Epson ActionTower 3000 Computer 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

consequential

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

contained herein. Nor is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained subject to change without notice.

EPSON is a registered trademark

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 companies

damages,

states do

so this exclusion may

herein. Further, this publication and features

not allow the exclusion

not

apply to you.

TRADEMARKS

of Seiko Epson Corporation.

of incidental or

described herein are

information

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

8/94

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 User’s Guide, do not attempt to service the computer yourself. Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating instructions.

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.

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

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, da8 die Gebäudeinstallation mit einem

16 A Uberstromschutzschalter abgesichert ist.

iii

Importantes 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 marques 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 ouvertures.

Utiliser settlement le type de source d’alimentation électrique indiqué sur I’étiquette.

Tout l’équipement doit âtre branché sur des prises de courant avec contact de terre. Ne jamais utiliser une prise sur le même circuit qu’un appareil à photocopies ou un système de contrôle de 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 ampères requise pour tous les appareils branchés 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 dans les cas spécifiques expliqués dans ce manuel de l’usager, ne pas essayer d’entretenir ou de réparer l’ordinateur soi-même. N’ajuster que les commandes décrites dans les directives.

Débrancher l!ordinateur et contacter un technicien qualifié dans les circonstances suivantes:

Si le cordon ou la prise sont abîmés; si un liquide a pénétré à 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 différente de l’ordinaire.

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

FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT

FOR AMERlCAN USERS

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio and television reception. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment

does cause interference to radio and

television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the

receiver is connected Consult an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

WARNING

The

connection of a non-shielded equipment interface cable to this equipment will invalidate the FCC Certification of this device and may cause interference levels that exceed the limits established by the FCC for this equipment. It is the responsibility of the user to obtain and use a shielded equipment interface cable with this

equipment has

more than one interface connector, do not leave cables connected to unused

device. If this

interfaces. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer

could void the

user’s authority to operate the equipment.

FOR CANADlAN USERS

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as set out in the radio interference regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.

Le present appareil numérique n’émet pas

bruits radioéelectriques dépassant les limites applicables aux appareils numériques de Classe B prescrites dans le règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté par le Ministère des Communications du Canada.

Contents

Introduction

Video Energy Savings VGA Drivers optional Equipment

How to Use This Manual Where to Get Help

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CompuServe On-line Support

Chapter 1

Unpacking Your Computer

Setting up Your system

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Setting the Voltage Selector Switch Connecting System Components Connecting the Power Cord Turning Your System On and Off Running the SETUP Program

Starting the SETUP Program The System Setup Option The Fixed Disk Setup Option

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The Advanced System Setup Option

Setting the Boot Options

The System Security

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and Anti-Virus Options Using the Green PC Features The System Summary Option Exiting SETUP Post-SETUP Procedures

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2 3 3 4 5 6 7

1-1 1-2 1-4 1-5 1-5 1-7 1-8 1-10 1-11 1-12 1-14 1-15

1-18 1-19 1-20 1-20

Chapter 2

Using Your Computer

Working Comfortably Stopping a

Comman Resetting the Computer Using Energy Wisely Using Your Green PC Features Changing the Processor Speed

chapter

Installing and Removing Options

Removing the Cover Replacing the Cover

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

d or Program

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Locating the Internal Components Changing the Jumper Settings

Setting the Jumpers

Installing Memory Modules

lnserting SlMMs

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

Removing SIMMs installing an Option Card Removing an Option Card Adding Video Memory Installing External Cache

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installing the External Cache Chips

Upgrading the Microprocessor

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

Replacing the Processor Chip

Post-installation Procedures

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

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

3-8

3-10 3-12 3-14 3-15 3-18 3-18 3-21 3-22 3-24 3-25 3-27

Chapter 4

Removing Mounting Frames

Installing a Drive in the Front Internal Drive Bay

Removing a Drive From the Front Internal Drive Bay Installing a Drive in an External Drive Bay

Removing a Drive From an External Drive Bay

Installing a Drive in the Rear Internal Drive Bay Removing a Drive From the Rear Internal Drive Bay Post-installation Procedures

Installing

and Removing Drives

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4-3

4-4 4-8 4-10 4-13 4-15 4-19 4-21

Chapter 5

Trobleshooting

Identifying Your System The Computer Will Not Start

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

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

The Computer Does Not Respond Keyboard Problems Mouse Problems.. Monitor Problems..

Diskette Problems

Diskette Drive Problems

Hard Disk Drive Problems Password Problems Software Problems Printer Problems Option Card Problems Memory Module Problems Controller Problems

External Cache Problems

Appendix A Specifications

CPU and Memory

Controllers

lnterfaces

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

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

Mass Storage Keyboard Mouse

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

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

SETUP Program Physical Characteristics Power Supply

Option Slot Power Limits Environmental Requirements

Video Resolutions and Colors

Hard Disk Drive Types Drive Option Information Options Available from EPSON Tested Operating Environments DMA Assignments

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5-1 5-3

5-4 5-5

5-5 5-6

5-7

5-8

5-10

5-11

5-12

5-12 5-13 5-14 5-14

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

A-7 A-8

A-10 A-11`

A-12 A-12

vii

Hardware Interrupts System Memory Map

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

System I/O Address Map

Connector Pin Assignments

Glossary

Index

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A-13 A-14 A-14

A-16

viii

lntroduction

Your EPSON® computer provides powerful system performance and offers a wide range of enhancement options. System features include:

Choice of microprocessor: Intel® or Cyrix® 486SX/25 or /33; DX/33, /40, or /50; DX2/50 or /66; SX2/50; DX4/75 or /100; or Pentium™ OverDrive™

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

4MB or 8MB of internal memory, expandable to 64MB System and video BIOS shadow RAM 8KB of internal cache integrated into the microprocessor

and support for up to 256KB of optional external cache on the main system board

Integrated high-speed, local bus SVGA video interface 512KB (expandable to 1MB) or 1MB of on-board video

memory Video resolutions up to 1280 x 1024 in 16 colors (with 1MB

of VRAM)

True

Color™ support in the 640 x 480 resolution with 1MB

of VRAM Two built-in serial ports and one built-in bidirectional

parallel port One built-in PS/2™ compatible keyboard port and one

built-in PS/2 compatible mouse port

Introduction 1

Five 16-bit, ISA-compatible option slots Space for up to seven mass storage devices (four externally

accessible and three internal) On-board support for up to two IDE hard disk drives and

two diskette drives (or one diskette drive and one tape drive)

Math coprocessor integrated into the DX, DX2, and Pentium microprocessors

Real-time clock and calendar on main system board with built-in rechargeable battery backup.

Using the built-in interfaces, you can

connect

most of your peripheral devices directly to the computer so you do not have to install option cards. You can use the option slots to enhance your system with extra functions such as a modem card, a network controller card, or additional interface ports.

The shadow RAM feature allows your system to speed up processing by moving the system and video BIOS into the RAM area of memory.

Video

The local bus SVGA video interface provides data transfer at the full speed of the processor, rather than at the standard

8.33 MHz ISA bus speed. With 512KB of video RAM, the SVGA controller supports

standard resolutions up to 640 x 480 in 16 colors and extended resolutions up to 640 x 480 in 256 colors or 1024 x 768 in 16 colors (interlaced and non-interlaced). With 1MB of VRAM, it

supports extended resolutions up to 1280 x 1024 in 16 colors.

2 Introduction

Energy Savings

In standard configurations, this computer complies with the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star Program, which promotes the manufacture of energyefficient 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. It also stops sending video signals to your monitor.

Note

If you have an Energy Star compliant monitor, it also goes into a low-power standby mode because it isn’t receiving video signals from your computer. (Screens on noncompliant monitors go blank, but do not enter a low-power standby mode.)

VGA Drivers

Your computer comes with VGA drivers and utilities for use with the integrated video interface. With these drivers, you can take advantage of the extended VGA features such as higher resolutions and 132-column text mode when you run popular applications. If your system was configured for you, these drivers and utilities may be installed on your hard disk. If you need to install them yourself, see the instructions in Chapter 1. To obtain drivers for additional applications, call the EPSON

Connection”” or access the Epson America Forum on CompuServe.*

Introduction 3

Optional Equipment

You can easily upgrade your computer by installing additional memory and a wide variety of options, as described in Chapters 3 and 4.

Memory

Video memory

CPU

Cache

Drives

By adding 1MB, 2MB, 4MB, 8MB, 16MB, or 32MB SIMMs (single inline memory modules) to the main system board, you can expand the computer’s memory up to 64MB.

You can increase the video memory in your system to 1MB, which allows you to use higher resolutions with more colors.

Your system supports a variety of microprocessors, including 5 Volt, 3.3 Volt,

3.45 Volt, and 3.6 Volt processors; see Chapter 3 for more information.

You can increase the external cache memory size to 64KB, 128KB, or 256KB by installing cache SRAM chips on the main system board, allowing you to access data faster and improve overall system performance.

Your system supports up to seven mass storage devices, including hard disk drives, diskette drives, a tape drive, a CD-ROM drive, or an optical drive.

4 Introduction

How to Use This Manual

You do not have to read everything in this manual; check the

following chapter summaries. Chapter 1 provides simple instructions for setting up your

system and for turning it on and off. It also describes running the SETUP program to define your computer’s configuration.

Chapter 2 covers general operating procedures, resetting the computer, using the Green PC features, and changing the processor speed.

Chapter 3 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 4 explains how to install and remove drives.

Chapter 5 contains troubleshooting tips. Appendix A lists the specifications of your computer.

At the end of this manual you’ll find a Glossary, an Index, and

a list of EPSON’s U.S. and international marketing locations.

Introduction 5

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 the United States, dial (800) 92245911. In Canada, dial (800) GO-EPSON.

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 Customer Care Center Customer Relations EPSON technical information 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) GO-EPSON for sales locations. 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 5 for more information.

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

6 Introduction

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

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 CompuServe.

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

CompuServe’s monthly publication.

To take advantage of this offer, call (800)

States and Canada and ask for representative #529. In other countries, call the following U.S. telephone number:

(614) 529-1611

If you are already a CompuServe member, simply type GO

EPSON

Forum;

or your local CompuServe access number.

at the menu prompt to reach the Epson America

845-8199

Magazine,

in the United

Introduction 7

Chapter 1

Setting Up Your System

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

Unpacking your computer

Setting the voltage selector switch

Connecting system components Turning the computer on and off

Running the SETUP program

Post-SETUP procedures.

Unpacking Your Computer

When you unpack your system, make sure you have the items shown below.

setting Up Your system

1-1

If you purchased any optional equipment that goes inside the

computer-such as option cards, memory modules, or

drives-you should install these devices before you

connect

your computer. See Chapters 3 and 4 for instructions.

Setting the Voltage Selector Switch

Your system is powered by a 200 Watt power supply. The

power supply voltage is controlled by a voltage selector switch

on the computer’s back panel. You can set this switch to

110 VAC or 220 VAC.

EPSON ships the computer with the voltage selector switch set

to 110 VAC. This setting is appropriate for line source voltages

between 100 and 120 VAC, and is generally the appropriate

setting to select if you plan to use your 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 probably

need to reset the voltage selector switch to 220 VAC. Doing so

allows your computer to handle line source voltages between

200

and 240 VAC, which are standard in Europe.

1-2

Setting Up Your System

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 right to select 220 VAC or to the left to select 110 VAC.

voltage selector switch

Setting Up Your System

1-3

Connecting System Components

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

caution

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

1-4

setting Up Your system

Your system also includes two removable panels below the option slots; these panels provide access to a game port on the main system board (which you can enable via a jumper) or a

game port on an option card.

Connecting the Power Cord

Follow these steps to connect the power cord:

Plug the power cord into the power inlet on the back panel

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.

Plug the other end of the power cord into an appropriate

grounded electrical outlet.

After you connect the components of your system, you are ready to turn on the power.

Turning Your System On and Off

Before you turn on your system, be sure to read the Important

Safety Instructions at the beginning of this manual.

caution

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

or you may damage your drive.

First turn on the monitor, printer, and any other external

devices connected to the computer.

Setting Up Your System

1-5

Then turn on the computer by pressing the power button

located on the left side of the front panel.

The power indicator lights up. After a few seconds, the computer performs its power-on diagnostics. This is a series of

checks the computer runs each time you turn it on to make sure everything is working correctly.

If necessary, use the controls on your monitor to adjust the

brightness and contrast until you can easily see the characters

on the screen.

1-6

setting up Your system

Whenever you turn off your system, be sure to save your data and exit any application program you are using. Then check the hard disk drive light and the diskette drive light(s) to make sure they are not on. Press the power button to turn off the computer and then turn off the monitor, printer, and any other peripheral devices.

Now follow the instructions below to configure your system using the SETUP program.

Running the SETUP Program

be sure to run SETUP the first time you use your computer, so you can verify or update the configuration information. 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 drive type(s), and video display type

Automatic or manual selection of hard disk drive(s)

Automatic or manual selection of advanced hardware features for optimizing system performance

System booting options Password security 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.

SETUP also allows you to see summar system.

y information about your

Setting Up Your System

1-7

The SETUP program and the factory default settings are stored in the computer’s ROM BIOS (read-only memory, basic input/output system). The configuration information you enter is stored in an area of memory called CMOS RAM. This memory 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 <F2> to enter SETUP

(In SETUP, you can disable this message, if desired.)

Press F2 to run

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

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

Press <F1> to resume, <F2> to Setup

Press F2 to run SETUP. SETUP displays the Main Menu. From this menu, you can

select the various options to identify your system’s configuration and then save your new values to CMOS. If you change your mind, you can cancel any changes you have made and restore the default values stored in ROM or load the values previously stored in CMOS.

1-8

setting up Your system

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

SETUP function keys

Key

Home End Move the cursor to the top or bottom of the menu F1 or AltH

Function

Move the cursor to the next or pervious modifiable option

Displays a help screen describing the option

currently

selected

F5 or F6 or + or

Spacebar F9

F10

Enter

Esc or Alt X Returns to the previous screen

Selects the previous value Selects the next value

Loads the factory default values for the SETUP options on the current screen

Ignores any changes you have made on the current

screen

Selection the current option or value

Whenever you are in SETUP, the bottom of the screen lists the

keys you can press to perform specific functions.

Setting Up Your System

1-9

The System Setup Option

From the System Setup screen, you can set the options described below.

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 adapter you are using. If you connected your monitor to the computer’s built-in VGA port, select

If you

connected

a monitor that doesn’t support VGA to a

EGA/VGA

video adapter card installed in your system, select either the

CGA 80 X 25

or the

Monochrome

option. Also make sure

you disabled the onboard VGA controller by setting jumpers

J14 and J15 to the Off position. (See Chapter 3 for instructions.)

Checking system memory

When you boot your system, the system BIOS detects the total

memory size automatically. You see the memory configuration displayed in the System 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. (See Chapter 3 to locate the SIMM sockets.)

Memory

and

Extended Memory

1-10 Setting

Up Your System

Setting the diskette drive type(s)

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

The Fixed Disk Setup Option

The options on the Fixed Disk Setup screen define the types of hard disk drives you installed in your system. From this screen,

select Fixed Dick 0 Control or Fixed Dick 1 Control.

Your computer comes with a hard disk auto-sensing feature. Press Enterwhenthe highlighted. The system detects the type of hard disk drive and fills in the remaining fields on the screen.

If you are using an older drive or a preformatted drive, it may not support the auto-sensing feature. If you press Enter when the

Autotype

drive parameters 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 how

to define your own drive type.

Autotype Fixed Disk option is

Fixed Disk

option is highlighted and the

Defining your own drive type

If the parameters for your hard disk do not match the parameters detected by the auto-sensing feature, or if you want

to use your drive with parameters other than the defaults, you can define your own type. (See Appendix A for a list of predefined hard disk drive types and their parameters.)

Setting Up Your System

1-11

To define your own drive type, follow these steps:

Move the cursor to me and select User.

Type the values in each field that are appropriate for your

hard disk drive.

When you exit SETUP, make sure you save your changes.

The Advanced System Setup Option

When you select this option from the Main Menu, you see the Advanced System Setup screen, which contains the options described below.

Your system can automatically configure the Advanced

System

problems, you should let the system configure these options. However, if you connected a scanner or a parallel port network adapter to your parallel port, be sure to select Advanced chipset parallel port to page 1-13 for more information.

Setup options for you. To avoid configuration

Control so you can change the operation of the

PS2

mode (for bidirectional operation). See

Configuring cache memory

The system can configure your Memory can manually set them. If you installed external cache, enabling cache memory improves system performance, especially in large data’ retrieval and processing environments.

If you choose to configure the cache memory yourself (rather than let the system configure it for you), you can define the write and burst wait states and two non-cacheable areas of

memory. However, it’s a good idea to let the system

automatically configure these features.

1-12 Setting Up Your System

Cache options or you

Configuring memory shadow

Setting Up Your System

1-13

The system can configure the

Memory

Shadow options or you

can manually set them. You can enable or disable shadowing of your system and video memory and control the specific blocks of ROM used for this purpose.

Your computer can access RAM faster than ROM. The options

on this screen allow your system to copy the contents of its system and/or video ROM into RAM. When you use shadowing, your system can perform certain operations faster, providing a significant increase in performance.

Note

For the best system performance, always set the System

shadow and the Video

shadow options to Enabled.

If you enable shadowing for specific blocks, the ROM located in these blocks is copied to the shadow area.

Configuring chipset registers

The system can set your Advanced Chipset Control

options or you can manually change the values in the chipset registers. setting these values correctly increases your system performance; however, setting them incorrectly may cause your system to malfunction or shut down. Be sure to set the Auto Configuration option to Enabled to let the system automatically configure these options to avoid problems.

However, if you connected a

adapter to your parallel port, you should set Auto

Configuration

Printer Port Control option to PS2 made (for

bidirectional operation). The default setting for the parallel port

mode (for unidirectional operation).

scanner

to Disabled so you can change the

or a parallel port network

Setting the Boot

1-14

Setting Up Your System

Options

When you select Boot Options from the Main Menu, you see the boot Options screen, which contains the options described below.

Selecting the drive boot sequence

The

Disk

drive boot sequence option determines the order in which the computer checks the drives when it looks for the operating system.

If you select A:

then C:, each time you turn on the computer, it first tries to load the operating system from drive A. If drive A doesn’t contain an operating system, the computer loads it from drive C. If you select C :

then A : , the computer tries to load the operating system from drive C first. If drive C doesn’t contain an operating system, the computer tries to load it from drive A. If you select C :

only, the

computer tries to load the operating system from drive C only.

Setting the floppy seek option

If you set the

only, you can disable the Floppy seek option so the

Disk

drive boot sequence option to

system does not try to access the diskette drive at startup. Disabling the Floppy seek option decreases the time needed to boot the system.

Disabling the-SETUP prompt

The

Display SETUP

prompt during

POST

option allows

you to disable the message Preen <F2> to enter SETUP

that you see during power-on diagnostics. You may want to disable this prompt to prevent unauthorized users from seeing

the SETUP prompt. Even when the message is disabled, however, you can still start SETUP by pressing F2 within the

allowed amount of time.

Disabling power-on diagnostic error messages

The Pause on the error message and the message press resume,

POST

<F2>

errors option allows you to disable

Setup that you see

<F1>

when the system

identifies a configuration error. If you disable this option, the system ignores configuration errors it finds during power-on diagnostics and starts as it normally would. It’s a good idea to keep this option enabled.

Disabling the system summary screen

By disabling the

option, you can

System summary screen at boot

disable the system summary screen that you see when you start the system. If you disable this option, your system starts up faster. You can see the same screen by selecting the System

summary option from the Main Menu.

(See page 1-19.)

The System Security and Anti-Virus Options

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

select the Security and Anti-Virus option

Entering or changing a password

You can define both User and Supervisor password levels for this system. If the 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 computer’s virus protection features.

Setting Up Your System

1-15

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 do not enable this option but you have defined passwords, you must enter the password each time you start the SETUP program. If both a Supervisor and User password are enabled, SETUP displays options for setting the User password only for users who logged on with a user password.

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

1. Select the Set Supervisor Password Option

Enter.

and press

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

password you want to use, then press Enter. You can define a password of up to eight characters.

Type the same password a second time and press Enter. You see a message that your changes have been saved.

4. Press the spacebar. The

is now set to

Enabled.

To set a User password, select the

Supervisor Password is option

Set User

Password

option and follow the steps above.

Deleting passwords

To delete‘your passwords, follow these steps:

i. Set the Password on boot Option to Disabled.

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.

Setting

1-16

Up Your System

Note

You must delete the User password before SETUP will allow you to access the Supervisor password.

If you have forgotten your password(s), see “Password Problems” in Chapter 5.

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

you select Supervisor for this option, you can access the

Password on boot Option.

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. level for Diskette boot

option

disabled, you see an error message whenever

Access but leave the

you select a password

Password on

you try to access your diskette drive.

Setting Up Your System

1-17

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. Two additional options on this screen allow you to define time

intervals for the system to display a prompt asking whether you have performed your scheduled virus check or your scheduled backup for your hard disk drive. You can disable these prompts

Monthly.

have them display

Daily, Weekly, or

If you respond that you have not performed these

functions, however, the system still starts normally.

Using the Green PC Features

The Green PC options allow you to define how the energy-saving features of this Energy Star compliant system will work for you. The options on the Green PC Features screen allow you to disable the energy-saving feature or set timeout 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.

1-18

Setting

Up Your System

If you select a time period for the Lockout the Inactivity Timar1 option, the system won’t accept

Timer as well as

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 Timerout 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.

Note

Some hard disk drives do not support a low-power standby mode. Also, the delay caused by the hard disk drive returning to

applications. If you have problems, you may want the

active mode may cause errors in some

Fixed

Disk Timeout option.

to disable

The System Summary Option

When you select the System

Menu, the SETUP program displays a summary of the

configuration settings for your system.

Summary option from the Main

This is the same screen you see during system startup. You can choose not to have the system display this screen so system startup is faster. See page 1-15 for information on disabling this option.

Setting Up Your System

1-19

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

from any SETUP screen. From the

Main Menu, you can do the following:

Load ROM Default Values

Loads the factory default settings stored in ROM back into CMOS. If you change your system configuration and then have problems, you can load the ROM values to boot the system and start over.

Load Values

from CMOS

Loads the current values stored in CMOS for all SETUP options. This ignores any changes you have made using SETUP.

Save Values

to CMOS

Saves the configuration changes you have made to CMOS.

Post-SETUP Procedures

After you run SETUP for the first time, you may need to install the operating system if your computer is not preconfigured. 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.

1-20

Setting Up Your System

You may also want to install the optional extended video drivers for some of your application programs. (If your computer was configured for you, these drivers are already installed.) The README files on your Drivers Diskettes 1 and 2 provide instructions for installing and using the drivers.

To read the file on your screen, insert Drivers Diskette 1 in drive A, type the following, and press Enter:

\README

To print the file to your printer, type the following and press

Enter:

\READMEP

Use the same

mmands to read or print the README file on

Drivers Diskette 2.

Note

If you plan to installl video drivers for Microsoft® Windows™

applications, you must install Windows before you install

the drivers.

Setting Up Your System

1-21

Chapter 2

Using Your Computer

This chapter briefly describes the following operations:

Working comfortably Stopping a command or program Resetting the computer Using energy wisely Using the Green PC features Changing the processor speed.

Working Comfortably

This section provides some tips for creating a comfortable work environment.

Use good posture. Keep your elbows, hips, and knees bent at approximately 90 degree angles and keep your wrists as close to horizontal as possible.

Vary your posture often and take frequent breaks. Stand up, stretch, and move around.

Use a good chair. Make sure your chair supports your

lower back. A chair with padded armrests lets you rest

your arms as you work.

Using Your

Computer

2-1

If you use a copy stand, keep it at the same eye level as your screen. This reduces eye and neck strain. Also, rest your eyes occasionally by closing them or focusing on a fixed spot in the distance.

Be gentle with your keyboard. Too much force creates tension in your hands. Also, make sure your work surface has enough room for you to move the mouse or other pointing device freely.

Use good lighting that isn’t too bright. Try to keep bright light sources out of your field of vision when you are looking at the screen.

Place your monitor directly in front of you and sit about an arm’s length away from it. The top of the screen should be slightly below your eye level so you look down at the screen. Position the monitor so that no light is reflected from the screen.

Stopping a Command or Program

You may sometimes need to stop a command or program while

it is running. If you have entered an MS-DOS or application program command that you want to stop, 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.

2-2

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 normally. If you reset the computer without properly exiting a program, you may lose data.

Also do not remove a diskette or reset or turn off the computer while a diskette drive light is on. You could lose data. Be sure to remove all diskettes before you turn off the computer.

To reset the computer, press Ctrl Alt Del. The screen displays nothing for a moment and then the computer reloads your operating system.

You can also press the RESET button located on the front of

your computer. 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 you do not have a hard disk, insert the system diskette in drive A. Then turn on the computer.

Using Your Computer

2-3

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 your software’s print preview option (if available) before you print something. You’ll be able to catch formatting errors before you commit them to paper.

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

Use recycled paper whenever you can

Using Your Green PC Features

Your computer places the system, 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 1 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. Press any key or move the mouse to resume activity.

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 second or two 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.

2-4

Using Your Computer

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.

Changing the Processor Speed

Your computer’s processor can operate at two speeds: fast or slow (8 MHz). The slow speed is available to provide compatibility with older application programs, such as those that require you to leave a key disk-the diskette that contains the copy protection-in the diskette drive.

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

You should use fast speed for almost everything you do because your programs will work faster. However, certain application programs have specific timing requirements and can run only at the slower speed. See your application software manual to determine if this is the case.

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 -. (Press the - key on the numeric keypad.)

To select fast speed, press Ctrl Alt +.

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

Using Your Computer

SPEED

light

2-5

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.

2-6

Using Your Computer

Chapter 3

Installing and Removing Options

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

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 memory modules

Installing and removing option cards Adding video memory Adding cache memory Upgrading the microprocessor.

Caution

Never install options or change jumper settings with the computer turned on or the power cord connected to the

computer.

Once you have installed your option, see “Post-installation Procedures” on page 3-27.

Installing and Removing Options

3-1

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 (described in Chapter 4). Follow these steps to remove the cover:

Turn off the computer and then any external devices.

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

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

4. Remove the six screws securing the cover to the back panel, as shown below.

3-2

Installing and Removing

Options

Grasp the sides of the cover and pull it straight back, until it clears the computer.

Set the cover aside.

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

3-3

Replacing the Cover

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

these steps:

1.2.Make sure all the internal components are installed properly. Check all cable connections, especially those that might have

been loosened during your work.

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

Slide the cover forward until the front edge of the cover fits between the front bezel and the computer case. (See the illustration on page 3-3.)

Replace the six cover retaining screws.

Reconnect

and any other peripheral devices you have. Then reconnect the power cable to the back of the computer and to an electrical outlet.

the computer to the monitor, printer, keyboard,

3-4

installing and Removing Options

Locating the Internal Components

As you follow the instructions in this chapter, refer to the following illustration to locate the major components on your

main system board.

Installing and Removing Option

3-5

Changing the Jumper Settings

The jumpers on the main system board control certain functions and are preset at the factory to default positions; however, you can use the information in the following tables to change their settings, if necessary. (The jumpers listed in the tables are the only ones you may need to change; others are for service purposes only.)

Miscellaneous jumper settings

jumper Jumper

number setting JA

1-2*

2-3

JB**

1-2*

2-3

1- 2*

2-3

1-2*

2-3

JE**

1-2*

2-3

1-2

2-3*

1-2*

2-3

1-2*

2-3

1-2*

2-3

J10

J17***

1-2*

2-3

On*

Off

1-2

3-4

1-2, 3-4

5-6

Function

Enables LPT (parallel port) Disables LPT (parallel port)

Enables HDC (lDE hard disk drive controler) Disables HDC ODE hard disk drive controler)

Enables COMA (serial port1) Disables COMA (serial part 1)

Enables COMB (serial port 2) Disables COMB (serial-port 2)

Enables HDC (lDE hard disk drive controller) Dlsablss HDC (IDE hard disk drive controller)

Enables game port (J1) Disables game port (J1)

Assigns the parallel port as LPTl (378h-37Fh) Assigns the parallel port as LPT2 (278h-27Fh)

Assigns serial port 1 as COM1 (3F8h-3FFh) Assigns serial port 1 as COM3 (3E8h-3EFh)

Assigns serial port 2 as COM2 (2F8h-2FFh)

Assigns serlal port 2 as COM4 (2E8h-2EFh)

Enables the diskette drive controlIer Disables the diskette drive controller

Enables VGA interrupt Disables VGA interrupt

Microprocessor installed runs at 33 MM or 66 MM or a multiple of these (486SX/33. 486DX/33, 486DX2/66, DX4/100

and Pentium)

Microprocessor installed is a 486DX/50 Microprocssor installed is a DX/40 Microprocessor installed at 25 MHz or 50 MHz or a multIpIe of these (486SX/25, 486DX2/50. DX4/75. and SX2/50)

3-6

Installing

and Removing Options

Miscellaneous Jumper settings (Continued)

Jumper Jumper number Setting

J30

1-4 2-3*

3-4

Function

Selects external battery Selects the system board battery

Discharges CMOS memory (this resets the SETUP values to

their factory defaults)

* Factory setting **

Jumpers JB and JE must be set to the same position to enable or disable the hard disk drive controller

*** Default setting depends on the type of factory-installed microprocessor

Microprocessor type jumper settings

Microprocessor type Installed

486DX. 484DX2. or DX4 486SX

487SX or Pentium OverDrive

SX2/50

Default setting depends on the type of factory-installed microprocessor

J11* J13*

1-2 Off 2-3 2-3 1-2.3-4

1-2 or Off

1-2,3-4

2-3

Microprocessor voltage jumper settings (I)

Microprocessor

5 volt

3.3 or 3.45 volt

3.6 Volt

Voltage

J31

1-2 and 3-4 (2) 5-6 and 7-8

5-6and7-8

J33 (3)

1-2

2-3

(1) To determine the voltage of your microprocessor, see page 3-24. (2) Default setting (3) The setting of J33 does not matter if you are using a 5 Volt microprocessor.

Built-in VGA controller jumper settings

Function

Enable built-h VGA control&r Disable built-in VGA controller

* Default setting

J14

On* On* Off

Installing and Removing Options

J15

Off

3-7

Note

To use an external display adapter in an expansion slot, you must disable the built-in VGA adapter.

External cache size jumper Settings

External cache

Size* 64KB 1-2

128KB 256KB

If you have no external cache, the setting of these jumpers does not matter.

J23

2-3 2-3

J24 J25

1-2 1-2 1-2 1-2

2-3

off

2-3 2-3

J26

2-3

Setting the Jumpers

If you need to change any jumper settings, follow these steps:

Refer to the illustration on page 3-5 to locate the jumpers.

If the jumper you need to change is blocked by any option cards installed in your computer, you need to remove the card(s) to access the jumper. See page 3-18.

3-8

Installing and Removing Options

3. Also, you may need to remove the rear internal drive bay bracket to access the jumpers. (If there is a drive mounted in this bracket, you’ll need to remove it first; see Chapter 4 for instructions.) Remove the four screws that hold the bracket to the back of the system, as shown below.

Rest the computer on its side, so that the system board is horizontal and the components on the board are easy to reach.

5. Use needle-nose pliers or tweezers to pull the jumper off its pins and gently move it to the desired position or remove it from the computer.

Caution

Be careful not to bend the jumper pins or damage any surrounding components on the main system board.

6. Replace the rear internal drive bay bracket, if necessary.

Replace any option cards you removed; see page 3-15.

Installing and Removing Options

3-9

Installing Memory Modules

Your computer comes with 4MB or 8MB of memory on memory modules-also called SIMMs (single inline memory modules). By installing additional SIMMs, you can increase the amount of memory in your computer up to 64MB.

There are two SIMM sockets on the main system board, and each can contain one SIMM. You can use 1MB, 2MB, 4MB, 8MB, 16MB, and 32MB SIMMs.

The following table shows the possible SIMM configurations;

do not install memory in any other configuration. The labels on

the system board identify the sockets (Bank 0 and

you should install SIMMs.

SIMM configuration

Bank 1)

where

3-10

Installing and Removing Qptions

SIMM configurations (Continued)

Bank 0

16MB

16MB 16MB

16MB

16MB 16MB 32MB 32MB 32MB 2MB

32MB 32MB

32MB

16MB

32MB

Bank 1

1MB

2MB

4MB

8MB

16MB

1MB

4MB 8MB 40MB

16MB 32MB 32MB

Total memory 16MB 17MB

18MB 20MB 24MB

32MB 32MB

33MB

34MB

36MB

48MB

48MB 64MB

Before you install SIMMs, check the following guidelines to ensure that they will work properly:

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

Use the correct SIMM configuration to add the amount of

memory you want. See the table above.

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.

Installing and Removing options

3-11

Inserting SIMMs

Follow these steps to install SIMMs:

Refer to the illustration on page 3-5 to locate the SIMM sockets.

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

Remove the four screws securing the rear internal drive bay bracket to the computer’s back panel. Then slide the bracket out of the computer and set it aside for now.

Rest the computer on its side, so that the system board is flat and the components are easy to reach.

5. Position the first SIMM at an angle over the first empty socket in the bank you are filling, as shown in the next

illustration. The components on the SIMM should face the

power supply.

3-12

Installing and Removing Options

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

6. 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.

Installing and Removing Options

3-13

Repeat steps 5 and 6 for the other SIMM, if necessary.

Replace the rear internal drive bay bracket and secure it to the back panel with the four screws you removed from the back of the computer.

Removing SIMMs

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

Remove the rear internal drive bay bracket as described on page 3-12.

2. Set the computer on its side.

Use your fingers or a small screwdriver to carefully pull away the tabs that secure the SIMM at each end, as shown below. As you pull away the tabs, the SIMM falls to the side. Remove it from the socket.

3-14

lnstalling and Removing Options

If necessary, follow the same procedure to remove the other

SIMM. Replace the rear internal drive bay bracket and secure it to

5. the back panel with the four screws you removed from the back of the computer.

Installing an Option Card

This section explains how to install option cards in your computer. Your computer has five 16-bit, full-length ISA slots.

Caution

Before you install any option cards in yours system, make

sure that no card draws current in excess of the limits listed

in Appendix A.

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

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 any of the components on the circuit board or the gold-edged connectors. Place it gently on top of its original packing material with the component side facing up. Keep the packing materials in case you remove the card later.

before you install the card, adjust any switches or jumpers on it, if necessary. (See the instructions that came with the card.) Also, see if you need to change any jumper settings on the system board. (For example, if you install a video card, you need to disable the built-in VGA adapter.) See page 3-6 for more information on jumpers.

Installing and Removing Options

3-15

Follow these steps to install an option card:

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.)

Slide out the slot cover and set it aside. (Store it in a safe place in case you remove the option card later.)

3-16 Installing and Removing Options

Hold the card along the top comers 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 it fit into place. If the card does not go in smoothly, do not force it; pull it all the way out and try again.

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

Installing and Removing Options

3-17

Removing an Option Card

You may need to remove an option card installed in your computer to access components on the main system board-to change a jumper setting, for example. You may also want to remove a card if you no longer need it. Refer to the illustration on page 3-17 as you follow these steps:

Remove the retaining screw securing the option card to the computer. Then pull the card straight out of the slot.

Set the card aside with the component side facing up.

3. If you are not installing another option card in the empty slot, replace the option slot cover and retaining screw.

Adding Video Memory

Your computer comes with 512KB or 1MB of video memory. If you have 512KB, you can increase your video memory to 1MB by installing four video DRAM DIP (Dual Inline Package) chips. The chips must be 20-pin, 256KB chips that operate at a 70ns access speed. For the memory to work properly, you must install one chip in each empty video RAM socket on the system board.

Additional video memory is useful for running graphicsintensive applications or for supporting video resolutions up to 1280 x 1024 in 16 colors. See Appendix A for information on supported colors and resolutions for each amount of video memory.

3-18

Installing and Removing Options

The table below lists the video DRAM DIP chips that are approved for use in your computer.

video DRAM DIP chip types

Manufacturer

Goldstar Fiji NMBS

Toshiba

Samsung

Fart number

GM71 C256A-70/80

MB81 C256A-70/80 AAA1M204P-70/50 TC514256AP-7/8

KM44C256BP-7/8

Note that your video memory sockets may not look exactly like the ones shown here. If you’re not sure how to install video memory chips, contact the EPSON

Connection and

ask for

assistance.

Locate the video memory sockets on the main system board, shown on page 3-5.

If there is an option card in your way, remove it. See page 3-18 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.

3. Remove the memory chips from their package and inspect each one. The pins should point inward at slightly less than a 90° angle. If any of the pins are not in this position, use your fingers or small tweezers to gently align them with the other pins. Be careful; the pins are fragile and can break off easily.

Installing and Removing Options

3-19

Position one of the memory chips over the socket as shown below, aligning the pins on the chip with the holes in the

socket. Make sure the small notch on the end of the chip

aligns with the corresponding notch in the socket.

Gently press the chip halfway into the socket (to make sure it is correctly aligned). If the chip does not go in smoothly, remove it and try again.

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

7. Repeat steps 4 through 6 for each of the remaining chips.

Replace any option cards you removed. See page 3-15 for instructions.

3-20

Installing and Removing Options

Installing External Cache

You can install 64KB, 128KB, or 256KB of external cache on your system.

To install 64KB of external cache, use eight SRAM, 28-pin, 8K x 8,20ns DIP chips, and one 8K x 8,201ns tag chip

To install 128KB of external cache, use four SRAM, 28-pin,

32K x 8,20ns

To install 256KB of external cache, use eight SRAM, 28-pin,

32K x 8,20ns

The table below lists the cache SRAM DIP chips that are approved for use in your computer.

Cache SRAM DIP chip types

Manufacturer

UMC (8K x 8) Cypress (8K x 8) CY78165-15

Toshiba (32K x 8) TC5532K-20

UMC (32K x 8) UM61256AK-15/20 Winbond (32K x 8)

DIP chips, and one 8K x 8,20ns tag chip

DIP chips, and one 32K x 8,20ns tag chip.

Part number

UMC164K-20

W24257AK-15

Manufacturer

samsung (32K x 8)

Paradigm (32K x 8)

Micron (32K x 8)

NKK (32K x 8) N341256P-20

I Aster (tag)

Part number

KM68257BP-15/20 PDM1256S-20 MT502568-20

AA88128AK-20

For the cache memory to work properly, you must install chips in the following configuration (each bank contains four cache memory sockets):

Cache memory configurations

Bank 0 U23 - U26

8Kx8 32Kx8 32Kx8

Bank1 Tag SRAM

U30 - U33 8Kx8 8Kx8

32Kx8 32Kx8

U34

8Kx8

Installing and Removing options

Total cache

64KB

128KB

256KB

3-21

Note that your cache memory sockets may not look exactly like the ones shown here. If you’re not sure how to install cache memory, contact the EPSON Connection and ask for assistance.

Installing the External Cache Chips

Follow these steps to install the external cache chips:

Locate the external cache memory sockets on the main system board, shown on page 3-5.

If there is an option card in your way, remove it. See page 3-18 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 remain as stationary as possible while you install them.

Remove the cache chips from their package and inspect them. The pins should point inward at slightly less than a 90° angle.

3-22

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.

Installing and Removing Options

Position one of the cache chips over the first socket as shown

4. below, aligning the pins on the chip with the holes in the socket. Make sure the small notch on the end of the chip is aligned with the corresponding notch on the socket.

Gently press the chip halfway into the socket (to make sure

5. it is correctly aligned). If the chip goes in at an angle, remove it and try again.

When the chip is properly positioned, push down firmly on

6. both ends to make sure it is well-seated.

Repeat steps 4 through 6 for each of the remaining chips.

7. Change jumpers J23, J24, J25, and J26, as described on

8. page 3-8, to match to the amount of cache you installed.

Replace any option cards you removed. See page 3-15.

10. Run SETUP to enable the check that the

options are

Memory

Cache and

System shadow

enabled. You select these options from the

Memory Shadowoptions

External Cache

and

option and

Video shadow

on the Advanced System Setup menu. Make sure you save your settings as you leave SETUP. (See Chapter 1.)

Installing and Removing Options

3-23

When the computer restarts, it displays the amount of external cache you have installed on the system.

Upgrading the Microprocessor

You can upgrade your computer by replacing the microprocessor with a faster one. The following table lists the components you can use to upgrade the microprocessor in your system.

Microprocessor upgrade components

Part 486SX/33 processor

486DX/33 processor

486DX/40 processor

486DX/50 processor

486DX2/50 processor

486DX2/66 processor

SX2/50 processor

DX4/75 processor

DX4/100 processor

Pentium OverDrive

processor

Heat sink* Heat sink/fan assembly**

Manufacturer

Intel Intel** or Cyrix*

Cyrix*

Intel** or Cyrix*

Intel** or Cyrix

Intel*

Intel** or Cyrix**

Intel**

Tennmax Trading Corp

Tennmax Trading Corp.

Voltage

5 Volt

5 Volt 5 Volt

5 Volt

Intel, 5 Volt; Cytix, 5 Volt or

3,6 Volt

5 Volt Intel, 3.45 Volt; Cyrix, 5 Volt

Intel, 3.3 Volt; Cyrix, 5 Volt

5 Volt

A heat sink is required for all Cyrix DX and DX2 processors (except the DX/33) and for the Intel SX2/50 processor

A heat sink

and fan assembly are required for all Intel DX, DX2, and Pentium OverDrive processors and for the Intel and Cyrix DX4 processors; except the Intel DX/33, which does not need a fan assembly

Note that your processor socket may not look exactly like the one shown here. If you’re not sure how to install your processor, contact the EPSON Connection and ask for assistance.

3-24

Installing and Removing Options

Replacing the Processor Chip

Follow these steps to replace the processor chip:

Use the illustration on page 3-5 to locate the microprocessor on the system board. The microprocessor chip may be inserted in a ZIF (Zero Insertion Force) socket.

caution

Make sure you ground yourself by touching the metal surface on the inside of the computer’s back panel before you touch the processor chip. Then remain as stationary as possible while you install it. Do not touch the pins on the processor chip. Handle the microprocessor only by the edges of its case.

If there is an option card in the way, remove it. See page 3-18 for instructions.

Open the ZIF socket by lifting up the ZIF handle. The handle rests under a plastic tab. Press the handle down and away

from the tab; then rotate the handle upward. This releases the chip from the socket. The illustration on the next page shows this handle in the released position.

Gently pull the processor chip straight up and set it aside.

Note

The 486SX/25 microprocessor may be soldered onto an

adapter board that is seated in the socket. Remove the

adapter board as described above.

Remove the replacement chip from its package and inspect

5. the pins. If they are bent, do not install the processor chip. Contact your vendor for a new microprocessor.

Installing and Removing Options

3-25

Position the processor chip over the socket, aligning the

notched edge of the chip (marked with a dot) with pin 1 on the socket, as shown below.

Caution

If you install the processor chip in the wrong orientation, you may damage the chip and void your warranty.

Make sure the pins in the processor chip are directly over the holes in the socket. Then gently push the microprocessor straight into the socket, pressing evenly on all sides.

If you are installing a 486 chip rather than a Pentium OverDrive processor, you’ll see an extra row of holes around the outside of the socket. The 486 chip does not occupy the outside row of holes.

8. Secure the processor chip by pressing the ZIF handle back to the closed position.

3-26

Installing and Removing Options

9. Check the settings of jumpers J11 and J13 to be sure they are set for the type of microprocessor you installed. You may also need to change the setting of jumper J17 to match the

microprocessor type and operating speed.

If you installed a microprocessor with a different voltage

(check the table on page 3-24), you need to change the setting of jumper J31 and J33. See pages 3-6 and 3-7 for information on all these jumper settings.

10. If you are upgrading to a DX/40, DX/50, DX2, DX4, SX2, or Pentium OverDrive processor, you must install a heat sink and/or a fan, depending on the brand of processor you installed. See the table on page 3-24 for more information. Follow the instructions included with the heat sink if you need to install one. If the heat sink comes with a fan, install it using the instructions that came with the heat sink and fan kit.

11. Replace any option cards you removed; see page 3-15.

12. Run SETUP as described in Chapter 1 to update your computer’s configuration with the new microprocessor.

Post-installation Procedures

After you install or remove options, you must run SETUP to update the computer’s configuration. See Chapter 1 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.

Installing and Removing Options

3-27

Chapter 4

Installing 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, diskette, tape, CD-ROM, and optical drives. 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 seven mass storage devices, as

described in the table below.

Drive bay

Four externally accessible bays

One front internal bay One 3,5-inch. half-height or third-height

Two rear internal bays

Drive type and size

Two 5,25-inch, half-height drives or one 525-inch. full-height drive and two 3 S-inch, half-height drives

drive Two 3.5-inch, half-height or third-height, or

one 3.5-inch, full-height drive

Note

The main system board in your computer supports up to

two diskette drives (or one diskette drive and one tape drive) and up to two IDE hard disk drives. If you install more than four drives, you must install a drive controller on an option card, such as a SCSI controller card, for the additional drive(s).

Installing and Removing Drives

4-1

To install or remove a drive, first remove the computer’s cover as described in Chapter 3. Then remove any option cards to access the drive bays. Once you have installed the drive, replace any option cards you removed. See Chapter 3 for instructions.

Follow the appropriate instructions in this chapter to install and remove drives:

Remove mounting frames

Install a drive in the front internal drive bay Remove a drive from the front internal drive bay

Install a drive in an external drive bay Remove a drive from an external drive bay Install a drive in the rear internal drive bay Remove a drive from the rear internal drive bay Perform post-installation procedures.

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 the operating system) and the other as the slave. A table of jumper settings for high-capacity EPSON drives is included in Appendix A.

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. If your drive is not listed or you need more information, see the documentatin that came with your drive or contact the manufacturer.

4-2

Installing and Removing Drives

Removing Mounting Frames

If you are installing a drive in a 3½-inch wide drive bay and there are mounting frames attached to the drive, you must remove them before you install the drive. Follow these steps:

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.

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

Installing and Removing Drives

4-3

Installing a Drive in the Front Internal Drive Bay

Your computer may have a hard disk drive already installed in

the front internal drive bay. If not, you can install a half-height,

35-inch hard disk drive in this bay..

Follow these steps to install the drive in your computer:

Position the drive so its drive and power connectors face the

back of the computer and its circuit

Slide the drive into the front internal drive bay as shown below. Align the holes in both sides of the drive with the slots in the drive bay. Then secure the drive to the bay with the four screws (two on each side) that came with it.

board

is on the bottom.

4-4

Installing and Removing Drives

If you already have one IDE hard disk drive installed, skip to

3. step 7.

If you just installed your first IDE hard disk drive, you need to connect the hard disk drive ribbon cable to the main system

board. Locate the ribbon cable shown below; it came in the box with your computer.

The ribbon cable has a red wire running down one side, a

system board connector at one end, and two drive

connectors near the other end. Locate the hard disk drive connector on the system board, as

shown below.

Installing and Removing Drives

4-5

Position the ribbon cable’s system board connector so that the side of the ribbon cable with the red wire is closest to the pin identification markings “1” and “2” printed on the system board.

6. Make sure the holes in the ribbon cable connector fit over the pins in the system board connector; then push in the ribbon cable connector.

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

push in the ribbon cable connector

Now locate the side of the hard drive connector that contains pin 1. The number “1” or “2” may be stamped on the connector casing or printed on the drive’s circuit board to identify the side of the cornnector containing pin 1. If the number does not appear on the connector casing, remove the drive and turn it over to check the circuit board.

4-6

lnstalling and Removing Drives

8. Position the connector on the ribbon cable so the red wire aligns with the side of the drive connector containing pin 1.

Make sure the holes in the ribbon cable connector fit over

all the pins; then push in the connector.

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

the end.) Align the notched comers of the power supply connector and the drive’s power connector; then push in the connector.

Note

The power supply has two small and three large cables. If you need another cable, you must use a Y cable, which allows you to create two cables from a single cable. Most computer accessory stores carry Y cables.

Installing and Removing Drives

4-7

10. If you have finished installing or removing drives, replace the computer’s cover (described in Chapter 3) and see page

4-21 for post-installation instructions.

Removing a Drive From the Front Internal Drive Bay

Follow these steps to remove a drive from the front internal drive bay:

Remove the drive and power cables from the back of the drive.

4-8

Installing and Removing Drives

Remove the four screws securing the drive to the drive bay.

There are two screws on each side of the drive.

Slide the drive out the back of the bay.

If you removed your only IDE hard disk drive, remove the

hard disk drive ribbon cable from its connector on the main system board.

If you have finished installing or removing drives, replace the

computer’s cover (described in Chapter 3) and see page 4-21 for post-installation instructions.

Installing and Removing Drives

4-9

Installing a Drive in an External Drive Bay

Follow these steps to install an internal or externally accessible

drive in an externally accessible drive bay:

Remove the slot cover from the drive bay you are going to use. Reach through the back of the bay and push the slot cover out the front of the bay.

4-10

Position the drive so its drive and power connectors face the back of the computer.

Installing and Removing Drives

Slide the drive into the front of the bay and secure it to the

drive bay using the four screws (two on each side) that came with the drive.

4. Connect the appropriate drive ribbon cable to the drive. If you are installing an IDE hard disk drive, see page 45 for

instructions on connecting the ribbon cable to the main system board (if necessary) and the drive.

If you are installing a diskette or tape drive, use the appropriate connector on the diskette drive ribbon cable. If your drive has a header connector, be sure to align pin 1 of the drive connector with the side of the ribbon cable containing the red wire. If your drive has a card-edge connector, align the key-way in the ribbon cable connector

with the gap in the drive connector.

If you are installing another type of drive, see the documentation that came with it for instructions on connecting its drive ribbon cable.

Installing and Removing Lkives

4-11

5. Now 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.) Align the notched comers of the ribbon cable’s connector and the drive’s power connector; then push in the connector.

6. If you have finished installing or removing drives, replace the computer’s cover (described in Chapter 3) and see page 421 for post-installation instructions.

4-12

Installing and

Removing Drives

Removing a Drive From an External Drive Bay

Follow these steps to remove a drive from an externally accessible drive bay:

Disconnect the drive and power cables from the back of the

drive you will remove.

Installing and Removing Drives

4-13

Remove the four screws (two on each side) securing the drive to the drive bay. Then slide the drive out through the front of the bay.

3. If you are not installing an externally accessible drive in the open drive bay, you need to install a drive slot cover for that bay. Push the slot cover into the open bay until the tabs on the cover click into place.

4-14

Installing and Removing Drives

If you removed your only IDE hard disk drive, be sure to remove the drive’s ribbon cable from its connector on the main system board.

5. If you have finished installing or removing drives, replace the computer’s cover (described in Chapter 3) and see

page 4-21 for post-installation setup instructions.

Installing a Drive in the Rear Internal Drive Bay

You can use the rear internal drive bay bracket to install up to

two, half-height drives. The illustrations in this section show the bracket with its open side facing down, but you can also install it with its open side facing up. Follow these steps to

install a drive in the rear internal drive bay:

If you already have a drive installed in the rear internal drive bay, remove the ribbon cable and power supply cable from the back of the drive so you can remove the drive bracket from the computer.

2. If you will be installing your first IDE hard disk drive, you need to connect the hard disk drive ribbon cable to the

main system board; see the instructions on page 4-5.

Znstalling and Removing Drives

4-15

Remove the four screws securing the rear internal drive bay bracket to the computer’s back panel. Then slide the bracket out of the computer.

Place the bracket on your work surface as shown in the next illustration.

Position the drive so that its drive and power connectors face

the end of the bracket, as shown below. Then slide the drive into the appropriate bay in the bracket and secure it with the four screws that came with the drive.

4-16

Installing and Removing Drives

6. Place the bracket into the computer as shown below and secure it to the back panel with the four screws you removed from the back of the computer.

To connect the drive ribbon cables to the drives in the rear internal bay, first locate pin 1 on each drive’s connector. The number “1” or “2” may be stamped on the connector casing or printed on the drive’s circuit board to identify the

side of the connector containing pin 1. If the number does

not appear on the connector casing, remove the drive and

turn it over to check the circuit board.

Installing and Removing Drives

4-17

Hold the connector on the ribbon cable so the red wire aligns with pin 1 on the drive. Make sure the holes in the connector fit over all the pins; then push in the connector.

Locate a power supply cable for each drive installed in the rear internal bay. These cables lead from the power supply and have multi-colored wires with a plastic

connector

on the end. Align the notched comers of the power supply connector with the drive’s power connector; then push in the connector.

10. If you have finished installing or removing drives, replace the computer’s cover (described in Chapter 3) and see page

4-21 for post-installation instructions.

4-18

Installing and Removing Drives

Removing a Drive From the Rear Internal Drive Bay

Follow these steps to remove a drive from the rear internal drive bay:

Remove the drive ribbon cable and power cable from the back

1. of each drive in the rear internal bay.

If you will be removing your only IDE hard disk drive,

disconnect

connector on the main system board.

the hard disk drive ribbon cable from its

Installing and Removing Drives

4-19

Remove the four screws securing the drive bay bracket to the

3. computer’s back panel. Then slide the bracket out of the computer.

Remove the four screws securing the drive to the bracket and

4. slide the drive out of the bracket.

4-20

Installing and Removing Drives

5. Replace the bracket inside the computer as shown below and secure it to the back panel with the four screws you removed

If there is another drive installed in the rear internal drive bay, follow the instructions starting on page 4-17 to reconnect the drive and power cables to the drive.

When you are finished installing or removing drives, replace

the computer’s cover (described in Chapter 3) and see the next section for post-installation instructions.

Post-installation Procedures

After you install or remove your drive(s) and replace the cover on your computer, you need to run SETUP to define your new drive configuration. See Chapter 1 for instructions.

Installing and Removing Drives

4-21

Chapter 5

Troubleshooting

If you have any problems as you set up 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. Bee

‘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.

Troubleshooting 5-1

Use these guidelines to locate information about your system: Serial number:

System BIOS version:

System configuration:

MS-DOS version:

Software versions:

CONFIG.SYS:

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

Restart your system. You’ll see the

system BIOS version number displayed on the screen during power-on diagnostics.

Start SETUP and select the System

Summary option to see your system’s configuration.

At the MS-DOS prompt, type VER and press Enter to see the MS-DOS

version number.

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

Enter to see a listing of your

.SYS and press

CONFIG.SYS file, which contains

system configuration commands.

AUTOEXEC.BAT:

5-2 Troubleshooting

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.

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. This prevent damage to the

computer's electrical circuitry.

The computer does not start and the power light is not lit.

Make sure the power cord is securely connected to both the AC

inlet on the

The power cord is securefy connected, but the computer

still does not start.

Check the electrical outlet for power. Turn off your computer and unplug the power cord. Plug a lamp into the outlet and

turn it on.

back panel and

an electrical

outlet.

You installed or removed system components, and now

your computer does not start.

Check to make sure you have reconnected all the internal and

external cables correctly.

You may have installed option cards that exceed the system’s

power requirements. Check the power requirements in

Appendix A.

Troubleshooting 5-3

You may have installed a SIMM incorrectly. If the system doesn’t detect memory, it won’t start. Check that your SIMM(s) are securely installed in their sockets.

If you replaced the microprocessor, make sure the new processor chip is installed correctly. Also make sure the

jumpers are set correctly and pin 1 on the chip is connected

with pin 1 on the system board. See Chapter 3.

The Computer Does Not Respond

The computer locks up.

Wait a few moments; if your computer does not respond after a reasonable length of time, press Ctrl Alt Del. If that doesn’t work, press the RESET button.

You may have installed SIMMs with an incorrect access speed. Install the correct SIMMs (see Chapter 3).

Your system may have over-heated. Make sure you have an adequate heat sink installed on your microprocessor, if

necessary. See Chapter 3 for more information.

You reset the computer, but if still does not respond.

Try turning the computer off, wait 20 seconds, and turn it on again.

Your computer suddenly stops operating.

You may have overloaded the power supply. See your option card manual(s) for the power requirements for your option card(s). Then check Appendix A to see if you have exceeded the option slot power limits.

5-4 Troubleshooting

Keyboard Problems

The screen displays a keyboard error message when you

turn on of reset the computer.

Make sure the keyboard is securelyconnected to the connected keyboard port and not the mouse port. Although these ports look alike, they cannot be used interchangeably.

Nothing happens when you type on the keyboard.

The

Lockout Timer may be set in

inactivates the keyboard for a specified period of time after the

system returns to an active mode from a low-power standby

mode. This delay gives Energy Star compliant monitors the

time they need to return to an active mode. Wait a few seconds and try again.

See "The Computer Does Not Respond,” above.

The cursor keys on the numeric keypad do not work

Properly.

If the Num Lock light in the upper right corner of the keyboard is lit,

press

NumLock to turn off the function.

SETUP. This option

Mouse Problems

Your mouse isn’t working properly or you see an auxiliary

device error message.

Make sure the mouse cable is securely connected to the MOUSE port and not the keyboard (K/B) port. Also make sure you installed the mouse driver correctly (if necessary). See the documentation that came with your mouse for instructions. (Windows automatically installs a mouse driver when you install the program.)

Troubleshooting 5-5

Monitor Problems

There is no display on the screen.

Check that the monitor’s power switch is on and that its power light is on.

Also, the computer may be in low-power standby mode. When you press a mouse button or a key on the keyboard, see if the monitor displays an image.

The power light is on, but you still do not see anything on

the screen.

Press a mouse button or a key on the keyboard to see if the computer is in low-power standby mode. Also, check the brightness and contrast controls.

If you still do not see anything on the screen, make sure the monitor is securely connected to the computer.

If you installed a display adapter card, make sure your monitor type matches the card type. Also be sure you set the correct display type in SETUP (see Chapter 1) and that the main system board jumpers are set correctly (see Chapter 3).

If you are running an application program, see if you need to set up the program for the type of monitor and display adapter you have. Also make sure you are using the appropriate monitor and display adapter for your software.

The power switch is on but the power light is not on.

If the monitor is Energy Star compliant, it may be in low-power

standby mode. Press a mouse button or a key on the keyboard

to activate the monitor. Turn off the monitor’s power, wait five seconds, and turn it

back on.

5-6

Troubleshooting

If the light still does not come on, check the electrical outlet for power. Turn off your monitor and unplug it from the outlet. Then plug a lamp into the wall outlet and turn it on. If the light turns on, your monitor may be faulty.

Diskette Problems

You see a diskette error message.

Reinsert the diskette, making sure you insert it all the way. If the drive has a latch, turn it down to secure the diskette.

Also, check to see that you have inserted the right type of diskette in the drive. For example, make sure you are not

inserting a highdensity diskette in a double-density drive. If reinserting the diskette does not solve the problem, insert the

diskette in another diskette drive of the same type. If you can read the diskette in a different drive, your drive may be faulty.

The diskette is the right type, but you still see an error.

Check that the diskette is not write-protected, preventing the drive from writing to the diskette.

Make Sure the diskette is formatted. See your operating system documentation for instructions on formatting diskettes.

The system may have the

SETUP enabled. If you entered a User level password when you started the system but this option is set to a Supervisor level, you see an error when you access the drive.

You may have a defective diskette. Try copying the files

the bad diskette to a new diskette.

Diskette Access option in

from

Troubleshooting 5-7

Something is wrong with the data in the files

If you are using MS-DOS, run CHKDSK to repair the files. You may also be able to use special utilities or diagnostics to solve this problem.

Diskette Drive Problems

A newly installed diskette drive is not working properly.

Make sure you have installed the drive correctly and check all the cable connections.

You see a diskette drive error when you start your computer.

Run the SETUP program and configure your system for the correct type of diskette drive.

The diskette drive is making loud or unusual noises.

Contact your Authorized EPSON Servicer or the EPSON

Connection.

Hard Disk Drive Problems

A newly installed hard disk drive is not working properly or

its performance is not what you expect.

Make sure you have installed the drive correctly and check all cableconnections. Also, check the jumper settings on your drive.

Some hard disk drives do not support the Energy Star features on your system. You may need to disable these features in SETUP.

5-8 Troubleshooting

You see a hard disk drive error when you start your system.

Run SETUP and check that your system is auto-sensing the correct drive type. If auto-sensing is enabled and SETUP displays information that does not match your drive, you may need to define your own drive type. See Chapter 1.

Make sure the jumpers on the system board are set correctly.

Jumpers JB and JE enable or disable the IDE hard disk drive

controller. See Chapter 3 for jumper information. Make sure the jumpers on the hard disk drive are set correctly.

See the documentation that came with the drive for more

information.

You are unable to store data on the hard d&k drive.

If the hard disk drive has been in low-power standby mode,

make sure the drive has had time to achieve its full operating

speed before you try to write data to it. If your drive was not configured, make sure you have

partitioned and formatted it correctly for your operating system. See your operating system manual for instructions.

Also, make sure your hard disk drive has been physically

formatted by the manufacturer. (All EPSON-supplied drives are physically formatted at the factory.) If it has not been physically formatted, use the format utility that came with the drive to format it before you partition it or install the operating system; (Note that a physical format is different from software-based formatting commands, such as the MS-DOS

FORMAT command.)

Troubleshooting 5-9

Epson ActionTower 3000 Computer User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Video

Energy Savings

VGA Drivers

Optional Equipment

How to Use This Manual

Where to Get Help

CompuServe On-line Support

Unpacking your computer

Setting the Voltage Selector Switch

Connecting System Components

Connecting the Power Cord

Turning Your System On and Off

Running the SETUP Program

Starting the SETUP Program

The System Setup Option

The Fixed Disk Setup Option

The Advanced System Setup Option

The System Security and Anti-Virus Options

Using the Green PC Features

The System Summary Option

Exiting SETUP

Post-SETUP Procedures

Working Comfortably

Stopping a Command or Program

Resetting the Computer

Using Energy Wisely

Using Your Green PC Features

Changing the Processor Speed

Removing the Cover

Replacing the Cover

Locating the Internal Components

Changing the Jumper Settings

Setting the Jumpers

Installing Memory Modules

Inserting SIMMs

Removing SIMMs

Installing an Option Card

Removing an Option Card

Adding Video Memory

Installing External Cache

Installing the External Cache Chips

Upgrading the Microprocessor

Replacing the Processor Chip

Post-installation Procedures

Removing Mounting Frames

Installing a Drive in the Front Internal Drive Bay

Removing a Drive From the Front Internal Drive Bay

Installing a Drive in an External Drive Bay

Removing a Drive From an External Drive Bay

Installing a Drive in the Rear Internal Drive Bay

Removing a Drive From the Rear Internal Drive Bay

Post-installation Procedures

Identifying Your System

The Computer Will Not Start

The Computer Does Not Respond

Keyboard Problems

Mouse Problems

Monitor Problems

Diskette Problems

Diskette Drive Problems

Hard Disk Drive Problems