Epson 386SX User Manual

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Equity 386SX User’s Guide

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EPSON®

EQUITY™386SX

User’s Guide

Y19299100100

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 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 and Above is a trademark of Intel Corporation. Lotus and 1-2-3 are registered trademarks of Lotus Development Corporation. Microsoft, MS-DOS, and MS are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. RampagePlus is a registered trademark of AST Research, Inc.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Read all of these instructions and save them for later reference.

Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product.

Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.

Do not use this product near water.

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. This product should not be placed in a

built-in installation unless proper ventilation is provided.

This product should be operated from the type of power source

indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power available, consult your dealer or local power company.

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.

Do not locate this product where the cord will be walked on.

10. If an extension cord is used with this product, make sure that the total of the ampere ratings on the products plugged into the extension cord do not exceed the extension cord ampere rating.

Also, make sure that the total of all products plugged into the wall outlet does not exceed 15 amperes.

iii

11. Never push objects of any kind into this product through cabinet slots, as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result in a risk of fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the product.

12. Except as specifically explained in the User’s Manual, do not attempt to service this product yourself. Opening or removing those covers that are marked “Do Not Remove” may expose you to dangerous voltage points or other risks. Refer all servicing in those compartments to 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 operation.

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

If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance,

indicating a need for service.

Introduction

How to Use This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Where to Get Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Chapter 1

1 Unpacking 2 Choosing a Location. 3 Connecting a Monitor 4 Connecting a Printer or Other Device.

Using the Parallel Interface Using the Serial Interface. Using the Mouse Connector

5 Connecting the Power Cord

6 Connecting the Keyboard.

7 Turning On the Computer

Chapter 2

Starting the Setup Program

Continuing From an Error Message

Moving the Cursor Block. Setting the Display Adapter Card Type Setting the Power-on Password. Setting the Fast Boot Function. Setting the Auto Speed Function.

Setting the Real-time Clock Setting the Hard Disk Drive Configuration Setting the Diskette Drive Type(s)

Setting Up Your System

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.........................

..........................

Running the Setup Program

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3 4

1-1 1-3 1-4 1-7 1-7 1-10 1-11 1-12 1-13 1-15

2-2 2-4 2-6 2-6 2-8 2-11 2-12 2-14

2-17 2-22

Setting the Serial and Parallel Interfaces Reviewing Your Settings. Leaving the Setup Menu. Adding an Optional Memory Card

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2-24

2-26

2-28

2-29

Chapter 3

Installing MS-DOS Using a Power-on Password

Changing a Power-on Password. Deleting a Power-on Password

Selecting the Operating Speed

Using the Equity 386SX

..................................

...........................

...................

.....................

.........................

Special Keys on the Equity 386SX Keyboard Stopping a Command or Program Resetting the Computer

..............................

Using Disks and Disk Drives.

How Disks Store Data Types of Diskette Drives.

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...........................

.........................

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

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.................. 3-16

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3-1

3-2 3-3 3-4 3-5 3-6

3-8

3-8 3-9

3-10 3-12 3-14

3-18 3-20 3-21 3-22 3-22 3-25

Chapter 4 Using MS-DOS with Your Equity 386SX

Starting MS-DOS

...................................

Using Drive Designators ..............................

The Current Drive ..............................

Types of MS-DOS Commands .........................

Entering an MS-DOS Command Setting the Date and Time Creating and Managing Files

.......................

............................

..........................

Naming Files. ..................................

Copying Files Renaming Files

Deleting Files

..................................

.................................

..................................

Printing Text Files ..............................

Using Directories.

...................................

The Current Directory ...........................

Changing the Current Directory

...................

Using Pathnames ...............................

Including Filenames With Pathnames.

..............

Including Drive Letters With Pathnames and

Filenames Creating Directories Listing the Contents of a Directory

Displaying a List of Directories

..................................

.............................

.................

....................

Removing Directories. ...........................

Formatting Diskettes. ................................

Using the FORMAT Command

...................

Backing Up Data. ...................................

Using the DISKCOPY Command ..................

Using the BACKUP Command. ...................

The MS-DOS Shell Program ..........................

Using the Epson HELP Program. .......................

Using the Epson MENU Program. ......................

Menu Program Options

..........................

Using an AUTOEXEC.BAT File .......................

Creating an AUTOEXEC.BAT File

................

Using Memory Beyond 640KB .........................

Using EMM386.SYS. ............................

4-2 4-3 4-4 4-5 4-7 4-8 4-9 4-9 4-11 4-14 4-15 4-16 4-16 4-19 4-19 4-20 4-21

4-21 4-23 4-23 4-25

4-27 4-27

4-28 4-30 4-31 4-34 4-35 4-35 4-37 4-39 4-40 4-41 4-43 4-44

vii

Chapter 5

Installing Options

Adding Memory Modules Installing Option Cards.

Removing the Cover Installing an Option Card Changing Jumper Settings Removing an Option Card. Replacing the Cover

.............................

..............................

............................

........................

.......................

.............................

Post-installation Setup for Memory Cards

Post-installation Setup

Appendix A

Error Messages

Troubleshooting

......................................

The Computer Won’t Start The Computer Locks Up

Password Problems

Removing a Password.

Setting a New Password Keyboard Problems Monitor Problems Diskette Problems Diskette Drive Problems

Hard Disk Problems. Software Problems. Printer Problems Option Card Problems

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5-2

5-4 5-5 5-8 5-14 5-21

5-22

5-23

5-25

A-1 A-2 A-3

A-4

A-5

A-7 A-8 A-8 A-10 A-13

A-14 A-17 A-18 A-19

Appendix B

Power-on Diagnostics

Power-on Diagnostics Error Codes and Messages Table . . . . .

viii

B-2

Appendix C

Performing System Diagnostics

Starting System Diagnostics Selecting an Option

.................................

Modifying the Device List. Selecting a Test.

....................................

Resuming From an Error.

System Board Check

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...........................

............................

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Memory Check .....................................

Keyboard Check

Monochrome Display Adapter and CRT Check

Monochrome Adapter Check Attribute Check Character Set Check

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...........

.....................

................................

............................

Video Check ...................................

Sync Check ....................................

Run All Above Checks

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

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............................

...................

................... C-18

................... C-19

............................ C-20

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

Color Video Check.

............................. C-22

Sync Check ....................................

Run All Above Checks

Diskette Drives and Controller Check.

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..................

Sequential Seek Check...........................

Random Seek Check Write, Read Check. Disk Change Check Run All Above Checks

Math Coprocessor Check

Parallel Port (Printer Interface) Check

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.............................

.......................... C-27

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..................

C-2 C-3 C-4

C-6 C-8 C-9 C-10 C-10 C-12 C-12 C-13 C-13 C-14 C-14 C-14 C-15 C-15 C-16 C-16 C-17

C-21

C-22 C-23 C-23 C-24 C-25 C-25 C-26

C-27 C-28

Alternate Parallel Port Check Parallel Port (on Video Adapter) Check Serial Port (RS-232C Port) Check. Alternate Serial Port Check

Dot-matrix Printer Check. Hard Disk Drive(s) and Controller Check.

......................... C-28

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Seek Check ....................................

Write, Read Check. Read, Verify Check Run All Above Checks

Error Codes and Messages.

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.......................... C-36

............................ C-37

C-29 C-29 C-31 C-31

C-33 C-33 C-34 C-35

Appendix D

Choosing the Type of Format

Reformatting a Used Disk Formatting a New Disk. Selecting an Option Starting the Formatting Process.

Option 1, Format.

Modifying the Defective Track Table

Formatting the Disk Option 2, Destructive Surface Analysis Option 3, Non-destructive Surface Analysis Exiting the Hard Disk Format Menu

Appendix E

Physically Formatting a Hard Disk

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Hard Disk Drive Types

Hard Disk Drive Types Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

D-7 D-9 D-10 D-12 D-13

E-1

Appendix F

Specifications

CPU and Memory Controllers.

Interfaces

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Power Supply Mass Storage

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.................................

................................

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

Environmental Requirements. Physical Characteristics

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Glossary

Index

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

F-2 F-3 F-3 F-4

Introduction

The Epson® Equity™ 386SX is a high-performance personal computer which offers exceptional speed and versatility in a compact design. The computer’s 80386SX microprocessor makes all your programs run faster, even when supporting multitasking operations.

The Equity 386SX

A single diskette drive system with a 1.44MB (megabyte) 3

‘/z-inch

A hard disk drive system with one 40MB or 100MB hard disk and a 1.44MB diskette drive.

You can install an additional diskette drive or hard disk drive,

up to a maximum of three drives total.

All models of the Equity 386SX include 1MB of internal memory, five standard option slots (four 16-bit and one 8-bit), serial and parallel interfaces, and an auxiliary mouse connector. You can easily upgrade your computer by installing additional

memory and adding optional devices. Because of its industry-standard architecture, the Equity 386SX

is fully compatible with the current installed base of personal computer hardware and software. You can install just about any optional device that is compatible with the IBM@ Personal

Computer, PC XT™, or PC AT™.

You can expand the computer’s memory up to 14MB by adding memory modules to a special card that comes with the Equity 386SX. Memory modules are efficient because they eliminate the need to use one of your option slots to add memory to your computer. If you do choose to use a memory card, you can increase the computer’s memory up to 16MB.

S available in these configurations:

diskette drive

You may also want to install an 80387SX math coprocessor in your computer to speed up mathematical calculations. Check with your authorized Epson dealer to see which options are available.

The Equity 386SX ff

ers several features to enhance the

security and versatility of your computer:

D Password protection. This optional feature ensures that no

one may access your computer unless they know the password.

Embedded hard disk drive and integrated diskette drive controllers. Each controller can run up to two drives so you don’t have to use an option slot to install additional drives

in your system.

Automatic configuration. The Setup program automatically

configures the memory and other items included in your system, making it easier for you to get started.

Your Equity 386SX comes with version 4.01 of MS-DOS the operating system by Microsoft? This version of MS-DOS includes a Shell program, which lets you run MS-DOS commands by selecting options from on-screen menus. You’ll find a set of MS-DOS manuals packed in the box with the computer.

You probably also purchased other software; you can use virtually any application program designed for the IBM PC, PC XT, PC AT, or compatible computers on your Equity 386SX.You

may also use powerful 32-bit software-

such as Microsoft Windows/386-with your computer. Additionally, Epson has included two time-saving utilites that

make MS-DOS easier to use: HELP and MENU. The HELP program lets you display information on the screen about any MS-DOS command. MENU provides an easy way to run many useful MS-DOS commands.

2 Introduction

MS-DOS is not the only operating system you can use with your computer. If you have a hard disk you also may want to use MS®OS/2. 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 386SX; this way, you can select which operating system to load each time you turn on the computer. Ask your Epson dealer for more information.

mong other capabilities, MS OS/2 provides

How to Use This Manual

This manual explains how to set up and care for your. Equity 386SX. It also describes how to use your computer and run diagnostics checks. You probably do not need to read everything in this book; see the following chapter summaries.

Chapter 1 provides simple step-by-step instructions for setting up your system. On the back cover foldout are illustrations

identifying the different parts of the Equity 386SX; you may

want to refer to this while setting up your system. Chapter 2 describes how to run the Setup program to define

your computer’s configuration. You must do this for a new

computer before you use it. You may need to do it again later, if you change the configuration.

Chapter 3 provides instructions for performing important operating procedures, including using and caring for your disks

and disk drives.

Chapter 4 provides basic instructions for using MS-DOS with your computer.

Chapter 5 describes some of the options you can use in your Equity 386SX and contains instructions for installing option cards and changing jumper settings.

Introduction 3

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 diagnostics 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 diagnostics checks.

Appendix D describes how to perform a hardware-level format on a hard disk. You need to do this only if you have installed a new hard disk that has never received this type of low-level format, or if you are having serious problems with the hard disk

in your computer. (This is not the same type of format you can

perform with the MS-DOS FORMAT command.) Appendix E lists the types of hard disk drives you can use in the

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

terms used in this manual and an index.

Where to Get Help

Customer support and service for Epson products are provided by a network of authorized Epson dealers and Customer Care

Centers throughout the United States. Epson America provides product information and support to its dealers and Customer Care 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 our toll-free dealer support program.

4 Introduction

Epson is confident that this policy will provide you with the assistance you need.

Call the Epson Consumer Information Center at

1-800-922-8911 for the following:

The nearest Epson dealer

The nearest Customer Care Center

Information on Epson User Groups.

To locate or purchase accessories or supplies, contact your nearest Epson dealer or call 1-800-873-7766.

Introduction 5

6 Introduction

Chapter 1

Setting Up Your System

Setting up your Epson Equity 386SX personal computer is easy. Just follow the seven steps in this chapter. As you set up your computer, you may want to leave this manual’s back cover foldout open so you can refer to the two illustrations identifying

the different parts of the computer.

Unpacking

As you remove your system components from their cartons, be

sure to inspect each piece.

damaged, check with your

If anything is missing or looks Epson dealer.

Setting Up Your System

1-1

Besides this manual, you should have the following:

The computer and power cord

The keyboard with attached cable

Three MS-DOS 4.01 diskettes: Install, Operating, and Shell

A Reference diskette

Four MS-DOS manuals: an Installation Guide, a Shell User’s Guide, a Reference Manual, and a Command Summary.

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

peripheral device. You’ll find a warranty card and a registration card with the

computer. Keep the warranty card for your records. Fill out the registration card now and mail it to Epson. With your registration card on file, Epson can send you update information.

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

1-2

Setting Up Your System

Choosing a Location

Before you set up your Equity 386SX, 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.

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

Appropriate power sources. To prevent static charges,

connect all your equipment to three-prong, 120-volt grounded outlets. You need 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 computer,

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.

Setting Up Your System

1-3

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.

A monitor requires that a display adapter (video) card be

installed inside the computer to control it. Your dealer may

have already installed a video card for you; if not, you need to

install it before you can connect your monitor. See Chapter 5

for instructions on how to remove the computer’s cover and

install an option card (a video card in this case).

The monitor type must match the video card installed in the computer. Check the following table to make sure your card and

monitor match.

Monitor/video

Monitor

Monochrome

Color or EGA

Monochrome or color VGA

* Color monitors do not support EGA cards,

card compatibility

Video card Monochrome display adapter (MDA)

Multi-mode graphics adapter (MGA) Enhanced graphics adapter (EGA) Hercules@ graphics card (HGC)

Color graphics adapter (CGA) Multi-mode graphics adapter (MGA) Enhanced graphics adapter (EGA)*

Video graphics array (VGA)

Setting Up Your System

1-4

Follow these steps to connect the monitor:

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

111111111111111111

retaining screws

4. If there are any switches or jumpers on the video card (for example, to indicate color or monochrome), be sure they are set properly. (See the documentation that came with your monitor or video card for instructions.)

Setting Up Your System

1-5

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

1-6

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

Note

If the monitor has the proper type of plug, you can plug it into the AC power outlet on the back of the computer,

Setting Up

Your

System

Connecting a Printer or Other Device

The Equity 386SX h an auxiliary mouse connector. To connect a printer or other peripheral device to one of these interfaces, follow the

instructions below. Of course, Epson offers a full range of

printers; check with your dealer for more information.

as a parallel interface, a serial interface, and

Using the Parallel Interface

The Equity 386SX parallel interface is Centronics®-compatible and uses a DB-25S connector.

To connect a printer to the computer, you need an IBM-

compatible printer cable. If you are not sure which one you

need, check with your Epson dealer. Once you have the correct printer cable, follow these steps to

connect your printer to the parallel interface on the computer:

Be sure the power switches on the computer, monitor, and printer are off.

Place the printer next to the computer.

Setting Up Your System

1-7

3. One end of the printer cable has a 25-pin, D-shell, male connector. Connect this end to the parallel port on the

back panel of the computer, as shown below. If the plug has retaining screws, tighten them by hand or with a screwdriver, depending on the screw type.

- *-

retaining

screws

Setting Up Your System

1-8

4. 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.

Setting Up Your System

1-9

Using the Serial Interface

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

The Equity 386SX have a compatible cable. To connect a serial device, follow the same steps as above for connecting a parallel device.

Note

You need to ensure that the serial port is set up so it

functions properly. If you are using the port for a serial

printer, you need to redirect printer output to the serial

port instead of the parallel port. To do this, you can use the

MS-DOS MODE or SETMODE command or the MENU

program. See your MS-DOS Reference Manual for

instructions.

1-10

Setting Up Your System

uses a DB-9P male connector, so be sure you

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