Epson 386, PLQ 20 User Manual

EPSON

EQUITY™386/20

User’s Guide

Y18499100101

IMPORTANT NOTICE

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY

Epson America makes no representations or warranties, either express or implied, by or with respect to anything in this manual, and shall not be liable for any implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose or for any indirect, special, or consequential damages. Some states do not allow the exclusion of incidental or consequential damages, so this exclusion may not apply to you.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise’, without the prior written permission of Epson America, Inc. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of information contained herein. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this publication, Epson America assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Nor is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein. Further, this publication and features described herein are subject to change without notice.

TRADEMARKS

Epson is a registered trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation. Equity is a trademark of Epson America, Inc. Centronics is a registered trademark of Centronics Data Computer Corporation. GW-BASIC, Microsoft, MS, MS-DOS, and XENIX are registered trademarks of

Microsoft Corporation.

Hercules is a registered trademark of Hercules Computer Technology Corporation.

IBM is a registered trademark and AT and XT are trademarks of International

Business Machines Corporation. Intel is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation. lotus and Lotus 1-2-3 are registered trademarks of Lotus Corporation. XTREE is a registered trademark of Executive Systems, Inc.

Q50188034

FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT

FOR AMERICAN USERS

This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and if not installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, may cause interference to radio and television reception. It has been type tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B computing device in accordance with the specifications in Subpart J of part 15 of FCC Rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference in a residential installation. However, there is no guarantee that

interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause 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:

Reorient the receiving antenna

Relocate the computer with respect to the receiver

Move the computer away from the receiver

Plug the computer into a different outlet so that the computer and receiver are on different branch circuits.

If necessary, the user should consult the dealer or an experienced radio/

television technician for additional suggestions. The user may find the following booklet prepared by the Federal Communications Commission helpful:

“Television Interference Handbook.”

This booklet is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. Stock No. 004-000-00450-7.

Note: If the interference stops, it was probably caused by the computer or its

peripheral devices. To further isolate the problem: Disconnect the peripheral devices and their input/output cables one at a

time. If the interference stops, it is caused by either the peripheral device or its I/O cable. These devices usually require shielded I/O cables. For Epson peripheral devices, you can obtain the proper shielded cable from your dealer. For non-Epson peripheral devices contact the manufacturer or dealer for assistance.

This equipment has been certified to comply with the limits for a Class B

WARNING

computing device, pursuant to Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC Rules. Only peripherals (computer input/output devices, terminals, printers, etc.) certified to comply with the Class B limits may be attached to this computer. Operation with non-certified peripherals is likely to result in interference to radio and TV reception.

The connection of a non-shielded equipment interface cable to this equipment will invalidate the FCC Certification of this device and may cause interference levels which exceed the limits established by the FCC for this equipment.

iii

Introduction

How to Use This Manual Where to Get Help

Setting Up Your System

1 Unpacking ....................................

Removing the Diskette Drive Protector Card

Choosing a Location

Connecting a Monitor

4 Connecting a Printer

Using the Parallel Interface

Using the Serial Interface 5 Connecting the Power Cord 6 Connecting the Keyboard

Setting the Monitor Type

8 Turning On the Computer

Loading MS-DOS

Copying System Diskettes

Running the Setup Program

Starting the Setup Program Setting the Amount of Memory Setting the Display Type Setting the Auto Speed Function Setting the Shadow RAM Function Setting the Coprocessor Function Setting the Mass Storage Setting the Real-time Clock Leaving the Setup Menu

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1 2 4

1-1

1-2 1-3 1-4 1-6 1-7 1-8 1-9

1-10 1-12 1-12 1-14 1-15

2-1 2-2 2-3 2-5 2-6 2-8 2-9 2-9

2-11 2-13

Preparing a Hard Disk for Use

Checking the Hard Disk Partitioning the Hard Disk

Creating the Primary Partition Creating the Extended Partition on a 40MB Disk Creating the Extended Partition on a 90MB Disk

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Contents v

3-1 3-2

3-4 3-5 3-6 3-7

Formatting the Primary Partition

Copying the Remaining Files to the Hard Disk Formatting the Extended Partition Booting From the Hard Disk

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3-9 3-11 3-12 3-13

Using the Equity 386

Locking the Computer Selecting the Execution Speed Selecting the Monitor Type Controlling the Volume Resetting the Computer

Special Keys on the Equity 386 Keyboard Using Disks and Disk Drives

How Disks Store Data Types of Diskette Drives Caring for Diskettes and Diskette Drives Inserting and Removing Diskettes Write-protecting Diskettes Making Backup Copies Using a Single Diskette Drive Using Two Diskette Drives

Using a Hard Disk Drive

Turning Off the Computer

Using MS-DOS with Your Equity 386

Starting and Exiting MS-DOS Drive Designators The Default Drive

Changing the Default Drive The MS-DOS Command Format Entering MS-DOS Commands Creating and Managing Files

Naming Files

Copying Files Renaming Files

Deleting Files

Printing Files

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4-1

4-1 4-2

4-3 4-4 4-4 4-5

4-8 4-8 4-10 4-12 4-13 4-15 4-16 4-17 4-18 4-18 4-21

5-1 5-1

5-2 5-2 5-3 5-3 5-4

5-5 5-5 5-6 5-8 5-9

5-10

contents

Using Directories

The Default Directory Using Pathnames

Including Filenames With Pathnames Including Drive Letters With Pathnames and

Filenames Listing the Contents of a Directory Creating Directories Removing Directories Changing the Default Directory

Formatting Diskettes

Formatting Diskettes With a Hard Disk Formatting Diskettes With Two Diskette Drives Formatting Diskettes With One Diskette Drive

(No Hard Disk)

Backing Up

Using the DISKCOPY Command Using the BACKUP Command

Using the Epson HELP Program Using the Epson MENU Program

MENU Program Options

Using the XTREE Utility

Running XTREE

Cautions .....................................

Using an AUTOEXEC.BAT File

Creating an AUTOEXEC.BAT File

Using Memory Beyond 640KB

About EEMM386.EXE Using HDCACHE and EEMM386.EXE

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5-10 5-12 5-12 5-13

5-14 5-15 5-16

5-16 5-16 5-17 5-18 5-18

5-19 5-20 5-20 5-23 5-23 5-25 5-26 5-27 5-28 5-29 5-30 5-30 5-32 5-33 5-34

6 Installing Options

Adding Memory Modules Installing Option Cards

Removing the Cover Installing an Option Card

Changing Jumpers on the SPF Card Removing an Option Card Replacing the Cover

Post-installation Setup

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Contents

6-1

6-1 6-3 6-3 6-6

6-10 6-17

618 6-19

vii

Appendixes

Troubleshooting

Error Messages The Computer Won’t Start The Computer Locks Up Monitor Problems

Diskette Problems Hard Disk Problems Software Problems Printer Problems

Option Card Problems

Power-on Diagnostics

System Device Check Clock and CMOS RAM Check

RAM Check .....................................

Keyboard Controller and Keyboard Check Display Card Check Optional RAM Check Floppy Disk Drive Seek Check Hard Disk Controller and Hard Disk Check

Performing System Diagnostics

Starting System Diagnostics Modifying the DEVICE LIST Selecting a Test

Resuming From an Error System Board Check Memory Check Keyboard Check Monochrome Display Adapter and CRT Check

Monochrome Adapter Check

Attribute Check

Character Set Check

Video Check

Sync Check

Run All Above Checks

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A-1 A-1 A-2 A-2

A-4 A-5

A-6

A-7

B-1

B-2 B-3

B-3 B-4 B-4 B-4 B-5

C-1

C-1 C-3 C-5 C-6 C-7 C-7 C-8 C-9

C-10 C-10 C-11 C-11 C-11 C-12

viii

Contents

Color Graphics Adapter and CRT Check

Color Graphics Adapter Check Attribute Check Character Set Check 40-column Character Set Check 320x200 Graphics Mode Check 640x200 Graphics Mode Check

Screen Paging Check

Light Pen Check .............................

Color Video Check

Sync Check.. ............................... C-19

Run All Above Checks

Floppy Disk Drives and Controller Check

Sequential Seek Check Random Seek Check

Write, Read Check .............................

Run All Above Checks

Math Coprocessor Check Parallel Port (Printer Interface) Check

Alternate Parallel Port Check

Parallel Port (on Video Adapter) Check

Serial Port (RS-232C) Check

Alternate Serial Port Check Dox-matrix Printer Check Hard Disk Drives and Controller Check

Seek Check

Write, Read Check .............................

Read, Verify Check Run All Above Tests

Error Codes and Messages

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C-12 C-13 C-13

C-13 C-14

C-15 C-16 C-16 C-17 C-18

C-19 C-19 C-20 C-21 C-21 C-22 C-22 C-22 C-23 C-23 C-23 C-25 C-25 C-26 C-27 C-27 C-28 C-29 C-30

Physically Formatting a Hard Disk

Formatting and Checking Options ....................

Conditional Format (Normal)

Unconditional Format ..............................

Destructive Surface Analysis Non-destructive Surface Analysis

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Contents

D-1 D-2 D-3 D-6 D-8 D-9

E Hard Disk Drive Types

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E-1

Specifications

CPU and Memory Controllers Interfaces

Power Supply

Mass Storage

Keyboard ........................................

Environmental Requirements

Physical Characteristics

Glossary

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F-1 F-1 F-1 F-1 F-2

F-2 F-3 F-3 F-3

Contents

Introduction

The Epson® Equity™ 386/20

is a versatile, high-performance personal computer. Its 80386 microprocessor and 20 MHz operation speed make this a fast machine, and you can easily upgrade it by adding memory and installing options.

The Equity 386 is available in these configurations:

A single diskette drive system with one 1.2MB (megabyte) diskette drive

A hard disk drive system with one 40MB hard disk and one

1.2MB diskette drive

A hard disk drive system with one 90MB hard disk and one

1.2MB diskette drive.

You can install additional diskette or hard disk drives up to a maximum of four drives total.

All models of the Equity 386 include 1MB of internal memory, nine option slots, and built-in serial and parallel interfaces.

You can expand the computer’s memory up to 16MB by adding memory modules to the main system memory card. Specific memory configurations allow the computer to access the memory 32 bits at a time, making it twice as fast as systems that use a 16bit address.

Because of its industry standard architecture, the Equity 386 is fully compatible with the current installed base of personal computer hardware and software. You can install just about any optional device that is compatible with the IBM® Personal Computer, PC XT”, or PC AT”. The Equity 386 has six 16-bit option slots and three 8-bit option slots.

You may also want to install an 80387 math coprocessor to speed up mathematical calculations. Check with your authorized Epson dealer

to see which options are available.

Introduction 1

The Equity 386 offers a shadow RAM feature which lets you speed up processing by moving the ROM BIOS and VIDEO ROM into the RAM area of memory. When the ROM data is in RAM, the computer can access information and display text and graphics on the

screen faster. Your computer comes with version 3.3 of MS-DOS®-the operating

system by Microsoft@-and version 3.2 of the GW-BASIC® programming language. You’ll find reference manuals for both MS-DOS and GW-BASIC packed in the box with the computer. You probably also purchased other software; you can use virtually any

application program designed for the IBM PC, PC XT, PC AT, and

386 machines on your Equity 386. As a supplement to MS-DOS, Epson has included several time-saving

utilities that make MS-DOS easier to use: HELP MENU, and XTREE®. The HELP program lets you display information on the screen about any MS-DOS command. MENU provides an easier way to run many of the most common MS-DOS commands. XTREE is a file management utility that simplifies all file and directory operations.

MS-DOS is not the only operating system you can use with your computer. If you have a hard disk, for example, you also may want to use the more powerful MS® OS/2. Among other capabilities, MS OS/2 provides multitasking, dual mode processing, and online

help. With Epson’s version of MS OS/2, you can have both MS-DOS and MS OS/2 on your Equity 386; this way, you can select which operating system to load each time you turn on the computer. Ask your Epson dealer for more information. (In particular, be sure to

check the amount of RAM required to run MS OS/2.)

How to Use This Manual

This manual explains how to set up and care for your Equity 386. It

also describes how to use your computer and run diagnostic checks.

You probably do not need to read everything in this book; see the

following chapter summaries.

2 Introduction

Chapter 1 provides simple step-by-step instructions for setting up your computer. On the inside back cover are illustrations identifying the different parts of the Equity 386; you may want to refer to this while you are setting up your system.

Chapter 2 describes how to run the Setup program to define your

computer’s configuration. You must do this for a new computer before you use it. You may need to do it again later, if you change the configuration.

Chapter 3 explains how to prepare the hard disk for use. If your

computer has a hard disk, you must follow the instructions in this

chapter before you can use it. If you don’t have a hard disk, skip this

chapter.

Chapter 4 covers some general operating procedures, including how

to use and care for your disks and disk drives.

Chapter 5 provides basic instructions for using MS-DOS with your

computer.

Chapter 6 describes some of the options you can use in your

Equity 386 and contains instructions for installing option cards.

Appendix A contains troubleshooting tips in case you encounter any

problems while using your computer.

Appendix B provides information about the power-on diagnostics.

Appendix C outlines the system diagnostic checks you can perform

on your computer. If you are having trouble with any part of the

hardware, you may want to run some of these diagnostic checks. Appendix D describes how to perform a hardware-level format of a

new hard disk that either you or your dealer have installed in the computer. You need to do this only if you are using a hard disk that has never received this type of low-level format; it is not the same type of format you perform with the MS-DOS FORMAT command.

Appendix E lists the types of hard disk drives you can use in the Equity 386.

Introduction 3

Appendix F gives the technical specifications for the Equity 386. At the back of the manual you’ll find a glossary of the computer

terms used in this manual and an index.

Where to Get Help

Customer support and service for Epson products are provided by a network of authorized Epson dealers and service centers throughout the United States. Epson America provides product information and toll-free support to its dealers and service centers.

Therefore, we ask that you contact the business where you purchased your Epson product to request assistance. If the people there do not have the answer to your question, they can obtain it through Epson’s toll-free dealer support program.

Epson is confident that this policy will provide you with the assistance you need. If you need to find an Epson dealer or service center in your area, please call our Customer Information number at

1-800-922-8911.

4 Introduction

Chapter 1

SETTING UP YOUR SYSTEM

Setting up your Epson Equity 386 personal computer is easy. Just follow the 10 steps in this chapter, which describe how to set up your

computer, start MS-DOS, and make copies of your system diskettes. As you set up your computer, you may want to leave the back flap of

this book open so you can refer to the two illustrations identifying the different parts of the computer.

When you finish setting up the computer, go on to Chapter 2 and follow the instructions there to run the Setup program. If you have a

hard disk, you’ll then need to perform the procedures in Chapter 3 to

prepare your hard disk for use.

Unpacking

As you remove your system components from their cartons, be

sure to inspect each piece. If anything is missing or looks damaged, check with your Epson dealer.

Setting Up Your System

1-1

Besides this manual, you should have the following:

l The computer and power cord

The keyboard with attached cable

Keys for locking the computer

Four diskettes: three that contain the MS-DOS operating system

and the GW-BASIC programming language (Startup, Operating 1, and Operating 2), and a Reference diskette

l An MS-DOS Reference Manual and a GW-BASIC Reference

Manual.

In addition to these items, you need a compatible video monitor and display adapter card, and you may also have a printer or other peripheral device.

You’ll also find a registration card with the computer. Fill this card out now and mail it to Epson. With your registration card on file, Epson can send you update information.

Be sure to keep your packing materials. They provide the best protection for your computer if you need to transport it later.

Removing the Diskette Drive Protector Card

A diskette drive protector card occupies the slot in the diskette drive in your computer. This card is inserted at the factory to protect the read/write heads in the drive. To remove it, turn the diskette drive latch up until it is horizontal. This causes the card to pop out slightly so you can pull it out of the slot, as shown in the following illustration.

1-2

Setting Up Your System

(If you have a second diskette drive, be sure to remove the card from that drive too.)

Save the protector card and reinsert it whenever you move the computer. If you don’t plan to use your computer for a week or more, reinsert the card to help prevent dust from entering the disk drive.

Choosing a Location

Before you set up your Equity 386, it’s important to choose a

comfortable, convenient location where it can run properly. Select a location that provides the following:

A large, sturdy desk or table that can easily support the weight of your system, including all its components.

A flat, hard surface. Soft surfaces like beds and carpeted floors attract static electricity, which can erase data on your disks and damage the computer’s circuitry. Soft surfaces also prevent proper

ventilation.

Good air circulation. Air must be able to move freely under the system as well as behind it. Leave several inches of space around

the computer to allow ventilation,

Setting Up Your System

1-3

l Moderate environmental conditions. Protect your computer from

extremes in temperature, humidity, dust, and smoke. Avoid direct sunlight or any other source of heat. High humidity also hinders operation, so select a cool, dry area.

Appropriate power sources. To prevent static charges, connect all your equipment to 3-prong, 120-volt grounded outlets. You need one outlet for the computer, one for the monitor, and additional outlets for a printer and any other peripherals. You can plug one peripheral into the auxiliary power outlet on the back panel of the Equity 386, reducing the number of wall outlets you need.

No electromagnetic interference. Locate your system away from

any electrical device, such as a telephone, that generates an

electromagnetic field.

Connecting a Monitor

The procedure you use to connect your monitor to the

computer depends on the type of monitor you have. See your monitor manual for detailed instructions or follow the general guidelines below.

The monitor type must match the video card in the computer. If you have a color card, you can use one of three connectors: a nine-pin,

female D-shell connector for an RGB monitor, an RCA connector for a composite video monitor, or a 15-pin female D-shell connector for a

VGA monitor. Check the following table to make sure your card and

monitor match.

1-4 Setting Up Your

System

Monitor/video card compatibility

Monitor

Monochrome

Color or

or enhanced color

VGA monochrome Video graphics array

Place your monitor on top of or near the computer. It is easiest to

Video card

Monochrome, graphics,

or enhanced graphics Graphics, color graphics,

or enhanced graphics

Output type One 9-pin output (TTL

compatible) One 9-pin RGB output or one

RCA-type jack for composite

video One 15-pin analog output

connect the monitor cable if the backs of the monitor and the computer are facing you.

If necessary, connect the monitor cable to the monitor. (Some monitors come with permanently attached cables.)

Connect the appropriate end of the monitor cable to the video card connector on the back of the computer, as shown below. If

the plug has retaining screws, tighten them by hand or with a

screwdriver, depending on the screw type.

Setting Up Your System

1-5

4. Plug the monitor’s power cord into the monitor’s power inlet, as shown below.

Plug the other end of the power cord into an electrical outlet.

Connecting a Printer

The Equity 386 has a parallel interface and a serial interface.

You can easily connect a printer or other device that has either type of interface-just follow the instructions below. Epson, of course, offers a full range of printers; check with your dealer for more

information.

1-6

Setting Up Your System

Using the Parallel Interface

The Equity 386 parallel interface is Centronics®-compatible and uses a DB-25S connector. Most Epson printers have parallel interfaces.

To connect a printer to the computer, you need an IBM-compatible printer cable. If you are not sure which one you need, check with your Epson dealer. Once you have the correct printer cable, follow these steps to connect your printer to the parallel interface on the

computer:

Place the printer next to your computer.

Before you connect the printer, be sure the power switches on the computer, monitor, and printer are off.

One end of the printer cable has a 25-pin, D-shell male connector; this is the smaller connector. Connect this end to the parallel port on the back panel of the computer, as shown below. If the plug has retaining screws, tighten them by hand or with a screwdriver, depending on the screw type.

Setting Up Your System

1-7

Connect the other end of the cable to the printer as shown

below. To secure the cable, squeeze the clips at each side of the

printer port and push them into place.

Plug the printer’s power cord into an electrical outlet.

Using the Serial Interface

If you have a printer, modem, mouse, or any other peripheral with a serial interface, you can connect it to the serial (RS-232C) port on the back of the computer.

1-8

Setting Up Your System

serial port

The Equity 386 uses a DB-9P male connector, so be sure you have a

compatible cable (or an adapting cable that converts the 9-pin output to the standard 25-pin output). To connect a serial device, follow the

same steps as above for connecting a parallel device. You need to ensure that the serial port is set up so it functions

properly. If you are using the port for a serial printer, you need to redirect printer output to the serial port instead of the parallel port. You can do this in MS-DOS using the MODE or SETMODE command (or the MENU program). See your MS-DOS Reference Manual for instructions.

Connecting the Power Cord

Follow these steps to connect the power cord:

Make sure the power switch on the computer is turned off.

Insert the power cord into the AC power inlet on the back panel, as shown below. To avoid an electric shock, be sure to plug the

cord into the computer before plugging it into the wall socket.

Plug the other end of the power cord into a three-prong, 120-volt, grounded electrical outlet.

Setting Up Your System

1-9

Connecting the Keyboard

Follow these steps to connect the keyboard:

Turn the computer around so you are facing the front.

2. Pull open the cover on the lower left corner of the computer’s front panel. You need to push down slightly on the tab as you open the cover.

3. Plug the keyboard cable into the socket, as shown below. Do not force the connector, but be sure to insert it all the way.

1-10

Setting Up Your System

Push the cable into the notch at the left side of the computer, as

4. shown below, so the cable leads away to the side of the computer.

Close the keyboard cable cover.

You can change the angle of the keyboard by adjusting the legs on

the bottom. Turn the keyboard over and lift each leg upward until it locks into place, as shown below. You can lock the legs to a low or high position, or leave them flat.

Setting Up Your System

1-11

Setting the Monitor Type

In addition to connecting the monitor, as you did in step 3,

you must set the monitor switch on the front panel to match the type of monitor you are using. To access the monitor switch, open the cover to the right of the keyboard cable socket cover, as shown below. You need to push down slightly on the tab as you open the cover.

monitor switchmonitor switch

Slide the switch left for a monochrome monitor or right for a color monitor.

Turning On the Computer

After you set up your system, you’re ready to turn on the

power. But first read the following safety rules to avoid accidentally damaging your computer or injuring yourself:

Never turn the computer on or off with a protector card in the diskette drive.

Do not dismantle any part of the computer. Only remove the cover to install and remove optional devices. If there is a hardware problem you cannot solve after reading the section in Appendix A on troubleshooting, check with your Epson dealer.

Always turn off the power, disconnect the computer’s power cord, and wait five seconds before you remove the computer’s cover.

Do not unplug cables from the computer when the power is on.

l-12 Setting Up Your System

Never turn off or reset your computer while a disk drive light is on. This can destroy data stored on disk or make a whole disk unusable.

Always wait at least five seconds after you switch off the power

before you switch it on again. Turning the power off and on

rapidly can damage the computer’s circuitry.

l Do not leave a beverage on top of or next to your system or any

of its components. Spilled liquid can damage the circuitry of your components.

Follow these steps to turn on your system:

Make sure the power cord is plugged into the power inlet on the back panel of the computer and into a 3-prong, 120-svolt, grounded electrical outlet.

Turn on the monitor, printer, and any other peripheral devices connected to the computer. (Always turn on the monitor and

any peripheral devices before you turn on the computer.)

Insert the Startup diskette into the diskette drive, as shown below. When it is in all the way, turn the latch down (clockwise) to lock the diskette in place.

Setting Up Your System

1-13

(For more instructions on inserting, removing, and caring for diskettes, see Chapter 4.)

You can turn on your computer with or without the MS-DOS Startup diskette in the drive. With the Startup diskette in the top drive (A) as it is now, the computer loads MS-DOS from that drive. (If the drive is empty, the screen displays a message prompting you to insert a system disk.)

To turn on the power, flip up the switch on the right side of the computer, toward the back. The power light on the computer’s front panel lights up. After a few seconds, the computer starts to perform an internal self test.

If you cannot see the screen display clearly, use the controls on your monitor to adjust the brightness and contrast until characters on the screen are clear and bright. If the display is not stable, check your monitor’s horizontal and vertical hold controls.

Loading MS-DOS

After the computer completes its self test, it displays how much

RAM (random access memory) is available and then loads MS-DOS, the operating system. You see a prompt similar to this:

Current date is Mon 02-13-89

Enter new date (mm-dd-yy)

You do not need to enter the date because you will soon be entering the correct date and time when you run the Setup program in Chapter 2. Press

The screen displays the time prompt next:

Current time is 16:21:15 Enter new time

Press

Enter

You then see the MS-DOS version number and copyright information, followed by the MS-DOS command prompt:

1-14

Setting Up Your System

Enter

to accept the displayed time.

to accept the displayed date.

This means the operating system is ready for you to enter a command. The command prompt identifies the current operating drive: A, B, or C, for example. Usually, drive A is the top diskette drive; B is the second diskette drive, C is the first hard disk drive, and D is used for a second hard disk drive.

The command prompt appears on the screen whenever you load MS-DOS, complete an MS-DOS command, or exit an application program.

Copying System Diskettes

MS-DOS, it is important that you make copies of your four system diskettes right away. Use only the copies (usually called “working copies”) for daily use and store the originals in a safe place.

Now that you have set up your system and loaded

To copy your system diskettes, you need four blank, 360KB, double-

sided, double-density, 5¼-inch diskettes. (Although you will probably be using 1.2MB diskettes in your Equity 386, the system diskettes have a capacity of 360KB. There ore, you must use 360KB diskettes to make the copies.)

Follow these steps:

Remove the Startup diskette from the diskette drive by turning the latch up and pulling out the diskette. Then insert the diskette labelled “Operating 1 diskette. The Operating 1 diskette contains the DISKCOPY program which you will use to make the copies.

” and turn the latch down to secure the

Setting Up Your System

1-15

Type the following and press

DISKCOPY A: A:

You see these messages:

Insert

SOURCE diskette in drive A:

Enter:

Press any key when ready . . .

Drive A (the top drive) already contains a diskette you want to copy (the source diskette), so just press any key. The DISKCOPY program copies the contents of the Operating 1 diskette to the computer’s memory, and then you see the following:

Insert TARGET diskette in drive A:

Press any key when ready . . .

Remove the Operating 1 diskette and insert a blank diskette (which is to be the target) in the drive. Then press any key.

If the diskette is not formatted, the DISKCOPY program formats it. Then the program begins copying the data from the computer’s memory to the formatted diskette. When the copy is complete, you see this prompt:

Copy another diskette

Press Y so you can make a copy of the Operating 2 diskette.

Again, you see the prompt to insert the source diskette.

Remove the copy of the Operating 1 diskette (which you just made) and insert the Operating 2 diskette. Then follow the instructions above and the prompts on the screen to make a copy of this diskette.

Repeat the procedure for the Startup and Reference diskettes.

When you finish copying the last diskette and the Copy

another diskette (Y/N)?

to the MS-DOS command prompt.

After you have copied the four system diskettes, be sure to label them carefully so you know which one is which. Write on the labels before you attach them to the diskettes to prevent damaging the diskettes. Store the originals in a safe place and use the copies.

1-16 Setting Up Your System

(Y/N)?

prompt appears, press N to return

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