Epson EQUITY 3865X/20 PLUS manual

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Table of contents for the manual

  • Page 1

    EPSON ® EQUITY 3865X/20 PLUS U s e r’s G u i d e[...]

  • Page 2

    EPSON® EQUITY 386SX/20 PLUS USER’S GUIDE X-EQ386-20PLUS[...]

  • Page 3

    FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT FOR AMERICAN USERS This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio[...]

  • Page 4

    IMPORTANT NOTICE DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY Epson America makes no representations or warranties, either express or implied, by or with respect to anything in this manual, and shall not be liable for any implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose or for any indirect, special, or consequential damages. Some states do not [...]

  • Page 5

    IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 1. Read all of these instructions and save them for later reference. 2. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product. 3. Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning. 4. Do not use this product near water. 5. Do not[...]

  • Page 6

    11. Never push objects of any kind into this product through cabinet slots, as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result in a risk of fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the product. 12. Except as specifically explained in the User’s Manual, do not attempt to service this product yourself. [...]

  • Page 7

    Contents Introduction Optional Equipment ................................. 2 Operating Systems and Other Software .................. 3 VGA Utilities ...................................... 3 How to Use This Manual ............................. 4 Where to Get Help .................................. 5 Chapter 1 Setting Up Your System 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 C[...]

  • Page 8

    Setting the Display Adapter Type. ...................... 2-6 Setting the Power-on Password. ........................ 2-9 Setting the Memory Caching .......................... 2-11 Setting the Processor Speed ........................... 2-12 Setting the Keyboard and Speaker Options ............... 2-14 Setting the Rea-time Clock. ...................[...]

  • Page 9

    Chapter 4 Enhancing System Operations Using AUTOEXEC.BAT and Other Batch Files. .......... 4-1 Changing the Processor Speed ......................... 4-2 Entering Keyboard Commands. .................... 4-4 Using the ESPEED Program ....................... 4-5 Reassigning the Diskette Drives ........................ 4-7 Using the AFDD Program ......[...]

  • Page 10

    Chapter 7 Installing and Removing Disk Drives Using the Correct Drive Bay ........................... How to Use This Chapter ............................. Setting the Hard Disk Drive Jumpers .................... Setting the Jumpers for Two Hard Disk Drives ........ Changing the Jumper Settings ..................... Installing a Hard Disk in the Ve[...]

  • Page 11

    Software Problems ................................... A-23 Printer Problems .................................... A-24 Option Card Problems ................................ A-25 Mouse Problems ..................................... A-26 Memory Module Problems ............................ A-27 Math Coprocessor Problems ........................... A-27[...]

  • Page 12

    Appendix D Specifications CPU and Memory ................................... D-1 Controllers ......................................... D-2 Interfaces ........................................... D-2 Power Supply ....................................... D-3 Mass Storage ....................................... D-3 Keyboard .............................[...]

  • Page 13

    Introduction The Epson® Equity®’ 386SX/20 PLUS is a high-performance personal computer which offers exceptional speed and convenience in a compact design. It includes 2MB of internal memory, a built-in VGA (video graphics array) display adapter, built-in parallel and serial interfaces, and an IBM®PS/2™ compatible mouse port. The built-in int[...]

  • Page 14

    0 Continuous Edge Graphics™ (CEG™) technology (provided by Edsun™). The built-in CEG chip refines the jagged lines of images on a CRT screen by giving a standard 640 x 480 VGA screen the effective resolution of 2048 x 2048 and boosting the palette from 256 to 750,000 colors. When used with the appropriate application software and device drive[...]

  • Page 15

    Operating Systems and Other Software You may have a version of MS-DOS® to use with your computer. Epson has enhanced MS-DOS by adding two time- saving utilities-HELP and MENU-that make it easier to use. The HELP program lets you display information about any MS-DOS command on the screen. MENU provides an easy way to run many of the MS-DOS commands[...]

  • Page 16

    How to Use This Manual This manual explains how to set up and operate your computer, install options, and run diagnostics checks. The illustrations show a computer with a 51/4-inch diskette drive, but instructions for using a 3½-inch drive are also included. Note Although this manual provides tips for using MS-DOS, it does not explain how to use a[...]

  • Page 17

    Chapter 7 explains how to install and remove a hard disk or diskette drive. Appendix A contains troubleshooting tips. Appendix B describes how to perform a hardware-level format on a hard disk. You need to do this only if you have installed a new hard disk that has never received this low-level format, or if you are having serious problems with the[...]

  • Page 18

    Chapter 1 Setting Up Your System Setting up your Equity 386SX/20 PLUS personal computer is easy. Just follow the eight steps in this chapter. As you set up your computer, you may want to leave this manual’s back cover foldout open so you can refer to the illustrations identifying the different parts. Note The illustrations in this manual show the[...]

  • Page 19

    Before you set up your computer, it’s important to choose a safe, convenient location that provides the following: 0 P P P P 0 A large, sturdy surface. The desk or table should be strong enough to support the weight of your system and all of its components. Select a location that allows plenty of space so you can work comfortably. A flat, hard su[...]

  • Page 20

    2 Removing the Protector Card If you have a 5 l/+inch diskette drive, there is a protector card in the diskette slot. This card is inserted at the factory to protect the read/write heads in the drive. To remove it, flip the latch up to pop the card out part way, then pull it out, as shown below. (If you have a second Y/4-inch diskette drive, be sur[...]

  • Page 21

    3 Connecting a Monitor The procedure you use to connect your monitor to the computer depends on the type of monitor you have. If you have a VGA monitor (or a multi-frequency monitor with an analog connector), you can connect it to the computer’s built-in VGA port. See “Using the VGA Interface” below. If you have any other type of monitor, see[...]

  • Page 22

    4. Examine the connector end of the monitor cable, and position the plug to match the orientation of the monitor interface (marked with a monitor icon). Then insert the plug into the port (the connector should fit in easily when properly oriented), as shown below. retaining screws Caution To avoid damaging the connector, take care not to bend the p[...]

  • Page 23

    6. If necessary, plug the monitor power cord into the monitor’s power inlet, as shown below. . Q II J, II I - 7. Plug the other end of the power cord into an electrical outlet. 1-6 Setting Up Your System[...]

  • Page 24

    Using a Display Adapter Card If you are using a non-VGA monitor, you’ll need to install a display adapter (video) card in one of the computer’s option slots before you can connect the monitor. (Your dealer may have already installed the video card for you.) If the video card has not yet been installed, you’ll need to follow the instructions i[...]

  • Page 25

    Note If you install an EGA or VGA display adapter card or if you install another type of card that you want to be the primary display adapter, you must set jumper J2 on the main system board to disable the built-in VGA interface. If you install one or more cards, you also may need to set jumper J1 to tell the computer the type of monitor you are us[...]

  • Page 26

    Once you have the correct printer cable, follow these steps: 1. Place the printer next to the computer with the back panels of both components facing you. 2. One end of the printer cable has a 25-pin, D-shell connector. Position the plug to match the orientation of the parallel interface (marked with a special icon). Then insert the connector into [...]

  • Page 27

    3. Connect the other end of the cable to the printer, as shown below. T O secure the cable, squeeze the clips at each side of the printer port and push them into place. clips 4. Plug the printer’s power cord into a 120-volt, grounded electrical outlet. 1-10 Setting Up Your System[...]

  • Page 28

    Using the Serial Interface If you have a printer, a modem, or other peripheral with a serial interface, you can connect it to the serial (RS-232C) port on the back of the computer. The serial port uses a DB-9P connector, so be sure you have a compatible cable. To connect a serial device, follow the same steps as above for connecting a parallel devi[...]

  • Page 29

    5 Connecting the Keyboard Follow these steps to connect the keyboard: 1. Hold the keyboard cable connector so the arrow indicator on the housing faces up. Insert the plug into the appropriate socket, marked with a keyboard icon, as shown below. I ’ ” ” w?r-T ’ ,, keyboard connector arrow indicator Caution Although the keyboard and mouse con[...]

  • Page 30

    2. You can raise the keyboard by adjusting the legs on the bottom. To change the angle of the keyboard, turn it over and flip each leg upward until it locks into place, as shown below. 6 Connecting the Mouse Your computer has an auxiliary port for an IBM PS/2 compatible mouse that uses a miniature DIN (6-pin) connector. If you have purchased a mous[...]

  • Page 31

    / mouse connector Caution Although the mouse and keyboard connectors are physically identical, they cannot be used interchangeably. Be sure to insert the mouse plug into the mouse port. Once you have connected a mouse, you may need to add commands to your MS-DOS CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT files to enable your computer to use a mouse. See your MS-D[...]

  • Page 32

    7 Connecting the Power Cord Follow these steps to connect the power cord: 1. Plug the power cord into the AC power inlet on the back panel, as shown below. WARNING To avoid an electric shock, be sure to plug the cord into the computer before plugging it into the wall socket. 2. Plug the other end of the power cord into a 120-volt, grounded electric[...]

  • Page 33

    8 Turning On the Computer After you set up your system, you’re ready to turn on the power. But first, read the following safety rules to avoid accidentally damaging your computer or injuring yourself: Do not unplug cables from the computer when the power is on. Never turn on the computer with a protector card in the diskette drive. Never turn off[...]

  • Page 34

    3. Turn on the monitor, printer, and any other peripheral devices connected to the computer. 4. To turn on the computer, press the power button located on the right side of the front panel, as shown below. power button The power indicator below the button lights up. After a few seconds, the computer starts to perform a diagnostic self test-a seri[...]

  • Page 35

    When the system has successfully completed its self test, you see a prompt to insert a system diskette. (Do not insert a diskette at this point.) If necessary, use the controls on your monitor to adjust the brightness and contrast until characters on the screen are clear and at a comfortable level of intensity. If your monitor has horizontal and ve[...]

  • Page 36

    Chapter 2 Running the Setup Program The first time you use your Equity 386SX/20 PLUS, you need to run the Setup program on the Reference diskette to define the computer’s configuration. This is a simple procedure you must do at least once. (You may need to do it again later, if you change the configuration.) The Setup program automatically config[...]

  • Page 37

    Automatic Configuration The Equity 386SX/20 PLUS automatically defines your system’s memory configuration and recognizes a math coprocessor, if you have installed one. It also detects and configures most of the devices you have installed in your system. Therefore, you may not need to change any default settings in the Setup program. However, you [...]

  • Page 38

    Slide the diskette into the drive until it is in all the way. Then turn the latch down to lock it in a vertical position. (For more instructions on inserting and removing diskettes, including 3 l/z-inch diskettes, see Chapter 3.) 3. Turn on your system. (Remember to turn on your monitor and any peripherals before you turn on the computer.) The scre[...]

  • Page 39

    Continuing From an Error Message If your computer has never been set up, you may see an error message and prompt(s), such as the following: 162 - System options not set (Run SETUP in REFERENCE DISK) (Resume = "F1" key) If you see an error message like this one, follow these steps: 1. Press F1. The computer beeps and the screen displays an[...]

  • Page 40

    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 configuration. The screen displays the main Setup menu: Exit Display Password Cache memory Processor speed Keyboard / Sound Real-time clock Hard disk drive Diskette drive Serial/Parallel You should [...]

  • Page 41

    Note If the arrow keys on the numeric keypad do not appear to work, num lock mode may be enabled (turned on). If the Num Lock indicator in the upper right comer of the keyboard is lit, press Num Lock once to turn it off 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 th[...]

  • Page 42

    1. At the main Setup menu, highlight Display. A submenu appears identifying the current display adapter type, such as the following: VGA If the display adapter type is correct for your system, you can skip this section. 2. To change the display adapter setting, press Enter. The cursor block moves into the submenu and you see an additional menu on t[...]

  • Page 43

    0 0 D 0 If you have a composite color monitor, such as a color television with a video input, try selecting CGA 80 Column. If the resulting resolution is poor, run Setup again and select CGA 40 column. If you have a monochrome display adapter (MDA), an MGA, or a Hercules MGA attached to a monochrome monitor, choose Monochrome 80 column. (Also set t[...]

  • Page 44

    Setting the Power-on Password A power-on password is a feature that lets you control who can access your system. However, you do not need to set a power-on password to use your computer. If you do not want to set a password, skip this section. Once you set a power-on password, you must enter it at the key prompt (WrrJ every time you turn on your co[...]

  • Page 45

    Note If a password already exists, this message appears: Power-on password already installed The Setup program does not allow you to enter a new password if you have already set one. However, you can easily change or delete the current password if you know it. See "Using a Power-on Password” in Chapter 3 for instructions. 4. To enter a passw[...]

  • Page 46

    7. You must set a power-on password to turn on network server mode. If you did not yet enter a password, this message appears: Set a power-on password first To enter a password, highlight Power-on password and follow steps 3 through 5 above. After you enter a powere-on password and turn network server mode on or off, highlight * * * * SAVE SETTINGS[...]

  • Page 47

    To check or change the memory cache setting, follow these steps: 1. 2. 3. 4. At the main Setup menu, highlight Cache memory. The current status appears: Cache is enabled If your memory cache setting is correct, you can skip the rest of this section. To change the setting, press Enter. The cursor block moves into the submenu. Press Enter to change t[...]

  • Page 48

    When you set the processor to change speed automaticaly, the computer switches to low whenever it needs to access a diskette drive and runs at high for all other operations. Note You may not want to use the automatic setting for certain copy-protected programs. See “Changing the Processor Speed” in Chapter 4 for more information. This section d[...]

  • Page 49

    4. Use ?+ or A to highlight the speed you want and press Enter. 5. Highlight * * SAVE SETTING ** and press Enter to return to the main Setup menu. Setting the Keyboard and Speaker Options The Keyboard/Sound option lets you control these three features in your computer: P Speaker 0 Initial num lock mode 0 Keyboard repeat rate. Your computer has a bu[...]

  • Page 50

    Note If you are using the keyboard that came with your computer (or another IBM AT compatible keyboard), the default for the initial num lock setting is ON. If you are using a keyboard that has 83 or 84 keys, the initial num lock default setting is OFF. The keyboard repeat rate option lets you change the speed at which your keyboard repeats a chara[...]

  • Page 51

    5. T O change the keyboard repeat rate, highlight KB repeat rate. Y OU see the following option menu: Slow Normal Fast 6. Press Enter to move the cursor block into the menu. 7. Use ? or 1 to highlight the speed you want and press Enter. 8. Highlight * * * SAVE SETTINGS * * * and press Enter to return to the main Setup menu. Setting the Real-time Cl[...]

  • Page 52

    Follow these steps to set the real-time clock: 1. At the main menu, highlight Real-time clock. If the time and date have been set previously, the current settings appear: Time 09:16:52 Date 01-29-1991 If the time and date are correct, you can skip the rest of this section. If the time and date are incorrect, go to step 2 below. If the time and date[...]

  • Page 53

    You can use the backspace key to make corrections. When the time is correct, press Enter. If you enter an invalid time-for example, a number greater than 23 for the hours or greater than 59 for the minutes or second-the computer ignores your entry. Try again. 5. To set or change the date, highlight Date and press Enter. Y OU see this box: mm-dd-yyy[...]

  • Page 54

    Setting the Hard Disk Drive Configuration If your computer came with a factory-installed hard disk, your hard disk configuration has already been set and you can skip this section. If you installed or removed a hard disk, follow these steps to set the computer’s hard disk configuration: 1. At the main menu, highlight Hard disk drive. Your current[...]

  • Page 55

    2. Press Enter. You see a menu such as the following: ( *::z,:q Drive 1: Type 60 Number of cylinders 776 Number of heads 8 Number of sectors 33 Precomp. cylinder None Landing zone 775 Total capacity (MB) 100.0 I Drive 2: None I Number of cylinders 0 Number of heads 0 Number of sectors 0 Precomp. cylinder 0 Landing zone 0 Total capacity (MB) .0 The [...]

  • Page 56

    If your hard disk does not match one of the drive types listed in the Hard Disk Drive Types table, go to step 7. 6. Highlight Type and press Enter. The current type number appears: I Type 60 I Now select the drive type number that matches your hard disk configuration in the Hard Disk Drive Types table. You can enter the drive type in one of two way[...]

  • Page 57

    The information for Number of cylinders is automatically updated on the submenu above and you see the next parameter, Number of he ads. 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 58

    Hard Disk Drive Types The following table lists the types of hard disk drives you can use in your computer. Check this table and the documentation supplied with your hard disk to find the correct number for the type of hard disk drive(s) installed in your computer. You need to enter this number when you set the hard disk drive configuration in the [...]

  • Page 59

    Hard disk drive types (continued) Type no. 30 31 32 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64-255 Cylinders Heads ST-506 ST-506 ST-506 611 732 1023 ESDI 1022 5 ESDI 1022 5 ST-506 1024 8 ESDI 828 10 ST-506 1024 5 ST-506 615 8 ST-506 820 6 ST-506 830 10 ST-506 1024 9 ESDI 828 7 ESDI 967 5 ESDI 967 7 ESDI 967 9 ESDI 1022 [...]

  • Page 60

    Setting the Diskette Drive Type(s) Your Equity 386SX/20 PLUS probably came with one factory- installed diskette drive. If you added a second diskette drive or removed one, you may need to change the diskette drive settings to match your configuration. If you haven’t made any changes, you can verify your drive type settings. Follow these steps: 1.[...]

  • Page 61

    4. Use J or T to highlight the correct capacity for your diskette drive and press Enter. The screen displays the type you selected. If you want to enter the type for another diskette drive, return to step 3. 5. When the diskette drive settings are correct, highlight ** SAVE SETTINGS ** and press Enter. The cursor block returns to the main Setup men[...]

  • Page 62

    Follow these steps to change your built-in serial and parallel interface settings: 1. At the main menu,highlight Serial/Parallel. The current settings for each port appear: Serial Primary Parallel Primary 2. Press Enter to move the cursor block into the submenu. You see this additional option menu: Disabled Primary Secondary 3. If you want to chang[...]

  • Page 63

    If you want to change the setting for the other port, return to step 3. 5. When the serial and parallel port settings are correct, highlight *** SAVE SETTINGS *** and press Enter. The cursor block returns to the main Setup menu and you see your updated serial and parallel interface settings. Reviewing Your Settings When you finish using the Setup p[...]

  • Page 64

    There are two more Setup summary screens you need to check. T O display the next screen, press PgDn. You see the following: Real-time clock Time 13:40:38 Date 01-29-1991 Coprocessor not installed Diskette drive Drive A: 1.2 MB Drive B: None Speaker Enabled Initial num lock Keyboard repeat rate Normal Serial Primary Parallel Primary If you have neve[...]

  • Page 65

    Check each Setup summary screen to see if all the information is correct. Y OU can press PgUp to display the previous screen or PgDn to display the next screen. If anything is incorrect, be sure Change settings is highlighted and then press Enter. The main Setup menu appears and you can change the appropriate settings. Leaving the Setup Menu If you[...]

  • Page 66

    If the computer displays an error message while it is starting up, run the Setup program again and check the setting the error message indicates. If the computer still displays an error message after you check your Setup program settings, see Appendix A or C, or ask your dealer for assistance. Note Be sure to make a backup copy of your Reference di[...]

  • Page 67

    Chapter 3 Using Your Computer This chapter briefly describes the following procedures for using your computer: 0 Installing MS-DOS or another operating system 0 Copying the Reference diskette files 0 Using special keys on the keyboard 0 Stopping a command or program 0 Resetting the computer 0 Using a power-on password 0 Using disks and disk drives.[...]

  • Page 68

    Copying the Reference Diskette Files If you have a hard disk, you’ll probably want to copy some of the files on your Reference diskette to the hard disk. This allows you to run the programs directly from your hard disk instead of having to insert a diskette. Use the COPY command (described in your MS-DOS Reference Manual) to copy the following fi[...]

  • Page 69

    Special Keys on the Keyboard Certain keys on your keyboard serve special functions when your computer is running MS-DOS or application programs. The keyboard layout is shown below, and special keys are described in the table. function keys A 1-v main character keys cursor numeric keys keypad Key functions Key H- Tab +I Caps Lock Purpose Moves the c[...]

  • Page 70

    Key functions (continued) Key Alt Purpose Works with other keys to enter alternate character codes or functions. t Backspace Moves the cursor back one space, deleting the character to the left of the cursor. J Enter Ends a line of keyboard input or executes a command. Insert (Ins) Turns the Insert function on and off. Delete (Del) Deletes the chara[...]

  • Page 71

    Stopping a Command or Program You may sometimes need to stop a command or program while it is running. Many programs provide a command you can use to cancel or even undo an operation. If you have entered an MS-DOS command that you want to stop, try one of the following commands: 0 Hold down the Ctrl key and press C. Q Hold down the Ctrl key and pre[...]

  • Page 72

    Caution Do not reset the computer as a means to exit a program. Some programs classify and store new data when you exit a program in the normal manner. If you reset the computer without properly exiting a program, you may lose data. To reset the computer, MS-DOS must be either on the hard disk or on a diskette in drive A; so if you do not have a ha[...]

  • Page 73

    Using a Power-on Password If you set a power-on password when you ran the Setup program, you must enter it every time you turn on the computer or press the RESET button. Follow these steps to use your password: 1. If you do not have a hard disk, insert your MS-DOS Startup diskette in drive A. 2. Turn on the computer or press RESET. The screen displ[...]

  • Page 74

    Note If you do not know the correct password, see “Password Problems” in Appendix A. Changing a Power-on Password To change your power-on password, follow these steps: 1. If you do not have a hard disk, insert your MS-DOS Startup diskette in drive A. 2. Turn on the computer or press RESET. At the key prompt, enter your current power-on password[...]

  • Page 75

    Next time you turn on the computer or press RESET, use the new 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 MS-DOS Startup diskette in drive A. 2. Turn on the computer or press RESET. At the key prompt, enter your current password followed by a forward sl[...]

  • Page 76

    Using Disks and Disk Drives The disk drives in your computer allow you to store data on disk, and then retrieve and use your stored data. This section explains how disks work and tells you how to: 0 Use different types of diskettes and diskette drives Q Care for your diskettes and diskette drives D Write-protect diskettes Cl Use a single diskette d[...]

  • Page 77

    A disk is further divided by sectors, which are similar in shape to pie slices. The figure below provides a simple representation of tracks and sectors. Double-sided, double-density diskettes have either 40 or 80 tracks on each side, and double-sided, high-density diskettes have 80 tracks on each side. Diskettes can have 8,9,15, or 18 sectors per t[...]

  • Page 78

    Your computer uses the read/write heads in a disk drive to store and retrieve data on a disk. To write to a disk, the computer spins it in the drive to position the disk so that the area where the data is to be written is under the read/write head. A diskette has an exposed area where the read/write head can access it. Because data is stored magnet[...]

  • Page 79

    cl a 360KB drive-Use S1/+inch, doubleaided, double-density, 48 TPI, 360KB diskettes. (Y OU can also use single-sided, 160KB or 180KB diskettes.) These diskettes contain 40 tracks per side and 8 or 9 sectors per track. With 8 sectors per track, a diskette holds up to 320KB. With 9 sectors per track, a diskette holds up to 360KB of information, which[...]

  • Page 80

    3 ‘/shah drive/diskette compatibility Drive type Diskette types it can read from and write to 720KB 720KB 1.44MB 1.44MB, 720KB Because of these incompatibilities, always indicate the diskette type and density when you label your diskettes. (Usually this information appears on the manufacturer’s label.) If you have any combination of the above d[...]

  • Page 81

    Cl Keep diskettes away from dust and dirt. Small particles of dust or dirt can scratch the magnetic surface, destroy data, and ruin the read/write heads in a diskette drive. Cl Never wipe, brush, or try to clean diskettes in any way. 0 Keep diskettes in a moderate environment. They work best at normal room temperature and in normal humidity. Don’[...]

  • Page 82

    Write-protecting Diskettes You can write-protect a diskette to prevent its data from being altered. When a diskette is write-protected, you can read it and copy data from it, but you cannot store new data on it or delete any files it contains. If you try to change data stored on a write- protected diskette, MS-DOS displays an error message. To writ[...]

  • Page 83

    On a 3%~inch diskette, the write-protect device is a small switch on the back of the diskette in the lower right comer, shown below. T O write-protect a 31/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 swit[...]

  • Page 84

    Using a Single Diskette Drive System MS-DOS expects the computer to have at least two diskette drives and displays prompts and messages accordingly. Usually, MS-DOS recognizes the first diskette drive (the top drive) as A and a second diskette drive as B. If you have only one diskette drive, MS-DOS can treat it as both A and B when you need to perf[...]

  • Page 85

    You can load MS-DOS from an application program diskette if that diskette contains the operating system. See your MS-DOS Reference Manual for information about creating a system diskette. Inserting and Removing Diskettes If you have a Sl/+inch diskette drive, insert a diskette as follows: hold the diskette with the label facing up and the read/writ[...]

  • Page 86

    If you have a 3 i/z-inch diskette drive, insert the diskette with the label facing up and the metal shutter leading into the drive as shown in the following illustration. Slide the diskette into the drive until it clicks into place. shutter When you want to remove the diskette, make sure the drive light is off; then press the release button. When t[...]

  • Page 87

    Formatting Diskettes Before you can store data on a new diskette, you must format it using the FORMAT command. Formatting prepares the diskette so that MS-DOS can write data on it. You need to do this only once, before you use the diskette for the first time. You can also reformat previously used diskettes to store new data. This process erases all[...]

  • Page 88

    0 You can use the BACKUP command to back up hard disk files to diskettes. Because BACKUP can split large files across two or more diskettes, it makes more efficient use of diskette space than COPY or XCOPY. See your MS-DOS Reference Manual for instructions on using these commands. Using a Hard Disk Drive Using a hard disk is similar to using a disk[...]

  • Page 89

    Backing up the hard disk While the hard disk is very reliable, it is essential to back up your hard disk files to diskettes in case you lose some data accidentally. Make copies of all your system and application program diskettes before copying the programs to the hard disk. After you create data files on the hard disk, be sure to copy them to disk[...]

  • Page 90

    Many hard disk drives, including all Epson drives, automatically park their heads when you turn off the computer. If your hard disk drive does not do this, or if you are not sure that it does, be sure to run HDSIT. Follow these steps to run HDSIT: 1. 2. Exit any program you are using and make sure the MS-DOS command prompt appears on the screen. If[...]

  • Page 91

    Chapter 4 Enhancing System Operations This chapter tells you how to use the following procedures to enhance the operation of your computer: Using AUTOEXEC.BAT and other batch files Changing the processor speed Reassigning the diskette drives Using your computer as a network server Using expanded memory beyond 640KB Using special VGA features. Using[...]

  • Page 92

    One batch file that you may find particularly useful is called AUTOEXEC.BAT. E very time you turn on your computer, MS-DOS looks for the AUTOEXEC.BAT file and automatically executes each of the commands. When you install MS-DOS, it automatically creates an AUTOEXEC.BAT file for you. To create or modify the file, you can use the same programs that y[...]

  • Page 93

    Some copy-protected programs require the computer to run at low speed while accessing the program on a diskette. These programs also usually require you to leave a key disk-the diskette that contains the copy protection-in the diskette drive. If you use a copy-protected program often, you may want to set your processor speed to change automatically[...]

  • Page 94

    If you frequently use programs that require the processor to operate at low speed or require the automatic speed change when your computer is accessing a diskette, use Setup to change the processor speed. See Chapter 2 for instructions. If you use these programs only occasionally, you should use the keyboard commands or the ESPEED program (describe[...]

  • Page 95

    To enter these commands, hold down the Ctrl key and the Alt key and press the +, -, or * key located on the numeric keypad. The speed setting remains in effect until you press the RESET button or turn off the computer, or until you change it again using the Setup program, another keyboard command, or the ESPEED program, described below. Using the E[...]

  • Page 96

    The message tells you the switches you should use to set the speed to high, low, or automatic speed. At the MS-DOS prompt, type the ESPEED command again and include the appropriate switch, such as the following: ESPEED /A This command sets the processor speed to change to low speed automatically when the computer accesses a diskette. If you include[...]

  • Page 97

    See your MS-DOS Reference Manual for instructions on creating and using batch files. Reassigning the Diskette Drives If your system has two diskette drives, they are connected inside your computer so that the top drive is A and the bottom drive is B. Because drive A is the “boot” drive, whenever you want to load the operating system or a bootab[...]

  • Page 98

    Using the AFDD Program The AFDD program reverses the current diskette drive assignments and resets the system. When you are done using the reversed drive assignments, you can use the AFDD program again to reassign the drives to their original configuration. The AFDD program is provided with your system on the Reference diskette. If you do not have [...]

  • Page 99

    If you are running the AFDD program from a hard disk, you can reassign the drives and reset the computer automatically. Type the following command and press Enter: AFDD /S The / S switch tells the AFDD program to reset the computer, load MS-DOS, and change the diskette drive assignments without displaying the message. Note You may want to run the A[...]

  • Page 100

    When you enable a power-on password but do not use network server mode, you enter the password before the computer loads MS-DOS. Once you load MS-DOS, anyone can access your system by typing commands on the keyboard. However, if you enable a power-on password and turn on network server mode, you can load MS-DOS before you enter the password. This a[...]

  • Page 101

    Now you should be able to use your computer as desired. Press a key such as Enter to see if the keyboard accepts your command. If you entered an incorrect password, the computer does not respond. Type the correct password, press Enter, and try using the computer again. Note You cannot change or delete a power-on password and remain in network serve[...]

  • Page 102

    If you are using version 4.01 of MS-DOS and you did not get a memory manager, you can use the MS-DOS program EMM386SYS to convert your extended memory to expanded memory. See your MS-DOS Reference Manual for instructions on using EMM386.SYS. If you are using version 3.3 of MS-DOS and you did not get a memory manager with your system, ask your Epson[...]

  • Page 103

    Note To use graphic display drivers in 800 x 600 resolution, you must have a multi-frequency monitor capable of displaying these resolutions. Standard VGA monitors are not able to display them. The VGA Utilities diskette that came with your system contains device drivers for various application programs that require them. The diskettes also provide[...]

  • Page 104

    Chapter 5 Accessing Internal Components Your computer is designed so you can easily install optional equipment such as a disk drive, a math coprocessor, or an option card. Chapters 6 and 7 describe how to install options in your computer; but first you must open the computer to access the internal components. Follow the instructions in this chapter[...]

  • Page 105

    Removing the Cover Follow these steps to remove the cover from your computer: 1. 2. 3. 4. Turn off the computer and then any peripheral devices (including the monitor and printer). If the monitor is on top of the computer, lift it off and set it to one side. Disconnect the computer’s power cable from the electrical outlet and from the back panel.[...]

  • Page 106

    Notice the icons under the screw: locked unlocked screw 5. The cover is also secured by two latches on the back of the cover near the comers. Press both latches inward and then lift up the cover from the back panel. You might meet some resistance from the grounding tabs along the inside of the cover. latches 6. Pull the cover away from the front of[...]

  • Page 107

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

  • Page 108

    Removing the Subassembly In order to install disk drives or access the jumpers or math coprocessor socket on your computer’s main system board, you need to remove the subassembly. The subassembly is the large metal casing that holds the horizontal drive bays and the power supply, as shown below. Follow these steps to remove the subassembly: 1. Tu[...]

  • Page 109

    2. Remove the front panel from the computer by lifting up slightly on the three clips at the top of the panel and tilting it toward you. Then set it aside. clips 3. To lift the subassembly from the front of the computer, place your thumbs under the diskette drive and grasp the top edge of the computer with the rest of your fingers, as shown below. [...]

  • Page 110

    4. Raise the front of the subassembly to a slight angle. Use one of your hands to hold up the subassembly at an angle or have someone hold it up for you. With your other hand, reach under the subassembly and disconnect the hard disk drive cable attached to the front right side of the main system board, as shown below. Grasp the cable by its plastic[...]

  • Page 111

    6. Still holding up the subassembly, reach further back underneath it and disconnect the two power supply cables connected to the back right side of the main system board, as shown below. Pull each of the connectors straight up. Do not pull on the cables. L u-1 /T power supply cables 7. Lift the entire subassembly out of the computer and carefu[...]

  • Page 112

    There are four corresponding tabs on the inside back panel of the computer; these tabs fit into the openings in the subassembly slots. tabs Accessing Internal Components 5-9[...]

  • Page 113

    2. Lift up the subassembly from your work surface and lower the back end into the computer, fitting the top tabs in the computer into the openings in the top dots on the subassembly, as shown below. tabs The subassembly is actually resting on the top tabs. 3. Hold up the subassembly at an angle. Reach under it and grasp the two main system board po[...]

  • Page 114

    Each connector has six pin holes and a large tab on one side, as shown below. large tabs The one 12-pin power supply socket (shown below) on the right side of the main system board (toward the back) holds both of the power supply connectors. power supply sockets Accessing Internal Components 5-11[...]

  • Page 115

    4. Position power supply connector P4 so the large tab on the connector faces the right side of the computer. Beginning with the six pins toward the back of the computer, carefully line up the large pin holes in the connector with the metal pins in the socket. Make sure the holes fit over all six pins and then push the connector onto the pins. caut[...]

  • Page 116

    7. Determine which cable is the hard disk drive cable and which is the diskette drive cable. Both the diskette drive and hard disk drive sockets on the main system board have a notch on one side. The hard disk drive socket is closest to the front of the main system board and the diskette drive socket is behind it. 8. Connect the diskette drive cabl[...]

  • Page 117

    Caution If you do not correctly align the holes with the pins, you could severely damage your computer when you push in the connector. 9. N OW connect the hard disk drive cable in the same manner. 10. Carefully lower the front of the subassembly onto the computer. Make sure that all four tabs on the back of the computer are inserted into the slots [...]

  • Page 118

    12. To replace the front panel, fit the three ridged tabs on its bottom edge into the three notches on the lower edge of the computer, as shown below. notches tabs Note If you installed a diskette drive in the horizontal drive bay, you need to remove the slot cover from the front panel. Use a screwdriver to remove the two screws that secure the slo[...]

  • Page 119

    Replacing the Cover Follow these steps to replace the computer’s cover: 1. Facing the back of the computer, hold the cover so that the side with three tabs on the edge points toward the front panel, as shown below. tabs 2. Insert the three tabs into the three notches in the back of the front panel of the computer. 5-16 Accessing Internal Componen[...]

  • Page 120

    3. Lower the back of the cover onto the computer and press down firmly on all edges to form a tight seal. 4. Turn the large screw on the back panel clockwise to secure the cover to the computer. 5. Reconnect the computer to the monitor, printer, keyboard, and any other peripheral devices you have. 6. Reconnect the power cable to the back of the com[...]

  • Page 121

    Chapter 6 Installing and Removing Options You can enhance the performance of your computer by adding a variety of options, including the following: CI Option cards 0 Memory modules 0 A math coprocessor. An option card is a circuit board you install in your computer to add a particular function. Most option cards contain a device, such as a modem, o[...]

  • Page 122

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

  • Page 123

    System board jumper settings Jumper number J1 J2 Jumper setting Function A’ Color monitor is installed B Monochrome monitor is installed A’ Enables the built-in VGA display adapter B Disables the built-in VGA display adapter so you can use a display adapter on an option card in your computer as your primary adapter J3 A’ B l Factory settings [...]

  • Page 124

    Moving a Jumper A jumper’s setting is determined by where the jumper is placed on the pins. The jumper either connects pin A and the middle pin (position A) or connects pin B and the middle pin (position B), as shown below. (The letters A and B are shown here for position only. They do not appear on the jumper.) position A position B &j$B @B [...]

  • Page 125

    Installing an Option Card slot 1 I k slot 2 r:iY,” Ill 4. i i : : : -5 : : :: :: :* :I I -I - Your computer has four standard option slots: three 16-bit slots and one 8-bit access slot. Each slot can accommodate an option card. You can buy option cards from authorized Epson dealers as well as other vendors. This section explains how to install op[...]

  • Page 126

    Slot 1 is designed for an 8-bit option card and slots 2 through 4 are designed for 16-bit cards. As you can see below, a 16-bit card has an extra connector along the bottom. 16-bit option card &bit option card Usually it does not matter which slot an option card occupies as long as the card fits in the slot. For example, you can place some 8-bi[...]

  • Page 127

    2. You do not need to remove the subassembly to install an option card. If you install a display adapter card, you may need to change the settings of jumpers J1 and J2. If this is the case, see page 6-2 for instructions. 3. Remove the retaining screw from the top of the metal option slot cover; hold on to the screw as you remove it so it doesn’t [...]

  • Page 128

    5. 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 inside the computer. power Supply 6. Insert the card into the slot, guiding it straight down. Once the connector pins reach the connector slot, push the card downwar[...]

  • Page 129

    7. Secure the end of the card to the back of the computer with the retaining screw. 8. Follow the instructions in Chapter 5 to replace the cover. 9. See “Post-installation Setup” at the end of this chapter to configure your computer to operate with the option card. Removing an Option Card If you need to remove an option card, follow these steps[...]

  • Page 130

    4. If you are removing a display adapter card, you may need to change the settings of jumpers J1 and J2. See page 6-2 for instructions. 5. Replace the cover. See Chapter 5 for instructions. 6. See “Post-installation Setup” at the end of this chapter to configure your computer to operate without the option card. Adding Memory Modules Your comput[...]

  • Page 131

    Installing Memory Modules There are six SIMM sockets on the main system board organized in three banks consisting of two sockets each. Each socket can contain one SIMM. You must fill the sockets in any bank you use with the same type of SIMM. The type of SIMMs you can install are 256KB, 1MB, or 4MB. You can install SIMMs for a total of 12MB of addi[...]

  • Page 132

    Follow these steps to install the memory modules: 1. Remove the computer’s cover. See Chapter 5 for instructions. (Y OU do not need to remove the subassembly.) 2. Turn the computer so that the back panel faces your left and the front panel faces your right. The SIMM sockets are located on the main system board just above the option slots, as show[...]

  • Page 133

    3. 4. The sockets are labelled as shown below. nl U16 U17 U20 U21 U24 U25 bank 0 bank 1 bank 2 If an option card is blocking access to the SIMM sockets, follow the steps on page 6-9 to remove the card(s). Hold the SIMM so the component side is facing to the left and the metal connector pins are facing down. components connector pins Installing and [...]

  • Page 134

    5. T O insert the SIMM in the socket, place it on the right side of the tabs at an angle, as show below. 6. Gently push down on the SIMM and, at the same time, turn the top of the SIMM to the left until it is vertical and snaps into place between the tabs and the retaining posts. SIMM tab 6-14 Installing and Removing Options[...]

  • Page 135

    7. 8. 9. If the SIMM does not go in smoothly, do not force it; pull it all the way out and try again. Make sure the SIMM is fully inserted into the socket and that the pins on the retaining posts protrude through the holes in both ends. Repeat steps 5 and 6 for each SIMM you want to install. Replace any option card(s) you may have removed to access[...]

  • Page 136

    [...]

  • Page 137

    3. If an option card is blocking access to the SIMM sockets, follow the steps on page 6-9 to remove it. 4. Use your fingers or two small screwdrivers to pull away the tabs that secure the SIMM at each end. Be careful not to pull the tabs too far, or they may break. tab Installing and Removing Options 6-17[...]

  • Page 138

    As you pull away the tabs, the SIMM falls to the right at an angle. When the SIMM is at an angle, release the tabs and carefully remove it from the socket. 5. Repeat step 4 for each SIMM you need to remove. 6. Replace any option card(s) you may have removed to access the SIMM sockets. See “Installing an Option Card” on page 6-5 for instructions[...]

  • Page 139

    Installing a Math Coprocessor Your computer has a socket on the main system board to accommodate an Intel 80387SX (20MHz) math coprocessor. A math coprocessor speeds up the numeric calculations your computer performs when using certain application software. It also increases the speed at which graphic images are displayed on your monitor when you u[...]

  • Page 140

    The math coprocessor socket is located on the front right side of the main system board, as shown below. math coprocessor socket II II II II El cl I front Carefully follow these steps to install an Intel 80387SX math coprocessor: 1. Remove the math coprocessor from its package and set it aside. 2. Remove the computer’s cover and the subassembly. [...]

  • Page 141

    3. The math coprocessor socket is hollow and square. The upper right comer of the socket is notched, as shown below. notched corner There is also a notched comer on the math coprocessor, as shown below. notched corner Align the notched comer of the coprocessor with the notched comer of its socket. The notched comers must be aligned for the coproces[...]

  • Page 142

    4. 5. 6. Gently push the coprocessor into the socket, pressing evenly on all sides of the coprocessor. If the coprocessor does not go in smoothly, do not force it; pull it all the way out and try again, keeping it straight as you insert it. Examine the coprocessor to be sure it is inserted all the way into the socket. Follow the instructions in Cha[...]

  • Page 143

    Post-installation Setup After you install or remove a math coprocessor or memory modules, you need to run the Setup program on your Reference diskette to automatically update the computer’s configuration information. If you install or remove any other type of option, such as an option card or a disk drive, you must run Setup to update your settin[...]

  • Page 144

    You may also want to test a newly-installed option. Some options come with their own diagnostics test programs, and you can test others with the diagnostics programs on your Reference diskette. You can use the System diagnostics program on your Reference diskette to test the following: 0 System memory D Math coprocessor 0 Serial and parallel ports [...]

  • Page 145

    Chapter 7 Installing and Removing Disk Drives This chapter describes how to do the following: 0 Install a hard disk or diskette drive 0 Remove a hard disk or diskette drive 0 Change the hard disk drive jumper settings. Your system can include up to three drives: either two diskette drives and one hard disk drive or one diskette drive and two hard d[...]

  • Page 146

    Caution Installing or removing a disk drive is a complicated procedure, so you may want to ask your dealer to do it for you. If you decide to do it yourself, you must carefully follow all the instructions in this chapter or you could damage your equipment. Using the Correct Drive Bay The upper horizontal drive bay probably contains the diskette dri[...]

  • Page 147

    How to Use This Chapter The instructions in this chapter describe how to install and remove optional Epson diskette and hard disk drives. All drives sold by Epson for the Equity 386SX/20 PLUS are qualified and recommended for use in this system. Your drive may look a bit different from the one illustrated here, but you install it the same way. If y[...]

  • Page 148

    0 When you have finished accessing your drives, see the instructions in Chapter 5 to replace the subassembly and the computer’s cover. Additional instructions in each section tell you which steps to perform next. Setting the Hard Disk Drive Jumpers You need to check or change the hard disk drive jumper settings if you install or remove any hard d[...]

  • Page 149

    A master drive is the drive on which you’ll install the operating system that the computer loads into its memory each time you turn it on. You can run application programs and store data on both the master drive and the slave drive, but the master drive must contain the operating system. Follow the instructions in the next section to change the j[...]

  • Page 150

    The following table lists the jumper settings for all the possible hard disk drive configurations. Hard disk drive jumper settings C/D DSP ACT Drive configurations One hard Two hard disk Two hard disk disk drive drives: master drives: slave -- - X X - - X - X X X X = jumper installed - = no jumper installed To move a jumper from one position to the[...]

  • Page 151

    If one of your hard disk drives is already installed in the computer, follow the steps under “Removing a Hard Disk From the Vertical Position,, on page 7-21 to remove it. Then set the jumpers on both drives while they are out of the computer. Note If you are removing one hard disk drive and leaving one in your computer, be sure to set the jumpers[...]

  • Page 152

    Removing the Mounting Frames From the Drive Your hard disk drive comes with 5 l/+inch mounting frames attached to each side of the hard disk drive, as shown below. There may be a plastic guide rail on one side. Follow these steps to remove the mounting frames (and guide rail) from the drive: 1. If necessary, remove the screws securing the plastic g[...]

  • Page 153

    2. Remove the four screws securing the mounting frames to the hard disk drive. There are two screws securing each frame, as shown below. mounting frame screws Keep the four screws so you can use them to secure the mounting plate to the hard disk drive. Then set the drive aside with the component side facing up. Installing and Removing Disk Dives 7-[...]

  • Page 154

    Removing and Attaching the Mounting Plate If you are installing a new hard disk drive in your computer, you need to attach a hard disk drive mounting plate to the drive. This mounting plate is currently attached to the side of the subassembly, as shown below. subassembly mounting plate Follow these steps to remove the mounting plate from your compu[...]

  • Page 155

    3. 4. Turn your hard disk drive so the components are facing up and the connectors at the back of the drive are facing your right. Place the flat side of the mounting plate on the hard disk drive, as shown below. components I mounting plate holes sockets Installing and Removing Disk Drives 7-11[...]

  • Page 156

    5. Align the four holes on the mounting plate with the four holes on the bottom of the hard disk drive. 6. Locate the four screws that you removed from the 5 %nch mounting frames and use them to secure the mounting plate to the hard disk drive. Installing the Drive If you are going to install or remove a drive in one of the horizontal drive bays, f[...]

  • Page 157

    2. Locate the hard disk drive ribbon cable that came in the box with your computer. It is a flat, folded cable with three connectors. (If you are reinstalling a hard disk drive, the ribbon cable is arranged under the subassembly.) middle connector Use the connector in the middle of the cable, indicated in the illustration above. As shown below, the[...]

  • Page 158

    The ribbon cable socket on the back of the drive has two rows of pins. In one of the rows, a pin is missing. ribbon cable socket missing pin 3. Align the connector with the socket so that the row in the connector with the blocked hole lines up with the row in the socket with the missing pin. missing pin hole Make sure the holes fit over all the pin[...]

  • Page 159

    4. Locate one of the power supply cables that lead from the power supply in the computer (behind the horizontal drive bays). The cables are labelled P1, P2, or P3 and have a clear plastic connector on one end. One cable is already attached to the diskette drive; you can use either of the remaining two cables. As shown below, the end of the connecto[...]

  • Page 160

    5. Line up the connector with the socket so that the notched comers are aligned. notched corners notched corners Make sure the holes fit over all the pins and then push the connector into the socket. Caution If you do not correctly align the holes with the pins, you could severely damage your hard disk drive when you push in the connector. 7-16 Ins[...]

  • Page 161

    6. Pick up the hard disk drive and hold it so the mounting plate is facing the subassembly, as shown below. tabs Notice that there are two tabs facing downward on the bottom of the mounting plate. These tabs will fit into two slots in the right side of the subassembly. Installing and Removing Disk Drives 7-17[...]

  • Page 162

    7. Hold the subassembly up slightly as you lower the drive onto it. Keep the cables to the right of the drive. bracket hole As shown above, fit the tabs on the mounting plate into the slots on the side of the subassembly. Then tilt the drive toward the subassembly and align the retaining screw hole on the mounting plate with the hole in the bracket[...]

  • Page 163

    Attaching the Cable to the Bottom of the Subassembly If you are installing your first hard disk drive, follow these steps to attach the drive cable to the bottom of the subassembly so it does not interfere with the components on your main system board: 1. Turn the subassembly over so the bottom side faces up and the hard disk drive is on your left.[...]

  • Page 164

    4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Wrap the tie wrap around the cable so that the mount is in between the cable and the subassembly, as shown below. Peel the backing off the mount and attach the mount to the subassembly. Turn the subassembly over again. See ‘Replacing the Subassembly” in Chapter 5 for instructions on replacing the subassembly in your computer. The[...]

  • Page 165

    Removing a Hard Disk from the Vertical Position You need to remove the hard disk drive from the vertical position in the following cases: The drive needs servicing. You are replacing the drive. You are adding a second drive (either another hard disk drive or a diskette drive) in the lower horizontal position. Follow these steps: 1. 2. Remove the co[...]

  • Page 166

    4. Disconnect the power supply connector and the ribbon cable connector from the sockets on the back of the hard disk drive, as shown below. Firmly pull the connectors straight out from the sockets so you do not bend the pins. Do not pull on the cables; pull on the plastic connector. / power supply ribbon cable connector connector 5. If you removed[...]

  • Page 167

    7. 8. 9. Wrap the hard disk drive in its original packing materials and set it aside along with the hard disk drive ribbon cable. Replace the subassembly in the computer, and then replace the computer’s cover. See Chapter 5 for instructions. See “Post-installation Setup” in Chapter 6 for instructions on configuring your computer for use witho[...]

  • Page 168

    Installing a Disk Drive in the Horizontal Position Before you perform the following steps, be sure that you have set the jumpers on any hard disk drive(s) that you’ll be using. (If necessary, see “Setting, the Hard Disk Drive Jumpers” on page 7-4 for instructions.) If you are adding a 3 l/2-inch diskette drive or hard disk drive, you need to [...]

  • Page 169

    2. There are two or three holes on each side of the disk drive. When you insert the drive, align the appropriate round holes in the drive with the two oval holes on each side of the drive bay, as shown below. 3. Insert the drive into the lower drive bay and slide it toward the back of the subassembly. Watch the oval holes on the side of the drive b[...]

  • Page 170

    4. After you align the drive, insert two screws into the oval holes on each side of the drive bay and tighten them with a screwdriver, as shown below. If you are installing a diskette drive, go to “Connecting a diskette drive.” If you are installing a hard disk drive, go to “Connecting a hard disk drive.” Connecting a diskette drive Follow [...]

  • Page 171

    Locate the diskette drive ribbon cable; one end is connected to the top diskette drive and the other end is free. Use the connector in the middle of the cable to connect the second diskette drive. As shown in the next illustration, there is a large slot in this connector with a small plastic divider near one end of the slot. The interface that prot[...]

  • Page 172

    3. Make sure the cable connector fits properly onto the drive interface and then push it onto the interface. Caution If you do not correctly align the connector, you could severely damage your diskette drive when you push it in. At this point, you can remove the slot cover from the front panel. 1. Place the front panel face down and use a screwdriv[...]

  • Page 173

    2. Next, locate the hard disk drive ribbon cable that came with your computer. If you removed a drive from the vertical mounting position, the cable you disconnected from that drive should be strapped to the bottom of the subassembly by a tie wrap. Cut the tie wrap so you can access the connectors. The hard disk drive ribbon cable has three connect[...]

  • Page 174

    4. Align the ribbon cable connector with the socket on the hard disk drive. Make sure the row in the connector with the blocked hole lines up with the row in the socket with the missing pin, as shown below. missing pin hole Make sure the holes fit over all the pins and then push the connector onto the pins. Caution If you do not correctly align the[...]

  • Page 175

    Connecting the power cables Follow these steps to connect the power supply cable for either a diskette drive or a hard disk drive in the horizontal bay: 1. Looking at the subassembly, locate the power supply cables with clear plastic connectors labelled P1, P2, or P3 that lead from the power supply (behind the horizontal drive bays). (You connect t[...]

  • Page 176

    2. Position the power supply cable connector so that the notched comers on the connector line up with the notched corners of the power supply socket on your drive. notched corners notched corners 3. Make sure the holes fit over all the pins and then push the connector onto the pins. Caution If you do not correctly align the holes with the pins, you[...]

  • Page 177

    Removing a Disk Drive From the Horizontal Position The figures in this section show a diskette drive in the lower horizontal drive bay, but you can use the same instructions to remove a hard disk drive from the lower bay or to remove a diskette drive from the upper bay. Note Before removing a disk drive from the horizontal position, you must remove[...]

  • Page 178

    2. Remove the power supply connector from the back of the d rive. power supply 3. Using a screwdriver, remove the screws securing the drive to the drive bay. There are two screws on each side. 7-34 Installing and Removing Disk Drives[...]

  • Page 179

    4. Grasp the disk drive from the front of the drive bay, pull it completely out, and set it aside. 5. If you have removed one hard disk drive and are leaving another one in your system, make sure you have set the jumpers on the remaining drive to indicate that you now have only one hard disk drive. (If necessary, see “Setting the Hard Disk Drive [...]

  • Page 180

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

  • Page 181

    If you have a hard disk, follow these steps: 1. At the MS-DOS command prompt, type ROMBIOS and press Enter. (You may need to log onto the directory where ROMBIOS.COM is stored.) Write down the version number displayed on your screen. 2. At the MS-DOS command prompt, type VER and press Enter. The screen displays the MS-DOS version number. Write down[...]

  • Page 182

    If the error is not serious, you see this prompt: (Resume = "F1" key) Write down the error message and code number, and then press F1 to continue. Give the error message and code number to your dealer when reporting a problem. If the error is serious, the computer cancels further checking and halts system initialization. The error message[...]

  • Page 183

    Power-on diagnostics error codes and messages (continued) Error code Message Memory 171 BIOS shadow RAM error 173 Cache options error 201 Memory error 202 Memory address error 203 Memory address error Keyboard 301 Keyboard error 303 Keyboard or system unit error 304 Keyboard or system unit error Monitor 401 CRT error 501 CRT error Diskette drive(s)[...]

  • Page 184

    Power-on diagnostics error codes and messages (continued) I Error code Message Action I Auxiliary device(s) 8601 Auxiliary device failure 8602 Auxiliary device failure 8603 Auxiliary device failure See “Mouse Problems’ The Computer Won’t Start If your computer does not start when you turn on the power, check the following: 1. Is the power lig[...]

  • Page 185

    The Computer Does Not Respond If your computer locks up and does not respond when you type on the keyboard, follow these steps: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Some operations take longer than others to complete. For example, the computer takes longer to sort a database than to accept a single typed character. If your computer still does not respond after a reas[...]

  • Page 186

    7. If your computer still does not respond, you can reset it using the Ctrl Alt Del command. If that command doesn’t work, you can reset the computer with the RESET button. See “Resetting Your Computer” in Chapter 3 for more information. 8. If resetting the computer does not work, turn off the computer and wait at least five seconds. If you d[...]

  • Page 187

    Password Problems If you set a power-on password using the Setup program, you must enter this password before you can use the system. When you turn on the computer, the screen displays a key prompt (% ). If you do not enter the correct password, you see an X on the screen. The computer gives you a second and third chance to enter it correctly. If a[...]

  • Page 188

    4. If you do not know the current power-on password and you do not want to set a new one, see “Removing a Password” below. 5. If you do not know the current power-on password and you want to set a new one, see “Setting a New Password” below. Removing a Password If you have forgotten your password and you do not want to set a new one, there [...]

  • Page 189

    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 existing password: l. Turn off the computer and follow the instructions under “Changing the Jumper Settings” in Chapter 6 to disable the password function (jumper J3). 2. Insert the Reference diskette in d[...]

  • Page 190

    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, your old password is still stored as the current password. If you want to be able to easily set a password later, follow the instructions in “Disabling an Existing P[...]

  • Page 191

    5. Remove the Reference diskette, turn off the computer, and follow the instructions under “Changing the Jumper Settings” in Chapter 6 to enable the password function (jumper J3). 6. If you do not have a hard disk, insert the MS-DOS Startup diskette in drive A. Turn on the computer. You see the key prompt (h ). If you enabled network server mod[...]

  • Page 192

    Note Be sure the keyboard plug is inserted into the keyboard socket and not the mouse socket. See “Connecting the Keyboard” in Chapter 1 for instruct ions. 2. 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 [...]

  • Page 193

    3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. If the monitor’s power light still does not come on, check the electrical outlet for power. Turn off your monitor and unplug it from the wall outlet. Plug a lamp into the wall outlet and turn it on to see if the outlet supplies power. If you still do not see anything on the screen, make sure your monitor is connected to the comp[...]

  • Page 194

    If you are using one or more display adapter cards, you may need to change the setting of jumper J1. This jumper tells the computer whether you are using a color or monochrome monitor. (J1 is set for color at the factory.) If the jumper is set incorrectly, you will see one of these messages: Cl 401 CRT error Cl 501 CRT error. If you are using two d[...]

  • Page 195

    2. 3. 4. You may have inserted the diskette upside-down or it my not be inserted all the way. Remove the diskette from the drive and reinsert it with the label facing up. Be sure to turn down the diskette drive latch. (See Chapter 3 for detailed instructions on inserting and removing diskettes.) If reinserting the diskette does not solve the proble[...]

  • Page 196

    5. If your diskette is the right type for your drive, see if it is write-protected. On a 5 l/+inch diskette, there may be a write-protect tab over the notch on its side or there may be no notch. On a 3 l/z-inch diskette, the write-protect switch may be set to the write-protect position or there may be no switch. You cannot alter data on a write-pro[...]

  • Page 197

    9. 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 probably the case if you have one of these problems: 0 Part of a file is missing 0 A file includes parts of other files 0 An expected output file is miss[...]

  • Page 198

    3. 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 from most computer stores. However, do not use a cleaning kit too often because excessive cleaning can damage your dr[...]

  • Page 199

    The problem could be the result of improper installation, incomplete disk preparation, or corrupted data. The suggestions in this section are divided into three categories: 0 Installing the drive 0 Preparing the drive for use 0 Accessing data on the drive. Consult the section that seems most likely to cover the problem you are having. For example, [...]

  • Page 200

    3. 4. 5. If you installed a non-Epson hard disk drive, was it physically formatted by the manufacturer? A blank, new hard disk must be formatted (or “initialized”) before you can partition it and install an operating system on it. This type of format is usually done by the manufacturer; if yours was not, you must do it yourself. If the drive ca[...]

  • Page 201

    2. Partition the drive, format it for MS-DOS, and install MS-DOS. Step-by-step instructions for performing these procedures are provided in your MS-DOS Installation Guide. If you are using another operating system, follow the instructions that came with it. If you do not prepare the drive correctly, you will not be able to store data on the disk. F[...]

  • Page 202

    Software Problems If you are having trouble with an application program, try the following solutions: 1. If the application program does not start, check that the program is installed correctly and that you are following the correct procedure for starting the program. If you have a hard disk and the program is stored in a directory on that drive, m[...]

  • Page 203

    Printer Problems Below are some general steps to follow if you are having difficulty with your printer. If the problem persists and you need more detailed information, check your printer manual. You may see one of the following error messages: D 901 Parallel port error 0 1101 Serial port error. These error messages appear if you are having trouble [...]

  • Page 204

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

  • Page 205

    5. 6. 7. Did you install a hard disk drive that has its controller on an option card? If so, and if your computer came with a hard disk drive that you are no longer using, be sure the cable leading from that drive to the main system board and the hard disk drive power cable are disconnected. If you used the option card to add an external device to [...]

  • Page 206

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

  • Page 207

    Caution Do not attempt to remove the math coprocessor yourself. Contact your dealer for information about a special extraction tool that is needed to remove it. 2. If your math coprocessor is listed as installed in the Setup program but still does not seem to be working, check the manual that came with the math coprocessor for any additional proced[...]

  • Page 208

    Appendix B Physically Formatting a Hard Disk This appendix describes how to physically format a hard disk. Sometimes called a low-level format, this procedure should not be confused with the logical format performed by the MS-DOS FORMAT command. The physical formatting of a hard disk is a separate step that is usually done at the factory by the dis[...]

  • Page 209

    Caution If you are unsure if formatting is necessary, contact your Epson dealer for assistance. In addition to destroying all the data on the hard disk, formatting removes any partitions and logical formatting defined on the disk by FDISK, SELECT, or FORMAT. After you physically format a new or used hard disk (using option 1 or 2 of the Hard Disk F[...]

  • Page 210

    The formatting options work as follows: 0 Format first scans the disk (if it has no defective track table) for defective (bad) tracks and lets you decide which tracks to mark as bad. Then the program formats the disk and marks the bad tracks so they are never used to store data. 0 Destructive surface analysis tests the entire hard disk for read/wri[...]

  • Page 211

    Formatting a New Disk Many hard disk drives come with a printed list of bad tracks but the bad tracks are not flagged on the disk. You may need to modify the defective track table to add the bad tracks. Other hard disks (such as those supplied by Epson) come with the bad tracks already flagged. If you are formatting a new hard disk that has never b[...]

  • Page 212

    Option 1, Format If you select 1 -Format from the Hard Disk Format Menu, you see the following (for a disk that does not have a defective track table): Format Hard Disk < Drive 1: > Scan hard disk to get defective track information ? (Y/N) (If the disk already has a defective track table, you do not see the message because the disk does not n[...]

  • Page 213

    For an Epson hard disk drive, it is best to accept the recommended skewed sector (also called the interleave factor) of 1. For other hard disk drives, you may need to change this value if the documentation that came with the disk recommends a different number. To accept the default, select Y. To enter a new value, select N. You see the following pr[...]

  • Page 214

    The program now allows you to edit the defective track table: I Cylinder Head Cylinder Head Cylinder Head Cylinder Head Cylinder Head Defective Track Table: Modify defective track table ? (Y/N) At the bottom of the table is this prompt: Modify defective track table ? (Y/N) Select Y to add bad tracks to the defective track table. See the next sectio[...]

  • Page 215

    2. Type the number of the cylinder containing the bad track and press Enter. You see this prompt: Enter head number (0 -nn): 3. Type the head number for the bad track and press Enter. To cancel the operation, press Enter without typing a value. When you complete a valid entry, it appears in the table and you can add the next bad track, if necessary[...]

  • Page 216

    Formatting the Disk When you are ready to start formatting the disk, you see the following warning: WARNING! ALL DATA WILL BE DESTROYED IN ALL PARTITIONS OF HARD DISK, NOT JUST IN MS-DOS PARTITION! Do you want to start formatting ? (Y/N) If you are not sure you want to format the hard disk, select N. If you are sure, select Y; the program gives you[...]

  • Page 217

    You see the head and cylinder numbers decrease as the program progresses. When formatting is complete, the program flags any bad tracks and you see a series of messages like these: Format finished. Flagging bad tracks... Cylinder is nnnn, head is nn Format completed. Press ENTER to return to the menu. Press Enter to return to the Hard Disk Format M[...]

  • Page 218

    To start this test, select 2-Destructive Surface analysis from the Hard Disk Format Menu. You see these messages: Analyze Hard Disk <Drive 1:> Read/Save/Write/Read/Restore/Read check for all tracks... Current cylinder is nnnn As the program checks each track, it counts the cylinder numbers (nnnn) down to zero. When the test is complete, the p[...]

  • Page 219

    To flag the error tracks as bad, select Y . Y OU see a list of the tracks as they are flagged and these messages: Flagging bad tracks... Cylinder is 237, head is 2 Press ENTER to return to the menu. Press Enter to return to the Hard Disk Format Menu. Option 3, Non-destructive Surface Analysis The Non-destructive surface analysis does not destroy an[...]

  • Page 220

    If the program finds errors, the screen displays a table of the tracks that gave errors, similar to the one the Destructive surface analysis displays. After the status reports, you see this message: Press ENTER to return to the menu. Check the information displayed. Then press Enter to return to the Hard Disk Format Menu. Exiting the Hard Disk Form[...]

  • Page 221

    Appendix C Performing System Diagnostics This appendix describes how to check the operation of the main unit and peripheral devices of your computer. You check these devices using the diagnostics program on your Reference diskette. Run the diagnostics program if you are not sure whether a device is performing correctly. The table at the end of this[...]

  • Page 222

    Starting System Diagnostics To run the System diagnostics program, you must turn on or reset your computer with the Reference diskette in drive A. If you start this program in any other way, some tests may produce strange results. To start the System diagnostics program, follow these steps: 1. Insert the Reference diskette in drive A. 2. Turn on or[...]

  • Page 223

    If the list correctly describes your system, make sure Y is highlighted and press Enter. If a device is missing from this list, or if you want to change the list, press N or + and Enter. Then see “Modifying the Device List” on page C-5. Note If your system uses the built-in VGA adapter or an EGA or VGA card with a color monitor, your device lis[...]

  • Page 224

    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: 0 You can use the arrow keys (? L c -)) to highlight the option you want and then press Enter to select it. D You can type the number of the desired option and press Enter to select it. For example, y[...]

  • Page 225

    Modifying the Device List If an installed device is missing from the Device List, you must add it to the list and test it carefully. At the following prompt, select N. DEVICE LIST is correct ? (Y/N) You see this menu: 1 - Add device 2 - Delete device 0 - Finish modification To add a device to the list, select 1. The program displays a list of other[...]

  • Page 226

    To remove a device from the list, select 2 (Delete device). The screen displays the current Device List. Select the item you wish to delete. You can delete as many devices as necessary. When the Device List is correct, select 0. The screen displays the modified Device List for a final check and these options: 1 - Add device 2 - Delete device 0 - Fi[...]

  • Page 227

    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, running a test once is sufficient. To perform the test once, select 1. The program may display a submenu of more detailed tests for the devi[...]

  • Page 228

    Resuming From an Error If an error occurs during a test, the test stops at that point, and an error code and error message appear. If you want to record the problem, you can print out the message on your printer. You see this prompt: Do you want a printout of the error message(s) ? (Y/N) To continue without printing the error message, select N. Bef[...]

  • Page 229

    The table below lists the tests you can run on the system’s internal devices and on any optional devices you have installed. You may not see all of the tests listed when you run System diagnostics. Some tests appear only if you have installed certain types of equipment. The program displays the title of each check on the screen. Tests that check [...]

  • Page 230

    Error Codes and Messages The following table lists all the error codes and messages that may appear during system diagnostics testing. system diagnostics error codes and messages Error code Message System board 101 CPU ERROR 102 ROM CHECKSUM ERROR 103 TIMER COUNTER REGISTER ERROR 104 TIMER COUNTER ERROR 105 DMA CONTROLLER REGISTER ERROR 105 REFRESH[...]

  • Page 231

    System diagnostics tests (continued) Device Dot-matrix Tests available Description Tests the operation of a dot-matrix printer in several modes; requires the printer to be loaded with paper Hard disk drive(s) and controller Alternate parallel port (on option card) Seek check Write, read check Read, verify check Run all above checks Tests the operat[...]

  • Page 232

    Device Color graphics adapter and CRT Tests available Adapter check Attribute check Character set check Graphics mode check Screen paging check Light pen check Video check Sync check Run all above checks Description Tests all types of color monitors Diskette drive(s) and controller Sequential seek check Random seek check Write, read check Disk chan[...]

  • Page 233

    System diagnostics error codes and messages (continued) Error code Message Monochrome display adapter and CRT 401 ERROR IN ADAPTER CHECK 403 ERROR IN ATTRIBUTE CHECK 404 ERROR IN CHARACTER SET CHECK 406 ERROR IN GRAPHICS MODE CHECK 408 ERROR IN SCREEN PAGING CHECK 409 ERROR IN LIGHT PEN CHECK 410 ERROR IN VIDEO CHECK 411 ERROR IN SYNC CHECK Color g[...]

  • Page 234

    Error code Message Parallel port (printer interface) 901 ERROR PIN p Serial port (RS-232C port) 1101 control signal ALWAYS LOW 1101 control signal ALWAYS HIGH 1102 TIMEOUT ERROR 1103 VERIFY ERROR Alternate serial port 1201 control signal ALWAYS LOW 1201 control signal ALWAYS HIGH 1202 TIMEOUT ERROR 1203 VERIFY ERROR Dot-matrix printer 1401 status H[...]

  • Page 235

    Appendix D Specifications CPU and Memory CPU System memory ROM Shadow RAM Cache controller Cache RAM Math coprocessor (optional) Clock/calendar 80386SX microprocessor, 20 MHz system clock speed, 20 MHz or simulated 8 MHz processor speed, selectable through software or keyboard command 0 wait state memory access speed at 20 MHz 2MB RAM standard; bas[...]

  • Page 236

    Controllers Diskette Hard disk Interfaces Monitor Serial Parallel Mouse port Keyboard Option slots Supports up to two drives in any of four formats: 5 ‘/4-&h, high-density, 1.2MB; 5 ‘/+-inch, double-density, 360KB; 3 ‘/z-inch, high-density, 1.44MB; or 3 1/z-inch, double-density, 720KB; controller on main system board Supports up to two ha[...]

  • Page 237

    Speaker Internal; operation controllable by software Power Supply 140W, f&cooled, automatic (worldwide) input voltage sensing Input ranges 98 to 132 VAC and 195 to 264 VAC Maximum outputs +5 VDC at 18 Amps, +12 VDC at 4.2 Amps -12 VDC at 0.3 Amps, -5 VDC at 0.3 Amps + 12 VDC at 6 Amps, peak ( 10 seconds) Mass Storage Up to three half-height dri[...]

  • Page 238

    Hard disk drives 3 ‘/r4nch form factor hard disk drive(s); up to half-height size; first drive mounted vertically, second mounted horizontally Keyboard Layout Detachable, two position, 101 sculpted keys 58-key QWERTY main keyboard; 17-key numeric/cursor pad; 10 cursor keys; additional 4-key cursor pad; 16 function keys (user-definable) Function F[...]

  • Page 239

    Physical Characteristics Width 15 inches (374 mm) Depth 16.75 inches (419 mm) Height 6 inches (151 mm) Weight (without keyboard) Single diskette drive model: 20.75 lb (9.4 kg)[...]

  • Page 240

    Glossary Address A number or name that identifies the location where information is stored in a computer’s memory. Analog monitor A monitor that generates, responds to, or acts upon analog data. Analog data is transmitted by varying the voltage levels in a continuous current. Application program A software program designed to perform a specific t[...]

  • Page 241

    Automatic speed The feature that enables the computer to switch automatically from high speed (20 MHz) to low speed (simulated 8 MHz) when accessing a diskette drive. Backup An extra copy of a program, data file, or disk, that you should create in the event your working copy is damaged or lost. Base memory The memory in the computer below 1MB that [...]

  • Page 242

    A sequence or group of eight bits that represents one character. Cache memory A high-speed type of memory buffer that stores information from base or extended memory where your system can access it faster. CGA Color Graphics Adapter. A type of display adapter card that can generate up to 25 lines of text with 80 characters on each line, monochrome [...]

  • Page 243

    Command prompt The symbol or message that tells you MS-DOS is loaded and ready to receive instructions. The default command prompt displays the current drive and directory. If you are logged onto drive C, the command prompt may look like this: C:>. Configuration The particular setup of a group of components. A typical system configuration consis[...]

  • Page 244

    CPU Central Processing Unit. The primary unit of the computer that interprets instructions, performs the tasks you indicate, keeps track of stored data, and controls all input and output operations. Cursor The highlighted marker that shows your position on the screen. Cylinders The vertical alignment of tracks in a hard disk that can be lined up un[...]

  • Page 245

    Device A piece of equipment that is part of a computer system and performs a specific task, such as a disk drive, a monitor, or a printer. Device driver A file containing instructions that allow your computer to recognize and control a device. The Equity 386SX/20 PLUS comes with device drivers that provide super VGA features for various programs wh[...]

  • Page 246

    Diskette A flat piece of flexible plastic coated with magnetic material used to store data permanently. Available in either 3 $-inch or 5 l/,-inch format. Display adapter card A circuit board that can be installed in one of the computer’s option slots to provide the monitor interface. The display adapter card controls the way the monitor displays[...]

  • Page 247

    Expanded memory Memory that specially written MS-DOS application programs can use with an Expanded Memory Specification (EMS) device driver such as EMM386.SYS. Extended Memory Memory above 1MB that is accessed by the protected mode of the 80386SX microprocessor and is available to some application programs and operating systems. Extension A suffix [...]

  • Page 248

    Graphics Lines, angles, curves, and other nonalphanumeric data. Hard disk The enclosed unit used to store large amounts of data. Unlike a diskette, it is fixed in place. It can process 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[...]

  • Page 249

    Interleave factor The number of physical sectors on a disk drive that the computer skips when reading consecutive logical sectors the same track. An interleave factor of 1:1 indicates that the data is stored on the drive in adjacent sectors. Larger ratios indicate that the data is not stored sequentially. A small device that connects two pins on an[...]

  • Page 250

    MCGA Multi-Color Graphics Array. This mode provides CGA compatibility as well as two-color 640 x 480 and 256-color 320x200 modes. MDA Monochrome Display Adapter. A type of display adapter that displays text in only one color, such as green or amber. Megabyte (MB) A unit used to measure storage space in a computer’s memory or on a disk. One megaby[...]

  • Page 251

    MGA Multi-mode Graphics Adapter. A type of display adapter card that can display monochrome text and color graphics on the screen. Microprocessor A small version of a CPU contained on one semiconductor chip. Modem A device that allows a computer to transmit signals over telephone lines so it can send and receive data. Modem stands for MOdulator/DEM[...]

  • Page 252

    Multi-frequency monitor A monitor that allows variable horizontal and vertical sync frequencies. This type of monitor supports a large range of video display modes and is required to support the 800 x 600 super graphics mode. Network server The master computer in a network which provides storage space for the other computers connected to it. The ne[...]

  • Page 253

    Option card A circuit board you install inside the computer to provide additional capabilities, such as a modem. Parallel The type of interface that transmits all the bits in a byte of data simultaneously over separate lines. See Interface and Serial. Parameter A qualifier added to a command that tells MS-DOS what particular conditions to look for [...]

  • Page 254

    Port A physical input/output socket on a computer where you can connect a peripheral device. Power-on diagnostics Tests that the computer runs to check its internal circuitry and configuration each time you turn it on. Power-on password The sequence of characters you type after you turn on the computer in order to access and use your system. A powe[...]

  • Page 255

    Read To move data from one area to another. For example, when you open a text file stored on disk, the computer reads the data from the disk and displays it on the screen. Read/write head The physical device inside a disk drive that reads and records data on the magnetic surface of a disk. Real&me clock A battery-powered clock inside the comput[...]

  • Page 256

    RS-232C A widely used, standard type of serial interface. You can easily connect an RS-232C compatible device to the built-in port on your computer. Sector A contiguous section of a disk track that provides an address at which the computer can access data. Self test The initial diagnostics procedures a system performs to check its hardware. Serial [...]

  • Page 257

    Super VGA mode Special features of the built-in VGA adapter available when you are using certain display drivers and a multi-frequency monitor. These features include 132 column text mode and resolutions up to 800 x 600 in 16 colors. Switch An option added to an MS-DOS command that modifies the way the command works. Switches are usually preceded b[...]

  • Page 258

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

  • Page 259

    Index A AFDD program, 3-2, 4-7-9 Alternate parallel port check, C-11 Alternate serial port check, C-10 Analog monitor, 4-12 AUTOEXEC.BAT, 1-14,2-30, 4-l-2 Automatic configuration, 2-2 Automatic speed change, 2-12-14, 4-2-7 Auxiliary device problems, A-26 B Backing up data, from diskettes, 3-21 -22 on hard disk, 3-22-23 with BACKUP, 3-22 with DISKCO[...]

  • Page 260

    Copying diskettes, 3-14, 3-21 files, 3-2, 3-21-23 Coprocessor, see Math coprocessor Copy-protected programs, 4-3 Cover, removing, 5-24 replacing, 5-1617 CPU, D-1 CPU speed, see Processor speed CTRL, 3-3 CTRL ALT +, 4-4-5 CTRL ALT -, 4-4-5 CTRL ALT *, 4-4-5 CTRL ALT DEL, 3-6 CTRL BREAK, 3-5 CTRL C, 3-5 Cursor block, 2-5-6 D DATE, 2-16 Date, setting,[...]

  • Page 261

    Environmental requirements, D-4 Epson Consumer Information Center number, Intro-5, A-1 Error codes and messages, 2-4-5, A-2-5, C-12-14 ESPEED program, 3-2, 4-3-6 Expanded memory, 4-11-12 Extended memory, 2-2, 2-28, 4-11-12 F FDISK, B-2 Files, AFDD.EXE, 3-2, 4-7-9 AUTOEXEC.BAT, 1-14, 2-30, 4-1-2 backing up, 3-21-23 batch, 4-1-2 CONFIG.SYS, 1-14,2-30[...]

  • Page 262

    K Keyboard, adjusting angle, 1-13 cable, 1-12 check, C-9 connecting, 1-12-13 controller check, A-2 interface, D-2 layout, 3-3, D-4 problems, A- 12-13 repeat rate, 2-14-16 special keys, 3-3-4 speed commands, 4-4-5 Key prompt, 2-9, 3-7-9, 4-10 L LIM 4.0 EMS, 4-11 Loading MS-DOS, 3-18-19 Location, choosing for computer, 1-1-2 Low-level format, see Phy[...]

  • Page 263

    N Network server, 4-9 -11 Network server mode, 2-9-11, 3-7, 4-9 -11 Non-destructive surface analysis, B-2-3, B-12-13 Non-interlaced mode, 4-12, A-1 Num lock, initial, 2-14-16 mode, 2-6, 2-14-16 O Operating speed, see Processor speed Operation Menu, 2-3 Option cards, configuring, 6-23-24 installing, 6-1, 6-5-9 memory, 6-1 problems, A-25 -26 removing[...]

  • Page 264

    R RAM check, A-2 Random access memory (RAM), Intro-l, 2-1,3-18, A-2 Read only memory (ROM), Intro-l, A-2, D-1 Read/write heads, 3-12, 3-23 -24 Read/write slot, 3-15, 3-19 Real-time clock, 2-16 -18, D-1 Reassigning diskette drives, 4-7-9 Redirecting printer output, 1-11 Reference diskette, 2-1, 3-2, 6-23 -24 Removing diskettes, 3-19 -20 RESET button[...]

  • Page 265

    T TIME, 2-16 Time, setting, 2-16-18 Timer check, A-2 Tracks, 3-10 -13 Troubleshooting, A-1 -28 TURBO light, 4-2 Turning off computer, 1-18 Turning on computer, 1-16 -18 U Utilities, CEG, 4-13 VGA, 4-12 -13 V VER, A-2 VGA BIOS, 2-7-8 VGA port, connecting monitor, 1-44 setting jumper, 6-6 -10 setting type, 2-7 -9 specifications, D-2 utilities, see VG[...]

  • Page 266

    EQUITY 386SX/20 PLUS U s e r’s G u i d e[...]

  • Page 267

    hard disk access light diskette drive diskette release latch TURBO speed light power light RESET button hard disk or diskette drive bay keyboard cable socket serial port[...]

  • Page 268

    j EPSON Overseas Marketing Locations EPSON America, Inc. EPSON Deutschland GmbH 20770 Madrona Avenue Torrance, CA 90503, U.S.A. Phone: (2 13) 782-0770 Zulpicher StraSe 6, 4000 Dusseldorf 11, F.R. Germany Phone: 211-56030 Telex: 41-8584786 EPSON France S.A. EPSON Australia Pty. Ltd. B.P. 320, 68 Bis Rue Marjolin 92305 Levallois-Perret Cedex, France [...]

  • Page 269

    Epson America, Inc. 20770 Madrona Avenue, Torrance, CA 90503[...]