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® EPSON User’s Guide EPA POLLUTION PREVENTER Printed on 50% recycled paper, 10% post consumer content...
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EPSON Direct and EPSON Connection are service marks of Epson America, Inc. General Notice: Other product names used herein are for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners. EPSON disclaims any and all rights in those marks.
Important Safety Instructions Read all of these instructions and save them for later reference. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the computer. Unplug the computer before cleaning. Clean with a damp cloth only. Do not spill liquid on the computer. Do not place the computer on an unstable surface or near a radiator or heat register.
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Importantes instructions de sécurité Lire attentivement les instructions suivantes et les conserver pour les consulter en cas de besoin. Observer soigneusement tous les avertissements et directives marques sur l’ordinateur. Debrancher l’ordinateur avant de le nettoyer. N’utiliser qu’un chiffon humide. Veiller a ne pas renverser de liquides sur l’appareil. Ne pas placer l’ordinateur sur une surface instable ni pres dune source de chaleur.
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S e t t i n g t h e D i s k e t t e D r i v e ( s ) Setting the Hard Disk Drive(s) Defining Your Own Drive Type S e t t i n g t h e P r i m a r y D i s p l a y T y p e S e t t i n g t h e P r o c e s s o r S p e e d Setting the Booting Sequence Setting the Diskette Seek Parameter...
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Chapter 4 Installing and Removing Options Locating the Internal Components Removing the Cover Replacing the Cover ....Changing the Jumper and DIP Switch Settings Setting the Jumpers ... . . Setting the DIP Switches .
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Chapter 6 Troubleshoofing I d e n t i f y i n g Y o u r S y s t e m The Computer Will Not Start The Computer Does Not Respond K e y b o a r d P r o b l e m s M o n i t o r P r o b l e m s...
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Tested Operating Environments ....Options Available from EPSON ....
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Introduction Your new EPSON system offering flexibility and expandability in a compact design. Standard features include: 486SX, DX or DX2 processor upgradable to faster, more powerful processors, including SX2, DX4, and Pentium 0verDrive Energy Star compliant in base configurations 4MB of internal memory, expandable to 36MB...
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Your system has a local bus interface for the video. This bus can transfer data at the full speed of your processor rather than at the standard 8.33 MHz ISA bus speed, so your system can transmit video data far more quickly. This local bus, together with the standard on-board video memory, provides fast video response in a range of resolutions and colors.
SVGA Utilities Your computer comes with special SVGA drivers and utilities for use with the integrated local bus SVGA interface. Use these utilities to take advantage of extended VGA features such as high resolutions and 132-column text mode when you run popular application programs.
SRAM chips installed. Additional cache allows your system to access frequently used data faster. Upgrade kits for 128KB and 256KB of external cache are available from EPSON. Math Coprocessor If your system contains a DX, DX2, DX4, or Pentium OverDrive processor, the chip contains a math coprocessor that allows the computer to perform mathematical functions faster.
Option Cards With four available 16-bit ISA slots, your computer can support a variety of option cards such as fax modem, network, and multimedia cards. Your system may come with these options installed for you. How to Use This You don’t have to read everything in this book to use your computer;...
EPSON also provides support services through the EPSON Connection. In the United States, dial (800) 922-8911. (You can also contact EPSON at (310) 782-0770 and ask for the EPSON Connection.) In Canada, dial (800) GO-EPSON. Call the EPSON Connection for the following:...
EPSON products is through the Epson America Forum on CompuServe.@ If you are already a CompuServe member, simply type GO at the menu prompt to reach the Epson America Forum. EPSON If you are not currently a member of CompuServe, you are eligible for a free introductory membership as an owner of an EPSON product.
Chapter- 1 Setting Up Your System This chapter describes how to set up your computer. It includes this information: 0 Getting started 0 Connecting peripheral devices Turning the computer on and off. Getting Started Follow the instructions below for choosing a location for your new system and unpacking it.
No electromagnetic interference. Do not place your system too close to any electrical device, such as a telephone or television, which generates an electromagnetic field. Appropriate power source. Connect all your equipment with the appropriate power cords for the power source in your area.
Connecting Peripheral Devices Use the illustration below to locate the ports on the back of your system as you connect the monitor, keyboard, printer, and other devices. Setting Up Your System 1 - 3...
Connecting a Monitor If you have a VGA or SVGA monitor (or a multifrequency monitor with an analog connector), you can connect it to the computer’s built-in VGA port as described below. If you have any other type of monitor (or if you want to install a display adapter card to control your monitor), see Chapter 4.
Connecting a Printer or Other Device Your computer has one parallel and two serial ports. To connect a printer or other peripheral device, follow the appropriate instructions below. Using the parallel port Follow these steps to connect a parallel printer to your computer: Place the printer next to the computer so that the backs are facing you.
Connecting the Keyboard To connect the keyboard, hold the cable connector so the arrow on the connector faces up. Insert it into the port marked K/B. Caution Although the connectors and ports for the keyboard and mouse are physically identical, they cannot be used interchangeably.
Caution Although the connectors and ports for the mouse and keyboard are physically identical, they cannot be used interchangeably. Be sure to plug the mouse connector into the MOUSEport, or you may damage your system. If your system has not already been configured, you may need to install a mouse driver.
Turning On the Computer After you set up your system, you’re ready to turn on the power. Check the following safety precautions to avoid accidentally damaging your computer or injuring yourself Do not connect or disconnect any peripheral device cables (including the mouse or keyboard) or power cables unless the computer power is off.
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To turn on the computer, press the power button on the right side of the front panel. power (SPEED) indicator The power indicator on the left side of the front panel lights up. After a few seconds, the screen displays a count of the system memory, and then the computer performs a power-on diagnostics routine to make sure everything is working correctly.
If there is no operating system installed on your computer, you see an error message. Ignore the message for now; once you install the operating system, you will not see this message. If MS-DOS is already installed, you may see the command prompt ( : \).
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Chapter 2 Running the SETUT Program The first time you use your computer, you may need to run the SETUP program. If your system was configured for you, you may want to check the settings or adjust the date and time. If you change your configuration, you may need to run it again.
The SETUP program and the factory default options for your computer are stored in the computer’s ROM BIOS (read-only memory, basic input/ output system). The configuration information you enter is stored in an area of memory called CMOS RAM. This memory is backed up by a battery, so it is not erased when you turn off or reset the computer.
When you press Del, you see a SETUP menu containing these options: 1 . S t a r t o p e r a t i n g s y s t e m 2. Run SETUP 3 . S e t P a s s w o r d o p t i o n s 4 .
Selecting Options A solid cursor bar highlights the selected parameter. Press t, ‘/‘, +, & to move the cursor to the parameter you want to change. Then press Page Up or Page Down to display the available options. As you move the cursor to each parameter, you see a description of the available options for that parameter at the bottom of the screen.
Check the hard disk drive table in Appendix A to identify the hard disk drive type for your drive. If you have an EPSON- supplied hard disk drive, see the final column of this table for your hard disk drive.
Defining Your Own Drive Type If the parameters for your hard disk drive (listed in its documentation) do not match any of the types listed in the hard disk drive table in Appendix A, you can define your own type. Follow these steps: Move the cursor to the hard drive you are defining.
Video display type options If you have two display adapters of different types, select the setting for the one you want to be your primary display adapter. If you install one type of display adapter card and then change the adapter (from VGA to CGA or vice-versa), you also may need to change the setting of DIP switch 5.
At fast speed, your system can access memory faster, so your programs work faster. Select Fast unless you are using an application program that requires the slower speed. Check your program manual. You can also change the speed temporarily by entering a keyboard command.
Using Virus Protection The SETUP program also provides a virus protection feature that prevents viruses writing to the boot sector on your hard disk drive. To use this feature, enable the Virus protection option. Then when any program tries to write to the boot sector of your hard disk drive, you see a warning message.
Setting the Shadow Options Your computer can access RAM (random access memory) faster than ROM (read only memory). The shadow feature on your system automatically copies the contents of both the system BIOS and the video BIOS into RAM so your system can perform certain operations faster.
Setting the Peripherals Options T h e P e r i p h e r a l s s e t u p o p t i o n l e t s y o u c h a n g e t h e settings for the built-in interface ports and disk drive controllers.
Setting the Pass word Options SETUP lets you enter a new password or disable an existing password to control who can access your system. An additional password option allows you to set a hot key to disable your keyboard and mouse until you enter your system password. Entering a Password Follow these steps to enter a password: Select option 3, Set Password options, from the main...
Changing or Deleting a Password If you want to change your password, follow the same steps as to enter a new password. When the cursor is at the Enter password option, type the new password you want to use. To delete a password, select Not Installed for the P a s s w o r d s t a t e o p t i o n .
Using the System Board Help Function SETUP provides a system board help function that contains a diagram of your system board in addition to the following information : DIP switch settings Jumper settings Identification of connectors Possible SIMM configurations External cache configurations Hard disk drive types System key combinations.
Saving Your Settings and Exiting SETUP When you leave SETUP, you can either save the settings you have changed or exit the program without saving any changes. To save your settings, follow these steps: Press to return to the main SETUP menu 2.
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Post-SETUP Procedures If you have just run SETUP for the first time and your system has not been configured, you now need to install the operating system on your computer. See your operating system manual for instructions. After you have installed your operating system, you can install any software you plan to use.
Chapter- 3 Using Your Computer This chapter briefly describes the following operations: 0 Working comfortably 0 Using energy wisely 0 Using disks and disk drives Stopping a command or program 0 Resetting the computer Using the password and hot key features Changing the processor speed.
Keep your copy stand at the same eye level as your screen. This reduces eye and neck strain. Also, rest your eyes occasionally by closing them or focusing on a fixed spot in the distance. Type gently. Too much force creates tension in your hands. Also, make sure your work surface has enough room for you to move the mouse or other pointing device freely.
Using Disk Drives The disk drives in your computer allow you to store data on disk, and then retrieve and use your stored data. Using Diskettes As you use your diskette drives, keep these points in mind: Drives can usually read from and write to diskettes that have the same capacity or a lower one, but not to diskettes that have a higher capacity.
Inserting and Removing Diskettes To insert a diskette into a 3.5-inch drive, hold the diskette with the label facing up and the shutter leading into the drive, as shown in the following illustration. Slide the diskette into the drive until it clicks into place. To insert a diskette into a 5.25-inch drive, hold the diskette with the label facing up and the read/ write slot leading into the drive.
Using Hard Disk Drives Using a hard disk is similar to using diskettes. The hard disk drive, however, can contain many times more information than a diskette. Your system can also perform read and write operations to the hard disk more quickly than to a diskette. As you use your hard disk drive, keep these points in mind: Hard disks can contain hundreds of files of information.
If these methods do not work, you may need to reset the computer as described below. Do not turn off the computer to exit a program or stop a command unless you have to, because the computer erases any data you did not save. Resetting the Computer Occasionally, you may want to clear the computer’s current settings or its memory without turning it off.
Using a Pass word If you set a system access password in SETUP, you must enter it every time you turn on or reset the computer. Follow these steps to use your password: If you do not have a hard disk, insert your system diskette in drive A.
When you want to disable the keyboard and mouse, enter your hot key combination. The keyboard and mouse lock up and do not respond to typed entries or mouse movement. To resume activity, type your password and press Enter. Changing or Deleting a Password To change or delete your password, you must run the SETUP program and follow the instructions in Chapter 2 for entering a password.
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Some copy-protected programs require the computer to run at slow 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, you can change the speed to slow to access the diskette and return it to fast speed when you are finished.
Chapter- 4 Installing and Removing Options You can enhance the performance of your computer by adding optional equipment such as memory modules, option cards, processor upgrades, or video memory. This chapter first describes how to remove the cover on your computer to install options and how to replace the cover when you are finished.
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Your system also supports 32KB, 64KB, 128KB, or 256KB of extended cache memory. (Upgrade kits for 128KB and 256KB of external cache are available from EPSON.) However, the system board must be removed from the computer to install the cache memory chips.
Locating the Internal Components As you follow the instructions in this chapter, refer to the following illustration to locate the different components inside your computer. Installing and Removing Options...
Removing the Cover You need to remove the computer’s cover to install any of the options described in this chapter or to install or remove a disk drive (as described in Chapter 5). Follow these steps: Turn off the computer and then any peripheral devices (including the monitor and printer).
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From the front of the computer, grasp the sides of the cover and pull it straight toward you until it stops, just before it reaches the front of the computer. Then lift it off at an angle as shown below. Set the cover aside Ground yourself to the computer by touching the metal surface of the back panel.
Replacing the Cover When you are ready to replace the computer’s cover, follow these steps: Make sure all the internal components are installed properly. Check all cable connections, especially those that might have been loosened during your work. Make sure all cables are out of the way so they do not catch on the cover.
Changing the Jumper and DIP Switch Settings The main system board in your computer has a number of jumpers and DIP (Dual In line Package) switches. These devices control the operation of your system and provide configuration information to your CMOS ROM. Jumpers and DIP switches are preset at the factory to match your system’s configuration, but you may need to change them when you install certain options or want to change some...
Setting the Jumpers If you need to change any jumper settings, follow these steps: Refer to the illustration on page 4-3 to locate the jumpers. If there are any option cards installed, and you want to change the setting for jumper J3, you may need to remove the cards.
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A jumper’s setting is determined by where the jumper is placed on the pins. For three-pin jumpers, the jumper connects the first pin and the middle pin (position A) or the last pin and the middle pin (position B), as shown below. (Look for A and B printed on the system board to help you identify each position.) In the off position, a three-pin jumper sits on only one of the...
Setting the DIP Switches If you need to change any of the DIP switch settings, follow these steps: Locate the DIP switch block near the center of the system board, shown on page 4-3. The switches are numbered 1 through 5, and the ON position is marked on the block. Use a pointed instrument, such as the tip of a pen, to turn a DIP switch on or off.
Memory Modules [SlMMs) Your computer comes with 4MB of memory soldered on the system board. By installing memory modules-also called SIMMs-you can increase the amount of memory in your computer up to 36MB. There are two SIMM sockets on the main system board, and each can contain one memory module.
Inserting SlMMs Follow these steps to install SIMMs: Refer to the illustration on page 4-3 to locate the SIMM sockets near the front of the computer. Remove any option cards that may be blocking your access to the SIMM sockets. See page 4-18 for instructions. Position the SIMM over the socket at an angle, as shown below.
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Push the SIMM into the socket until it is seated firmly in the slot. Then tilt it upright, as shown below, guiding the hole at each end of the SIMM over the retaining post at each end of the SIMM socket. If it does not go in smoothly, do not force it;...
Removing SlMMs If you need to remove SIMMs from your computer (to install different ones, for example), follow the steps below. Remove any option cards that may be blocking your access to the SIMM sockets. See page 4-18 for instructions. Use your fingers or a small screwdriver to carefully release the metal tabs that secure the SIMM at each end.
Installing an Option Card This section explains how to install an option card in your computer. Your computer has four option slots to accommodate up to four S-bit or 16-bit option cards. Follow these guidelines when installing option cards: 0 Usually it does not matter which slot an option card occupies as long as the card fits in the slot.
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Follow these steps to install an option card: If you are installing a card in the option slot for the first time, you need to remove the metal cover for that slot on the inside back panel. Remove the retaining screw securing the option slot cover to the computer.
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Hold the card along the top corners and guide it into the connector, as shown below. Once the connectors reach the slot, push the card in firmly (but carefully) to insert it fully. You should feel the card fit into place. If it does not go in smoothly, do not force it; pull the card all the way out and try again.
Removing an Option Card You may need to remove an option card installed in your computer to access components on the main system board-to change a jumper setting, for example. You may also want to remove a card if you no longer need it. Follow these steps: Remove the retaining screw securing the option card to the computer.
Removing the Option Card Connector Board You may want to remove the option card connector board to access certain components on the main system board, such as the drive connectors. Follow these steps: Remove any option cards. (See the instructions in the previous section .) Remove the retaining screw securing the bracket on the option card connector board to the power supply.
Replacing the Option Card Connector Board If you removed the option card connector board to access any system components, refer to the illustration on page 4-19 as you follow these steps to replace it. Position the board above its slot and then firmly push it straight in.
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Remove the memory chip from its package. Position the chip over the socket, as shown below. Make sure the notch in the chip aligns with the arrow that identifies pin 1 on the socket. (A notch in the outline for the socket drawn on the system board also identifies pin 1.) Gently press the chip into the socket.
Using the S VGA Feature Connector Your computer includes an alternate SVGA interface (feature connector) on the main system board. If you install a high-resolution graphics or a full-motion, multimedia adapter card in one of the computer’s option slots, this connector allows you to access the standard SVGA signals provided by your system circuitry.
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Attach one end of the feature cable to the alternate SVGA interface on the main system board near the back panel, as shown below. Align the cable so the red wire along one edge is closest to pin 1 on the connector. (Look for a 1 printed on the system board to identify pin 1 of the connector.) Connect the other end of the cable to the appropriate...
Installing a New Processor Chip You can enhance your system’s performance by installing a faster, more powerful processor. Alternatively, for an SX system, you can install a 487SX microprocessor with a built-in math coprocessor. The following table lists the processors you can use in your system : Microprocessor upgrades SX2, DX/ 33, DX/ 50, DX2/50, DX2/66, DX4, and Pentium...
Replacing the Processor Chip Follow these steps to replace the current processor with a new one: Use the illustration on page 4-3 to locate the processor socket on the system board. The-processor is inserted in a ZIF (Zero Insertion Force) socket. Caution Make sure you ground yourself by touching the metal surface on the inside of the computer’s back panel before...
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Note The 486SX processor may be soldered onto an adapter board that is seated in the ZIF socket. Lifting the ZIF handle releases the adapter board from the socket. Gently pull the processor chip straight up and set it aside. Remove the replacement chip from its package and inspect the pins.
These batteries should be available at your local electronics store or contact your Authorized EPSON Servicer or EPSON Accessories to get a replacement battery. Follow the instructions in this section to replace the battery. Note...
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Follow these steps to replace the battery: See the illustration on page 4-3 to locate the battery. It is attached to the base of the computer case, next to the drive bay. To disconnect the battery from the main system board, unplug the connector from socket CN3 (BAT), as shown below.
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The battery is attached to the computer base with Velcro.@ To remove it, pull it up from the bottom of the computer case, as shown in the following illustration. Then set it aside. Remove the new battery from its package and position it so the Velcro faces down and the cable faces the drive bays.
Post-installation Procedures After you install or remove options such as memory modules or a new processor, you must run SETUP to update the computer’s configuration. See Chapter 2 for instructions. Additionally, you may need to add some commands to your configuration files.
Chapter- 5 Installing and Removing Drives Your computer can hold up to three drives in two horizontal, externally accessible drive bays and one vertical, internal drive bay. Your system may have drives installed in one or more of these drive bays. You can use the instructions in this chapter to install a variety of drives, including diskette, hard disk, CD-ROM, tape, or optical drives.
Installing a Hard Disk in the Vertical Bay You should install your computer’s first hard disk drive in the vertical drive bay. This section describes: Setting the hard disk drive jumpers Removing the mounting frames from the hard disk drive (if necessary) Installing the hard disk drive in the vertical drive bay 0 Connecting the cables.
Removing the Mounting Frames Your hard disk drive may have mounting frames attached to it, as shown below. You need to remove these frames before you can install the drive in the vertical bay. Installing and Removing Drives...
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Follow these steps to remove the mounting frames: On your hard disk drive, there may be a plastic guiderail and metal grounding plate attached to one of the mounting frames. If so, remove the screws securing them to the mounting frame, as shown below, and remove the guiderail and grounding plate.
Installing a Hard Disk in the Vertical Bay To install the hard disk drive, you first need to attach it to the mounting plate in the vertical drive bay. Follow these steps: Remove the screw securing the mounting plate to the horizontal drive bays and set it aside.
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Turn the hard disk drive so the components face up and the connectors face left. Then place the mounting plate on the hard disk drive and align the four holes in the plate with the four holes in the drive, as shown below. connectors The bracket on the mounting plate should be on the opposite side of the connector end of the drive.
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Hold the drive so the mounting plate faces the horizontal drive bays (with the bracket over the top) and the connectors face the back of the computer, as shown below. bracket Align the two tabs at the bottom of the mounting plate with the two slots in the computer case.
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Lower the tabs into the corresponding slots in the computer case. Slide the drive in the direction of the arrow, until the hole in the bracket is aligned with the hole on top of the horizontal drive bays. bracket Secure the mounting plate with the screw, as shown above. Installing and Removing Drives...
Connecting the Cables To connect the hard disk drive to the computer, you need to connect two cables: the hard disk drive ribbon cable and a power supply cable. Follow the steps below: If you are installing your computer’s first hard disk drive, you need to connect the hard disk drive ribbon cable to the system board now.
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Make sure the holes in the cable connector fit over all the pins in the hard disk drive connector; then push in the connector. 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 cable connector.
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Locate one of the power supply cables that lead from the power supply (behind the horizontal drive bays). The power supply cables may be secured in a plastic band on the side of the power supply. If so, unfasten the band to access the cables;...
Removing a Hard Disk From the Vertical Bay Follow these steps to remove a hard disk drive from the vertical drive bay: Disconnect the hard disk drive ribbon cable and power supply cable from the back of the drive, as shown below. Grasp the cable connectors and pull them straight out from the connectors on the hard disk drive so you do not bend the pins;...
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Remove the retaining screw securing the hard disk drive and mounting plate to the horizontal drive bays. Then slide the hard disk drive and mounting plate in the direction of the arrow, shown in the following illustration, and lift them out of the computer.
If you removed one hard disk drive and are leaving another one in the computer, you need to set the jumpers on the remaining drive to indicate that you now have only one hard disk drive. For the correct settings, see the documentation that came with the drive.
Depending on the type of drive you are installing, you may need to attach mounting frames to it before you install it in a horizontal bay. Follow these guidelines: If you are installing a drive with a 5.25-inch form factor, skip to “Installing the Drive”...
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As shown below, place a mounting frame on top of one side of the drive and align it so that the holes in the drive are approximately in the middle of the oval holes in the frame. Then secure the mounting frame to the drive with the two screws.
Installing the Drive Follow these steps to install the drive in a horizontal drive bay: Locate the two metal guiderails and the screws that came with the computer. Using the appropriate screw holes, attach one guiderail to each side of the drive (or each mounting frame, if attached), as shown below.
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If you are installing a drive in the lower bay, remove the two retaining screws securing the drive bay cover to the front of the computer and remove the cover. Store it in a safe place and save the screws to use later to secure the drive. If you are installing a 5.25-inch diskette drive, hold it so that the diskette release latch is above the diskette slot.
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To insert a diskette drive, align the guiderails on each side of the drive with the notches on each side of the drive bay and slide the drive into the bay as far as it will go, as shown below. Secure the guiderails to the computer case with the two retaining screws.
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If you are installing a diskette drive in the lower bay, you need to remove the faceplate on the front panel of the computer’s cover because it covers this bay. Turn the cover over and locate the faceplate. Remove the screws securing the faceplate to the inside of the computer’s cover and remove the faceplate, as shown in the following illustration.
To insert a hard disk drive, align the guiderails on each side of the drive with the notches on each side of the drive bay and slide the drive all the way into the bay, as shown below. Secure the guiderails to the computer case with the two retaining screws.
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Locate the diskette drive ribbon cable. One end of the cable is connected to the system board. If you are installing a second diskette drive in the lower horizontal drive bay, the other end of the cable is connected to the top diskette drive; use the middle connector.
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Locate the hard disk drive ribbon cable. If you are installing a second hard disk drive, one end of the cable is connected to the system board and the other end is connected to the first hard disk drive in the vertical drive bay; use the free middle cable connector to connect the second hard disk drive as described below.
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When the hard disk drive ribbon cable is positioned correctly, the red wire on the cable is aligned with pin 1 on the drive connector. To identify pin I, look for a 1 or 2 at the connector on the drive’s circuit board. Make sure the holes in the cable connector fit over all the pins in the hard disk drive connector;...
Removing a Drive From a Horizontal Bay This section describes how to remove a drive from a horizontal drive bay. Although the illustrations show a drive in the lower bay, you can use these same instructions to remove a drive from the upper bay.
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If you are leaving the drive bay empty, replace the metal drive bay cover and two retaining screws, as shown below. If you are replacing the drive you removed with another drive, remove the guiderails and screws from the drive and use them to install the other drive as described in “Installing a Drive in a Horizontal Bay”...
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If you removed one hard disk drive and are leaving another one in the computer, you need to set the jumpers on the remaining drive to indicate that you now have only one hard disk drive. See the documentation that came with the drive for the correct jumper settings.
Connecting the Hard Disk Drive Ribbon Cable to the System Board Follow these steps to connect the hard disk drive ribbon cable to the system board: Locate the hard disk drive connector on the system board. It is next to the diskette drive connector, between the option card connector board and the power supply.
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Select the connector on the end of the longest part of the cable (the main system board connector). Notice the small tab in the middle of the cable connector, as shown in the illustration above. Align the connector so that the tab aligns with the notch, as shown below.
IDE hard disk drive interface. You may need to perform a physical format of the drive before you can use it. (All EPSON-supplied drives are sold already formatted .) Check the manual that came with the drive to see if it is already formatted. If not, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to format it.
6-14 for a list of power-on diagnostic error messages and possible solutions. If the suggestions here do not solve the problem, contact the EPSON Connection or your Authorized EPSON Servicer. ldentifying Your System When you request technical assistance, be ready to provide the...
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Use these guidelines to locate information about your system : Serial number: System BIOS version: System configuration: MS-DOS version: Software versions: CONFIG.SYS: AUTOEXEC.BAT: Troubleshooting Look on the back panel of the computer to find the serial number. Restart your system. You’ll see the system BIOS version number displayed on the screen when your system performs power-on...
The Computer The computer does not start and the power light is not lit. Make sure the power cord is securely connected to both the AC inlet on the back panel and an electrical outlet. The power cord is securely connected but the computer still does not start.
The power light is on, but the computer does not load the operating system. Make sure the boot options in SETUP are set to access drive A Then place a bootable diskette in drive A and turn on the computer again. If the system starts from the disk in drive A, you may have a problem with the hard disk drive.
Your computer suddenly stops operating. Turn the computer off and leave it off for at least 30 seconds. This resets the power supply logic. Make sure the room temperature around the computer is less than 90°F (32°C) and nothing is blocking the power supply fan. Also make sure there is ample room around your system for air circulation.
Monitor- Problems The power switch is on but the power light is not on. Check the electrical outlet for power. Turn off your monitor and unplug it from the outlet. Then plug a lamp into the wall outlet and turn it on. If the light turns on, your monitor may be faulty.
Also, check to see that you have inserted the right type of diskette in the drive. For example, make sure you are not inserting a high-density diskette in a double-density drive. If reinserting the diskette does not solve the problem, insert the diskette in another diskette drive of the same type.
The diskette drive is making loud or unusual noises. Contact the EPSON Connection or your Authorized EPSON Servicer. Hard Disk Drive Problems A newly installed hard disk drive is not working properly or ifs performance is not what you expect.
Also, make sure your hard disk drive has been physically formatted by the manufacturer. (All EPSON-supplied drives are physically formatted at the factory.) If it has not been physically formatted, use the format utility that came with the drive to format it before you partition it or install the operating system.
Software Problems The application program does not start. Check that you are following the correct procedure for starting the program and that it is installed correctly. If you do not have a hard disk, make sure the correct diskette is in the diskette drive.
The printer prints garbled information. Check the printer manual for the printer’s correct DIP switch or control panel settings. Also, make sure you have the proper drivers installed for your printer and make sure you’ve selected the correct printer within your software application. You see a port error message for the port your printer is using.
Make sure you install option cards that meet the system’s power requirements. See Appendix A. Make sure the option card is not touching any other card. Also make sure the card isn’t touching the processor or heat sink you have attached to the processor. An external device connected to the option card is not working correctly.
The amount of cache displayed by the power-on diagnostics program is incorrect. Make sure your Authorized EPSON Servicer set jumpers J5 through J9 correctly when he or she installed the external cache. See Chapter 4 for the correct settings. Also check that the installed chips have the correct speed rating.
Battery Problems You see a CMOS battery error when you start your system. Your system has a 3.6 volt, replaceable lithium battery that should last from three to five years. If you see either of the following errors, replace the battery. (See Chapter 4.) b a t t e r y s t a t e l o w C M O S s y s t e m o p t i o n .
Appendix A Specifications CPU and Memory 32-bit CPU Energy Star System speed 486SX DX or DX2 processor upgradable to faster, more powerful processors, including SX2, DX4, or Pentium OverDrive processors; DX4 processors require an adapter board to regulate voltage Low power consumption, Energy Star compliant in base configurations (consumes less than 30 Watts) Fast and slow processor speeds available;...
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Memory video RAM Shadow RAM Cache Math coprocessor Clock/ calendar A - 2 S p e c i f i c a t i o n s 4MB RAM standard on system board; expandable to 36MB using lMB, 4MB, and 16MB SIMMs;...
Controllers Video Diskette Hard disk Interfaces Monitor S VGA feature connector Parallel Serial Keyboard ® Cirrus Logic GD5428 high speed super VGA local bus on-board controller with True Color support Controller on main system board supports up to two diskette drives or one diskette drive and one tape drive Interface on main system board supports up to two IDE hard disk drives with...
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Mouse Option slots Speaker Mass storage Dikette drives Hard disk drives Other de vices Specifications PS/ 2 compatible mouse interface built into main system board; 6-pin mini DIN connector Four 16-bit (or S-bit) I/ O expansion slots, ISA compatible, 8.33 MHz bus speed; three slots accommodate any size card, bottom slot can hold a half-size card Internal, piezo-electric speaker on main...
Keyboard SETUP Program System security Virus protection Physical Characteristics width Depth Height Weight Power Supply Input ranges Detachable, two-position height; 101 or 102 sculpted keys; country-dependent main typewriter keyboard; numeric/ cursor control keypad; four-key cursor control keypad; 12 function keys Stored in ROM;...
Video Memory This system comes with 512KB or 1MB of video memory. You can increase the video memory to 1MB by installing a video DRAM, 40-pin, 256KB x 16-bit, SOJchip. Video resolutions and colors A- 7 Specifications...
Hard Disk Drive Types The table below lists types of hard disk drives supported by the computer. Check this table and the hard disk drive manual to find the correct type number(s) for the hard disk drive(s) installed in the computer. Enter the type number(s) when you set the hard disk drive configuration in the SETUP program.
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Hard disk drive types (continued) Specifications...
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IDE hard disk drive jumper settings CS (cable selection) can also be jumpered for any configuration. When CS is used, the drive is a master if pin 28 is grounded or a slave if pin 28 is not grounded. A-10 Specifications...
Tested Operating Environments Although your system will run most software applications, the following operating environments have been tested for compatibility with your system. As new environments become available, these also will be tested. Microsoft MS-DOS 6.20 ® Novell DR DOS Novell NetWare* 2.2, 3.12, and 4.01 Novell NetWare Lite 1.1 Novell UnixWare 1.1...
Options Available from EPSON Many options for enhancing and supplementing this product are available from EPSON. Call for more information on the following options: Monitors Keyboards Mouse Mass storage devices Cache and memory upgrade kits Processor upgrade kits Printers and scanners Option cards Software.
Glossary Access speed The time it takes for a device, such as memory or a disk drive, to return data. For example, your computer’s SIMMs return data requested by the microprocessor at an access speed of 70ns. Address The location where information is stored in a computer’s memory.
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BIOS Basic Input/ Output System. Routines in ROM (Read Only Memory) that handle the transfer of information among various hardware components, and between the hardware and your operating system. Boot The process a computer performs to check its components and then load the operating system into memory.
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Coprocessor See Math coprocessor. Copy-protected program A program containing a software “lock” that prevents it from being copied. See also Key disk. Central Processing Unit. The primary device that interprets instructions, performs tasks, keeps track of stored data, and controls input and output operations. See also Microprocessor. Device driver A file containing instructions that allow your computer to recognize and communicate with a device.
Disk Operating System. The generic term for the operating system software that controls a computer and directs its input and output functions. See also MS-DOS and Operating system. Intel processor designation. DXprocessors have 32-bit data and address buses with 8KB of cache memory and a math coprocessor built into the chip.
High- density A type of diskette format that allows you to store more data than on single- or double-density diskettes. A 5.25-inch, high-density diskette can store 1.2MB of data. A 3.5-inch, high-density diskette can store 1.44MB of data. Hot key A key combination that you can define in SETUP.
Kilobyte [KB) A unit used to measure storage space in a computer’s memory or on a disk. One kilobyte equals 1024 bytes. Local bus An internal bus that controls the connections from the processor to the SVGA interface on the computer. Local bus provides increased performance and speed.
Memory module A small circuit board, commonly called a SIMM (single inline memory module), that contains surface-mounted memory chips. You can add memory modules to the main system board to expand your computer’s memory. Microprocessor A small CPU on one semiconductor chip. See also CPU. Modem Modulator/ DEModulator.
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Operating system A collection of programs that manage a computer’s operations, such as interpreting input, managing files, and reading and writing data to disk. The operating system (such as MS-DOS, OS/ 2, or UNIX) provides the foundation for the other programs and controls hardware resources.
Power- on diagnostics Tests stored in a computer’s ROM that the computer runs to check its internal circuitry, peripheral device configuration, and operating status each time you turn it on or reset it. Processor speed See Operating speed Random Access Memory. The area of the computer’s memory used to run programs and store data while you work.
Reset To restart a computer without turning it off. You can reset your computer by pressing Ctrl Alt Del. Resetting erases all data stored in RAM and reloads your operating system. Read Only Memory. Memory that can only be read and cannot be modified.
Small Outline J-lead. Defines the type of chip used for the video memory on your system. Subdirectory In a hierarchical disk directory structure, a group of files in a directory within another directory or the root directory. SVGA Super Video Graphics Array. A high-resolution display adapter that provides a variety of video modes.
Write To transfer data to a storage device (such as a disk) or an output device (such as a monitor or printer). See also Read. Write-protect To protect the data on a diskette from being changed by setting the write-protect switch on a 3.5-inch diskette or by placing a write-protect tab over the notch on a 5.25-inch diskette.
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5-2 SETUP options, 2-5-6 slave drive, 5-2 vertical drive bay, 5-5-14 Heads, read/ write, 3-4 Height, computer, A-5 Help, EPSON Connection, Intro-6, 6-1,6-8,6-16 High-speed video memory, A-3 Horizontal drive bay installing drive in, 5-14-25 removing drive from, 5-26-28 Hot key, 2-13, 3-7-8...
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Lights, indicator hard disk access, 1-9 power (SPEED), 1-9, 3-8,6-3 Local bus video, Intro-1-2,2-16, A-l, A-3 Lock, keyboard, 2-13,3-7-8 Low-level format, 6-8-9 Main system board components, 4-3 DIP switches, 4-3, 4-8 drive cable connectors, 5-30 help screen, SETUP, 2-14 jumpers, 4-3,4-7 Mass storage, Intro-l, Intro-4, A-4 Master drive, 5-2 Math coprocessor, Intro-l, 4-24-27,...