Epson ActionPC 6000-66, ActionPC 6000 User Manual

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.

COPYRIGHTNOICE

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 EPSON Connection and EPSON Direct are service marks of Epson America, Inc. General notice: Other product names used herein are for identification purposes only and

may be trademarks of their respective owners. EPSON disclaims any and all rights in those marks.

The Energy Star emblem does not represent EPA endorsement of any product or service.

400395000

Important Safety Instructions

Read all of these instructions and save them for later reference. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the computer.

Unplug the computer before cleaning. Clean with a damp cloth only. Do not spill liquid on the computer.

Do not place the computer on an unstable surface or near a radiator or heat register.

Do not block or cover the openings in the computer’s cabinet. Do not insert objects through the slots.

Use only the type of power source indicated on the computer’s label.

Connect all equipment to properly grounded power outlets. Avoid using outlets on the same circuit as photocopiers or air control systems that regularly switch on and off.

Do not let the computer’s power cord become damaged or frayed.

If you use an extension cord with the computer, make sure the total ampere rating of the devices plugged into the extension cord does not exceed the cord’s ampere rating. Also, make sure the total of all devices plugged into the wall outlet does not exceed 15 amperes.

Except as specifically explained in this to service the computer yourself.

Unplug the computer and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions:

If the power cord or plug is damaged; if liquid has entered the computer; if the computer has been dropped or the cabinet damaged; if the computer does not operate normally or exhibits a distinct change in performance. Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating instructions.

If you plan to use the computer in Germany, observe the following:

User's Guide,

do not attempt

To provide adequate short-circuit protection and over-current protection for this computer, the building installation must be protected by a 16 Amp circuit breaker.

Beim Anschluß des Computers an die Netzversorgung muß sichergestellt werden, daß die Gebäudeinstallation mit einem

16 A Überstromschutzschalter abgesichert ist.

iii

Importances instructions de sécurité

Lire attentivement les instructions suivantes et les conserver pour les consulter en cas de besoin. Observer soigneusement tous les avertissements et directives marqués sur l’ordinateur.

Débrancher l’ordinateur avant de le nettoyer. N‘utiliser qu‘un chiffon humide. Veiller à ne pas renverser de liquides sur l’appareil.

Ne pas placer l’ordinateur sur une surface instable ni près d’une source de chaleur.

Ne pas bloquer ni couvrir les orifices d’aération de l’appareil. Ne pas

introduire d‘objets dans les overtures.

Utiliser seulement le type de source d‘alimentation électrique indiqué sur l’étiquette.

Tout l’équipement doit être branché sur des prises de courant avec contact de terre. Ne jamais utiliser une prise sur le même circuit qu’un appareil ventilation avec commutation marche-arrêt automatique.

S’assurer que le cordon d’alimentation de l’ordinateur n’est pas

abîmé ni effiloché.

Dans le cas où on utilise un cordon de rallonge avec l’ordinateur, s’assurer que l’intensité en amperes requise pour tous les appareils branches sur ce cordon ne soit pas supérieure à la capacité du cordon.

S’assurer aussi que cette intensté ne dépasse jamais la somme de 15

amperes pour l’ensemble des appareils.

Sauf clans les cas spécifiques expliqués dans ce manuel de l’usager,

ne pas essayer d’entretenir ou de réparer l’ordinateur soi-même.

photocopies ou un système de contrô1e de

Débrancher l’ordinateur et contacter un technician qualifié dans les

circonstances suivantes:

Si le cordon ou la prise sent abîmés; si un liquide a pénétré

l’intérieur de l’appareil; si on a laissé tomber l’appareil ou si le boîtier est endommagé; si l’ordinateur ne fonctionne pas normalement ou fonctionne d‘une manière très difference de l’ordinaire. N ‘ajuster que les commandes décrites dans les directives.

Pour utiliser l’ordinateur en Allemagne, il est nécessaire que le bâtiment soit muni d’un disjoncteur de 16 ampères pour protéger l’ordinateur contre les courts-circuits et le survoltage.

INTRODUCTION

Computer Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Power-saving Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

SVGA and IDE Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

How to Use This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Where to Get Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

CompuServe On-line Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

CHAPTER 1

Choosing a Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

Setting the Voltage Selector Switch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .. . .... 1-2

Connecting System Components . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

Connecting a Keyboard or Mouse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

Connecting a Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

Connecting a Parallel or Serial Device. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5

Connecting the Power Cord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7

Turning On the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7

Turning Off the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9

CHAPTER 2

Using SETUP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

Starting the SETUP Program. . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. . . .. . 2-2

Using the System Setup Option. . . . .. .. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . ... . 2-3

Using the Fixed Disk Setup Option. . . . . . . .. .. . . . . . .... .. . .. . .. 2-5

Using the Advanced System Setup Options. . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6

Setting the Boot Options. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . 2-8

Using the Extended Features Options. . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . 2-9

Setting the Security and Anti-Virus Options. . . . . . .. . . .. . ... ... . . . .. . . . 2-10

Using the Green PC Features. . . . . . .. . . . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . 2-13

Exiting SETUP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. .. . . . . . . . . . .. 2-14

SETTING UP YOUR SYSTEM

RUNNING SETUP AND INSTALLING DRIVERS

Post-SETUP Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15

Installing the IDE Drivers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15

Installing Video Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17

CHAPTER 3

Working Comfortably .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

Using the Right Furniture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

Positioning Your Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

Lighting Your Workspace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

Using the Key board and Mouse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . 3-4

Maintaining Good Posture and Work Habits . . . .. . . . . . .. . . . .. . 3-5

Using Energy Wisely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6

Using Your Green PC Features. . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . ... .. . . 3-6

Inserting and Removing Diskettes . . . . . . ... . . . . . . .. .. .. 3-7

Stopping a Command or Program . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8

Resetting the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .... . 3-9

Using a Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10

Changing the Processor Speed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .. . . .. ... . .. . .. . .. .. .. .. 3-11

CHAPTER 4

Removing the Cover . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

Replacing the Cover . . . . . .. . . . .. . . . . . .. . . .. .. . . . . . . . .. 4-4

Locating the Internal Components. . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . .. .. . . 4-5

Changing the Jumper Settings. . . . .. . . .. .. .. . .. . . . . . . . . . . 4-7

Setting the Jumpers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9

Installing Memory Modules (SIMMs). . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10

Inserting SIMMs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12

Removing SIMMs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13

Installing an Option Card. . . . . . . . .. .. . . . . . .. . .. . . . . . 4-15

Installing a VESA Card or a Full-length Card. . . . . . .. . . . .. . . . . . .. . .. . 4-16

Installing a Half-length Card. . .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-17

Removing an Option Card..... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . 4-18

Adding Video Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-18

Installing External Cache. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .. . . . . . . . . . .. 4-20

Post-installation Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-22

USING YOUR COMPUTER

INSTALLING AND REMOVING OPTIONS

CHAPTER 5

INSTALLING AND REMOVING DRIVERS

Removing the Drive Mounting Bracket . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . ... 5-2

Installing a Hard Disk Drive in the Mounting Bracket. . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. .. . . . 5-3

Removing the Mounting Frames. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5

Installing the Hard Disk Drive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6

Replacing the Bracket in the Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7

Connecting the Drive Cables.. . . .. . . . . .. . . . . . . .. .. . .. . 5-8

Reconnecting the Cables to the Diskette Drive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13

Removing a Hard Disk Drive From the Mounting Bracket.. . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-14

Installing a Drive in an External Drive Bay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . 5-15

Attaching Mounting Frames to the Drive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16

Installing the Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-17

Connecting the Drive and Power Cables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-19

Removing a Drive from an External Bay. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . 5-21

Post-installation Procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22

CHAPTER 6

TROUBLESHOOTING

Identifying Your System .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

The Computer Will Not Start. . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2

The Computer Does Not Respond. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4

Keyboard Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 6-4

Mouse Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 6-5

Monitor Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 6-5

Diskette Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . 6-7

Diskette Drive Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 6-8

Hard Disk Drive Problems . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 6-8

Password Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 6-10

Software Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 6-11

Printer or Scanner Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. . 6-12

Option Card Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 6-12

Memory Module Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . ... 6-13

Controller Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. 6-14

External Cache Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. . 6-14

vii

APPENDIX A SPECIFICATIONS

CPU and Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Controllers . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Interfaces. . . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . ..

Mass Storage . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. . .. . .... .. .

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

Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. . . .. ... . ..

SETUP Program . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Option Slot Power Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .

Physical Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Environmental Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . ... . . . . . . .

OptionsAvailablefromEPSON. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .

Tested Operating Environments. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

System Memory Map . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Video Resolutions and Colors. . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Hard DiskDriveTypes . . . . . . .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

DriveOptionInformation.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

DMA Assignments . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .

Hardware Interrupts . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

System I/OAddress Map.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

ConnectorPinAssignments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .. . . . .

A-1 A-2 A-3 A-4 A-4 A-5 A-5 A-5 A-5 A-6 A-6 A-6 A-7 A-7 A-8

A-9 A-11 A-12 A-13 A-13 A-15

GLOSSARY

INDEX

EPSON lnternational Marketing Locations

viii

Introduction

Your new EPSON® computer is a versatile system ideally suited for use as a network server or high-powered workstation.

With the computer’s Intel of standard memory you can run a vast array of the latest programs, utilities, and games designed for productivity and fun.

Your high-capacity hard disk drive will hold the hundreds of program and data files you will create as you use your computer.

And when you ‘re ready to acquire more capability, you can expand your system, video, and cache memory and install options cards. The VESA option slots allow you to install high-perform ante VESA-compliant devices such as a graphics accelerator card, SCSI adapter, or network controller.

Computer Features

PentiumTMmicroprocessor and 8MB

Your computer offers the following features:

Intel Pentium 60 or 66 MHz microprocessor

8MB of internal memory, expandable to 128MB

High-speed, 32-bit local bus interfaces for both SVGA video

and IDE hard disk drives

Two-channel VESA local bus IDE hard disk drive interface

supporting up to four IDE hard disk drives (two on each channel)

Introduction 1

16KB of internal cache in the microprocessor and 256KB of

external cache on the main system board, upgradable to

1MB

1MB of onboard video memory, expandable to 2MB

Energy Star compliant, low-power standby mode for the video and hard disk drive in standard configurations

Built-in SVGA port with support for energy-conserving monitors

Three 16-bit, ISA option slots and two 32-bit VESA local bus slots (VESA slots can also be used for ISA cards)

Space for up to four mass storage devices, three externally accessible and one internal; on-board controllers support up to four IDE hard disk drives and two diskette drives.

Your system contains local bus interfaces for the video and IDE hard disk drive controllers. These buses can transfer data at the full speed of your processor (60 or 66 MHz) rather than at the standard 8.33 MHz ISA bus speed, so your system can access the hard disk drive and process video data far more quickly.

Power-saving Features

In standard configurations, this computer complies with the United States Environment al Protection Agency’s Energy Star Program, which promotes the manufacture of energy-efficient printers, computers, and monitors. Your computer’s “Green PC" feature places the hard disk drive in a low-power standby mode when the mouse and keyboard have been inactive for a specified period of time.

2 Introduction

Note

If you have an Energy Star compliant monitor, it also enters

a low-power standby mode because it isn’t receiving video

signals from your computer. (Screens on non-compliant monitors go blank, but do not enter a low-power standby mode.)

SVGA and lDE Drivers

Your computer comes with special SVGA and IDE drivers for the integrated local bus SVGA and IDE hard disk drive interfaces. The IDE driver lets you use the high-speed, 32-bit local bus IDE hard disk drive interface which dram atically increases the speed of your computer as it reads from and writes to your hard disk drive.

The SVGA drivers allow you to take advantage of the local bus and extended VGA features such as high resolutions and

132-column text mode when you run popular application

programs.

See Chapter 2 for instructions on installing the IDE and video drivers.

Introduction 3

How to Use This Manual

This manual contains the information you need to get the best results from your computer. You don’t have to read everything in this book; see the following chapter summaries to find the sections you need.

Chapter 1 provides instructions for setting up your system and

connecting peripheral devices such as the monitor and printer.

Chapter 2 describes how to run the SETUP program to

define your computer’s configuration. This chapter also describes how to install the IDE and video drivers that allow you to take full advantage of your computer’s capabilities.

Chapter 3 covers general operating procedures, such as

resetting the computer, using the password, and changing the processor speed.

Chapter 4 describes how to remove and replace the computer’s

cover, change jumper settings, and install optional equipment such as option cards and memory modules.

Chapter 5 explains how to install and remove disk drives Chapter 6 contains troubleshooting tips. Appendix A lists the specifications of your computer and the

operating environments that have been tested on your system.

At the end of this manual you’ll find a a list of EPSON U.S. and international marketing locations.

4 Introduction

Glossary, an Index, and

Where to Get Help

If you purchased your computer in the United States or Canada, EPSON provides customer support and service through a network of Authorized EPSON Customer Care Centers. EPSON also provides support services through the EPSON Connection. In Canada, dial (800)

Call the EPSON Connection for the following:

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

Assistance in locating your nearest Authorized EPSON Reseller or Service Center

Customer relations

EPSON technical inform ation library fax service

Product literature on current and new products.

You can purchase accessories, manuals, or parts for EPSON products from EPSON Accessories at (800) 873-7766 (U.S. sales only). In Canada, call (800)

In the United States, dial (800) 922-8911.

GO-EPSON.

When you call for technical assistance, be ready to identify your system and its configuration, and provide any error messages to the support staff. See Chapter 6 for more inform ation.

If you purchased your computer outside the United States or

Canada, contact your EPSON dealer or the marketing location nearest you for customer support and service. International marketing locations are listed at the end of this manual.

Introduction 5

If you need help with any software application program you are using, see the documentation that came with that program for technical support inform ation.

CompuServe On-line Support

If you have a modem, the fastest way to access helpful tips, specifications, drivers, application notes, tables for DIP switch or jumper settings, and bulletins for EPSON products is through the Epson America Forum on Com pu Serve.

If you are not currently a member of CompuServe, you are eligible for a free introductory membership as an owner of an EPSON product. This membership entitles you to:

An introductory $15 credit on CompuServe

Your own user ID and password A complimentary subscription to CompuServe Magazine,

CompuServe’s monthly publication.

To take advantage of this offer, call (800) 848-8199 in the United

States and Canada and ask for representative #529. In other

countries, call the following U.S. telephone number:

(614) 529-1611, or your local CompuServe access number.

If you are already a CompuServe member, simply type

GO EPSON at the menu prompt to reach the Epson America

Forum.

6 Introduction

Chapter 1

Setting Up Your System

This chapter briefly describes how to setup your computer. It includes the following information:

Choosing a location

Setting the voltage selector switch

Connecting system components

Turning the computer on and off.

Choosing a Location

Before you set up your system, choose a convenient location that provides a flat, hard surface. Do not place your system too close to any electrical device, such as a telephone or television, which generates an electromagnetic field. Protect your computer from extremes in temperature, humidity, dust, and

smoke, and avoid direct sunlight or other sources of heat.

Read the “Important Safety Instructions” on page iii at the front of this manual for more instructions on choosing a suitable environment for your system.

Also read “Working Comfortably” in Chapter 3 for guidelines on creating a comfortable and safe working environment.

Setting Up Your System

1-1

Setting the Voltage Selector Switch

Your system is powered by a 200 Watt power supply. The power supply input voltage is controlled by a switch on the computer’s back panel that may be set to 110 VAC or 220 VAC. (The switch on your computer may read 115 VAC or 230 VAC; these are equivalent settings.)

The computer is shipped with the voltage selector switch set to

110 VAC, which is appropriate for line source voltages between 100 and 120 VAC. This is generally the correct setting if you use

the computer in North America, South America, or Japan.

If you plan to operate the computer in the United Kingdom, Europe, or some South American countries, you will almost certainly need to reset the voltage selector switch to 220 VAC.

Line source voltages between 200 and 240 VAC are acceptable

with the switch set to 220 VAC.

Caution

Before you turn on the power to your system make sure the voltage selector is set to the appropriate setting for the electrical power source in your location or you will seriously damage your system.

To change the voltage selector switch setting, slide the switch to the left to select 110 VAC or to the right to select 220 VAC.

1-2 Setting Up Your System

Connecting System Components

Use the illustration below to locate the ports on the back of your system as you connect the keyboard, monitor, printer, and other devices.

Your system also includes two removable panels above the mouse and keyboard ports. You can remove these panels if you want to install a game port connector to the game port interface on the system board or if you install an optional external port.

Note

To use the game port connector on the main system board, be sure jumper JP9 is set to enable the port (default setting), as described in Chapter 4.

Setting Up Your System 1-3

Connecting a Keyboard or Mouse

To connect a keyboard, hold the cable connector so the arrow on the connector faces up. Insert it into the port marked K/B.

If you have a PS/ 2 compatible mouse, connect it to the computer’s built-in mouse port by inserting the connector into the port marked MOUSE

Caution

Although the connectors and ports for the mouse and keyboard are physically identical, they cannot be used interchangeably. Be sure to plug the connectors into the appropriate ports, or you may damage your system.

If your system has not already been configured, you may need to install a mouse driver. See your mouse manual for instructions. (If you are using Window,

the Windows installation program automatically loads a mouse driver for Windows applications.)

Connecting a Monitor

You can connect your VGA or SVGA monitor to the computer’s built-in VGA port as described below:

1. Place your monitor near the computer. Turn the monitor and computer around so the backs are facing you.

2. There should be two cables provided with your monitor: the monitor cable (to connect it to the computer) and the power cable (to connect it to the power source). On most monitors, the monitor cable is permanently attached to the monitor. If your monitor does not have an attached cable, connect the cable to it now.

1-4 Setting Up Your System

3. Examine the connector on the monitor cable and line it up

with the VGA port on the computer. Then insert the connector into the port.

Caution

To avoid damaging the connector, be careful not to bend the pins when you insert it.

4. If the connector has retaining screws, tighten them.

Caution

Before you plug the monitor’s power cord into the back of your computer, make sure the monitor’s power requirements do not exceed 1 Amp.

5. Plug the monitor’s power cord into the power inlet on the

back of the monitor.

6. Plug the other end of the power cord into a grounded

electrical outlet or into the power outlet on the back of the computer.

Connecting a Parallel or Serial Device

Your computer has one multi-mode parallel port and two serial ports. To connect a printer or other peripheral device, follow the appropriate instructions in this section.

Setting Up Your System 1-5

Using the parallel port

Follow these steps to connect a parallel device to your computer:

1. Place the parallel device and the computer so that the backs are facing you.

2. Align the connector end of the parallel cable with the

PARALLEL port and plug it in. If the connector has retaining

screws, tighten them.

3. Connect the other end of the cable to the parallel device. To

secure the cable, squeeze the clips at each side of the device port and push them into place.

4. Plug the parallel device’s power cord into a grounded

electrical outlet.

Be sure to set the multi-mode parallel port to the correct mode for the device you connected by changing the setting of the

LPT Extended Mode option in the SETUP program, as

described in Chapter 2.

If you use EPP mode (Enhanced Parallel Port) or ECP mode

(Extended Capabilities Port), check your parallel device software documentation for the correct DMA channel (DRQ) setting. Then set jumpers JP17 and JP18 to match this setting, as

described in Chapter 4.

Using the serial ports

If you have a printer, a modem, or other device with a serial interface, you can connect it to one of the serial (RS-232C) ports. Make sure you have a cable compatible with a DB-9P connector.

To connect a serial device, insert the connector into one of the ports marked COM1 and COM2. If you are connecting only one

serial device, use the COM1 port.

1-6 Setting Up Your System

Connecting the Power Cord

Follow these steps to connect the computer’s power cord:

1. Plug the power cord into the power inlet on the back of the computer.

WARNING

To avoid an electric shock, be sure to plug the cord into the computer before plugging it into the wall outlet.

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

Turning On the Computer

Once you set up your system, you ‘re ready to turn on the power. The features on the front panel are shown below.

Setting Up Your System 1-7

Caution

Before you turn on your computer, be sure to read

“Important Safety Instructions” on page iii at the front of this manual to ensure that you have created a safe environment for your system.

Follow these steps to turn on your system:

1. If there is a protective card in a diskette drive, remove it.

2. Turn on the monitor, printer, and any other devices connected to the computer.

3. If you do not have a hard disk with an operating system loaded on it, insert your main operating system diskette in drive A.

4. Turn on the computer by pressing the power button on the right side of the front panel.

The power indicator lights up; then the computer performs its power-on diagnostics, which are a series of checks to make sure everything is working correctly.

During diagnostics, you see a message telling you to press

Del to run the SETUP program. (Chapter 2 describes

starting and using SETUP.)

5. If your system is configured to automatically load a program (such as Windows), you then see the first menu or screen display of that program. If not, you may see the operating system prompt, such as C: \> or A: \>.

If there is no operating system installed on your computer, you may see an error message. Ignore the message for now; once you install the operating system, you will not see this message.

1-8 Setting Up Your System

Now you need to run the SETUP program to make sure your computer is configured properly. First turn off the computer, as described below, then see Chapter 2 for instructions. When you finish running SETUP, see “Post-SETUP Procedures” on page 2-15 for guidelines on what to do next.

Turning Off the Computer

Whenever you turn off your system, follow these steps:

1. Save your data, exit any application programs, and exit Windows, if you are running it.

2. Check the hard disk drive light and the diskette drive light(s)

to make sure they are not on. Don’t turn off the computer if one of these lights are on because you could damage the drive or lose data.

3. Remove any diskette(s) from the diskette drive(s),

4. Press the power button to turn off the computer.

5. Turn off the monitor, printer, and any other peripheral

devices.

Setting Up Your System 1-9

1-10 Setting Up Your System

Chapter 2

Running SETUP and Installing Drivers

Your computer has a configuration program, SETUP, contained within the BIOS chip on the system board. This program allows you to change the settings for your hardware configuration.

The computer also comes with diskettes containing drivers and utilities that let you take advantage of some of the advanced features of your system, like the local bus hard disk drive interface and the local bus SVGA capabilities of the built-in video interface.

This chapter describes using SETUP and provides instructions for installing the local bus IDE drivers and video drivers.

Using SETUP

You may need to run the SETUP program the first time you use your computer. If your system came unconfigured, you need to define how it is set up. If your system was configured for you, you may want to check the settings or adjust the date and time. You also may need to run SETUP again later if you change your configuration.

SETUP lets you verify or change the following:

System settings such as date, time, diskette drives, and type

of video display

Automatic or manual selection of hard disk drives

Automatic or manual selection of advanced hardware

features for optimizing system perform ante

System booting options

Running SETUP and Installing Drivers

2-1

Security password and anti-virus features

Green PC options, such as the time intervals before the

system and the hard disk drive go into low-power standby mode.

The SETUP program and the factory default options for your computer are stored in the computer’s ROM (read-only memory). The configuration information you enter is backed up by a battery, so it is not erased when you turn off or reset the computer.

Starting the SETUP Program

When you start your computer, it performs some power-on diagnostics. During these diagnostics, you may see the following message:

Press <Del> to enter SETUP

Press Del. This message is only on the screen for a few seconds. If you missed it, restart your computer and try again.

If, during power-on diagnostics, the system detects an error in your system configuration, you hear two beeps and see an error message followed by this message:

Press <F1> to resume, <Del> to run SETUP

Press Del to run SETUP and correct the problem

SETUP displays the Main Menu, which allows you to select various options to identify your system’s configuration and then save your new values. You can also cancel any changes you have made and restore the default values stored in ROM or

load the previously stored values.

2-2

Running SETUP and Installing Drivers

The table below lists the keys you can use to perform SETUP operations.

SETUP function keys

Key Function

Move the cursor to the next or previous modifiable option Home or End F1 or Alt H

PgDn or– PgUp or+or

Spacebar F9

F1O

Enter Esc or Alt X

Move the cursor to the top or bottom of the menu

Display a help screen describing the option currently

selected

SeIect the previous value

SeIect the next value

Supplies the factory default values for the SETUP options on

the current screen

Ignoresany changes you have made on the current

screen

Selects the current option or value

Return to the previous screen

While you are in SETUP, the bottom of the screen lists the keys you can press to perform specific functions.

Using the System Setup Option

When you select the System Setup option, you see the

System Setup screen. From this screen, you can set the system time and date, define your video display type, check system memory, and define the diskette drives.

Move the cursor to the value you want to change. Then increase or decrease the value until you see the one you want.

Running SETUP and Installing Drivers

2-3

Setting the time and date

The real-time clock in your computer continuously tracks the date and time—even when the computer is turned off. Once you set the System Time and System Date options, you should not need to change them, unless you adjust the time for daylight savings or a different time zone. (The computer automatically changes the date for leap years.)

Setting the video display type

The Video System option allows you to define the type of display you are using. If you have connected a VGA or SVGA monitor to the computer’s built-in VGA port, select EGA/VGA.

If you connected a monitor that doesn‘t support VGA to a video adapter card installed in your system, select either the

CGA 80X25 or the Monochrome option. If you installed a video adapter card, make sure you disable the on-board SVGA controller by setting jumpers JP31, JP32, and JP33 to the Off position. (See Chapter 4 for information on setting jumpers.)

Checking system memory

When you boot your system, the system BIOS updates the memory size automatically. You see the memory configuration displayed in the System Memory and Extended Memory fields on this SETUP screen.

You cannot change these values; if they are not what you expect them to be, check that the SIMM(s) are securely seated in their sockets, as described in Chapter 4.

Setting the diskette drive(s)

On your system, diskette drive A is the 3.5-inch, high-density

drive installed in the computer. You may also have another

drive of a different size or capacity; this is drive B. Check the

settings for both drives and correct them if necessary.

2-4

Running SETUP and Installing Drivers

Using the Fixed Disk Setup Option

The Fixed Disk Setup option defines the types of hard disk drives you have installed in your system. When you select this option, you see the Fixed Disk Setup screen. From this screen, select Fixed Disk 0 Control (Boot Drive) or fixed disk 1 through fixed disk 3 options to configure from one to four drives. (Fixed disks 0 and 1 are the drives connected to your primary IDE hard disk drive interface; fixed disks 2 and 3 are connected to the secondary hard disk drive interface.)

If any of the drives you installed are larger than 528 MB, make sure the Large Disk DOS Compatibility option is set to Enabled (the default setting).

Your computer comes with a hard disk auto-sensing feature. Press Enter when the Autotype Fixed Disk option is highlighted. The system detects the type of hard disk drive and fills in the remaining fields on the screen.

Some drives, such as preform atted drives, may not support the auto-sensing feature. If the drive parameters sensed by the computer do not match your drive, check Appendix A to see if your drive’s parameters are included in the hard disk drive table. If not, you need to define your own drive type or reformat the disk. See the next section for instructions on defining your own drive type.

The LBA Mode Control option enables or disables ISA logical block address control for each drive. If you install an IDE drive that has a capacity greater than 528 MB, enable this option for that drive; the default setting is Disabled.

The Physical Drive option allows you to specify whether the drive will be the primary master or slave, or the secondary master or slave. The setting Default indicates that the drive is the primary master drive. Make sure the Physical Drive setting for each drive matches the hard disk drive jumpers you set when you installed the drive(s).

Running SETUP and Installing Drivers

2-5

Defining your own drive type

If the parameters for your hard disk do not match the parameters detected by the auto-sensing feature, you can define your own drive type. (See Appendix A for a list of predefine hard disk drive types and their parameters.)

To define your own drive type, follow these steps:

1. Move the cursor to Type and select user,

2. Type the values in each field that are appropriate for your

hard disk drive.

3. When you leave SETUP, make sure you save your changes.

Using the Advanced System Setup Options

When you select the Advanced System Setup option, you see the Advanced System Setup screen, from which you can configure the computer’s cache memory, shadow memory, and parallel port. Your system can automatically configure the Memory Cache and Memory Shadow options for you. To avoid configuration problems, you should let the system configure these options.

Configuring cache memory

The system can configure your Memory Cache options or you can manually set them. If you have installed external cache, enabling cache memory improves system perform ante, especially in large data retrieval and processing environments.

You can configure the cache memory yourself, rather than let the system configure it for you. However, it’s a good idea to let the system automatically configure these options.

2-6

Running SETUP and Installing Drivers

Configuring shadow memory

The system can configure the Memory Shadow options or you can manually enable shadowing for all of your video memory or for specific blocks of video ROM.

Note

Shadowing for system memory is always enabled. For the best system perform ance, always set the Video shadow option to Enabled.

Your computer can access RAM faster than ROM. The options on this screen allow your system to copy the contents of its video ROM into RAM. When you use shadowing, your system can perform certain operations faster, providing a significant increase in perform ance.

If you enable video shadowing for specific blocks, the ROM located in each enabled block is copied to the shadow RAM area.

Configuring your parallel port mode

To select the mode you want to use for your parallel port, select the Advanced Chipset Control option. Then set the LPT Extended Mode option to Standard (for AT unidirectional mode), EPP mode (for Enhanced Parallel Port bidirectional mode),

ECP mode (for Extended Capabilities

Port bidirectional mode), or Disabled to disable the port.

If you use EPP mode or ECP mode, check your parallel device software documentation for the correct DMA channel (DRQ) setting. Then set jumpers JP17 and JP18 to match this setting, as described in Chapter 4.

Running SETUP and Installing Drivers

2-7

Setting the Boot Options

When you select Boot Options from the Main Menu, you see the Boot Options screen, which allows you to define the drive boot sequence and determine which power-on diagnostic tests the computer performs when you start your system.

The Boot sequence option determines the order in which the computer checks the drives for an operating system when you turn it on or reset it. The table below describes the available options.

Boot sequence option settings

Select

A: then C: *

C: then A:

C: only

* Default setting

Load operating system from drive A. If it isn’t there, load it from drive C (recommended setting).

Load operating system from drive C. If it isn’t there, load it from drive A.

Load operating system from drive C.

If you set the Boot sequence option to C: only, you should disable the Floppy check option (described below) so the system doesn’t access the diskette drive during the startup procedure. Disabling this option decreases the time needed to start the system.

The Floppy check option allows you to speed up the boot process by disabling power-on diagnostic checking of the diskette drive type. The default setting for this option is Enabled; however you should select Disabled if you set the Boot sequence option (described above) to C: only.

2-8 Running SETUP and Installing Drivers

Using the Extended Features Options

When you select Extended Features from the Main Menu, you see the Extended Features screen, which allows you to customize the way your keyboard works when you turn on or reset your computer.

Numlock option

Select On to turn on Num Lock mode or select Off to turn it

off each time you turn on or reset your computer.

Key click option

Select Disabled (the default setting) to turn off the clicking sound produced by your computer’s speaker when you press a keyboard key. Select Enabled to turn on the clicking sound.

Keyboard auto-repeat rate option

Select the rate (in characters per second) at which you want your keyboard to repeat input of a character when you hold down a key. The default setting is 30/sec (30 characters per

second).

Running SETUP and Installing Drivers

2-9

Setting the Security and Anti- Virus Options

When you select the Security and Anti-Virus option from the Main Menu, you see the Security and Anti-Virus screen, which contains the options described below.

Selecting password types

You can define both User and Supervisor password levels for this system. If this system will be used by more than one person, you may want to set a Supervisor password for yourself and a User password for others you don’t want to have complete access to the system. For instance, you may want to restrict access to the diskette drives or the virus protection features on this system.

See the next sections for instructions on selecting the type of password prompting you want and on entering, changing, or deleting passwords.

Note

If both a Supervisor password and a User password are enabled, SETUP displays options for setting the User password only to users who logged on with a User password.

Selecting password prompting

If you enable the Password on boot option, you must enter the Supervisor or User password each time you turn on the system. If you disable this option, but you‘ve defined passwords, you must enter the password each time you start SETUP.

2-10

Running SETUP and Installing Drivers

Entering or changing passwords

To specify a User password, you must first specify a Supervisor password. Follow these steps to enter or change a password

1. Select Set Supervisor Password and press Enter.

2. You see a Set Supervisor Password window. Type a

password of up to seven characters and press Enter.

3. Type the same password a second time and press Enter.

see a message that your changes have been saved.

4. Press the spacebar. The Supervisor Password option

now displays Enabled.

To set a User password, select the Set user Password option as you follow the steps above.

Deleting passwords

To delete your passwords, follow these steps:

1. Set the Password on boot option to Disabled.

2. Delete the User password by pressing Enter for both the

password field and the confirmation field. Don’t type any characters in these fields.

3. Then delete the Supervisor password the same way.

Note If you set both a User and Supervisor password, you must delete the User password before you can access the Supervisor password option.

You

If you forget your password, see “Password Problems” in

Chapter 6.

Running SETUP and Installing Drivers

2-11

Using the virus protection features

Several options on the Security and Anti-Virus screen allow

you to define system protection features.

The Diskette access option allows you to restrict access to your diskette drives based on the password levels you have defined. This prevents unauthorized users from accessing the drives and possibly introducing a virus to your system. You can restrict diskette access only if passwords are enabled and you have enabled the Password on boot option.

If you select Supervisor for this option, you can access the diskette drives only if you enter the Supervisor password when you start your system. Someone who starts the system with a User password, however, will see an error message when he or she tries to access the diskette drive. If you select user for the Diskette access option, you can access the diskette drives whether you enter the Supervisor or User password when you start the system.

Note

To use passwords for diskette drive access, you must enable the Password on boot option. If you select a password level for Diskette access, but leave the Password

on boot option disabled, you see an error message

whenever you try to access your diskette drive.

You can also protect your system by selecting Write protect for the Fixed disk boot sector option. When this option is enabled, the system displays an error message when a program tries to write to the boot sector of your hard disk drive. To use a legitimate program (such as the MS-DOS FORMAT command) you must disable the write protect option.

2-12

Running SETUP and Installing Drivers

The System backup reminder and virus check reminder option son this screen allow you to define time intervals for the system to display a prompt asking you whether you have performed your scheduled virus check or your scheduled backup for your hard disk drive. You can disable these prompts or have them display Daily, Weekly, or Monthly. If you respond that you have not performed these functions, however, the system still starts norm ally.

Using the Green PC Features

The Green PC options allow you to define how the energy-saving features of this Energy Star compliant system work for you. The options on the Green PC Features screen allow you to disable the energy-saving feature or set time-out periods to put the system and hard disk drive in a low-energy standby mode.

The Inactivity Timer1 option sets the time-out period for video signals to your monitor. When the mouse or keyboard has been inactive for the time period you select here, your computer stops sending video signals to your monitor. If your monitor is also Energy Star compliant, it goes into a low-power standby mode because it isn't receiving video signals from your computer. Screens on monitors that aren’t Energy Star compliant will go blank when your system is in standby mode.

If you select a time period for the Lockout Timer as well as the Inactivity Timerl option, the system won’t accept your keyboard input for the specified period of time after your system has returned to an active mode. This allows time for your monitor to return to full power also.

The Fixed Disk Timeout option determines the time-out period for your hard disk drive. The hard disk drive goes into a low-power standby mode when the mouse and keyboard have been inactive for the period of time you‘ve indicated.

Running SETUP and Installing Drivers

2-13

Note

Some hard disk drives do not support a low-power standby mode. Also, the delay caused by the hard disk drive returning to active mode may cause errors in some applications. If you have problems, you may want to disable the Fixed Disk Timeout option.

Exiting SETUP

When you leave SETUP, you can save your settings, or exit

SETUP without saving your settings. You can also return all

values to the factory defaults.

To leave SETUP, press E

SC from any SETUP screen. From the

SETUP Main Menu, you can perform the following functions:

Load ROM

Loads the factory default settings

Default Values stored in ROM back into CMOS.

If you change your system configuration using the SETUP program and then have problems, you can load ROM values to boot the system and start over.

Load Values

Loads the current values stored in

from CMOS CMOS for all SETUP options. This

ignores any changes you have made through SETUP.

Save Values to CMOS

Press E

SC to exit SETUP and restart your computer.

Saves the changes you have made to your configuration to CMOS.

2-14

Running SETUP and Installing Drivers

Post-SETUP Procedures

After you run SETUP for the first time, you may need to install the operating system on your computer (ifit is not already installed). See your operating system manual for instructions.

Once you have installed your operating system, install any software you plan to use. See your application program manuals for instructions.

Note

If you plan to install IDE or video drivers for Windows applications, you must install Windows before you can install the drivers.

InstaIling the IDE Drivers

If you want to take advantage of the high-speed performance

available through your system’s local bus interfaces for the hard disk drives, you must install the IDE (integrated drive electronics) drivers included on Drivers Diskette 2.

Before you install the IDE drivers, make sure you back up your hard disk drive. Then use the installation program on Drivers Diskette 2 to install the drivers.

Note

Make sure you use the installation program to install the IDE drivers. If you simply copy the driver files, they won’t work correctly.

Running SETUP and Installing Drivers

2-15

You should always install the IDE driver for DOS. If you are using Windows, make sure you also install the IDE driver for Windows. You must install Windows before you install the IDE driver for Windows.

Follow these steps to install the IDE drivers:

1. Insert Drivers Diskette 2 in drive A

2. Log onto the IDE subdirectory on drive A.

3. Type INSTALL4 and press Enter

4. Follow the instructions on the screen to install the IDE

drivers on your hard disk. This installation program changes your computer’s CONFIG.SYS file so the system loads the IDE drivers at startup. If you select the IDE driver for Windows, this program also modifies the SYSTEM.INI file for Windows.

After you install the drivers, the system reboots.

Note

Not all hard disk drives can take full advantage of the local bus IDE interface. To take advantage of this feature, your hard disk drive must support a 32-bit data path that uses double-word I/O. To find out whether your hard drive uses double-word I/O, see the hardware specifications for the drive or contact the drive manufacturer and request a product specification.

2-16

Running SETUP and Installing Drivers

InstaIling Video Drivers

The two driver diskettes included with your system contain utilities and video drivers for Windows and popular DOS applications. For instructions on installing video drivers, see the README file included on each of the Drivers diskettes.

Note

You must install Windows before you install the video driver for Windows.

To obtain drivers for additional applications or new drivers as they become available, contact the EPSON Connection or access the Epson America Forum on CompuServe.

Running SETUP and Installing Drivers

2-17

2-18

Running SETUP and Installing Drivers

Chapter 3

Using Your Computer

This chapter describes the following operations:

Working comfortably

Using energy wisely

Using your Green PC features

Inserting and removing diskettes

Stopping a command or program

Resetting the computer

Using the passwords

Changing the processor speed.

Working Comfortably

If you spend a lot of time at your computer, you may experience occasional fatigue or discomfort caused by repetitive motions or too much time spent in one position. If

you follow the guidelines in this section, you may avoid these

problems and actually increase your productivity.

Take a few minutes to read this section for suggestions about:

Using the right furniture

Positioning your monitor

Lighting your workspace

Using Your Computer 3-1

Using a keyboard and mouse

Maintaining good posture and work habits.

Using the Right Furniture

Selecting a good desk and using the right type

of chair can make a big difference in your level

of comfort. When you set up your furniture,

consider these suggestions:

An L- or U-shaped desk configuration works well because it provides ample space to hold your computer equipment and work materials while keeping everything within easy reach. A

split-level desk or one with a pull-out keyboard drawer lets

you place the keyboard in a comfortable typing position.

Since you’ll usually be sitting when you use your computer, it’s important to have a good chair. An adjustable chair allows you

to support your body in the correct position. Make sure the

chair supports your lower back; the backrest should fit the

curvature of your spine. To reduce fatigue, try to use a chair with adjustable, padded armrests so you can occasionally rest your arms while you work.

Make sure the seat and backrest are wide enough so you can sit

in a variety of positions throughout the day. Also leave enough room under the work surface so you can vary the position of your legs.

Adjust the height of your chair so when you are using the keyboard or mouse your upper arms are vertical and your forearms and wrists are horizontal. For good circulation, your feet should rest flat on the floor with your lower legs vertical

and your knees level with your hips. You may need to use a footrest to maintain the correct alignment for your legs.

3-2

Using Your Computer

Positioning Your Monitor

Place the monitor so it is directly in front of you

with the top of the screen slightly below eye level when you are sitting at the computer. You may want to place it on top of the computer or on a stand.

Your line of sight to the screen should be about 10 to 20 degrees below the horizontal. If the monitor has a tilt and swivel base, you can adjust the position of the monitor screen for the best viewing angle.

Sit about an arm’s length or more away from the monitor. The most comfortable viewing distance depends on the size of the screen characters and your ability to focus on the display.

Adjust the monitor’s brightness and contrast controls to maximize image clarity, and keep the screen clean.

Try placing any source documents you are using on a copy

stand and position the stand next to the screen at the same eye level. This reduces neck strain and makes it easier for your eyes to move back and forth between the document and the screen.

Lighting Your Workspace

Appropriate lighting increases your comfort and productivity, and it’s good for your eyes.

Arrange your computer and light sources to minimize glare

and bright reflections.

Position the monitor so that any windows in the room face the

sides of the monitor, not the front or back. This will help reduce glare.

Using Your Computer 3-3

For working at the computer, indirect or shielded lighting is best, and it should light your entire office equally. Make sure the lighting is not too bright, because this can make your eyes tired from continually readjusting between the relative dimness

of the screen and the bright surroundings. You can use window blinds, shades, or drapes to control the amount of daylight in the room or reduce overhead lighting by turning off or

dimming the lights.

Here is a simple way you can test your lighting. While looking

at the screen, use your hand to shield your eyes from the brightest light source in the room (such as a window or

overhead light). If you feel a sense of relief, no matter how

small, your current lighting is too bright.

Using the Keyboard and Mouse

Constant use of a keyboard, mouse, or any pointing device can lead to a variety of aches and strains. To prevent injury, keep your hands

relaxed and rest them frequently

Try to keep your fingers parallel with your forearms to prevent straining your wrists. Adjust the angle of the keyboard so the slope is no more than 25 degrees. (The keyboard has legs on the

bottom which allow you to adjust the angle.)

Keep your hands and fingers relaxed when you are typing and try not to hit the keys too hard; using too much force creates tension in your hands. Remove your hands from the keyboard when you are not using it and take frequent breaks to stretch your hands and fingers.

When using a mouse, keep your wrist and fingers relaxed. Let go of the mouse frequently and stretch or relax your hand.

Leave enough space on your work surface so you can freely move the mouse.

3-4

Using Your Computer

Maintaining Good Posture and Work Habits

Here are suggestions to help you stay fit while

using your computer. If you form good work habits, you shouldn’t have to spend too much time thinking about it!

Work in a relaxed, natural, upright position and let the chair support you. Your back and neck should be straight with your shoulders down and relaxed. Keep the elbows and hips bent at about a 90 degree angle and your forearms and thighs parallel to the floor.

Try to keep your arms in an easy, natural position with your elbows near your body and level with or slightly lower than the keyboard. Your wrists should be straight, not bent, and your hands should rest lightly on the keys or the mouse.

Rest your eyes occasionally by closing them or focusing on a fixed spot in the distance.

Change your sitting position frequently throughout the day to avoid muscle fatigue. Take periodic breaks; stand up, stretch, and move around.

Using Your Computer 3-5

Using Energy Wisely

By purchasing this low-power, Energy Star compliant computer, you join a growing number of users concerned about conserving energy. Here are a few additional tips you can use

to be even more energy-wise:

If your printer and monitor aren’t Energy Star compliant, turn them off when you’re not using them.

Use the print preview option on your software before you print something. You’ll be able to catch formatting errors before you commit them to paper.

If you have an electronic m ail system available to you, send E-mail rather than memos. Not only is this faster, but you ’11 save paper and storage space too.

Use recycled paper whenever you can and, if possible, reuse or recycle used paper instead of throwing it away

Using Your Green PC Featutes

If you have an Energy Star compliant monitor, your computer

places the monitor, the hard disk drive, or both into a

low-power standby mode when the keyboard or mouse has

been inactive for the time periods you select in SETUP. See

Chapter 2 for information on setting these values.

When your system is in standby mode, the Num Lock light on your keyboard flashes and your screen is blank. (Screens on non-compliant monitors go blank, but do not enter low-power

standby mode.) Press any key or move the mouse to resume activity.

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Using Your Computer

If the hard disk drive is in standby mode, it doesn’t return to

active mode until you access it. You’ll hear it start again. It will take a few seconds to reach its operating speed and read or write to the disk. The hard disk drive access light turns on when the system begins accessing the disk.

Note

Some hard disk drives do not support a low-power standby mode. Also, the delay caused by the hard disk drive returning to active mode may cause errors in some

applications. If you have problems, you may want to disable the standby mode for the hard disk drive.

Inserting and Removing Diskettes

To insert a diskette into a 3.5-inch drive, hold the diskette with the label facing up and the shutter leading into the drive, as shown in the following illustration. Slide the diskette into the drive until it clicks into place.

Using Your Computer 3-7

To insert a diskette into a 5.25-inch drive, hold the diskette with the label facing up and the read/ write slot leading into the drive. When the disk is completely in the drive, turn down the latch to secure the diskette in the drive.

When you want to remove the diskette, make sure the drive light is offi then press the release button or turn the latch. Remove the diskette and store it properly.

Caution

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

Stopping a Command or Program

You may sometimes need to stop a command or program while it is running. If you want to stop a DOS or DOS application

program command, try one of the following:

Press Pause

Press Ctrl C

Press Ctrl Break.

If these methods do not work, you may need to reset the computer as described below. Do not turn off the computer to exit a program or stop a command unless you have to, because the computer erases any data you did not save.

3-8

Using Your Computer

Resetting the Computer

Occasionally, you may want to clear the computer’s memory without turning it off. You can do this by resetting the computer.

For example, if an error occurs and the computer does not respond to your keyboard entries, you can reset it to reload your operating system and try again. However, resetting erases any data in memory that you have not saved; so reset only if necessary.

Caution

Do not reset the computer to exit a program. Some programs classify and store new data when you exit them. If you reset the computer without properly exiting a program, you may lose data.

If you set the Boot sequence in SETUP to C: only (see

Chapter 2), the operating system must be on the hard disk when you reset the computer. If you selected the other options, the operating system must be either on the hard disk or on a diskette in drive A. If you do not have a hard disk, insert the operating system diskette in drive A.

If you are using DOS, you can press Ctrl Alt Del to reset the

system. (If you are using Windows, you must press Ctrl Alt Del twice.) You can also press the RESET button located on the front right side of your computer. The screen displays nothing for a moment and then the computer reloads the operating system.

Using Your Computer 3-9

If resetting the computer does not correct the problem, you

probably need to turn it off and on again. Remove any

diskette(s) from the diskette drive(s). Turn off the computer

and wait 20 seconds. If your operating system is not on the hard disk drive, insert a bootable diskette (one that contains the necessary portions of the operating system) in drive A. Then turn on the computer.

Using a Password

Using SETUP, you can define both a Supervisor level p as sword

and a User level password. You can also specify whether a password is required when you start the system. This password can also control who has access to the diskette drives.

If you enabled the Password on boot option in SETUP, you must enter the Supervisor or User password every time you turn on or reset the computer. If you enter a password but

disable the Password on boot option, you must enter the password when you start SETUP.

If you set the Diskette access option to Supervisor, you

can access a diskette drive only if you entered the Supervisor password when you started your system. If you entered a User password when you started the system but the Diskette

access option is set to Supervisor, you see an error message when you access the diskette drive.

When you need to enter your password, you’ll see the Security

Check window containing the prompt, Enter password:. As you type your password, you see a rectangle for each

character you type. When you press Enter, the computer loads the operating system (or starts SETUP).

3-10

Using Your Computer

If you don’t enter the correct p as sword the first time you type it, you can try two more times. If you haven‘t entered the correct password on the third try, the computer locks up to prevent unauthorized access. You see the message:

SYSTEM DISABLED

You must either turn off the computer or press the RESET button to start over. In this situation, you cannot reset the computer by pressing Ctrl Alt Del.

Note

If you want to delete your password, you must run the

SETUP program and follow the instructions for deleting a

password in Chapter 2.

If you do not remember your p as sword, see “Password Problems" in Chapter 6.

Changing the Processor Speed

Your computer’s processor can operate at two speeds: fast (60 or 66 MHz) or slow (8 MHz). At fast speed, the computer performs all tasks faster. The slow speed is available for compatibility with some copy-protected programs or application programs with specific timing requirements.

Some copy-protected programs also require you to leave a key disk—the diskette that contains the copy protection—in the diskette drive. To use a copy-protected program, you can change the speed to slow to access the diskette and return it to fast speed when you are finished.

When your computer is operating at fast speed, the SPEEDlight on the front panel is on. When the computer is operating at slow speed, the light is off.

Using Your Computer

3-11

You can change the processor speed temporarily by entering

one of the following commands from the numeric keypad on your keyboard:

To select slow speed, press Ctrl Alt -; this turns off the

SPEED light.

To select fast speed, press Ctrl Alt +; the SPEED light comes

on.

Note

You can use the commands listed above while you are running a program. However, if the program uses one of these commands for another function, you cannot use it to change the processor speed.

The speed setting rem ains in effect until you reset your computer or turn it off.

3-12

Using Your Computer

Chapter 4

InstaIling and Removing Options

You can enhance the performance of your computer by adding optional equipment such as option cards, and system, video, or cache memory modules.

This chapter first describes how to remove your computer’s cover to install options and how to replace the cover when you are finished. It then describes the following:

Locating the internal components

Changing the jumper settings

Installing and removing SIMMs (single inline memory

modules)

Instailing and removing option cards

Adding video memory

Instailing external cache.

Caution

Never install options or change jumper settings when the

computer is turned on or the power cable is connected to the computer.

Once you have installed your options, see “Post-installation

Procedures" on page 4-22.

Installing and Removing Options

4-1

Removing the Cover

You need to remove the computer’s cover to install any of the

options described in this chapter or to install or remove a disk

drive (as described in Chapter 5). Follow these steps:

1. Turn off the computer and then any peripheral devices.

2. Disconnect the computer’s power cable from the electrical outlet and from the back panel. Also disconnect any other cables that are connected to the computer, including the keyboard cable.

3. If the monitor is on top of the computer, lift it off and set it to one side.

4. Turn the computer around so the back panel is facing you.

5. Remove the three screws securing the back panel, as shown below.

4-2

Installing and Removing Options

6. Grasping the sides of the cover, lift it up at an angle and pull it off, as shown below:

7. Set the cover aside

8. Ground yourself to the computer by touching the metal surface of the back panel.

WARNING

Be sure to ground yourself by touching the back panel of the computer every time you remove the cover. If you are not

properly grounded, you could generate an electric shock that could damage a component when you touch it.

Installing and Removing Options

4-3

Replacing the Cover

When you are ready to replace the computer’s cover, follow these steps:

1. Make sure all the internal components are installed properly,

2. Check all cable connections, especially those that might have been loosened during your work.

3. Make sure all cables are out of the way so they do not catch on the cover.

4. Insert the lip at the front of the cover between the front bezel and the computer case and guide it straight down. (See the illustration on page 4-3.)

5. Replace the three cover retaining screws.

6. Reconnect the computer to the monitor, printer, keyboard, and any other peripheral devices you have. Then reconnect

the power cable to the back of the computer and to an electrical outlet.

4-4

Installing and Removing Options

Locating the Internal Components

As you follow the instructions in this chapter, refer to the illustration below to locate the major components inside your computer.

Installing and Removing Options

4-5

The illustration below shows the main system board inside

your computer. Use this illustration to locate jumpers, SIMM

sockets, external cache sockets, and video memory chip sockets.

video, parallel, serial, mouse, and

keyboard connectors

4-6

Installing and Removing Options

Changing the Jumper Settings

The jumpers on the main system board are preset to factory default positions, indicated by an asterisk (*) in the tables below. (See the illustration above to locate jump ers.) Use the inform ation in this section to change jumper settings, if necessary.

Note

Any jumpers not listed in the following tables are for service purposes only. Do not change their settings.

Miscellaneous jumper settings

Jumper number

JP4

JP5

JP6

JP7

JP8

JP9

JP10

JP111

JP23

Jumper setting

1-2* 2-3

2-3 * 3-4 1-4

Function

Enables diskette drive controller Disables diskette drive controller

Enables COM1 serialporl Disables COMl serialporl

Assigns COM1 serialport as COM1 Assigns COM1 serialport as COM3

Enables COM2 serialport Disables COM2 serialporl

Assigns COM2 serialport as COM2 Assigns COM2 serialport as COM4

Enables optional game port Disables optional game port

Enables the primary lDEhard disk drive controller Disables the primary lDEhard disk drive controller

Enables the secondary lDEhard disk drive controller Disables the secondary lDEhard disk drive controller

SeIects the system board battery Discharges CMOS memory; resstsfactory defaults SeIects external battery (3.6 Volt)

Installing and Removing Options

4-7

Misellaneous jumper settings (continued)

Jumper number

JP30

Jumper setting Function

Off* Disables lRQ9 for VGA On

Enables lRQ9 for VGA

External cache jumper settings

Cache size 256KB 1MB 2-3 2-3

JP34 JP35 1-2* Off*

SVGA jumper settings

VGA jumper function

Enable on-board VGA Disable on-board VGA

JP31

On * On * Off Off

JP32

JP33

On * Off

Parallel port DMA channel (DRQ) settings

Jumper number DRQ1 DMA channel DRQ3 DMA channel JP17 JP18

1-2*

3-4 *

3-4 1-2

Note: DMA channel for the parallel port if set to EPP or ECP mode in SETUP

4-8

Installing and Removing Options

Setting the Jumpers

To change a jumper setting, follow these steps:

1. Refer to the illustration on page 4-6 to locate the jumpers.

2. If any option cards are installed in your computer, you may need to remove them to access the jumpers; see page 4-18.

3. A jumper’s setting is determined by where the jumper is placed on the pins. Use the table below to identify the pin settings for 2-, 3-, and 4-pin jumpers. (To identify the pin numbers, look at the system board under the jumper.)

Jumper positions

To move a jumper from one position to another, use

needle-nose pliers or tweezers to pull it off its pins and gently move it to the desired position.

Installing and Removing Options

4-9

Caution

Be careful not to bend the jumper pins or damage any

components on the main system board.

4. Replace any option cards you removed, if necessary. See page 4-15 for instructions.

InstaIling Memory Modules (SIMMs)

Your computer comes with 8MB of memory installing additional SIMMs, you can increase the amount of

memory in your computer up to 128 MB.

There are four SIMM sockets on the main system board, and each can contain one memory module. You can install lMB, 2MB, 4MB, 8MB, 16MB, and 32MB SIMMs. The sockets are labelled on the main system board between the sockets.

The following table shows the recommended SIMM configurations. Do not install SIMMs in any other configuration.

SIMM configurations

on a SIMM. By

4-10 Installing and Removing Options

SIMM configurations (continued)

* In these non-interleave configurations you cannot install additional SIMMs

in sockets SYMM3 and SIMM4.

Use only tin-plated, 32-bit or 36-bit, 72-pin, fast-page mode SIMMs that operate at an access speed of 80ns or faster. Be sure all the SIMMs operate at the same speed.

Installing and Removing Options

4-11

Your SIMM sockets may not look exactly like the ones in the illustrations. If you‘re not sure how to install SIMMs, contact

the EPSON Connection and ask for assistance.

Inserting SIMMs

Make sure the computer is turned off and the cover is off. Then

follow these steps to install SIMMs:

1. Refer to the illustration on page 4-5 to locate the SIMM sockets on the left front side of the main system board, next to the microprocessor.

2. Remove any option cards that may be blocking your access

to the SIMM sockets. (See page 4-18 for instructions.)

3. Position the SIMM at an angle over the empty SIMM socket

with the notch in the corner of the SIMM facing the front of the computer.

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Installing and Removing Options

4. Push the SIMM into the socket until it is seated firmly in the

slot. Then tilt it upright, as shown below, guiding the hole

at each end of the SIMM over the retaining post at each end of the SIMM socket. If it does not go in smoothly, do not force it; pull it all the way out and try again.

5. Replace any option cards you removed. (See page 4-15 for

instructions.)

Removing SIMMs

If you need to remove SIMMs from your computer (to install different ones, for example), follow the steps below:

1. Use the illustration on page 4-5 to locate the SIMM sockets on the left front side of the main system board, next to the

microprocessor.

2. Remove any option cards that may be blocking your access

to the SIMM sockets. (See page 4-18 for instructions.)

Installing and Removing Options

4-13

3. Use your fingers or a small screwdriver to carefully pull

away the tabs that secure the SIMM at each end, as shown below. The SIMM falls to the side; remove it from the socket.

4. Follow the same procedure to remove any other SIMMs.

5. If you are inserting different SIMMs, follow the instructions

on page 4-12 to install them.

6. Replace any option cards you removed, as described below.

4-14

Installing and Removing Options

Installing an Option Card

This section explains how to install option cards in your computer. Your computer has five 16-bit slots, two for full-length cards and three for half-length cards. The two full-length slots are VESA compatible. (The lowest full-length slot accommodates only a half-length card.)

Caution

Before you install any option cards in your system, make sure that each card does not draw more current than the limits listed in the Appendix A.

As you install option cards, keep these guidelines in mind:

Install VESA compatible cards in either of the two slots with the extra VESA connectors.

If you have an 8-bit card, you can install it in a 16-bit slot, as long as it fits.

Check the components on your card and the system board before deciding which slot to use. Make sure that no components are touching or obstructing other cards or cables.

When you unpack the option card, do not touch the components on the circuit board or the gold-edged connectors. Place the card gently on top of its original packing material with the component side facing up. Keep the packing materials in case you remove it later.

Adjust any switches or jumpers on the card, if necessary, before you install it. (See the option card instructions.) Also,

see if you need to change any jumpers on the system board.

Installing and Removing Options

4-15

Installing a VESA Card or a Full-length Card

Follow these steps to install an option card in one of the full-length slots:

1. Remove the retaining screw securing the option slot cover to the computer, as shown below. (Keep the screw to secure the option card to the computer.)

2. Slide out the slot cover and set it aside. (Store it in a safe

place in case you remove the option card later.)

3. Hold the card along the top corners and guide it into the slot,

as shown below. (If you are installing a full-length card, insert the front edge of the card into the corresponding guide inside the computer’s front panel.)

Once the connectors reach the slot, push the card in firmly (but carefully) to insert it fully. You should feel the card fit into place. If it does not go in smoothly, do not force it; pull the card all the way out and try again.

4-16

Installing and Removing Options

4. Secure the end of the card to the computer with the retaining

screw.

InstaIling a HaIf-length Card

Follow these steps to install a card in one of the half-length slots:

1. Remove the retaining screw securing the slot cover bracket. Remove the bracket by lifting it straight up and out of the small metal holder at the bottom.

2. Remove the slot cover for the slot you are going to use

3. Hold the card along the top corners with the components

facing down and guide it into the slot. Once the connectors reach the slot, push the card in firmly (but carefully) to

insert it fully. You should feel the card fit into place. If it does not go in smoothly, do not force it; pull the card all the way out and try again.

Installing and Removing Options

4-17

4. Replace the slot cover bracket by inserting it into the small metal holder below the option slots.

5. Secure the slot cover bracket to the computer with the retaining screw.

Removing an Option Card

You may need to remove an option card to access components on the main system board or if you no longer need it. Refer to

the illustrations on pages 4-16 and 4-17 and follow these steps:

1. If you are removing a card from one of the full-length slots, first remove the retaining screw securing the option card to the computer. Then pull the card straight out of the slot.

2. If you are removing a card from one of the half-length slots, first remove the slot cover bracket. Then pull the card straight out of the slot.

3. If you are not installing another option card, replace the option slot cover, the slot cover bracket (if necessary), and retaining screw.

Adding Video Memory

Your computer comes with lMB of video memory. You can increase your video memory to 2MB by installing two 256KB x 16-bit, video DRAM chips. Additional video memory is useful for running graphics-intensive applications or for supporting high resolutions with many colors.

Note that your video memory sockets may not look exactly like the ones in the illustration. If you‘re not sure how to install video memory chips, contact the EPSON Connection and ask for assistance.

4-18

Installing and Removing Options

Follow these steps to install video memory chips:

Locate the video memory chip sockets on the left side of the main system board, shown on page 4-5. The chip sockets

are labelled U53 and U57.

If there is an option card in your way, remove it. See page 4-18 for instructions.

Caution

To avoid generating static electricity and damaging the memory chips, ground yourself by touching the metal

surface on the inside of the computer’s back panel. Then

remain as stationary as possible while you install them.

Position the chip over the socket and align the notch in the

3. chip’s corner with the notch in the corner of the socket.

Gently press the chip into the socket; then push down firmly on both ends to make sure it is well-seated.

Repeat steps 3 and 4 to install the other chip.

Replace any option cards you removed; see page 4-15.

Now run SETUP as described in Chapter 2 so that your

7. system recognizes the increased video memory.

Installing and Removing Options

4-19

InstaIling External Cache

Your computer comes with 256KB of external cache installed on eight 28-pin, 32K x 8, 20ns SRAM DIP chips and one 32K x 8, 20ns tag chip. You can increase the cache to lMB by

replacing these chips with eight 128K x 8, 20ns SRAM chips.

You must install chips in one of the configurations in the table

below (each bank contains four cache memory sockets).

Cache memry configurations

BANK 0 U5, 6,7,8

32K X 8 32K X 8 32K X 8 128K x 8 128K x 8

Follow these steps to install the external cache chips:

1. Remove the internal drive mounting bracket in your computer. See page 5-2 for instructions.

2. Locate the external cache memory sockets on the main system board, shown on page 4-6.

BANK 1 U9,10,11,12

Tag SRAM U50

32K X 8

Total cache 256KB 1MB

3. You may need to remove any option cards that are blocking access to the sockets. See page 4-18 for instructions.

Caution

To avoid generating static electricity and damaging the cache chips, ground yourself by touching the metal surface on the inside of the computer’s back panel. Then rem ain as stationary as possible while you install them.

4-20

Installing and Removing Options

4. Inspect each cache memory chip; the pins should point inward at slightly less than a 90° angle. If any of the pins

are bent or crooked, straighten them gently with your fingers or with small tweezers to align them with the other pins. Be careful when you do this; the pins are fragile and

can break off easily.

5. Position one of the cache chips over the first socket as shown below, aligning the pins on the chip with the holes in the

socket. Align the small notch on the end of the chip with the corresponding notch on the socket.

6. Gently press the chip halfway into the socket (to make sure it is correctly aligned). If the chip goes in at an angle,

rem ove it and try again.

7. When the chip is properly positioned, push down firmly on both ends of the chip to make sure it is well-seated.

8. Repeat steps 5 through 7 for each of the remaining chips.

9. Now install the tag SRAM chip in socket U50, next to the microprocessor, as described in steps 5 through 7 above.

See page 4-6 to locate socket U50 on the main system board.

Installing and Removing Options

4-21

10. Change jumpers JP34 and JP35 as described on page 4-8, to match to the amount of cache you installed.

11. Replace any option cards you removed (page 4-15); then replace the computer’s cover.

12. Replace the drive mounting bracket as described on page 5-8.

13. Run SETUP to enable the External Cache option and the Video shadow option. You can access these options from the Advanced System Setup menu; see Chapter 2.

Post-installation Procedures

After you install or remove options such as memory modules or option cards, you must run SETUP to update the computer’s configuration. See Chapter 2 for instructions. Additionally, you may need to add some commands to your configuration files.

See your operating system manual and the manual that came

with your optional equipment.

4-22

Installing and Removing Options

Chapter 5

InstaIling and Removing Drives

This chapter describes how to install and remove optional drives in your computer. You can use these instructions to install a variety of devices, including hard disk drives, a diskette drive, a tape drive, a CD-ROM drive, or an optical drive. Although your drive may look different from the ones illustrated here, you should be able to install it the same way.

Your computer can hold up to four mass storage devices, including the diskette drive that came with your system. You can install one hard disk drive using the internal mounting bracket below the diskette drive. In the externally accessible bays, you can install a second diskette drive or another type of drive.

To install or remove a drive, first remove the computer’s cover

as described in Chapter 4. Then remove any option cards that

may be in your way. Once you have installed the drive, replace

any option cards you removed. See Chapter 4 for instructions.

Follow the appropriate instructions in this chapter to do the following:

Remove the diskette drive and mounting bracket

Install a hard disk drive using the mounting bracket

Remove a hard disk drive from the mounting bracket

Install a drive in an externally accessible drive bay

Remove a drive from an externally accessible drive bay

Perform post-installation procedures,

Installing and Removing Drives

5-1

Some of the steps in this chapter may not apply for the drive

you are installing. See the documentation that came with your

drive for more information.

Removing the Drive Mounting Bracket

Your computer has a 3.5-inch diskette drive installed in a mounting bracket. (You may also have a hard disk drive

installed in the bracket.) In order to install or remove any drives, you must first remove the drive mounting bracket. Follow these steps:

1. Remove the two cables from the diskette drive, as shown below. Grasp the connectors and pull them straight out so you do not bend the pins; do not pull on the cables. (If necessary, remove the cables from the hard disk drive also.)

5-2

Installing and Removing Drives

2. Remove the screws securing the bracket to the drive bay and brace.

3. Slide the bracket away from the front of the computer and

lift it out.

InstaIling a Hard Disk Drive in the Mounting Bracket

You can install a hard disk drive below the diskette drive in the mounting bracket, once you have removed the bracket and drive from the computer. In order to fit in this space, your hard disk drive must be 1 inch high by 3½ inches wide. If you have a larger hard disk drive, you can install it in one of the drive bays (see page 5-15).

Installing and Removing Drives

5-3

This section includes steps for the following procedures:

Removing the mounting frames from the hard disk drive

(if necessary)

Installing a hard disk drive in the mounting bracket

Replacing the mounting bracket in the computer

Connecting the drive cables.

Be sure to check the jumper settings on the hard disk drive before you install it. If you have two hard disk drives, one must be configured as the master (which contains your operating system), and the other as the slave.

You should connect your first and second drives to the primary hard disk drive interface, with one drive configured as the master and one as the slave. If you install a third and fourth drive, connect them to the secondary hard disk drive interface,

and again configure one as the master and the other as the slave.

Also, you may need to know the number of cylinders, heads,

sectors, etc., if the hard disk drive auto-sensing feature in

SETUP is unable to correctly identify your drive. The hard disk drive table used in the SETUP program is included in Appendix A, along with a table of jumper settings for high-capacity EPSON drives. If your drive is not listed or you need more information, see the documentation that came with your drive or contact the manufacturer.

5-4

Installing and Removing Drives

Removing the Mounting Frames

If there are mounting frames attached to your hard disk drive, remove them before you install the drive. Follow these steps:

1. On your drive, there may be a plastic guiderail and metal grounding plate attached to one of the mounting frames. If so, remove the screws securing them to the mounting frame and remove the guiderail and grounding plate.

2. Then remove the two screws securing each mounting frame to the drive and remove the frames.

Installing and Removing Drives

5-5

Note

Before you install the hard disk drive, turn it over so you can see the circuit board, as shown below. Locate the side of the drive connector containing pin 1, indicated by a “1” or “2” printed on the board. You need to know the location of pin 1 when you connect the hard drive cable.

Installing the Hard Disk Drive

Follow these steps to install a hard disk drive in the mounting bracket:

1. With the drive components facing down, slide the drive into the bracket until the front of the drive is nearly flush with the edge of the bracket.

5-6

Installing and Removing Drives

2. Align the holes in the drive with the oval-shaped holes in the bracket.

3. Secure the drive with two or four screws, depending on the location of the holes.

Replacing the Bracket in the Computer

Follow these steps to replace the bracket in your computer:

1. Lower the bracket into the mounting area and slide it forward, inserting the front of the diskette drive through the drive slot in the front panel of the computer.

Installing and Removing Drives

5-7

2. Make sure the holes in the bracket are aligned with the holes in the drive bay and brace. Then secure the bracket with the screws you removed previously.

Connecting the Drive Cables

After you replace the bracket, you need to connect the cables for both the hard disk drive and the diskette drive. This section includes steps for the following procedures:

Connecting the drive ribbon cable to the system

Connecting the cables to the hard disk drive(s)

Reconnecting the cables to the diskette drive.

5-8

Installing and Removing Drives

board

Connecting the drive cable to the system board

Follow the steps below to connect the hard drive ribbon cable to the system board, if it is not already connected.

1. Locate one of the hard disk drive ribbon cables that came with your computer; it is a flat cable with a connector on each end and an additional connector on the ribbon cable. All the connectors on this cable look the same.

2. Locate the hard disk drive interface that you want to use on the system board; see the illustration on page 4-6 to locate the interfaces. Use the primary interface for your boot drive

and your second hard disk drive; use the secondary interface if you are installing your third and fourth drives.

Installing and Removing Drives

5-9

3. Position the system board connector end of the cable so that the red wire faces the direction shown below and aligns with pin 1 on the interface.

4. Make sure the holes in the connector fit over the pins; then push in the connector.

Caution

If you do not correctly align the holes with the pins, you could severely damage your system board when you push in the connector.

Connecting the ribbon and power cables to the drive

Follow these steps to connect the hard disk drive ribbon cable and a power supply cable to the drive:

1. Locate the hard disk drive connector on the end of the hard disk drive ribbon cable.

5-10

Installing and Removing Drives

2. Locate pin 1 on the drive connector. If you do not see it on

the connector casing and you did not locate it before you replaced the drive bracket, you may have to remove the drive and turn it over to check the circuit board. See page 5-14 for instructions on removing the drive and page 5-6 for instructions on locating pin 1 on the drive connector.

3. Position the connector on the cable so that the red wire aligns with pin 1 on the drive.

4. Make sure the holes in the cable connector fit over all the pins; then push in the connector.

Caution

If you do not correctly align the holes with the pins, you could severely dam age your hard disk drive when you push in the connector.

Installing and Removing Drives

5-11

5. Locate one of the power supply cables that lead from the power supply. (They have multi-colored wires and a plastic connector on the end.)

6. Position the power supply cable connector so that its notched corners line up with the notched corners of the power supply connector on the hard disk drive.

7. Make sure the holes fit over all the pins and then push in the connector.

5-12 Installing and Removing Drives

Reconnecting the Cables to the Diskette Drive

Refer to the illustration below while you follow these steps:

1. Locate the connector on the diskette drive ribbon cable.

2. Identify pin 1 on the drive and align the connector so that the red wire is at pin 1. Push in the connector.

3. Locate the power supply cable with the small connector.

4. Position the power supply cable connector so that the holes fit over all the pins and the red wire aligns with pin 1 on the drive’s connector. Then push in the connector.

Installing and Removing Drives

5-13

Removing a Hard Disk Drive From the Mounting Bracket

Follow these steps if you need to remove the hard disk drive from the bracket:

Disconnect the cables from the back of the hard disk drive

and diskette drive in the bracket. Grasp the connectors and pull them straight out so you do not bend the pins; do not pull on the cables.

Remove the screws securing the bracket to the drive bay and brace.

Slide the bracket away from the front of the computer and

lift it out.

Remove the screws securing the hard disk drive to the

bracket and slide the drive out of the bracket.

Replace the bracket using the instructions on page 5-7.

5-14

Installing and Removing Drives

Installing a Drive in an Extenal Drive Bay

Your system comes with two externally accessible drive bays. You can use these bays to install any of the following: diskette drive, hard disk drive, CD-ROM drive, tape drive, or optical drive.

If you are installing a diskette drive or a tape drive with a

standard 5.25-inch diskette drive connector, you can connect it using the diskette drive cable that came with your system. If you are installing a hard disk drive or drive with a different type of connector, you may need to purchase a different cable.

If you are installing a hard disk drive, be sure its jumper(s) are

set correctly for your configuration. A table of jumper settings for high-cap acity EPSON drives is included in Appendix A. If your drive is not listed or you need more information, see the

documentation that came with your drive or contact the manufacturer.

Before you can install a drive in one of the external bays, you must remove the mounting bracket containing the diskette

drive (and possibly a hard disk drive). See page 5-2 for

instructions.

This section includes steps for the following procedures:

Attaching mounting frames to the drive (if necessary)

Installing the drive in the bay

Connecting the drive cables

Installing and Removing Drives

5-15

Attaching Mounting Frames to the Drive

If you are installing a 3½-inch wide drive, you need to attach mounting frames to it. If you are installing a drive that already has mounting frames on it, see if it also has a plastic guiderail

and metal grounding plate attached to it. If so, follow step 1 on page 5-5 to remove the guiderail and grounding plate attached to it. Then go to “Installing the Drive” on page 5-17.

Follow these steps to attach mounting frames to a drive:

1. Locate the two mounting frames and four screws that came with the drive.

2. As shown below, place a mounting frame on one side of the drive and align it so that the oval holes in the frame are positioned over the holes in the drive. Then secure the mounting frame to the drive with the two screws.

3. Repeat step 2 to attach a mounting frame to the other side of the drive.

5-16

Installing and Removing Drives

InstaIling the Drive

Follow these steps to install a drive in the upper or lower external drive bay:

1. Remove the faceplate from the bay by pushing it out from the inside of the computer.

Keep the faceplate in a safe place in case you remove a drive later (or you are installing a hard disk drive).

2. If you are installing a drive in the lower external drive bay, also push out the metal plate covering the slot in the computer case. Then discard the plate; you do not need to reinstall it.

Installing and Removing Drives

5-17

3. Slide the drive through the slot into the bay until it is flush with the front of the computer.

4. Align the slots at the side of the drive bay with the mounting holes in the drive or mounting frames. Then secure both

sides of the drive to the bay using the retaining screws.

5-18

Installing and Removing Drives

Connecting the Drive and Power Cables

If you are installing a diskette or tape drive, follow all the steps

below. If you are installing a hard disk drive, follow the

instructions on pages 5-9 through 5-12. Then go to step 5 below.

Note

If you have one hard disk drive installed in the bracket below the diskette drive and will install a second hard disk drive in the external bay on the same interface, you need to purchase a new hard disk drive cable that can reach both drives.

1. Locate the diskette drive ribbon cable; the connector in the middle is already connected to the system board.

2. If you are installing a drive with a card-edge connector, make sure you align the key-way (the plastic divider) with the

gap in the drive connector, as shown below.

Installing and Removing Drives

5-19

If you are installing a 3.5-inch diskette drive with a header connector, see page 5-13 for instructions on connecting the cable.

3. Locate one of the power supply cables that lead from the power supply. (They have multi-colored wires and a plastic connector on the end.)

4. Align the notched corners of the power supply cable connector with the notched corners of the drive’s power connector (such as the one shown below). Make sure the holes fit over all the pins and then push in the connector.

Caution

If you do not align the connectors correctly, you could severely damage your drive when you push them in.

5-20

Installing and Removing Drives

5. If you installed a hard disk drive in one of the external bays, replace the faceplate. Insert one side of the plate, then gently press on the other side until it snaps into place.

After you have installed the drive in the external bay, you must replace the internal mounting bracket and reconnect the cables to the drives it contains. See page 5-7 for instructions.

Removing a Drive from an External Bay

To remove a drive from an external drive bay, follow these steps:

1. Remove the drive mounting bracket. See page 5-2 for instructions.

2. Disconnect both the ribbon cable connector and the power cable connector from the drive you are removing from the external bay.

3. Remove the screws securing the drive on both sides.

Installing and Removing Drives

5-21

4. Reach behind the drive and gently push it out through the front of the bay; then pull it out of the slot.

5. Once you have removed the drive, replace the faceplate by

inserting one side of the plate, then gently pressing on the other side until it snaps into place.

6. Replace the drive mounting bracket and reconnect the cables.

See page 5-7 for instructions.

Post-installation Procedures

After you install or remove your drive(s) and replace the cover on your computer, you need to run the SETUP program to define your new drive configuration. See Chapter 2 for instructions.

5-22

Installing and Removing Drives

Chapter 6

Troubleshooting

If you have any problems as you setup and use your

computer, refer to this chapter. You can correct most problems by adjusting a cable connection, repeating a software procedure, or resetting the computer.

The troubleshooting suggestions in this chapter are organized

in general categories, such as “The computer will not start.” Within each category, a more specific problem is described with possible solutions.

If the suggestions here do not solve the problem, contact your Authorized EPSON Servicer or the EPSON Connection. (See

“Where to Get Help” in the Introduction of this manual for

instructions.)

Identifying Your System

When you request technical assistance, be ready to provide the

serial number of your computer, its system BIOS version number, its configuration (including the type of disk drives, monitor, and option cards), and the names and version numbers of any software programs you are using.

Use these guidelines to locate information about your system:

Serial number

System BIOS version:

Look on the back panel of the computer to find the serial number.

Restart your system. You ’11 see the system BIOS version number displayed on the screen during

power-on diagnostics.

Troubleshooting 6-1

System

configuration:

Start SETUP and make a note of all

your configuration option settings.

MS-DOS version:

Software versions:

CONFIG.SYS:

AUTOEXEC.BAT:

At the MS-DOS prompt, type VER

and press Enter. In Windows applications, select

About from the Help menu. As

your software application starts, it

usually displays a version number on the banner screen. Also, you can check your software manual.

At the MS-DOS prompt, type

TYPE C: \CONFIG. SYS and press

Enter to see a listing of your CONFIG.SYS file, which contains system configuration commands.

At the MS-DOS prompt, type

TYPE C:\AUTOEXEC.BAT and

press Enter to see a listing of your

AUTOEXEC.BAT file, which contains system startup commands.

The Computer Will Not Start

The power light is on, but the computer does not start.

Make sure the boot options in SETUP are set to access drive A, as described in Chapter 2. Then place a bootable diskette in drive A and turn on the computer again.

Caution

If you turn off the computer, always wait at least 20 seconds before turning it back on to prevent damage to its circuitry.

6-2

Troubleshooting

Epson ActionPC 6000-66, ActionPC 6000 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Contents

Introduction

Computer Features

Power-saving Features

How to Use This Manual

Where to Get Help

CompuServe On-line Support

Choosing a location

Setting the Voltage Selector Switch

Connecting System Components

Connecting a Keyboard or Mouse

Connecting a Monitor

Connecting the Power Cord

Turning On the Computer

Turning Off the Computer

Using SETUP

Starting the SETUP Program

Using the System Setup Option

Using the Fixed Disk Setup Option

Using the Advanced System Setup Options

Setting the Boot Options

Using the Extended Features Options

Setting the Security and Anti- Virus Options

Using the Green PC Features

Exiting SETUP

Post-SETUP Procedures

Working comfortably

Using the Right Furniture

Positioning Your Monitor

Lighting Your Workspace

Using the Keyboard and Mouse

Maintaining Good Posture and Work Habits

Using Energy Wisely

Inserting and Removing Diskettes

Stopping a Command or Program

Resetting the Computer

Using a Password

Changing the Processor Speed

Removing the Cover

Replacing the Cover

Locating the Internal Components

Setting the Jumpers

Inserting SIMMs

Removing SIMMs

Installing an Option Card

Installing a VESA Card or a Full-length Card

Removing an Option Card

Adding Video Memory

Post-installation Procedures

Removing the Drive Mounting Bracket

Removing the Mounting Frames

Replacing the Bracket in the Computer

Connecting the Drive Cables

Reconnecting the Cables to the Diskette Drive

Removing a Hard Disk Drive From the Mounting Bracket

Attaching Mounting Frames to the Drive

Connecting the Drive and Power Cables

Removing a Drive from an External Bay

Post-installation Procedures

Identifying Your System

The Computer Will Not Start