Acer M7 User Guide

M7 SystemM7 System

User’s Guide

CopyrightCopyright

Copyright  1996 by this company. All rights reserved. No part of
this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in
a retrieval system, or translated into any language or computer
language, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
magnetic, optical, chemical, manual or otherwise, without the prior
written permission of this company.

DisclaimerDisclaimer

This company makes no representations or warranties, either
expressed or implied, with respect to the contents hereof and
specifically disclaims any warranties, merchantability or fitness for
any particular purpose. Any software described in this manual is sold
or licensed "as is". Should the programs prove defective following
their purchase, the buyer (and not this company, its distributor, or its
dealer) assumes the entire cost of all necessary servicing, repair, and
any incidental or consequential damages resulting from any defect in
the software. Further, this company reserves the right to revise this
publication and to make changes from time to time in the contents
hereof without obligation to notify any person of such revision or
changes.

Intel is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation.
Pentium is a trademark of Intel Corporation.
PS/2 is a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.

Other brand and product names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their
respective holders.

ii

IMPORTANT SAFETYIMPORTANT SAFETY

INSTRUCTIONSINSTRUCTIONS

1. Read these instructions carefully. Save these instructions for
future 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 place this product on an unstable cart, stand, or table.
The product may fall, causing serious damage to the product.

6. Slots and openings in the cabinet and the back or bottom are
provided for ventilation; to ensure reliable operation of the
product and to protect it from overheating, these openings must
not be blocked or covered. The openings should never be
blocked by placing the product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other
similar surface. This product should never be placed near or
over a radiator or heat register, or in a built-in installation unless
proper ventilation is provided.

7. This product should be operated from the type of power indicated
on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power
available, consult your dealer or local power company.

8. This product is equipped with a 3-wire grounding-type plug, a
plug having a third (grounding) pin. This plug will only fit into a
grounding-type power outlet. This is a safety feature. If you are
unable to insert the plug into the outlet, contact your electrician
to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the purpose of the
grounding-type plug.

9. Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord. Do not locate
this product where persons will walk on the cord.

iii

10. If an extension cord is used with this product, make sure that the
total ampere rating of the equipment plugged into the extension
cord does not exceed the extension cord ampere rating. Also,
make sure that the total rating of all products plugged into the
wall outlet does not exceed 15 amperes.

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 fire or electric shock. Never spill
liquid of any kind on the product.

12. Do not attempt to service this product yourself, as opening or
removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage points or
other risks. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.

13. Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to
qualified service personnel under the following conditions:

a. When the power cord or plug is damaged or frayed
b. If liquid has been spilled into the product
c. If the product has been exposed to rain or water
d. If the product does not operate normally when the operating

instructions are followed. Adjust only those controls that are
covered by the operating instructions since improper
adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will
often require extensive work by a qualified technician to
restore the product to normal condition.

e. If the product has been dropped or the cabinet has been

damaged

f. If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance,

indicating a need for service

iv

14. Replace battery with the same type as the product's battery we
recommend. Use of another battery may present a risk of fire or
explosion. Refer battery replacement to a qualified serviceman.

15. Warning! Battery may explode if not handled properly. Do not
recharge, disassemble or dispose of in fire. Keep away from
children and dispose of used battery promptly.

16. Use only the proper type of power supply cord set (provided in
your keyboard/manual accessories box) for this unit. It should be
a detachable type: UL listed/CSA certified, type SVT/SJT, rated
6A 125V minimum, VDE approved or its equivalent. Maximum
length is 15 feet (4.6 meters).

v

FCC Class B Radio Frequency InterferenceFCC Class B Radio Frequency Interference

StatementStatement

Note:

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits
for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of 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 frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and
on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:

1. Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

2. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

3. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from
that to which the receiver is connected.

4. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician
for help.

Notice 1:

The changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate
the equipment.

Notice 2:

Shielded interface cables, if any, must be used in order to comply
with the emission limits.

vi

About this ManualAbout this Manual

Purpose

This user’s guide aims to give you the information you need to
operate the system properly.

Manual Structure

This user’s guide consists of two chapters.

Chapter 1 System Board

This chapter describes the system board and all its major
components. It contains the system board layout, jumper
settings, cache and memory configurations, and information on
other internal devices.

Chapter 2 BIOS Utility

This chapter gives information about the system BIOS and tells
how to configure the system by changing the settings of the
BIOS parameters.

vii

Conventions

The following conventions are used in this manual:

Text entered by user Represents text input by the user.

Screen messages

a, e, s, etc. Represent the actual keys that you

Denotes messages that appear
onscreen.

have to press on the keyboard.

NOTE

Gives bits and pieces of additional
information related to the current
topic.

WARNING

Alerts you to any damage that
might result by not following the
instructions.

CAUTION

Gives precautionary measures to
avoid possible hardware or
software problems.

IMPORTANT

Reminds you to take specific
actions relevant to the
accomplishment of procedures.

viii

TIP

Tells how to accomplish a
procedure with minimum steps
through little shortcuts.

Table of ContentsTable of Contents

Chapter 1 System Board

1.1 Features .................................................................. 1-1

1.2 Major Components...................................................1-2

1.2.1 System Board Layout................................1-3

1.3 Jumpers and Connectors .........................................1-4

1.3.1 Jumper and Connector Locations.............. 1-4

1.3.2 Jumper Settings........................................ 1-5

1.3.3 Connector Functions..................................1-6

1.4 ESD Precautions......................................................1-7

1.5 Installing a VGA Daughter Board ............................. 1-8

1.6 CPU Upgrade........................................................... 1-9

1.7 Memory Upgrade...................................................1-10

1.7.1 Rules for Adding Memory........................1-10

1.7.2 Memory Configurations ...........................1-11

1.7.3 Installing a SIMM.....................................1-12

1.7.4 Removing a SIMM................................... 1-13

1.7.5 Reconfiguring the System........................1-14

1.8 Second-level Cache Upgrade.................................1-15

1.9 Video Memory Upgrade .........................................1-16

1.10 SCSI Feature.........................................................1-17

1.10.1 Using the SCSI Feature........................... 1-17

1.11 Error Messages ......................................................1-18

1.11.1 Software Error Messages.........................1-18

1.11.2 System Error Messages...........................1-18

1.11.3 Correcting Error Conditions .....................1-21

ix

Chapter 2 BIOS Utility

2.1 Entering Setup.........................................................2-2

2.2 Basic System Configuration.....................................2-3

2.2.1 Date and Time ..........................................2-4

2.2.2 Diskette Drives..........................................2-5

2.2.3 Hard Disk Drives.......................................2-6

2.2.4 System Memory........................................2-7

2.2.5 Math Coprocessor.....................................2-7

2.2.6 Video Display............................................2-8

2.2.7 Communication Settings ...........................2-8

2.2.8 Enhanced IDE Features............................2-9

2.2.9 Large Memory Support Mode....................2-9

2.2.10 Num Lock After Boot.................................2-9

2.2.11 Memory Test...........................................2-10

2.2.12 Auto Configuration Mode.........................2-10

2.2.13 Fast Boot Mode.......................................2-10

2.3 Advanced System Configuration............................2-11

2.3.1 Shadow RAM..........................................2-12

2.3.2 Internal Cache (CPU Cache)...................2-12

2.3.3 External Cache........................................2-12

2.3.4 ECC/Parity Mode Selection.....................2-13

2.3.5 Memory at 15MB-16MB...........................2-13

2.4 PCI System Configuration......................................2-14

2.4.1 PCI IRQ Setting ......................................2-14

2.4.2 VGA Palette Snoop.................................2-15

2.4.3 Onboard SCSI.........................................2-15

2.5 Non-PnP ISA Card Configuration...........................2-16

x

2.5.1 System Resources Used by Non-PnP

ISA Cards ................................................2-18

2.5.2 Expansion ROM Region..........................2-18

2.5.3 I/O Region...............................................2-18

2.6 Power Saving Configuration...................................2-19

2.6.1 Power Management Mode.......................2-20

2.6.2 System/Wakeup Events..........................2-20

2.7 System Security Setup...........................................2-21

2.7.1 Disk Drive Control...................................2-21

2.7.2 Onboard Communication Ports................ 2-23

2.7.3 Setup Password.......................................2-26

2.7.4 Power On Password................................2-27

2.8 Load Setup Default Settings...................................2-27

2.9 Leaving Setup........................................................2-28

2.10 IDE Hard Disk Types..............................................2-29

xi

List of Figures

1-1 System Board Layout...............................................1-3

1-2 Jumper Locations.....................................................1-4

1-3 Installing a VGA Daughter Board.............................1-8

1-4 Installing a Pentium CPU.........................................1-9

1-5 Installing a SIMM ...................................................1-12

1-6 Removing a SIMM.................................................1-13

1-7 Installing a Synchronous Cache Module.................1-15

1-8 Installing a Video Memory Chip..............................1-16

List of Tables

1-1 Jumper Settings.......................................................1-5

1-2 Connector Functions................................................1-6

1-3 Memory Configurations..........................................1-11

1-4 System Error Messages.........................................1-19

2-1 Drive Control Settings............................................2-22

2-2 Serial Port 1 Settings .............................................2-23

2-3 Serial Port 2 Settings .............................................2-23

2-4 Parallel Port Settings .............................................2-24

2-5 Parallel Port Operation Mode Settings ...................2-25

xii

Chapter

11

System Board

1.1 Features

This high-performance system board is designed to support the Intel
P54C and P55C CPUs running at 75/100/120/133/150/166/200 MHz.
It utilizes both the EISA and the PCI local bus architecture. Three
EISA and four PCI bus slots reside on the board to allow installation
of either master or slave devices, except for one PCI slot that
supports only slave devices.

The board has three memory banks composed of two 72-pin SIMM
sockets each that support a maximum system memory of 192 MB
using 32-MB SIMMs. The SIMM sockets support both EDO and fast­page mode SIMMs. A second-level cache socket is available for a
256-KB or 512-KB synchronous SRAM module.

A 50-pin Fast SCSI-II interface with 10 MB/s transfer rate and a 68­pin Wide SCSI interface that transfers at 20 MB/s (Wide SCSI) and
40 MB/s (Ultra SCSI) come with the system board to connect SCSI
devices. Standard I/O features such as two serial interfaces (COM1,
COM2), one parallel port interface, an IDE drive interface, a diskette
drive interface, and PS/2 mouse and keyboard connectors reside on
the system board.

The system board also supports a remote diagnostic
management (RDM) feature that allows execution of the RDM
diagnostic program from a remote RDM station to fix any problem or
to reboot the system. Two 24-pin connectors come onboard for the
RDM daughter board.

System Board 1-1

1.2 Major Components

The system board has the following major components:

• One zero-insertion force (ZIF) socket for Intel P54C or P55C

CPU

• Three memory banks (Bank 1 to Bank 3) composed of six 72-pin

SIMM sockets

• Synchronous cache module socket that supports 256 KB and

512 KB second-level cache

• Three EISA and four PCI expansion slots

• 256-KB Flash ROM for system BIOS

• RTC chip that contains clock/calendar plus 128 bytes CMOS

RAM with battery backup

• 50-pin Fast SCSI-II and 68-pin Wide SCSI interfaces

• Two 24-pin RDM interfaces

• IDE hard disk and diskette drive interfaces

• Onboard VRAM and VRAM sockets for video memory upgrade

• Power connector for 200-watt switching power supply

• I/O, SCSI, VGA, memory, and Advanced Server

Management (ASM) controller chipsets

• External ports:

• PS/2-compatible keyboard port

• PS/2-compatible mouse port

1-2 User’s Guide

1.2.1 System Board Layout

1 SIMM sockets
2 CPU voltage regulator
3 Cache module socket
4 Fan connector 1
5 CPU socket
6 Fan connector 2
7 Buzzer
8 CPU voltage regulator

9 Video RAM upgrade socket
10 Video RAM
11 EISA slots
12 Keyboard controller
13 PCI slots
14 PS/2 mouse connector
15 PS/2 keyboard connector

Figure 1-1 System Board Layout

System Board 1-3

1.3 Jumpers and Connectors

1.3.1 Jumper and Connector Locations

Figure 1-2 shows the jumper locations on the system board. The
blackened pin on a jumper represents pin 1.

Figure 1-2 Jumper Locations

Jumpers are prefixed “JP”. Connectors are
prefixed “CN”. FA1 and FA2 are fan
connectors.

The blackened pin of a jumper represents
pin 1.

1-4 User’s Guide

1.3.2 Jumper Settings

Table 1-1 Jumper Settings

Jumper Setting Function

CPU Voltage

JP1 1-2

SCSI Termination

JP2 1-2

Cache Size

JP3 1-2*

SCSI Selection

JP6 1-2*

BIOS Version

JP8 1-2*

Password Security

JP9 1-2

PC Sound Source

JP10 1-2*

Front Panel Reset

JP11 1-2*

2-3

2-3*

2-3

2-3

2-3

2-3*

2-3

2-3

*

VR
VRE

Terminator always ON
Use SCSI Setup Utility to set
terminator ON or OFF

256 KB
512 KB

16-bit
8-bit

Acer
Generic

Enabled
Disabled

Buzzer
Speaker

Enabled
Disabled

*

Default setting

System Board 1-5

Table 1-1 Jumper Settings (continued)

Jumper Setting Function

Core/Bus Freq.

JP4, JP5, JP7

JP4 JP5 JP7

2-3 2-3 1-2
1-2 1-2 2-3

2-3 1-2 2-3
2-3 2-3 2-3

Bus Freq. Core Freq. Ratio

50 MHz 75 MHz 3/2
60 MHz 150 MHz 5/2

60 MHz 120 MHz 2/1
60 MHz 90 MHz 3/2

1-2 1-2 3-4
2-3 1-2 3-4
2-3 2-3 3-4

66 MHz 166 MHz 5/2
66 MHz 133 MHz 2/1
66 MHz 100 MHz 3/2

1.3.3 Connector Functions

Table 1-2 lists the different connectors on the system board and their
respective functions.

Table 1-2 Connector Functions

Connector Function

CN1 COM1
CN2 COM2
CN3 Power connector for 200-watt SPS
CN4 Power connector for 300-watt SPS
CN5 Parallel port connector
CN6 Diskette drive connector
CN7 IDE drives connector
CN8 Remote diagnostic module (RDM) connector

CN9 Remote diagnostic module (RDM) connector
CN10 Faulty-drive LED connector
CN11 Fast SCSI-II (narrow SCSI) connector
CN12 Wide SCSI connector
CN13 VGA daughter board connector
CN14 Voltage regulator module (VRM) connector

1-6 User’s Guide

1.4 ESD Precautions

Always observe the following ESD (electrostatic discharge)
precautions before installing any system component:

1. Do not remove any system component from its packaging unless
you are ready to install it.

2. Wear a wrist grounding strap before handling electronic
components. Wrist grounding straps are available at most
electronic component stores.

DO NOT attempt the procedures in the
following sections unless you are confident of
your capability to perform them. Otherwise,
ask a service technician for assistance.

System Board 1-7

1.5 Installing a VGA Daughter Board

The system board comes with a video controller, a video connector,
and a VGA daughter board. These components save you the trouble
of buying a video board and save one bus slot for another expansion
board. The daughter board carries an external video port.

To install, simply plug-in the daughter board into CN13 and secure
the bracket with a screw.

External VGA Port

VGA Connector
(CN13)

Figure 1-3 Installing a VGA Daughter Board

1-8 User’s Guide

1.6 CPU Upgrade

The system board comes with a zero-insertion force (ZIF) CPU socket
for easy installation.

Follow these steps to install a Pentium CPU:

1. Pull up the socket lever.

2. Insert the CPU, making sure that pin 1 of the CPU connects to
pin 1 of the socket.

Be careful not to bend any pins.

3. Pull down the socket lever.

STEP 1

STEP 2

Pin 1

STEP 3

Figure 1-4 Installing a Pentium CPU

4. Change the settings of jumper JP1 for the correct CPU voltage
and jumpers JP4, JP5, and JP7 for the CPU frequency. Refer to
Table 1-1 for the jumper settings.

System Board 1-9

1.7 Memory Upgrade

The six 72-pin SIMM sockets onboard support both Extended Data
Output (EDO) and fast-page mode SIMMs. You may install 4-MB and
16-MB single-density as well as 2-MB, 8-MB, and 32-MB double­density SIMMs for a total of 192-MB system memory. The SIMM
sockets also support 64-MB SIMMs, when available, to achieve
384-MB system memory.

1.7.1 Rules for Adding Memory

• Use only the same type of SIMM in a given bank

• You may combine different types of SIMMs for a particular

memory configuration as long as the SIMMs in each bank are of
the same type.

• Always install SIMMs in pairs. For example, for a total memory

of 16 MB, install two 8-MB SIMMs into the sockets marked S6
and S5 (bank 1) or S2 and S1 (bank 3). You can not use an
8-MB SIMM alone for a 16-MB memory

• Always install SIMMs from the innermost bank first. For

example, bank 1 before bank 2, bank 2 before bank 3.

• Always remove SIMMs from the outermost bank first. For

example, bank 3 before bank 2, bank 2 before bank 1.

1-10 User’s Guide

1.7.2 Memory Configurations

Table 1-3 lists the available memory configurations.

Table 1-3 Memory Configurations

Bank 1 Bank 2 Bank 3 Total

S6 S5 S4 S3 S2 S1 Memory

4 MB 4 MB 8 MB
8 MB 8 MB 16 MB
8 MB 8 MB 4 MB 4 MB 24 MB

8 MB 8 MB 8 MB 8 MB 32 MB
16 MB 16 MB 32 MB
16 MB 16 MB 4 MB 4 MB 40 MB
16 MB 16 MB 8 MB 8 MB 48 MB
16 MB 16 MB 8 MB 8 MB 4 MB 4 MB 56 MB

8 MB 8 MB 8 MB 8 MB 16 MB 16 MB 64 MB

4 MB 4 MB 8 MB 8 MB 32 MB 32 MB 88 MB
16 MB 16 MB 16 MB 16 MB 16 MB 16 MB 96 MB
32 MB 32 MB 8 MB 8 MB 16 MB 16 MB 112 MB
32 MB 32 MB 32 MB 32 MB 128 MB
32 MB 32 MB 32 MB 32 MB 16 MB 16 MB 160 MB
32 MB 32 MB 32 MB 32 MB 32 MB 32 MB 192 MB

The above configurations are only some of
the available memory combinations. You
can use other combinations as long as you
follow the rules when upgrading memory.
See section 1.7.1.

System Board 1-11

1.7.3 Installing a SIMM

Read the ESD precautions in section 1.4
before proceeding.

Follow these steps to install a SIMM:

1. Slip a SIMM at a 45o angle into a socket with the component side
facing down. Be careful when inserting SIMMs to avoid
damaging the SIMM or the socket.

2. Gently push the SIMM to a vertical position until the pegs of the
socket slip into the holes on the SIMM, and the holding clips lock
the SIMM into position. The SIMM should be at a 90o angle
when installed.

Hole

Peg

Clip

Figure 1-5 Installing a SIMM

1-12 User’s Guide

1.7.4 Removing a SIMM

Follow these steps to remove a SIMM:

1. Press the holding clips on both sides of the SIMM outward to
release it.

2. Push the SIMM downward to a 45o angle.

3. Pull the SIMM out of the socket.

Figure 1-6 Removing a SIMM

System Board 1-13

1.7.5 Reconfiguring the System

Reconfigure the system after installing or removing SIMMs.
Follow these steps to reconfigure the system:

1. Reboot the system. A memory error message appears,
indicating that the total memory does not match the value stored
in CMOS.

2. Press b-a-^ during the power-on self-test (POST) routine to run
Setup. During POST, a message indicating a wrong memory
configuration appears.

3. Press ^ twice to exit Setup and reboot the system. The system
boots with the new memory configuration.

1-14 User’s Guide

1.8 Second-level Cache Upgrade

The system supports synchronous pipeline burst second-level cache.
The system board has an exclusive 160-pin socket for the

synchronous pipeline burst cache module. The cache module socket
supports either a 256 KB or 512 KB 3.3V cache module.

Follow these steps to install a cache module:

1. Position the cache module on top of the socket such that its
component side faces the CPU.

2. Insert the cache module carefully until the golden finger of the
module fit into place.

Figure 1-7 Installing a Synchronous Cache Module

System Board 1-15

1.9 Video Memory Upgrade

Larger video memory allows you to display higher resolutions and
more colors. The system board comes with a 512-MB video memory
onboard upgradable to 1 MB.

Follow these steps to upgrade the video memory:

1. Locate the video DRAM upgrade sockets labeled U5 and U6 on
the system board. See Figure 1-1.

2. Gently insert a 514260ASL (256K x 16, 70ns SOJ) chip into each
of the upgrade sockets.

Make sure that the pin 1 indicator on the chip
matches the notched corner of the socket.

Pin 1 Indicator

Notched Corner

Figure 1-8 Installing a Video Memory Chip

1-16 User’s Guide

1.10 SCSI Feature

The system board features a single-chip SCSI host adapter that adds
SCSI I/O capability to the system. The chipset consists of an onboard
microcontroller, bus master interface controller, and SCSI controllers.
A 50-pin Fast SCSI-II interface with 10 MB/s transfer rate and a
68-pin Wide SCSI interface that transfers at 20 MB/s (Wide SCSI)
and 40 MB/s (Ultra SCSI) are also onboard to accommodate various
SCSI devices.

1.10.1 Using the SCSI Feature

Follow these steps to use the SCSI feature:

1. Install a SCSI device in the system and connect it to the SCSI
interface on the system board. See Figure 1-1 for the location.

2. Set jumper JP2 and JP6 accordingly. Refer to Table 1-1 for the
jumper settings.

3. Enter the BIOS utility to set the corresponding SCSI parameters.

4. Enter the SCSI Setup utility and make the necessary changes.
Refer to the SCSI manual for more information.

For more information about the installation procedures under different
operating systems, read the README.XXX in the subdirectory of the
target operating system.

System Board 1-17

1.11 Error Messages

Do not continue using the computer if you receive an error message
of any type. Note the message and take corrective action. This
section describes the types of error messages and lists their
corresponding corrective measures.

There are two general types of error messages:

• Software

• System

1.11.1 Software Error Messages

Software error messages are returned by your operating system or
application. These messages typically occur after you boot the
operating system or when you run your application. If you receive
this type of message, consult your application or operating system
manual for help.

1.11.2 System Error Messages

A system error message indicates a problem with the computer itself.
A message of this type normally appears during the power-on self­test, before the operating system prompt appears. Table 1-4 lists the
system error messages.

1-18 User’s Guide

Table 1-4 System Error Messages

Message Action

CMOS Battery Error Replace the RTC chip or contact

your dealer.

CMOS Checksum Error Check the RTC chip and the

necessary jumper. If the battery

is still good, run Setup.
Display Card Mismatch Run Setup
Diskette Drive Controller Error

or Not Installed
Diskette Drive Error Diskette may be defective. If not,

Diskette Drive A Type
Mismatch

Diskette Drive B Type
Mismatch

Equipment Configuration
Error

Hard Disk Controller Error Run Setup.
Hard Disk 0 Error Check all cable connections.

Hard Disk 1 Error Check all cable connections.

Keyboard Error or No
Keyboard Connected

Keyboard Interface Error Replace the keyboard or contact

Memory Error at:
MMMM:SSSS:OOO
(W:XXXX, R:YYYY)

where:
M: MB, S: Segment,
O: Offset,
X/Y: write/read pattern

Check and connect the control

cable to the diskette controller.

replace the diskette drive.

Run Setup and select the proper

drive type.

Run Setup and select the proper

drive type.

Modify DRAM configuration to

agree with one of the options in

Table 1-3.

Replace hard disk.

Replace hard disk.

Check and connect the keyboard

to the system unit.

your dealer.

Check SIMMs on the system

board. Contact your dealer.

System Board 1-19

Table 1-4 System Error Messages (continued)

Message Action

Memory Size Mismatch
CPU Clock Mismatch

Onboard Serial Port 1 Conflict Run Setup and disable the port.
Onboard Serial Port 2 Conflict Run Setup and disable the port.
Onboard Parallel Port Conflict Run Setup and disable the port.
Pointing Device Error Check and connect pointing

Pointing Device Interface
Error

Press l key to continue or

Check the memory size based on
the system specifications. Check
the internal cable connections. If
you are sure that connections
and values are correct, ignore the
message. If the message
reappears, ask for technical
assistance.

device.
Replace the pointing device or

contact your dealer.
Press l or b-a-^.

b-a-^ for Setup

Real Time Clock Error Check the RTC chip. If it is still

good, run Setup. If not, replace
the RTC chip.

1-20 User’s Guide

1.11.3 Correcting Error Conditions

As a general rule, if an error message says "Press F1 to continue," it
is caused by a configuration problem, which can be easily corrected.
An equipment malfunction is more likely to cause a fatal error, i.e., an
error that causes complete system failure.

Here are some corrective measures for error conditions:

1. Run Setup. You must know the correct configuration values for
your system before you enter Setup, which is why you should
write them down when the system is correctly configured. An
incorrect configuration is a major cause of power-on error
messages, especially for a new system.

2. Remove the system cover, following the directions in the housing
installation manual. Check that the jumpers on the system board
and any expansion boards are set correctly.

3. If you cannot access a new disk, it may be because your disk is
not properly formatted. Format the disk first using the FDISK
and FORMAT commands.

4. Check that all connectors and boards are secure.

If you go through these steps and still receive an error message, the
cause may be an equipment malfunction.

If you are sure that your configuration values are correct and your
battery is in good condition, the problem may lie in a damaged or
defective chip.

In either case, contact an authorized service center for assistance.

System Board 1-21

Chapter

22

BIOS Utility

Most systems are already configured by the manufacturer or the
dealer. There is no need to run Setup when starting the computer
unless you get a Run Setup message.

The Setup program loads configuration values into the battery-backed
nonvolatile memory called CMOS RAM. This memory area is not
part of the system RAM.

If you repeatedly receive Run Setup
messages, the battery may be bad. In this
case, the system cannot retain configuration
values in CMOS. Ask a qualified technician
for assistance.

Before running Setup, have the following information ready:

• Diskette drive type The standard type is either a 5.25-inch

1.2-MB or a 3.5-inch 1.44-MB diskette drive.

• IDE hard disk drive type The drive information is on a label

pasted on your Hard disk or in the documentation supplied by the
vendor. Refer also to the hard disk table at the end of this
chapter.

BIOS Utility 2-1

2.1 Entering Setup

To enter Setup, press the key combination b+a+^.

You must press b+a+^ while the system is
booting. This key combination do not work
during any other time.

The BIOS Utility main menu then appears:

BIOS Utility

Basic System Configuration

Advanced System Configuration

PCI System Configuration

Non-PnP ISA Card Configuration

Power Saving Configuration

System Security

Load Setup Default Settings

↑↓ = Move Highlight Bar, ← = Select, Esc = Exit and Reboot

The parameters on the screens show default
values. These values may not be the same
as those in your system.

The grayed items (denoted with asterisks) on
the screens have fixed settings and are not
user-configurable.

2-2 User’s Guide

2.2 Basic System Configuration

Select Basic System Configuration to input configuration values such
as date, time, and disk types.

The following screen shows the Basic System Configuration menu.

Basic System Configuration Page 1/2

Date ..................... [MM/DD/YY]

Time ..................... [HH:MM:SS]

Diskette Drive A ......... [xx-MB xx-inch]

Diskette Drive B ......... [xx-MB xx-inch]

Cylinder Head Sector

Hard Disk 0 (xxx MB)..... [Auto] xx xx xx

Hard Disk 1 (xxx MB)..... [Auto] xx xx xx

*Base Memory ............. [ xxx] KB

*Extended Memory ......... [ xxxx] KB

*Total Memory ............ [ xxxx] KB

*Math Coprocessor ........ [ Installed ]

*Video Display ........... [VGA/EGA]

↑↓ = Move Highlight Bar, → ← = Change Setting
PgDn/PgUp = Move Screen, F1 = Help, Esc = Exit

The command line at the bottom of the menu tells you how to
highlight items, change settings, and move from one screen to
another.

Press w or y on the cursor-edit keypad to highlight the desired
parameter.

Press x or z to select the desired option for an item.
Press }to move to the next page or {to return to the previous page.
Press ^ to exit the configuration menu.
The following screen shows page 2 of the Basic System Configuration

menu.

BIOS Utility 2-3

Basic System Configuration Page 2/2

Communication Settings

Baud Rate ..................... [9600] BPS

Parity ........................ [None]

Stop Bits ..................... [1] Bits

Data Length ................... [8] Bits

Enhanced IDE Features

Hard Disk Block Mode .......... [Disabled]

Hard Disk Size > 504MB ........ [Disabled]

Large Memory Support Mode ......... [ Normal ]

Num Lock After Boot .............. [Enabled ]

*Memory Test ...................... [Disabled]

Auto Configuration Mode ........... [Enabled ]

Fast Boot Mode ................... [Enabled ]

↑↓ = Move Highlight Bar, → ← = Change Setting
PgDn/PgUp = Move Screen, F1 = Help, Esc = Exit

The following sections explain the different parameters and their
settings.

2.2.1 Date and Time

The real-time clock keeps the system date and time. After setting the
date and time, you need not enter them every time you turn on the
system. As long as the internal battery remains good (approximately
seven years) and connected, the clock continues to keep the date and
time accurately even when the power is off.

Date

Highlight the items on the date parameter and press x or z to set the
date following the month-day-year format.

2-4 User’s Guide

Valid values for month, day, and year are:

• Month 1 to 12

• Day 1 to 31

• Year 00 to 99

Time

Highlight the items on the time parameter and press x or z to set the
time following the hour-minute-second format.

Valid values for hour, minute, and second are:

• Hour 00 to 23

• Minute 00 to 59

• Second 00 to 59

2.2.2 Diskette Drives

To enter the configuration value for the first diskette drive (drive A),
highlight the Diskette Drive A parameter. Press x or z key to view the
options and select the appropriate value.

Possible settings for the Diskette Drive parameters:

• [ None ]

• [360 KB, 5.25-inch]

• [1.2 MB, 5.25-inch]

• [720 KB, 3.5-inch]

• [1.44 MB, 3.5-inch]

• [2.88 MB, 3.5-inch]

Follow the same procedure for Diskette Drive B. Choose None if you
do not have a second diskette drive.

BIOS Utility 2-5

2.2.3 Hard Disk Drives

Move the highlight bar to the hard disk 0 parameter to configure the
first hard disk (drive C). Press x or z to display the hard disk types
with their respective values. Select the type that corresponds to your
hard disk drive. Follow the same procedure for the other hard disks,
if any. Choose None if you do not have other drives.

Selecting the “Auto” Option

If you do not know the exact type of your hard disk, select the option

Auto. During the power-on self-test (POST), when the system

performs self-testing and self-initialization before loading the
operating system and applications, the BIOS utility automatically
determines your hard disk type. You can see the drive type and its
values when you enter the BIOS Utility.

Cylinder Head Sector

Hard Disk 0 (xx MB) ... [Auto] xx xx xx

If desired, you can save the values under the option User.

Cylinder Head Sector

Hard Disk 0 (xx MB) ... [User] xx xx xx

The next time you boot the system, the BIOS utility does not have to
auto-configure your hard disk as it detects the saved disk information
during POST.

We recommend that you copy the IDE disk
drive values and keep them in a safe place in
case you have to reconfigure the disk in the
future.

Follow the same procedure to auto-configure other hard disks.

2-6 User’s Guide

Selecting the “User” Option

There are cases when you cannot use the option Auto, instead you
have to select User. Choose the User option when you have
installed an hard disk that was previously formatted but does not use
the disk native parameters or structure, that is, the disk type may be
in the hard disk types list but the number of cylinders, heads, and
sectors differ.

Follow these steps to configure a hard disk with the User option:

1. Highlight an hard disk parameter.

2. Select the option User and press e.

3. Type in the number of cylinders, heads, and sectors of the drive
under the appropriate columns.

Be sure to have the correct hard disk
information beforehand.

4. Choose YES when asked if you want to save CMOS data.

2.2.4 System Memory

The system automatically detects the total amount of onboard
memory during the POST and sets the memory parameters
accordingly. If you install additional memory, the system
automatically adjusts the Total Memory parameter to display the new
memory size.

2.2.5 Math Coprocessor

The CPU includes a math coprocessor so this parameter shows

Installed by default.

BIOS Utility 2-7

2.2.6 Video Display

The video display is the monitor on which the operating system
prompt appears when you boot the system. The system automatically
detects the video mode of your primary display and sets the
configuration value accordingly. Values for this parameter are:

• [Monochrome]

• [CGA 40 columns x 25 rows]

• [CGA 80 columns x 25 rows]

• [VGA/EGA]

2.2.7 Communication Settings

The Communication Settings parameters allow you to set the baud
rate, parity, stop bit and data length for the first serial port (COM 1).
The values for this parameter are:

• Baud rate : 110 to 9600 bits per second (BPS)

• Parity : odd, even, or none

• Stop bit : 1 or 2 stop bits

• Data length : 7- or 8-bit data word

The baud rate maximum value 9600 BPS
applies only to POST under UNIX
environment. The system I/O chipset
SMC 37C665GT supports up to 115.2K BPS.

2-8 User’s Guide

2.2.8 Enhanced IDE Features

Hard Disk Block Mode

This function enhances disk performance depending on the hard disk
in use. If you set this parameter to Enabled, it allows data transfer in
block (multiple sectors) by increasing the data transfer rate to 256
bytes per cycle. If your system does not boot after enabling this
parameter, change the setting to Disabled. This parameter is
normally set to Disabled .

Hard Disk Size > 504 MB

This enhanced IDE feature works only under DOS and Windows 3.x
environments. If enabled, it allows you to use a hard disk with a
capacity of more than 504 MB. This is made possible through the
Logical Block Address (LBA) mode translation. Other operating
systems require this parameter to be set to Disabled.

To prevent data loss, set this parameter set to Enabled if you are
using a hard disk with more than 504 MB capacity that was previously
configured through LBA mode. If you use a hard disk configured
through cylinder-head-sector (CHS) mode, set this item to Disabled
.

2.2.9 Large Memory Support Mode

This parameter allows the system to support an extended memory
higher than 64 MB. Set this parameter to Advanced if you are
working under Windows NT environment and the system memory
size is greater than or equal to 64 MB, otherwise, set it to Normal.
The default setting is Normal.

BIOS Utility 2-9

2.2.10 Num Lock After Boot

This parameter allows you to activate the Num Lock function upon
booting. The default setting is Enabled.

2.2.11 Memory Test

When set to Enabled, this parameter allows the system to perform a
RAM test during the POST routine. When set to Disabled, the
system detects only the memory size and bypasses the test routine.
The default setting is Disabled .

This item is fixed to Disabled and is not user-configurable if you
enabled the Auto Configuration Mode and the Fast Boot Mode
parameters on page 2 of the Basic System Configuration menu. See
section 2.2.12 and 2.2.13.

2.2.12 Auto Configuration Mode

When enabled, this parameter automatically sets the system
configuration values to their optimized settings. At the same time, it
causes the Memory Test parameter to be fixed to Disabled and the
shadow RAM regions for system and video BIOS to Enabled . See
sections 2.2.11 and 2.3.1.

Set this parameter to the default Enabled if you do not know the hard
disk drive parameters and the onboard communication port
configurations.

2.2.13 Fast Boot Mode

When enabled, this parameter allows the system to boot faster by
skipping some POST routines. It bypasses memory test, enables
Shadow RAM, and enables primary- and second-level cache. This
parameter is enabled by default.

2-10 User’s Guide

When set to Enabled, this parameter causes the Memory Test
parameter to be fixed to Disabled and the shadow RAM regions for
system and video BIOS to Enabled . See sections 2.2.11 and 2.3.1.

BIOS Utility 2-11

2.3 Advanced System Configuration

The Advanced System Configuration option allows you to configure
the advanced system memory functions.

Do not change any settings in the Advanced
Configuration if you are not a qualified
technician to avoid damaging system.

The following screen shows page one of the Advanced System
Configuration parameters.

Advanced System Configuration Page 1/1

Shadow RAM

*E0000h - FFFFFh (System BIOS) ... [Enabled ]

*C0000h - C7FFFh (Video BIOS) ..... [Enabled ]

C8000h - CBFFFh ................. [Disabled]

CC000h - CFFFFh ................. [Disabled]

D0000h - D3FFFh .................. [Disabled]

D4000h - D7FFFh ................. [Disabled]

D8000h - DBFFFh ................. [Disabled]

DC000h - DFFFFh ................. [Disabled]

*Internal Cache (CPU Cache) ......... [Enabled ]

*External Cache ..................... [Enabled ]

ECC/Parity Mode Selection .......... [Disabled]

*Operation of ECC ................ [ None ]

Memory at 15MB-16MB Reserved for .... [ System ] Use

↑↓ = Move Highlight Bar, → ← = Change Setting
PgDn/PgUp = Move Screen, F1 = Help, Esc = Exit

The grayed parameters (denoted with
asterisks) are not user-configurable.

2-12 User’s Guide

2.3.1 Shadow RAM

The system reserves 384 KB of random access memory (RAM) for
the shadow RAM function. This parameter has eight range
addresses. When you set these addresses to Enabled, the system
BIOS, video BIOS, and I/O ROM functions run directly from the
shadow RAM for faster operation. When you set them to Disabled,
the functions run normally from ROM.

The address range E0000h - FFFFFh is for shadowing the system
BIOS. This item is always set to Enabled and is not user­configurable. The address range C0000h - C7FFFh is for shadowing
the video BIOS. This item is fixed to Enabled and is not user­configurable if the Auto Configuration Mode and the Fast Boot Mode
parameters on page 2 of the Basic System Configuration menu are
enabled. Otherwise, you can choose to disable this item.

The remaining address ranges are for I/O ROM functions.

2.3.2 Internal Cache (CPU Cache)

This parameter enables or disables the internal cache memory. This
item is fixed to Enabled and is not user-configurable if you enabled
the Auto configuration Mode and Fast Boot Mode parameters on
page 2 of the Basic System Configuration menu. Otherwise, you can
choose to disable this item.

2.3.3 External Cache

This parameter enables or disables the external cache memory. This
item is fixed to Enabled and is not user-configurable if you enabled
the Auto Configuration Mode and Fast Boot Mode parameters on
page 2 of the Basic System Configuration menu. Otherwise, you can
choose to disable this item.

BIOS Utility 2-13

2.3.4 ECC/Parity Mode Selection

This parameter allows you to enable or disable the ECC and parity
checking feature. Fast-page mode SIMMs supports both ECC and
parity mode while EDO SIMMs supports only ECC mode.

You must disable this parameter if you installed SIMMs without parity.

Operation of ECC

This parameter allows you to select the error detection mode. The
following are the ECC operation options.

• None - detects single-bit errors but does not report the error

(no error message).

• Single-bit - detects single-bit errors, shows an error message,

and automatically corrects the errors.

• Multiple-bit - detects multiple-bit errors and shows an error

message but does not correct the errors.

• Both - detects both single- and multiple bit errors, shows an error

message, but corrects only single-bit errors.

2.3.5 Memory at 15MB-16MB

To prevent memory address conflicts between the system and
expansion boards, reserve this memory range for the use of either the
system or an expansion board. Before setting this parameter, check
your add-on card manual to determine if your add-on card needs this
memory space. If not, set this parameter to System Use.

2-14 User’s Guide

2.4 PCI System Configuration

The PCI System Configuration allows you to specify the settings for
your PCI devices.

PCI System Configuration Page 1/1

PCI IRQ Setting ........... [ Auto ]

*PCI Slot 1 ........... [--] [--] [--] [--]

*PCI Slot 2 ........... [--] [--] [--] [--]

*PCI Slot 3 ........... [--] [--] [--] [--]

*PCI Slot 4 ........... [--] [--] [--] [--]

VGA Palette Snoop ......... [Disabled]

Onboard SCSI .............. [Enabled ]

Boot Device ...........[Disabled]

↑↓ = Move Highlight Bar, → ← = Change Setting
PgDn/PgUp = Move Screen, F1 = Help, Esc = Exit

2.4.1 PCI IRQ Setting

INTA INTB INTC INTD

This parameter allows for Auto or Manual configuration of PCI
devices. If you use plug-and-play (PnP) devices, you can keep the
default setting Auto. The system then automatically configures the
PnP devices. If your PCI device is not a PnP, you can manually
assign the interrupt for each of the device.

Refer to your manual for technical
information about the PCI card.

BIOS Utility 2-15

PCI Slots

These parameters allow you to specify the appropriate interrupt for
each of the PCI devices. You can assign IRQ3, IRQ4, IRQ5, IRQ7,
IRQ9, IRQ10, IRQ11, IRQ14, or IRQ15 to the slots.

Make sure that the interrupt you assign in
any of the PCI slots are not used by other
devices to avoid conflicts.

Use the w or y key to move between fields. Use the x or z key to
select options.

2.4.2 VGA Palette Snoop

PCI devices support the palette snooping technique that enables the
device to control access to their palette registers. Set this parameter
to Enabled to activate the palette snooping function in the PCI VGA
devices installed in your system. Check your VGA card manual for
more information about this function.

2.4.3 Onboard SCSI

This parameter allows you to enable or disable the SCSI feature.

Boot Device

This parameter allows you to enable or disable the onboard SCSI
boot priority.

2-16 User’s Guide

2.5 Non-PnP ISA Card Configuration

The Non-PnP ISA Card Configuration parameters allow you to specify
the settings for cards without the plug-and-play (PnP) feature.

Non-PnP ISA Card Configuration Page 1/3

System Resources Used by Non-PnP ISA Cards

IRQ 00 ... [---]* IRQ 08 ... [---]* DMA 0 ... [No ]
IRQ 01 ... [---]* IRQ 09 ... [No ] DMA 1 ... [No ]
IRQ 02 ... [---]* IRQ 10 ... [No ] DMA 2 ... [---]*
IRQ 03 ... [No ] IRQ 11 ... [No ] DMA 3 ... [No ]
IRQ 04 ... [No ] IRQ 12 ... [No ] DMA 4 ... [---]*
IRQ 05 ... [No ] IRQ 13 ... [---]* DMA 5 ... [No ]
IRQ 06 ... [---]* IRQ 14 ... [---]* DMA 6 ... [No ]
IRQ 07 ... [No ] IRQ 15 ... [No ] DMA 7 ... [No ]

Expansion ROM Region

C8000h - CBFFFh .... [No ] D4000h - D7FFFh .... [No ]

CC000h - CFFFFh .... [No ] D8000h - DBFFFh .... [No ]

D0000h - D3FFFh .... [No ] DC000h - DFFFFH .... [No ]

↑↓ = Move Highlight Bar, → ← = Change Setting
PgDn/PgUp = Move Screen, F1 = Help, Esc = Exit

The grayed items (denoted with asterisks)
have fixed settings and are not user­configurable.

BIOS Utility 2-17

Non-PnP ISA Card Configuration Page 2/3

I/O Region

100h-10Fh .. [No ] 200h-20Fh ..[No ] 300h-30Fh .. [No ]
110h-11Fh .. [No ] 210h-21Fh ..[No ] 310h-31Fh .. [No ]
120h-12Fh .. [No ] 220h-22Fh ..[No ] 320h-32Fh .. [No ]
130h-13Fh .. [No ] 230h-23Fh ..[No ] 330h-33Fh .. [No ]
140h-14Fh .. [No ] 240h-24Fh ..[No ] 340h-34Fh .. [No ]
150h-15Fh .. [No ] 250h-25Fh ..[No ] 350h-35Fh .. [No ]
160h-16Fh .. [No ] 260h-26Fh ..[No ] 360h-36Fh .. [No ]
170h-17Fh .. [No ] 270h-27Fh ..[No ] 370h-37Fh .. [No ]
180h-18Fh .. [No ] 280h-28Fh ..[No ] 380h-38Fh .. [No ]
190h-19Fh .. [No ] 290h-29Fh ..[No ] 390h-39Fh .. [No ]
1A0h-1AFh .. [No ] 2A0h-2AFh ..[No ] 3A0h-3AFh .. [No ]
1B0h-1BFh .. [No ] 2B0h-2BFh ..[No ] 3B0h-3BFh .. [No ]
1C0h-1CFh .. [No ] 2C0h-2CFh ..[No ] 3C0h-3CFh .. [No ]
1D0h-1DFh .. [No ] 2D0h-2DFh ..[No ] 3D0h-3DFh .. [No ]
1E0h-1EFh .. [No ] 2E0h-2EFh ..[No ] 3E0h-3EFh .. [No ]
1F0h-1FFh .. [---]* 2F0h-2FFh ..[No ] 3F0h-3FFh .. [No ]

↑↓ = Move Highlight Bar, → ← = Change Setting
PgDn/PgUp = Move Screen, F1 = Help, Esc = Exit

2-18 User’s Guide

Refer to your non-PnP ISA card manual
when setting the following parameters.

2.5.1 System Resources Used by
Non-PnP ISA Cards

This parameter allows you to assign specific IRQ and DMA channels
to non-PnP ISA cards. The system will not use such IRQ and DMA
channels when it automatically assigns channels to PnP cards.

2.5.2 Expansion ROM Region

This parameter specifies the memory regions available for add-on
card use. It allows you to manually assign specific regions to non­PnP cards so that the system will not use those regions anymore
when it automatically configures PnP cards.

2.5.3 I/O Region

The items under this parameter allow you to reserve 16-byte memory
address ranges for non-PnP cards. When the system configures PnP
cards, the address ranges that you marked will not be used anymore.

You can assign memory addresses to non-PnP cards at random as
long as you cover the address range required by the card. For
example, for a card that requires 178h-188h address, you have to set
regions 170h-17Fh and 180h-18Fh to Yes.

BIOS Utility 2-19

2.6 Power Saving Configuration

The Power Saving Configuration parameters are configurable only if
your system supports the power management feature.

The following screens show the Power Saving Configuration
parameters and their default settings:

Power Saving Configuration Page 1/1

Power Management Mode ................[Disabled]

*System Standby Timer ............. [OFF]

*System Suspend Timer ............. [OFF]

System/Wakeup Events

IRQ 0...... [Disabled]* IRQ 8 ...... [Disabled]

IRQ 1...... [Enabled ]* IRQ 9 ...... [Disabled]

IRQ 3...... [Disabled] IRQ 10..... [Disabled]

IRQ 4...... [Disabled] IRQ 11..... [Disabled]

IRQ 5...... [Disabled] IRQ 12..... [Enabled ]*

IRQ 6...... [Disabled] IRQ 13..... [Disabled]

IRQ 7...... [Disabled] IRQ 14..... [Disabled]

↑↓ = Move Highlight Bar, → ← = Change Setting
PgDn/PgUp = Move Screen, F1 = Help, Esc = Exit

IRQ 15..... [Disabled]

2-20 User’s Guide

2.6.1 Power Management Mode

This parameter allows you to reduce power consumption. When this
parameter is set to Enabled, you can configure the monitor, IDE hard
disk, and system timers. Setting to Disabled deactivates the power
management feature and all the timers.

IDE Hard Disk Standby Timer

This parameter allows the hard disk to enter standby mode after
inactivity of 1 to 15 minutes, depending on your setting. When you
access the hard disk again, allow 3 to 5 seconds (depending on the
hard disk) for the disk to return to normal speed. Set this parameter
to Off if your hard disk does not support this function.

System Standby Timer

This parameter sets the system to a "fast-on" power saving mode. It
automatically enters the standby mode after a specified period of
inactivity. Any keyboard or mouse action, or any enabled monitored
activities occurring through IRQ or DRQ channels, resume system
operation. See section 2.5.2.

2.6.2 System/Wakeup Events

This parameter allows you to monitor system activities occurring
through the IRQ and determine whether or not to enter power saving
mode.

For example, if you assign IRQ 3 to a fax/modem and you set this
item to Enabled, any fax/modem activity wakes up the system from
suspend mode.

BIOS Utility 2-21

2.7 System Security Setup

The Setup program has a number of security features to prevent
unauthorized access to the system and its data.

Enter the Setup program and select System Security. The following
screen appears:

System Security Page 1/1

Disk Drive Control

Diskette Drive.................. [ Normal ]

Hard Disk Drive................. [ Normal ]

System Boot Drive............... [Drive A then C]

Onboard Communication Ports

Serial Port 1 Base Address...... [ 3F8h ]

Serial Port 2 Base Address...... [ 2F8h ]

Parallel Port Base Address...... [378 (IRQ 7]

Operation Mode...............[Standard Parallel Port (SPP)] Mode

*ECP DMA Channel ......... [-]

Setup Password .................... [ None ]

Power On Password ................. [ None ]

↑↓ = Move Highlight Bar, → ← = Change Setting
PgDn/PgUp = Move Screen, F1 = Help, Esc = Exit

2.7.1 Disk Drive Control

The disk drive control features allow you to enable or disable the
read/write functions of a disk drive. These features can also control
the diskette drive or the hard disk drive boot function to prevent
loading operating systems or other programs from a certain drive
while the other drives are operational.

Table 2-1 lists the drive control settings and their corresponding
functions.

2-22 User’s Guide

Table 2-1 Drive Control Settings

Diskette Drive

Setting Description

Normal Diskette drive functions normally
Write Protect All Sectors Disables the write function on all sectors
Write Protect Boot Sector Disables the write function only on boot

sector

Disabled Disables all diskette functions

Hard Disk Drive

Setting Description

Normal Hard disk drive functions normally
Write Protect All Sectors Disables the write function on all sectors
Write Protect Boot Sector Disables the write function only on boot

sector

Disabled Disables all hard disk functions

System Boot Drive

Setting Description

Drive A then C System boots from drive A to C
Drive C then A System boots from drive C to A
C: System always boots from drive C
A: System always boots from drive A

BIOS Utility 2-23

2.7.2 Onboard Communication Ports

Serial Port 1 Base Address

This parameter enables serial port 1 as COM 1 and sets its address.

Table 2-2 Serial Port 1 Settings

Setting Function

Serial 1 (3F8h) COM1 with address 3F8h
Serial 2 (2F8h) COM2 with address 2F8h
Serial 3 (3E8h) COM3 with address 3E8h
Serial 4 (2E8h) COM4 with address 2E8h
Disabled Disables serial port 1

Serial Port 2 Base Address

This parameter enables serial port 2 and sets its address.

Table 2-3 Serial Port 2 Settings

Setting Function

Serial 1 (2F8h) COM1 with address 2F8h
Serial 2 (3F8h) COM2 with address 3F8h
Serial 3 (2E8h) COM3 with address 2E8h
Serial 4 (3E8h) COM4 with address 3E8h
Disabled Disables serial port 2

2-24 User’s Guide

Parallel Port Base Address

The system has one parallel port. Table 2-4 lists the options for
selecting the parallel port address. You also have the option to
disable the parallel port.

Table 2-4 Parallel Port Settings

Setting Function

3BCh (IRQ 7) Corresponds to the parallel port with

address 3BCh

378h (IRQ 7) Corresponds to the parallel port with

address 378h

278h (IRQ 5) Corresponds to the parallel port with

address 278h

Disabled Disables the parallel port

To deactivate the parallel port, select the Disabled option. If you
install an add-on card that has a parallel port whose address conflicts
with the parallel port onboard, the system automatically disables the
onboard functions.

Check the parallel port address on the add-on card and change the
address to one that does not conflict.

BIOS Utility 2-25

OPERATION MODE

This item allows you to set the operation mode of the parallel port.
Table 2-5 lists the different operation modes.

Table 2-5 Parallel Port Operation Mode Settings

Setting Function

Standard Parallel Port (SPP) Allows normal speed one-way

operation

Standard and Bidirectional Allows normal speed operation in a

two-way mode

Enhanced Parallel Port (EPP) Allows bidirectional parallel port

operation at maximum speed

Extended Capabilities Port
(ECP)

ECP DMA CHANNEL

Allows parallel port to operate in
bidirectional mode and at a speed
higher than the maximum data
transfer rate

This item becomes active only if you select Extended

Capabilities Port (ECP) as the operation mode. It allows you to

select DMA channel 1 or DMA channel 3 (as required in Windows95).

2-26 User’s Guide

2.7.3 Setup Password

The Setup Password prevents unauthorized access to the BIOS
utility.

Set jumper JP2 to pins 1-2 to enable the
password function.

Setting a Password

1. Highlight the Setup Password parameter and press the left- or

right-arrow key. The password prompt appears:

2. Type a password. The password may consist of up to seven

characters.

Exercise caution when typing your password
because the characters do not appear on the
screen.

3. Press e. A prompt asks you to retype the password to verify

your first entry.

4. Retype the password then press e.

After setting the password, the system automatically sets the Setup
Password parameter to Present. The next time you want to enter
the BIOS utility, you must key-in your Setup password.

BIOS Utility 2-27

If You Forget the Password

If you forget your password, you must return the configuration values
stored in CMOS to their default values. Should this happen, call your
dealer for assistance.

2.7.4 Power On Password

The Power On Password secures your system against unauthorized
use. Once you set this password, you have to type it whenever you
boot the system. To set this password, follow the same procedure as
in setting the Setup password.

2.8 Load Setup Default Settings

Use this option to load the default settings for the optimized system
configuration. When you load the default settings, some of the
parameters are grayed-out with their fixed settings. These grayed
parameters are not user-configurable. If you want to change the
settings of these items, disable the Fast Boot Mode parameter in the
Basic System Configuration menu.

The following dialog box appears when you select Load Setup Default
Settings from the main menu.

Load Setup Default Settings
Are you sure

[Yes] [No]

Select [Yes] to load the default settings.

2-28 User’s Guide

2.9 Leaving Setup

Examine the system configuration values. When you are satisfied
that all the values are correct, write them down. Store the recorded
values in a safe place. In the future, if the battery loses power or the
CMOS chip is damaged, you will know what values to enter when you
rerun Setup.

Press ^ to leave the system configuration setup. If there is any
change in the BIOS utility functions, the following screen appears:

Do you want to save CMOS data?

[Yes] [No]

Use the arrow keys to select your response. Select Yes to store the
new data in CMOS. Select No to retain the old configuration values.
Press e.

BIOS Utility 2-29

2.10 IDE Hard Disk Types

Type Cylinders Heads Sectors Per Track

None (indicates SCSI or no hard disk)

1 306 4 17
2 615 4 17
3 615 6 17
4 940 8 17
5 940 6 17
6 615 4 17
7 462 8 17
8 733 5 17

9 900 15 17
10 820 3 17
11 855 5 17
12 855 7 17
13 306 8 17
14 733 7 17
15 (reserved)
16 612 4 17
17 977 5 17
18 977 7 17
19 1024 7 17
20 733 5 17
21 733 7 17
22 733 5 17
23 306 4 17
24 612 4 17
25 306 4 17
26 612 4 17
27 698 7 17

2-30 User’s Guide

Type Cylinders Heads Sectors Per Track

28 976 5 17
29 306 4 17
30 611 4 17
31 732 7 17
32 1023 5 17
33 751 8 17
34 755 16 17
35 731 13 26
36 980 15 17
37 936 16 17
38 981 5 17
39 981 10 17
40 762 8 39
41 980 5 17
42 832 8 33
43 683 12 38
44 513 16 38
45 776 8 33
46 683 16 38
47 832 6 33
48 615 2 34
49 989 16 63
50 823 4 38
51 1001 15 17
52 1024 17 22
53 723 13 51
54 548 8 38
55 1013 4 41
56 929 15 17

BIOS Utility 2-31

Type Cylinders Heads Sectors Per Track

57 817 14 36
58 723 13 81
59 802 4 39
60 1024 9 17
61 895 5 55
62 (reserved)
63 966 10 34
64 1024 8 17
65 1024 11 17
66 918 11 17
67 965 14 49
68 1024 10 17
69 1024 12 17
70 1024 13 17
71 1024 14 17
72 1024 11 50
73 1024 16 17
74 918 15 17
75 1010 16 51
76 1024 5 17
77 1024 8 17
78 (reserved)
79 1001 15 32
80 1024 16 63
81 1024 7 17
82 988 16 52
83 1024 15 17
84 776 8 33
85 926 13 17

2-32 User’s Guide

Type Cylinders Heads Sectors Per Track

86 805 4 26
87 976 5 17
88 685 16 38
89 1011 15 22
90 997 10 53
91 985 13 32
92 816 15 32
93 968 5 17
94 903 8 46
95 966 5 34
96 535 10 50
97 715 10 50
98 1016 16 63
99 996 16 63

Auto or User (User-defined)

BIOS Utility 2-33

Jumper Setting

Document's Author: AcerAltos/Acer
Model Name: M7
Date Created: 16.01.96
Date Last Modified: 16.01.96

Table 1-1 Jumper Settings
Jumper Setting Function
CPU Voltage
JP1
1-2
2-3** Default setting
VR
VRE
SCSI Termination
JP2
1-2
2-3*
Terminator always ON
Use SCSI Setup Utility to set terminator ON or OFF
Cache Size
JP3
1-2*
2-3
256 KB
512 KB
SCSI Selection
JP6
1-2*
2-3
16-bit
8-bit
BIOS Version
JP8
1-2*
2-3
Acer
Generic
Password Security
JP9
1-2
2-3*
Enabled
Disabled
PC Sound Source
JP10
1-2*
2-3
Buzzer
Speaker
Front Panel Reset
JP11
1-2*
2-3
Enabled
Disabled

Table 1-1 Jumper Settings (continued)

Jumper Setting Function
Core/Bus Freq.
JP4, JP5, JP7 JP4 JP5 JP7
2-3 2-3 1-2
1-2 1-2 2-3
2-3 1-2 2-3
2-3 2-3 2-3
1-2 1-2 3-4
2-3 1-2 3-4
2-3 2-3 3-4 Bus Freq. Core Freq. Ratio
50 MHz 75 MHz 3/2
60 MHz 150 MHz 5/2
60 MHz 120 MHz 2/1
60 MHz 90 MHz 3/2
66 MHz 166 MHz 5/2
66 MHz 133 MHz 2/1
66 MHz 100 MHz 3/2

Table 1-2 Connector Functions
Connector Function
CN1 COM1
CN2 COM2
CN3 Power connector for 200-watt SPS
CN4 Power connector for 300-watt SPS
CN5 Parallel port connector
CN6 Diskette drive connector
CN7 IDE drives connector
CN8 Remote diagnostic module (RDM) connector
CN9 Remote diagnostic module (RDM) connector
CN10 Faulty-drive LED connector
CN11 Fast SCSI-II (narrow SCSI) connector
CN12 Wide SCSI connector
CN13 VGA daughter board connector
CN14 Voltage regulator module (VRM) connector

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