Epson 486SX User Manual

FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT FOR AMERICAN USERS

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

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna

Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver

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

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

WARNING

The connection of a non-shielded equipment interface cable to this equipment will

invalidate the FCC Certification of this device and may cause interference levels which

exceed the limits established by the FCC for this equipment. It is the responsibility of the user to obtain and use a shielded equipment interface cable with this device. If this equipment has more than one interface connector, do not leave cables connected to unused interfaces.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

FOR CANADIAN USERS

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from

digital apparatus as set out in the radio interference regulations of the Canadian

Department of Communications. Le present

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EPSON®

User’s Guide

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. 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 registered trademark of Epson America, Inc. General notice: Other product names used herein are for identification purposes only and

may be trademarks of their respective companies.

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. Use a damp cloth for cleaning, not liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners.

Do not use this product near water.

Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, or table. Slots and openings in the cabinet and the back or bottom are

6. provided for ventilation; these openings must not be blocked or covered. This product should never be placed near or over a radiator or heat register.

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.

Connect all equipment to properly grounded (earthed) power

outlets. If you are unable to insert the plug into the outlet, contact your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Avoid using outlets on the same circuit as photocopiers or air control

systems that regularly switch on and off.

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.

11. Never push objects of any kind into this product through the cabinet slots. Never spill liquid of any kind on the product.

iii

12. Except as specifically explained in the User’s Guide, do not attempt to service this product yourself. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.

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

When the power cord or plug is damaged.

If liquid has entered the product.

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.

Importantes Mesures de

S&wit6

Introduction Optional Equipment

Operating Systems and Other Software VGA Utilities How to Use This Manual Where to Get Help

Chapter 1

1 Choosing a Location 2 Removing the Protector Card 3 Connecting a Monitor

Using the VGA Interface Using a Display Adapter Card

4 Connecting a Printer or Other Device

Using the Parallel Interface

Using the Serial Interface 5 Connecting the Keyboard 6 Connecting the Mouse 7 Connecting the Power Cord 8 Turning On the Computer

Turning Off the Computer

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Setting Up Your System

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2 2 3 3 5

1-1 1-3 1-3 1-4 1-5 1-7 1-7 1-9 1-10

1-11 1-13 1-14 1-16

Chapter 2

Automatic Configuration Starting the Setup Program

Continuing From an Error Message Moving the Cursor Block

Running the Setup Program

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

vii

Setting the Display Adapter Type

. . . . . .

Setting the Power-on Password . . . . . . . .

Setting the Extended Memory Caching

. . .

Setting the Processor Speed . . . . . . . . . .

Setting the Keyboard and Speaker Options

Setting the Real-time Clock . . . . . . . . . .

Setting the Hard Disk Drive Configuration

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

Setting the Diskette Drive Type(s)

. . . . . .

Setting the Serial/Parallel Interfaces . . . . .

Reviewing Your Settings

. . . . . . . . . . .

Leaving the Setup Menu . . . . . . . . . . . .

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2-6 2-9 2-11 2-13 2-15 2-17 2-20 2-23 2-27 2-28

2-30 2-32

Chapter 3

Installing MS-DOS or Another Operating System Copying the Reference and Utility Files Locking the Computer’s Cover

Special Keys on the Keyboard Stopping a Command or Program Resetting the Computer Using a Power-on Password

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

Preparing the Hard Disk for Moving

Chapter 4

Using Your Computer

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Enhancing System Operations

Using AUTOEXEC.BAT and Other Batch Files . . . . . .

Changing the Processor Speed . . . . . . . . . . . .

Entering Keyboard Commands . . . . . . . . .

Using the ESPEED Program . . . . . . . . . . .

Reassigning the Diskette Drives

. . . . . . . . . . .

Using the AFDD Program . . . . . . . . . . . .

Using Your Computer as a Network Server . . . . .

Using a Password in Network Server Mode . .

3-1 3-2 3-3 3-4 3-5 3-6

. . . . . . .

3-7 3-8 3-9 3-10

4-1

4-2 4-4 4-5 4-7 4-8 4-9 4-11

viii

Using Expanded Memory Beyond 640KB Using Special VGA Features

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4-12 4-13

Chapter 5

Special Precautions

Removing the Cover Removing the Front Panel Removing the Subassembly Replacing the Subassembly Replacing the Front Panel Replacing the Cover Post-installation Setup

Chapter 6

Main System Board Jumper Settings

Changing the Jumper Settings

Option Cards

Installing Option Cards Removing an Option Card

Memory Modules

Installing Memory Modules

Accessing Internal Components

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Installing and Removing Options

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5-1 5-2 5-4 5-6 5-8 5-10 5-11 5-12

6-3 6-4 6-7 6-8 6-10 6-12

6-13 6-14

Chapter 7

Using the Correct Drive Bay Setting the IDE Hard Disk Drive Jumpers

Changing the Jumper Settings

Installing or Removing a Drive in the External Bay

Installing a Drive Removing a Drive

Installing or Removing a Drive in the Internal Bay

Removing a Drive

Installing and Removing Drives

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7-2 7-3 7-4 7-5 7-6 7-12 7-14 7-15

Installing a Drive

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Connecting the Cables

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7-17 7-18

Appendix A

Choosing the Type of Format

Formatting a New Disk

Reformatting a Used Disk

Selecting an Option

Starting the Formatting Process

Option 1, Format

Physically Formatting a Hard Disk

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Modifying the Defective Track Table Formatting the Disk

Option 2, Destructive Surface Analysis

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Option 3, Non-destructive Surface Analysis

Exiting the Hard Disk Format Menu

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Appendix B Troubleshooting

Identifying Your System Error Messages

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The Computer Won’t Start The Computer Does Not Respond

Restoring the Power Supply

Password Problems

Removing a Password

Setting a New Password Keyboard Problems Monitor Problems

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Diskette Problems Diskette Drive Problems Hard Disk Problems

Installing the Drive

Preparing the Drive Accessing Data on the Drive

Software Problems

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A-2 A-3 A-4 A-4

A-4 A-5 A-7 A-8 A-9 A-11 A-13

B-1 B-2 B-5 B-6 B-9 B-10 B-11 B-13 B-14

B-15 B-17 B-19

B-20

B-21

B-22

B-23

Printer Problems Option Card Problems Mouse Problems

Using the MOUSE7PT.EXE Program Memory Module Problems Math Coprocessor Problems

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B-24 B-26

B-27 B-27 B-29 B-30

Appendix C

Starting System Diagnostics Selecting an Option Modifying the Device List Selecting a Test

Resuming From an Error

Error Messages

Appendix D Specifications

CPU and Memory Controllers Interfaces Power Supply Mass Storage Bays Keyboard Power Source Requirements

Environmental Requirements Physical Characteristics System Memory Map

Performing System Diagnostics

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C-2 C-4 C-5

C-7 C-8 C-11

D-1 D-2 D-2 D-3 D-4 D-4 D-5 D-6

D-6

D-7

Glossary

Index

Introduction

You’ve chosen a powerful, versatile Epson@ computer, ideally suited for use in a network or as a high-performance personal workstation.

Whether you have the 25 MHz model or the 50 MHz model

(with built-in math coprocessor), your system includes 4MB of internal memory, a built-in VGA display adapter, built-in parallel and serial interfaces, and an IBM® PS/2™ compatible mouse port. These interfaces allow you to connect most of your peripheral devices directly to the computer.

Note

The 25 MHz model has an 80486SX microprocessor and the 50 MHz model has an 80486DX2/50 microprocessor. The

instructions in this manual refer to both models, except

where specified.

Your computer has six option slots (five 16-bit and one 8-bit) for installing additional devices, such as a modem or a network card. Additionally, the computer supports up to five drives: three externally-accessible drives and two internal drives.

Your computer offers several other outstanding features:

Memory caching copies portions of your system memory into a high-speed cache buffer so your computer can access programs and data very quickly.

Shadow RAM copies your system and video ROM into the computer’s 32-bit RAM to further accelerate performance.

The built-in VGA adapter and VGA drivers support extended graphics resolutions up to 1024 x 768 in 16 colors or 640 x 480 in 256 colors on compatible monitors.

Introduction 1

Optional Equipment

You can easily upgrade your computer by installing additional memory and adding just about any optional device that is compatible with the IBM Personal Computer, PC XT,TM or PC AT®.

By adding memory modules to the memory card, you can expand the computer’s memory up to 16MB.

If you have the 25 MHz model and want to speed up mathematical calculations in certain application programs, you can have your computer’s 80486SX microprocessor chip

replaced with an 80487SX, 25 MHz chip. This optional microprocessor includes a built-in math coprocessor.

Check with your authorized Epson dealer for information on optional equipment.

Operating Systems and Other Software

You probably chose a version of MS-DOS@ to use with your computer. However, you can run another operating system, such as OS/2, UNIX®, or XENIX®.

Note

This manual covers basic operating instructions for using your computer, but does not explain how to install or use the operating system. See your MS-DOS or other operating system manuals for comprehensive instructions.

You can use virtually any application program designed for the IBM PC, PC XT, PC AT, or compatible computers. You can also use powerful 32-bit software, such as Microsoft WindowsTM 3.0

(or later), with your computer.

2 Introduction

VGA Utilities

Epson has included special VGA device drivers and utilities for

use with your built-in VGA adapter. With these utilities, you

can take advantage of extended VGA features such as 16-color

graphics mode resolutions up to 1024 x 768 (non-interlaced),

256-color resolutions up to 640 x 480, and 132-column text

mode. The VGA device drivers and utilities are described in the

VGA Utilities booklet that came with your system.

How to Use This Manual

This manual explains how to set up and operate your

computer, install options, and run diagnostic checks. You do

not need to read everything in this book to use your computer;

see the following chapter summaries to find the sections you need.

Chapter 1 provides simple step-by-step instructions for setting up your system.

Chapter 2 describes how to run the Setup program to define your computer’s configuration. Do this before you use your computer. You may need to run it again later, if you change the configuration.

Chapter 3 provides instructions for general operating procedures, such as locking the computer’s cover and copying files.

Chapter 4 describes special features you can use to enhance your system’s performance.

Chapter 5 tells you how to remove and replace the computer’s cover, front panel, and subassembly to access components

inside the computer.

Introduction 3

Chapter 6 describes some of the options you can use in your computer and contains instructions for setting jumpers and installing various options.

Chapter 7 explains how to install and remove disk drives.

Appendix A describes how to perform a low-level format on a hard disk.

Appendix B contains troubleshooting tips. Appendix C covers the system diagnostic tests you can run to

diagnose hardware problems. Appendix D contains the specifications for your computer. At the end of the manual, you’ll find a glossary and an index.

Introduction

Where to Get Help

If you purchased your Epson product in the United States,

Epson America provides local customer support and service

through a nationwide network of authorized Epson dealers and

Service Centers.

Epson also provides the following support services through the

Epson Customer Resource Center at (800) 922-8911:

Technical assistance with the installation, configuration, and operation of Epson products

Assistance in locating your nearest Authorized Epson Reseller or Service Center

Sales of ribbons, supplies, parts, documentation, and

accessories for your Epson product

Customer Relations

Epson technical information library fax service

Product literature with technical specifications on our current and new products.

If you purchased your computer outside of the United States, please contact your dealer or the marketing location nearest you for customer support and service. International marketing locations are listed on the inside of this manual’s back cover.

Introduction 5

Chapter 1

Setting Up Your System

Setting up your Epson personal computer is easy. Just follow the eight steps in this chapter. You may want to leave this manual’s back cover foldout open so you can refer to the

illustrations identifying the different parts.

Before you begin, make sure your computer is turned off by pressing the power button on the right side of the front panel.

It is off when the button pops out.

Choosing a Location

Setting Up Your System 1-1

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

safe, convenient location that provides the following:

A sturdy desk or table strong enough to support the weight of your system and all of its components.

A flat, hard surface. Soft surfaces like beds and carpeted

floors attract static electricity, which can erase data on your disks, damage the computer’s circuitry, and prevent proper

ventilation.

Good air circulation. Leave several inches of space around the computer so air can move freely.

Moderate environmental conditions. Select a cool, dry area and protect your computer from extremes in temperature,

humidity, dust, and smoke. Avoid direct sunlight or any

other source of heat. Appropriate power sources. Connect all your equipment to

the appropriate power source. (See “Power Source Requirements” in Appendix D for more information.) You

need one outlet for the computer, one for the monitor, and

additional outlets for a printer and any other peripheral devices.

1-2

No electromagnetic interference. Do not place your system

too close to any electrical device, such as a telephone, which generates an electromagnetic field.

Setting Up Your System

Removing the Protector Card

If you have a inserted in the diskette slot at the factory to protect the drive’s read/write heads. To remove it, either flip up the latch or press the release button to pop the card out part way. Then pull it all the way out.

Save any protector cards you remove; you may want to reinsert

them later, if you transport your computer.

544inch

diskette drive, a protector card has been

Connecting a Monitor

If you have a VGA monitor (or a multi-frequency monitor with

an analog connector), you can connect it to the computer’s built-in VGA port. See “Using the VGA Interface,” below. If

you have any other type of monitor, skip to “Using a Display

Adapter Card,” below.

Setting Up Your System 1-3

Using the VGA Interface

Follow these steps to connect your VGA monitor to the VGA port on the computer:

Make sure your monitor and computer are turned off.

Place your monitor on top of or near the computer. For easy access, turn the monitor and computer around so the backs of both components are facing you.

If necessary, connect the monitor cable to the monitor.

(Your monitor may have a permanently attached cable.)

Examine the connector end of the monitor cable, and position the plug to match the orientation of the monitor port (marked with a monitor icon). Then insert the plug into the port, as shown below.

1-4 Setting Up Your System

Caution

To avoid damaging the connector, take care not to bend the pins when you insert the plug.

If the connector has retaining screws, be sure to tighten them.

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

Plug the other end of the power cord into a properly grounded (earthed) electrical outlet.

Setting Up Your System

1-5

Using a Display Adapter Card

If you are using a non-VGA monitor, you’ll need to install a display adapter (video) card in one of the computer’s option slots before you have already installed the video card for you.)

If the video card is not installed, follow the instructions in Chapter 6 to install an option card. But first, check the following table to make sure your display adapter card and monitor are properly matched.

Monitor/video card compatibility

Monitor

Monochrome

CGA

EGA Monochrome or color VGA Video graphics array (VGA) Extended VGA

can

connect the monitor. (Your dealer may

Video card

Monochrome display adapter (MDA) Multi-mode graphics adapter (MGA) Enhanced graphics adapter (EGA) Hercules’ graphics card

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

Enhanced graphics adapter (EGA)

Super VGA adapter

switches or jumpers on the card are set properly. For example, you may need to change a setting to select color or monochrome. See the documentation that came with your monitor or video card for instructions.

If you install an EGA or VGA display adapter card or if you install another type of card that you want to be the primary display adapter, you must set jumper JP4 on the main system

board to disable the built-in VGA interface.

1-6

Setting

Up Your System

If you install one or more cards, you also may need to set

jumper JP6 to tell the computer the type of monitor you are

using: monochrome or color. If you have two types of cards, set the jumper to indicate which one is your primary monitor type. See Chapter 6 for instructions on changing jumper settings.

Once you have installed your video card, return to this section to connect your monitor to the computer. Follow the steps in “Using the VGA Interface” on page 1-4, but insert your monitor connector into the video card port instead of the built-in VGA port.

Connecting a Printer or Other Device

Your computer has both parallel and serial interfaces. To connect a printer or other peripheral device to one of these interfaces, follow the instructions below. Epson offers a full range of printers; ask your dealer for more information.

Using the Parallel Interface

The parallel interface on your computer is Centronics® compatible and uses a DB-25S connector.

To connect your printer and 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:

Make sure the printer and your computer are turned off.

1. Place the printer next to the computer with the back panels

2. of both components facing you.

Setting Up Your System

1-7

One end of the printer cable has a 25-pin, D-shell connector. Position the plug to match the orientation of the parallel

port (marked with a special icon); then insert it into the port, as shown below. If the plug has retaining screws, be sure to tighten them.

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.

1-8

Setting Up Your System

Plug the printer’s power cord into a properly grounded (earthed) electrical outlet.

Using the Serial Interface

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

The serial port has a DB-9P connector, so be sure you have a compatible cable. To connect a serial device, follow the same steps as above for connecting a parallel device, but insert the connector into the serial port, marked with a special icon, as shown below.

Note

Additional steps may be necessary to set up the serial port so it functions properly. If you are using the port for a printer, you need to direct printer output to the serial port, not the parallel port. To do this, you can use the MS-DOS MODE or SETMODE command. See your MS-DOS manual for details.

Setting Up Your System

1-9

Connecting the Keyboard

Follow these steps to connect the keyboard:

Make sure the computer is turned off.

Hold the keyboard cable connector so the arrow indicator on the housing faces up. Insert the connector into the port marked with the keyboard icon, as shown below.

1-10

Caution

Although the connectors and ports for the keyboard and

mouse are physically identical, they cannot be used interchangeably. Be sure to plug the keyboard only into

the keyboard port.

Setting Up Your System

You can raise the keyboard by adjusting the legs on the

bottom. To change the angle of the keyboard, turn it over

and flip each leg upward until it locks into place, as shown

below.

recessed tab

If you want to lower the keyboard, press down on the recessed tab (labelled L or R) and lower the leg into the slot.

Connecting the Mouse

Your computer has an auxiliary port for an IBM PS/2 compatible mouse that uses a miniature DIN (6-pin) connector. If your mouse has this type of connector, you can connect it to the built-in port on your computer.

Note

If you have a mouse that requires a different interface port, you can connect it to the built-in serial port or install an

option card to provide the interface. You also need to change the setting of jumper JP7 inside the computer. See Chapter 6

for instructions or ask your dealer for assistance.

Setting Up Your System 1-11

Follow these steps to connect a mouse:

Make sure the computer is turned off.

Hold the mouse connector so it is oriented properly with its port (marked with a mouse icon). Insert the connector as shown below.

interchangeably. Be sure to plug the mouse only into the

After you connect a mouse, you may need to add commands to your MS-DOS CONFIG.SYS file to enable your computer to use it. See your MS-DOS and mouse manuals for instructions.

1-12 Setting Up Your System

+ 203 hidden pages

Epson 486SX User Manual

Contents

Introduction

Optional Equipment

Operating Systems and Other Software

VGA Utilities

How to Use This Manual

Where to Get Help

Choosing a Location

Removing the Protector Card

Connecting a Monitor

Using the VGA Interface

Using a Display Adapter Card

Connecting a Printer or Other Device

Using the Parallel Interface

Using the Serial Interface

Connecting the Keyboard

Connecting the Mouse