays an error message Usually the MS DOS command prompt reappears so you can try again Type the correct command and press Enter Setting the...

Page 105: ...n general a data file that you create using an application program is stored in a special format If you use a different application program to read that file you may encounter problems When you create a file you need to give it a name The name must be in the format MS DOS requires Naming Files Each file must have a unique name so that you can retrieve it when you need to The name consists of two p...

Page 106: ...ns that your application programs use MS DOS reserves certain filenames for its own use The reserved filenames are AUX CLOCK COM1 COM2 COM3 COM4 LPT3 CON LST LPT1 NUL LPT2 PRN MS DOS also reserves certain extensions for program files The reserved extensions are COM EXE and BAT and files with these extensions are also sometimes called executable files Do not use these reserved filenames and extensi...

Page 107: ...ollowed by the drive designators and necessary filenames Then press Enter to execute the command For example to copy the file named REPORT from the diskette in drive A to the diskette in drive B using the same name for the copy as for the original file type the following and press Enter COPY A REPORT B You now have two files named REPORT one on the diskette in drive A and one on the diskette in dr...

Page 108: ... and the question mark represents any single character For example to copy all the files on the diskette in drive A to the diskette in drive B type the following and press Enter COPY A B To copy all files with names that begin with the four letters MEMO and end with any single character such as MEMO1 type the following and press Enter COPY A MEMO B You can also use the COPY command to combine seve...

Page 109: ...g file There is no warning that the existing file is being replaced so be careful that you do not accidentally erase a file you want to keep Ci If you are copying to a diskette the diskette must already be formatted Note You can also use the XCOPY command to copy individual files or groups of files XCOPY which is an external command offers an efficient way to copy certain files or whole directorie...

Page 110: ...nd press Enter REN HAMMERS WRENCHES You can use wildcards to rename groups of files For example to change the extensions of all files on drive C with the extension NEW from NEW to OLD type the following and press Enter REN C NEW OLD To add the extension OLD to all files that begin with the same four characters MEMO but end with one varying character type the following and press Enter REN MEMO MEMO...

Page 111: ...ompt C WRENCHES Delete Y N Press Y and Enter for yes or N and Enter for no You can use wildcards to delete groups of files For example to delete all files on the diskette in drive A in the current directory you could type the following and press Enter DEL A Because deleting all files is a serious procedure MS DOS prompts you to confirm the command when you use the wildcard combination with the DEL...

Page 112: ...he name of the printing device connected to your computer This is usually the name of the communications port that the printer cable is connected to such as LPT1 3 Type the name of the device such as LPT1 and press Enter MS DOS prints the file on your printer See your MS DOS Reference Manual for more information on the PRINT command Using Directories You can store many files on a diskette and a ha...

Page 113: ...xample of a simple directory structure Root directory I WORDPROC DOS SPDSHEET In this example you keep your word processing programs and data files in a directory called WORDPROC your spreadsheet programs and data files in a directory called SPDSHEET and MS DOS files in a directory called DOS The few files that MS DOS needs to find as soon as you turn on your computer such as COMMAND COM CONFIG SY...

Page 114: ...extension of up to three characters The root directory does not have a name It is identified by the backslash character The total number of files and subdirectories in the root directory must not exceed 512 on a hard disk or 112 on a 1 44MB diskette All directories other than the root directory can have any number of files and subdirectories Like hard disks diskettes have root directories and you ...

Page 115: ...change directories making a different directory the current directory or include a pathname in your command Changing the Current Directory To change from one directory to another use the CHDIR command or its shorthand equivalent CD For example to change to the root directory of the current drive from anywhere in the directory tree type the following and press Enter CHDIR If you are in the WORDPROC...

Page 116: ...oot directory go down the directory tree to the WORDPROC directory and then continue down the tree to the PERSONAL directory Here is an example of a relative pathname SALES The pathname above tells MS DOS to find a directory named SALES that is one level below the current directory Using the example above this pathname is valid only if you are logged onto the SPDSHEET directory Relative pathnames ...

Page 117: ...a backslash Including Drive Letters With Pathnames and Filenames To access a file stored on a drive other than the current drive you need to include a drive designator A for example as well as a filename If the file you want is not stored in the current directory of that drive you also need to include a pathname For example if you are logged onto the root directory of drive C and you want to delet...

Page 118: ...ange to another directory on another drive include the drive designator in the command like this CD B WORDPROC PERSONAL Note MS DOS provides several commands that make using pathnames easy When you use the following commands you don t have to type a full pathname or enter the drive and directory every time you want to access certain files Cl The APPEND command lets you specify a search path for da...

Page 119: ...n create the SALES subdirectory with this command MD SALES Listing the Contents of a Directory You can use the DIR command to list the contents of a directory To list the files in the current directory type the following and press Enter DIR MS DOS lists the names of the files in the current directory on the current drive like this Volume in drive C is MEMODRIVE Volume Serial Number is 354C 12E9 Di...

Page 120: ...olume serial number an identifying code assigned by the MS DOS FORMAT command and the drive and name of the directory you are viewing At the bottom of the listing MS DOS indicates the the total number of files including subdirectories in the directory and the number of bytes on the disk that are still available for use If the directory listing is too long to fit on one screen add the P switch to t...

Page 121: ...riate drive designator and or pathname in the command For example to see what is in the root directory of the diskette in drive A type the following and press Enter DIR A To display the contents of the WORDPROC PERSONAL directory on drive C type the following and press Enter DIR C WORDPROC PERSONAL Displaying a List of Directories The TREE command displays a tree diagram of all the subdirectories ...

Page 122: ...E1989 SALE1990 To see a list of all the files in the subdirectories add the F switch like this TREE F The screen displays the directory information shown above and the names of all the files in each subdirectory C LEDGER NOVRECV DECRECV NOVSALES RPT DECSALES RPT JANSALES FEBSALES MARSALES 4 26 Using MS DOS with Your Equity 386SX ...

Page 123: ...em to another directory To delete an empty directory from a disk use the RMDIR command or its shorthand equivalent RD For example to remove the directory ACCOUNTS which is a subdirectory in the LEDGER directory on drive C type the following and press Enter RD C LEDGER ACCOUNTS If you are in the LEDGER directory you can type the following and press Enter RD ACCOUNTS Formatting Diskettes Before you ...

Page 124: ...hes you can use with the FORMAT command to format various diskette types in different types of drives Note You can also format diskettes using the MS DOS Shell or the Epson MENU program These programs are easy to use because they let you select options from menus instead of using commands See your MS DOS Shell User s Guide and Using the Epson MENU Program later in this chapter Using the FORMAT Com...

Page 125: ...iskette using the DIR command The volume label can be up to 11 characters long and can consist of any characters or numbers except for blank spaces and the following symbols After you name the diskette press Enter If you do not want to name the diskette simply press Enter Then you see messages such as the following 1457664 bytes total disk space 1457664 bytes available on disk 512 bytes in each al...

Page 126: ...20KB using this switch For example to format a 720KB diskette in your 1 44MB diskette drive enter the following command FORMAT A F 720 Use this command when you follow the instructions in this section to format a diskette Backing Up Data It is very important to keep backup diskettes containing copies of the files you create You can copy your data text and program files in several ways Cl You can u...

Page 127: ...Shell User s Guide and Using the Epson MENU Program later in this chapter Using the DISKCOPY Command The DISKCOPY command lets you make an exact copy of a diskette You cannot use DISKCOPY to copy to or from a hard disk Because this procedure copies the data byte by byte the two diskettes must be of the same type For example you cannot use DISKCOPY to copy a 720KB diskette to a 1 44MB diskette or a...

Page 128: ... SOURCE diskette in drive A Press any key to continue 5 If necessary remove the Startup diskette from drive A Insert the diskette you want to copy from the source diskette into the drive Then press any key DISKCOPY starts to copy the contents of the diskette to the computer s memory When the computer s memory is full the screen displays these messages Insert TARGET diskette in drive A Press any ke...

Page 129: ...y When the copy is complete you see this message Copy another diskette Y N 9 Press Y to copy another diskette or N to return to the MS DOS command prompt Using DISKCOPY with two diskette drives If you have two diskette drives follow these steps to copy a diskette 1 Make sure the diskette you want to copy is write protected See Chapter 3 for instructions 2 If you don t have a hard disk insert your ...

Page 130: ...nd efficient way to copy the files on the hard disk to diskettes BACKUP allows you to do the following Cl Split large files across two or more diskettes Cl Copy only those files that have been modified since the most recent backup with the M switch Cl Copy only those files that have been created or modified after a specified date with the D switch Cl Copy files in the current directory together wi...

Page 131: ... It is especially useful for managing the data on a hard disk where you may have hundreds of files For example you can easily view create move rename and delete files and directories using MS DOS Shell See your MS DOS Installation Guide for instructions on how to install the Shell program and see your MS DOS Shell User s Guide for information on how to use it Using the Epson HELP Program The Epson...

Page 132: ... HELP menu and see information about one command type HELP followed by the name of that command For example to see help information about the COPY command type the following and press Enter HELP COPY If you want to see information about more than one command type HELP and the names of the commands you want information about Separate each command name with a space as in the following example HELP D...

Page 133: ...command 6 Press ESC to exit the HELP program Using the Epson MENU Program The Epson MENU program lets you display a menu of commonly used MS DOS commands and select the one you need It provides an easier way to run MS DOS commands because you can execute commands without having to remember their exact syntax To access MENU follow these steps 1 If you do not have a hard disk insert your Working dis...

Page 134: ...e BACKUP COM you may see an error message like this when you select an option BACKUP COM is not on the current disk or path Press any key to continue If you see a message similar to this one insert the diskette that contains the command you selected into drive A and try again To see which commands are on which MS DOS diskettes refer to the list of your Working diskette contents in the MS DOS Insta...

Page 135: ... and format diskettes This option provides an easy to use alternative to the MS DOS CHKDSK DISKCOPY DISKCOMP and FORMAT commands Lets you change your configuration settings Also lets you select alternate code pages character sets and redirect data from the parallel port to the serial port Because you can perform so many tasks from the Mode Settings submenus this option is a simpler alternative to ...

Page 136: ...her software programs you commonly use This reduces the number of times you need to change directories or specify pathnames 0 Add the command to start your most commonly used application program such as a word processing or spreadsheet program so that it loads automatically when you turn on or reset the computer 0 Change the information the MS DOS command prompt includes See your MS DOS Reference ...

Page 137: ...tory and your word processing directory This way you can run programs in those directories without having to specify pathnames in the commands The second line changes the MS DOS command prompt so that it displays your current directory To create an AUTOEXEC BAT file you can use any command or program that lets you create a text only file If you have a word processing program that can save a file a...

Page 138: ...om which your computer loads MS DOS For example if you load MS DOS from drive C type the following and press Enter COPY CON C AUTOEXEC BAT 3 Now enter the commands you want to include in the file Type them exactly as you want MS DOS to execute them and in the order you want MS DOS to perform them Press Enter at the end of each line After you type the last command press Enter to move the cursor to ...

Page 139: ...skette from which you load MS DOS If you have a word processing program that can save a file as a text only file also called an ASCII text file you can use that program to modify the CONFIG SYS file Start your word processing program load the file CONFIG SYS and then add the following line to the file DEVICE EMM386 SYS You can add one or more of the optional switches explained in the next section ...

Page 140: ...the memory card See the documentation that came with the card for instructions The full syntax for the command line that activates EMM386SYS is DEVICE d path EMM386 SYS size X mmmm nnnn Mx The items in brackets are optional you do not type any brackets when you enter this command The following paragraphs describe the items in the command line The d path parameter specifies the pathname You specify...

Page 141: ...ommand in hexadecimal notation EMM386 SYS does not locate its page frame or other mappable pages in this memory range For example to specify 1024KB of memory as expanded memory and ensure that EMM386SYS does not locate any pages in the address range C400 to C7FF include this command in your CONFIG SYS file DEVICE EMM386 SYS 1024 X C400 C7FF You can include more than one X parameter in your DEVICE ...

Page 142: ...ddress C800 include this command in your CONFIG SYS file DEVICE EMM386 SYS M2 Do not use the Mx parameter unless you need to force EMM386 SYS to use a particular address Note If you install devices that use expanded memory be sure the DEVICE EMM386SYS command appears in your CONFIG SYS file before the commands to install those devices For more information on using EMM386 SYS see your MS DOS Refere...

Page 143: ...memory in your computer This chapter briefly describes the types and amounts of memory modules you can use in the Equity 386SX If you want to install memory modules in your computer however ask your dealer for help An option card is a circuit board you install in your computer to add a particular function A memory card is a type of option card that increases the total amount of memory in your comp...

Page 144: ...er to operate in the Equity 386SX Check with your dealer to ensure that the correct type of SIMMs are used There are 16 SIMM sockets on the SIMM card organized in two banks containing eight sockets each Each socket can contain either one 256KB or one 1MB SIMM The following table shows the possible configurations for the Equity 386SX Possible Equity 386SX SIMM configurations Left bank Right bank To...

Page 145: ...n just one of the banks Note Once SIMMs have been installed you should be sure your dealer has set a jumper on the SIMM card before you turn on your computer See Changing Jumper Settings later in this chapter for more information After SIMMs have been installed in your computer you need to run the Setup program on your Reference diskette to set the computer s memory configuration as described in C...

Page 146: ... memory card whether or not you have already added SIMMs With added SIMMs and a memory card the Equity 386SX can have up to a total of 16MB of memory Most popular memory cards are compatible with the Equity 386SX This section explains how to Ci Remove the computer s cover 0 Install an option card Cl Change jumper settings LJ Remove an option card Li Replace the cover Note After you install or remo...

Page 147: ... cable from the electrical outlet and from the back panel Then disconnect any peripheral cables that are connected to the computer Disconnect the keyboard If the monitor is on top of the computer lift it off and set it to one side As shown below the top cover is secured by five screws on the back panel and four screws on the side panels two on each side Remove the screws and set them safely to one...

Page 148: ... grasp the two sides of the cover and carefully pull it straight toward you and away from the back of the computer as shown in the following illustration until it is a few inches away from the back panel 5 6 Installing Options ...

Page 149: ...s the power button and the diskette drive you can lift off the cover Separate the cover s sides from the inside of the computer by pulling them outward slightly as shown below Then lift off the cover and set it aside Installing Options 5 7 ...

Page 150: ...ing an Option Card The illustration below shows the five standard option slots inside the Equity 386SX The SP card occupies a special additional slot number 6 option card slots I SP card 5 8 Installing Options ...

Page 151: ...r example you can place some 8 bit cards in a 16 bit slot However you must follow these guidelines when deciding which slot to use An 8 bit card with an additional connector along the bottom must go in the 8 bit slot If you install an additional disk drive that uses a controller card place the card as close as possible to the disk drive it is controlling Some option cards must be installed in a sp...

Page 152: ... screw from the top of the metal option slot cover hold on to the screw as you remove it so it doesn t fall into the computer Lift out the slot cover Keep the screw to secure the option card to the computer Store the slot cover in a safe place in case you remove the option card later 5 10 Installing Options ...

Page 153: ...ed connector pins If you need to set it down before you install it place it gently on top of its original packing material with the component side facing up Keep the packing materials in case you remove the card later 3 Grip the card firmly by the top corners and position it at the top of the slot as shown below Make sure the connector pins point down and the component side faces the power supply ...

Page 154: ...r slot push the card downward firmly but carefully to fully insert it as shown in the following illustration You should feel the card fit into place If the card 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 5 12 Installing Options ...

Page 155: ...5 Secure the end of the card to the back of the computer with the retaining screw Installing Options 5 13 ...

Page 156: ...in 2 and pin 3 position 2 3 as shown below position 1 2 position 2 3 c lj cg g J 3 3 3 Jumper J5 on the main system board is different from the other jumpers in the Equity 386SX The pin positions for jumper JS are shown below position 1 2 position 2 3 c cJ 1 1 1 The jumpers you may need to change are on the main system board There is an additional jumper on the SIMM card that you may want to check...

Page 157: ... controller J4 1 2 Sets the P ROM type to 256 Kbits J4 2 3 Sets the P ROM type to 512 Kbits J5 1 2 Disables the built in mouse connector so you can use a mouse or other pointing device connected to a port on an option card in your computer the device must use the IRQ 12 signal J5 2 3 Enables the built in mouse connector for use with a mouse which uses the IRQ 12 signal Factory setting SIMM card ju...

Page 158: ...ers See Removing an Option Card below If you need to change the jumper setting of jumper J5 on the main system board remove the SIMM card to access the jumper See Removing the SIMM card below Change the main system board jumper settings as necessary See Changing the main system board jumper settings below If you need to check the SIMM card jumper setting see Checking the SIMM card jumper setting b...

Page 159: ...need to remove the SIMM card Follow these steps 1 Remove the retaining screw that secures the SIMM card bracket to the inside of the computer as shown below Do not remove the screw securing the SIMM card to the bracket Be careful not to drop the screw Ins ding Options 5 17 ...

Page 160: ...acing up 3 Change the setting of jumper J5 as necessary See Changing the main system board jumper settings below Avoid disturbing the cable connection next to the jumper 4 To replace the SIMM card reinstall the card in the SIMM card slot on the main system board and secure it to the inside of the computer with the retaining screw 5 18 Installing Options ...

Page 161: ...se your fingers or needle nose pliers or tweezers to pull it off its current pins and gently move it to the other position Be careful not to lose the jumper or leave it out of the computer Also take care not to damage any surrounding components on the main system board Checking the SIMM card jumper setting If your dealer has installed SIMMs for additional memory you may want to check the jumper se...

Page 162: ... card in the computer The following illustration shows the location of jumper J1 on the SlMM card The jumper should be in position 1 2 if SIMMs have been installed If you are not using SIMMs the jumper should be set to position 2 3 5 20 Installing Options ...

Page 163: ...omputer with the retaining screw Removing an Option Card If you later need to remove an option card simply reverse the steps you followed to install it Remove the screw securing the card to the back of the computer and pull the card straight up and out of the slot Then carefully wrap the card preferably with the original packing materials and place it inside its box for safe storage Cover the end ...

Page 164: ...the back of the computer until it fits into place The diskette drive fits through the opening in the front panel and the power button fits into its cover 3 To secure the cover replace the five screws on the back panel and the two screws on each side panel 4 Return the computer to its original position and place the monitor on top if that is where you use it Then reconnect the computer to the monit...

Page 165: ...nstalled memory card See your memory card manual for instructions If you installed a memory card and you want to use any of its memory as expanded memory use the EMM386 SYS utility See Using Memory Beyond 640KB in Chapter 4 and your MS DOS Reference Manual for more information Also see Post installation Setup at the end of this chapter for more information on setting up your computer for use with ...

Page 166: ...fter this configuration program Continue Y N 5 To configure your computer for use with RampagePlus 286 press Y If you want to exit to MS DOS without configuring your computer press N If you press Y you see the MS DOS A prompt and this message Configuration completed The SMART installation utility may now be used 6 Use the SMART setup program now See your RampagePlus 286 manual for instructions You...

Page 167: ...now that it has the additional drive See Chapter 2 for instructions Additionally you may also need to add some commands in your configuration files See the MS DOS Reference Manual and the manual that comes with the option card for instructions You may want to test a newly installed option Some options come with their own diagnostics test programs and you can test others with the diagnostics progra...

Page 168: ...5 26 dling Options ...

Page 169: ...can refer you to an Authorized Epson Customer Care Center for service If necessary call the Epson Customer Information number 1 800 922 891 1 for the location of your nearest Authorized Epson Customer Care Center When you contact your dealer or Customer Care Center be ready to provide the serial number of your computer its configuration including the type of disk drives monitor and option cards an...

Page 170: ...come on check the electrical outlet for power Turn off your computer and unplug the power cord from the wall outlet Plug a lamp into the wall outlet and turn it on to see if the outlet supplies power 3 If the electrical outlet is working and all the connections are secure but your computer still won t start call your Epson dealer 4 If the computer starts but is taking a long time to complete its p...

Page 171: ...lems later in this appendix This section covers certain problems caused by application programs Did you enter the correct password See Password Problems below If you want to stop whatever the computer is doing and return to the MS DOS command prompt hold down the Ctrl key and press Break In most cases this solves the problem See Chapter 3 for more information on stopping a command or program If yo...

Page 172: ...s up and does not respond to your keyboard entries If you have any trouble using your power on password try the following 1 If you think you know the correct password reset the computer and try again You ll get three chances as before to enter the correct password See Chapter 3 for instructions on using the password 2 If you know the current power on password but you want to change or delete it se...

Page 173: ...f you disable the password function you cannot set a new password unless you perform the steps to disable the existing password at that time If you do not want to use a password anymore follow the instructions under Disabling the password function below Disabling an existing password If you do not know your power on password and do not want to set a new one follow these steps to disable the existi...

Page 174: ... 2 3 5 Turn on the computer again You do not see the key prompt 9 and the computer loads MS DOS Later if you want to create a power on password run Setup and enter a password The jumper is already in the correct position Disabling the password function If you do not want to use a power on password anymore you can disable the password function However if you want to use the password function later ...

Page 175: ...light EXIT AND SAVE when you leave the Setup program 4 After you exit Setup you see this message TURN OFF POWER AND CORRECT JUMPER SETTING TO ENABLE PASSWORD CHECKING 5 Turn off the computer and follow the instructions under Changing Jumper Settings in Chapter 5 to disable the password skip function by setting jumper J2 to position 2 3 6 Turn on the computer You see the key prompt Enter your new p...

Page 176: ...the numeric keypad work only as numbers Check to see if the Num Lock indicator in the upper right corner of the keyboard is lit if it is press the Num Lock key to turn off the function 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 bu...

Page 177: ...t came with your monitor and display adapter card for instructions 6 If you are running an application program see if you need to set up the program for the type of monitor and display adapter card you have Also make sure you are using the appropriate monitor and display adapter card for your software Note If your application program requires a monitor that supports graphics but you have a monochr...

Page 178: ... your diskette drive See Diskette Drive Problems below 3 Have you inserted the right type of diskette The diskette type normally appears on the manufacturer s label Here are the guidelines Ct In a drive that has a storage capacity of 1 44MB such as drive A use 3 z inch double sided high density 135 TPI diskettes This type of drive can also read and write to 720KB diskettes Li In a drive that has a...

Page 179: ... Some application programs do not function properly if the diskette is write protected Check the program manual 5 If MS DOS displays errors when you try to access data your diskette may be defective MS DOS error messages that may indicate a defective diskette include Cl Disk Drive Error Abort Ignore Retry Cl Disk error reading drive d U Disk error writing drive d If you see one of these messages m...

Page 180: ...our MS DOS Reference Manual for instructions on using RECOVER Note RECOVER renames all files on the diskette so use it only after you have copied as many files as possible with the MS DOS COPY command 6 If you see no error messages but there is something wrong with the data in a file MS DOS or an application program may have updated the storage information on the diskette incorrectly This is proba...

Page 181: ...th different diskettes If your diskette drive read write heads are dirty you may occasionally see this MS DOS error message Error Reading Drive d Abort Retry or Fail To clean the read write heads use a diskette drive head cleaning kit available in most computer stores If you are still having problems with your diskette drive try running the Diskette Drives and Controller Check described in Appendi...

Page 182: ...the next step is to make sure the file COMMAND COM is in the root directory of the hard disk Type DIR and press Enter If COMMAND COM is in the root directory use the MS DOS COMPARE command to compare the COMMAND COM file on your diskette with the COMMAND COM file on the hard disk See your MS DOS Reference Manual for instructions on using COMPARE If the files do not match use the COPY command to re...

Page 183: ...sk files and then reinstall MS DOS on the hard disk See your MS DOS Installation Guide for instructions If your hard disk does have an active DOS partition back up all your hard disk files and then try reformatting your hard disk using SELECT See your MS DOS Installation Guide for instructions WARNING Reformatting destroys all the data currently on your hard disk so do this only after careful cons...

Page 184: ...uide to install MS DOS on the hard disk 7 If you have installed a hard disk drive made by another company in your computer you need to install MS DOS See the MS DOS Installation Guide for instructions If the hard disk needs a low level format do that before you install MS DOS See Appendix D for instructions 8 If you have installed a hard disk drive that has its controller on an option card you may...

Page 185: ...slower speed Check your software manual to see if this is the case and change the CPU operating speed if necessary See Chapter 3 for instructions Also see the description of the Auto speed function in Chapter 2 for information on accommodating copy protected programs 3 If you have entered an MS DOS command that you want to stop there are special key combinations you can type to tell MS DOS to stop...

Page 186: ...roperly with the computer 3 If you are using more than one parallel port or more than one serial port the computer must be set properly so MS DOS knows which port is the primary port and which is the secondary port See Chapter 2 for instructions on how to set the serial and parallel ports using the Setup program 4 If your printer is properly set up but is still not functioning test it from the MS ...

Page 187: ...e the instructions that come with the option card The most common problem with option cards is a loose connection Make sure the option card is well seated in its slot Did you set the necessary DIP switches or jumpers on the option card See your option card manual for instructions Did you run the Setup program to redefine your computer s configuration after installing the card See Chapter 2 If you ...

Page 188: ...per cable to connect the device to the option card connector on the back panel 7 Did you perform the correct setup procedures for the software you are using with the option card If necessary see your software manual for instructions on running the software setup procedure A 20 Troubleshooting ...

Page 189: ...cancels further checking and halts system initialization The error message remains on the screen and the computer locks up If this happens contact your dealer as soon as possible Report both the error message and code number If the error is not serious the computer waits for you to resume further checking You see this prompt Resume F1 key Write down the error message and code number and then press...

Page 190: ...TEM OPTIONS NOT SET Check sum error 163 TIME AND DATE NOT SET Invalid value 164 MEMORY SIZE ERROR Memory 181 SYSTEM EXTENDED MEMORY Memory overlap ERROR 182 SYSTEM RESERVED MEMORY Memory overlap ERROR 384KB 201 RAM ERROR First 64KB 202 MEMORY ADDRESS ERROR Memory data or parity error 203 MEMORY ADDRESS ERROR Memory data or parity error Keyboard 301 KEYBOARD ERROR 303 KEYBOARD OR 8042 ERROR 304 KEY...

Page 191: ...AMETER ERROR Incorrect user definable table 1780 DISK 0 FAILURE Calibration failure 1781 DISK 1 FAILURE Calibration failure 1782 DISK CONTROLLER FAILURE Self test failure 1790 DISK 0 ERROR Parameter does not match 1791 DISK 1 ERROR Parameter does not match Auxiliary device s 8601 AUXILIARY DEVICE FAILURE No response 8602 AUXILIARY DEVICE FAILURE Reset device not complete 8603 AUXILIARY DEVICE FAIL...

Page 192: ...B 4 Power on Diagnostics ...

Page 193: ...s appendix lists the error messages you may see during testing You can test the following devices each of which is identified by specific reference numbers 1 System board 2 Memory 3 Keyboard 4 Monochrome display adapter and CRT 5 Color graphics adapter and CRT 6 Diskette drives and controller 7 Math coprocessor 9 Parallel port printer interface 11 Serial port RS 232C port 12 Alternate serial port ...

Page 194: ... to turn off the function 4 Press 3 or use J to select System diagnostics and then press Enter When you start the System diagnostics program the computer checks any peripheral devices that are connected to the system Then you see a list of the devices available for testing This list includes only the devices that are part of your system such as the following for example DEVICE LIST 1 System board ...

Page 195: ...u need to add a device you must return to the Operation Menu and reselect S y s t em diagnostics Selecting an Option When you are using the System diagnostics program you often need to select an option from a menu There are two ways to do this Q You can use the arrow keys l L t to move the highlighted cursor block to the option you want and then press Enter to select it 0 You can type the number o...

Page 196: ...refore when the instructions in this appendix tell you to select an option you can either use l 1 t or to highlight the option or you can type the number of the option Then press Enter You must press Enter to start the operation You can press ESC any time you want to leave the menu currently displayed and return to the previous one Modifying the Device List If an installed device is missing from t...

Page 197: ...port 21 Alternate parallel port 81 Parallel port on video adapter 0 Exit to DEVICE LIST I Additional DEVICE LIST Select the item you wish to add Nate If you want to type the number for an option that has two digits such as 12 or 81 you must hold down the Alt key while you type the number You can add as many devices as necessary When the Device List is complete select 0 Exit To remove a device from...

Page 198: ...lecting a Test From the Device List select the device you wish to test Before the test begins you are asked how many times to perform the test You see this menu Number of times to test device You can specify that the test be performed one time only or any number of times in the range from 1 to 9999 Running a test multiple times is for reliability testing of essential functions only in most cases r...

Page 199: ...he test once press Enter If you wish to run the tests more than once type the number of times and press Enter For some devices the computer does not display a submenu of tests to choose from Instead it performs all the tests that do not require you to enter a response If you chose to test the device more than once the computer runs all the tests and then repeats them in the same order You may see ...

Page 200: ... select Y If the printer is not ready the following message and prompt appear Printer is not installed correctly Install correctly before entering Continue Y N Correct the problem and select Y to continue printing or select N to cancel printing After printing the error message the program displays this prompt Printout is finished Press ENTER to return to the menu The program continues after an err...

Page 201: ...ch major component on the system board including LI The 80386SX CPU chip CI The system ROM Ci The real time clock CMOS RAM and battery Cl The main integrated circuits The checks made on the 80386SX CPU chip are extremely comprehensive and ensure that the CPU instruction set including protected mode operation is functioning correctly If an error occurs make a copy or a printout of the error code an...

Page 202: ...A memory count is displayed after each block is tested without error After the program checks the last block you see a message such as the following 001024 KB OK If an error occurs make a copy or a printout of the error code and message and contact your Epson dealer or service center Attempting to correct memory errors yourself may violate your warranty agreement Note Extended memory which is norm...

Page 203: ...problem with your keyboard Test each key You see these messages on the screen Press ESC followed by ENTER to exit Press END followed by ENTER if screen and keyboard do not match If all the keys function correctly and match the characters displayed press ESC and then Enter If all the keys function but the characters displayed do not match the keys press ESC and then Enter Then reselect the keyboard...

Page 204: ...CRT CHECK MENU 0 Exit If an error occurs during any of these tests record the error code and message or print them out Then contact your Epson dealer or service center When you finish testing the device select 0 to exit Monochrome Adapter Check To check the monochrome adapter select 1 The program checks the video RAM display memory on the display adapter by writing certain data to memory then read...

Page 205: ...t Is the display correct Y N Select Y if the display is correct If the display attributes are not correct adjust the brightness and contrast on your monitor If they are still incorrect select N Character Set Check To check your character set select 3 The character fonts that are included in the internal character generator appear on your screen Compare your screen display to this illustration MONO...

Page 206: ...y key to end this check You can use this test to adjust the size of the screen display The vertical and horizontal adjustments are located on your monitor Sync Check This test is provided for service purposes only If you accidentally select this option press any key to end the test Run All Above Checks To run all the tests on the menu in sequence select 6 When you choose this option all checks for...

Page 207: ...X200 graphics mode check 7 Screen paging check 8 Light pen check 9 Color video check 10 Sync check 11 Run all above checks 0 Exit If an error occurs during any of these tests record the error code and message or print them out Then contact your Epson dealer or service center When you finish testing the device select 0 to exit Color Graphics Adapter Check To check the color graphics adapter select ...

Page 208: ...play is correct If the colors are not correct adjust the controls on your monitor If they are still incorrect select N Contact your dealer to verify any monitor problems Character Set Check To check your 80 column character set select 3 The character fonts that are included in the internal character generator of the video adapter appear on your screen Compare your screen display to the following i...

Page 209: ...the error message 40 column Character Set Check To check your 40 column character set select 4 The character fonts that are included in the internal character generator are displayed on your screen Compare the characters on your screen to the following illustration Is the display correct Y N After checking the character fonts respond to the prompt Is the display correct Y N Performing System Diagn...

Page 210: ...nd These four colors are Color Set 0 If they are correct select Y The same pattern appears again this time the squares are cyan white and magenta and the background is red These colors are called Color Set 1 If these are also correct select Y to end the test If any colors are displayed incorrectly first check the adjustment of your monitor and make sure that both ends of the cable are plugged in f...

Page 211: ...elow 640X200 GRAPHICS MODE CHECK Is the display correct Y N If the patterns on your screen are clear and distinct select Y If any pattern is not clear first check the adjustment of your monitor and then make sure that both ends of the cable are plugged in firmly If a problem still exists select N to display the error message Performing System Diagnostics C 19 ...

Page 212: ... page and then displaying each page in turn You see the following pattern for screen 0 SCREEN PAGING CHECK Press any key for next page Once you examine this screen press any key to display the next page The eight pages are displayed sequentially After the eighth page appears you see the prompt Is the display correct Y N If all eight pages are correct select Y If any page is filled with an incorrec...

Page 213: ...you verify that the light pen is connected properly select Y You see this prompt PLACE LIGHT PEN ON CENTER OF WHITE BLOCK Touch the center of the white block on the screen with the light pen When the light pen is correctly positioned the block moves to another part of the screen for a second test After three successful tests the check ends An error occurs if one of the following is true 0 The ligh...

Page 214: ...sity To start this test select 9 Press any key to display each screen On the last screen you see this prompt Is the display correct Y N If all the colors are correct select Y to end the test If any color is incorrect first check the adjustment of your monitor and then make sure that both ends of the cable are plugged in firmly If a problem still exists select N to display the error message Sync Ch...

Page 215: ...nstalled in your computer This test includes several checks that allow you to identify particular problems related to your diskette drives Before running these tests format a diskette to use for the tests that write data on the disk in the drive To test a 1 44MB drive you can use either a 1 44MB diskette or a 720KB diskette but it is better to use the higher capacity diskette In a 720KB drive you ...

Page 216: ... drive A or 2 for drive B If any errors occur record the error code and message and contact your dealer Always have the diskette drive serviced by your dealer or service center When you finish testing the device and return to the menu select 0 to exit Sequential Seek Check This test checks the ability of the read write heads to locate any part of the diskette This action by a read write head is ca...

Page 217: ...om Seek Check This test is identical to the sequential seek check except that the seek operation is performed on each track in random order instead of sequential order Select option 2 from the menu to start this test Write Read Check This test checks the ability of the selected disk drive to read and write data on a diskette The test writes to and reads from each track on the diskette starting at ...

Page 218: ... a 1 44MB diskette the first message you see is Current track is 79 After the test is over be sure to replace the Reference diskette in drive A before you select another device from the Device List or exit System diagnostics Disk Change Check This option tests the ability of a diskette drive to detect whether a diskette has been inserted or removed Disk changes cannot be detected by a 360KB disket...

Page 219: ... you choose this option all checks for the diskette drive s and controller are performed automatically in sequential order Although you do not start each test you must still supply the appropriate responses to progress from one test to the next Press ESC to return to the menu Math Coprocessor Check Use this option to check the operation of the 80387SX math coprocessor if you have one installed in ...

Page 220: ...art the check Y N Insert the loop back connector Then select Y to start the check The computer checks the port by writing and reading data and control information and reports errors for any pins that are faulty Note that if you connect a printer cable instead of a loop back connector you will get errors Alternate Parallel Port Check Use this option to test the operation of an additional parallel p...

Page 221: ...rt RS 232C Port Check Use this option to test the functions of the primary serial communications RS 232C port To perform the test you must insert a special loop back connector into the RS 232C port so that the computer can check individual pins of the port Contact your dealer if you need a loop back connector Note that a different connector is required to test the parallel port When you select opt...

Page 222: ...e progress of the test If the port does not become ready correctly a timeout error occurs If any data received does not match the data sent a verify error occurs and the computer reports the transmitted and received data at the time of the error The final test is an echo back check during which the port sends data to itself at 9600 baud using various data formats At the start of the test you see t...

Page 223: ... Check Dot matrix Printer Check Use this option to check the following Ei The operation of your printer in IBM compatibility mode D The compatibility of your printer with the extended character set your computer uses LI The ability of your printer to produce bit image graphics and print images of the graphics screen When you select option 14 from the Device List you see this prompt Is dot matrix p...

Page 224: ... this The text data includes all the characters commonly used by programs that require foreign languages or graphic characters If your printer prints different characters than you see in the illustration you may need to be careful with certain software The bit image data is sent to the printer using a command ESC K compatible with Epson and IBM printers Note Even if the test runs only for a short ...

Page 225: ...check from this menu the program determines the number of hard disk drives installed in your computer If you have more than one physical drive then each time you select a test you see this prompt Enter drive number 1 2 Select 1 for the first hard disk or 2 for the second When you finish testing the device and return to the menu select 0 to exit Seek Check This test checks the ability of the read w...

Page 226: ...rite data The test writes to and reads from each sector of the innermost cylinder of the disk using each head Note This test destroys all data on the innermost cylinder of the selected hard disk drive This cylinder is reserved for diagnostics and is never used for storage by MS DOS or any other operating system Therefore data created by application programs is not destroyed Select option 2 from th...

Page 227: ...the instructions in the MS DOS Installation Guide 4 Restore your files Read Verify Check This test reads and verifies data from all tracks of the disk checking each cylinder and using all read write heads Select option 3 from the menu to start this test The program displays the number of each cylinder it finds For example with a hard disk the first message you see is Current cylinder is nnn The cy...

Page 228: ...en you choose this option all checks for the hard disk drive s and controller are performed automatically in sequential order Although you do not start each test you must still supply the appropriate responses to progress from one test to the next The first prompt you see is The data on the highest physical cylinder may be destroyed by the check Start the check Y N Select Y to continue with the te...

Page 229: ... ERROR 107 KEYBOARD CONTROLLER TIMEOUT ERROR 108 KEYBOARD CONTROLLER SELF DIAGNOSTIC ERROR 108 KEYBOARD CONTROLLER WRITE COMMAND ERROR 109 INTERRUPT CONTROLLER ERROR 110 CMOS SHUTDOWN BYTE ERROR 111 CMOS BATTERY ERROR 112 CMOS CHECKSUM ERROR 113 INSTRUCTION ERROR 114 PROTECT MODE ERROR 1 115 PROTECT MODE ERROR 2 Memory 201 MEMORY PARITY ERROR Keyboard 301 KEYBOARD ERROR 302 KEYBOARD IS NON STANDAR...

Page 230: ... 605 READ ERROR 606 DISK CHANGE CHECK REMOVE ERROR 607 DISK CHANGE CHECK INSERT ERROR Math coprocessor 701 COPROCESSOR NOT INSTALLED 702 COPROCESSOR INITIALIZE ERROR 703 COPROCESSOR INVALID OPERATION MASK ERROR 704 COPROCESSOR ST FIELD ERROR 705 COPROCESSOR COMPARISON ERROR 706 COPROCESSOR ZERO DIVIDE MASK ERROR 707 COPROCESSOR ADDITION ERROR 708 COPROCESSOR SUBTRACTION ERROR 709 COPROCESSOR MULTI...

Page 231: ...YS HIGH 1202 TIMEOUT ERROR 1203 VERIFY ERROR Dot matrix printer 1401 status Hard disk drive s and controller 1701 SEEK ERROR 1702 WRITE ERROR 1703 READ ERROR 1704 HEAD ERROR 1705 ERROR DETECTION ERROR 1706 ERROR CORRECTION ERROR Alternate parallel port 2101 ERROR PIN p Parallel port on video adapter 81nn ERROR PIN p Performing System Diagnostics C 39 ...

Page 232: ...C 40 Performing System Diagnostics ...

Page 233: ...repare your hard disk for use You may need to physically format a hard disk however if either of the following is true Ci Your hard disk is producing numerous read write errors or you are having other serious problems with the disk Sometimes after a hard disk has been used for a long time the disk s data becomes fragmented causing the disk to frequently produce errors You may need to reformat the ...

Page 234: ... The installation process automatically partitions and formats the hard disk to prepare it for use Choosing the Type of Format Follow these steps to display the formatting options 1 Insert the Reference diskette in drive A 2 Turn on or reset the computer The computer automatically loads MS DOS and displays the Operation Menu 3 Press 2 to highlight Format hard disk and press Enter The Hard Disk For...

Page 235: ...Non destructive surface analysis checks the disk for unflagged bad tracks without destroying data You cannot run the Non destructive surface analysis on a disk that has never been formatted The type of format you choose depends on whether you are reformatting a disk that has been used or formatting a new disk for the first time See the recommendations below Reformatting a Used Disk If you are refo...

Page 236: ... press Enter Ci You can type the number of the option and press Enter You can select almost any option that appears on the screen while you are formatting the disk using either of these two methods Therefore when the instructions in this appendix tell you to select an option you can either use the arrow keys T 1 t to highlight the option or you can type the number of the option Then press Enter Yo...

Page 237: ...n the disk or N to skip the scanning process If you select Y the program scans the disk and displays these messages during the process Scanning for flagged bad tracks Head nnn Cylinder nnnnn You see the head and cylinder numbers decrease as the program progresses After scanning the disk the program displays the results such as the following Scanning finished Count of tracks flagged bad EC 1 Count ...

Page 238: ...he drive minus 1 The maximum sector number varies depending on the drive type Then press Enter Next you see this prompt Accept recommended skewed sectors per head in format 0 Y N For an Epson hard disk drive accept the recommended value of 0 For another type of drive use the value recommended in the documentation for the drive To accept the default select Y To enter a new value select N You see th...

Page 239: ... modify the defective track entries select Y Modifying the Defective Track Table If you select Y to modify the table you see the following options at the bottom of the table Defective Track Table Move box cursor to desired track with cursor key A Add track C Change track D Delete track F Finish editing Enter command To add a bad track follow these steps 1 Press A You see this prompt Enter cylinder...

Page 240: ...D to remove the track from the table Change the track data just as you add a track The maximum valid cylinder number and head number nnnn and nn vary according to the capacity of the hard disk If you enter an invalid cylinder or head number a reminder of the range of values appears and the program asks you to enter the value again When you finish adding all the bad tracks press Enter without typin...

Page 241: ...u are not sure you want to format the hard disk select N If you are sure select Y the program gives you one more chance to cancel DOUBLE CHECK THAT YOU HAVE BACKUP DISKETTE COPIES OF ALL YOUR FILES Do you want to exit and check your file copies Y N Select Y to cancel formatting and check your backups or N to continue If you continue with formatting you see Format started Head nnn Cylinder nnnnn Ph...

Page 242: ...e surface analysis of your hard disk to accurately locate any bad tracks and flag any bad tracks that are not flagged WARNING If any errors occur during this check all data on the track that produces the error is destroyed For this reason if you think that an unflagged bad track is causing trouble first run option 3 Non destructive surface analysis to check the disk surface The Destructive surface...

Page 243: ... such as the following Analysis finished Count of tracks flagged bad zz n Count of tracks with write read errors n Count of good tracks nnnn No write read error was detected No data was destroyed Press ENTER to return to the menu If the program finds one bad track that is not flagged the summary would show one track with a write read error The report is followed by a table like this Write Read Err...

Page 244: ...ever this test does not flag any bad tracks it detects To start the test select 3 Non destructive surface analysis from the Hard Disk Format Menu You see these messages Analyze Hard Disk Drive 1 Read Verify check for all tracks Current cylinder is nnnn As the program checks each track it counts the cylinder numbers down to zero When the test is complete the program displays a report on the status ...

Page 245: ...Hard Disk Format Menu Exiting the Hard Disk Format Menu To leave the Hard Disk Format Menu select 0 Exit The screen displays the Operation Menu At the Operation Menu select O Exit to DOS for more utilities If you formatted the hard disk with option 1 or 2 you must now install MS DOS on the hard disk to prepare it for use Follow the instructions in your MS DOS Installation Guide The installation pr...

Page 246: ... D 14 Physically Formatting a Hard Disk ...

Page 247: ... this table and the documentation supplied with your hard disk to find the correct number for the type of hard disk drive installed in your computer You need to enter this number when you set the hard disk drive parameters in the Setup program See Chapter 2 for instructions Hard disk drive types Hard Disk Drive Types E 1 ...

Page 248: ...5 5 17 AT 965 10 17 T Landing 732 977 340 663 732 1023 1022 1022 1023 828 1023 618 820 830 1023 828 967 967 967 1022 967 967 967 979 775 744 Auto Auto MB 40 6 40 5 10 2 20 4 42 6 42 5 84 8 89 8 68 0 37 5 42 5 40 8 40 8 68 9 76 5 96 2 85 0 119 0 53 0 18 8 80 3 12 4 144 5 40 5 100 40 5 40 80 Drive name none none none none none none none none CDC 94216 106 3 CDC94216 106 4 Toshiba MK 156F 5 NECD5147H...

Page 249: ...gate ST4053 6 The landing zone value is 964 Types 1 through 47 are allocated at 0FE401 h IBM new AT compatible area Types 48 through 63 are allocated at 0FD2F1h to 0FDFFOh extended Hard Drive Parameter area The factory installed hard disk drive types for the Equity 386SX are number 17 40 7MB and number 60 100MB The settings for types 59 60 61 and 63 are stored in the computer s BIOS so you do not ...

Page 250: ...E 4 Hard Disk Drive Types ...

Page 251: ...stem board expandable using 256KB or 1MB SIMMs to 2MB 4MB 6MB 8MB 10MB 12MB or 14MB maximum SIMMs must be 70ns access speed or faster 64KB 80387SX 16 MHz support coprocessor is optional Supports up to two drives in any of four formats 3 z inch high density 1 44MB 3 i z inch double density 720KB 5 s inch high density 1 2MB or 5 i 4 inch double density 360KB controller on main system board Supports ...

Page 252: ...one with 8 bit bus and four with 16 bit bus one special slot occupied by a serial parallel interface card Internal Real time clock calendar and 64 byte CMOS RAM for configuration battery backup Switching type fan cooled 115 230 VAC switch selectable 140 W 5 VDC 12 VDC 5 VDC 12 VDC 50 60 Hz Mass Storage Three half height drives maximum Standard Optional 3 z inch diskette drive 1 44MB high density s...

Page 253: ...MB storage capacity 3 z inch hard disk drive in a 5 J inch mounting frame 100MB storage capacity Detachable three positions 101 sculpted keys 58 key QWERTY main keyboard 17 key numeric cursor pad 10 cursor keys 16 function keys user definable Four levels normal shift control alternate user definable Environmental Requirements Temperature Operating range 41 to 104 F 5 to 35 C Storage range 40 to 15...

Page 254: ...stics Width 15 7 inches 400 mm Depth 16 4 inches 416 5 mm Height 6 2 inches 157 mm Weight without keyboard Single diskette drive model 23 2 lb 10 5 kg 40MB or 100MB hard disk drive model 24 9 lb 11 3 kg F 4 Specifications ...

Page 255: ...sing or spreadsheet program ASCII American Standard Code for Information Interchange A standardized coding system for representing characters such as numbers letters and graphic symbols An ASCII character occupies one byte of storage Files transmitted in ASCII code can be used by many different computers printers and programs Asynchronous A method of data transmission in which one machine sends da...

Page 256: ...ually 640KB Also called conventional memory or main memory Batch file A type of file that lets you execute a series of MS DOS commands by typing one command Batch files are text files with the filename extension BAT In a batch file each command is entered on a separate line When you type the filename MS DOS executes all the commands in that file sequentially Baud rate A measure of the speed of dat...

Page 257: ...th 80 characters on each line monochrome graphics at 640 x 200 resolution or four color graphics at 320 x 200 resolution Character Anything that can be printed in a single space on the page or the screen includes numbers letters punctuation marks and graphic symbols CMOS Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor A method of making low power silicon chips Code A system of symbols for representing dat...

Page 258: ...group of components For example a typical system configuration consists of a computer with one diskette drive and one hard disk drive and a monitor connected to a printer Control code A command generated when you hold down Ctrl and press another key on the keyboard that instructs the computer to perform a specific function Conventional memory The memory on the main system board up to 640KB used by...

Page 259: ...red data and controls all input and output operations Current directory The directory where MS DOS executes your next command unless you tell it to do otherwise by including a pathname with the command Also known as the default or working directory Current drive The disk drive from which MS DOS executes your next command unless you tell it to do otherwise by including a drive designator with the c...

Page 260: ... the default value itself Default directory The directory you are logged onto and working in Also known as the current directory Default drive The disk drive from which MS DOS executes your next command unless you tell it to do otherwise by including a drive designator with the command Also known as the current drive Delimiter A character or space used to separate different parts of an MS DOS comm...

Page 261: ...can contain both files and subdirectories Disk The collective term for diskettes and hard disks Disk drive The physical device that allows the computer to read from and write to a disk A diskette drive has a disk slot into which you insert a diskette A hard disk is sealed inside a protective unit Diskette A flat piece of flexible plastic coated with magnetic material and used to store data permane...

Page 262: ... to display high resolution graphics on a color monitor It can display up to 43 lines of text with 80 characters on each line or it can display monochrome or 16 color graphics at up to 640 x 350 resolution Executable file A file containing program instructions as opposed to data created with an application program An executable file has the extension BAT COM or EXE Expanded memory Memory that spec...

Page 263: ...xternal command An MS DOS command stored in a program file MS DOS must be able to find the program file to execute the command See also Internal command Fast boot The Equity 386SX function that reduces the time it takes the computer to run power on diagnostics File A group of related pieces of information called records or entries stored together on a disk Text files consist of words and sentences...

Page 264: ...ess data more rapidly and store many more files than a diskette Also called fixed disk Hardware Any physical component of a computer system such as a monitor printer keyboard or CPU Hexadecimal A base 16 numbering system frequently used by programmers Any decimal number between 0 and 255 can be represented by a two digit hexadecimal number High density A type of format that allows you to store mor...

Page 265: ...sk A diskette containing a copy protected program that must remain in the diskette drive while you are using the program Kilobyte KB A unit used to measure storage space in a computer s memory or on a disk One kilobyte equals 1024 bytes LIM EMS The Lotus Intel Microsoft Expanded Memory Specification a protocol that allows certain application programs to use memory that MS DOS cannot use Logical di...

Page 266: ...a disk One megabyte equals 1024KB Megahertz MHz A unit used to measure oscillation frequency of a computer s internal timing clock A megahertz is one million cycles per second The Equity 386SX operates at 16 MHz or simulates an 8 MHz operating speed Memory The area where your computer stores data Memory contents can be permanent and inalterable ROM or temporary RAM Memory module A small circuit bo...

Page 267: ...t signals over telephone lines so it can send and receive data Modem stands for MOdulator DEModulator Monitor The piece of hardware that contains the screen and displays information Monochrome monitor A monitor that displays in only one color such as green or amber as opposed to a color monitor which can display in several colors Mouse A hand held pointing device with one or more buttons When you ...

Page 268: ... as a network server Numeric keypad The number keys grouped to the right of the keyboard On board memory The memory contained on the computer s main system board The Equity 386SX comes with 1MB of on board memory Operating speed The speed at which the central processing unit can execute commands The Equity 386SX can run at 16 MHz or simulate an 8 MHz operating speed Operating system A collection o...

Page 269: ...nt directory The directory immediately above a given directory in the directory tree In pathnames the parent directory is represented by the symbol two periods Parity Data signals sent during communications to detect errors in transmitting or receiving data Partition The area defined on a hard disk for use by an operating system to divide a hard disk into separate sections or logical drives Pathna...

Page 270: ...sequence of characters you type after you turn on the computer in order to access and use your system A power on password can be up to seven characters long and can include letters numbers and blank spaces Primary partition The hard disk partition where the operating system is stored and from which the computer loads the operating system Program A disk file that contains coded instructions and tel...

Page 271: ...de a disk drive that reads and records data on the magnetic surface of a disk Real time clock A battery powered clock inside the computer that keeps track of the time and date even when the computer is turned off Relative pathname A pathname that does not begin with the backslash character A relative pathname tells MS DOS how to find its way to a subdirectory of the current directory starting at t...

Page 272: ...C A widely used standard type of serial interface You can easily connect an RS 232C compatible device to the computer Sector A contiguous section of a disk track that provides an address at which the computer can access data Self test The initial diagnostics procedures a system performs to check its hardware Serial The type of interface that transmits data one bit at a time See Interface and Paral...

Page 273: ...t 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 on the diskette as it formats it See Parameter System diagnostics A series of checks you can perform on the computer to make sure the hardware is functioning corr...

Page 274: ...Video card The display adapter card installed in one of the computer s option slots The video card provides the interface to which you connect the monitor and controls the way the monitor displays text and graphics Also known as Display adapter card Wildcard A character that represents any character or group of characters The wildcard character asterisk represents a group of characters and the wil...

Page 275: ...ectories 4 19 21 CHDIR CD 4 19 Clock real time 2 14 17 F 2 Clock calendar RAM F 2 CMOS RAM 2 1 C 9 F 2 Color graphics adapter CGA card see Video cards Color graphics adapter and CRT check C 15 23 Command entering 4 7 8 Command format 4 7 8 Command prompt 4 2 4 4 4 19 4 40 41 COMMAND COM 4 5 4 17 A 14 CONFIG SYS 4 5 4 17 4 43 4 45 Configuring the system Intro l 2 1 31 Consumer Information Center Nu...

Page 276: ... removing 4 27 root 4 17 19 tree diagram of 4 25 27 DISKCOPY 3 14 3 20 3 24 4 30 34 Diskette drive caring for 3 14 16 compatibility 3 12 14 configuring 2 22 23 drive and controller check C 23 27 how they work 3 10 12 inserting diskettes 3 16 17 problems A 13 removing diskettes 3 16 17 setting types 2 22 23 single 3 21 4 32 33 types 3 12 14 using 3 9 25 Diskettes backing up 3 20 4 30 35 caring for ...

Page 277: ... 11 13 creating and managing 4 9 16 deleting 4 15 executable 4 10 naming 4 9 10 printing 4 16 renaming 4 14 Floppy disk drives see Diskette drives Floppy disks see Diskettes FORMAT 3 13 4 27 30 Formatting diskettes 3 13 4 27 30 extended partition 4 3 hard disk 3 23 D 1 13 physical D 1 13 primary partition 4 3 H Hard disks see also Diskette drives backing up 3 24 4 34 35 configuring 2 17 22 control...

Page 278: ... cards Intro l 2 29 31 5 1 5 4 5 23 25 check C 10 configuration 2 1 2 11 EMM386 SYS 4 43 46 expanded 4 43 46 extended 2 26 2 29 31 4 43 46 gapping 2 29 31 LIM EMS 2 6 4 43 46 modules Intro l 2 29 5 1 3 on board 2 29 31 5 2 overlapping 2 29 31 setting 4 43 46 MENU program Intro 2 3 20 4 37 39 MGA card see Video cards MKDIR MD 4 23 MODE 1 10 Modem connecting 1 10 Monitor connecting 1 4 6 problems A ...

Page 279: ...ards Option slots 5 3 5 8 9 F 2 Options installing 5 1 25 memory modules 5 2 3 P Package contents 1 2 Packing materials 1 2 Parallel see also SP card cable 1 7 9 interface 1 7 9 F 2 port 1 7 9 port check C 28 port on video adapter check C 29 setting 2 24 25 Parameters 4 7 8 Partitions on hard disk 4 3 D 2 D 13 Password see Power on password PATH 4 22 Pathnames 4 20 22 absolute 4 20 21 including dr...

Page 280: ... Setting up 1 1 17 Setup menu 2 3 5 Setup program 2 1 31 E 1 auto speed function 2 12 14 clock real time 2 14 17 cursor block moving 2 2 6 diskette drive types 2 22 23 display adapter type 2 6 8 error message continuing from 2 4 6 fast boot function 2 11 A 2 hard disk drive configuration 2 17 22 interfaces serial and parallel 2 24 25 leaving the program 2 28 math coprocessor 2 1 memory 2 1 2 29 31...

Page 281: ...cs card 1 4 2 8 installing 1 4 5 8 13 5 21 5 25 MCGA 2 7 MGA 1 4 2 7 8 monochrome display adapter and CRT check C 12 14 parallel port on video adapter check C 29 problems A 9 removing 5 21 setting display adapter card type 2 6 8 VGA 1 4 2 7 Video graphics array VGA card see Video cards Video monitors see Monitor Volume label 4 29 W Warranty card 1 2 Wildcard characters 4 11 l2 Write protect notch ...

Page 282: ...8 I n d e x ...

Page 283: ...diskette release button switch power outlet option card slots I parallel port I serial port mouse port ...

Page 284: ......

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