Epson Apex 20020, Apex 20040 User Manual

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IMPORTANT NOTICE

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY

Epson America makes no representations or warranties, either express or implied, by or with respect to anything in this manual, and shall not be liable for any implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose or for any indirect, special, or consequential damages. Some states do not allow the exclusion of incidental or consequential damages, so this exclusion may not apply to you.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Epson America, Inc. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of information contained herein. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this publication, Epson America assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Nor is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein. Further, this publication and the features described herein are subject to change without notice.

TRADEMARKS

ActionPrinter and Apex are trademarks of Epson America, Inc. Epson is a registered trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation. Hercules is a registered trademark of Hercules Computer Technology, Corp. IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corp.

Intel is a registered trademark of Intel Corp. MS-DOS and Microsoft are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp. XTREE is a registered trademark of Executive Systems, Inc.

Y16299100600

FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT FOR AMERICAN USERS

This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and if not installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, may cause interference to radio and television reception. It has been type tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B computing device in accordance with the specifications in Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC Rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference in a residential installation. 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, you are encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

•

Reorient the receiving antenna

•

Relocate the computer with respect to the receiver

•

Move the computer away from the receiver

•

Plug the computer into a different outlet so that the computer and receiver are on different branch circuits.

If necessary, consult your dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for additional suggestions. You may find the following booklet prepared by the Federal

Communications Commission helpful:

“Television Interference Handbook.”

This booklet is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington,

DC 20402. Stock No. 004-000-00450-7. Note: If the interference stops, it was probably caused by the computer or its

peripheral devices. To further isolate the problem: Disconnect the peripheral devices and their input/output cables one at a time. If the interference stops, it is caused by either the peripheral device or its I/O cable. These devices usually require shielded I/O cables. For Epson peripheral devices, you can obtain the proper shielded cable from your dealer. For non-Epson peripheral devices contact the manufacturer or dealer for assistance.

WARNING: This equipment has been certified to comply with the limits for a Class B computing device, pursuant to Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC Rules. Only peripherals (computer input/output devices, terminals, printers, etc.) certified to comply with the Class B limits may be attached to this computer. Operation with non-certified peripherals is likely to result in interference to radio and TV reception. 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.

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A/ Class B (whichever is applicable)

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 de bruits radioelectriques dépassant les limites applicables aux appareils numériques de Classe A/de Classe B (selon le cas) prescrites dans le règlement sur le brouillage radioelectriques édicté par le Ministère des Communications du Canada.

iii

Contents

Introduction..

How to Use This Manual Where to Get Help

Chapter 1

1 Unpacking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

Removing the Diskette Drive Protector Card 2 Choosing a Location. 3 Connecting a Monitor 4 Connecting a Printer, Mouse, or Modem.

Using the Parallel Interface

Using the Serial Interface. 5 Connecting the Power Cord 6 Connecting the Keyboard.

Adjusting the Keyboard Angle. 7 Setting the Front Monitor Switch 8 Turning On the Computer

The Command Prompt 9 Copying System Diskettes

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

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

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

Setting Up Your System

.........

.............................. 1-4

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

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

....................... 1-8

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

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

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

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

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

1 2

1-3

1-5

1-7

1-9 1-11

1 - 12 1-14 1-14

1-15 1-18 1-18

Chapter 2

Changing the Amount of Memory.

Setting the Type of Display. ........................... 2-4

Adding an 80287 Coprocessor ......................... 2-6

Changing the Disk Drive Settings ...................... 2-7

Setting the Real-time Clock. .......................... 2-8

Leaving the Setup Program

Running the Setup Program

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

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

2-3

2-10

Contents v

Chapter 3

Using Your Computer

Changing the Operating Speed

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

Special Keys on the Apex Keyboard. Stopping a Command or Program Resetting the Computer Turning Off the Computer

Using Disks and Disk Drives.

How Disks Store Data Types of Diskette Drives.

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

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

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

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

......................... 3-8

Caring for Diskettes and Diskette Drives.

Inserting and Removing Diskettes. Write-protecting Diskettes. Making Backup Copies

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

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

Using a Single Diskette Drive Using the Hard Disk Drive

Chapter 4

Using MS-DOS With Your Computer

Starting and Exiting MS-DOS

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

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

Loading MS-DOS From a Diskette

Starting an Application Program Using Drive Designators

The Default Drive.

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

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

Changing the Default Drive. Specifying the Drive Designator

Types of MS-DOS Commands

Entering an MS-DOS Command Creating and Managing Files

Naming Files. Copying Files Renaming Files

Deleting Files Printing Files.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

.................... 3-2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3-1

3-4 3-5

3-6

3-6 3-6

3-10 3-12 3-14 3-15 3-16 3-17

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

4-5 4-7 4-9

4-9

4-10 4-13 4-14 4-15

Using Directories.

The Default Directory

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

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

Changing the Default Directory. Using Pathname

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

Including Filenames With Pathnames.

Including Drive Letters With

Pathnames and Filenames

Creating Directories

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

Listing the Contents of a Directory

Displaying a List of Directories

Removing Directories,

Formatting Diskettes.

........................... 4-25

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

Formatting Diskettes With

One Diskette Drive (No Hard Disk)

Backing Up Data.

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

Using the DISKCOPY Command Using the BACKUP Command.

Using HELP. Using MENU.

MENU Program Options

Using the XTREE Utility

Running XTREE.

Using an AUTOEXEC.BAT File

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

......................... 4-36

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

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

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

Creating an AUTOEXEC.BAT File

Using HDCACHE for the Hard Disk.

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

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

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

................. 4-23

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

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

.................. 4-29

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

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

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

4-16 4-18 4-18 4-19 4-20

4-20 4-22

4-24

4-26

4-28 4-29

4-33

. 4-34

4-36

4-37

4-38 4-41 4-42 4-44

Chapter 5 Installing Option Cards

Removing the Cover. Inserting the Option Card

Jumper Settings

Changing a Jumper Setting Memory Card Jumpers Main Circuit Board Jumpers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Multi-function Card Jumpers. .....................

Removing an Option Card Replacing the Cover Post-installation Setup

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

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

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

Contents

5-1

5-4 5-7 5-8 5-8 5-10 5-12

5-15 5-16 5-18

vii

Chapter 6

Troubleshooting

The Computer Won’t Start

The Computer Does Not Respond Keyboard Problems Monitor Problems

Diskette Problems

.................................. 6-3

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

Diskette Drive Problems Hard Disk Problems. Software Problems Printer Problems

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

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

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

Option Card Problems

Appendix A

CPU and Memory Controllers.

Interfaces Power Supply. Mass Storage Keyboard..

Specifications

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

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

.......................................... A-2

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

....................................... A-2

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

Environmental Requirements.

Physical Characteristics (CPU only) Power Requirements Video and Display Options. Other Apex Options

Monitors

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

ActionPrinters by Epson ActionPrinter Accessories

Computer Accessories Parallel Port Pin Assignments. Serial Port Pin Assignments Keyboard Connector Pin Assignments.

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

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

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

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

......................... A-4

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

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

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

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

......................... A-5

........................ A-6

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

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

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

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

Parallel Port Loop-back Connector Pin Assignments Serial Port Loop-back Connector Pin Assignments.

.. A- 3

.......

........

6-1

6-2

6-4 6-5 6-8

6-9 6-11 6- 12 6- 13

A-1 A- 1

A-2

A-4 A-4 A-4 A-5 A-5

A-7 A-7

A-8 A-8 A-9

A-9

Appendix B

Power-on Diagnostics

System Device Check

Timer and CMOS RAM Check.

RAM Check

Keyboard Controller and Keyboard Check

Display Card Check

Optional RAM Check

Diskette Drive Seek Check.

Hard Disk Controller and Hard Disk Check

Appendix C

Starting System Diagnostics

Modifying the DEVICE LIST.

Selecting a Test.

Resuming From an Error. System Board Check Memory Check Keyboard Check Monochrome Display Adapter and CRT Check

Monochrome Adapter Check

Attribute Check

Character Set Check

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

Sync Check . . .

Run All Above Checks Color Graphics Display Adapter and CRT Check

Color Graphics Adapter Check

Attribute Check

Character Set Check

40-column Character Set Check

320x200 Graphics Mode Check.

640x200 Graphics Mode Check.

Screen Paging Check

Light Pen Check Color Video Check.

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

Run All Above Checks

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

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

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

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

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

............................... B-4

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

.............. B-5

Performing System Diagnostics

........................... C-1

......................... C-3

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

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

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

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

...........

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

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

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

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

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

.........

.................... C-14

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

B-1 B-2 B-3 B-3

B-4

C-5 C-6 C-7 C-8 C-8 C- 10 C- 11 C-11 C-12

C-12

C-13 C-13 C-13

C- 15 C-15 C-16 C- 17 C- 17 C- 18 C-19

C-20

Contents ix

Floppy Disk Drives and Controller Check

Sequential Seek Check Random Seek Check Write, Read Check. Speed Check. Disk Change Check

Run All Above Checks Math Coprocessor Check (80287) Parallel Port (Printer Interface) Check Parallel Port (on Video Adapter) Check Serial Port (RS-232C) Check Alternate Serial Port Check.

Dot-matrix Printer Check. Hard Disk Drives and Controller Check

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

Write, Read Check. Head Select Check. Error Detection and Correction Check. Read, Verify Check Run All Above Checks Error Codes and Messages

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

........................C-34

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

..................C-25

.................C-26

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

.............C-32

C-21 C-22 C-22

C-23 C-23

C-24 C-25 C-25

C-27

C-28 C-28 C-30

C-30

C-31 C-32

C-33 C-33

Appendix D Physically Formatting a Hard Disk

Formatting and Checking Options

Reformatting a Used Disk Formatting a New Disk.

Starting the Formatting Process. Conditional Format (Normal) Unconditional Format Destructive Surface Analysis.

Non-destructive Surface Analysis.

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

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

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

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

...................D-4

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

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

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

D- 1 D-3

D-4

D-5

D-7 D- 10 D- 11

Appendix E

Preparing a Hard Disk for Use

Partitioning the Hard Disk Creating the MS-DOS Partition. Creating the Extended Partition. Formatting the Primary Partition Formatting the Extended Partition.

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

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

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

Copying the Remaining Files to the Hard Disk Creating the AUTOEXEC.BAT File.

Appendix F

Types of Hard Disk Drives

................... E-10

............ E-9

E-2 E-3 E-4 E-6

E-8

Disk Type Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . F-1

Glossary

Index

Contents xi

Introduction

Your Apex’” personal computer is powerful, versatile, and easy

to use. After setting up your system with the simple instructions in this manual, you’ll soon be using your favorite software programs.

The Apex 200 computer is available in these configurations:

The Apex 200\20 provides one 1.2MB (megabyte) diskette drive and one 20MB hard disk drive

The Apex 200\40 provides one 1.2MB diskette drive and

one 40MB hard disk drive.

Both models come with 640KB (kilobyte) of internal memory, a total of six internal option slots, an MGA (multi-graphics adapter) card, and built-in serial and parallel interfaces. You can connect either a monochrome or color graphics monitor to the MGA card in the computer.

Your computer comes with version 3.3 of MS-DOS®- the

operating system by Microsoft? In addition to the introduction to MS-DOS provided in this manual, you’ll find a complete reference manual for the operating system packed in the box with the computer.

As a supplement to MS-DOS, Epson has included several timesaving utilities that make MS-DOS easier to use: HELP, MENU, and XTREE? The HELP program lets you display

information on the screen about any MS-DOS command. MENU provides an easier way to run many of the most common MS-DOS commands. XTREE is a file management utility that simplifies all file and directory operations; it is especially useful for managing data on a hard disk.

As your needs grow, so can your computer; you can expand your system by adding a wide variety of options. You can install most option cards compatible with the IBM® Personal

Introduction 1

Computer. For example, you can add an internal modem card to provide data communications. If you use software that executes lengthy mathematical calculations, you may want to

install an 80287 math coprocessor to speed up processing.

How to Use This Manual

This manual explains how to set up and care for your computer.

It also describes how to use your computer and run diagnostic checks. The instructions in this manual apply to both the Apex 200\20 and Apex 200\40, except where otherwise

indicated.

You probably don’t need to read everything in this book; see the following chapter summaries.

Chapter 1 provides simple step-by-step instructions for setting

up your computer. On the back cover foldout are illustrations identifying the different parts of the computer; you may want to refer to this while you are setting up your system.

Chapter 2 describes how to run the Setup program to set up your computer’s configuration.

Chapter 3 covers some general operating procedures, including how to use and care for your disks and disk drives.

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

Chapter 5 describes how to install option cards in your computer.

Chapter 6 contains troubleshooting tips in case you encounter any problems while using your computer.

Appendix A gives the technical specifications for the Apex 200\20 and Apex 200\40.

Appendix B provides information on the power-on diagnostics.

Appendix C outlines the system diagnostic checks you can perform on your computer. If you are having trouble with any

part of the hardware, you may want to run some of these diagnostic checks.

Appendix D describes how to perform a low-level format on the hard disk. You need to do this only if you are having serious problems with the hard disk in your computer or if you have

installed a new hard disk that has not received this type of format. (This is not the same type of format provided by the MS-DOS FORMAT command.)

Appendix E explains how to prepare a new hard disk for use. You need to follow these instructions only if you have installed a new hard disk in your computer or if you need to repartition or reformat the one you have been using.

Appendix F lists the types of hard disks you can use in your computer. You need to enter information from this table when you run the Setup program after installing an additional hard disk.

At the back of the manual you’ll find a glossary of the computer terms used in this manual and an index.

Where to Get Help

Customer service for Epson products is provided by a network

of authorized Epson Customer Care Centers throughout the

United States. Call the Epson Consumer Information Center at

1-800-922-8911 for the following:

Customer Care Center referrals Technical support referrals

Information on Epson User Groups.

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

Introduction 3

Chapter 1

Setting Up Your System

Setting up your Apex personal computer is easy. Just follow

the nine steps in this chapter. You may want to leave the back

cover foldout of this book open so you can refer to the two

illustrations identifying the different parts of the computer.

NoteNote

If you have experience setting up computers, you may preferIf you have experience setting up computers, you may prefer to follow the brief instructions on the Read This First cardto follow the brief instructions on the Read This First card

included with this manual. (Turn to this chapter if you haveincluded with this manual. (Turn to this chapter if you have any questions, and for instructions on copying your systemany questions, and for instructions on copying your system diskettes.)diskettes.)

When you finish setting up your computer, go on to Chapter 2

and follow the instructions there to run the Setup program. The Setup program updates the list of equipment installed in

the computer. You need to run this program the first time you

use your computer and any time options are added or changed.

Unpacking

As you unpack the different parts of your computer system, be

sure to inspect each piece. If anything is missing or looks

damaged, contact the place where it was purchased for missing

items or replacements. If you cannot obtain the necessary part

or parts, call your Epson Customer Care Center for assistance.

Please have the computer’s serial number ready when you call.

Setting Up Your System

1-1

Besides this manual, you should have the following:

The computer and power cord The keyboard with attached cable

Four diskettes: three that contain the MS-DOS operating system (Startup, Operating 1, and Operating 2), and a Reference diskette

An MS-DOS Reference Manual.

In addition to these items, you need a compatible monitor to use with the computer. With the MGA (multi-graphics adapter) card in the computer, you can use a monochrome or color graphics monitor.

You’ll find warranty and registration cards with the computer.

Fill out the registration card and mail it to Epson. With this card on file, Epson can send you update information. You also should retain the computer’s receipt from the place of purchase.

The receipt is all that is required for warranty service.

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

Removing the Diskette Drive Protector Card

A protective piece of cardboard occupies the slot of the diskette drive in your computer. This card is inserted at the factory to protect the read/write heads in the drive.

Be sure to remove the card from the diskette drive before you turn on the computer. Turn the diskette drive latch up until it is horizontal and carefully pull out the card.

Save the protector card and reinsert it whenever you move the

computer. If you don’t plan to use your computer for a week or

more, reinsert the card to help prevent dust from entering the

disk drive.

Setting Up Your System

1-3

Choosing a Location

Before you set up your computer, it is important to choose the

right location. Select a spot that provides the following:

A large, sturdy desk or table that can easily support the weight of your system, including all of its components. Make sure the surface is hard and flat. Soft surfaces like beds and carpeted floors can generate static electricity, which may erase data on your disks and damage the computer’s circuitry. Soft surfaces also prevent proper ventilation.

Good air circulation. Air must be able to move freely under the system as well as behind it. Leave several inches of space around the computer to allow ventilation.

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

which can damage disks and disk drives and cause you to

lose valuable data. Appropriate power sources. To prevent static charges,

connect all your equipment to three-prong, 120-volt AC, grounded outlets. You need one outlet for the computer, one for the monitor, and additional outlets for a printer and any other peripherals.

If it has the appropriate power cord, you can plug the monitor into the auxiliary power outlet on the back panel of the computer, reducing the number of wall outlets you need. (The current required by the peripheral must not exceed 1 amp.) If you need more outlets, you may want to buy a power strip-available at any electronics store-to provide extra outlets. A power strip with surge suppression

is recommended.

No electromagnetic interference. Locate your system away from any electrical device, such as a telephone, that generates an electromagnetic field.

Connecting a Monitor

Your computer comes with an MGA (multi-graphics adapter)

card installed. This card controls the monitor and provides the

connection needed to attach the monitor to the computer. You can connect a monochrome or color graphics monitor to this card.

Note

If you are using a monitor that is neither monochrome nor color graphics (such as an EGA or VGA monitor) with your computer, you need a compatible display adapter card to control it. If the optional card is nut already installed in the computer, you need to install it before you can connect the monitor, See Chapter 5 for instructions on adding option cards (in this case, the video card).

The procedure you use to connect your monitor to the computer depends on the type of monitor you have. See your

monitor manual for detailed instructions, or follow these

general guidelines:

Place your monitor on top of or near the computer. It is easiest to connect the monitor cable if you are facing the back panels of both the monitor and the computer.

If necessary, connect the monitor cable to the monitor. (Some monitors, such as the color Apex monitor, come with permanently attached cables.)

Setting Up Your System

1-5

3. Connect the monitor cable to the video card connector on the back of the computer, as shown below. If the plug has

retaining screws, tighten them securely.

4. If necessary, plug the monitor’s power cord into the monitor’s power inlet. (The power cord on Apex monitors is already attached.)

Plug the other end of the monitor’s power cord into an

electrical outlet.

NoteNote

If the monitor has the proper type of plug, you can plugIf the monitor has the proper type of plug, you can plug it into the auxiliary AC outlet next to the AC inlet onit into the auxiliary AC outlet next to the AC inlet on the back of the computer.the back of the computer.

6. If you connected the monitor to the MGA card in the

computer, set the color/mono monitor switch on the card

(shown in the following illustration) to match the type of monitor you are using, either color or monochrome.

Note Many color monitors display in only one color (such as green or amber), but are not monochrome monitors. If your monitor is not specifically a monochrome monitor, you should set the color/mono switch to color. Check the documentation that came with your monitor to verify the type of monitor.

Connecting a Printer, Mouse, or Modem

The computer has a parallel interface and a serial interface on

the back panel, so you can easily connect a printer or other type of device with either type of interface.

For example, you can use the parallel port to connect a parallel

printer (most printers have a parallel interface). You can use

the serial port to connect a serial printer, a serial mouse, or an external modem.

Follow the steps in this section to connect a printer or other peripheral device to either the parallel or serial interface.

Setting Up Your System

1-7

Using the Parallel Interface

The parallel interface on your computer is Centronics

compatible and uses a 25-pin connector. To connect a parallel printer to your computer, you need an IBM-compatible printer cable. If you are not sure which one you need, or whether you have the right one, check with the store where you purchased

the printer.

Once you have the correct printer cable, follow these steps to connect the printer to the parallel interface on the computer:

Place the printer next to your computer.

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

the computer, as shown below. If the plug has retaining screws, tighten them securely.

Setting Up Your System

1-8

Connect the other end of the cable to the printer, as shown below. If the printer has retaining clips on each side of the printer port, squeeze the clips together to secure the cable.

4. Plug the printer’s power cord into an electrical outlet.

Using the Serial Interface

If you have a serial printer, modem, mouse, or any other peripheral with a serial interface, you can connect it to the serial (RS-232C) port on the back of the computer. Your computer uses an IBM-compatible, 9-pin, male connector, so be sure you have the proper cable. If you are not sure which one you need, or whether you have the right one, check with the store where you bought the cable.

To connect a serial device, follow the same steps outlined

above for a parallel device, but connect the cable to the serial port, shown below.

Setting up the serial port for a printer

If you are using a serial printer but your software does not support a serial printer, you must do two things before you can print:

Set up the data transmission parameters for the serial port Tell the computer to redirect printer data from the parallel

port to the serial port.

The MS-DOS MODE command lets you define the baud rate, parity, data length, and number of stop bits for a primary and a secondary serial port. MODE also lets you redirect output from the parallel port to the serial port. (The MENU program offers an easy way to use MODE. For instructions, see the description of the Mode Settings option of the MENU program in your MS-DOS Reference Manual.)

Connecting the Power Cord

Follow these steps to connect the power cord:

Insert the power cord into the AC inlet on the computer’s back panel, as shown below. To avoid an electric shock, be sure to plug the cord into the computer before plugging it into the wall socket.

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

Setting Up Your System

1-11

Connecting the Keyboard

Follow these steps to connect the keyboard:

Facing the front of the computer, open the cover on the lower left comer. Push the top of the cover inward and then release it.

Plug the keyboard cable into the socket, as shown in the

following illustration. Do not force the connector, but be

sure to insert it all the way.

Setting Up Your System

Push the cable into the notch at the left side of the computer, as shown below, so the cable leads away to the left side of the computer.

Close the keyboard cable cover,

1-13

Adjusting the Keyboard Angle

You can change the angle of the keyboard by adjusting the legs on the bottom. Turn the keyboard over and lift each leg upward until it locks into place, as shown below. You can lock the legs into a low or high position, or leave them flat.

Setting the Front Monitor Switch

Set the monitor switch on the front panel of the computer to match the type of monitor you are using. The monitor switch is

located behind the cover to the right of the keyboard socket cover, as shown in the following figure. To open this cover, push the top of the cover inward and then release it.

Move the switch to the right to select color and to the left to select monochrome. If you have an EGA or VGA monitor, set the switch to color.

Turning On the Computer

Before you turn on your computer, read the following safety rules to avoid accidentally damaging the computer or injuring yourself:

Never turn the computer on with a protector card in the diskette drive.

Do not unplug cables from the computer when the power switch is on.

Never turn off or reset your computer while a disk drive light is on. This can destroy data stored on disk or make an entire disk unusable. Similarly, never remove a diskette from a diskette drive while the drive light is on.

Setting

Up Your System

1-15

Always wait at least five seconds after you switch off the power before you switch it on again. Turning the power off

and on rapidly can damage the computer’s circuitry.

Do not leave a beverage on top of or next to your system or any of its components. Spilled liquid can damage the circuitry of your equipment.

Do not attempt to dismantle any part of the computer. Only remove the cover to install and remove optional devices. If there is a hardware problem you cannot solve after reading the appropriate section in Chapter 6, contact your Epson Customer Care Center.

Always turn off the power, disconnect all cables, and wait five seconds before you remove the computer’s cover.

Follow these steps to turn on your system:

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

To turn on the computer, press the power switch.

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

After the self test is complete, you see a message on the screen similar to this:

RAM Testing . . . 256KB

The computer continually updates this display as it tests its memory. This test takes about 15 seconds to complete.

You may see a message like this:

162 -

System Options not set

(Run SETUP in DIAGNOSTICS)

Resume =

This means that the computer is not yet set up for the equipment you have installed and you must run the Setup program, described in Chapter 2. For now, press the F1 key on the upper left comer of the keyboard to acknowledge the message and continue.

If you cannot see the screen display clearly, use the controls on your monitor to adjust the brightness and contrast until characters on the screen are clear and bright.

The computer then loads MS-DOS, the operating system, from the hard disk into memory. MS-DOS must be in the computer’s memory before you can run any application program, such as a word processing program or a spreadsheet program.

Note Alternatively, you can load MS-DOS from the StartupAlternatively, you can load MS-DOS from the Startup diskette in the diskette drive instead of from the hard disk. Ifdiskette in the diskette drive instead of from the hard disk, If your computer does not have a hard disk, you must use thisyour computer does not have a hard disk, you must use this method. See “Loading MS-DOS From a Diskette” inmethod. See “Loading MS-DOS From a Diskette” in Chapter 4 for instructions.Chapter 4 for instructions.

"F1" key)

Setting Up Your

System

1-17

The Command Prompt

After the computer has loaded MS-DOS from the hard disk, you see the MS-DOS command prompt on the screen:

C:\>

The command prompt tells you that your computer is ready to receive instructions. It also identifies the current operating drive: A or C, for example. The command prompt appears on the screen whenever you load MS-DOS, complete an MS-DOS command, or exit an application program.

In your computer, the diskette drive is A and the hard disk is drive C. If you have an optional second diskette drive, MS-DOS identifies it as B.

Copying System Diskettes

Now that you have started your system and loaded MS-DOS, it is important that you make copies of your MS-DOS and Reference diskettes right away. Use the copies (called working copies) as they are needed and store the originals in a safe place.

Note

If you have only a single diskette drive and no hard disk

drive, see "Using DISKCOPY With One Drive Only" in

Chapter 4 for instructions on copying diskettes.

Each of the system diskettes is formatted for 360KB.

(Formatting prepares a diskette to store data and is described in Chapter 3.) To copy them, you need four 360KB doubledensity, 5¼-inch diskettes.

Note If you do not have any 360KB diskettes, you can use unformatted 1.2MB, high-density diskettes. When copying from 360KB diskettes, the DISKCOPY program fomats the

1.2MB high-density diskettes for 360KB.

Follow these steps:

The C : \> prompt should be on the screen. If not, type C : and press

Type the following and press

Enter.

Enter:

DISKCOPY A: A:

The screen displays this message:

Insert SOURCE diskette in drive A: Press any key when ready . . .

3. Insert the Startup diskette in drive A, as shown below. Hold the diskette with the label facing up and the read/write slot leading into the drive.

Setting Up Your System

1-19

When the diskette is in all the way, turn the latch down

(clockwise) to lock the diskette in place. Press any key. The DISKCOPY program copies the

4. contents of the Startup diskette to the computer’s memory, and then you see the following:

Insert TARGET diskette in drive A:

Press any key when ready . . .

Remove the Startup diskette and insert a blank diskette

(which is to be the target diskette) in drive A. Then press

any key.

If the diskette is not formatted, the DISKCOPY program

formats it. Then the program begins copying the data from

the computer’s memory to the formatted diskette. When the copy is complete, you see this prompt:

Copy another diskette (Y/N)?

Press Y so you can make a copy of the Operating 1 diskette.

Again, you see the prompt to insert the source diskette.

Remove the copy of the Startup diskette which you just

7. made and insert the Operating 1 diskette into drive A.

Then press any key. Follow the prompts on the screen to

make a copy of this diskette as you did for the Startup diskette.

Repeat the procedure to copy the Operating 2 diskette.

Repeat the procedure to copy the Reference diskette.

10. When you finish copying the last diskette and the

Copy another diskette (Y/N)?

appears, press N to return to the MS-DOS command prompt C : \>.

prompt

After you have copied the four diskettes, be sure to label them carefully so you know which one is which. Write on the labels before you attach them to the diskettes in order to prevent damaging the diskettes. Store the originals in a safe place and use the copies as they are needed.

You are now ready to run the Setup program, which is described in the following chapter.

Setting Up Your System

1-21

Chapter 2

Running the Setup Program

The first time you use your computer after setting it up, you need to run the Setup program on the Reference diskette. The Setup program lets you update the following for your computer:

The amount of memory installed The type of video display adapter installed

The math coprocessor status

The number and type of disk drives (“mass storage”) installed

The internal clock’s time and date.

You probably do not need to change all these settings; just change the ones that apply to your computer. For example, if you have added no extra equipment and have a color graphics

monitor, you would use the Setup program to set the internal clock’s time and date.

Your computer stores the information you enter with the Setup

program in a special memory area, called CMOS RAM, which is backed up by a battery. When you turn off the computer, the computer stores the Setup information in this memory. When you turn the computer on, it searches the CMOS RAM to obtain the correct configuration information. If there is a difference between the information in CMOS RAM and the actual configuration, you see a prompt to run the Setup program.

To start the Setup program, follow these steps:

Insert the Reference diskette into drive A.

If you are not already logged onto drive A, type press

Enter.

Running the Setup

Program

and

2-1

3. Type

SET UP

main Setup menu with these options:

and press

Enter.

The screen displays the

Exit

Memory

Display

Coprocessor

Mass storage

Real-timeclock

You use and to move the cursor block (the highlighted bar) through the options on this menu. Once you highlight the option you want, press Enter to select it.

If you do not want to make any changes, or when you have finished making changes, select theE x “Leaving the Setup Program” below for instructions.

Note Another way to start the Setup program is to turn on or reset

the computer with the Reference diskette in the drive. If you do this, you see the following Operation menu:

i t

option. See

OPERATION MENU

1 - Setup 2 - Format hard disk 3 - Format diskette 4 - System diagnostics 5 - Prepare hard disk for moving

- Exit to DOS for more utilities

Enter selectionnumber:

This is the menu for the setup and diagnostics programs on the Reference diskette. Press 1 and then Enter to select the

Set

up option. The screen then displays the main Setup

menu.

Follow the instructions below to verify or change the values for the Setup options.

Changing the Amount of Memory

Your computer has two types of memory: main memory and

extended memory. The main memory in your computer is set at 640KB, which is the maximum value and is recommended for most applications.

Note Although your computer has access only 640KB; the computer uses the rest for other purposes.

The value you set for the extended memory depends on the total amount of memory available in your computer above the

1MB of main memory. This amount consists of any additional

RAM on an expansion card that you may have installed.

1MB

of main memory, you can

Note Certain MS-DOS applications and other operating

systems

may require extended memory. You can also use extended memory to set up RAM disks for temparary storage, using the VDISK.SYS driver. See your MS-DOS manual for

information regarding VDISK.SYS.

If you have changed the amount of memory in the computer, follow these steps:

Highlight Memory and press Enter. This menu appears on the screen:

640 KB Main

0 KB Expansion

** SAVE SETTINGS **

Running the Setup Program

2-3

To change the Main memory setting press Enter. The value changes to 256KB. Press 512KB. If you press Enter again, the value returns to 640KB.

3. To change the Expansion memory setting, highlight the

Enter

again to change

it to

Expansion option. You can increase and decrease the

memory in 64KB increments by using the + and -keys. For example, to increase the expansion memory from 0KB to 256KB, press + four times. The screen displays the following:

640 KB Main

256 KB Expansion

** SAVE SETTINGS **

4. When you finish setting the amount of memory, highlight

** SAVE SETTINGS

to the main menu.

** and press Enter to return

Setting the Type of Display

Select the using a color graphics monitor or if you change the video card in your computer.

Note

If you are using the

computer, make sure that both monitor "color/mono") are set correctly if you are using a monochrome or color graphics monitor. One monitor switch

is on the MGA card on the back of the compuer and the

other is on the front. See Chapter 1 for instructions.

Display option

MGA card that came with your

in the main menu if you are not

switches

(labelled

To change the display type, follow these steps:

1. Highlight Display and press Enter. Another menu

appears to show the current setting. If you have an

80-column, color monitor installed, you see:

Color/graph.

80 col

** SAVE SETTINGS **

To change the monitor type, press Enter. This menu

appears, listing the various options:

* Special options *

Color/graph. 80 col

Color/graph.

Monochrome

Choose the monitor type according to the combination of

monitor and video card you have, as follows:

If you have a monochrome monitor, choose

40 col

80 col

Monochrome 80 col, regardless of the type of

video card installed. If you have a color graphics monitor, select

Color/graph.

80 col.

If you have an EGA or VGA monitor, and have

already installed the correct video card, select

* Special Options *. You

set a DIP switch on the video card which overrides the display setting in CMOS RAM. See the instructions that came with the video card.

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

may also need to

Color/graph. 80 col. If resolution is poor,

run Setup again and select Color/graph. 40

col.

Running the

Setup Program

2-5

If you have any other combination of monitor and video card, consult the documentation supplied with your video card.

Highlight the appropriate option and press

Enter.

4. Highlight

Enter

** SAVE SETTINGS

to save the setting.

** and then press

Adding an 80287 Coprocessor

Use the Coprocessor option if you add an Intel® 80287 numeric coprocessor to your system. If you later remove the coprocessor, use this option to delete it from the list of equipment that the computer maintains; this prevents software from trying to use the 80287 commands.

Follow these steps:

1. Highlight Coprocessor and press Enter. You see this

menu:

80287 not installed

*** SAVE SETTINGS ***

2. The 80287 not installed line is highlighted.

Press Enter to change the setting. This line alternates between 80287 not installed and 80287

installed each time you press Enter. Highlight the

correct setting.

3. Highlight *** SAVE SETTINGS *** to save the setting and then press

Enter.

Changing the Disk Drive Settings

Use the Mass storage option of the main menu if you install an additional diskette drive or hard disk drive, or if you remove an existing drive. Follow these steps:

Highlight

menu like this:

Mass storage

and press

Enter. You

see a

Drive A:

1.2 MB Drive B: None Drive C:

Type2

Drive D: none

** SAVE SETTINGS **

To change the value for one of the diskette drives— drive B, for example-highlight Drive B : and press

Enter.

A second menu appears:

Not

360 720

1.2

installed KB drive KB drive (3.5") MB drive

1.44 MB drive (3.5")

3. Highlight the type of drive that matches the second

diskette drive installed in your computer; then press Enter

to select it. The second menu disappears and the Mass storage menu shows the new setting.

4. To change the value for drive C, the hard disk, highlight that option. Then use the + or - key to increase or decrease the value until the number matches the type of drive

installed in your computer. See Appendix F for a list of hard disk drive types. If you are not sure which one you have, consult your dealer.

Running the Setup Program

2-7

Use this same procedure if you need to change the setting for a second hard disk drive installed in your computer (drive D).

When all the disk drive settings are correct, highlight

** SAVE SETTINGS ** and press Enter.

Setting the Real-time Clock

The real-time clock in your computer keeps track of the time and date at all times-even when the computer is turned off. Use the Real-time clock option to set the time and date for your computer after you set it up. You may need to use it again later to adjust the time for daylight savings time. The computer automatically changes the date for leap years.

Note

Another way to change the real-time clock's time and date

is with the MS-DOS (version 3.3 or later) TIME and DATE

commands. See your MS-DOS Reference Manual for instructions.

Follow these steps to set the real-time clock:

1. Highlight Real-time clock and press Enter. You

see the current setting for the time and date:

17: 10: 54 Time

03 - 21 - 1989 Date

To change the time, highlight Time and press Enter. This box appears:

hh : mm : ss

—

3. Using a 24-hour time period, enter the time in the exact format shown in the box. Use two digits for each part (you can omit the seconds, if desired); the Setup program

automatically inserts the colons (:). For example, to change the time to 1:30 p.m., you would type the following:

1330

If you enter an invalid time-for example, a number greater than 23 for the hours or greater than 59 for the minutes or seconds-the computer beeps and ignores your entry. Try again. You can use the backspace key, if necessary, to correct mistakes.

When the time is correct, press Enter.

4. To set the date, highlight D at e and press Enter. You see

this box:

mm-dd-yyyy

Enter the date in the exact format shown in the box, using

two digits for the month and day and four digits for the year; the program automatically inserts the dashes. For example, to set the date for August 30, 1989, you would type the following:

08301989

If you enter an invalid date-for example, a number greater

than 12 for the month or greater than the number of days

in that month-the computer beeps and ignores your entry.

Try again.

When the date is correct, press Enter.

When both the time and date are correct, press once or

twice to return to the main Setup menu.

Running the Setup Program

2-9

The time and date are set automatically as soon as you press

Enter after typing the time and date; you do not need to save

these settings. Therefore, if you change either setting in the Setup program and then exit the program without saving your changes, the new time or date still takes effect.

Leaving the Setup Program

When you finish setting the options in the Setup menu, highlight the summary such as this:

Exit

option and press

Enter. You

see a

Memory size

Display type

Coprocessor

Mass storage

Real-time clock

Main

Expansion

Drive A: Drive B: Drive C: Drive D:

Time 13:30:00 Date

C h a n g e S e t t i n g s

E x i t w i t h o u t s a v i n g ** EXIT AND SAVE **

640KB 0 KB

Color/graph. 80 col

80287 not installed

1.2 MB None Type 11 None

08-30-1989

Check the list to see if all the information is correct. If any setting is incorrect, highlight Change settings and press Enter. The main Setup menu appears and you can change

the setting, as necessary.

If you did not make any changes or you want to cancel the changes you made, highlight Exit without saving and press Enter. The command prompt appears on the screen. (If you turned on or reset the computer with the Reference diskette in the drive, the Operation menu appears on the screen. Press 0 and Enter to return to the MS-DOS command prompt.)

Note

If you changed the time or date, the new setting will be in effect even if you exit the Setup program without saving your changes.

If you want to save the settings you made, follow these steps:

Remove the Reference diskette from drive A.

2. Highlight ** EXIT AND SAVE ** and press Enter.

The program stores the new settings and resets the computer using the new configuration. The C : \> prompt appears on the screen.

If the computer displays a setup error message while it is starting up, run the Setup program again and check all your settings.

Running the Setup Program

2-11

Chapter 3

Using Your Computer

This chapter covers the following basic procedures for using

your computer:

Changing the operating speed

Using special keys on the keyboard Stopping a command or program Resetting and turning off the computer Using disks and disk drives.

Changing the Operating Speed

Your computer can operate at two speeds: 8 MHz or 12 MHz. At 12 MHz, the computer performs all tasks faster, and almost

all programs may be run at 12 MHz. However, some option cards and application programs require the lower speed. See your option card or application program manual to make sure that you can use the higher speed before selecting it.

Use the CPU SPEED switch on the front panel to change the speed; move it left for 8 MHz or right for 12 MHz.

Using Your

Computer

3-1

WARNING You can change the speed while the computer is on, but do not change it while you are running a program. Complete

your current operation, exit the program to the MS-DOS command prompt, and then change the speed.

Special Keys on the Apex Keyboard

Certain keys on your keyboard serve special functions when your computer is running application programs. The illustration below shows the Apex keyboard, and the table that follows describes the special keys.

Key

F1-F12

Tab

Ctrl

Shift

Purpose Perform special functions within application

programs. (Some keys also function with MS-DOS. See your MS-DOS Reference Manual for more information.)

Moves the cursor one tab to the right in normal mode (and one tab to the left in shift mode when using some application programs).

Works with other keys to perform special (control) functions, such as editing operations.

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

Key

Alt

Purpose Works with other keys to enter alternate character

codes or functions.

Backspace

Enter

Caps Lock

Esc

Num Lock

Scroll Lock Break

Sys Req

PrtSc

Moves the cursor back one space, deleting the character to the left of the cursor.

Ends a line of keyboard input or executes a

command (may be called the Return key in some

application program manuals). Changes the letter keys from lower- to uppercase;

changes back to lowercase when pressed again.

The numeric/symbol keys on the top row of the

keyboard are not affected.

Cancels the current command line or operation in

MS-DOS. Esc can also have special uses in

application programs.

Changes the function of the keys on the numeric/

cursor keypad from numeric entry to cursor

positioning; changes back when pressed again. Controls scrolling in some application programs. When pressed with the Ctrl key (hold down Ctrl

and press Break), sends a break signal to the computer to terminate the current operation.

Produces the system request function in certain applications.

Prints the screen display on a dot-matrix printer.

Home, End, PgUp, PgDn,

Ins

Del

Control cursor location in some applications, such as word processors, game programs, and spreadsheets.

Turns the insert function on and off in some application programs.

Deletes the character at the cursor position.

Using Your Computer

3-3

The

Num Lock,

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

Scroll

Lock,

and

Caps Lock

keys work as

Stopping a Command or Program

You may sometimes need to stop a command or program while

it is running. Many application programs provide a command you can use to stop or even cancel (undo) an operation. If you

have entered an MS-DOS command that you want to stop, try

one of the following commands:

Hold down the Hold down the

These methods may also work in your application programs. If you cannot stop a particular operation, however, you may need to reset the computer, as described in the following section.

Ctrl

key and press C

Ctrl

key and press

Break.

Caution

It is best not to turn off the computer to stop a program or command. If you have created new data that you have not

yet stored, it will be erased if you turn off the computer. Your computer stores data in its memory until you save it; but the memory area is erased each time you turn off or reset the

computer.

Resetting the Computer

Occasionally, you may want to stop what the computer is doing entirely and reload MS-DOS. This is called resetting the computer. You may need to do this if an error occurs and the computer does not respond to anything you type on the keyboard. However, resetting erases all data in the computer’s memory that you have not stored, so reset your computer only

if necessary.

WARNING

not reset to. Some application progr when you exit the program. If you reset the computer without properly exiting the program, you may lose data.

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

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

If you are using MS-DOS, hold down Ctrl and Alt and press the Del key. The screen should go blank for a moment and then the computer reloads MS-DOS. If this does not correct the problem, try the second method.

the computer to exit a program unless y

ams classify and store new data

ou need

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

3. Remove any diskettes from the diskette drive. Turn off the computer and wait five seconds. Then turn the power back on. The computer loads MS-DOS and displays the MS-DOS prompt.

Using Your

Computer

3-5

Turning Off the Computer

Before turning off your computer, be sure to save your data and exit the program you are using. Then remove any diskettes from the diskette drive. Turn off the computer first and then turn off the monitor and any peripherals.

Using Disks and Disk Drives

The disk drives in your computer allow you to store data on disk and retrieve it when you want it. The Apex 200\20

has one 1.2MB diskette drive and one 20MB hard disk. The

Apex 200\40 has one 1.2MB diskette drive and one 40MB

hard disk. This section explains how disks work and tells you how to do

the following:

Choose diskettes

Care for your diskettes and diskette drives

Insert and remove diskettes

Write-protect diskettes Make backup copies of your diskettes Use a single diskette drive Use a hard disk drive.

How Disks Store Data

The diskette you insert in your computer’s diskette drive is made of flexible plastic, coated with magnetic material. It is enclosed in a square jacket that is slightly flexible. Your computer stores data on the diskette by recording on the magnetic surface.

Unlike a diskette, a hard disk is rigid and fixed in place. It is sealed in a protective case to keep it free from dust and dirt. A hard disk stores data the same way that a diskette does, but it works faster and has a much larger storage capacity.

All disks are divided into data storage compartments by sides, tracks, and sectors. Double-sided diskettes-like the ones you use in your computer-store data on both sides. On your disk

there are concentric rings, called tracks, in which a disk can store data. Double-density diskettes (such as 360KB diskettes) have 40 tracks, and high-density diskettes (such as 1.2MB diskettes) have 80 tracks.

A hard disk consists of two or more magnetically-coated platters stacked on top of one another, so it has four or more

sides with many more tracks than a diskette. A disk is further divided by sectors. To understand what a

sector is, picture the spokes on a bicycle wheel radiating from the center of the wheel to the tire. The space between one spoke and the next is like a sector on a diskette. (See the figure below.) Each track on a 1.2MB diskette has 15 sectors, and each sector holds 512 bytes.

Using Your Computer

3-7

Your computer uses the read/write heads in a disk drive to store and retrieve data on a disk. There is one head above the diskette and one below, so the drive can write to both sides of

the diskette. To write to a disk, the computer spins it in the drive to a position where one of the read/write heads can access the diskette through the read/write slot. The read/write slot on a diskette exposes the diskette’s magnetic surface so the read/write head can write on the appropriate area.

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

Types of Diskette Drives

Your computer has at least one 1.2MB diskette drive. With this drive, use 5¼-inch, double-sided, high-density, 96 TPI, 1.2MB diskettes. These diskettes contain 80 tracks per side, 15 sectors per track, and hold up to 1.2MB of information, which is

approximately 500 pages of text. You can also format these diskettes for 360KB—see your MS-DOS Reference Manual for more information.

In addition, you may have a diskette drive of a different type. The following list describes the types of optional diskette drives you can use in your computer and which diskettes you should use with them:

360KB drive-With this drive, use 5¼-inch, double-sided, double-density, 48 TPI (tracks per inch), 360KB diskettes.

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

720KB drive-With this drive, use 3½-inch, double-sided, double-density, 135 TPI, 720KB diskettes. These diskettes contain 80 tracks per side, 9 sectors per track, and hold up to 720KB of information-approximately 300 pages of text.

1.44MB drive-With this drive, use 3½-inch, doublesided, high-density, 135 TPI, 1.44MB diskettes. These diskettes contain 80 tracks per side, 18 sectors per track, and hold up to 1.44MB of information-approximately 600 pages of text.

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

they use.

NoteNote You must format new diskettes before you can use them with

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

Drive and diskette incompatibilities

Because of the size difference, you cannot use 3½-inch

diskettes in a 5¼-inch drive or vice versa. There are also

certain limitations on using diskettes that are the same size as

the drive but have different capacities. The following tables

summarize the possibilities and limitations.

5¼-inch drive/diskette

Drive type Diskette types it can read from and write to

360KB

1.2MB

compatibility

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

Using Your Computer

3-9

WARNING

If you write to a 360KB (or 160KB, 180KB, or 320KB) diskette while it is in a 1.2MB drive, you may not be able to

read it or write it in a 360KB drive later.

3½-inch drive/diskette compatibility

Drive type 720KB

1.44MB 720KB, or 1.44MB

Because of these incompatibilities, you should indicate the density and diskette type when you label your diskettes.

(Usually this information appears on the manufacturer’s label.) If you have any combination of the above drives (360KB,

1.2MB, 720KB, or 1.44MB), you can copy files from one drive to another-using the COPY or XCOPY command-as long as the correct diskette type is in each drive. You can use these commands to copy files between the hard disk and any type of diskette. You cannot use DISKCOPY to copy from one drive to another if the two drives are not the same type.

Diskette types it can read from and write to 720KB

Caring for Diskettes and Diskette Drives

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

Do not remove a diskette from the diskette drive or turn off the computer while the drive light is on. This light indicates that the computer is copying data to or from a diskette. If you interrupt this process, you can destroy data.

Remove all diskettes before you turn off the computer. Keep diskettes away from dust and dirt. Small particles of

dust or dirt can scratch the magnetic surface and destroy data. Dust can also ruin the read/write heads in a diskette drive.

Never wipe, brush, or try to clean diskettes in any way. Keep diskettes in a moderate environment. They work best

at normal room temperature and in normal humidity. Do not leave your diskettes sitting in the sun, or in extreme cold or heat.

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

Do not place diskettes on top of your monitor or near an

external disk drive. Never touch a diskette’s magnetic surface. The oils on your

fingertips can damage it. Always hold a diskette by its protective jacket. If you are using a 3½-inch diskette, do not slide the metal shutter; this exposes the diskette’s

surface. Do not place anything on top of your diskettes and be sure

they do not get bent. A diskette does not rotate properly in the drive if it has been damaged.

Carefully label your diskettes. Attach labels firmly but gently, and only along the top of a diskette (next to the manufacturer’s label). Do not stick several labels on top of one another-too many labels can make it difficult to insert the diskette into the drive.

It is best to write on the label before you attach it to the diskette. If you need to write on a label that is already on a diskette, use only a soft-tip pen, not a ballpoint pen or a pencil. Always indicate the storage capacity and density type on the label.

Store diskettes in a proper location, such as a diskette container. Do not store diskettes flat or stack them on top of each other. When you are not using them, keep your

diskettes in their protective envelopes.

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Follow these additional precautions to protect your hard disk drive and its data:

Never turn off the computer when the hard disk drive light

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

Never attempt to open the hard disk drive. The disk itself

is enclosed in a sealed container to protect it from dust.

If you are going to move your computer, run the HDSIT

program before turning it off. See “Preparing the Hard Disk

for Moving” at the end of this chapter.

Inserting and Removing Diskettes

To insert a diskette into the drive, hold it with the label facing up and the read/write slot leading into the drive, as shown below.

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

If a diskette is in the drive but the latch is up (horizontal) and you enter a command for that drive, the computer cannot tell there is a diskette in the drive and displays an error message such as:

Not ready error reading drive A

Abort, fail, retry?

Close the latch and press R. To remove the diskette, turn the drive latch up until it is

horizontal and the edge of the diskette pops out. Carefully pull out the diskette, place it in its protective envelope, and store it in a proper location, such as a diskette container.

If you have an optional 3½-inch diskette drive, insert the diskette with the label facing up and the metal shutter leading into the drive, as shown below. Slide the diskette into the drive until it clicks into place.

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To remove a 3½-inch diskette, press the release button to

release it. When the edge pops out of the drive, pull out the

diskette and store it properly.

WARNING

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

Write-protecting Diskettes

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

To write-protect a 5¼-inch diskette, cover the small,

rectangular notch (shown below) with an adhesive writeprotect tab. Write-protect tabs usually come with new 5¼-inch diskettes when you buy them.

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

Note

Some program diskettes, such as your MS-DOS diskettes,

have no notch so they are permanently write-protected. This protects them from being accidentally erased or altered.

On a 3½-inch diskette, the write-protect device is a small switch on the lower-right comer on the back, shown below. To write-protect a 3½-inch diskette, slide the switch toward the edge of the diskette until it clicks into position, exposing a hole

in the corner.

To remove the write protection, slide the switch toward the center of the diskette so the hole is covered.

Making Backup Copies

It is important to make copies of all your data and system diskettes. Copy all diskettes that contain programs, such as the original MS-DOS diskettes that come with your computer, and use only the copies. Store your original MS-DOS diskettes in a safe place away from your working copies. Back up your data diskettes regularly, whenever you revise them, to keep them up-to-date, and store them away from your originals.

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Chapter 1 describes how to use DISKCOPY to copy your MS-DOS and Reference diskettes. To make backups of other diskettes, use the DISKCOPY command or the MENU program. See Chapter 4 for more instructions on using DISKCOPY and MENU.

It is best to put most of the programs and data files you use regularly on the hard disk. Keep backup copies of all your program files on diskettes, however, and regularly copy important data files to diskettes as well. For more information, see “Backing Up Data” in Chapter 4 and check your MS-DOS Reference Manual.

Using a Single Diskette Drive

The operating system expects the computer to have at least

two diskette drives, and it displays prompts and messages accordingly. If the computer has only one diskette drive, MS-DOS treats the one drive like two logical drives. This helps you perform operations that normally require two diskette drives.

Usually, MS-DOS recognizes the first diskette drive (the top drive) as drive A and the second diskette drive as drive B. If you have only one diskette drive, MS-DOS recognizes it as both A and B.

For example, if you give a command to copy from A to B,

MS-DOS copies data from the diskette you place in the single drive (A) to the computer’s memory. Then MS-DOS

automatically prompts you to insert another diskette in the same drive, which it now identifies as drive B. It copies the data from memory to the new diskette. When the copying is complete, MS-DOS identifies the drive as drive A again, and

you see a prompt to insert the original diskette into drive A.

You can load the operating system and application programs

from the hard disk, create and store your data there, and use

the diskette drive just for copying data to and from diskettes.

Note

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

Using the Hard Disk Drive

You can create and revise files on a hard disk just as you can on a diskette. The hard disk, however, provides several

advantages:

The 20MB hard disk can store more data than 16 1.2MB diskettes and the 40MB hard disk can store twice as much.

Your computer can perform all disk-related operations faster.

You can store all your frequently used programs and data files on the hard disk, eliminating the inconvenience of

inserting and removing diskettes to access different files.

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

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

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Epson also includes the XTREE utility with MS-DOS. XTREE provides simple menus that allow you to move, create, delete, and rename files and directories. These capabilities are especially useful on the hard disk drive. See Chapter 4 for an introduction to XTREE or see your MS-DOS Reference Manual for complete instructions.

The hard disk in your computer has been prepared at the factory so it contains all the MS-DOS system files and automatically loads MS-DOS when you turn on or reset the computer. If your computer does not seem to be working correctly, however, you may need to repeat some of the procedures necessary to prepare it for use. If you think this may be the case, see Appendix E for instructions.

Backing up hard disk files

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

accidentally. Make copies of all your system and application program diskettes before copying the programs to the hard disk. After you create data files on the hard disk, be sure to copy them to diskettes whenever you revise them to keep your backup diskettes up-to-date.

You can use the MENU utility or the BACKUP command to back up your hard disk files. Use the MENU utility or the DISKCOPY command to make copies of your system and program diskettes. For instructions on using these programs, see Chapter 4 (or see your MS-DOS manual).

Preparing the hard disk for moving

Before you move the computer, you need to secure the read/write heads inside the hard disk drive. Securing the read/write heads moves them to a region of the disk surface that does not contain data, and locks them in position. This prevents the disk from being damaged if it is bumped accidentally.

To secure the read/write heads for moving, run the HDSIT program. Follow these steps to run HDSIT:

Exit any program you are using so the MS-DOS command prompt is on the screen,

Insert the Reference diskette in drive A.

3. Type the following and press

Enter:

A:HDSIT

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

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Chapter 4

Using MS-DOS With Your Computer

Your computer comes with version 3.3. of MS-DOS. This operating system manages your computer by organizing the computer’s memory, controlling the monitor display, receiving keyboard input, and accessing data.

To communicate with the operating system, you use MS-DOS commands. How much you need to know about MS-DOS depends on how you plan to use your computer. If you plan to use it just to run application programs, the few MS-DOS commands you’ll need are introduced in this chapter. If you need more information, see your MS-DOS Reference Manual for a complete description of MS-DOS.

This chapter covers the following topics:

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

Entering an MS-DOS command Creating and managing files Using directories

Formatting diskettes Backing up data Using special Epson utilities Using an AUTOEXEC.BAT file.

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Starting and Exiting MS-DOS

Before you can run an MS-DOS application program, MS-DOS must be running in memory.

When you turn on your computer, it loads MS-DOS from the hard disk automatically. The screen then displays the MS-DOS command prompt, C : \>. This tells you that MS-DOS is loaded and identifies the current drive.

Before you turn off the computer, make sure the MS-DOS command prompt is displayed. Then remove your diskettes, turn off your computer, and turn off any peripherals.

Another way to load MS-DOS is by turning on the computer with the Startup diskette in drive A. You may need to do this if your hard disk is not functioning. You must use this method if your computer does not have a hard disk. Follow the

instructions in the next section.

Loading MS-DOS From a Diskette

Follow these steps to load MS-DOS from a diskette in drive A:

When your computer is off, insert the Startup diskette into drive A. (For detailed instructions on inserting diskettes, see “Inserting and Removing Diskettes” in Chapter 3.)

Turn on any peripheral equipment, then turn on your computer. The computer loads MS-DOS into its memory where it will remain until you turn off the computer. Once MS-DOS is loaded, you see a date prompt, such as the following, which appears every time you load MS-DOS:

Current date is Mon 11-06-89 Enter new date:

3. You may enter the correct date in the format shown, such as 12 - 25 - 89 (you do not need to enter the day of the

week), or you may accept the date shown by pressing

Enter.

Next the screen displays the time prompt, like this:

Current time is 09 : 32 : 21 Enter new time:

You may enter the correct time in the format shown (such as 04 : 30 : 00), or you may accept the time shown by pressing MS-DOS command prompt:

Enter.

MS-DOS is now loaded and displays the

Starting an Application Program

Once you have loaded MS-DOS, you can start using your application program. If you have already copied the application program to the hard disk, log onto drive C (and the appropriate directory, if necessary). Then just enter the necessary command to start the application program, as described in the program’s manual. From this point on, until you return to the MS-DOS command prompt, refer to the application program manual for any instructions on using the program.

Using Drive Designators

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

MS-DOS identifies the hard disk as drive C, even if you have only one diskette drive.

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The Default Drive

At any given time, MS-DOS considers one disk drive to be the default drive. The default drive is the one on which MS-DOS executes your next command, unless you tell it to do otherwise. For example, if the default drive is C, and you issue the DIR (directory) command, MS-DOS lists the files stored on drive C. If the default drive is A and you type WP and press Enter, MS-DOS looks on the diskette in drive A for a file called WP and executes it.

The MS-DOS command prompt tells you which drive is the current default. The command prompt consists of the drive letter followed by a greater-than symbol, "<". (Depending on how your system has been set up, the command prompt may

also include additional information.) Thus, when you see A> displayed on your screen, you know that the default drive is A.

The command prompt also lets you know that MS-DOS is

ready to receive a command from you. If you need to access a file or program on another drive, you

can either change the default drive or specify the other drive when you give the command.

Changing the Default Drive

To change the default drive, type the letter of the drive you want to change to, followed by a colon. Then press Enter. For example, to change the default from A to C, type the following

and press

Enter:

MS-DOS acknowledges the change by displaying the command prompt C : \>. Changing to a new drive is also called logging onto that drive.

Specifying the Drive Designator

If you want to access a program or file on another drive without first changing the default drive, type the drive designator along with the filename. For example, if you are logged onto drive A and want to use a file named PROGRAM on drive C, you would type the following and then press

Enter:

C:PROGRAM

MS-DOS loads and executes the file named PROGRAM from drive C, but stays logged onto drive A.

Types of MS-DOS Commands

Each MS-DOS command is either internal or external. Internal commands are commands that are built into MS-DOS and can be used at any time once MS-DOS is loaded into memory. External commands are separate program files stored on your hard disk and MS-DOS diskettes.

If you display a directory of the files on your MS-DOS diskettes, you see the names of the external commands but not the internal ones. The following lists show which external commands are on which diskette.

Startup diskette

ANSI.SYS COMMAND.COM COUNTRY.SYS DISPLAY.SYS

DRIVER.SYS EGA.CPI FASTOPEN.EXE

FDISK.COM FORMAT.COM KEYB.COM KEYBOARD.SYS MODE.COM NLSFUNC.EXE

PRINTER.SYS

REPLACE.EXE SELECT.COM SYS.COM VDISK.SYS XCOPY.EXE

4201.CPI

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Operating 1 diskette

APPEND.EXE ASSIGN.COM ATTRIB.EXE

BACKUP.COM CHKDSK.COM COMMAND.COM

COMP.COM

DEBUG.COM

DISKCOMP.COM

DISKCOPY.COM

Operating 2 diskette

MENU.EXE SETBCKUP.EXE

SETRSTOR.EXE

SETRPLCE.EXE

SETXCOPY.EXE

Reference diskette

ALTPTST.DIG ALTSTST.DIG

AUTOEXEC.BAT

CO87TST.DIG

COLRTST.DIG

COMMAND.COM

DIAG.COM

DIAGSYS.COM

EXE2BIN.EXE

EDLIN.COM FC.EXE FIND.EXE FORMAT.COM GRAFTABL.COM

GRAPHICS.COM JOIN.EXE LABEL.COM MORE.COM PRINT.COM

SETATTR.EXE SETFC.EXE SETMODE.EXE SETPRINT.EXE DU.EXE

FDDTST.DIG FORMAT.COM HDCACHE.EXE

HDDTST.DIG

HDFMTALL.COM

HDSIT.EXE KEYTST.DIG

LINK.EXE MAINTST.DIG

RECOVER.COM RESTORE.COM SHARE.EXE SORT.EXE SUBST.EXE TREE.COM XTREE.EXE XTREEINS.DAT XTREEINS.EXE TESTBUG.COM

GRAPH24.COM EPSON.TXT HELP.COM HELP.TXT

MEMTST.DIG MONOTST.DIG MPRTTST.DIG PARATST.DIG ROMBIOS.COM SERITST.DIG SETUP.EXE SYSTAT.COM VDOPTST.DIG

To run an external command, MS-DOS must be able to locate

the file containing the command’s instructions. If it cannot find the file, MS-DOS gives you an error message. If you have a hard disk, all the external files are on your hard disk (drive C).

If you have no hard disk, you must insert the proper diskette to

access an MS-DOS command. For example, if you want to use

the FORMAT program, you must insert the Startup diskette in

one of the diskette drives. Then you can either log onto that drive and give the FORMAT command or specify the

appropriate drive when you enter the command.

For example, if you have two diskette drives, and are logged

onto drive A, you could format a diskette in drive B with the command:

FORMAT B:

In this case, MS-DOS looks on drive A, the default drive, for the file named FORMAT.COM. If the diskette in that drive contains the file FORMAT.COM (as does the Startup diskette), MS-DOS finds it there. If you are logged onto drive

B, however, you would need to enter the command like this:

A:FORMAT B:

This tells MS-DOS to look on drive A for FORMAT.COM.

Entering an MS-DOS Command

To enter an MS-DOS command, you need to type the

command in the correct format. The command format provides MS-DOS with the information needed to perform a task.

The MS-DOS command format consists of the command name, parameters, and delimiters. The command name tells MS-DOS the task you want the computer to perform. Parameters specify details such as what data you want to process and where to locate or store a file. Delimiters are characters such as spaces or commas that separate command names and parameters.

For example, the command to format a diskette in drive A is:

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FORMAT is the command name to execute the file FORMAT.COM. The A: is a parameter that tells the command what to format-in this case, the diskette in drive A. The space between FORMAT and A: is the delimiter that lets MS-DOS distinguish the command name (FORMAT) from the parameter (A:).

Some commands also have optional switches you can use. A switch is a type of parameter that alters the effect of a

command. For example, suppose you want to make a copy of a single-sided diskette. To do this, you need to add a switch to the DISKCOPY command like this:

DISKCOPY A: A:/1

Without the /1 switch, DISKCOPY would expect the diskette

to be double-sided. Switches are preceded by a forward slash: 1. See your MS-DOS Reference Manual for more information on

the command format. Also see your MS-DOS manual for command descriptions that tell you which parameters and delimiters are required for each command and which optional parameters and switches you can use.

You can enter an MS-DOS command whenever you see the MS-DOS command prompt. Type the command name and any necessary parameters and delimiters and then press execute the command. MS-DOS does not execute your command until you press

You can type command names and parameters in either uppercase or lowercase letters. If you make a mistake when typing a command and you notice it before you press you can do either of two things:

Use the backspace key to back up to the error so you can correct it

Press ESC to cancel the command line.

Enter.

Enter to

Enter,

If you press Enter when a command line has an error in it, the screen displays an error message. Usually, the command prompt reappears so you can try again. Type the correct command and press

Enter.

Creating and Managing Files

All your data and programs are stored in files on disk. A data file contains information, such as words, numbers, or pictures. A program file contains instructions that the computer can understand and execute.

The kind of file you create depends on the MS-DOS command or application program you use to create it. In general, a data file that you create using an application program is stored in a special format. If you use a different application program to read that file, you may encounter problems.

When you create a file, you need to give it a name. You must name your files in a certain format required by MS-DOS.

Naming Files

Each file must have a unique filename so you can retrieve it when you need to. The filename consists of two parts: the name and the extension (which is optional).

You can choose a name up to eight characters long. Create a name that identifies the information the file contains. The name can contain any characters or numbers except for blank

spaces and the following symbols:

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The extension is optional and can be up to three characters

long. You can use the extension to further identify a file or to

describe what type of file it is, such as a text file or program file.

When you use an extension, separate it from the filename with

a period. For example, an MS-DOS filename might look like

this:

DATA.TXT

Some application programs automatically add extensions to the files you create. These application programs use the extension to determine whether it is a compatible data file. Avoid using the same extensions as your application programs. Also, do not use uppercase and lowercase letters to distinguish between files. MS-DOS does not recognize the difference and displays all filenames in uppercase.

Certain extensions are reserved for program files and you must not use them for your data files. The reserved extensions are

.COM, .EXE, and .BAT. Files with these extensions are also

sometimes called executable files. The .BAT extension denotes a particular kind of executable

file called a batch file. Batch files can be used to automate

sequences of MS-DOS instructions. Even if you are not a programmer, you may want to create some batch files to assist you in your work. A particularly useful kind of batch file, called an autoexecute batch file (or “AUTOEXEC” file) is discussed later in this chapter.

Copying Files

You can use the COPY command to copy individual files or groups of files. COPY is an internal command; you can use it

any time you see the MS-DOS command prompt.

You can use the COPY command to copy files in several ways:

You can copy individual files from one disk to another You can copy a group of files at once using wildcard

characters You can copy one or more files and give them new names You can combine or merge files into one file.

To use the COPY command, type COPY at the command prompt, followed by the drive designators and necessary filenames. Then press Enter to execute the command.

For example, to copy the file named REPORT from the diskette in drive A to the hard disk using the same name for the copy as for the original file, type the following and press

Enter:

COPY A:REPORT C:

You now have two files named REPORT, one on the diskette in drive A and one on the hard disk, drive C.

If you want to copy the file named REPORT from the diskette

in drive A to drive C using a new name, FACTS, for the copy,

type the following and press

Enter:

COPY A:REPORT C:FACTS

The file REPORT remains unchanged on drive A, but a new file named FACTS now exists on drive C.

To copy the file named REPORT to the same diskette and name the copy FACTS, type the following and press Enter:

COPY REPORT FACTS

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Now you have two files on the default drive that have the same

contents but different names. In this example, you can omit the drive designators because the original file and the copy are both on the default drive.

Using wildcards

An easy way to copy a group of files is by using wildcard characters in the filenames. You can use two wildcards:

* and ?. The asterisk represents any group of characters and

the question mark represents any single character. For example, to copy all the files on the diskette in drive A to

drive C, type the following and press Enter:

COPY A:*.* C:

To copy all files with names that begin with the four letters MEMO and end with any single character (such as MEMO1), type the following and press

Enter:

COPY A:MEMO? C:

You can also use the COPY command to combine several files

into one. For example, to create a new file called DATA that consists of the files REPORT, FACTS, and MEMO, type the following and press

Enter:

COPY REPORT + FACTS + MEMO DATA

Now the file DATA consists of REPORT followed by FACTS followed by MEMO. Be current drive, no drive designators are necessary.

To copy REPORT, FACTS, and MEMO from drive A to the file named DATA on drive C, type the following and press

the files are located on the

cause

Enter:

COPY A:REPORT + A:FACTS + A:MEMO C:DATA

Remember these rules when copying files:

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4-13

You must tell MS-DOS where to find the original file and where to store the copy; that is, you need to specify the drive (and directory, if necessary) for both.

You cannot create a new file with the same name and in the same directory as an existing file.

If there is a file on the destination diskette or directory that

has the same name as the file you are copying, the copy

automatically replaces the existing file. There is no warning that the existing file is being replaced. Be careful that you do not accidentally erase a file you want to keep.

If you are copying to a diskette, that diskette must have been previously formatted.

Note

You can also use the XCOPY command to copy individual files or groups of files. XCOPY, an external command, offers an efficient way to copy certain groups of files. For details about XCOPY, see your MS-DOS Reference Manual.

Renaming Files

You can use the RENAME command to change the name of a file or group of files on the same disk and directory. For

example, to rename a file named PROSPECT (in the default directory) to CLIENT, type the following and press Enter:

RENAME PROSPECT CLIENT

Note

RENAME does not rename a file to a new name if a file with that name exists already.

You can shorten the RENAME command to REN. To change

the name of a file from HAMMERS to WRENCHES, therefore, you can type the following and press

Enter:

REN HAMMERS WRENCHES

You can use wildcards to rename groups of files. For example, to change just the extensions of all files on drive A with the extension .NEW to .OLD, type the following and press Enter:

REN A:*.NEW *.OLD

To add the extension .OLD to all files that begin with the same five characters, MEMOS, but end with one varying character,

type the following and press

Enter:

REN MEMOS? MEMOS?.OLD

This command would rename files such as MEMOS1 and MEMOS2 to MEMOS1.OLD and MEMOS2,OLD.

See your MS-DOS Reference Manual for more information on the RENAME command,

Deleting Files

You can delete files you no longer need with the DEL (delete)

command. For example, to delete REPORT.AUG from drive C, type the following and press

DEL

To delete the file WRENCHES from drive C, type the following and press

C:REPORT.AUG

Enter:

DEL C:WRENCHES

You can use wildcards to delete groups of files. For example, to delete all files on the diskette in drive A (in the current directory), type the following and press

Enter:

DEL A:*.*

Because deleting all files is a serious procedure, MS-DOS prompts you to confirm the command when you use the * . * wildcard combination with the DEL command. You see this prompt:

Are you sure (Y/N)?

Press Y for yes or N for no.

A synonym for DEL is ERASE. Thus, you can substitute

ERASE for DEL in any of the preceding examples.

Printing Files

If you have a printer attached to your computer, you can print files with the PRINT command. You will probably be printing files with the application programs you use with MS-DOS, but

if you need to print a file from the MS-DOS command prompt, follow the steps below.

To print a file named STATS.NBA from the diskette in drive A:

Make sure your printer is on and ready to print.

At the command prompt, type the following and press

Enter:

PRINT A:STATS.NBA

MS-DOS prompts you for the name of the printing device connected to your computer. (This is usually the name of the communications port that the printer cable is connected to, such as PRN.)

Using

MS-DOS With Your Computer

4-15

3. Type the name of the device, such as PRN, and press

Enter. MS-DOS prints the file on your printer.

See your MS-DOS Reference Manual for more information on

the PRINT command.

Using Directories

You can create many files on a diskette, and a hard disk can

store thousands of files. To help you organize this much information, MS-DOS lets you subdivide a disk into logical units called directories. Directories allow you to arrange the data on your disk so that files of similar type or purpose are kept together.

While you may not need to create directories on a diskette— especially if it contains only a few large files-directories are essential for organizing files on a hard disk.

Whenever you format a disk, MS-DOS creates one main directory for you. This directory is called the root directory. Any subsequent directories you create are logically subordinate to the root directory; that is, they are subdirectories of the root directory. A simple directory structure might look like this:

This arrangement would enable you to keep your word processing programs and data files in a directory called WORDPROC, your spreadsheet program and data files in a directory called SPDSHEET, and the MS-DOS files in a directory called DOS. The few files that MS-DOS needs to find

as soon as you boot your system (COMMAND.COM,

CONFIG.SYS, and perhaps AUTOEXEC.BAT) could remain

at the top level of the structure, in the root directory.

As the number of files in your WORDPROC and SPDSHEET directories grows, you can create additional directories subordinate to those two-like this, for example:

Root directory

WORDPROC

DOS

SPDSHEET

BUSINESS PERSONAL

This structure would let you segregate your business word processing files from your personal word processing files and your sales spreadsheets from spreadsheet files used for financial projections.

Your directory structure may be as simple as this example or it

could be much more complex. Organize your disk(s) to suit your own needs, and you can always delete old directories and create new ones as your needs change.

Here are some additional points to note about directories:

In the root directory, the total number of files and subdirectories must not exceed 512 on a hard disk and 224 on a 1.2MB diskette.

All directories other than the root directory can have any number of files and subdirectories, as long as there is space on the disk.

SALES

PROJ

Subdirectories are named the same way files are. The name can include as many as eight characters, and you can add an extension of up to three characters.

The root directory does not have a name. It is identified by the backslash character: \ .

Diskettes have root directories, just as hard disks do, and you can create subdirectories on diskettes the same as on hard disks.

Using MS-DOS With Your Computer

4-17

The following sections discuss the basics of creating and using

directories.

Note

The XTREE utility provides a simple way to see and organize your directories. See the description of XTREE later in this chapter.

The Default Directory

MS-DOS always recognizes one directory as the default or current directory, just as it always recognizes one drive as the default drive. The default directory is the one in which MS-DOS performs your commands, unless you tell it to do otherwise.

If you want to run a program or access a data file that is not stored in the default directory, you can either change directories (making a different directory the default) or include

a pathname in your command.

Changing the Default Directory

To change from one directory to another, use the CHDIR command, or its shorthand equivalent, CD. For example, to change to the root directory of the default drive from anywhere

in the directory tree, type the following and press Enter:

CHDIR \

If you are in the WORDPROC directory and you want to change to PERSONAL, a subdirectory of WORDPROC, type

the following and press

Enter:

CD PERSONAL

To change from PERSONAL back to WORDPROC, you can use the special symbol . . (two periods). The . . symbol always designates the parent directory. In other words, you can type:

CD . .

Using Pathnames

A pathname tells MS-DOS h

you want to access. There are two basic types of pathnames: relative and absolute. A relative pathname tells MS-DOS how to find its way to the desired directory from the current default

directory. An absolute pathname tells MS-DOS how to find its

way to the desired directory from the root Here is an example of an absolute pathname:

to find its way to the directory

directory.

\WORDPROC\PERSONAL

The backslash at the beginning of this pathname tells

MS-DOS to start at the root directory, proceed down the directory tree to WORDPROC, then continue down the tree to PERSONAL.

Here is an example of a relative pathname:

SALES

Because this pathname does not begin with a backslash, MS-DOS assumes that the starting point of the path is the current, default directory. This pathname thus tells MS-DOS to find a directory named SALES that is a subdirectory in the current default directory. Using the example above, you would have to be logged onto the SPDSHEET directory for this pathname to be valid.

Relative pathnames can tell MS-DOS to move upward in the directory tree as well as downward. The symbol . . in a pathname tells MS-DOS to move upward one level in the tree.

Using MS-DOS With Your Computer

4-19

Thus, if the default directory were WORDPROC (in the above example), the pathname . . move up one level from WORDPROC (in this case to the root directory) and then find a subdirectory called DOS.

You can use either relative or absolute pathnames at any time,

as long as you give MS-DOS enough information to find the directory or file at the end of the pathname.

\DOS would tell MS-DOS to

Including Filenames With Pathnames

You usually use a pathname when you want to access a file that

is not stored in the current default directory. The name of the

file you want to access is specified at the end of the pathname,

like this:

TYPE \WORDPROC\PERSONAL\JEANl204.DOC

This command tells MS-DOS to list on screen (TYPE) the contents of the file JEAN1204.DOC, which is stored in the directory \ WORDPROC \ PERSONAL. Note that the filename is connected to the pathname by a backslash character-the same character used to separate the various directories in the pathname itself.

Including Drive Letters With Pathnames and Filenames

As explained earlier, if you want to access a file stored on a drive other than the default drive, you have to include a drive designator (A:, for example) along with the filename. Likewise,

if the file you want is not stored in the default directory of that drive, you need to include a pathname as well as the drive designator.

For example, suppose you are logged onto the root directory of drive A, and you want to delete the file JEAN1204.DOC, which is stored in the directory \WORDPROC\PERSONAL of drive C. Enter the command as follows

DEL C:\WORDPROC\PERSONAL\JEANl204.DOC

Note that if you change from one drive to another and then try

to access a file on the previous drive, MS-DOS remembers which was the default directory when you were last logged onto that drive. For example, suppose the last time you were logged onto drive C, the default directory was the root directory. Now you are logged onto drive A and enter the following command to delete the file JEAN1204.DOC:

DEL C:JEAN1204.DOC

MS-DOS tries to find the file you want in the root directory of drive C, but the file is not there and an error message appears on the screen. For this case, you would need to enter the complete pathname as in the previous example.

If you do not know what the default directory on another drive is, it is a good idea to include the full pathname whether you

need it or not. You can never give MS-DOS too much

information. If you want to change to another directory on another drive,

just include the drive designator in the command-like this, for example:

CD C:\WORDPROC\PERSONAL

Using MS-DOS With Your Computer

4-21

Note

MS-DOS provides several commands that pathnames easier:

APPEND lets you set a search path for data files and executable files so MS-DOS knows where to find them even if you don’t specify the drive and directory.

PATH lets you specify a search path for commands and program files so you don’t have to type a full pathname every time you want to run an application program or an MS-DOS command.

SUBST lets you substitute a drive letter for a directory path, which is convenient if you frequently type long pathnames.

See your MS-DOS Reference Manual for information on these helpful commands.

make using

Creating Directories

You use the MKDIR command to create directories in MS-DOS. For example, to create a LEDGER directory under your root directory, type the following and press Enter:

MKDIR \LEDGER

You can abbreviate the name of this command to MD. For example, to create a SALES directory under the LEDGER directory, type the following and press

Enter:

MD \LEDGER\SALES

If you are currently in the LEDGER directory, you could create

the SALES subdirectory with this command:

MD SALES

In this case, you do not need to specify the path to the LEDGER directory because it is the default directory.

Listing the Contents of a Directory

Using MS-DOS With Your Computer

4-23

You can use the DIR command to list all the files in a particular directory. For example, to list the files in the current directory,

type the following and press

Enter:

DIR

MS-DOS lists the names of the files in the current directory on the current drive, in a format like the following example:

Directory of C:\WORDPROC\PERSONAL

. . LETTER.713 RESUME BOOKRPRT

7-13-89

8293 7-29-89

10866 6-18-89

File(s) 16013560 bytes

A directory listing includes the following information about each file: the name and extension, the size in bytes, and the date and time the file was created or last modified (whichever is later).

10 : 16a

11 : 43p

3 : 24p 1 : 48p 9 : 07a

free

Any subdirectories in the directory are listed along with the files; they are identified by the letters <DIR>. At the bottom of the listing, MS-DOS reports the total number of files (including directories) and the number of bytes on the disk that are still available for use.

If the listing is too long to fit on one screen, you can add the

/P switch to the command, like this:

DIR /P

This switch causes MS-DOS to pause after displaying each screenful of information. To see the next screenful, press any key.

Another way to view a long directory listing is to use the /W switch:

DIR /W

This displays the directory listing in a wide format, as follows:

Directory of C:\WORDPROC\PERSONAL

LETTER.713 RESUME BOOKRPRT

. .

5 File(s) 16013560 bytes free

As you can see, this type of listing does not show the size of the file or the time and date it was last modified.

To list the contents of a different drive or a different directory, include the appropriate drive designator and/or pathname in the command. For example, to see what is in the root directory of the diskette in drive A, type the following and press Enter:

DIR A:\

To display the contents of the WORDPROC\PERSONAL directory (on drive C), type the following and press Enter:

DIR C:\WORDPROC\PERSONAL

Displaying a List of Directories

The TREE command lets you display a list of all the directories

on the specified drive. For example, to see the names of all the directories on the default drive, type the following and press

Enter:

TREE

The screen displays a report for every directory on the drive, for example:

Path: C:\LEDGER

Sub-directories:RECEIV

PAYABL SALES

If you would also like to see a list of all the files in the directories, add the /F switch to the command:

TREE /F

The screen displays the directory information shown above plus

the names of all files in each subdirectory, for example:

Path:

C:LEDGER\SALES Sub-directories:None Files:

DECSALES FORECAST.90 OCTSALES NOVSALES

To see the list of directories on another drive, include the drive

designator:

TREE A:

Removing Directories

You may sometimes want to remove directories you no longer

need. A directory must be empty, however, before you can delete it. If it contains any files or subdirectories, MS-DOS

displays an error message and does not delete the directory.

(Use the DEL command to delete the files in a directory.)

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4-25

To delete an empty directory from a disk, use the RMDIR

command, or its shorthand equivalent, RD. For example, to remove the directory ACCOUNTS, which is a subdirectory in the LEDGER directory, type the following and press Enter:

RD \LEDGER\ACCOUNTS

If you are currently in the LEDGER directory, you can enter the command as follows:

RD ACCOUNTS

Formatting Diskettes

Before you can store data on a new diskette, you must format it. Formatting prepares the diskette so that MS-DOS can write to it. You need to do this only once, before you use the diskette for the first time.

You can reformat previously used diskettes. This process erases all data on the diskette, however, so be sure you do not want to save any of the data on a used diskette before you format it.

If you plan to use a new diskette to make a backup copy of another diskette, you do not need to format it first; the DISKCOPY program automatically formats a blank diskette if it has never been formatted. (See the description of DISKCOPY later in this chapter.)

Note

Besides the method described below, you can also format diskettes using the Epson MENU utility. This program is easy to use because it lets you select options from a menu.

For more information, see the section on MENU later in this chapter or see your MS-DOS Reference Manual.

The following procedure assumes your computer has a hard

Using MS-DOS With Your Computer

4-27

disk. If it does not, see “Formatting Diskettes With One Diskette Drive (No Hard Disk)” below.

necessary,

When you see the C : \> prompt, type the following and press

Enter:

type C : to log onto drive C.

FORMAT A:

You see this prompt:

Insert new diskette for drive A:

and strike ENTER when ready

Insert

Enter

you see a message similar to this:

the diskette you want to format in drive A and press

to start formatting. When the diskette

formatted,

Format complete

1213952 bytes total disk space 1213952 bytes available on disk

Format another (Y/N)?

4. At this point, you can either format another diskette by

pressing Y and Enter, or return to the MS-DOS command prompt by pressing N and

The formatted diskette is now ready to store data.

Enter.

Note You can also format diskettes for 360KB in your Apex

computer. See the MS-DOS Reference Manual for

information about options you can use with the FORMAT command.

Formatting Diskettes With One Diskette Drive

(No Hard Disk)

If your computer has only one diskette drive and no hard disk, follow this procedure to format a diskette:

Insert the working copy of your MS-DOS Startup diskette in drive A.

When you see the A> prompt, type the following and press

Enter:

FORMAT A:

You see this prompt:

Insert new diskette for drive A:

and strike ENTER when ready

Remove the MS-DOS Startup diskette and insert the diskette you want to format into the drive. Press Enter to start formatting. When the diskette is formatted, you see a

message similar to this:

Format complete

1213952 bytes total disk space 1213952 bytes available on disk

Format another (Y/N)?

4. At this point, you can either format another diskette by

pressing Y and Enter, or return to the MS-DOS command prompt by pressing N and

The formatted diskette is now ready to store data.

Note

You can also format diskettes for 360KB in your Apex computer. See the MS-DOS Reference Manual for

information about options you can use with the FORMAT

command.

Enter.

Epson Apex 20020, Apex 20040 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Introduction

How to Use This Manual

Where to Get Help

Unpacking

Removing the Diskette Drive Protector Card

Choosing a Location

Connecting a Monitor

Connecting a Printer, Mouse, or Modem

Using the Parallel Interface

Using the Serial Interface

Connecting the Power Cord

Connecting the Keyboard

Adjusting the Keyboard Angle

Setting the Front Monitor Switch

Turning On the Computer

The Command Prompt

Copying System Diskettes

Changing the Amount of Memory

Setting the Type of Display

Adding an 80287 Coprocessor

Changing the Disk Drive Settings

Setting the Real-time Clock

Leaving the Setup Program

Changing the operating speed

Special Keys on the Apex Keyboard

Stopping a Command or Program

Resetting the Computer

Turning Off the Computer

Using Disks and Disk Drives

How Disks Store Data

Types of Diskette Drives

Caring for Diskettes and Diskette Drives

Inserting and Removing Diskettes

Write-protecting Diskettes

Making Backup Copies

Using a Single Diskette Drive

Using the Hard Disk Drive

Starting and Exiting MS-DOS

Loading MS-DOS From a Diskette

Starting an Application Program

Using Drive Designators

The Default Drive

Changing the Default Drive

Specifying the Drive Designator

Types of MS-DOS Commands

Entering an MS-DOS Command

Creating and Managing Files

Naming Files

Copying Files

Renaming Files

Deleting Files

Printing Files

Using Directories

The Default Directory

Changing the Default Directory

Using Pathnames

Including Filenames With Pathnames

Including Drive Letters With Pathnames and Filenames

Creating Directories

Listing the Contents of a Directory

Displaying a List of Directories

Removing Directories

Formatting Diskettes