Epson EQUITY 3865X-20 PLUS User Manual

®

EPSON

EQUITY 3865X/20 PLUS

U s e r’s G u i d e

EPSON®

EQUITY 386SX/20 PLUS

USER’S GUIDE

X-EQ386-20PLUS

FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT FOR AMERICAN USERS

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio or

television reception. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause interference to radio and television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

l

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna

l

Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver

l

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

l

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

WARNING

The connection of a non-shielded equipment interface cable to this equipment will
invalidate the FCC Certification of this device and may cause interference levels which
exceed the limits established by the FCC for this equipment. It is the responsibility of the
user to obtain and use a shielded equipment interface cable with this device. If this
equipment has more than one interface connector, do not leave cables connected to unused
interfaces.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Epson America, Inc., could void the
user’s authority to operate the equipment.

FOR CANADIAN USERS

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

Le present appareil

applicables

brouillage

aux appareils

radio&ctrique 6dictC

numerique

num&riques

n’hnet

par le

pas de bruits

de

Qasse

Ministike

B

prescrites

des Communications du Canada.

radioClectriques

dans le

d&passant les limites

reglement

sur le

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.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

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

TRADEMARKS

Epson is a registered trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.
Equity is a registered trademark of Epson America, Inc.
General notice: Other product names used herein are for identification purposes only

and may be trademarks of their respective companies.

Copyright 0 1991 by Epson America, Inc.
Torrance, California

ii

Y72399100100

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1.

Read all of these instructions and save them for later reference.

2.

Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product.

3. Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not

use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for
cleaning.

4.

Do not use this product near water.

5.

Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, or table.
The product may fall, causing serious damage to the product.

6.

Slots and openings in the cabinet and the back or bottom are
provided for ventilation; to ensure reliable operation of the
product and to protect it from overheating, these openings must
not be blocked or covered. The openings should never be blocked
by placing the product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface.
This product should never be placed near or over a radiator or
heat register. This product should not be placed in a built-in

installation unless proper ventilation is provided.

7.

This product should be operated from the type of power source

indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of

power available, consult your dealer or local power company.

8.

This product is equipped with a 3-wire grounding-type plug, a
plug having a third (grounding) pin. This plug will only fit into a

grounding-type power outlet. This is a safety feature. If you are
unable to insert the plug into the outlet, contact your electrician
to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the purpose of the
grounding-type plug.

9.

Do not locate this product where the cord will be walked on.

10. If an extension cord is used with this product, make sure that
the total of the ampere ratings on the products plugged into the
extension cord do not exceed the extension cord ampere rating.

Also, make sure that the total of all products plugged into the

wall outlet does not exceed 15 amperes.

iii

11. Never push objects of any kind into this product through cabinet
slots, as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out
parts that could result in a risk of fire or electric shock. Never
spill liquid of any kind on the product.

12. Except as specifically explained in the User’s Manual, do not
attempt to service this product yourself. Opening or removing
those covers that are marked “Do Not Remove” may expose you
to dangerous voltage points or other risks. Refer all servicing in

those compartments to service personnel.

13. Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to

qualified service personnel under the following conditions:

A. When the power cord or plug is damaged or frayed.

B.

If liquid has been spilled into the product.
C. If the product has been exposed to rain or water.
D.

If the product does not operate normally when the operating
instructions are followed. Adjust only those controls that
are covered by the operating instructions, since improper
adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will
often require extensive work by a qualified technician to
restore the product to normal operation.

E.

If the product has been dropped or the cabinet has been
damaged.

F.

If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance,

indicating a need for service.

iv

Contents

Introduction

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

Chapter

1

Choosing a Location

2

Removing the Protector Card.

3

Connecting a Monitor

Connecting a Printer or Other Device.

4

1

Using the VGA Interface
Using a Display Adapter Card

Using the Parallel Interface
Using the Serial Interface.

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

Setting Up Your System

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2

3
3
4

5

1-1

1-3
1-4

1-4
1-7
1-8
1-8
1-11

5

Connecting the Keyboard

6

Connecting the Mouse
Connecting the Power Cord.

7
8

Turning On the Computer

Turning Off the Computer.

Chapter 2
Automatic Configuration

Starting the Setup Program.

Continuing From an

Moving the

Running the Setup Program

Cursor Block

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

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

Error Message

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1-12
1-13
1-15
1-16
1-18

2-2
2-2

2-4
2-5

v

Setting the Display Adapter Type.
Setting the Power-on Password.
Setting the Memory Caching

Setting the Processor Speed

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

Setting the Keyboard and Speaker Options
Setting the Rea-time Clock.
Setting the Hard Disk Drive Configuration

Hard Disk Drive Types

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2-6
2-9

2-11

2-12
2-14

2-16
2-19

2-23
Setting the Diskette Drive Type(s).
Setting the Serial/Parallel Interfaces.

Reviewing Your Settings
Leaving the Setup Menu

Chapter

3

Using Your Computer

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

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

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

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

Installing MS-DOS or Another Operating System
Copying the Reference Diskette Files.

Special Keys

on the Keyboard

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

Stopping a Command or Program.

Resetting the Computer
Using a Power-on Password

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

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

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

Using Disks and Disk Drives

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

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

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

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

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

.........

2-25
2-26
2-28

2-30

3-1

3-2
3-3
3-5

3-5
3-7
3-8
3-9
3-10

How Disks Store Data
Types of Diskette Drives

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

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

Caring for Diskettes and Diskette Drives..
Write-protecting Diskettes

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

Using a Single Diskette Drive System
Inserting and Removing Diskettes
Formatting Diskettes
Making Backup Copies
Using a Hard Disk Drive.

vi

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

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

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

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

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

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

3-10
3-12

3-14

3-16
3-18
3-19
3-21

3-21

3-22

Chapter 4

Enhancing System Operations

Using AUTOEXEC.BAT and Other
Changing the Processor Speed

Entering Keyboard Commands.
Using the ESPEED Program

Reassigning the Diskette Drives

Using the AFDD Program

Using Your Computer as a Network Server

Using a Password in Network Server Mode
Using Expanded Memory Beyond 640KB.
Using Special VGA Features

Chapter

Removing the Cover
Removing the Subassembly
Replacing the Subassembly

Replacing the Cover

Accessing Internal Components

5

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

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

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

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

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

Batch

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

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

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

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

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

Files.

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

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

..........

...........

4-1
4-2
4-4

4-5
4-7
4-8
4-9
4-10

4-11
4-12

5-2
5-5

5-8
5-16

Chapter
Changing the Jumper Settings

Moving a Jumper

Installing an Option Card
Removing an Option Card
Adding Memory Modules

Installing Memory Modules

Removing Memory Modules.
Installing a Math Coprocessor
Removing a Math Coprocessor.

Post-installation Setup

Installing and Removing Options

6

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6-2
6-4
6-5
6-9
6-10
6-11

6-15
6-19
6-22
6-23

vii

Chapter

7

Installing and Removing Disk Drives

Using the Correct Drive Bay

How

Setting the Hard Disk Drive Jumpers

Installing a Hard Disk in the Vertical Position.

Removing a Hard Disk From the Vertical Position

Installing or Removing a Disk Drive in the

to Use This Chapter

Setting the Jumpers for Two

Changing the Jumper Settings
Removing the Mounting Frames From the Drive

Removing and Attaching the Mounting Plate

Installing the Drive
Attaching the Cable to the Bottom of the Subassembly.

Horizontal Position

Installing a Disk Drive in the Horizontal Position.

Removing a Disk Drive From the Horizontal Position . .

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

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

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

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

Hard Disk Drives

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

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

........

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

........

.........

......

.....

7-2
7-3
7-4
7-4
7-5
7-7
7-8

7-10

7-12
7-19
7-21

7-23
7-24
7-33

Appendix A Troubleshooting

Identifying Your System

Error Messages
The Computer Won’t Start
The Computer Does Not Respond

Password Problems

Removing a Password

Setting a New Password
Keyboard Problems
Monitor Problems
Diskette Problems
Diskette Drive Problems
Hard Disk Problems

Installing the Drive
Preparing the Drive

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

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

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

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

Accessing Data on the Drive

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A-1
A-2
A-5
A-6
A-8
A-9
A-11
A-12
A-13
A-15
A-18

A-19
A-20
A-21
A-22

viii

Software Problems

Printer Problems
Option Card Problems
Mouse Problems

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

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

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

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

A-23
A-24
A-25
A-26

Memory Module Problems

Math Coprocessor Problems

Appendix B
Choosing the Type of Format

Reformatting a Used Disk.
Formatting a New Disk
Selecting an Option
Starting the Formatting Process

Option 1, Format

Modifying the Defective Track Table

Formatting the Disk
Option 2, Destructive Surface Analysis
Option 3, Non-destructive Surface Analysis
Exiting the Hard Disk Format Menu.

Physically Formatting a Hard Disk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A-27

A-27

B-2
B-3

B-4
B-4
B-4

B-5
B-7

B-9

B-10

B-12

B-13

Appendix C

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

Resuming From an Error
Error Codes and Messages

Performing System Diagnostics

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

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

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

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

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

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

C-2
C-4
C-5
C-6
C-8
C-12

ix

Appendix D

Specifications

CPU and Memory
Controllers
Interfaces

Power Supply
Mass Storage
Keyboard
Environmental Requirements
Physical Characteristics

Glossary

Index

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

D-1
D-2
D-2
D-3
D-3

D4
D-4
D-5

x

Introduction

The Epson® Equity®’ 386SX/20 PLUS is a high-performance
personal computer which offers exceptional speed and

convenience in a compact design. It includes 2MB of internal
memory, a built-in VGA (video graphics array) display adapter,
built-in parallel and serial interfaces, and an IBM®PS/2™

compatible mouse port.
The built-in interfaces allow you to connect most of your

peripheral devices directly to the computer, so you do not have

to install option cards. If you need to install additional devices,

such as a modem or networking card, you can use the four

standard option slots (three 16-bit and one 8-bit) inside the

computer.

Your system can support up to three internal drives: either two

diskette drives and one hard disk drive, or one diskette drive and

two hard disk drives.

The Equity 3865X/20 PLUS offers several other features to

enhance its speed and versatility:

Memory caching. Portions of your system memory are
copied to a high-speed cache buffer so your computer can
access programs and data very quickly.

Shadow RAM. Your system ROM (read-only memory) and
video ROM are copied into the computer’s RAM (random
access memory) to further accelerate system performance.

Super VGA mode. The built-in VGA adapter and VGA
drivers (included) provide graphics resolutions up to
800 x 600 in 16 colors or 640 x 480 in 256 colors on
compatible VGA monitors.

0

Continuous Edge Graphics™
by Edsun™). The built-in CEG chip refines the jagged lines
of images on a CRT screen by giving a standard 640 x 480

VGA screen the effective resolution of 2048 x 2048 and

boosting the palette from 256 to 750,000 colors. When used
with the appropriate application software and device drivers,
this technology gives you a clearer, more accurate
representation of graphics and text.

Optional Equipment

You can easily upgrade your computer by installing additional

memory and adding optional devices compatible with the IBM
Personal Computer, PC XT,™ or PC AT™

By adding memory modules to the main system board, you can

(CEG™)

technology (provided

expand the computer’s memory up to 14MB. Memory modules

are efficient because your computer can access memory. on
modules faster than memory on an option card. Also, they
eliminate the need to use an option slot to add memory to your
system. If necessary, you can add additional memory to your
system by using an option card to bring your total memory to

16MB.

You may also want to install the Intel®80387SX (20MHz) math

coprocessor to speed up calculations in certain application
programs.

Check with your authorized Epson dealer to see which options
are available.

2 Introduction

Operating Systems and Other Software

You may have a version of MS-DOS® to use with your
computer. Epson has enhanced MS-DOS by adding two time­saving utilities-HELP and MENU-that make it easier to use.
The HELP program lets you display information about any
MS-DOS command on the screen. MENU provides an easy way
to run many of the MS-DOS commands.

Note

MS-DOS is not the only operating system you can use with
your computer. You can run practically any operating system
compatible with MS-DOS, OS/2, Unix® or XENIX®. See the
documentation that came with your operating system to
install and run it on your computer.

You can use virtually any application program designed for the
IBM PC, PC XT, PC AT, or compatible computers on your
Equity 386SX/20 PLUS. You may also use powerful software,
such as Microsoft® Windows/386.

VGA Utilities

Epson has provided special VGA utilities and device drivers
that you can use with certain standard VGA and multi­frequency monitors. With these drivers, you can use super
VGA features such as 16-color graphics mode resolutions up to
800 x 600, 256-color resolutions up to 640 x 480, and

132-column text mode. See your VGA Utilities booklet for

complete information.
Epson also provides special device drivers that let you take

advantage of the Edsun CEG technology. These drivers instruct
specific applications to recognize the extra colors and higher
resolutions made available by CEG. See your CEG Utilities
booklet for instructions.

How to Use This Manual

This manual explains how to set up and operate your

computer, install options, and run diagnostics checks. The
illustrations show a computer with a 51/4-inch diskette drive, but
instructions for using a 3½-inch drive are also included.

Note
Although this manual provides tips for using MS-DOS, it
does not explain how to use an operating system. See your
operating system manuals for comprehensive instructions on

installing and using the operating system.

You do not need to read everything in this book; see the
following chapter summaries.

Chapter 1 provides simple step-by-step instructions for setting
up your system. On the back cover foldout are illustrations
showing the different parts of your computer; refer to these as
you set up your system.

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

Chapter 3 provides instructions for important operating
procedures, such as using and caring for disks and disk drives.

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

Chapter 5 contains instructions for removing the cover and
subassembly and then replacing the subassembly and cover.

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

Chapter 7 explains how to install and remove a hard disk or
diskette drive.

Appendix
Appendix B describes how to perform a hardware-level format

on a hard disk. You need to do this only if you have installed a
new hard disk that has never received this low-level format, or if

you are having serious problems with the disk

Appendix C outlines the system diagnostic checks. If you are

having trouble with any part of the hardware, you may want to
run some of these.

Appendix D gives the computer’s technical specifications.

At the end of the manual, you’ll find a glossary and an index.

A contains troubleshooting tips.

Where to Get Help

Customer support and service for Epson products are provided
by a network of authorized Epson dealers and Customer Care
Centers throughout the United States. Epson America provides
product information and support to its dealers and Customer
Care Centers.

Therefore, we ask that you contact the business where you

purchased your Epson product to request assistance. If the people
there do not have the answer to your question, they can obtain

it through our toll-free dealer support program. Epson is
confident that this policy will provide you with the assistance

you need.

Call the Epson Consumer Information Center at

[phone] for the the location of your nearest Epson dealer

or the nearest Customer Care Center. To locate or purchase

accessories or supplies, contact your nearest Epson dealer.

Introduction 5

Chapter 1

Setting Up Your System

Setting up your Equity 386SX/20 PLUS personal computer is
easy. Just follow the eight steps in this chapter. As you set up

your computer, you may want to leave this manual’s back cover
foldout open so you can refer to the illustrations identifying the
different parts.

Note
The illustrations in this manual show the computer with a

1

51/4-inch

drive instead, and you need additional instructions, see
Chapter 3.

Choosing a Location

diskette drive. If your system has a 3

i/z-inch

diskette

Setting Up Your System

1-1

Before you set up your computer, it’s important to choose a safe,
convenient location that provides the following:

0

A large, sturdy surface. The desk or table should be strong
enough to support the weight of your system and all of its
components. Select a location that allows plenty of space so
you can work comfortably.

P

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

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

P

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

P

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

P

Appropriate power sources. To prevent static charges,
connect all your equipment to 120-volt grounded outlets.
You need one outlet for the computer, one for the monitor,
and additional outlets for a printer and any other
peripherals.

0

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

1-2 Setting Up Your System

2

Removing the Protector Card

If you have a 5

the diskette slot. This card is inserted at the factory to protect

the read/write heads in the drive. To remove it, flip the latch up

to pop the card out part way, then pull it out, as shown below.

l/+inch

diskette drive, there is a protector card in

(If you have a second

the protector card from that drive as well.)

Save the protector card. If you transport your computer, you may
want to insert the card into your diskette drive prior to shipping.
This will protect the read/write heads during transportation.

Y/4-inch

diskette drive, be sure to remove

Setting Up Your System

1-3

Connecting a Monitor

3

The procedure you use to connect your monitor to the computer
depends on the type of monitor you have. If you have a VGA
monitor (or a multi-frequency monitor with an analog
connector), you can connect it to the computer’s built-in VGA
port. See “Using the VGA Interface” below. If you have any
other type of monitor, see "Using a Display Adapter Card”
below.

Using the VGA Interface

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

1.

Make sure your monitor is turned off.

2.

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

3. If necessary, connect the monitor cable to the monitor.
(Your monitor may have a permanently attached cable.)

1-4 Setting Up Your System

4.

Examine the connector end of the monitor cable, and
position the plug to match the orientation of the monitor

interface (marked with a monitor icon). Then insert the
plug into the port (the connector should fit in easily when
properly oriented), as shown below.

retaining screws

Caution

To avoid damaging the connector, take care not to bend
the

pins

5.

If the connector has retaining screws, tighten them by hand

when inserting the plug.

or with a screwdriver, depending on the screw type.

Setting Up Your System

1-5

6.

If necessary, plug the monitor power cord into the monitor’s

power inlet, as shown below.

.

Q

II J,

II

I

-

1-6

7.

Plug the other end of the power cord into an electrical

outlet.

Setting Up Your System

Using a Display Adapter Card

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

If the video card has not yet been installed, you’ll need to follow
the instructions in Chapter 6 to install it. But first, check the
following table to make sure your display adapter card and
monitor are properly matched.

Monitor/video card compatibility

Monitor
Monochrome

Color or EGA Color graphics adapter (CGA)

l

CGA monitors do not support EGA modes.

Video card
Monochrome display adapter (MDA)

Multi-mode graphics adapter (MGA)
Enhanced graphics adapter (EGA)
Hercules® graphics card

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

When you are installing the video card, check to make sure any

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

monitor or video card for instructions.

Setting Up Your System

1-7

Note
If you install an EGA or VGA display adapter card or if you

install another type of card that you want to be the primary
display adapter, you must set jumper J2 on the main system
board to disable the built-in VGA interface.

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

jumper J1 to tell the computer the type of monitor you are

using: monochrome or color. If you have two types of cards,
set the jumper to indicate which one is your primary monitor

type. See Chapter 6 for instructions on changing jumper
settings.

Once you have installed your video card, return to this section
to connect your monitor to the computer. If your monitor came
with its own manual, follow the instructions there. Otherwise,
you can follow the steps in ‘Using the VGA Interface” above;
just insert your monitor connector into the video card port

instead of the built-in VGA port.

Connecting a Printer or Other Device

4

Your computer has both parallel and serial interfaces. To
connect a printer or other peripheral device to one of these

interfaces, follow the instructions below. Of course, Epson offers

a full range of printers; ask your dealer for more information.

Using the Parallel Interface

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

To connect your printer and computer, you need an IBM
compatible printer cable. If you are not sure which one you
need, check with your Epson dealer.

1-8 Setting Up Your System

Once you have the correct printer cable, follow these steps:

1.

Place the printer next to the computer with the back panels

of both components facing you.

2.

One end of the printer cable has a 25-pin, D-shell
connector. Position the plug to match the orientation of
the parallel interface (marked with a special icon). Then

insert the connector into the port, as shown below. If the
plug has retaining screws, tighten them by hand or with a
screwdriver, depending on the screw type.

!

i

retaining screws

Setting Up Your System

1-9

3.

Connect the other end of the cable to the printer, as shown

below. TO secure the cable, squeeze the clips at each side of

the printer port and push them into place.

clips

4.

Plug the printer’s power cord into a 120-volt, grounded
electrical outlet.

1-10

Setting Up Your System

Using the Serial Interface

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

The serial port uses a DB-9P connector, so be sure you have a

compatible cable. To connect a serial device, follow the same
steps as above for connecting a parallel device but insert the
connector into the serial port, marked with a special icon, as
shown below.

/

serial port

Note

You need to ensure that the serial port is set up so it functions
properly. If you are using the port for a serial printer, you need
to redirect printer output to the serial port instead of the
parallel port. To do this, you can use the MS-DOS MODE
or SETMODE command or the MENU utility. See your
MS-DOS Reference Manual for instructions.

Setting Up Your System

1-11

Connecting the Keyboard

5

Follow these steps to connect the keyboard:

1.

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

I

’ ”

” w?r-T

,,

’

1-12

keyboard connector

arrow indicator

Caution

Although the keyboard and mouse connectors are

physically identical, they cannot be used interchangeably.
Be sure to insert the keyboard plug into the keyboard
socket.

Setting Up Your System

You can raise the keyboard by adjusting the legs on the

2.
bottom. To change the angle of the keyboard, turn it over
and flip each leg upward until it locks into place, as shown
below.

6

Connecting the Mouse

Your computer has an auxiliary port for an IBM PS/2 compatible

mouse that uses a miniature DIN (6-pin) connector. If you have
purchased a mouse with this type of connector (or adapter), you
can connect it to the built-in port on your computer.

If you purchased a mouse with a serial connector, you can

connect it to the built-in serial port on your computer.

If you have another kind of mouse that requires a different
interface port, you need to install an option card to provide the
interface.

To connect a mouse to the built-in mouse port, hold the mouse

plug so it is oriented properly with the computer socket. Insert
the plug into the appropriate socket, marked with a mouse icon,
as shown in the following illustration.

Setting Up Your System

1-13

Caution

/

mouse connector

Although the

mouse and

keyboard connectors are

physically
identical, they cannot be used interchangeably. Be sure to
insert the mouse plug into the mouse port.

Once you have connected a mouse, you may need to add
commands to your MS-DOS CONFIG.SYS and

AUTOEXEC.BAT files to enable your computer to use a mouse.

See your MS-DOS Reference Manual and the manual that came

with your mouse for instructions.

1-14

Setting Up Your System

Connecting the Power Cord

7

Follow these steps to connect the power cord:

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

1.
panel, as shown below.

WARNING

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 120-volt,

2.

grounded electrical outlet.

Setting Up Your System

1-15

Turning On the Computer

8

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

But first, read the following safety rules to avoid accidentally

damaging your computer or injuring yourself:

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

Never turn on the computer with a protector card in the

diskette drive.
Never turn off or reset your computer while a disk drive

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

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

Do not leave a beverage on top of or next to your system or

any of its components. Spilled liquid can damage the

circuitry of your equipment.

Always turn off the power, disconnect the computer’s power

cord, and wait five seconds before you remove the cover.
Only remove the cover to access optional devices or change
jumper settings.

Follow these steps to turn on your system:

1.

Make sure the power cord is plugged into the AC power

inlet on the back panel of the computer and into a 120-volt,
grounded electrical outlet.

2.

Turn your computer around so the front panel faces you and

1-16

place your other system components in an arrangement that

suits you. (See step 1, “Choosing a Location,” for a typical

arrangement.)

Setting Up Your System

3.

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

4.

To turn on the computer, press the power button located on
the right side of the front panel, as shown below.

\

power button

The power indicator below the button lights up. After a few
seconds, the computer starts to perform a diagnostic self test-a
series of checks it completes each time you turn it on to make
sure everything is working correctly.

Note

If you or your dealer have made a major change to your

system, such as adding a disk drive, you may need to wait as

long as five minutes for your computer to complete power-on
diagnostics the first time you turn it on. The more extensive
the changes are, the longer the diagnostics take.

Setting Up Your System 1-17

When the system has successfully completed its self test, you see
a prompt to insert a system diskette. (Do not insert a diskette at
this point.)

If necessary, use the controls on your monitor to adjust the
brightness and contrast until characters on the screen are clear
and at a comfortable level of intensity. If your monitor has
horizontal and vertical hold controls, you may need to use them

to stabilize the display.

Turning Off the Computer

When you are ready to turn off your system, reverse the
sequence of steps you followed to turn it on. Turn off the

computer first, then turn off the monitor and any peripherals.

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

Setup program.

1-18

Setting Up Your System

Chapter 2

Running the Setup Program

The first time you use your Equity 386SX/20 PLUS, you need to
run the Setup program on the Reference diskette to define the
computer’s configuration. This is a simple procedure you must
do at least once. (You may need to do it again later, if you
change the configuration.)

The Setup program automatically configures parts of your system
and lets you set (or change) the following for your computer:

Display adapter type
Power-on password

Memory caching

Processor speed
Keyboard and speaker options
Real-time clock’s time and date
Hard disk drive configuration

Diskette drive type(s)

Serial and parallel port settings.

The configuration you define with the Setup program is stored

in the computer’s CMOS RAM, which is backed up by a
battery. Whenever you turn on the computer, it searches the
CMOS RAM for the correct installation information. If the

computer discovers a difference between the information in the
CMOS RAM and its actual configuration, it prompts you to run

the Setup program.

Running the Setup Program

2-1

Automatic Configuration

The Equity 386SX/20 PLUS automatically defines your system’s
memory configuration and recognizes a math coprocessor, if you
have installed one. It also detects and configures most of the
devices you have installed in your system. Therefore, you may
not need to change any default settings in the Setup program.
However, you should check each option on the Setup menu to
verify that the settings are correct for your configuration.

The computer automatically configures the 2MB of memory that

comes with your system as 640KB of base memory and 1280KB

of extended memory. If you install even more memory, Setup

configures it as extended memory also.

Starting the Setup Program

Follow these steps to start the Setup program:

1.

Make sure your computer is turned off.

2.

Insert the Reference diskette in drive A as shown in the
following illustration. Make sure the label is facing up and
the read/write slot is pointed toward the drive.

2-2

Running the Setup Program

Slide the diskette

into the drive until it

is in all the way.

Then turn the latch down to lock it in a vertical position.

(For more instructions on inserting and removing diskettes,
including 3 l/z-inch diskettes, see Chapter 3.)

3.

Turn on your system. (Remember to turn on your monitor
and any peripherals before you turn on the computer.) The

screen displays the Operation

OPERATION MENU

1 ­2
3 ­4

0

If

an error message appears when you turn on the computer,

see “continuing

4.

The Setup option is highlighted.

Setup

- Format hard disk

System diagnostics

- Prepare hard disk for moving

- Exit to DOS for more utilities

From an Error Message,,, below.

Enter. The screen displays the

Menu:

main

To select it, press

Setup menu:

Exit

Display

Password

Cache memory

Processor speed

Keyboard / Sound

Real-time clock
Hard disk drive

Diskette drive

Serial/Parallel

Running the Setup

Program

2-3

Continuing From an Error Message

If your computer has never been
message and prompt(s), such as the following:

162 -

System options not set

set up, you may see an

error

(Run SETUP in REFERENCE DISK)

(Resume = "F1" key)

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

1.

Press F1. The computer beeps and the screen displays an

error message and prompt, such as the following:

Error(s) detected

+

Incorrect configuration

Set default value ? ( Y / N )

The error message beside the diamond indicates the

condition causing the error. There may be more than one
error listed in the message. Here are some of the error
messages you may see:

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

Cacheable range is adjusted

Incorrect configuration
Checksum is incorrect
HDD is incorrect

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

Set

errors, press
so you can enter a new setting.

default value

ESC;

the screen displays

Time is invalid,

prompt. If you see one of these

do not allow

the main Setup menu

2-4

Running the Setup Program

2.

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

Y

is highlighted and press Enter. The Setup program

Exit

Display

Password

Cache memory

Processor speed

Keyboard / Sound

Real-time clock
Hard disk drive

Diskette drive

Serial/Parallel

You should check all the settings in the Setup program to
make sure they are correct for your system. The default value
for the setting that caused the error may not be the correct
one for your configuration.

Note

If you choose
default value, the Setup program does not change the setting
that caused the error and the screen displays the main Setup
menu. Be sure to correct this setting before you exit Setup.

Moving the Cursor Block

Use -L and T to move the cursor block (the highlighted bar)

through the options on the main Setup menu. After you

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

N

or press

ESC

instead of selecting

Y

to set a

Running the Setup Program

2-5

Note
If the arrow keys on the numeric keypad do not appear to
work, num lock mode may be enabled (turned on). If the

Num Lock indicator in the upper right comer of the

keyboard is lit, press
the arrow keys on the numeric keypad. If you need to enter

numbers while using the Setup program and you want to use

the numeric keypad, press

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

Num Lock

Num Lock

once to turn it off and enable

Setting the Display Adapter Type

The Setup program can usually detect the exact type of display
adapter you are using with your computer. If you have connected
a VGA monitor to the built-in VGA port, Setup automatically
sets the display adapter type. (With this option you select the
type of display adapter you are using-not the type of monitor.)

to turn it back on.

If you have installed a display adapter card-or you just want to
check the display adapter setting-follow these steps.

Note

If you have installed an EGA or VGA display adapter card, or
another type of card that you want to be the primary display
adapter, you must set jumper J2 on the main system board to
disable the built-in VGA interface.

If you have installed one or more video cards, you also may
need to set jumper J1 to tell the computer the type of monitor
you are using: either monochrome or color. If you have two

types of cards, set the jumper to indicate which one is your

primary monitor type. See Chapter 6 for instructions on

changing jumper settings.

2-6

Running the Setup Program

1.

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

Display.

A submenu

VGA

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

2.

To change the display adapter setting, press
cursor block moves into the submenu and you see an
additional menu on the right side:

Enter.

The

CGA
CGA

Monochrome

40 column

80 column

80

column
EGA,MCGA,VGA or other
Remap VGABIOS at C000

3.

Press
then use T or J to highlight the option that matches your

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

choose, follow these guidelines:

0

Enter

If you are using the built-in VGA adapter or have

installed a VGA, EGA, or MCGA card, select

to move the cursor block into this submenu and

EGA,MCGA,VGA or other.

Q If you have a color graphics adapter (CGA) or a multi-

mode graphics adapter (MGA) attached to an RGB

(color) monitor, select CGA 80 column. (Also set

the color/mono switch on the MGA card to color.)

Running the Setup Program

2-7

0

If you have a composite color monitor, such as a color
television with a video input, try selecting CGA
Column. If the resulting resolution is poor, run Setup

again and select CGA 40 column.

0

If you have a monochrome display adapter (MDA), an
MGA, or a Hercules MGA attached to a monochrome
monitor, choose Monochrome 80 column.
(Also set the color/mono switch on the MGA card to
mono.)

D

If you have any other combination of monitor and

80

display adapter card, select

other.

supplied with your display adapter card.

0

If you are using IBM 3270 emulation software or
Banyan 386 network software, select Remap

In addition, consult the documentation

EGA, MCGA, VGA or

VGABIOS at C000. To remap the VGA BIOS

back to E000, rerun Setup and select

EGA, MCGA,

VGA or other.

Note
If you have two display adapters of different types, select
the setting for the one you want to be your primary
display adapter. The other one is your secondary adapter.

A message appears at power-on telling you whether you

are currently using your primary or secondary adapter.

2-8

4.

After you highlight the appropriate display adapter type,
press

5. Highlight
to return to the main Setup menu.

Running the Setup Program

Enter.

*** SAVE SETTING

The screen displays your new setting.

***

and press

Enter

Setting the Power-on Password

A power-on password is a feature that lets you control who can
access your system. However, you do not need to set a power-on
password to use your computer. If you do not want to set a
password, skip this section.

Once you set a power-on password, you must enter it at the key

prompt

RESET.

respond to your keyboard entries. Therefore, if you set a power-

on password, be sure to remember it or write it down and keep it

in a safe place.

If you want to use your computer as a network server, you can
set your password to operate in network server mode. (See
“Using Your Computer as a Network Server” in Chapter 4 for
more information.)

Follow these steps to set a power-on password and turn on
network server mode (if necessary):

1.

(WrrJ

At the main Setup menu, highlight

submenu appears:

every time you turn on your computer or press

If you cannot enter it correctly, the computer does not

Password.

This

2.

Press

Enter.

password.

3.

Press

El

Enter.

Power-on password

Network server mode OFF

The cursor block moves to

The cursor block moves to an empty box:

Running the Setup Program

Power-on

2-9

Note
If a password already exists, this message appears:

Power-on password already installed

The Setup program does not allow you to enter a new
password if you have already set one. However, you can

easily change or delete the current password if you know
it. See "Using a Power-on Password” in Chapter 3 for
instructions.

4.

To enter a password, type any combination of characters

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

Do not use characters requiring the Shift key, such as

@, $, or * in your password. The computer does not

recognize the

access the system.

Caution

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

If you want to return to the password submenu without

saving any changes, press ESC.

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

password submenu.

6.

If you want to change the network server mode setting,

Shift

key when you use your password to

2-10

highlight

server mode on or

Running the Setup Program

Network server mode.

off,

press

To turnnetwork

Enter.

You must set a power-on
mode. If you did not yet enter a password, this message
appears:

password

to turn on network server

Set a power-on password first

To enter a password, highlight

and follow steps 3 through 5 above.

After you enter a powere-on password and turn network

7.

server mode on or off, highlight

SETTINGS ****

Setup menu.

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

and press

Power-on password

Setting the Memory Caching

* * * *

Enter

SAVE

to return to the main

Memory caching allows your system to work much faster. When
you cache memory, the computer copies information from
memory into a high-speed cache buffer. Your system can find
information more quickly in the cache buffer than when it looks
for it in the system memory. This greatly improves the speed at
which your system performs.

Note
Caching is active only when your computer is operating at

20 MHz (high) speed.

The Setup program allows you to enable or disable memory
caching. The default setting is enabled for all the memory
currently installed in your system.

Running the Setup Program

2-11

To check or change the memory cache setting, follow these
steps:

1.

At the main Setup menu, highlight
The current status appears:

Cache memory.

Cache is enabled

If your memory cache setting is correct, you can skip the rest

of this section.

2.

To change the setting, press Enter. The cursor block moves

into the submenu.

Press Enter to change the Cache setting from enabled to

3.

disabled, or vice versa.

Highlight

4.

to return to the Setup menu.

* * * SAVE SETTING

Setting the Processor Speed

Your computer’s processor can operate at two speeds: high or

low.

processor is set to operate at high speed (where it can access
memory faster) unless you change it to low or set the speed to

change automatically (when necessary).

When the computer is running at high speed, the TURBO

indicator on the front panel is illuminated.

You should use high speed for almost everything you do since

your programs work faster on high speed. However, certain

High speed is 20

MHz

and low speed simulates 8 MHz. The

** *

and press

Enter

2-12

application programs have specific timing requirements for
diskette access and can run only at a slower speed; check your
application program manual.

Running the Setup Program

When you set the processor to change speed automaticaly, the

computer switches to low whenever it needs to access a diskette

drive and runs at high for all other operations.

Note
You may not want to use the automatic setting for certain

copy-protected programs. See “Changing the Processor
Speed” in Chapter 4 for more information.

This section describes how to set the processor speed in the

Setup program. You can also change the speed using keyboard
commands or by running the ESPEED program. See “Changing
the Processor Speed” in Chapter 4 for more details.

Follow these steps to set your processor speed:

1.

At the main Setup menu, highlight Processor

speed.

I

If the displayed setting is correct, skip this section.

2.

To change the processor speed, press

moves into the submenu and you see another menu:

The current status appears:

Speed: High

I

Enter.

The cursor

High

Automatic

Low

(High

Automatic

is 20 MHz,

tells the computer to switch from high to

Low

simulates 8 MHz, and

low when accessing a diskette drive.)

3.

Press

Enter

to move the cursor block into the option menu.

Running the Setup Program

2-13

4.

Use ?+ or

A

to highlight the speed you want and press Enter.

5. Highlight
to return to the main Setup menu.

* * SAVE SETTING ** and press Enter

Setting the Keyboard and Speaker Options

The Keyboard/Sound option lets you control these three features
in your computer:

P

Speaker

0

Initial num lock mode

0

Keyboard repeat rate.

Your computer has a built-in speaker that you can turn on or off.
When the speaker is enabled (on), it beeps when you perform
certain operations. Because the speaker serves a useful purpose

in many applications, the default setting is enabled; however,

you may prefer to disable it.
The initial num lock option in the Setup program determines

whether num lock is on or off when you turn on your computer.
When num lock mode is on, you can use the numeric keys on

the keypad to enter numbers.

If num lock mode is on, you can turn it off by pressing

Lock.

function is disabled until you turn the computer off or until you
press
computer, num lock returns to the setting you selected in the
Setup program.

The

Num Lock

Num Lock

light (on the keyboard) goes out and the

again. The next time you turn on your

Num

2-14

Running the Setup Program

Note
If you are using the keyboard that came with your computer
(or another IBM AT compatible keyboard), the default for
the initial num lock setting is
that has 83 or 84 keys, the initial num lock default setting is
OFF.

ON.

If you are using a keyboard

The keyboard repeat rate option lets you change the speed

which your keyboard repeats a character when you hold down a
key. The default setting is

faster or slower.

Follow these steps to check or change the speaker and keyboard
options:

1.

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

Speaker
Initial num lock

KB repeat rate

If the displayed settings are appropriate for you, skip this

Normal,

but you can make the rate

Keyboard/Sound.

Enabled

ON

Normal

at

section.

2.

To change any of the settings, press
moves into the submenu and the
highlighted.

3.

To enable or disable the speaker (turn it on or off), press

Enter.

The cursor block

Speaker

option is

Enter.

To turn the initial num lock setting

4.

Initial num lock

Running the Setup Program

and press

on or

Enter.

off, highlight

2-15

5.

TO change

KB repeat

the keyboard repeat rate, highlight

rate. YOU

see the following option menu:

Slow
Normal
Fast

6.

Press Enter to move the cursor block into the menu.

7.

Use ? or 1 to highlight the speed you want and press Enter.

8. Highlight

* * * SAVE SETTINGS

Enter to return to the main Setup menu.

Setting the Real-time Clock

The real-time clock in your computer continously tracks the

time and date-even when the computer is turned off. The first
time you run Setup, use the
set the time and date for your computer. You may need to use
this option again later to adjust your clock 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

Real-time clock

* * * and press

option to

2-16

with the MS-DOS TIME and DATE commands. See your
MS-DOS Reference Manual for instructions.

Running the Setup Program

Follow these steps to set the real-time clock:

1. At the main menu, highlight Real-time clock. If

the time and date have been set previously, the current

settings appear:

Time

Date

If the time and date are correct, you can skip the rest of this
section. If the time and date are incorrect, go to step 2
below.

If the time and date have never been set, the submenu

contains a template for you to fill in:

Time

Date

2.

Press

Enter

09:16:52
01-29-1991

xx:xx:xx
xx-xx-xxxx

to move the cursor block into the submenu.

3. To set or change the time, press
box:

Enter

again. You see this

hh:mm:ss

(hh

stands for seconds.)

4.

Using a 24-hour clock, enter the time in the exact format
shown in the box. Type two digits for each part; the Setup
program automatically inserts the colons ( : ). For example,

to set the time to 130 p.m., you would type the following:

stands for hours, mm stands for minutes, and

133000

s s

Running the Setup Program

2-17

You can use the backspace key to make corrections. When

the time is correct, press Enter. If you enter an invalid

time-for example, a number greater than 23 for the hours
or greater than 59 for the minutes or second-the computer

ignores your entry. Try again.

5.

To set or change the date, highlight Date and press

Enter.

YOU see this box:

mm-dd-yyyy

-

(mm stands for month, dd stands for day, and yyyy stands

for year.)

6.

Enter the date in the exact format shown in the box. Use
two digits for the month and day, and four digits for the
year; the Setup program automatically inserts the hyphens.
For example, to set the date for January 29, 1991, you would
type the following:

01291991

You can use the backspace key to make corrections. When

the date is correct, press Enter. 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 ignores your entry. Try again.

7.

Press ? once or twice to return to the main Setup menu.

Note
The Setup program automatically saves the time and date

when you press Enter after typing each one. If you then exit

the Setup program without saving your changes, the new time
and date still take effect.

2-18

Running the Setup Program

Setting the Hard Disk Drive Configuration

If your computer came with a factory-installed hard disk, your
hard disk configuration has already been set and you can skip
this section.

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

1. At the main menu, highlight Hard disk drive.

Your current settings appear, such as the following:

Drive 1:
Drive 2:

The Type number indicates the type of hard disk

installed in your computer. See your hard disk
documentation for the correct drive type number. (If that
documentation does not give the drive type number, it may
list the drive’s parameters which you can use to identify the
drive type number.) Then consult the Hard Disk Drive

Types table on page 2-23 for a list of the types you can use in

your computer.

The None after Drive 2 indicates that there is no
second hard disk.

If the displayed settings match your hard disk configuration,

skip the rest of this section.

Type 60
None

If a setting is incorrect, or if you want to see more details
about your hard disk configuration, go to step 2.

Running the Setup Program

2-19

2.

Press

Enter. You

(

*::z,:q

see a menu such as the following:

Drive 1:

Number of cylinders
Number of heads
Number of sectors 33
Precomp. cylinder None
Landing zone
Total capacity (MB)

Type 60

776

8

775

100.0

Drive 2:

I

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

None

The submenu lists the settings you can change for each
drive: the number of cylinders, the number of read/write
heads, the number of sectors, the precompensation cylinder,
and the landing zone (the cylinder on which you park the
heads when moving the computer). It also displays the total
storage capacity in megabytes.

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

drive C on most computers), press Enter to highlight

I

0
0
0
0

Drive 1:.

press Enter and then + to highlight Drive

4.

Press

Enter

If you want to change the settings for drive 2,

2:.

again. You see this submenu:

None
Type 60
User defined

5.

If you have disconnected the drive or if the drive does not
exist, highlight
settings become 0. Go to step 8.

If your hard disk matches one of the drive types listed in the
Hard Disk Drive Types table, go to step 6.

None

and press

Enter.

All the drive

2-20

Running the Setup Program

If your hard disk does not match one of the drive types listed
in the Hard Disk Drive Types table, go to step 7.

6.

Highlight Type and press Enter. The current type number

appears:

Type 60

I

Now select the drive type number that matches your hard
disk configuration in the Hard Disk Drive Types table.

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

D

You can type the drive type number and press

screen displays the new number and settings.

0

You can use the cursor keys to scan through the drive

I

Enter.

The

type numbers. This is a handy way to verify new hard
disk settings before you press

list is updated as you display each new type.

After you select the appropriate drive type number, press

Enter.

settings. Go to step 8.

7.

If the configuration of the hard disk does not match one of
the drive types listed in the Hard Disk Drive Types table,

highlight User de fined and press Enter. You see the

following:

I

The same parameter is highlighted on the submenu above.

The screen displays the new number and hard disk

Number of cylinders

Enter

because the settings

776

(

Enter the correct number of cylinders and press

Running the Setup Program

Enter.

2-21

The information for Number of cylinders is
automatically updated on the submenu above and you see

the next parameter,
correct number of read/write heads for the hard disk and
press

Follow this same procedure for each remaining item in the
settings list (the number of sectors, the precompensation
cylinder, and the landing zone).

If you enter a parameter incorrectly, press 7 or J to
highlight the parameter and then enter it again.

The Setup program does not allow you to enter the total

storage capacity; it calculates the storage capacity for you

based on what you enter for the number of cylinders, heads,

and sectors.

After you type the landing zone number and press Enter,

the cursor block returns to the Drive submenu heading.

Enter.

Number

of

he ads.

Enter the

8.

If you want to change the hard disk type for another drive,

press + or c and return to step 4.

9.

When the hard disk drive settings are correct, press ?+ to

move the cursor block into the top submenu. Highlight

** SAVE SETTINGS

hard disk drive configuration.

* * and press Enter to save your

2-22

Running the Setup Program

Hard Disk Drive Types

The following table lists the types of hard disk drives you can use
in your computer. Check this table and the documentation
supplied with your hard disk to find the correct number for the
type of hard

disk drive(s) installed in your computer. You need

to enter this number when you set the hard disk drive
configuration in the

Setup program.

Hard disk drive types

Type no.

00

ST-506

01

ST-506 615

02
03

ST-506 615 6

04

ST-506 940

05

ST-506 940

06

ST-506 6l5

07

ST-506

08

ST-506

09

ST-506 900

10

ST-506

11

ST-506 855

12

ST-506 855 7

13

ST-506 306 8

14

ST-506 733
15
16

ST-506
17

ST-506 977
18

ST-506 977
19

ST-506 1024

ST-506 733 5

20
21

ST-506
22

ST-506
23

ST-506
24

ST-506

ST-506 306

25
26

ST-506 612

ST-506 698

27

ST-506 976

28

ST-506 306

29

Type

Cylinders

306

462 8
733

820 3

612

733
733 5
306
612

Heads

4
4

8
6
4

5

15

5

7

4
5

7
7

7

4
4
4
4
7
5
4

Sectors

17
17

17
17
17
17

17
17
17
17
17
17
17
17

17

17
17
17
17
17
17
17
17
17
17
17
17
17

Precomp

128
300
300
512 940
512 940

-

256

-

-

-

-

-

128 319

-

0

300

-

512
300
300
300

0

305

-

-

300
488

0

landing

zone

305
615
615

615
511
733
901
820
855
855

733

663
977
977

1023

732
732
733
336
663
340
670
732
977
340

Drive name

MB

No fixed disk

102

(Used by ESDI)

20.4

(1)

30.6

62.4

46.8

20.4

30.7

30.4

112.1

20.4

35.5

49.7

20.3

42.6

-reserved-

20.3

40.5

CDC 94205-51(2)

56.8

59.5
ToshibaMK-133FA

30.4

42.6

ToshibaMK-134FA

30.4

102

20.4

10.2

20.4

40.6

40.5

10.2

Running the

Setup

Program

2-23

Hard disk

Type no.

drive

types (continued)

Cylinders

Heads

ectors

Precomp

Landing

zone

MB

Drive name

30
31
32

41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49

50

51

52
53
54

55
56
57

58

59

60

61

62

63

64-255

ST-506
ST-506
ST-506

ESDI
ESDI 1022
ST-506

ESDI
ST-506
ST-506

ST-506
ST-506
ST-506

ESDI

ESDI

ESDI
ESDI
ESDI

ESDI

ESDI
ESDI

AT
AT
AT
AT
AT

611
732

1023

1022

1024

828

1024

615

820

830

1024

828
967
967
967

1022

967
967
967
980
776 8
745
965
965

5
5
8

10

5
8

6

10

9
7
5

7
9
7

5

7
9
5

4
5

10

17

17
17

34
36

17

34

17
17

17
17

17
34
36

36

36

34

34

34

34

17

33

28

17

17

306
300

-

-

-

512

-

512
128

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

663
732

1023

1022

1022
1023

828

1023

618

820
830

1023

828
967
967

967

1022

967
967
967
979
775 100

744
Auto
Auto

20.4

42.6

42.5

84.8

89.8

68.0

137.5

42.5

40.8

40.8

68.9

76.5

96.2
B5.0

119.0

153.0

118.8

80.3

112.4

144.5

40.7

40.5
40
80

none
CDC942l6-106(3)
CDC942l6-106

(4)
Toshiba MK-156F

(5)
NEC D5147H

none
Seagate ST251
Toshiba MK56FB
Seagate ST4096

Toshiba MK-154F

CDC94166-101
CDC94166-141
CDC94166-182
Micropolis1354A
CDC 94166-101(3)
CDC 94166-141 (3)
CDC94166-182(3)
Conner CP-344
Conner CP-3104
Mini8051A native mode
Quantum 4OAT(6)
Quantum pro 80AT(6)
none

l

2-24

Notes

1.

Miniscribe 8425F, Seagate ST125

2.

Conner CP-3044 or Miniscribe 8051A can be used as type 17

3.

For Western Digital ESDI HDC or Drive Maker default setting

4.

Micropolis 1325, Ataal 3085, Lanstor Lan64, Maxtor XT1O85, Newbury NDR1085

5.

Micropolis1323A,Miniscribe3035,MkxusdenrzHH1050,SeagaleST4053

6.

The landing zone value is 964

The factory-installed hard disk drive type for the Equity 386SX/2O PLUS is number 60(100MB).

Running the Setup Program

Setting the Diskette Drive Type(s)

Your Equity 386SX/20 PLUS probably came with one factory-

installed

removed one, you may need to change the diskette drive settings
to match your configuration. If you haven’t made any changes,
you can verify your drive type settings. Follow these steps:

1.

At the main menu, highlight
current settings appear:

diskette

drive. If you added

a second diskette drive or

Diskette drive. The

Drive A:
Drive B:

If the diskette drive types on the screen match your diskette
drive configuration, you can skip the rest of this section.

2.

To

change a setting, press

into the diskette drive submenu and you see the following:

Not

installed

1.2 MB

None

Enter.

The cursor block moves

360 KB drive
720 KB drive (3.5")

1.2 MB drive

1.44 MB drive (3.5")

You also see the message

is ON. This tells you that the light on the diskette drive

currently selected is on.

3.

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

Drive A:

change the drive B settings, highlight

press

Enter.

is highlighted and press

The cursor block moves into the submenu.

Selected drive light

Enter.

If you want to

Drive B :

Running the Setup Program

and

2-25

4.

Use J or T to highlight the correct capacity for your diskette
drive and press

selected.

If you want to enter the type for another diskette drive,

return to step 3.

5.

When the diskette drive settings are correct, highlight

** SAVE SETTINGS

block returns to the main Setup menu and you see the
updated information for drives A and B.

Enter.

The screen displays the type you

** and press

Setting the Serial/Parallel Interfaces

The serial and parallel interfaces in your computer are set to act
as the primary ports. If you have not added an additional serial
or parallel port, you can skip this section.

Enter.

The cursor

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

If you install an option card with a port pre-set as primary by
the manufacturer, you must designate it as the primary port
and make the computer’s built-in port the secondary port.

If you install an option card or peripheral with a port that is
not pre-set, you can designate it as the primary or secondary

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

the primary port and the other as the secondary port and

2-26

disable the built-in port.

Running the Setup Program

Follow these steps to change your built-in

interface

settings:

serial and parallel

1. At the main menu,highlight Serial/Parallel. The

current settings

for each

port appear:

Serial

Parallel

2.

Press

see this additional option menu:

Enter

to move the cursor block into the submenu. You

Primary
Primary

Disabled

Primary

Secondary

3.

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

Serial

change the parallel port setting, highlight
and press

is highlighted and press

Enter.

The cursor block moves into the submenu.

Enter.

If you want to

Parallel

4.

Use J or ‘T to highlight the appropriate setting for the port

you selected and press
setting.

Enter.

The screen displays the new

Note

If you add an option card with a parallel or serial port and

highlight a setting that causes a conflict between your

built-in port and the port on the option card, you see this

message:

Conflict with option card

Highlight a setting that is appropriate for your system

configuration and press

Enter.

Running the Setup Program

2-27

If

you want to change the setting

for the other port,

to step 3.

5.

When the serial and parallel port settings are correct,

return

highlight

*** SAVE SETTINGS ***

Enter. The cursor block returns to the main Setup menu

and you see your updated serial and parallel interface
settings.

Reviewing Your Settings

When you finish using the Setup program to define your

computer’s configuration, use ? to highlight
Setup menu and press
appears on the screen:

Cache enabled

Memory Base memory

Enter.

Extended

memory

and press

Exit at the main

The following Setup summary

640Kb
1280Kb

Password Power-on password not installed

Network server mode

Display type Detected VGA

Processor speed

OFF

EGA,MCGA

High

, VGA or other

2-28

Running the Setup Program

There are two more Setup summary screens you need to check.

TO

display the next screen,

press

PgDn. You

see the following:

Real-time clock

Coprocessor

Diskette drive

Speaker
Initial num lock

Keyboard repeat

Serial

Parallel

rate

Time
Date

Drive A:
Drive B:

13:40:38
01-29-1991

not installed

1.2 MB

None

Enabled

Normal

Primary
Primary

If you have never set the real-time clock, the entry at the top of
the screen flashes to remind you to set the time and date. See
“Setting the Real-time Clock,” above, for instructions.

To view the last Setup summary screen, press

PgDn. You

your hard disk drive configuration(s):

Hard disk drive

Drive 1:
Number of cylinders

Number of heads

Number of sectors
Precomp.
Landing zone
Total capacity

Type 60

cylinder None Precomp. cylinder

(MB)

** EXIT AND SAVE **

776
8

775

100.0

Drive 2: None

Number of cylinders 0
Number of heads
Number of sectors

Landing zone

Total capacity (MB) .0

see

0
0
0
0

Running the Setup Program

2-29

Check each Setup summary screen to see if all the information is
correct. YOU can press

PgDn to display the next screen. If anything is incorrect, be sure

Change settings

The main Setup menu appears and you can change the
appropriate settings.

Leaving the Setup Menu

If you did not change any settings or you want to cancel the
changes you made, highlight

a Setup summary screen and press Enter. The Operation Menu

appears. (If you changed the time or date, the new setting takes
effect even if you exit the Setup program without saving your
changes.)

If you want to save the settings you entered, highlight

PgUp

to display the previous screen or

is highlighted and then press

Exit without saving

Enter.

at

** EXIT AND SAVE

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

If you have just run Setup for the first time, remove the
Reference diskette from the drive and turn off your system. Then
follow the instructions in your MS-DOS Installation Guide to

install MS-DOS. (If you are using a different operating system,

follow the installation instructions in that manual.)

Once you have installed MS-DOS, you should always boot the
computer from the hard disk or the MS-DOS Startup diskette
when you are finished running Setup. First remove the
Reference diskette from drive A. If you do not have a hard disk,

* *

and press

Enter

at a Setup

2-30

insert the Startup diskette. Then reset your computer to make
sure it performs all the commands in the CONFIG.SYS and
AUTOEXEC.BAT files.

Running the Setup Program

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

C, or ask your dealer for assistance.

Note

Be sure to make a backup copy of your Reference diskette
after you run the Setup program and install MS-DOS. See
your MS-DOS Reference Manual for instructions on how to
copy diskettes.

Running the Setup Program

2-31

Chapter 3

Using Your Computer

This chapter briefly describes the following procedures for using
your computer:

0

Installing MS-DOS or another operating system

0

Copying the Reference diskette files
Using special keys on the keyboard

0

Stopping a command or program

0

Resetting the computer

0
0

Using a power-on password

0

Using disks and disk drives.

Installing MS-DOS or Another Operating System

After you connect the components of your system and run the

Setup program, you must install the operating system on your
computer. If you are installing MS-DOS, follow the instructions
in your MS-DOS Installation Guide. If you are installing
another operating system, see the manual that comes with it for
instructions. The instructions in this manual assume that you
are using MS-DOS with your computer.

Note

Be sure to make backup copies of your original operating
system diskettes.

Using Your Computer

3-1

Copying the Reference Diskette Files

If you have a hard disk, you’ll probably want to copy some of the

files on your Reference diskette to the hard disk. This allows you

to run the programs directly from your hard disk instead of

having to insert a diskette. Use the COPY command (described

in your MS-DOS Reference Manual) to copy the following files

from the Reference diskette to your hard disk:

AFDD.EXE

ESPEED.EXE
HDSIT.COM
HDSIT.VER
ROMBIOS.COM

The Reference diskette also contains files for the Setup program

and the System diagnostics program. However, you should
always run these programs from the Reference diskette in
drive A; so do not copy these files to your hard disk.

Note

Be sure to make backup copies of your Reference diskette. See
your MS-DOS Reference Manual for instructions.

3-2

Using Your Computer

Special Keys on the Keyboard

Certain keys on your keyboard serve special functions when
your computer is running

MS-DOS

or application programs.
The keyboard layout is shown below, and special keys are
described in the table.

function keys

A

1-v

main character keys

Key functions

cursor
keys

numeric

keypad

Key

H-

Tab

+I

Caps Lock

Shift

Ctrl

Purpose
Moves the cursor one tab to the right in normal

mode and one tab to the left in Shift mode.

Changes the letter keys from lower- to

uppercase; changes back to lowercase when
pressed again. The numeric/symbol keys on

the top row of the keyboard and the symbol

keys in the main part of the keyboard are not

affected.

Produces uppercase characters or the top

symbols on the keys when used with the

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

Works with other keys to perform special

(control) functions, such as editing operations
in MS-DOS and various application programs.

Using Your Computer 3-3

Key functions (continued)

Key
Alt

t

Backspace

J Enter

Insert (Ins)

Delete (Del)

Home, End

Page UP (PgUP)

Page Down (PgDn)

t+

Num Lock

Purpose
Works

character

Moves

the character to the left of the cursor.

Ends a line of keyboard input or executes a
command.

Turns the Insert function on and off.

Deletes the character marked by the cursor.
Control cursor location.

Changes the function of the numeric/cursor
keys from entering numbers to positioning the
cursor; changes back when pressed again.

with other keys to enter alternate

codes

the cursor back one space, deleting

or functions.

Esc

F1-F12

Print Screen

(PrtSc)
SYS Rq (Req)

Scroll Lock

Pause

Break

The

Caps Lock, Num Lock,

Cancels the current command line or
operation.

Perform

programs.
Prints the screen display on a line printer.

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

Controls scrolling in some applications.
Suspends the current operation.
Terminates the current operation (when used

with Ctrl).

special functions within application

Alt).

and

Scroll Lock

keys work as

toggles; press the key once to turn on a function and again to

3-4

turn it off. When the function is enabled, the corresponding
light in the upper right comer of the keyboard is on.

Using Your Computer

Stopping a Command or Program

You may sometimes need to stop a command or program while
it is running. Many programs provide a command you can use
to cancel or even undo an operation. If you have entered an
MS-DOS command that you want to stop, try one of the
following commands:

0

Hold down the Ctrl key and press C.

Q

Hold down the

These methods may also work in your application program.
If not, you may need to reset the computer as described below.

Caution

It is best not to turn off the computer to stop a program or

Ctrl

key and press

Break.

command. If you created new data and have not yet stored it,

the data will be erased if you turn off the computer. The

computer stores your data in its memory area (RAM) until

you save it; but the data is erased each time you turn off or
reset the computer.

Resetting the Computer

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

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

Using Your Computer

3-5

Caution

Do not reset the computer as a means to exit a program.
Some programs classify and store new data when you exit a

program in the normal manner. If you reset the computer
without properly exiting a program, you may lose data.

To reset the computer, MS-DOS must be either on the hard disk
or on a diskette in drive A; so if you do not have a hard disk,

insert the MS-DOS Startup diskette in drive A.

There are two ways to reset the computer:

0

If you are using MS-DOS, hold down

the Del key. The screen goes blank for a moment and then

the computer should reload MS-DOS. If it doesn’t, try the

next method.

Ctrl

and Alt and press

0

Press the RESET button on the front panel. This method

works even when the computer does not respond to your
keyboard entries.

If resetting the computer does not correct the problem, you
probably need to turn it off and reboot it. Remove any
diskette(s) from the diskette drive(s). Turn off the computer
and wait five seconds. If you do not have a hard disk, insert the
MS-DOS Startup diskette in drive A. Then turn on the
computer.

3-6

Using Your Computer

Using a Power-on Password

If you set a power-on password when you ran the Setup program,
you must enter it every time you turn on the computer or press
the

RESET

1.

If you do not have a hard disk, insert your MS-DOS Startup

diskette in drive A.

2.

Turn on the computer or press

a key prompt:

3-ml

3.

At the key prompt, type your power-on password. The key

turns when you type a character, but the screen does not

button. Follow these steps to use your password:

RESET.

The screen displays

display the characters you type. Then press

After you type the password correctly and press
face character appears. Then the computer loads MS-DOS.

Note

If you turned on network server mode when you ran the
Setup program, you need to use a different procedure to enter
your password. See "Using Your Computer as a Network
Server" in Chapter 4.

You have three chances to enter the correct password. If you do
not enter the correct password at the key prompt, another key
prompt appears. If you do not enter the correct password at the
second and third key prompts, the screen displays a zero, the
keyboard locks up, and you cannot use the computer. Press

Enter.

Enter,

a happy

RESET

“Resetting the Computer,” above, for instructions.)

and try to enter the correct password again. (See

Using Your Computer

3-7

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

Changing a Power-on Password

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

1.

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

2.

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

RESET.

At the key prompt,

123/ABC

Do not use characters requiring the Shift key, such as

@,

&or

recognize the
access the system.

The screen does not display what you type.

in your new password. The computer does not

*,

Shift

key when you use your password to

Caution

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

3-8

3.

Press Enter. A happy face character appears and then the

computer loads MS-DOS.

Using Your Computer

Next time

new password.

Deleting a Power-on Password

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

1.

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

2.

Turn on the computer or press

enter your current password followed by a forward slash. For

you

turn on

the computer

or press

RESET.

RESET,

At the key prompt,

use the

example, if your password is

123/

3.

Press
computer loads MS-DOS.

The next time you turn on the computer or press
not request a password and loads MS-DOS immediately.

Note
You need to know the password in order to delete it using this
method. If you do not know the password, see “Password

Problems” in Appendix A.

Enter.

A happy face character appears and then the

123, type:

RESET,

it does

Using Your Computer

3-9

Using Disks and Disk Drives

The disk drives in your computer allow you to store data on disk,
and then retrieve and use your stored data. This section explains
how disks work and tells you how to:

0

Use different types of diskettes and diskette drives

Q Care for your diskettes and diskette drives
D Write-protect diskettes

Cl

Use a single diskette drive system

0

Insert and remove diskettes

0

Format diskettes

0

Make backup copies

0

Use a hard disk drive.

How Disks Store Data

Diskettes. are made of flexible plastic coated with magnetic
material. This plastic is enclosed in a square jacket that is either
slightly flexible

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

All disks are divided into data storage compartments by sides,

tracks, and sectors. Double-sided diskettes store data on both

(S+inch

diskette) or hard (3l/z-inch diskette).

3-10

sides. On each side are concentric rings, called tracks, on which
the computer stores your data.

Using Your Computer

A disk is further divided by sectors, which are similar in shape to
pie slices. The figure below provides a simple representation of
tracks and sectors.

Double-sided, double-density diskettes have either 40 or 80
tracks on each side, and double-sided, high-density diskettes
have 80 tracks on each side. Diskettes can have 8,9,15, or 18
sectors per track.

A hard disk consists of two or more platters stacked on top of
one another and thus has four or more sides. In addition, a hard
disk has many more tracks per side than a diskette, but the
number of tracks depends on the capacity of the hard disk. The
number of sectors depends on the type of hard disk.

Using Your Computer

3-11

Your computer uses the read/write heads in a disk drive to store
and retrieve data on a disk. To write to a disk, the computer
spins it in the drive to position the disk so that the area where

the data is to be written is under the read/write head. A diskette
has an exposed area where the read/write head can access it.

Because data is stored magnetically, you can retrieve it, record

over it, and erase it-just as you play, record, and erase music on

a cassette tape.

Types of Diskette Drives

The following list describes the four types of diskette drives you
can use in your computer and which diskettes to use with them:

D 1.2MB drive-Use 5

‘/d-inch,

double-sided, high-density,

96 TPI (tracks per inch), 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.

Note
MB stands for megabyte, which equals 1024KB (or

1,048,576 bytes). KB stands for kilobyte, which equals
1024 bytes. Each byte represents a single character, such

as A, $, or 3.

0

1.44MB drive-Use 3

‘/z-inch,

double-sided, high-density,

135 TPI, 1.44MB diskettes. These diskettes contain 80
tracks per side, 18 sectors per track, and hold up to 1.44MB
of information, which is approximately 600 pages of text.

3-12

Using Your Computer

cl

360KB drive-Use

S1/+inch,

doubleaided, double-density,

48 TPI, 360KB diskettes. (YOU can also use single-sided,

160KB or 180KB diskettes.) These diskettes contain 40
tracks per side and 8 or 9 sectors per track. With 8 sectors
per track, a diskette holds up to 320KB. With 9 sectors per
track, a diskette holds up to 360KB of information, which is
approximately 150 pages of text.

a

720KB drive-Use 3 1/z&ch, double-sided, double-density,

135 TPI, 720KB diskettes. These diskettes contain 80 tracks
per side, 9 sectors per track, and hold up to 720KB of

information, which is approximately 300 pages of text.

Note

You must format a new diskette before you can store data on

it. See “Formatting Diskettes,” later in this section.

Drive and diskette incompatibilities

If your computer has more than one type of diskette drive, or if
you use different types of diskettes, you need to be aware of

certain incompatibilities between the drives and diskettes.
Because of the type and size differences, you cannot use a

3$inch

diskette in a 51/+inch drive or vice versa. There are
also limitations on using diskettes that are the same size as the
drive but have different capacities. The following tables
summarize the possibilities and limitations.

Drive type

360KB

1.2MB

I

Diskette types it can read from and write to

360KB, 320KB, 180KB, 160KB

1.2MB, 360KB*; 320KB*; 180KB*: 160KB*

I

I

* If you write to this diskette in a 1.2MB drive, you may not be able

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

Using Your Computer

3-13

3

‘/shah

drive/diskette compatibility

Drive type

720KB

1.44MB

Because

of these incompatibilities, always indicate the diskette

Diskette types it can read from and

720KB

1.44MB, 720KB

write to

type and density when you label your diskettes. (Usually this

information appears on the manufacturer’s label.)
If you have any combination of the above drives (1.44 MB,

1.2MB, 720KB, or 360KB), you can copy files from one drive to

another-using COPY or XCOPY-as long as the correct
diskette type is in each drive. You can also use these commands
to copy files between a hard disk and any type of diskette.
However, you cannot use the MS-DOS DISKCOPY command
to copy from one diskette drive to another if the two drives are
not the same type. For more about copying files and diskettes,
see your MS-DOS Reference Manual.

Caring for Diskettes and Diskette Drives

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

0

If you have a diskette that contains data you don’t want to

accidentally write over or erase, be sure you write-protect it.
This is especially important for your operating system and
application program diskettes. See “Write-protecting
Diskettes,” below, for more details.

0

Do not remove a diskette from the diskette drive or reset 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.

3-14

Remove all diskettes before you turn off the computer.

a

Using Your Computer

Cl

Keep diskettes away from dust and dirt. Small particles of
dust or dirt can scratch the magnetic surface, destroy data,

and ruin the read/write heads in a diskette drive.

Cl

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

0

Keep diskettes in a moderate environment. They work best

at normal room temperature and in normal humidity. Don’t
leave diskettes sitting in the sun, or in extreme cold or heat.

0

Keep diskettes away from magnetic fields. (Remember that

diskettes store information magnetically.) There are many
magnetic sources in your home or office, such as electrical
appliances, telephones, and loudspeakers.

0

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

Cl

Always hold a
never touch the magnetic surface exposed by the read/write

slot. The oils on your fingertips can damage it.

0

Do not place anything on top of your diskettes, and be sure
they do not get bent.

0

Carefully label your diskettes and indicate the type and
density. Attach the label only along the top of a diskette

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

0

Write on a diskette label before you attach it to the diskette.

If you need to write on a label that is already on the diskette,
use only a soft-tip pen-not a ballpoint pen or a pencil.

5’/+inch

diskette by its protective jacket and

0

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

Using Your Computer

3-15

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 it 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

51/4-inch

diskette, cover the small,

rectangular notch (shown below) with an adhesive write-protect

tab. Write-protect tabs usually are included in a new package of
blank

9/+inch

diskettes.

write-protect notch

write-protect tab

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

3-16

Using Your Computer

On a

3%~inch

diskette, the

write-protect

device is a small
switch on the back of the diskette in the lower right comer,
shown below. TO write-protect a

31/z-inch

diskette, slide the
switch toward the edge of the diskette until it clicks into
position, exposing a hole in the comer.

write-protect switch

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

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

Using Your Computer

3-17

Using a Single Diskette Drive System

MS-DOS expects the computer to have at least two diskette
drives and displays prompts and messages accordingly. Usually,

MS-DOS recognizes the first diskette drive (the top drive) as A

and a second diskette drive as B. If you have only one diskette

drive, MS-DOS can treat it as both A and B when you need to
perform operations that normally require two diskette drives.

For example, if you enter a command to copy data from A to B,
MS-DOS copies the data from the first diskette you place in the
drive (which would be drive A) to the computer’s memory.
Then MS-DOS prompts you to insert another diskette (for drive

B) and copies the data from memory to the new diskette. When

copying is complete, you see a prompt to insert the original
diskette (A).

Because you may often swap diskettes this way, it is important to

remember which diskette is which. It is also a good idea to write­protect your original diskette. See “Write-protecting Diskettes,”
above.

If you have a hard disk and one diskette drive, you can load the
operating system and application programs from the hard disk,

create and store your data there, and use the diskette drive just
for copying data to or from diskettes.

However, if you have only one diskette drive and no hard disk,
you need to use that drive to load the operating system as well as

any application program you are using. First, insert the operating
system diskette (the Startup diskette, for example) in drive A
and load the operating system; this copies it to the computer’s
memory (RAM) so you do not need to leave the system diskette

in the drive. Then remove the system diskette and insert your

3-18

application program diskette to load that data into memory, too.
See your application program manual for detailed instructions.

Using Your Computer

You can load MS-DOS from an application program diskette

if that diskette contains the operating system. See your
MS-DOS Reference Manual for information about creating a
system diskette.

Inserting and Removing Diskettes

If you have a
hold the diskette with the label facing up and the read/write slot
leading into the drive, as shown below.

Sl/+inch

diskette drive, insert a diskette as follows:

read/write

slot

I/

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

When you want to remove a diskette, first make sure the disk

drive light is off. Then flip up the latch and carefully pull out
the diskette. Place it in its protective envelope and store it in a
proper location, such as a diskette container.

Using Your Computer

3-19

If you have a 3 i/z-inch diskette drive, insert the diskette with
the label facing up and the metal shutter leading into the drive
as shown in the following illustration. Slide the diskette into the
drive until it clicks into place.

shutter

When you want to remove the diskette, make sure the drive

light is off; then press the release button. When the diskette
pops out, remove it and store it properly.

Caution

Never remove a diskette or reset or turn off the computer

while a diskette drive light is on. You could lose your data.

Also, be sure to remove all diskettes before you turn off the
computer.

3-20

Using Your Computer

Formatting Diskettes

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

You can also reformat previously used diskettes to store new

data. This process erases all the data on the diskette, so be sure
you do not want to save any of the files on a diskette before you
format it. See your MS-DOS Reference Manual for instructions

on using the FORMAT command.

Making Backup Copies

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

diskettes. Make backup (or working) copies of all diskettes that

contain programs, such as your MS-DOS diskettes and the

original Reference diskette that came with your computer. Then

use only the copies. Store the original diskettes in a safe place
away from your working diskettes. Also, copy your data diskettes
regularly, whenever you revise them (to keep them up-to-date)
and store them away from your originals.

If you have a hard disk, you’ll probably use it to store the
programs and data files you use regularly. Keep backup copies of
all your files on diskettes.

You can copy your data in several ways:

0

You can use the COPY or XCOPY command to copy

individual files or groups of files.

0

You can use the DISKCOPY command to make an exact

duplicate of a diskette.

Using Your Computer

3-2 I

0

You can use the BACKUP command to back up hard disk

files to diskettes. Because BACKUP can split large files
across two or more diskettes, it makes more efficient use of

diskette space than COPY or XCOPY.

See your MS-DOS Reference Manual for instructions on using
these commands.

Using a Hard Disk Drive

Using a hard disk is similar to using a diskette. However, the
hard disk provides several advantages:

0

A 40MB hard disk can store as much data as approximately

thirty-three 1.2MB diskettes or thirty 1.44MB diskettes,
and a 100MB hard disk can store as much data as
approximately eighty-two 1.2MB diskettes or seventy

1.44MB diskettes.

P

Your computer can perform all disk-related operations faster.

0

You can store frequently used programs and data files on the
hard disk, eliminating the inconvenience of swapping
diskettes to access different files.

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

MS-DOS lets you keep related files together in directories and
subdirectories so they are easy to find and use. See your
MS-DOS Reference Manual for instructions on managing your

files and directories.

3-22

A hard disk must be partitioned and formatted before you can

use it. Be sure you have performed the procedures in your

MS-DOS Installation Guide to prepare your hard disk for use.

Using Your Computer

Backing up the hard disk

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

accidentally. Make copies of all your system and application
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.

Caring for your hard disk drive

Follow these precautions to protect your hard disk drive from
damage and to avoid losing data:

Never turn off or reset the computer when the hard disk
access light is on. This light indicates that the computer is
copying data to or from the hard disk. If you interrupt this
process, you can lose data.

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

Before you move your computer even a short distance, you
may need to run the HDSIT program to prepare the hard
disk for moving, as described below.

Preparing the hard disk for moving

If you need to move your computer to a new location-whether

it is across the country or just across the room-you may want to

run the HDSIT program to protect the hard disk during the
move.

HDSIT moves the disk drive’s read/write heads to a region on
the disk surface that does not contain data, and locks them
securely in position. This protects the hard disk from being
damaged if the computer is bumped accidentally.

Using Your Computer

3-23

Many hard disk drives, including all Epson drives, automatically
park their heads when you turn off the computer. If your hard

disk drive does not do this, or if you are not sure that it does, be
sure to run HDSIT.

Follow these steps to run HDSIT:

1.

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

If you copied HDSIT to your hard disk (as described at the

2.
beginning of this chapter), log onto the directory of the hard
disk that contains the HDSIT files.

If you did not copy HDSIT to your hard disk, insert the

Reference diskette in drive A. Then type A: and press

Enter to

3.

Type the following and press

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. Remove any diskettes and turn
off the computer. You are now ready to move it to the new
location.

Note

If your computer came with a
still have the original diskette drive protector card, you may
want to insert it into the drive prior to shipping your

log onto that drive.

5*/4-inch

Enter:

diskette drive and you

3-24

computer to protect the read/write heads.

Using Your Computer

Chapter 4

Enhancing System Operations

This chapter tells you how to use the following procedures to
enhance the operation of your computer:

Using AUTOEXEC.BAT and other batch files
Changing the processor speed
Reassigning the diskette drives
Using your computer as a network server

Using expanded memory beyond 640KB
Using special VGA features.

Using AUTOEXEC.BAT and Other Batch Files

As you get used to using MS-DOS and your application
programs, you may find that there are commands you need to
run frequently. You can automate the execution of these
commands by listing them in a special file called a “batch” file.

When you type the name of the batch file and press

MS-DOS executes the commands in the file just as if you had
typed each command from the keyboard.

If you have a word processing program that can save a file as a
text-only file (sometimes called an ASCII file), you can use that
program to create a batch file. You can also use the MS-DOS
COPY or EDLIN command to create the file. See your
MS-DOS Reference Manual for instructions on creating and
using batch files.

Enter,

Enhancing System Operations

4-1

One batch file that you may find particularly useful is called
AUTOEXEC.BAT. E
MS-DOS looks for the AUTOEXEC.BAT file and
automatically executes each of the commands.

When you install MS-DOS, it automatically creates an
AUTOEXEC.BAT file for you. To create or modify the file, you
can use the same programs that you use to create any other
batch file (COPY, EDLIN, or a word processing program that
can save a file as a text-only file). However, be sure to name the
file AUTOEXEC.BAT and store it in the root directory of the
hard disk or diskette from which you load MS-DOS.

See your MS-DOS Reference Manual for more information
about your AUTOEXEC.BAT file.

very time you turn on your computer,

Changing the Processor Speed

Your computer’s processor can operate at two speeds: high and

low. High speed is 20 MHz and low speed simulates an 8 MHz
processor speed. On high, the computer can access memory
faster than on low. Your processor is set to operate at high speed
unless you change the speed to low or set the speed to change
automatically.

Note

When your computer is operating at high speed, the TURBO
light on the front panel is illuminated. The TURBO light is

off when your computer is operating at low speed.

You should use high speed for almost everything you do since
your programs will work faster. However, certain
programs have specific timing requirements for diskette access
and can run only at the slower speed. See the manual for your

application

4-2

program to determine if this is the case.

Enhancing System Operations

Some copy-protected programs

low speed while accessing the program on a diskette. These
programs also usually require you to leave a key disk-the
diskette that contains the copy protection-in the diskette
drive. If you use a copy-protected program often, you may want
to set your processor speed to change automatically to low speed
when accessing the diskette and return to high speed when it is
finished.

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

LI

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

require the

computer to run at

program on high, set the speed to change automatically.

LI

If you are using a copy-protected program that does not
require a key disk but requires a special procedure to install
the program on a hard disk, set the speed to low while you
are installing the program. Once it is installed, set the speed
to high, where you should be able to leave it while you load
and run the program.

If this does not work, try installing and loading the program
at low speed and then change to high speed to run it. Do not
set the speed to change automatically.

There are three ways to change the processor speed:

Q Run the Setup program on your Reference diskette

CI

Enter a keyboard command

0

Run the ESPEED program.

Enhancing System Operations

4-3

If you frequently use programs that require the processor to

operate at low speed or require the automatic speed change
when your computer is accessing a diskette, use Setup to change
the processor speed. See Chapter 2 for instructions.

If you use these programs only occasionally, you should use the
keyboard commands or the
to change the processor speed.

Entering Keyboard Commands

You can change the processor speed by entering one of the

following commands at the MS-DOS prompt:

Ctrl Alt +
Ctrl Alt ­Ctrl Alt *

For the +, -,
keypad. The commands do not work if you use the characters on

Changes the speed to high (20 MHz).

Changes the speed to low (simulated 8 MHz).
Tells the computer to change to low speed when

it is accessing a diskette.

and l characters, press the keys on the numeric

ESPEED

program (described below)

the main keyboard.

Note
You can use the commands listed above while you are

running a program. However, if you are running a program
that uses one of the same commands for another function,
you cannot use that command to change the processor speed.
For example, if you are running a program that uses the

Ctrl Alt - command to move the cursor, you cannot enter
Ctrl Alt - to change the processor speed to low. When you

exit the program, you can enter these commands at the
MS-DOS prompt. Another alternative is to use the ESPEED

program, described below.

4-4

Enhancing System Operations

To enter these commands, hold down the Ctrl key and the

Alt

key and press the +, -,

The speed setting remains in effect until you press the RESET
button or turn off the computer, or until you change it again
using the Setup program, another keyboard command, or the
ESPEED program, described below.

Using the ESPEED Program

The ESPEED program allows you to change the processor speed

to high or low, or set the speed to change automatically. This
method is convenient if your application program does not

or * key located on the numeric keypad.

recognize the

the program command in a batch file.

The ESPEED program is provided with your system on the
Reference diskette. If you do not have a hard disk, insert your
Reference diskette in drive A and log onto drive A before you

enter the command to start the program.

If you have a hard disk drive, copy the file ESPEED.EXE from

your Reference diskette onto your hard disk-if you have not

already done so-and run the program from there. (See

“Copying the Reference Diskette Files” in Chapter 3 for more

information.)

To run the ESPEED program, type the following at the

MS-DOS command prompt and press

Ctrl

keyboard commands or if you want to include

Enter:

ESPEED

You

see the following message:

Usage: ESPEED [[/H][/L] [/All

/High
/Low
/Auto

set High speed (no auto)
set Low speed (no auto)
set Auto speed

Enhancing System Operations

4-5

The message tells you the switches you should use to set the
speed to high, low, or automatic speed. At the MS-DOS prompt,
type the ESPEED command again and include the appropriate
switch, such as the following:

ESPEED /A

This command sets the processor speed to change to low speed

automatically when the computer accesses a diskette.

If you include the switch when you type the initial ESPEED
command, the program changes the speed without displaying
the command options.

The processor speed you set remains in effect until you press the

RESET button or turn off the computer, or until you change it

using the Setup program, a keyboard command, or the ESPEED
program again.

Entering the ESPEED command in a batch file

You may want to run the ESPEED program by including the

command in a batch file. For example, if you have a program
called SAMPLE which requires an 8 MHz processor speed when

the program is running on a diskette, you could include the
following commands in a batch file to start the SAMPLE
program:

ESPEED /A

SAMPLE

You could name the batch file SAMP.BAT. Whenever you
need to run the SAMPLE program, insert the program diskette
into drive A. Then type

SAMP

and press

Enter.

4-6

The computer changes the processor speed to automatic and
starts the SAMPLE program. When you access the program on

the diskette, the speed changes to low and then returns to high

when you are finished.

Enhancing System Operations

See your MS-DOS Reference Manual for instructions on
creating and using batch files.

Reassigning the Diskette Drives

If your system has two diskette drives, they are connected inside

your computer so that the top drive is A and the bottom drive is

B. Because drive A is the “boot” drive, whenever you want to
load the operating system or a bootable program from a diskette,

you must insert the diskette into drive A.

If both of your drives are the same type-S/,-inch, 1.2MB
capacity, for example-you never need to reassign the drives. If
your two drives are different types, however, you may need to

change the drive letter assignments so you can boot the
computer from drive B. For example, you may have a

31/2-inch

program disk that you need to use to boot the computer. Or you
may have an application program that requires you to leave the

3’/2-inch key disk in drive A while you run the program.

For these situations, you can reverse the drive assignments to
make the top drive B and the bottom drive A. There are two
ways to do this:

0

Insert the diskette in the drive you want to boot from and
turn on the computer. The drive automatically becomes

drive A.

D Run the AFDD program to reassign the drive. See “Using

the AFDD Program,” below, for instructions.

Your assignments remain in effect until you press the RESET

button or turn off the computer, or until you reassign the drives
to their original letters. The reassignment remains in effect if
you reset the computer from your hard disk by pressing

Ctrl Alt Del.

Enhancing system Operations 4-7

Using the AFDD Program

The AFDD program reverses the current diskette drive
assignments and resets the system. When you are done using the
reversed drive assignments, you can use the AFDD program
again to reassign the drives to their original configuration.

The AFDD program is provided with your system on the
Reference diskette. If you do not have a hard disk, insert your
Reference diskette in drive A and log onto drive A before you

enter the command to start the program.

If you have a hard disk drive, copy the file AFDD.EXE from your
Reference diskette onto your hard disk (if you have not already
done so); then you can run the program from there. See
“Copying the Reference and Utility Files” in Chapter 3 for more

information.
To run the AFDD program, type the following at the MS-DOS

command prompt and

press Enter:

AFDD

You see a message such as the following:

Drive A:
Drive B:

New Assign

1.44MB

1.2MB

<=
<=

Present

1.2MB

1.44MB

(S)et and Reboot, Any other key to

abort ? _

If you inserted the Reference diskette to run the AFDD program,
remove it now.

4-8

If you want to change the drive assignments, press S. The system

reboots and loads MS-DOS, and the new drive assignments take

effect. If you do not want to change the drive assignments, press

any other key.

Enhancing System Options

If you are running the AFDD program from a hard disk, you can
reassign the drives and reset the computer automatically. Type
the following command and press

Enter:

AFDD /S

The /S switch tells the AFDD program to reset the computer,
load MS-DOS, and change the diskette drive assignments
without displaying the message.

Note

You may want to run the AFDD program by including the

command in a batch file. See your MS-DOS Reference
Manual for instructions on creating and using batch files.

Using Your Computer as a Network Server

If your computer is set up in a network, you may want to use

your system as the network server. A network server is the

master computer in a network and provides storage space for the
other computers connected to it. The network server can write
files to and read files from the other computers, making it the
most powerful computer in a network.

Even if no one is typing commands at the network server
keyboard, the server can process commands sent to it from other
computers. When your computer is operating in this special
situation, you may want to prevent unauthorized users from
entering commands at the network server keyboard. To provide
this security, you can enable a power-on password in network
server mode.

Enhancing System Options

4-9

When you enable a power-on password but do not use network

server mode, you enter the password before the computer loads

MS-DOS. Once you load MS-DOS, anyone can access your

system by typing commands on the keyboard. However, if you

enable a power-on password and turn on network server mode,
you can load MS-DOS before you enter the password. This
allows other computers in the network to access the system, but

prevents unauthorized users from entering commands at your
keyboard and using any network server access privileges.

When you boot the computer in network server mode, you do
not see the key prompt
password (as you would if network server mode was turned off).
The password prompt is hidden to prevent unauthorized users

from knowing that a password is required.
You do not have to set a password or enable network server

mode to use your computer as a network sewer, but it prevents
unauthorized access to your computer when it is operating in

this special situation.

See “Setting the Power-on Password” in Chapter 2 for

instructions on how to set a power-on password and enable

network server mode.

Using a Password in Network Server Mode

(h

) to tell you when to enter the

4-10

When you turn on the computer or press RESET, the computer

loads MS-DOS and you see either the MS-DOS command
prompt or the first screen displayed by your networking software.
You do not see the key prompt
computer is now waiting for you to enter the correct password.

Follow these steps to enter your password:

1.

Turn on your computer or press

2.

Type your password and press Enter. The screen does not
display what you type.

Enhancing System Operations

(h)

RESET.

even though the