Epson Equity 4 User Manual
EPSON
®
User’s
This manual is printed on recycled paper and is 100% recyclable.
Guide
49
lMPORTANT 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 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
COPYRlGHT 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,
photocopying, recording, or otherwise
America, Inc. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of information
contained
information contained herein Further, this publication and features described herein are
subject to change without notice.
Epson
General notice: Other product names used herein are for identification purposes only and
may
herein.
Nor is any liability
is a registered trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.
be trademarks of their respective companies.
,
without the prior written permission of Epson
assumed for damages resulting from the use of the
TRADEMARKS
electronic, mechanical,
Copyright 8 1993 by Epson America, Inc.
Torrance, California
ii
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 an radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio and
television reception. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause interference to radio and television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
0
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
0
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver
0
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver
0
Consult and experienced radio/TV technician for help.
is connected
WARNING
The connection of a non-shielded equipment interface cable to this equipment will
invalidate the FCC Certification of this device and may cause interference levels that
exceed the limits established by the FCC for this equipment. It is the responsibility of the
user to obtain and use a shielded equipment interface cable with this device. If this
equipment has more than one interface connector, do not leave cables connected to unused
interfaces.
Changes or modifications not expressly approvedby the manufacturer could void the
user’s authority to operate the equipment.
FOR CANADIAN USERS
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from
digital apparatus as set out in the radio interference regulations of the Canadian
Department of communications.
Le~tappareilnumQiquen’emetpasdebruilsr~~~triquesd~leslimi~
applicables
brouillage radio6lectrique kdictk
aux
appareils numhiques
de
par le
Classe Bprescrites dans
h4inisthredes
Communications du Canada
le
r&glement
sur le
Important Safety Instructions
1.
Read all of these instructions and save them for later reference.
2.
Follow all warnings and instructions marked
3.
Unplug the computer from the wall outlet before cleaning. Use a
damp cloth for cleaning; do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.
on
the computer.
4. Do
5. Do not place the computer on an unstable cart, stand, or table.
6. Slots and openings in the cabinet and the back or bottom are
7.
8.
9. Connect all equipment to properly grounded (earthed) power
not
spill liquid of any kind on the computer.
provided for ventilation; do not block or cover these openings.
Do not place the computer near or over a radiator or heat
register.
Operate the computer using the type of power source indicated
on its label.
If you plan to operate the computer in G
following safety precaution:
To provide adequate short-circuit protection and over-current
protection for this computer, the building
protected by a 16 Amp circuit breaker.
Reim AnschluB
sichergestellt
16 A
ijberstromschutzschalter
outlets. If you are unable to insert the plug into an outlet,
contact
outlets on the same circuit as photocopiers or air control
systems that regularly switch on and off.
your electrician to replace your outlet. Avoid using
des Computers an die
werden,
dat3
die
Gebaudeinstallation
abgesichert ist.
ermany, observe the
installation
Netzversorgung muf3
must be
mit einem
iii
10.
Do not allow the computer’s power cord to become damaged or
frayed.
11.
If you use an extension cord with the computer, make sure the
total of the ampere ratings of the devices plugged into the
extension cord does not exceed the ampere rating for the
extension cord. Also, make sure the total of all products
plugged into the wall outlet does not exceed 15 amperes.
12.
Do not insert objects of any kind into this product through the
cabinet slots.
13. Except as specifically explained in this User’s Guide, do not
attempt to service the computer yourself. Refer all servicing to
qualified service personnel.
14.
Unplug the computer from the wall outlet and refer servicing to
qualified service personnel under the following conditions:
A.
When the power cord or plug is damaged.
B.
If liquid has entered the computer.
C. If the computer does not operate normally when the
operating instructions are followed. Adjust only those
controls that are covered by the operating instructions.
Improper adjustment of other controls may result in
damage and often requires extensive work by a qualified
technician to restore the computer to normal operation.
iv
D.
If the computer has been dropped or the cabinet has been
damaged.
E.
If the computer exhibits a distinct change in performance.
Instructions Importantes de
1.
Lire compl&ement les instructions qui suivant et les conserver
pour references futures.
2.
Bien suivre tous les avertissements et les instructions incliques sur
l’ordinateur.
3.
Debrancher l’ordinateur de toute sortie murale avant le nettoyage.
Utiliser un chiffon humide; ne jamais utiliser un nettoyeur
liquide ou une bonbonne aerosol.
4. Ne jamais renverser un hquide d’aucune sorte sur l’ordinateur.
5. Ne pas placer l’ordinateur sur un chariot, un support, ou une table
instable.
6.
Les events dans le meubles, a l’arriere et en dessous sont concus
pour l’aeration; on ne doit jamais les bloquer. Ne pas placer
l’ordinateur p&s
7.
Le fonctionnement de l’ordinateur doit s’effectuer conformement
au type de source d’alimentation indiquee sur l’etiquette.
8.
Lorsqu’on desire utiliser l’ordinateur en Allemagne, on doit
observer les normes s&uritaires qui suivent:
dune
source de chaleur directe.
Skurit6
Afin d’assurer une protection adequate a l’ordinateur co&e les
court-circuits et le survoltage, l’installation de l’kdifice doit
comprendre un disjoncteur de 16 amp.
9.
On doit brancher tout l’&quipement darts une sortie relirk a la
masse. Lorsqu’il est impossible d’inserer la fiche clans la prise, on
doit retenir les services d’un
jamais utilkr une prise sur le m&e circuit qu’un appareil a
photocopie ou un syst&me de contn%e da&ration avec
commutation marche-arret.
&ctricien ou
remplacer la prise. Ne
10. S’assurer
effrs.
que le
cordon d’alimentation de l’ordinateur n’est pas
11. Dans le cas
06 on
utilise un cordon de rallonge avec l’ordinateur,
on doit s’assurer que la valeur totale d’ampikes branches dans le
cordon
n’exdde
en aucun temps les amperes du cordon de
rallonge. La quantite totale des appareils branches darts la prise
murale ne doit jamais exckkr
12.
Ne
jar&s ins&w un objet de quelque sort-e que ce soit darts les
cavit&s
13. Sauf tel que
ten&r
de cet appareil.
spkifie darts
d’effectuer une reparation de l’ordinateur. On doit
le service de cet appareil a un technicien
14.
Debrancher
personnel de service
l’ordinateur de la prise murale et confier le service au
qualit%
15
amperes.
la notice d’utilisation, on
ne
doit jamais
qua&B
selon les conditions qui suivent:
A. Lorsque le cordon d’abmentation ou la prise sont
endommages.
B.
Lorsqu’un liquide s’est
inUt&
dans l’ordinateur.
C. Lorsque l’ordinateur refuse de fonctionner normalement
meme en suivant les instructions. N’ajuster que les
commandes qui sont
&unGr&s darts
les instructions de
fonctionnement. Tout ajustement mad&Brat de tout autre
contr6le peut provoquer un dommage et souvent nkzssiter
des reparations &labor&s par un technicien qualifie afin de
remettre I’appareil
en service.
r&rer
vi
D.
Lorsqu’on a Mtappe l’ordinateur ou que l’on a endommage le
boxer.
E.
Lorsque l’ordinateur d&nor&e un changement note au niveau
de sa performance.
Contents
Introduction
VGA Utilities
Optional Equipment
Memory
Drives
OverDrive Processor
Math Coprocessor
Alternate VGA Interface
How to Use This ManuaI
Chapter 1
Turning On the Computer
Turning Off the Computer
Using Disks and Disk Drives
How Disks Store Data
Types of Diskette Drives
Caring for Diskettes and Diskette Drives
Write-protecting Diskettes
Inserting and Removing Diskettes
Using a Single Diskette Drive System
Formatting Diskettes
Making Backup Copies
Using a Hard Disk Drive
Special Keys on the Keyboard
Stopping a Command or Program
Resetting the Computer
Using a Password
Changing or Deleting a Password
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Using Your computer
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2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
1-2
1-5
1-5
1-6
1-7
1-10
1-12
1-14
1-16
1-17
1-17
1-18
1-20
1-21
1-22
1-23
1-23
vii
Changing the
Processor Speed
Preparing the Hard Disk for Moving
Using AUTOEXEC.BAT and Other Batch Files
..................
...............
.........
1-24
1-26
1-27
Chapter 2
How to Use This Chapter
Locating the
Removing the Cover
Changing the Jumper Settings
Setting the Jumpers
Memory Modules (SIMMs)
Inserting SIMMs
Removing SIMMS
Installing an Option Card
Removing an Option Card
Removing the Option Card Connector Board
Replacing the Option Card Connector Board
Installing a New Processor Chip
Increasing the Video Memory
Installing the Memory Chips
Using the Alternate VGA Interface
Using a Display Adapter Card
Replacing the Cover
Post-instaIIation Procedures
Chapter 3
Installing and Removing Options
.....................
Internal
Components
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lnstalling and Removing Drives
2-2
2-3
2-4
2-6
2-9
2-11
2-13
2-15
2-16
2-20
2-21
2-22
2-23
2-24
2-24
2-26
2-28
2-29
2-30
How to Use This Chapter
Setting the Hard Disk Drive Jumpers
Where to Go Next
InstaIIing a Hard Disk in the VerticaI Bay
Removing the Mounting Frames
Installing the Hard Disk
Connecting the Cables
Removing a Hard Disk From the Vertical Bay
viii
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3-3
3-4
3-4
3-5
3-6
3-8
3-12
3-15
InstaIIing a Drive in a HorizontaI Bay
Attaching Mounting Frames to a Hard Disk
Installing the Drive.
Connecting the Cables
......................
.....................
Removing a Drive From a Horizontal Ray
...............
........
............
Connecting the Hard Disk Drive Ribbon Cable to the
System Board
Post-installation Procedures
...........................
....................
3-17
3-19
3-20
3-24
3-29
3-33
3-36
Chapter 4
Starting the Program
Deleting Tests
Adding Tests
Running Tests
Resuming From an Error
System Diagnostic Tests
Error Messages
Chapter 5
Starting the Program
Formatting a New Disk
Reformatting a Used Disk
Selecting an Option
selecting a Drive
Option 1, Format
Modifying the Defective Track Table
Formatting the Disk
Option 2, Destructive Surface Analysis
Option 3,
Nondestructive Surface Analysis
Exiting the Program
Running System Diagnostics
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Formatting a Hard Disk
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4-2
4-3
4-4
4-5
4-6
4-7
4-8
5-2
5-3
5-3
5-3
5-4
5-4
5-6
5-8
5-9
5-10
5-11
ix
Chapter 6
Troubleshooting
Identifying Your System
Error Messages
...........................
The Computer Won’t Start
The Computer Does Not Respond
Restoring the Power Supply
Password Problems
Accessing Your System
Keyboard Problems
Monitor Problems
Diskette Problems
..........................
..........................
Diskette Drive Problems
Hard Disk Problems
Installing the Drive
Preparing the Drive
Accessing Data on the Drive
Software Problems
Printer Problems
Option Card Problems
Mouse Problems
...........................
Memory Module Problems
Appendix A Specifications
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6-1
6-2
6-6
6-7
6-9
6-10
6-11
6-12
6-13
6-15
6-17
6-18
6-18
6-19
6-20
6-21
6-22
6-23
6-24
6-25
CPU and Memory
Controllers
Interfaces
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Mass Storage
Keyboard
...............................
Physical Characteristics
Power Supply
Environmental Requirements
Power Source Requirements
System Memory Map
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Glossary
lndex
x
A-1
A-2
A-3
A-4
A-4
A-5
A-5
A-6
A-7
A-8
Introduction
Your new Epson® computer is a fast, high-performance system
offering flexibility and expandability in a compact design. It
provides the following features:
486SX/25,486DX/33, or 486DX2/50 microprocessor
4MB of internal memory, expandable to 32MB
System and video BIOS shadow RAM
8KB of internal processor cache
512KB or 1MB of on-board video memory (512KB systems
are expandable to 1MB)
Math coprocessor built into the 486DX/33 and 486DX2/50
microprocessor chips
Built-in VGA port
Two built-in serial ports and one built-in parallel port
Built-in IBM® PS/2™ compatible keyboard and mouse ports
Four 16-bit (or 8-bit) ISA option slots
Support for up to three internal mass storage devices
Password security.
The shadow RAM feature allows your system to speed up
processing by moving the system and video BIOS into the RAM
area of memory.
Introduction 1
Using the built-in interfaces, you can connect most of your
peripheral devices directly to the computer so you don’t have
to install option cards. You can use the option slots to enhance
your system with extra functions such as a modem card or
additional interface ports.
The VGA controller supports standard resolutions up to
640 x 480 in 16 colors and extended resolutions up to 1024 x 768
in 16 colors (interlaced and non-interlaced), and lower
resolutions in up to 256 colors. With 1MB of video memory
installed, the VGA controller supports resolutions up to
1024 x 768 in 256 colors and 640 x 480 in 16.8 million colors
(for some applications).
VGA Utilities
Your computer comes with special MS-DOS® VGA drivers and
utilities for use with the integrated VGA interface. With these
utilities, you can take advantage of extended VGA features
such as high resolutions and 132-column text mode when you
run popular application programs. See the
for installation instructions.
VGA Utilities Guide
Optional Equipment
You can easily upgrade your computer by installing additional
memory and a wide variety of options, as described below.
(Installation instructions are provided in Chapters 2 and 3 of
this manual.)
Memory
By adding 1MB, 4MB, or 16MB SIMMs (single inline memory
modules) to the main system board, you can expand the
computer’s memory up to 32MB.
Drives
Your system can support up to three internal mass storage
devices, including hard disk drives, diskette drives, a tape
drive, or a CD-ROM drive. As your storage needs expand, you
can install additional drives.
OverDrive Processor
Depending on which system you have, you may be able to
enhance your system by installing an Intel® OverDrive™
processor. This processor doubles the internal clock speed so
your system runs much faster.
Math Coprocessor
If you have the 486SX/25, you may want to install an 80487SX,
25 MHz coprocessor. This optional microprocessor includes a
built-in math coprocessor so your computer can perform
mathematical functions faster.
Alternate VGA Interface
If you want to install a high-resolution graphics adapter card
for additional graphics capabilities (such as 1280 x 1024
resolutions), you can connect it to the computer’s alternate
VGA interface. This allows you to use the special graphics
features on the adapter card while accessing the standard VGA
signals provided by your main system board.
Introduction 3
How to Use This Manual
This
manual contains the information you need to get the best
results from your computer. You don’t have to read everything
in this book; check the following summary.
Chapter 1 covers general operating procedures, such as turning
the computer on and off, using disks and disk drives, entering a
password, and changing the processor speed.
Chapter 2 describes how to remove and replace the computer’s
cover, change jumper settings, and install optional equipment
such as option cards and memory modules.
Chapter 3 explains how to install and remove disk drives.
Chapter 4 provides instructions for running system diagnostics.
Chapter 5 gives the procedure for formatting a hard disk.
Chapter 6 contains troubleshooting tips.
Appendix A lists the specifications of your computer.
At the end of this manual, you’ll find a Glossary and an Index.
Note
Please see the Setup
Guide
for instructions on setting up your
system and running the SETUP program.
4 Introduction
Chapter 1
Using Your Computer
This chapter briefly describes the following operations:
0
Turning the computer on and off
D
Using disks and disk drives
Cl
Using special keys on the keyboard
Cl
Stopping a co
0
Resetting the computer
0
Using a password
Cl
Changing the processor speed
0
Preparing a hard disk for moving
Cl
Using AUTOEXEC.BAT and other batch files.
mmand or program
Using Your Computer
1-1
If you want basic information on turning the computer on and
off, using your disk drives and keyboard, stopping commands,
or resetting the computer, read the first five sections in this
chapter.
If you are familiar with these asp&s of operating a computer,
you can skip to page 1-23 to learn about system operations
specific to your computer, such as using a password and
changing the processor speed.
Turning On the Computer
Before turning on your computer, check the following safety
rules to avoid accidentally damaging your computer or injuring
yourself:
Do not connect or disconnect any peripheral device cables
(including the mouse or keyboard) or power cables when
the computer’s power is on.
Never turn on the computer with a protective card in a
5.25-inch diskette drive.
Never turn off or reset your computer while a disk drive
light is on. This can destroy data stored on the disk.
Always wait at least 20 seconds after you turn off the
power before you turn it on again. This prevents possible
damage to the computer’s electrical circuitry.
Do not leave a beverage near your system. Spilled liquid
can damage the circuitry of your equipment.
Follow these steps to turn on your system:
1.
Turn on the monitor, printer, and any other peripheral
devices connected to the computer.
1-2
Using Your Computer
2.
If you do not have a hard disk, insert your main operating
system diskette in drive A.
Note
If you do not have a hard disk, you need to insert the
operating system diskette each time you turn on your
system so the computer can copy the operating system
to its memory. See your operating system manual for
more information.
3. To turn on the computer, press the power button located on
the right side of the front panel, as shown below.
power (SPEED) indicator
power
button
The power indicator lights up. After a few seconds, the
computer displays a count of its system memory, and then
performs its power-on diagnostics. This is a series of checks the
computer runs each time you turn it on to make sure
everything is working correctly. (If necessary, use the controls
on your monitor to adjust the screen display.)
Using Your Computer
1-3
Note
If you have made a major change to your system, such as
adding a disk drive, the computer may take a few minutes to
complete power-on diagnostics the first time you turn it on.
When the system has successfully completed its diagnostics,
you see the following prompt:
Press Del to start SETUP
Note
If your computer’s configuration does not match the
information stored in the computer’s CMOS RAM (defined
through the SETUP program), you see an error message.
Press
m
to run the SETUP program to correct the
information. (See Chapter 2 of the Setup Guide for
instructions.)
If you do not want to run SETUP, do nothing. After about five
seconds your computer either loads the operating system from
the
hard disk or the diskette in drive A or, if you’ve set a
System Access password, it prompts you for your password.
When you enter the correct password, your computer loads the
operating system.
What happens
next
depends on how your computer is set up.
If your system is configured to automatically load a program
(such as Microsoft® Windows® or a word processing program),
you see the first menu or screen display of that program. If not,
you may see the operating system prompt, such as c : \> or A>.
See your application program manuals for further instructions.
1-4
Using Your Computer
Turning Off the Computer
Whenever you turn off your system, follow these steps:
1.
Save your data and exit any application program you are
using.
2.
Check the hard disk drive light and the diskette drive light(s)
to make sure they are not on. Do not turn off the computer
if a drive light is on, because you can damage the drive or
lose data.
3.
Remove any diskette(s) from the diskette drive(s).
4.
Press the power button to turn off the computer and then
turn off any peripheral devices (monitor, printer, etc.).
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:
Use different types of diskettes and diskette drives
Care for your diskettes and diskette drives
Write-protect diskettes
Insert and remove diskettes
Use a single diskette drive system
Format diskettes
Make backup copies
Use a hard disk drive.
Using Your Computer
1-5
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
hard (3.5-inch diskette) or slightly flexible (5.25-inch diskette).
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
sides. On each side are concentric rings, called tracks, on which
a disk can store data.
A disk is further divided by sectors, which can be visualized as
pie slices. The illustration below provides a simple
representation of tracks and sectors.
1-6
Using Your Computer
Double-sided and high-density diskettes have 80 tracks on each
side and double-sided, double-density diskettes have either 40
or 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.
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 to the position under the read/write head
where the data is to be written. 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 types of diskette drives you can
use in your computer and which diskettes to use with them:
1.44MB drive-Use 3.5-inch, double-sided, high-density,
CI
135 TPI, 1.44MB diskettes. These diskettes contain 80 tracks
per side, 18 sectors per track, and hold up to 1.44MB of
information (approximately 600 pages of text).
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.
Using Your Computer
1-7
0
1.2MB drive-Use 5.25-inch, double-sided, high-density,
96 TPI, 1.2MB diskettes. These diskettes contain 80 tracks
per side, 15 sectors per track, and hold up to 1.2MB of
information (approximately 500 pages of text).
Q
720KB drive-Use 3.5-inch, double-sided, doubledensity,
135 TPI, 720KB diskettes. These diskettes contain 80 tracks
per side, 9 sectors per track, and hold up to 720KB of
information (approximately 300 pages of text).
Ct
360KB drive-Use 5.25-inch, double-sided, 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
(approximately 150 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. See
the following tables.
3.5-inch drive/diskette compatibility
1
1
Drive type
1
720KB
1-8
1.44MB
Using Your Computer
Diskette types it can read from and write to
720KB
I
1.44MB, 720KB
I
5.25-inch drive/diskette compatibility
Drive type
360KB
1.2MB
*
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.
Diskette types it can read from and write to
360KB, 320KB, 160KB, 160KB
1.2MB, 360KB,* 320KB,* 180KB,* 140KB*
Because of possible incompatibilities, always indicate the
diskette type and density when you labeI your diskettes.
(Usually this information appears on the manufacturer’s label.)
Note
If you want to format a 720KB diskette in a 1.4.4MB drive or a
360KB diskette in a 1.2MB drive, make sure you include the
correct parameter in your format command. See your
operating system manual for instructions.
If you have any combination of the above drives (1.44MB,
1.2MB, 720KB, or 360KB) and you are using MS-DOS, 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
information, see your operating system manuals.
Using Your Computer
1-9
Caring for Diskettes and Diskette Drives
Follow these basic precautions to protect your diskettes and
avoid losing data:
Q
Remove all diskettes before you turn off the computer.
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 "Writeprotecting Diskettes,” below, for more details.
D
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.
Keep diskettes in a moderate environment.
Don’t leave them sitting in the sun or in
extreme cold or heat because this can destroy
the data.
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0
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.
Keep diskettes away from magnetic fields,
such as those generated by electrical
appliances, telephones, and loudspeakers.
(Diskettes store information magnetically.)
Using Your Computer
0
Do not place diskettes on top of your monitor or near an
external hard disk drive.
Always hold a 5.25-inch diskette by its
protective jacket and never touch the magnetic
surface (exposed by the read/write slot). The
oils on your fingertips can damage it.
0
Never wipe, brush, or try to clean diskettes in any way.
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.
0
Carefully label your diskettes and indicate the type and
density. Do not stick several labels on top of one another;
this can make it difficult to insert and remove the diskette
in the drive.
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.
0
Do not place anything on top of your diskettes, and be sure
they do not get bent.
Using Your Computer
1-11
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.
On a 3.5-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 3.5-inch diskette, slide the switch
toward the edge of the diskette until it clicks into position,
exposing a hole in the comer.
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
A high-density 3.5-inch diskette has an additional hole on
the opposite side. This hole does not affect the writeprotection.
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Using Your Computer
To write-protect a 5.25-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 5.25-inch diskettes.
-
notch
To remove the write protection, peel off the write-protect tab.
Some program diskettes have no switch or notch so they are
Using Your Computer
1-13
Inserting and Removing Diskettes
To insert a diskette into a 3.5-inch drive, hold 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.
release button
metal 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.
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Using Your Computer
To insert a diskette into a 5.25-inch drive, hold the diskette with
the label facing up and the read/write slot leading into the
drive, as shown below.
latch
read/write
slot
Slide the diskette all the way into the slot. Then turn the latch
down to lock it in a vertical position. This keeps the diskette in
place and enables the read/write heads to access the diskette.
Note
Some 5.25-inch drives have a release button rather than a
latch.
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
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