Epson 386SX User Manual

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Running the Setup Program

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Math Coprocessor Check

Parallel Port (Printer Interface) Check

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Error Codes and Messages.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Power Supply Mass Storage

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

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

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

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

Environmental Requirements. Physical Characteristics

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

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

Glossary

Index

......

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

Using the Mouse Connector

The Equity 386SX h

an auxiliary port for a mouse that uses a mini DIN (6-pin) connector. To connect a mouse to the builtin mouse port and set up the computer to use it, see the manual that comes with the mouse. To use a mouse with your computer, you may need to add commands to your MS-DOS

CONFIGSYS file. See your MS-DOS Reference Manual for

instructions.

6 5 4

mouse connector

Note If you want to use a mouse or other pointing device connected to a port on an option card in your computer, you

need to disable the built-in mouse connector by changing a jumper setting in the computer. See “Changing Jumper Settings” in Chapter 5 for instructions.

Setting Up Your System

1-11

Connecting the Power Cord

Follow these steps to connect the power cord:

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

Plug 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.

1-12

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

Setting Up Your System

Connecting the Keyboard

Follow these steps to connect the keyboard:

Turn the computer around so the front is facing you.

Open the door on the lower left corner of the computer’s front panel by pressing it in slightly and then releasing it.

Setting Up Your

System

1-13

Plug the keyboard cable into the socket, as shown below. Do not force the connector, but be sure to insert it all the way. Guide the keyboard cable through the notch on the left side of the panel.

1-14

Close the panel access door.

Setting Up Your System

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.

Turning On the Computer

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

But first, read the following safety rules to avoid accidentally

damaging your computer or injuring yourself:

Do not dismantle any part of the computer. Only remove the cover to install or remove optional devices or change jumper settings. If there is a hardware problem you cannot solve after reading the information on troubleshooting in Appendix A, 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.

Setting

Up Your System

1-15

Never turn off or reset your computer while a disk drive

light is on. This can destroy data stored on disk or make an entire disk unusable.

Always wait at least five seconds after you turn off the power before you turn it on again. Turning the power off and on rapidly can damage the computer’s circuitry.

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 AC power inlet on the back panel of the computer and into a threeprong, 120~volt, 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.)

3. To turn on the power, press the power button in the upper right corner of the computer’s front panel.

1-16

Setting Up Your System

The power indicator on the front panel lights up. After a few seconds, the computer starts to perform an internal self test. This is a series of checks the computer completes each time you turn it on to make sure everything is working correctly. If anything is wrong, an error message appears on the screen.

You see a message prompting you to insert a system diskette.

(Do not insert a diskette at this point.)

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.

After you adjust the monitor’s brightness and contrast, press the

power button again to turn off the computer. Then turn off the monitor and any peripherals.

Now go on to Chapter 2 and follow the instructions there to

run the Setup program. After you run Setup, you need to install MS-DOS using the instructions in your MS-DOS Installation Guide.

Setting Up Your System

1-17

1-18

Setting

Up Your System

Chapter 2

Running the Setup Program

The first time you use your Equity 386SX, you need to run the

Setup program on the Reference diskette to define the computer’s configuration. This is a simple procedure you must do at least once. (You may need to do it again later, if you change the configuration.)

The Setup program lets you set (or change) the following for your computer:

Type of display adapter (video) card installed Power-on password Fast boot function Auto speed function Real-time clock’s time and date Hard disk drive configuration

Diskette drive type(s) Serial and parallel port settings.

The configuration you define with the Setup program is stored in the CMOS RAM, which is permanent because it is backed up by a battery. Whenever you turn on the computer, it searches the CMOS RAM for the correct installation information.

The Equity 386SX automatically defines your system’s memory configuration and recognizes a math coprocessor, if you have

installed one. If the computer discovers a difference between the information in the CMOS RAM and its actual configuration, it prompts you to run the Setup program.

Running

the Setup

Program

2-1

Starting the Setup Program

Follow these steps to start the Setup program:

Turn off your computer, monitor, and any peripheral devices, if you have not already done so.

Insert the Reference diskette into drive A with the label facing up and the metal shutter leading into the drive, as shown below:

2-2

Slide the diskette into the drive until it clicks into place. (For more instructions on inserting and removing diskettes, see Chapter 3.)

Running the Setup Program

Turn on your system. (Remember to turn on your monitor and any peripherals before you turn on the computer.) The screen displays the Operation Menu:

OPERATION MENU

1 - Setup 2 - Format hard disk 3 -

System

diagnostics

4 - Prepare hard disk for moving

0 - Exit to DOS for more utilities

Note

If an error message appears when you rum on the computer, see “Continuing From an Error Message,”

below.

The Setup option is highlighted. To select it, press

Enter. The screen displays the main Setup menu:

Exit

Display

Password

Fast boot

Auto speed Real-time clock Hard disk drive Diskette

Serial / Parallel

drive

Running the

Setup

Program

2-3

Continuing From an Error Message

If your computer has never been set up, you may see an error

message, such as the following:

162 - System options not set

(Run SETUP in REFERENCE DISK)

(Resume = "F1" key)

If you see an error message like this one, follow these steps to proceed:

Press F1. The computer beeps and the screen displays messages, such as the following:

!!!!! Error(s) detected !!!!!

2-4

The error message following the diamond indicates the condition causing the error. There may be more than one error listed in the message. Here are the error messages you

may see:

Time is invalid HDD and/or HDC failed initialization Memory size is incorrect, correction made

Incorrect configuration Checksum is incorrect Real-time clock has lost power

Running the Setup Program

Some errors, such as Time you to set a default value, so the screen does not display the

i sinvalid,

do not allow

Set default value prompt. If you see one of these

errors, press ESC; the screen displays the main Setup menu so you can enter a new setting.

Note

If you see the message Real-time clock has

lost power, contact your Epson dealer. You cannot

correct this error using the Setup program.

Be sure Y is highlighted and press program changes the setting that caused the error to a setting that is more likely to match your system configuration. The screen displays the main Setup menu:

Enter.

The Setup

Exit

Display

Password

Fast boot

Auto speed Real-time clock Hard disk drive Diskette

drive

Serial / Parallel

You should check all the settings in the Setup program to

make sure they are correct for your system. The default value for the setting that caused the error may not be the correct one for your particular configuration.

Running the Setup Program

2-5

Moving the Cursor Block

Use 4 and ? to move the cursor block (the highlighted bar)

through the options on the main Setup menu. After you

highlight the option you want, you can press Enter to select it.

NoteNote

If the arrow keys on the numeric keypad do not appear to work, Num Lock mode may be enabled. If the Num Lock indicator in the upper right corner of the keyboard is lit, press the Num Lock key once to disable Num Lock mode. and enable the arrow keys on the numeric keypad. If you need to enter numbers while using the Setup program and you want to use the numeric keypad, you need to turn on Num Lock.

Follow the instructions in the rest of this chapter to use the Setup program to define your computer’s configuration.

Setting the Display Adapter Card Type

Follow the steps below to set the type of display adapter (video) card you are using with your Equity 386SX.

Note With this option you select the type of display adapter card you are using-not the type of monitor.

2-6

Running the Setup Program

At the main Setup menu, highlight the current display adapter card type, such as the following:

Display.

You

Monochrome 80 column

If the display adapter card type is correct for your system, you can skip this section.

To change the display adapter card setting, press Enter. The cursor block moves into the submenu and you see:

see

CGA CGA

40 column 80 column

Monochrome 80 column

Special Adapter

The last option in this menu displays the type of display adapter card you installed if it is an EGA, VGA, or MCGA card. If you installed a different type of display adapter card or a type listed as one of the first three options, you see

Special Adapter as the fourth option.

Press Enter to move the cursor block into this submenu and

then use ? or L to highlight the option that matches your

display adapter card. If you are not sure which one to

choose, follow these guidelines:

If you have a VGA, EGA, or MCGA card, select the fourth option.

If you have a color graphics adapter (CGA) or a multigraphics adapter (MGA) attached to an RGB (color) monitor, select CGA 80 column. (Also be sure to set the color/mono switch on the MGA card to color.)

Running the Setup Program

2-7

If you have a composite color monitor, such as a color television with a video input, try selecting CGA

column.

again and select CGA 40 column.

If you have a monochrome display adapter (MDA), an MGA, or a Hercules MGA attached to a monochrome

monitor, choose Monochrome 80 column.

(Also be sure to set the color/mono switch on the MGA

card to mono.)

If you have any other combination of monitor and

display adapter card, select Special Adapter.

In addition, consult the documentation supplied with

your display adapter card.

4. After you highlight the appropriate display adapter card type, press adapter card setting.

5. Highlight *** SAVE SETTING*** and press Enter

to return to the main Setup menu.

If the resulting resolution is poor, run Setup

Enter.

The screen displays your new display

Setting the Power-on Password

Setting a power-on password lets you control who can use your system. However, you do not need to set a power-on password

to use the Equity 386SX. If you set a power-on password, you must enter it the next time

you turn on or reset your computer. If you cannot enter it correctly, the computer locks up and does not respond to your keyboard entries. Therefore, if you set a power-on password, be

sure to remember it or write it down and keep it in a safe place.

2-8

Running the Setup Program

If you want to use your computer as a network server, you must turn on network server mode. (A network server is the master computer in a network which provides storage space for the other computers connected to it. The network server can write files to and read files from the other computers in the network.) To turn on network server mode, you must set a power-on password.

If you do not want to set a power-on password or turn on network server mode, skip this section.

Follow these steps to set a power-on password (when one does not exist) and turn network server mode on or off:

At the main Setup menu, highlight Pas sword. This submenu appears:

Power-on password

Network server mode OFF

Press Enter. The cursor block moves to Power-on

password.

Note

If a password already exists, this message appears:

Power-on password already installed

The Setup program does not allow you to enter a new password if one already exists. However, you can easily change or delete the current password if you know it. See

“Using a Power-on Password” in Chapter 3 for instructions.

Press

Enter. You

see this prompt:

r-7

Running the

Setup

Program

2-9

To enter a password, type any combination of characters

(including letters, numbers, and blank spaces) up to a total of seven characters. Use the backspace key to delete mistakes.

Do not use characters requiring the SHIFT key, such as $,

@, or *, recognize the access the system.

WARNING Be sure to remember the password you enter or write it down and keep it in a safe place. If you cannot remember the password you enter now, you will not be able to access the computer the next time you turn it on.

If you want to return to the password submenu without

saving any changes, press

4. After you enter a password, press Enter to return to the

password submenu.

in your password. The Equity 386SX does not

SHIFT

key when you use your password to

ESC.

5. Highlight server mode on or

The Setup program requires a power-on password to turn network server mode on. If you did not enter a password, this message appears:

Network server mode. To turn network

off,

press

Enter.

Set a power-on password first

To enter a password, highlight Power-on password

and follow steps 3 and 4 above.

6. After you enter a power-on password and turn network

SAVE

2-10

server mode on or off, highlight

SETTINGS

Setup menu.

Running the Setup Program

* * * * and press Enter to return to the main

* * * *

Note If you forget your password, there is a way to disable the password function. See “Password Problems” in Appendix A for instructions.

Setting the Fast Boot Function

The Fast boot function allows you to start up your system faster by reducing the time it takes the computer to perform its poweron diagnostics. Power-on diagnostics are a series of diagnostics checks which your computer runs automatically each time you turn on the power.

When Fast boot is disabled, the diagnostics program performs three different tests on your system’s memory and also checks the internal devices in your computer. When you enable Fast boot, the program performs abbreviated versions of these tests.

You should enable Fast boot when you are using your computer

in its current configuration. If you install additional memory in your computer, disable Fast boot before you make the change. The next time you turn on your computer, it runs complete power-on diagnostics, allowing you to test your new configuration thoroughly. Then you can run the Setup program to enable the Fast boot function again.

Note

If you disable the

Fast

boot function and then change your system’s configuration, the computer can take up to five minutes to perform its power-on diagnostics the first time you turn it on.

Running

the Setup Program

2-11

Follow these steps to change the Fast boot setting:

1. At the main Setup menu, highlight Fast boot and

press Enter. The current status appears:

Fast boot

SAVE SETTING **

the displayed setting is correct, press ? to return to the

main Setup menu.

To change the setting from enabled to disabled or vice versa, press

3. Highlight * * SAVE SETTING * * and press Enter to

return to the main Setup menu.

Enter.

enabled

Setting the Auto Speed Function

The Equity 386SX can operate at 16 MHz or simulate an

8 MHz operating speed. The 16 MHz speed is high and the simulated 8 MHz speed is low. switch on the computer’s front panel to select either speed.

(See “Selecting the Operating Speed” in Chapter 3.)

You’ll probably use high speed for almost all your operations.

Some copy-protected application programs, however, require

the computer to run at the low speed while accessing the

program on a diskette. These programs also usually require you

to leave a key disk-the diskette that contains the copy

protection-in the diskette drive. If you use a copy-protected

program often, you may want to enable the Auto speed

function.

You

can use the

CPU SPEED

2-12

Running the Setup Program

When Auto speed is enabled, the computer automatically switches to low speed whenever it needs to access a diskette drive. It runs at high speed for all other operations.

There are different types of copy-protected programs. Depending on the type you have, you may or may not want to enable the Auto speed function. Follow these guidelines:

If you are using a copy-protected program that can run only on a diskette or that requires a key disk, try to start the program on high speed. If this works, you do not need to

enable the Auto speed function.

If you can’t load the program on high, enable Auto speed.

D If you are using a copy-protected program that does not

require a key disk but requires a special procedure to install

the program on a hard disk, set the

the front panel to LOW while you are installing the

program. Once it is installed, set the switch to HIGH, where

you should be able to leave it while you load and run the

program.

If this does not work, try loading the program at low speed

and then switch to high to run it. Do not enable the Auto

speed function.

CPU SPEED

switch on

Follow these steps to change the Auto speed setting:

1. At the main Setup menu, highlight Auto speed and press

Enter.

The current status appears:

Auto speed disabled

** SAVE SETTING **

If the displayed setting is correct, press 1‘ to return to the main Setup menu.

Running the

Setup

Program

2-13

2. To change the setting from disabled to enabled

or vice

3. Highlight * * SAVE SETTING ** and press Enter to

return to the main Setup menu.

versa, press

Enter.

Setting the Real-time Clock

The real-time clock in your Equity 386SX constantly tracks the time and date-even when the computer is turned off. The first time you run the Setup program, you use the Real-time

clock option to set the time and date for your computer. You

may need to use this option again later to adjust the time for daylight savings time. The computer automatically changes the date for leap years.

Another way to change the real-time with the

MS-DOS TIME and DATE

MS-DOS Reference Manual for instructions.

Follow these steps

At the main Setup menu, highlight Real-time

clock. If the time and date have been previously set, the

current settings appear:

If the time and date are correct, you can skip ‘the rest of this

section.

2-14

Running the Setup Program

to set

the real-time clock:

clock*s time

and date is

commands. See your

If the time and date are incorrect, go to step 2 below.

If the time and date have never been set, the submenu contains a template for you to fill in:

Go to step 2 to enter the time and date.

Press Enter to move the cursor block into the submenu.

3. To set or change the time, press Enter again. You see this

prompt:

4. Using a 24-hour time period, enter the time in the exact format shown in the box. Type two digits for each part; the Setup program automatically inserts the colons ( : ). For example, to set the time to 1:30 p.m., you would type the following:

133000

You can use the backspace key to make corrections.

Note

If you want to use the number keys on the numeric

keypad to enter the time or date, press the Num Lock key to enable Num Lock mode. The Num Lock light is

on when Num Lock mode is enabled.

Running the Setup Program

2-15

If you enter an invalid time-for example, a number greater than 23 for the hours or greater than 59 for the minutes or seconds-the computer beeps and ignores your entry. Try again.

When the time is correct, press Enter.

To set or change the date, highlight Date and press

Enter.

6. Enter the date in the exact format shown in the box. Use two digits for the month and day and four digits for the year; the Setup program automatically inserts the dashes. For example, to set the date for December 30, 1989, you would type the following:

You see this prompt:

12301989

You can use the backspace key to make corrections.

If you enter an invalid date-for example, a number greater than 12 for the month or greater than the number of days in that month-the computer beeps and ignores your entry. Try again.

When the date is correct, press Enter.

7. Check the new time and date to be sure they are correct.

1‘

once or twice to return to the main Setup

Program

2-16

Then press

menu.

Running the Setup

Note

The Setup program automatically saves the time and date when you press change the time or date and then exit the Setup program without saving your changes, the new time and date still

take effect.

Enter

after typing-each one. If you

Setting the Hard Disk Drive Configuration

If your computer came with a 40MB or 100MB hard disk, your computer’s hard disk configuration has already been set for you at the factory and you can skip this section.

If you installed or removed a hard disk, follow these steps to set the computer’s hard disk configuration:

1. At the main Setup menu, highlight Hard disk

drive.

Your current settings appear:

Drive 1:

Type 17

Drive 2: None

The Type number indicates the type of hard disk

installed in your computer. See Appendix E for a list of hard disk drive types, and the documentation supplied with your hard disk to find the correct type for the hard disk drive

installed in your computer. The None after Drive 2 indicates that there is not a

second hard disk.

If the displayed settings match your hard disk configuration,

you can skip the rest of this section.

If a setting is incorrect, or if you want to see more details

about your hard disk configuration, go to step 2.

Running the Setup Program

2-17

2. To select Hard disk drive, press Enter. You see a

menu such as the following:

Change settings

** SAVE SETTINGS **

Drive 1:

Number of cylinders

Number of heads

Number of sectors

Precomp. Landing Total capacity (MB)

Type 17

cylinder

zone

977 5 17 300 971

40.5

Drive 2:

Number of cylinders 0 Number of heads Number of sectors Precomp. Landing zone Total capacity (MB) .0

None

cylinder

The submenu lists the settings you can change for each drive: the number of cylinders (tracks), the number of read/ write heads, the number of sectors, the precompensation

cylinder, the landing zone (the cylinder on which you want to park the heads when moving the computer), and the total storage capacity in megabytes.

3. If you want to change the settings for Drive 1 (which is

drive C on most computers), press Enter to highlight

Drive

1:. If you want to change the settings for

Drive 2, press Enter and then + to highlight

Drive 2:.

Press

Enter.

You see this submenu:

0 0 0 0

2-18

If you want to change the drive type and the configuration

of the hard disk you are installing matches one of the drive

types listed in Appendix E, go to step 6.

Running the Setup

Program

If you want to change the drive types, and the configuration of the hard disk you are installing does not match one of the drive types listed in Appendix E, go to step 7.

If you have disconnected the drive or if the drive does not

exist, highlight None and press Enter. All the drive

settings become 0. Go to step 8.

Note

If you install an ESDI hard

disk drive controller in an option slot (instead of using the embedded controller), follow these guidelines to set the drive type:

D If the

ROM

ESDI

controller does not have its own BIOS

and your hard disk drive type is not listed on

the hard disk drive parameter table, go to step 7. If the hard disk drive type is listed on the hard disk

drive parameter table, go to step 6 and set the type.

If the ESDI controller has its own BIOS ROM, you must set the hard disk drive type to Type 1. Go to step 6.

Highlight Type and press Enter. The current type number appears:

Now select the drive type number that matches your hard disk configuration from the list of hard disk drive types in Appendix E.

Running the Setup

Program

2-19

You can enter the drive type in one of two ways:

You can type the drive type number (listed in Appendix E) and press Enter. The screen displays the new drive type number and hard disk settings. (You cannot type 00 or a drive type number that has more than three digits.)

You can use the cursor keys to move through the drive

type numbers, as follows:

PgDn

PgUp

Home

End

This is a handy way to verify new hard disk settings before you press Enter because the settings list is automatically updated as you display each new type number.

increases the drive type number one number at a time

decreases the drive type number one number at a time

increases the drive type number in increments of 10 (for example, from 47 to 57)

decreases the drive type number in

increments of 10 (for example, from 47

to 37) enters drive type 1 (the first available drive

type)

enters drive type 63 (the last available drive type)

2-20

After you enter the appropriate drive type number, press

Enter. The screen displays the new drive type number and

hard disk settings. Go to step 8.

Running the Setup Program

If the configuration of the hard disk you are installing does not match one of the drive types listed in Appendix E, highlight User defined and press Enter. You see the following:

Number of cylinders

The same parameter is highlighted on the submenu above. Enter the correct number of cylinders (tracks) for the disk and press

NoteNote

If you use the number keys on the numeric

enter parameters, press the Num Lock mode. The

Num Lock

The information for Number of cylinders is automatically updated on the submenu above and you see the next parameter, correct number of read/write heads for the hard disk and press

Follow this

settings list (the number of sectors, the precompensation cylinder, and the landing zone).

Enter.

Num Lock

mode

Num Lock

is enabled.Num Lock

is enabled.

light is on when theNum Lock mode. The

light is on when the

Number of heads. Enter the

same procedure for each remaining item in the

977

keypad to

key to enableenter parameters, press the

key to enable

If you enter a parameter incorrectly, press T or 1 to highlight the parameter and then enter it again.

The Setup program does not allow you to enter the total storage capacity; it calculates the storage capacity for you, based on what you enter for the number of cylinders, heads, and sectors.

After you type the landing zone number and press the cursor block returns to the Drive submenu heading.

Running the Setup

Program

Enter,

2-21

If you want to change the hard disk settings for drive 2, press -+ and return to step 4.

9. When the hard disk drive settings are correct, press ? to move the cursor block into the top submenu. Highlight

** SAVE SETTINGS

hard disk drive configuration. The main Setup menu

appears.

* * and press Enter to save your

Setting the Diskette Drive Type(s)

Your Equity 386SX drive. If you removed the installed drive or added a second diskette drive, you need to change the diskette drive settings to match your configuration. If you haven’t made any changes, you can verify the drive type settings. Follow these steps:

At the main Setup menu, highlight Diskette drive. The current settings appear:

Each diskette drive is followed by its specific type (360KB,

720KB, 1.2MB, or 1.44MB). If the diskette drive types on the screen match your diskette drive configuration, you can skip the rest of this section.

comes with one factory-installed diskette

2-22

Running the Setup Program

Press Enter. The cursor block moves into the diskette drive submenu and you see the following:

Not

installed

360 KB drive 720 KB drive (3.5")

1.2 MB drive

1.44 MB drive (3.5")

If you want to change the drive A settings, be sure

Drive

change the drive B settings, highlight Drive B : and press Enter. The cursor block moves into the submenu.

Use 1 or ? to highlight the correct type for your diskette

drive and press Enter. The screen displays the new diskette drive type you selected.

If you want to enter the type for another diskette drive, return to step 3.

When the diskette drive settings are correct, highlight

** SAVE SETTINGS

block returns to the main Setup menu and you see the

updated information for drives A and B.

is highlighted and press

* * and press Enter. The cursor

Enter.

If you want to

Running the

Setup Program

2-23

Setting the Serial and Parallel Interfaces

The serial and parallel interfaces in your computer are set up to act as the primary ports. If these are the only ports you are using

in your computer, you can skip this section.

If you install an option card with its own serial or parallel port, however, you may want to designate the built-in port as secondary and the additional port as primary. The Setup program lets you choose which port is primary and which is secondary so there is no conflict between the built-in port and

the additional port. Here are some examples:

D If you install an option card with a port pre-set as primary

by the manufacturer, you must designate it as the primary port and make the computer’s built-in port the secondary port.

If you install an option card or peripheral with a port not pre-set, you must designate it as the secondary port and the built-in port as the primary port.

If you install two option cards with ports, designate one as

the primary port and the other as the secondary port and disable the built-in port.

Follow these steps to change your built-in serial and parallel interface settings:

At the main Setup menu, highlight Serial/

Parallel.

Serial

The current settings for each port appear:

Primary

Parallel Primary

2-24

Running the Setup

Program

Press Enter to move the cursor block into the submenu.

You see:

3. If you want to change the serial port setting, be sure Serial

change the parallel port setting, highlight and press Enter. The cursor block moves into the submenu.

4. Use L or t to

you selected and press Enter. The screen displays the new setting.

Note

If you add an option card with a parallel or serial port and highlight a setting that causes a conflict between your built-in ports and the port on the option card, you see this message:

is highlighted and press

t t e appropriate setting for the port

highl’

h h

Enter.

If you want to

Parallel

Conflict with option card

Highlight a setting that is appropriate for your system configuration and

If you want to change the setting for the other port, return to step 3.

When the serial and parallel port settings are correct, highlight *** SAVE SETTINGS *** and press

press

Enter.

Enter. The cursor block returns to the main Setup menu

and you see your updated serial and parallel interface settings.

Running

the Setup Program

2-25

Reviewing Your Settings

When you finish using the Setup program to define your computer’s configuration, press ‘? to highlight Exit at the main Setup menu and press Enter. The following Setup summary appears on the screen:

Memory

Password

Display type Fast boot

Extended memory Base memory Power-on password

Network server mode

384 KB 640 KB

not installed

OFF Monochrome 80 column enabled

If you see an error message on the first Setup summary screen, see “Adding an Optional Memory Card” later in this chapter.

There are two more Setup summary screens you need to check. To display the next screen, press PgDn. You see the following:

Real-time clock

Auto speed Coprocessor Diskette drive

Serial Parallel

Time

Date

Drive A:

Drive B:

13:40:38 12-30-1989

disabled not installed

1.44 MB

None

Primary Primary

2-26

Running the Setup Program

If you have never set the real-time clock, the real-time clock entry at the top of the screen flashes to remind you to set the time and date.

To view the last Setup summary screen, press

PgDn. You

see

your hard disk configuration(s):

Hard disk drive

Drive 1: Type

Number of cylinders Number of heads Number of sectors Precomp. Landing Total capacity (MB)

cylinder

zone

Change settings

Exit without saving

** EXIT AND SAVE **

977 5 17 300 977

40.5

Drive 2:

Number of cylinders 0 Number of heads Number of sectors Precomp. Landing zone Total capacity (MB) .0

None

cylinder

0 0 0 0

Check each Setup summary screen to see if all the information

is correct. You can press PgUp to display the previous screen or

PgDn to display the next screen.

If anything is incorrect, be sure Change settings is highlighted and press Enter. The main Setup menu appears and you can change the appropriate settings.

Running the Setup Program

2-27

Leaving the Setup Menu

If you want to save the settings you entered, highlight

** EXIT AND SAVE

summary screen. The Setup program stores the new settings and resets the computer using the new configuration. If you have set a password, you need to enter it at the key prompt. (See “Using a Power-on Password” in Chapter 3 for instructions.) The Operation Menu appears. Press 0 and Enter to exit the Operation Menu.

If the computer displays an error message while it is starting up, run the Setup program again and check the setting the error message indicates. If the computer still displays an error message after you check your Setup program settings, see Appendix B or ask your dealer for assistance.

Note

If you did not

changes you made, highlight Exit without saving at a Setup summary screen and press Menu appears. Press 0 and Menu. (If you changed the time or date, the new setting takes effect even if you exit the Setup program without saving your changes.)

change

* * and press Enter at a Setup

any settings

or you want to cancel

Enter,

Enter to

The Operation

exit from the Opera

the

After you save the settings you entered, remove the Reference diskette from your diskette drive and turn off your system. Then follow the instructions in your MS-DOS Installation Guide to

install MS-DOS.

Note Be sure to make a backup copy of your Reference diskette after

you run the

Setup

program

and install M

S-DOS. See

Chapter 3 for instructions on how to copy diskettes,

2-28

Running the

Setup Program

Adding an Optional Memory Card

The first Setup summary screen shows the current amount of memory installed in your system. The Equity 386SX comes with

1MB of on-board memory. (On-board memory is memory that resides on the computer’s main system board.) Setup automatically configures this memory as 640KB of base memory and 384KB of extended memory. If you install even more memory, Setup configures it as extended memory also.

You can add more memory to your computer by installing single

inline memory modules (SIMMs) or by installing an optional memory card. Because SIMMs do not require you to use an option slot, they provide a more efficient way to add memory than optional memory cards: You can also add both SIMMs and a memory card.

All memory in your system has a particular address. A memory address is the exact area where the memory resides in the system. If you add memory by installing a memory card, the

address of the memory on the card could overlap the address of

memory you added by installing SIMMs, or there could be a gap between the two addresses.

Setup displays this error message on the first summary screen if a

memory address overlap occurs:

ERROR: Memory overlapping from 100000h to 260000h Reset Add-on memory board starting at 200000h or 260000h

If there is a gap between the memory addresses, you see this

message:

ERROR: Memory gapping from 160000h to

200000h

Reset Add-on memory board starting at

100000h or 160000h

Running the Setup Program

2-29

The addresses of the gap or overlap are shown in hexadecimal numbers. (Hexadecimal is a base-16 numbering system used in programming.) The message tells you the starting and ending addresses of the gap or overlap and recommends two starting addresses for the memory you added on the memory card.

The first recommended starting address is the starting address of

the 384KB of on-board extended memory. The second recommended starting address is the ending address of that 384KB of memory. If you reset your memory card to the first

recommended starting address, your system cannot use the 384KB of on-board extended memory in your configuration since its address is used by memory on the memory card. By choosing the second recommended starting address, you can

include the 384KB of memory in your configuration because the

memory you add on the memory card begins where the 384KB of memory ends.

Some memory cards limit the possible starting addresses you can

set. See the manual that came with your memory card to

determine which starting address to use.

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Running

the Setup Program

2-32

Running the Setup Program

Chapter 3

Using the Equity 386SX

This chapter describes the following procedures for using your Equity 386SX computer:

Installing MS-DOS

Using a power-on password

Selecting the operating speed

Using special keys on the keyboard

Stopping a command or program

Resetting the computer

Using disks and disk drives

Turning off the computer.

Installing MS-DOS

After you connect the components of your system and run

the Setup program, you must install MS-DOS. Follow the instructions in your MS-DOS Installation Guide.

The MS-DOS installation process automatically copies the

MS-DOS files onto your hard disk or generates working copies of the original MS-DOS diskettes. It is best to make another set of backup copies of your original MS-DOS diskettes. You may also want to copy the working diskettes MS-DOS generates if you do not have a hard disk.

Using

the Equity 386SX

3-1

In addition, be sure to make a backup copy of your Reference

diskette; MS-DOS does not create one for you. See “Making

Backup Copies” in this chapter and “Backing Up Data” in

Chapter 4 for instructions on how to copy diskettes.

Using a Power-on Password

If you set a power-on password when you ran the Setup program, you must enter it every time you turn on or reset the computer. (See “Resetting the Computer” later in this chapter for instructions on how to reset the computer.) Follow these steps:

If you do not have a hard disk, insert your Startup diskette in drive A.

Turn on your system. The screen displays a key prompt:

3. At the key prompt, enter the power-on password you set when you ran the Setup program. The key turns when you type a character. The screen does not display the characters you type. Then press

Enter.

After you type the complete password correctly and press Enter,

a happy face character appears. Then the computer loads MS-DOS. The screen displays the MS-DOS command prompt or the MS-DOS Shell Start Programs menu, depending on whether you installed the Shell program when you installed MS-DOS.

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Using the Equity 386SX

You have three chances to enter the correct password. If you do not enter the correct password at the first or second key prompt, another key prompt appears. If you do not enter the correct password at the third key prompt, the screen displays a 0. The keyboard locks up and you cannot use the computer. You may reset the computer and try to enter the correct password again.

Note If you do not know the correct password, see “Password Problems” in Appendix A.

Changing a Power-on Password

To change your power-on password, follow these steps:

If you do not have a hard disk, insert your Startup diskette in drive A.

Turn on or reset the computer. At the key prompt, enter your current power-on password followed by a forward slash. After the slash, enter the new password you want to use. For example, if your current password is 123 and you want to change it to ABC, type:

123/ABC

Do not use characters requiring the SHIFT key, such as $, @, or *, in your new password. The Equity 386SX does not recognize the SHIFT key when you use your password to access the system.

The screen does not display what you type.

Using the Equity 386SX 3-3

WARNING

Be sure to remember the new power-on password you enter or write it down and keep it in a safe place. If you

cannot remember the password you enter now, you will not be able to access your computer the next time you turn it on.

Press Enter. A happy face character appears and then the computer loads MS-DOS.

To access the computer the next time you turn it on or reset it, you must enter the new power-on password.

Deleting a Power-on Password

To delete your power-on password, follow these steps:

If you do not have a hard disk, insert your Startup diskette in drive A.

Turn on or reset the computer. At the key prompt, enter your current power-on password followed by a forward slash. For example, if your password is 123, type:

123/

Press Enter. A happy face character appears and then the computer loads MS-DOS.

The next time you turn on or reset the computer, it does not

request a password and loads MS-DOS immediately.

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Using the Equity 386SX

Selecting the Operating Speed

The Equity 386SX can operate at two speeds: high and low.

High speed is 16 MHz and low speed simulates 8 MHz. On high, the computer can access memory faster than on low.

You will probably use high speed for almost everything you do.

However, certain application programs have specific timing

requirements for diskette access and can run only at the slower

speed. See the manual for your application program to

determine if this is the case.

Note

If you enabled the Auto speed function when you ran the Setup program, the computer automatically slows down to low speed whenever it accesses a diskette drive. See Chapter 2 for information on the Auto speed function.

Use the CPU SPEED switch on the front panel to change the CPU speed; move it left for low and right for high. When the computer runs at low speed, the power light is orange; at high speed, it is green.

CPU SPEED switch

WARNING

You do not need to turn off the computer to change the operating speed, but do not change it while you are running a program. Complete your current operation, exit the program to MS-DOS, and then change the speed.

Using the

Equity 386SX

3-5

Special Keys on the Equity 386SX Keyboard

Certain keys on your keyboard serve special functions when your computer is running MS-DOS or application programs. The following illustration shows the Equity 386SX keyboard,

and the table that follows describes the special keys.

Key

functions

Key

Tab

Caps Lock

Shift Produces uppercase characters or the top

Ctrl Works with other keys to perform special

Alt

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Using the Equity 386SX

Purpose Moves the cursor one tab to the right in normal

mode and one tab to the left in shift mode. Changes the letter keys from lower- to

uppercase; changes back to lowercase when pressed again. The numeric/symbol keys on the top row of the keyboard and the symbol keys in the main part of the keyboard are not affected.

symbols on the keys when used with the main character keys. Produces lowercase characters when the Caps Lock function is on.

(control) functions, such as editing operations

in MS-DOS and various application programs.

Works with other keys to enter alternate character codes or functions.

Key

Backspace

Purpose Moves the cursor back one space, deleting the

character to the left of the cursor.

Enter

Insert (Ins) Delete (Del) Home, End

Page UP (PgUp) Page Down (PgDn)

Tel+

Num Lock

Esc

F1-F12

Print Screen (PrtSc)

SYS Rq (Req)

Scroll Lock

Ends a line of keyboard input or executes a command.

Turns the Insert function on and off. Deletes the character marked by the cursor. Control cursor location.

Changes the function of the numeric/cursor

keys from entering numbers to positioning the

cursor; changes back when pressed again. Cancels the current command line or

operation.

Perform special functions within application programs.

Prints the screen display on a line printer.

Generates the System Request function in some application programs (when used with

Alt).

Controls scrolling in some applications. Pause Break

The

Caps Lock, Num Lock,

Suspends the current operation.

Terminates the current operation (when used

with Ctrl).

and

Scroll Lock

keys work as toggles; press the key once to turn on a function and again to turn it off. When the function is enabled, the corresponding light in the upper right comer of the keyboard is on. When the function is disabled, the light is off.

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3-7

Stopping a Command or Program

You may sometimes need to stop a command or program while

it is running. Many application programs provide a command

you can use to cancel or even undo an operation. If you have

entered an MS-DOS command that you want to stop, try one of the following commands:

Hold down the Ctrl key and press C

Hold down the

These methods may also work in your application program. If you cannot stop a particular operation, however, you may need

to reset the computer, as described in the following section.

Caution

It is best not to turn off the computer to stop a program or command. If you created new data and you have not yet stored it, the data will be erased if you turn off the computer. The computer stores your data in its memory until you save

it; but the memory area is erased each time you turn off or reset the computer.

Ctrl

key and press

Break.

Resetting the Computer

Occasionally, you may want to clear the computer’s current settings or its memory without turning it off. This is called resetting the computer.

If an error occurs and the computer does not respond to your keyboard entries, you can reset the computer to reload MS-DOS and try again. However, resetting erases any data in the computer’s memory that you have not stored; so reset your computer only if necessary.

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Using the Equity 386SX

WARNING

Do not reset the computer to exit a program unless you have

to. Some application programs classify and store new data when you exit the program. If you reset the computer without properly exiting the program, you may lose data.

To reset the computer, MS-DOS must be either on the hard disk or on a diskette in drive A; so if your computer does not have a hard disk, insert the Startup diskette in drive A.

There are three ways to reset. Because each is more powerful

than the last, try them in the order listed here:

If you are using MS-DOS, hold down Ctrl and Alt and press the Del key. The screen goes blank for a moment and then the computer should reload MS-DOS. If it doesn’t, try the second method.

Press the RESET button on the front panel. This method works even when the computer does not respond to your keyboard entries. If this does not correct the problem, try the third method.

Remove any diskette(s) from the diskette drive(s). Turn off the computer and wait five seconds. If your computer does not have a hard disk, insert the Startup diskette in drive A. Then turn on the computer.

Using Disks and Disk Drives

The disk drives in your computer allow you to store data on disk, and then retrieve and use your stored data when you want to. The Equity 386SX comes with a single diskette drive or one diskette drive and one hard disk drive. You may add another diskette or hard disk drive, up to a maximum of three drives

total.

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3-9

This section explains how disks work and tells you how to do the following:

Use different types of diskettes and diskette drives

Care for your diskettes and diskette drives

Insert and remove diskettes

Write-protect diskettes

Make backup copies of your diskettes

Use a single diskette drive

Use two diskette drives

Use a hard disk drive.

How Disks Store Data

The diskette you insert in your computer’s diskette drive is made of flexible plastic coated with magnetic material. It is

enclosed in a square jacket that is either hard (3 diskettes) or slightly flexible (5

‘/+-inch

diskettes).

‘/z-inch

Unlike a diskette, a hard disk is rigid and fixed in place. It is sealed in a protective case to keep it free of dust and dirt. A hard disk stores data the same way that a diskette does, but it

works much faster and has a much larger storage capacity. All disks are divided into data storage compartments by sides,

tracks, and sectors. Double-sided diskettes store data on both sides. On each side, there are concentric rings, called tracks

(or cylinders), on which a disk can store data. Double-density

diskettes have either 40 or 80 tracks on each side, and high-

density diskettes have 80 tracks on each side.

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Using the Equity 386SX

Because a hard disk consists of two or more platters stacked on top of one another, it has four or more sides with many more tracks per side than a diskette. (The number of tracks depends on the capacity of the hard disk. You do not need to know how many sides and tracks your hard disk has.)

A disk is further divided by sectors. To understand what a sector

is, picture the spokes on a bicycle wheel radiating from the center of the wheel to the tire. The space between one spoke and the next is like a sector on a diskette; the lines dividing the sectors cut across the tracks. (See the figure below.) A diskette can have 8, 9, 15, or 18 sectors per track. The number of sectors on a hard disk depends on the type of hard disk.

sector

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

Because data is stored magnetically, you can retrieve it, record over it, and erase it-just as you play, record, and erase music on a cassette tape.

Types of Diskette Drives

The Equity 386SX comes with one 1.44MB diskette. With this drive, use 3½-inch, double-sided, high-density, 135 TPI,

1.44MB diskettes. These diskettes contain 80 tracks per side, 18 sectors per track, and hold up to 1.44MB of information, which is approximately 600 pages of text. MB stands for megabyte; each megabyte equals 1,048,576 bytes or 1024KB.

You may also have a second diskette drive, and it may be the same type or it may be different. The following list describes the other types of diskette drives you can use in the Equity 386SX and which diskettes to use with them:

3-12

720KB drive-With this drive, use 3½-inch, double-sided,

double-density, 135 TPI, 720KB diskettes. These diskettes

contain 80 tracks per side, 9 sectors per track, and hold up to 720KB of information, which is approximately 300 pages of text. KB stands for kilobyte; each kilobyte equals 1024 bytes. Each byte represents a single character, such as A, $, or 3.

1.2MB drive-With this drive, use 5¼-inch, double-sided, high-density, 96 TPI, 1.2MB diskettes. These diskettes contain 80 tracks per side, 15 sectors per track, and hold up to 1.2MB of information, which is approximately 500 pages of text.

Using the Equity 386SX

D 360KB drive-With this drive, use 5

l/4-inch,

double-sided,

double-density, 48 TPI (tracks per inch), 360KB diskettes.

(You can also use single-sided, 160KB or 180KB diskettes.) These diskettes contain 40 tracks per side, 8 or 9 sectors per track, and hold up to 360KB of information, which is approximately 150 pages of text. (With 8 sectors per track, a diskette holds up to 320KB.)

NoteNote

Before you can use them with MS-DOS, you must formatBefore you can use them with MS-DOS, you must format

new diskettes using the MS-DOS FORMAT command.

Formatting erases all the data on a diskette and prepares it to receive new data, so be sure to format only new blankreceive new data, so be sure to format only new blank diskettes or diskettes that contain data you want to erase. Seediskettes or diskettes that contain data you want to erase. See Chapter 4 for instructions on formatting diskettes.Chapter 4 for instructions on formatting diskettes.

Drive and diskette incompatibilities

If your computer has more than one type of diskette drive, or if you use diskettes from other computers with other types of diskette drives, you need to be aware of certain incompatibilities between the diskette drives and the diskettes they use.

Because of the size difference, you cannot use 5 in a 3

l/z-inch

drive or vice versa. There are also certain

l/4-inch

diskettes

limitations on using diskettes that are the same size as the drive but have different capacities. The following tables summarize the possibilities and limitations.

‘/I-inch drive/diskette compatibility

Drive type 720KB 720KB

1.44MB

Diskette types it can read from and write to

720KB, 1.44MB

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3-13

‘Ivinch

drive/diskette compatibility

Drive type

360KB 160KB, 180KB, 320KB, 360KB

1.2MB 160KB, 180KB, 320KB, 360KB, 1.2MB

WARNING If you write to a 360KB (or 160KB, 180KB, or 320KB) diskette in a 1.2MB drive, you may nut be able to read it or write to it in a 360KB drive later.

Because of these incompatibilities, always indicate the diskette type and density when you label your diskettes. (Usually this information appears on the manufacturer’s label.)

If you have any combination of the above drives (1.44MB,

720KB, 1.2MB, or 360KB), you can copy files from one drive to another-using the COPY or XCOPY command-as long as the correct diskette type is in each drive. You can also use these commands to copy files between a hard disk and any type of diskette. However, you cannot use the DISKCOPY command to copy from one diskette drive to another if the two drives are not the same type. For more information on the MS-DOS COPY, XCOPY, and DISKCOPY commands, see Chapter 4.

Diskette types it can read from and write to

Caring for Diskettes and Diskette Drives

Follow these basic precautions to protect your diskettes and avoid losing data:

Do not remove a diskette from the diskette drive or turn off the computer while the drive light is on. This light indicates that the computer is copying data to or from a

diskette. If you interrupt this process, you can destroy data.

Remove all diskettes before you turn off the computer.

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Using the Equity 386SX

Keep diskettes away from dust and dirt. Small particles of dust or dirt can scratch the magnetic surface, destroy data, and ruin the read/write heads in a diskette drive.

Never wipe, brush, or try to clean diskettes in any way.

Keep diskettes in a moderate environment. They work best at normal room temperature and in normal humidity. Don’t leave diskettes sitting in the sun, or in extreme cold or heat.

Keep diskettes away from magnetic fields. (Remember that diskettes store information magnetically.) There are many magnetic sources in your home or office, such as electrical appliances, telephones, and loudspeakers.

Do not place diskettes on top of your monitor or near an external hard disk drive.

Do not slide the metal shutter on a 3 exposes the diskette’s magnetic surface. If you have a 5

‘/2-inch

diskette; this

l/4+

inch diskette drive, the surface of the diskette is exposed by the read/write slot. Always hold this diskette by its protective jacket and never touch the magnetic surface. The oils on your fingertips can damage it.

Do not place anything on top of your diskettes, and be sure they do not get bent. A diskette does not rotate properly in the drive if it has been damaged.

Carefully label your diskettes and be sure to indicate the diskette type and density. Attach labels firmly but gently,

and only along the top of a diskette (next to the manufacturer’s label). Do not stick several labels on top of one another; too many labels can make it difficult to insert and remove the diskette in the drive.

Using the Equity 386SX

3-15

For a 5

you attach it to a diskette. If you need to write on a label

that is already on a 5

pen-not a ballpoint pen or a pencil.

Store diskettes in a proper location, such as a diskette container. Do not store diskettes flat or stack them on top of each other. If you use any 5 in their protective envelopes.

l/4-inch

diskette, it is best to write on a label before

‘/q-inch

diskette, use only a soft-tip

l/4-inch

diskettes, store them

Inserting and Removing Diskettes

Insert the diskette with the label facing up and the metal shutter leading into the drive, as shown below. Slide the diskette into the drive until it clicks into place.

To remove the diskette, press the release button. The diskette

pops out of the drive. Pull out the diskette and store it properly.

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Using the Equity 386SX

If you have a 5

‘/+inch

diskette drive, hold the diskette with the

label facing up and the read/write slot leading into the drive.

Slide the diskette into the slot until it is in all the way. Then turn the latch down to lock it in a vertical position. This keeps the diskette in place and enables the read/write heads in the diskette drive to access the diskette.

To remove the diskette, turn the latch up until it is horizontal and the edge of the diskette pops out. Carefully pull out the diskette, place it in its protective envelope, and store it in a proper location, such as a diskette container.

WARNING

Never remove a diskette or turn off the computer while the diskette drive light is on. You could lose data. Also, be sure to remove all diskettes before you turn off the computer.

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3-17

Write-protecting Diskettes

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

On a 3 switch on the back of the diskette in the lower right corner, shown below. To write-protect a 3 switch toward the edge of the diskette until it clicks into position, exposing a hole in the comer.

To remove the write protection, slide the switch toward the center of the diskette until it clicks into position so the hole is covered.

‘/I-inch

diskette, the write-protect device is a small

‘/z-inch

diskette, slide the

write-protect switch

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Note Some program diskettes, such as your MS-DOS diskettes and your Reference diskette, have no switch so they are permanently write-protected. This protects them from being accidentally erased or altered. It is a good idea to writeprotect the backup copies you make of your MS-DOS and Reference diskettes.

To write-protect a 5

%-inch

diskette, cover the small,

rectangular notch (shown below) with an adhesive write-

protect tab. Write-protect tabs usually come with new 5

‘/.+-inch

diskettes when you buy them.

To remove the write protection, peel off the write-protect tab.

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3-19

Making Backup Copies

It is important to make copies of all your data and system

diskettes. Make backup (or working) copies

contain programs, such as the original MS-DOS and Reference diskettes that come with the Equity 386SX, and use only the copies. Store the original diskettes in a safe place away from

your working diskettes. Copy your data diskettes regularly, whenever you revise them,

to keep them up-to-date, and store them away from your originals.

To make backup copies of your diskettes, use the DISKCOPY command, the MS-DOS Shell, or the MENU program. See Chapter 4, your Shell User’s Guide, or your MS-DOS Reference

Manual for instructions.

It is best to store the programs and data files you use regularly on the hard disk. Keep backup copies of all your program files on diskettes, and regularly copy important data files to diskettes

as well. See “Backing up the hard disk” in this chapter for more

information.

Note

Most files on your Reference diskette (including the Setup

and diagnostics programs) run properly only if you execute them from the Reference diskette. If you have a hard disk,

copy only the following Reference diskette files onto it: CORFIX.EXE, HDSIT.COM, HDSIT.VER, and ROMBIOS.COM.

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Using the Equity 386SX

Using a Single Diskette Drive

MS-DOS expects the computer to have at least two diskette drives, and it displays prompts and messages accordingly. If your system has a single diskette drive, MS-DOS treats your one drive like two logical drives. This helps you perform operations that normally require two diskette drives.

Usually, MS-DOS recognizes the first diskette drive (the top drive on the Equity 386SX) as drive A and a second diskette drive as B. If you have only one diskette drive, MS-DOS can treat it as both A and B.

For example, if you enter a command to copy from A to B, MS-DOS copies from the first diskette you place in the drive

(A) to the computer’s memory. Then MS-DOS prompts you to insert another diskette (for drive B) and copies from memory to the new diskette. When copying is complete, you see a prompt to insert the original diskette (for drive A).

Because you may often swap diskettes this way, it is important to remember which diskette is which. It is also a good idea to write-protect your original diskette.

If you have a hard disk and one diskette drive, you can load the operating system and application programs from the hard disk, create and store your data there, and use the diskette drive just for copying data to or from diskettes.

If you have only one diskette drive and no hard disk, you need to use that drive to load the operating system as well as the application programs you are using. First load the operating system; this copies it to the computer’s memory (RAM) so you do not need to leave the system diskette in the drive. Then you can remove that diskette and insert the program diskette you

want to use, and load that into memory too. See your

application program manual for detailed instructions.

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3-21

Using Two Diskette Drives

If you have two diskette drives, you can use the top drive (A) for loading the operating system and application programs and the second drive (B) for creating data. If you have a hard disk, you will probably need the diskette drives just to copy files to and from the hard disk and to copy diskettes.

Note

You can load MS-DOS if

that diskette contains the MS-DOS system files.

from an application program diskette

Using a Hard Disk Drive

Working with a hard disk is similar to working with a diskette. However, the hard disk provides several advantages:

A 40MB hard disk can store as much data as approximately 30 1.44MB diskettes, and a 100MB hard disk can store as much data as approximately 70 1.44MB diskettes.

Q Your computer can perform all disk-related operations

faster.

You can store frequently used programs and data files on the

hard disk, eliminating the inconvenience of swapping diskettes to access different files.

The added storage capacity makes it easy to move back and forth between different programs and data files. However, because it is so easy to add programs and files to your hard disk, you may find yourself trying to organize hundreds of files.

MS-DOS lets you keep related files together in directories and subdirectories so they are easy to find and use. See Chapter 4 for

instructions on how to use directories.

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Using the Equity 386SX

Note

The MS-DOS Shell program is a menu-driven program which makes it easy for you to move, create, delete, and

rename files and directories, as well as view files and execute commands. See your instructions.

If your Equity 386SX has a hard disk drive, follow these precautions to protect it from damage and to avoid losing data:

Never turn off the computer when the hard disk drive light

is on. This light indicates that the computer is copying data to or from the hard disk. If you interrupt this process, you can lose data.

Never attempt to open the hard disk drive. The disk itself is enclosed in a sealed container to protect it from dust.

Before you move your computer (even to another part of the room), you need to prepare the hard disk for moving. See “Preparing the hard disk for moving,” below, for instructions.

MS-DOS Shell User’s

Guide for

A hard disk must be partitioned and formatted before you can use it. Be sure you have performed the procedures in your

MS-DOS Installation Guide to prepare your hard disk for use. You can enhance the performance of your hard disk by using

the SMARTDRV.SYS device driver and the FASTOPEN

command. See your MS-DOS Reference Manual for

instructions.

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3-23

Backing up the hard disk

While the hard disk is very reliable, it is essential to back up your hard disk files to diskettes in case you lose some data

accidentally. Make copies of all your system and application diskettes before copying the programs to the hard disk. After

you create data files on the hard disk, be sure to copy them to diskettes whenever you revise them to keep your backup diskettes up-to-date.

To make copies of your program diskettes before copying them

to the hard disk, use the DISKCOPY command, the MS-DOS

Shell, or the MENU program. To copy your hard disk files onto

diskettes, use the BACKUP, COPY, or XCOPY command; the

MS-DOS Shell; or the MENU program. See Chapter 4, your

Shell User’s Guide, or your MS-DOS Reference Manual for

instructions.

Preparing the hard disk for moving

If you need to move your computer to a new location-whether it is across the country or just across the room-you should run the HDSIT program to protect the hard disk during the move.

The HDSIT program moves the disk drive’s read/write heads to

a region on the disk surface that does not contain data, and locks them securely in position. This protects the hard disk from

being damaged if the computer is bumped accidentally.

Follow these steps to run HDSIT:

Exit any program you are using and display the MS-DOS command prompt on the screen.

Insert the Reference diskette in drive A.

Type the following and press

Enter:

A:HDSIT

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Using the Equity 386SX

You see a message on the screen that tells you the disk drive’s read/write heads will remain locked until you reset the computer or turn the power off and on again. The computer locks the heads and disables the keyboard. You can now turn off the computer and prepare to move it to the new location.

Turning Off the Computer

Before you turn off your computer, save your data, exit the program you are using, and remove any diskettes from the diskette drives. Turn off the computer first, then turn off the monitor and any peripherals.

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Using the Equity 386SX

Chapter 4

Using MS-DOS with Your Equity 386SX

Your Equity 386SX comes with version 4.01 of MS-DOS. This operating system manages your computer by organizing the computer’s memory, controlling the monitor display, receiving keyboard input, and accessing data.

How much you need to know about MS-DOS depends on how you will be using your computer. If you plan to use it just to run application programs, the few MS-DOS commands you’ll need are introduced in this chapter. If you plan to use advanced features, refer to your MS-DOS Reference Manual for complete descriptions of MS-DOS commands and features.

This chapter covers the following topics:

Starting and exiting MS-DOS Using drive designators Types of MS-DOS commands

Entering an MS-DOS command

Setting the date and time

Creating and managing files

Using directories

Formatting diskettes

Backing up data

The MS-DOS Shell program

Using the Epson HELP program

Using MS-DOS with Your Equity 386SX

4-1

Using the Epson MENU program

Using an AUTOEXEC.BAT file

Using memory beyond 640KB.

Starting MS-DOS

Before you can run an MS-DOS application program, MS-DOS must be loaded in the computer’s memory. If you have a hard disk and you installed MS-DOS your MS-DOS Installation Guide, the computer loads MS-DOS automatically after you turn on the power (provided no diskette

is in the diskette drive).

If you do not have a hard disk, you need to load MS-DOS when you turn on the computer. To do this, insert the MS-DOS Startup diskette in drive A and then turn on the computer.

(The Startup diskette is one of the working diskettes MS-DOS

generates during the installation process. See your MS-DOS

Installation Guide for instructions on how to install the

operating system.)

according to the instructions in

If you set a power-on password when you ran the Setup

program, the computer displays the key prompt ( +n ) before

loading MS-DOS. At the key prompt, type your power-on

password and press

Chapter 3 for more information.) After you enter your password, the computer loads MS-DOS.

When MS-DOS is loaded, the screen displays the Shell Start Programs Menu if you installed the Shell program when you installed MS-DOS. If you did not install the Shell program, the screen displays the MS-DOS command prompt, usually C> or

Enter.

(See “Using a Power-on Password” in

A>. The MS-DOS command prompt identifies the current

drive.

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Using MS-DOS with Your Equity 386SX

Note

Before you turn off the computer, be sure to exit any application program you are using. The screen should display the Shell Start Programs Menu or the MS-DOS command prompt. Then remove your diskettes (if any), turn off the computer, and turn off any peripherals.

Using Drive Designators

MS-DOS uses letters known as drive designators to identify the disk drives in your computer. If you have one diskette drive, it is known as drive A. If you have two diskette drives, the top drive

is A and the bottom drive is B.

If you have one hard disk drive, MS-DOS identifies its primary

partition as drive C (even if you have only one diskette drive).

If you have a second hard disk drive, MS-DOS identifies its primary partition as drive D.

If you created one or more extended partitions on your hard disk when you installed MS-DOS, the logical drives that make

up the extended partition(s) are identified by drive letters. For

example, if you have one hard disk (one physical drive)

partitioned into three logical drives, the logical drives are C, D,

and E. If you have two hard disk drives partitioned into a total

of five logical drives (three on the first physical drive and two

on the second), the first physical drive is divided into logical

drives C, E, and F, and the second physical drive is divided into

logical drives D and G, as shown here:

drive 1 C: (primary)

drive 2

D: (primary)

Using MS-DOS with Your Equity 386SX

4-3

The Current Drive

At any given time, MS-DOS considers one disk drive to be the current (or default) drive. The current drive is the drive on which MS-DOS executes your next command, unless you tell it

to do otherwise. For example, if the current drive is C, and you enter the DIR (directory) command, MS-DOS lists the files stored on drive C. If the current drive is A and you type WP and press Enter, MS-DOS looks on drive A for a file called WP and executes the instructions in that file. The current drive is the drive you are logged onto at the time.

The MS-DOS command prompt tells you which drive is the

current drive. The MS-DOS command prompt includes the

current drive’s letter followed by a greater-than symbol.

(Depending on how you installed MS-DOS, it may also include

additional information.) Thus, when you see C> on the screen,

you know the current drive is C. The MS-DOS command

prompt also lets you know that MS-DOS is ready to receive a

command from you.

If you need to access a file or program on another drive, you can

either change the current drive or specify the other drive when

you give the command.

Changing the current drive

To change the current drive, type the letter of the drive you

want to change to, followed by a colon. Then press Enter. For

example, to change the current drive from C to A, type A : at

the

prompt and press

change by displaying the command prompt

new drive is also known as logging onto that drive.

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Using MS-DOS with Your Equity 386SX

Enter.

MS-DOS acknowledges the

A>.

Changing to a

Epson 386SX User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Contents

Introduction

How to Use This Manual

Where to Get Help

Unpacking

Choosing a Location

Connecting a Monitor

Connecting a Printer or Other Device

Using the Parallel Interface

Using the Serial Interface

Using the Mouse Connector

Connecting the Power Cord

Connecting the Keyboard

Turning On the Computer

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 the Serial and Parallel Interfaces

Reviewing Your Settings

Leaving the Setup Menu

Adding an Optional Memory Card

Installing MS-DOS

Using a Power-on Password

Changing a Power-on Password

Deleting a Power-on Password

Selecting the Operating Speed

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

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

Starting MS-DOS

Using Drive Designators

The Current Drive