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EPSON
Page 3
EPSON America, Inc.
2780 Lomita Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90505
MS 4-1
- - _ - - _ - _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Fold Here
PLACE
STAMP
HERE
- _ - _ - _ _ _
Tape Here. Do Not Staple
.L
Page 4
®
EPSON
EQUITY™IIe
User’s Guide
Y18699100101
Page 5
IMPORTANTNOTICE
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.
COPYRIGHTNOTICE
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 trademark of Epson America, Inc.
Centronics is a registered trademark of Centronics Data Corporation.
Hercules is a registered trademark of Hercules Computer Technology Corporation.
IBM is a registered trademark and AT and XT are trademarks of International
Business Machines Corporation.
Intel is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation.
Lotus and 1-2-3 are registered trademarks of Lotus Development Corporation.
Microsoft, MS-DOS, and MS are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Rampage Plus is a registered trademark of AST Research, Inc.
Copyright
0
1989 by Epson America, Inc.
Torrance, California
ii
Page 6
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.
Do not use this product near water.
4.
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.
This product should be operated from the type of power source
7.
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.
Page 7
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.
If the product has been exposed to rain or water.
C.
If the product does not operate normally when the operating
D.
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,
Deleting a Power-on Password
Selecting the Operating Speed
Special Keys on the Equity IIe Keyboard
Stopping a Command or Program
Resetting the Computer
Using Disks and Disk Drives.
How Disks Store Data
Types of Diskette Drives.
...............
........
.........
.............
.....
..........
..................
..............
...............
.............
Caring for Diskettes and Diskette Drives,
Inserting and Removing Diskettes
Write-protecting Diskettes.
Making Backup Copies.
Using a Single Diskette Drive
Using Two Diskette Drives
Using a Hard Disk Drive
Turning Off the Computer
..............
.............
................
......
...........
.........
...........
2-9
2-11
2-14
2-15
2-16
2-19
2-23
2-25
2-26
. . . .
3-1
. . . .
3-2
. . . .
3-3
. . . .
3-4
. . . .
3-5
. . . .
3-6
. . . .
3-8
. . . .
3-8
. . . .
3-9
. . . .
3-10
. . . .
3-12
. . . .
3-15
. . . .
3-16
. . . .
3-18
. . . .
3-20
. . . .
3-21
. . . .
3-22
. . . .
3-22
. . . .3-25
iv
Page 10
Chapter 4Using MS-DOS with Your Equity IIe
Starting and Exiting MS-DOS
Using Drive Designators
The Current Drive
Types of MS-DOS Commands
Entering an MS-DOS Command
Setting the Date and Time
Creating and Managing Files
Naming Files
Copying Files
Renaming Files
Deleting Files
Printing Text Files
Using Directories.
The Current Directory
Changing the Current Directory
Using Pathnames
Including Filenames With Pathnames
Including Drive Letters With Pathnames and
Filenames..
Creating Directories
Listing the Contents of a Directory
Displaying a List of Directories
Removing Directories.
Formatting Diskettes
Formatting Diskettes With a Hard Disk
Formatting Diskettes With Two Diskette Drives
(No Hard Disk)
Formatting Diskettes With One Diskette Drive
(No Hard Disk)
Backing Up Data.
Using the DISKCOPY Command
--
Using the BACKUP Command.
The MS-DOS Shell Program
Using the Epson HELP Program.
Using the Epson MENU Program.
Menu Program Options
...................................
..................................
.................................
..................................
...................................
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...................................
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................................
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..................
...................
..........................
.......................
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..........................
4-2
4-3
4-4
4-5
4-7
4-8
4-9
4-9
4-11
4-14
4-15
4-16
4-16
4-19
4-19
4-20
4-21
4-21
4-23
4-23
4-25
4-27
4-27
4-28
4-30
4-31
4-32
4-33
4-36
4-37
4-37
4-39
4-41
v
Page 11
Using an AUTOEXEC.BAT File
Creating an AUTOEXEC.BAT File
Using Memory Beyond 640KB
Using EEMM286.SYS
...........................4-46
Chapter 5Installing Options
.......................
................
.........................
4-42
4-43
4-45
Adding Memory Modules
Installing Option Cards.
Removing the Cover
Installing an Option Card
Changing Jumper Settings
Removing an Option Card.
Replacing the Cover.
.............................
..............................
............................
........................
........................
.......................
............................
Post-installation Setup for Memory Cards
Post-installation Setup
Appendix A
Error Messages
Troubleshooting
...................
The Computer Won’t Start
The Computer Locks Up
Password Problems
Keyboard Problems
The Epson® Equity™ IIe is a versatile, high-performance,
personal computer which supports multiple users and
multitasking operations. In addition, you can easily upgrade
your system by adding memory and installing options.
The Equity IIe is available in these configurations:
Li
A single diskette drive system with either a 1.2MB
4-inch
(megabyte), 5
diskette drive
LI
A hard disk drive system with one 40MB or 100MB hard
disk and either a 1.2MB or a 1.44MB diskette drive.
You can install an additional diskette drive or hard disk drive,
up to a maximum of three drives total.
All models of the Equity IIe include 1MB of internal memory,
five standard option slots (four 16-bit and one 8-bit), serial and
parallel interfaces, and an auxiliary mouse connector.
‘/
diskette drive or a 1.44MB, 3
l/l-inch
Because of its industry-standard architecture, the Equity IIe is
fully compatiblewith the current installed base of personal
computer hardware and software. You can install just about any
optional device that is compatible with the IBM@ Personal
Computer, PC XT,‘” or PC AT.‘”
You can expand the computer’s memory up to 5MB by adding
memory modules to the main system board and up to 16MB by
installing both memory modules and a memory card.
You may also want to install an 80287 math coprocessor to
speed up mathematical calculations. Check with your
authorized Epson dealer to see which options are available.
Introduction I
Page 16
Your Equity IIe comes with version 4.01 of MS-DOS® the
operating system by Microsoft.@ This version of MS-DOS
includes a Shell program, which helps you manage your data
and lets you run MS-DOS commands by selecting them from
on-screen menus. You’ll find a set of MS-DOS manuals packed
in the box with the computer.
You probably also purchased other software; you can use
virtually any application program designed for the IBM PC,
PC XT, PC AT, or compatible computers on your Equity IIe.
Additionally, Epson has included two time-saving utilities that
make MS-DOS easier to use: HELP and MENU. The HELP
program lets you display information on the screen about any
MS-DOS command. MENU provides an easy way to run many
useful MS-DOS commands.
MS-DOS is not the only operating system you can use with your
computer. If you have a hard disk, for example, you also may
want to use the more powerful MS® OS/2. Among other
capabilities, MS OS/2 provides multitasking, dual-mode
processing, and online help. With Epson’s version of MS OS/2,
you can have both MS-DOS and MS OS/2 on your Equity IIe;
this way, you can select which operating system to load each
time you turn on the computer. Ask your Epson dealer for more
information. (In particular, be sure to check the amount of
RAM required to run MS OS/2.)
How to Use This Manual
This manual explains how to set up and care for your Equity IIe.
It also describes how to use your computer and run diagnostics
checks. You probably do not need to read everything in this
book; see the following chapter summaries.
2Introduction
Page 17
Chapter 1 provides simple step-by-step instructions for setting
up your system. On the back cover foldout are illustrations
identifying the different parts of the Equity IIe; you may want to
refer to this while setting up your system.
Chapter 2 describes how to run the Setup program to define
your computer’s configuration. You must do this for a new
computer before you use it. You may need to do it again later, if
you change the configuration.
Chapter 3 provides instructions for performing important
operating procedures, including using and caring for your disks
and disk drives.
Chapter 4 provides basic instructions for using MS-DOS with
your computer.
Chapter 5 describes some of the options you can use in your
Equity IIe and contains instructions for installing option cards
and changing jumper settings.
Appendix A contains troubleshooting tips in case you
encounter any problems while using your computer.
Appendix B provides information about the power-on
diagnostics.
Appendix C outlines the system diagnostics checks you can
perform on your computer. If you are having trouble with any
part of the hardware, you may want to run some of these
diagnostics checks.
Appendix D 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 type of low-level
format, or if you are having serious problems with the hard disk
in your computer. (This is not the same type of format you can
perform with the MS-DOS FORMAT command.)
Introduction 3
Page 18
Appendix E lists the types of hard disk drives you can use in the
Equity IIe.
Appendix F gives the technical specifications for the Equity IIe.
At the end of the manual, you’ll find a glossary of the computer
terms used in this manual and an index.
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
1-800-922-8911 for the following:
0
The nearest Epson dealer
Ci
The nearest Customer Care Center
Li
Information on Epson User Groups.
To locate or purchase accessories or supplies, contact your
nearest Epson dealer or call 1-800-873-7766.
4 Introduction
Page 19
Chapter 1
Setting Up Your System
Setting up your Epson Equity IIe personal computer is easy. Just
follow the seven steps in this chapter. As you set up your
computer, you may want to leave the back cover foldout open
so you can refer to the two illustrations identifying the different
parts of the computer.
Unpacking
1
As you remove your system components from their cartons, be
sure to inspect each piece, If anything is missing or looks
damaged, check with your Epson dealer.
Setting Up Your System
1-1
Page 20
Besides this manual, you should have the following:
The computer and power cord
The keyboard with attached cable
MS-DOS 4.01 diskettes: either six 5
‘/q-inch
diskettes
(Install, Operating 1, Operating 2, Operating 3, Shell, and
Select) or three 3
‘/z-inch
diskettes (Install, Operating, and
Shell)
A Reference diskette
Four MS-DOS manuals: an Installation Guide, a Shell
User’s Guide, a Reference Manual, and a Command
Summary.
In addition to these items, you need a compatible monitor and
display adapter card. You may also have a printer or other
peripheral device.
You’ll find a warranty card and a registration card with the
computer. Keep the warranty card for your records. Fill out the
registration card now and mail it to Epson. With your
registration card on file, Epson can send you update
information.
Be sure to keep your packing materials. They provide the best
protection for your computer if you need to transport it later.
1-2
Setting Up Your System
Page 21
Removing the Diskette Drive Protector Card
If your computer has a 5
protector card in the diskette slot. This card is inserted at the
factory to protect the read/write heads in the drive. To remove
it, turn the diskette drive latch up until it is horizontal. This
causes the card to pop out slightly so you can pull it out of the
slot, as shown below.
‘/J-inch
diskette drive, there is a
(If you have a second 5
the card from that drive as well.)
Save the protector card and reinsert it whenever you move the
computer. If you don’t plan to use your computer for a week or
more, reinsert the card to help prevent dust from entering the
drive.
‘/d-inch
diskette drive, be sure to remove
Setting Up Your System1-3
Page 22
Choosing a Location
2
Before you set up your Equity IIe, it’s important to choose a
comfortable, convenient location where it can run properly.
Select a location that provides the following:
A large, sturdy desk or table that can easily support the
weight of your system, including all its components.
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.
Good air circulation. Air must be able to move freely under
the system as well as behind it. Leave several inches of space
around the computer to allow ventilation.
Moderate environmental conditions. Protect your computer
from extremes in temperature, humidity, dust, and smoke.
Avoid direct sunlight or any other source of heat. High
humidity also hinders operation, so select a cool, dry area.
Appropriate power sources. To prevent static charges,
connect all your equipment to three-prong, 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. You can plug one peripheral into the
auxiliary power outlet on the back panel of the Equity IIe,
reducing the number of wall outlets you need.
No electromagnetic interference. Locate your system away
from any electrical device, such as a telephone, that
generates an electromagnetic field.
1-4
Setting Up Your System
Page 23
Connecting a Monitor
3
The procedure you use to connect your monitor to the
computer depends on the type of monitor you have. See your
monitor manual for detailed instructions or follow the general
guidelines below.
A monitor requires that a display adapter (video) card be
installed inside the computer to control it. Your dealer may
have already installed a video card for you; if not, you need to
install it before you can connect your monitor. See Chapter 5
for instructions on how to remove the computer’s cover and
install an option card (a video card in this case).
The monitor type must match the video card installed in the
computer. Check the following table to make sure your card and
monitor match.
Monitor/video card compatibility
Monitor
Monochrome
Color or EGA
Monochrome
or color VGA
Follow these steps to connect the monitor:
1.
Place your monitor on top of or near the computer. It is
easiest to connect the monitor cable if the backs of the
monitor and the computer are facing you.
2.
If necessary, connect the monitor cable to the monitor.
(Some monitors come with permanently attached cables.)
Connect the appropriate end of the monitor cable to the
3.
video card connector on the back of the computer, as
shown below. If the plug has retaining screws, tighten them
by hand or with a screwdriver, depending on the screw type.
retaining
screws
4. If there are any switches or jumpers on the video card (for
example, to indicate color or monochrome), be sure they
are set properly. (See the documentation that came with
your monitor or video card for instructions.)
1-6Setting Up Your System
Page 25
5.Plug the monitor’s power cord into the monitor’s power
inlet, as shown below.
6.Plug the other end of the power cord into an electrical
outlet.
If the monitor has the proper type of plug, you can plug it
into the AC power outlet on the back of the computer.
Setting Up Your System1-7
Page 26
Connecting a Printer or Other Device
4
The Equity IIe has a parallel interface, a serial interface, and an
auxiliary mouse connector. To connect a printer or other
peripheral device to one of these interfaces, follow the
instructions below. Epson offers a full range of printers; check
with your dealer for more information.
Using the Parallel Interface
The Equity IIe parallel interface is Centronics®-compatible and
uses a DB-25S connector. Most Epson printers have parallel
interfaces.
To connect a printer to the computer, you need an IBMcompatible printer cable. If you are not sure which one you
need, check with your Epson dealer. Once you have the correct
printer cable, follow these steps to connect your printer to the
parallel interface on the computer:
1.
Be sure the power switches on the computer, monitor, and
printer are off.
2.
Place the printer next to the computer.
1-8
Setting Up Your System
Page 27
3.
One end of the printer cable has a 25-pin, D-shell, male
connector. Connect this end to the parallel port on the
back panel of the computer, as shown below. If the plug has
retaining screws, tighten them by hand or with a
screwdriver, depending on the screw type.
Setting Up Your System
1-9
Page 28
4.
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.
5.
Plug the printer’s power cord into an electrical outlet.
1-10
Setting Up Your
System
Page 29
Using the Serial Interface
If you have a printer, a modem, or any other peripheral with a
serial interface, you can connect it to the serial (RS-232C) port
on the back of the computer.
6 5 4 3 2 1
serial port
The Equity IIe uses a DB-9P male 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.
A
@
i
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
program. See your MS-DOS Reference Manual for
instructions.
Setting Up Your System
1-11
Page 30
Using the Mouse Connector
The Equity IIe has an auxiliary port for a mouse that uses a mini
DIN (6-pin) connector. To connect a mouse to the built-in
mouse port and set up the computer to use it, see the manual
that comes with the mouse. To use a mouse with your
computer, you may need to add commands to your MS-DOS
CONFIG.SYS file.
5
6
mouse
connector
\
i
i
Note
If you want to use a mouse or other pointing device
connected to a port on an option card in your computer, you
need to disable the built-in mouse connector by changing a
jumper setting in the computer, See “Changing Jumper
Settings” in Chapter 5 for instructions.
1-12
Setting Up Your System
Page 31
Connecting the Power Cord
5
Follow these steps to connect the power cord:
1.
Make sure the power switch on the computer is turned off.
2.
Plug the power cord into the AC power inlet on the back
panel, as shown below. To avoid an electric shock, be sure
to plug the cord into the computer before plugging it into
the wall socket.
3.
Plug the other end of the power cord into a three-prong,
120-volt, grounded electrical outlet.
Setting Up Your System
1-13
Page 32
Connecting the Keyboard
6
Follow these steps to connect the keyboard:
1.
Turn the computer around so the front is facing you.
2.
Open the cover on the lower left comer of the computer’s
front panel by pressing it in slightly and then releasing it.
-
1-14
Setting Up Your
System
Page 33
3.
Plug the keyboard cable into the socket, as shown below.
Do not force the connector, but be sure to insert it all the
way.
4.
Close the keyboard cable cover.
Setting Up Your
System
1-15
Page 34
You can change the angle of the keyboard by adjusting the legs
on the bottom. Turn the keyboard over and lift each leg upward
until it locks into place, as shown below. You can lock the legs
to a low or high position, or leave them flat.
Turning On the Computer
7
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:
1-16
Never turn the computer on with a protector card in the
diskette drive.
Do not dismantle any part of the computer. Only remove
the cover to install or remove optional devices or change
jumper settings. If there is a hardware problem you cannot
solve after reading the information on troubleshooting in
Appendix A, check with your Epson dealer.
Always turn off the power, disconnect the computer’s
power cord, and wait five seconds before you remove the
computer’s cover.
Do not unplug cables from the computer when the power
is on.
Setting Up Your System
Page 35
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 components.
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 threeprong, 120-volt, grounded electrical outlet.
2.
Turn on the monitor, printer, and any other peripheral
devices connected to the computer. (Always turn on the
monitor and any peripheral devices before you turn on the
computer.)
3.To turn on the power, press the power button in the upper
right comer of the computer’s front panel.
Setting Up Your System1-17
Page 36
The power indicator on the front panel lights up. After a few
seconds, the computer starts to perform an internal self test.
This is a series of checks the computer completes each time you
turn it on to make sure everything is working correctly. If
anything is wrong, an error message appears on the screen.
You see a message prompting you to insert a system diskette.
(Do not insert a diskette at this point.)
If you cannot see the screen display clearly, use the controls on
your monitor to adjust the brightness and contrast until
characters on the screen are clear and bright. If the display is
not stable, check your monitor’s horizontal and vertical hold
controls.
After you adjust the monitor’s brightness and contrast, press the
power button again to turn off the computer. Then turn off the
monitor and any peripherals.
Now go on to Chapter 2 and follow the instructions there to
run the Setup program. After you run Setup, you need to install
MS-DOS using the instructions in your MS-DOS Installation
Guide.
1-18
Setting Up Your System
Page 37
Chapter 2
Running the Setup Program
The first time you use your Equity IIe, 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 lets you set (or change) the following for
your computer:
Memory configuration
Type of display adapter (video) card installed
Power-on password
Auto speed function
Math coprocessor setting
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 CMOS RAM, which is permanent because it 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
Page 38
Starting the Setup Program
Follow these steps to start the Setup program:
1.
Insert the Reference diskette into drive A. If you have a
5
‘/+inch
lock the diskette into place. If you have a 3
drive, slide the diskette into the drive until it clicks into
place. (For more instructions on inserting and removing
diskettes, see Chapter 3.)
Note
Be sure to make a backup copy of your Reference diskette
after you run the Setup program and install MS-DOS.
See Chapter 3 for instructions on how to copy diskettes.
2.
Turn on your system. (Remember to turn on your monitor
and any peripherals before you turn on the computer.) The
screen displays the Operation Menu:
diskette drive, turn the latch down (clockwise) to
OPERATION MENU
1 - Setup
2 - Format hard disk
3 - System diagnostics
4 - Prepare hard disk for moving
‘/z-inch
diskette
2-2
0 - Exit to DOS for more utilities
I
If an error message appears when you turn on the
computer, see “Continuing From an Error Message,”
below.
Running the Setup Program
Page 39
3.
The Setup option is highlighted. To select it, press Enter.
The screen displays the main Setup menu:
Exit
Memory
Display
Password
Autospeed
Coprocessor
Real-time
Hard
disk drive
Diskette
Serial
/
clock
drive
Parallel
Continuing From an Error Message
If your computer has never been set up, you may see an error
message, such as the following:
162 - System
(Run SETUP in
(Resume =
"F1"
options not set
REFERENCE
key)
Running the Setup Program
DISK)
2-3
Page 40
If you see an error message like this one, follow these steps to
proceed:
1.
Press F1. The computer beeps and the screen displays
messages, such as the following:
!!!!! Error(s)
+ Incorrect
Set
default value
2.Be sure
program deletes the setting that caused the error and
substitutes a setting that is more likely to match your
system. The screen displays the main Setup menu:
Y
is highlighted and press
detected
configuration
?
Enter.
The Setup
Exit
Memory
Display
Password
Autospeed
Coprocessor
Real-time
Hard
disk drive
Diskette
Serial
/ Parallel
clock
drive
!!!!!
(Y/N)
2-4
Note
If you press ESC instead of selecting Y to set a default
value, the Setup program does not change the setting
that caused the error and the screen displays the main
Setup menu,
Running the
Setup Program
Page 41
Moving the Cursor Block
Use J and ? to move the cursor block (the highlighted bar)
through the options on the main Setup menu. After you
highlight the option you want, you can press Enter to select it.
Follow the instructions in the rest of this chapter to use the
Setup program to define your computer’s configuration.
Setting the Memory Configuration
The Equity IIe comes with 1MB of on-board memory.
(On-board memory is memory that resides on a computer’s main
system board.) You can install single inline memory modules
(SIMMs) or a memory card to add more memory to your
computer.
There can be three types of memory in your computer:
conventional, extended, and expanded. These three types of
memory are all types of RAM (Random Access Memory).
The first 640KB of memory that your computer comes with is
called conventional memory. MS-DOS and application programs
use conventional memory.
Running
the
Setup Program
2-5
Page 42
Extended memory is the memory above 1MB that is accessed by
the protected mode of the 80286 microprocessor. Some
application programs and operating systems (like MS OS/2) use
extended memory.
Expanded memory is usable memory beyond the 640KB
conventional memory limit of MS-DOS. With a special
memory manager (a type of device driver), some MS-DOS
application programs that conform to the Lotus®/Intel®/
Microsoft Expanded Memory Specification (LIM EMS) can use
expanded memory.
To set your computer’s memory configuration, press L to
highlight Memoryat the main Setup menu. You see the
memory submenu:
On-boardmemory
Memoryon
The number for On-boardmemory
type of current on-board memory configuration. The value for
Memoryon
memory on any memory card installed in your computer.
To change or check the current memory configuration settings,
press Enter. The cursor block moves into the memory submenu.
The following sections describe how to set your computer’s
on-board and on-card memory configuration.
card
card
type
5
0 KB
type
indicatesthe
should equal the amount of extended
2-6
Running the Setup Program
Page 43
Changing the On-board Memory Setting
1. Be sure On-boardmemory
You see a submenu, such as the one below, that shows the
current on-board memory configuration setting:
0
Mb
type
is highlighted.
Extended
384 Kb
Extended
640 Kb
Conventional
The value in MB in the top square of the submenu indicates
the amount of memory on any SIMMs installed in the
SIMM sockets in your computer. The amount you see may
be 0MB, 1MB, 2MB, or 4MB-depending on how much
memory (on SIMMs) is installed in your computer.
2.
Press
Enter.
memory configuration choices. The configuration that came
with the computer or that you previously selected is
highlighted.
The screen displays five different on-board
Running the Setup Program
2-7
Page 44
3.
To select another on-board memory configuration, press
or
--+
as many times as necessary to move the highlighted
box to the configuration you want.
Follow these guidelines to select the appropriate on-board
memory configuration for your computer:
Cl
If you want to use SIMMs installed in your computer as
expanded memory, select
U If you want to use both SIMMs and a memory card as
extended memory, select
CI
You cannot use both SIMMs and a memory card as
expanded memory. If you use one as expanded memory,
you must use the other as extended memory.
4.
After you highlight the appropriate on-board memory
configuration for your computer, press Enter. The screen
displays the main Setup menu and the memory submenu.
The memory submenu contains the new on-board memory
configuration type you selected.
Type
Type
1 or
3.
Type
t
2.
Setting Extended Memory on a Memory Card
1. To set the amount of extended memory on any memory
2-8
card in your computer, highlight Memory
and press Enter. The current extended memory value
appears:
I
2.
Use 1‘ and L to decrease or increase the extended memory
in increments of 64KB or t and + to decrease or increase
the value in increments of 1024KB.
Running the Setup
0 Kb
Program
on
card
Page 45
You can press Home to reset the value to 0 or ESCto reset
the value to 0 and return to the memory submenu.
3.When you reach the extended memory value you want,
press Enter to return to the memory submenu. You see the
new extended memory value you entered.
Note
If you do not want to save your changes, press
more times to return to the main Setup menu. You can
1‘
one or
press ? to return to the main Setup menu without saving
your changes at any Setup submenu except the real-time
clock submenu.
Saving Your Memory Configuration Settings
When you finish setting your computer’s memory configuration,
highlight ***** SAVE SETTINGS ***** and press
Enter. The cursor block returns to the main Setup menu.
Setting the Display Adapter Card Type
Follow the steps below to set the type of display adapter (video)
card you are using with your Equity IIe.
Note
With this option you select the type of display adapter card
you are using-not the type of monitor.
1.
At the main Setup menu, highlight Display. You see the
current display adapter card type, such as the following:
EGA, MCGA, VGA or other
Running the
Setup Program
2-9
Page 46
If the display adapter card type is correct for your system,
you can skip this section.
2.
To change the display adapter card setting, press Enter.
The cursor block moves into the submenu and you see:
3.
Press Enter to move the cursor block into this submenu and
then use ? or 1 to highlight the option that matches your
display adapter card. If you are not sure which one to
choose, follow these guidelines:
Li
If you have a VGA, EGA, or MCGA card, select
EGA,
compatibility mode provided by the display adapter
card, you may need to set the DIP switches on the card,
which will override the display adapter card setting in
CMOS RAM.)
MCGA, or
other
(If you are using a
Ci
If you have a color graphics adapter (CGA) or a multigraphics adapter (MGA) attached to an RGB (color)
monitor, select CGA 80 column(Also be sure to
set the color/mono switch on the MGA card to color.)
Li
If you have a composite color monitor, such as a color
television with a video input, try selecting CGA 80
columnIf the resulting resolution is poor, run Setup
again and select CGA 40 column
Ci
If you have a monochrome display adapter (MDA), an
MGA, or a Hercules MGA attached to a monochrome
monitor, choose Monochrome 80 column(Also
be sure to set the color/mono switch on the MGA card
to mono.)
2-10Running
the
Setup Program
Page 47
Cl
If you have any other combination of monitor and
display adapter card, select
other.
supplied with your display adapter card.
4.After you highlight the appropriate display adapter card
type, press
adapter card setting.
In addition, consult the documentation
Enter.
The screen displays your new display
EGA,
MCGA, VGA
or
5. Highlight
***
SAVE
SETTINGS***andpress
Enter to return to the main Setup menu.
Setting the Power-on Password
Setting a power-on password lets you control who can use your
system. However, you do not need to set a power-on password
to use the Equity IIe.
If you set a power-on password, you must enter it the next time
you turn on or reset your computer. If you cannot enter it
correctly, the computer locks up and does not 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 must
turn on network server mode. (A network server is the master
computer in a network which provides storage space for the
other computers connected to it. The network server can write
files to and read files from the other computers in the network.)
To turn on network server mode, you must set a power-on
password.
If you do not want to set a power-on password or turn on
network server mode, skip this section.
Running the Setup Program
2-11
Page 48
Follow these steps to set a power-on password (when one does
not exist) and turn network server mode on or off:
1. At the main Setup menu, highlight
submenu appears:
Power-on password
Network server mode OFF
2.
Press
Enter.
The cursor block moves to
password.
3.
Press
Enter.
You see this prompt:
Pas sword.
P owe r
- on
This
2-12
To enter a password, type any combination of characters
(including letters, numbers, and blank spaces) up to a total
of seven characters. Use the backspace key to delete
mistakes.
Running
the
Setup Program
Page 49
WARNING
Be sure to remember the 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 the computer the next time you turn it on.
If you want to return to the password submenu without
saving any changes, press
4.
After you enter a password, press Enter to return to the
password submenu.
ESC.
5. Highlight
server mode from off to on or vice versa, press Enter.
The Setup program requires a power-on password to turn
network server mode on. If you did not enter a password,
this message appears:
Network server mode
To turn network
Set a power-on password first
To enter a password, highlight Power-on
and follow steps 3 and 4 above.
6.After you enter a power-on password and turn network
server mode on or off, highlight
SETTINGS
Setup menu.
* * * * and press Enter to return to the main
* *
* *
Note
If you forget your password, there is a way to disable the
password function. See “Password Problems” in Appendix A
for instructions.
pas sword
SAVE
Running the Setup Program
2-13
Page 50
Setting the Auto Speed Function
The Equity IIe can operate at 12 MHz or 8 MHz. You can use
the CPU SPEED switch on the computer’s front panel to
select either speed. (See “Selecting the Operating Speed” in
Chapter 3.) You’ll probably use the faster speed for almost all
your operations. Some copy-protected application programs,
however, require the computer to run at 8 MHz while accessing
the program on 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 enable the Auto speed
function.
When Auto speed is enabled, the computer automatically
switches to 8 MHz whenever it needs to access a diskette drive.
It runs at 12 MHz for other operations.
There are different types of copy-protected programs.
Depending on the type you have, you may or may not want to
enable the Auto speed function. Follow these guidelines:
Ll
If you are using a copy-protected program that can run only
on a diskette or that requires a key disk, try to start the
program at 12 MHz. If this works, you do not need to enable
the Auto speed function.
If you can’t load the program at 12 MHz, enable Auto
speed.
Ci
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
the front panel to 8 MHz while you are installing the
program. Once it is installed, set the switch to 12 MHz,
where you should be able to leave it while you load and run
the program.
2-14Running the Setup Program
CPU SPEED
switch on
Page 51
If this does not work, try loading the program at 8 MHz and
then switch to 12 MHz to run it, Do not enable the Auto
speed function.
Follow these steps to change the Auto speed setting:
1.
At the main Setup menu, highlight
press
Enter.
The current status appears:
Auto speed
Auto speed disabled
**
SAVE SETTING
**
and
If the displayed setting is correct, press
main Setup menu.
2.
To change the setting from
vice versa, press
3. Highlight
to return to the main Setup menu.
** SAVE
Enter.
SETTINGS* * and press Enter
disabled
‘!’
to return to the
to
enabled
Changing the Math Coprocessor Setting
If you have not installed an 80287 math coprocessor in your
Equity IIe, you can skip this section.
If you have installed a math coprocessor, you need to change
the coprocessor setting. Follow these steps:
1.
At the main Setup menu, highlight
press Enter. The current setting appears:
Coprocessor not installed
*****
SAVE
SETTINGS *****
Coprocessor
and
or
Running the Setup Program
2-15
Page 52
2.
To change the current setting to
installed press Enter.
Coprocessor
3. Highlight *****
press Enter to return to the main Setup menu.
If you later remove the math coprocessor, follow the same
procedure to change the setting again.
SAVE
SETTINGS*****and
Setting the Real-time Clock
The real-time clock in your Equity IIe constantly tracks the
time and date-even when the computer is turned off. The first
time you run the Setup program, you
clock option to
You may need to use this option again later to adjust the time
for daylight savings time. The Equity IIe automatically changes
the date for leap years.
set the time and date for your computer.
Note
Another way to change the real-time clock’s time and date is
with the MS-DOS TIME and DATE commands. See your
MS-DOS Reference Manual for instructions.
use
the
Real-time
Follow these steps to set the real-time clock:
1.
At the main Setup menu, highlight
If the time and date have been previously set, the current
settings appear:
If the time and date are correct, you can skip the rest of this
section.
2-16Running the Setup Program
Real-time clock
Page 53
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:
Go to step 2 to enter the time and date.
2.
Press Enter to move the cursor block into the submenu.
3.To set or change the time, press Enter again. You see this
prompt:
4.Using a 24-hour time period, 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 1:30 p.m., you would type the
following:
133000
You can use the backspace key to make corrections.
If you enter an invalid time-for example, a number greater
than 23 for the hours or greater than 59 for the minutes or
seconds-the computer beeps and ignores your entry. Try
again.
When the time is correct, press Enter.
Running the Setup Program
2-17
Page 54
5.To set or change the date, highlight
You see this prompt:
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 dashes. For
example, to set the date for December 30, 1989, you would
type the following:
12301989
You can use the backspace key to make corrections.
If you enter an invalid date-for example, a number greater
than 12 for the month or greater than the number of days in
that month-the computer beeps and ignores your entry.
Try again.
Date
and press Enter.
2-18
When the date is correct, press Enter.
7.
Check the new time and date to be sure they are correct.
Then press ? to return to the main Setup menu.
The Setup program automatically saves the time and date
when you press Enter after typing each one, If you
change the time or date and then exit the Setup program
without saving your changes, the new time and date still
take effect.
Running
the
Setup Program
Page 55
Setting the Hard Disk Drive Configuration
If your computer came with a 40MB or 100MB hard disk, your
computer’s hard disk configuration has already been set for you
at the factory and you can skip this
If you installed or removed a hard disk, follow these steps to set
the computer’s hard disk configuration:
section.
1. At the main Setup menu, highlight Hard
drive.
The
in your computer. See Appendix E for a list of hard disk
drive types, and the documentation supplied with your hard
disk to find the correct type for the hard disk drive installed
in your computer.
The Noneafter
second hard disk.
If the displayed settings match your hard disk configuration,
you can skip the rest of this section.
If a setting is incorrect, or if you want to see more details
about your hard disk configuration, go to step 2.
Your current settings appear:
Drive
Drive
Type
1:
2:
Type
None
59
number indicates the type of hard disk installed
Drive
2 indicates that there is not a
disk
Running
the
Setup Program
2-19
Page 56
2.
To select
menu such as the following:
Hard
disk
drive,
press
Enter. You
see a
59
Drive 1:
Number of cylinders
Number of heads
Number of sectors
Precomp. cylinder
Landing
Total capacity (MB)
The submenu lists the settings you can change for each
drive: the number of cylinders (tracks), the number of read/
write heads, the number of sectors, the precompensation
cylinder, the landing zone (the cylinder on which you want
to park the heads when moving the computer), and 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
Drive
Drive 2, press Enter and then + to highlight
Type
980
5
17
None
zone
1 :. If you want to change the settings for
979
40.7
Drive 2:
None
Drive 2:.
4.
Press
Enter.
You see this submenu:
5.
If you want to change the drive type and the configuration
of the hard disk you are installing matches one of the drive
types listed in Appendix E, go to step 6.
2-20Running the Setup Program
Page 57
If you want to change the drive type and the configuration
of the hard disk you are installing does not match one of the
drive types listed in Appendix E, go to step 7.
If you have disconnected the drive or if the drive does not
exist, highlight None and press Enter. All the drive
settings become 0. Go to step 8.
6.
Highlight Type and press Enter. The current type number
appears:
Now select the drive type number that matches your hard
disk configuration from the list of hard disk drive types in
Appendix E.
You can enter the drive type in one of two ways:
0
You can type the drive type number (listed in
Appendix E) and press Enter. The screen displays the
new drive type number and hard disk settings. (You
cannot type 00 or a drive type number that has more
than three digits.)
CI
You can use the cursor keys to move through the drive
type numbers, as follows:
1
1‘
PgDn
increases the drive type number one
number at a time
decreases the drive type number one
number at a time
increases the drive type number in
increments of 10 (for example, from 47
to 57)
Running the Setup
Program
2-21
Page 58
PgUp
decreases the drive type number in
increments of 10 (for example, from 47
to 37)
Home
enters drive type 1 (the first available drive
type)
End
This is a handy way to verify new hard disk settings
before you press Enter because the settings list is
automatically updated as you display each new type
number.
After you enter the appropriate drive type number, press
Enter.
hard disk settings. Go to step 8.
7.
If the configuration of the hard disk you are installing does
not match one of the drive types listed in Appendix E,
highlight
following:
The screen displays the new drive type number and
User defined
Number of
enters drive type 63 (the last available drive
type)
and press
Enter. You
cylinders980
see the
The same parameter is highlighted on the submenu above.
Enter the correct number of cylinders (tracks) for the disk
and press Enter. The information for
cylinders
above and you see the next parameter, Number
heads.
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).
2-22Running
Number of
is automatically updated on the submenu
of
Enter the correct number of read/write heads for
Enter.
the
Setup Program
Page 59
If you enter a parameter incorrectly, press T or 1 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.
8.
If you want to change the hard disk settings for drive 2,
press + 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. The main Setup menu
appears.
* * and press Enter to save your
Setting the Diskette Drive Type(s)
Your Equity IIe comes with one factory-installed diskette drive.
If you removed the installed drive or added a second diskette
drive, you need to change the diskette drive settings to match
your configuration. If you haven’t made any changes, you can
verify the drive type settings. Follow these steps:
1.
At the main Setup menu, highlight
The current settings appear:
Running the Setup Program
Diskette drive.
2-23
Page 60
Each diskette drive is followed by its specific type (360KB,
720KB, 1.2MB, or 1.44MB). If the diskette drive types on
the screen match your diskette drive configuration, you can
skip the rest of this section.
2.
Press Enter. The cursor moves into the diskette drive
submenu and you see the following:
Not
360 KB
720 KB
1.2
1.44 MB
3.If you want to change the drive A settings, be sure Drive A:
is highlighted and press Enter. If you want to change the
drive B settings, highlight
cursor block moves into the submenu.
4.
Use L or
drive and press Enter. The screen displays the new diskette
drive type you 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.
installed
drive
drive
(3.5")
MB drive
drive
(3.5")
Drive B:
‘l’
to highlight the correct type for your diskette
* * and press Enter. The cursor
and press Enter. The
2-24
Running the Setup Program
Page 61
Setting the Serial and Parallel Interfaces
The serial and parallel interfaces in your computer are set up to
act as the primary ports. If these are the only ports you are using
in your computer, you can skip this section.
If you install an option card with its own serial or parallel port,
however, 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 examples:
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 built-in port the secondary port.
If you install an option card or peripheral with a port not
pre-set, you must designate it as the secondary port and the
built-in port as the primary port.
If you install two option cards with ports, designate one as
the primary port and the other as the secondary port and
disable the built-in port.
Follow these steps to change your built-in serial and parallel
interface settings:
1.
At the main Setup menu, highlight Serial/
Parallel. The current settings for each port appear:
Running the Setup Program2-25
Page 62
2.
Press Enter
You see:
3.If you want to change the serial port setting, be sure
Serial
change the parallel port setting, highlight parallel and
press Enter. The cursor block moves into the submenu.
4.Use L or ? to highlight the appropriate setting for the port
you selected and press Enter. The screen displays the new
setting.
If you want to change the setting for the other port, return
to step 3.
5.When the serial and parallel port settings are correct,
highlight ***
to
move the cursor block into the submenu.
is highlighted and press
SAVE
SETTINGS*** and press
Enter.
If you want to
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, press ?’ to highlight
main Setup menu and press
2-26
Running
the
Setup Program
Enter.
Exit at
the
Page 63
The following Setup summary appears on the screen:
Memory
Password
Display type
Type
Extended
Expanded
Conventional
Total
Extended
Extended
Power-on password
Network server mode
Change settings
Exit without saving
** EXIT AND SAVE **
(On-board)
(On-board)
(On-board)
(On-board)
(card)
(total)
5
384 Kb
0 Kb
640 Kb
1Mb
0 Kb
384 Kb
not installed
OFF
EGA, MCGA, V
GA or other
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
Auto speed
Time13:40:38
Date
12-30-1989
disabled
Coprocessor
Diskette drive
Serial
Parallel
not installed
Drive A:1.2 MB
Drive B:None
Primary
Primary
Running
the
Setup Program
2-27
Page 64
If you have never set the real-time clock, the real-time clock
entry at the top of the screen flashes to remind you to set the
time and date.
To view the last Setup summary screen, press
PgDn. You
see
your hard disk configuration(s):
Hard disk drive
Drive 1:
Number of cylinders
Number of heads
Number of sectors
Precomp. cylinder
Landing zone
Total capacity (MB)
Type 59
** EXIT AND SAVE **
980
5
None
979
40.7
Drive 2:
Number of cylinders 0
Number of heads
Number of sectors
Precomp. cylinder
Landing zone
Total capacity (MB) .0
None
0
0
0
0
If your computer has a hard disk drive but your hard disk drive
Setup entry is
None,
the words Hard
disk drive
at
the top of the screen flash to remind you to set your hard disk
drive configuration.
Check each Setup summary screen to see if all the information
is correct. You can press PgUp to display the previous screen or
PgDn to display the next screen.
If anything is incorrect, be sure
Change settings
highlighted and press Enter. The main Setup menu appears and
you can change the appropriate settings.
2-28
Running
the
Setup Program
is
Page 65
Leaving the Setup Menu
If you want to save the settings you entered, highlight
**
EXIT
AND
summary screen. The Setup program stores the new settings and
resets the computer using the new configuration. If you set a
password, enter it at the key prompt. The Operation Menu
appears. Press 0 and Enter to exit the Operation Menu.
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 B or
ask your dealer for assistance.
SAVE
** and press Enter at a Setup
After you save the settings you entered, remove the Reference
diskette from your diskette drive and turn off your system. Then
follow the instructions in your MS-DOS Installation Guide to
install MS-DOS.
Running the Setup Program
2-29
Page 66
Chapter 3
Using the Equity IIe
This chapter describes the following procedures for using your
Equity IIe computer:
Ll
Installing MS-DOS
CI
Using a power-on password
Cl
Selecting the operating speed
CI
Using special keys on the keyboard
Li
Stopping a command or program
Ci
Resetting the computer
Cl
Using disks and disk drives
tl
Turning off the computer.
Installing MS-DOS
After you connect the components of your system and run
the Setup program, you must install MS-DOS. Follow the
instructions in your MS-DOS Installation Guide.
The MS-DOS installation process automatically generates
working copies of your original MS-DOS diskettes or copies the
files on them to your hard disk, if you have one. It is best to
make another set of backup copies of your original MS-DOS
diskettes. You may also want to copy the working diskettes
MS-DOS generates if you do not have a hard disk.
Using the Equity IIe
3-1
Page 67
In addition, be sure to make a backup copy of your Reference
diskette; MS-DOS does not create one for you. See “Making
Backup Copies” in this chapter and “Backing Up Data” in
Chapter 4 for instructions on how to copy diskettes.
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 or reset the
computer. (See “Resetting the Computer” later in this chapter
for instructions on how to reset the computer.) Follow these
steps:
1.
If you do not have a hard disk, insert your Startup diskette
in drive A.
2.
Turn on your system. The screen displays a key prompt:
3-rrll
3.At the key prompt, enter the power-on password you set
when you ran the Setup program. The key turns when you
type a character. The screen does not display the characters
you type. Then press
Enter.
After you type the complete password correctly and press Enter,
a happy face character appears. Then the computer loads
MS-DOS. The screen displays the MS-DOS command prompt
or the MS-DOS Shell Start Programs menu, depending on
whether you installed the Shell program when you installed
MS-DOS.
3-2
Using the Equity IIe
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You have three chances to enter the correct password. If you do
not enter the correct password at the first or second key prompt,
another key prompt appears. If you do not enter the correct
password at the third key prompt, the screen displays a 0. The
keyboard locks up and you cannot use the computer. You may
reset the computer and try to enter the correct password again.
Note
If you do not know the correct passward, 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 Startup diskette
in drive A.
2.
Turn on or reset the computer. At the key prompt, 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:
123/ABC
The screen does not display what you type.
WARNING
Be sure to remember the new power-an 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.
Using the Equity IIe
3-3
Page 69
3. Press Enter. A happy face character appears and then the
computer loads MS-DOS.
To access the computer the next time you turn it on or reset it,
you must enter the new power-on 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 Startup diskette
in drive A.
2.
Turn on or reset the computer. At the key prompt, enter
your current power-on password followed by a forward slash.
For example, if your password is 123, type:
3.
Press Enter. A happy face character appears and then
the computer loads MS-DOS.
The next time you turn on or reset the computer, it does not
request a password and loads MS-DOS immediately.
3-4
Using the Equity IIe
Page 70
Selecting the Operating Speed
The Equity IIe can operate at two speeds: 8 MHz or 12 MHz. At
12 MHz, the computer accesses memory faster than at 8 MHz.
You will probably use this speed for almost everything you do.
However, certain application programs have specific timing
requirements for diskette access and can run only at the slower
speed. See the manual for your application program to
determine if this is the case.
Use the CPU SPEED switch on the front panel to change
the CPU speed; move it left for 8 MHz or right for 12 MHz.
When the computer runs at 8 MHz, the power light is orange;
at 12 MHz, it is green.
CPU SPEED switch
You do not need to turn off the computer to change the
operating speed, but do not change it while you are running a
program. Complete your current operation, exit the program
to MS-DDS, and then change the speed.
Using the
Equity Ile
3-5
Page 71
Special Keys on the Equity IIe Keyboard
Certain keys on your keyboard serve special functions when
your computer is running MS-DOS or application programs.
The following illustration shows the Equity IIe keyboard, and
the table that follows describes the special keys.
Key functions
3-6
Key
Tab
It
Tab
+I
Caps Lock
Shift
Ctrl
Alt
Using the Equity IIe
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.
Works with other keys to enter alternate
character codes or functions.
Page 72
Key
r
t
Backspace
Moves the cursor back one space, deleting the
character to the left of the cursor.
J
Enter
Insert (Ins)
Delete (Del)
Home, End
Page UP (PgUp)
Page Down (PgDn)
-rtl+
Num Lock
Esc
F1-F12
Print Screen
(PrtSc)
SYS Rq (Req)
Scroll Lock
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.
Cancels the current command line or
operation.
Perform special functions within application
programs.
Prints the screen display on a line printer.
Generates the System Request function in
some application programs (when used with
Alt).
Controls scrolling in some applications.
Pause
Break
The
Caps Lock, Num Lock,
toggles; press the key once to turn on a function and again to
Suspends the current operation.
Terminates the current operation (when used
with Ctrl).
and
Scroll Lock
keys work as
turn it off. When the function is enabled, the corresponding
light in the upper right comer of the keyboard is on. When the
function is disabled, the light is off.
Using the Equity IIe
3-7
Page 73
Stopping a Command or Program
You may sometimes need to stop a command or program while
it is running. Many application programs provide a command
you can use to 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:
Ll
Hold down the Ctrl key and press C
Ci
Hold down the
These methods may also work in your application program. If
you cannot stop a particular operation, however, you may need
to reset the computer, as described in the following section.
Ctrl
key and press
Break.
Resetting the Computer
Occasionally, you may want to clear the computer’s current
settings or its memory without turning it off. This is called
resetting the computer.
If an error occurs and the computer does not respond to your
keyboard entries, you can reset the computer to reload MS-DOS
and try again. However, resetting erases any data in the
computer’s memory that you have not stored; so reset your
computer only if necessary.
3-8
Using the Equity IIe
Page 74
To reset the computer, MS-DOS must be either on the hard
disk or on a diskette in drive A; so if your computer does not
have a hard disk, insert the Startup diskette in drive A.
There are three ways to reset. Because each is more powerful
than the last, try them in the order listed here:
1.
If you are using MS-DOS, hold down Ctrl and Alt and press
the Del key. The screen goes blank for a moment and then
the computer should reload MS-DOS. If it doesn’t, try the
second method.
2.
Press the RESET button on the front panel. This method
works even when the computer does not respond to your
keyboard entries. If this does not correct the problem, try
the third method.
3.Remove any diskette(s) from the diskette drive(s). Turn off
the computer and wait five seconds. If your computer does
not have a hard disk, insert the Startup diskette in drive A.
Then turn on the computer.
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 when you want
to. The Equity IIe comes with a single diskette drive or one
diskette drive and one hard disk drive. You may add another
diskette or hard disk drive, up to a maximum of three drives
total.
Using the Equity IIe
3-9
Page 75
This section explains how disks work and tells you how to do
the following:
0
Use different types of diskettes and diskette drives
Cl
Care for your diskettes and diskette drives
LI
Insert and remove diskettes
CI
Write-protect diskettes
0
Make backup copies of your diskettes
DUse a single diskette drive
LI
Use two diskette drives
LI
Use a hard disk drive.
How Disks Store Data
The diskette you insert in your computer’s diskette drive is made
of flexible plastic coated with magnetic material. It is enclosed
in a square jacket that is either slightly flexible (5
diskettes) or hard (3
‘/l-inch
diskettes).
l/4-inch
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, there are concentric rings, called tracks
(or cylinders), on which a disk can store data. Double-density
diskettes have either 40 or 80 tracks on each side, and high-
density diskettes have 80 tracks on each side.
3-10
Using the Equity IIe
Page 76
Because a hard disk consists of two or more platters stacked on
top of one another, it has four or more sides with many more
tracks per side than a diskette. (The number of tracks depends
on the capacity of the hard disk. You do not need to know how
many sides and tracks your hard disk has.)
A disk is further divided by sectors. To understand what a sector
is, picture the spokes on a bicycle wheel radiating from the
center of the wheel to the tire. The space between one spoke
and the next is like a sector on a diskette; the lines dividing the
sectors cut across the tracks. (See the figure below.) A diskette
can have 8, 9, 15, or 18 sectors per track. The number of sectors
on a hard disk depends on the type of hard disk.
sector
Using the Equity IIe3-11
Page 77
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 area on the disk where the
data is to be written 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 Equity IIe comes with one 1.2MB diskette drive (for
5
‘/+inch
diskettes). You may also have a second diskette drive, and it
may be the same type or it may be different. The following list
describes the types of diskette drives you can use in the
Equity IIe and which diskettes to use with them:
cl
diskettes) or one 1.44MB diskette drive (for 3
360KB drive-With this drive, use 5
double-density, 48 TPI (tracks per inch), 360KB diskettes.
(You can also use single-sided, 160KB or 180KB diskettes.)
These diskettes contain 40 tracks per side, 8 or 9 sectors per
track, and hold up to 360KB of information, which is
approximately 150 pages of text. (With 8 sectors per track, a
diskette holds up to 320KB.) KB stands for kilobyte; each
kilobyte equals 1024 bytes. Each byte represents a single
character, such as A, $, or 3.
l/4-inch,
double-sided,
‘/l-inch
3-12
1.2MB drive-With this drive, use 5
Cl
high-density, 96 TPI, 1.2MB diskettes. These diskettes
contain 80 tracks per side, 15 sectors per track, and hold up
to 1.2MB of information, which is approximately 500 pages
of text. MB stands for megabyte; each megabyte equals
1,048,576 bytes or 1024KB.
Using the
Equity IIe
l/4-inch,
double-sided,
Page 78
LI
720KB drive-With this drive, use 3
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.
‘/z-inch,
double-sided,
D1.44MB drive-With this drive, use 3
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.
If your computer has more than one type of diskette drive, or if
you use diskettes from other computers with other types of
diskette drives, you need to be aware of certain incompatibilities
between the diskette drives and the diskettes they use.
Drive and diskette incompatibilities
Because of the size difference, you cannot use 3
in a 5
i/4-inch
limitations on using diskettes that are the same size as the drive
but have different capacities. The tables below summarize the
possibilities and limitations.
drive or vice versa. There are also certain
i/z-inch,
i/z-inch
double-sided,
diskettes
Using the Equity IIe3-13
Page 79
5
‘/&nch
drive/diskette compatibility
Drive typeDiskette types it can read from and write to
360KB
1.2MB160KB, 180KB, 320KB, 360KB, 1.2MB
I
WARNING
If you write to a 360KB (or 160KB, 180KB, or 320KB)
diskette in a 1.2MB drive, you may not be able to read it or
write to it in a 360KB drive later.
3
‘/L-inch
Drive typeDiskette types it can read from and write to
Because of these incompatibilities, always indicate the diskette
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 (360KB,
1.2MB, 720KB, or 1.44MB), you can copy files from one drive
to another-using the COPY or XCOPY command-as long as
the correct diskette type is in each drive. You can also use these
commands to copy files between a hard disk and any type of
diskette. However, you cannot use the DISKCOPY command to
copy from one diskette drive to another if the two diskette
drives are not the same type. For more information on the
MS-DOS COPY, XCOPY, and DISKCOPY commands, see
Chapter 4.
160KB, 180KB, 320KB, 360KB
I
drive/diskette compatibility
720KB
720KB, 1.44MB
I
I
3-14Using the Equity IIe
Page 80
Caring for Diskettes and Diskette Drives
Follow these basic precautions to protect your diskettes and
avoid losing data:
Do not remove a diskette from the diskette drive or turn off
cl
the computer while the drive light is on. This light
indicates that the computer is copying data to or from a
diskette. If you interrupt this process, you can destroy data.
Remove all diskettes before you turn off the computer.
Keep diskettes away from dust and dirt. Small particles of
dust or dirt can scratch the magnetic surface and destroy
data. Dust can also ruin the read/write heads in a diskette
drive.
Never wipe, brush, or try to clean diskettes in any way.
Keep diskettes in a moderate environment. They work best
at normal room temperature and in normal humidity. Don’t
leave diskettes sitting in the sun, or in extreme cold or heat.
Keep diskettes away from magnetic fields. (Remember that
diskettes store information magnetically.) There are many
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
Never touch a diskette’s magnetic surface. The oils on your
fingertips can damage it. Always hold a diskette ‘by its
protective jacket. When using a 3
slide the metal shutter; this exposes the diskette’s surface.
Li
Do not place anything on top of your diskettes, and be sure
they do not get bent. A diskette does not rotate properly in
the drive if it has been damaged.
‘/z-inch
Using
diskette, do not
the Equity IIe
3-15
Page 81
Cl
Carefully label your diskettes and be sure to indicate the
diskette type and density. Attach labels firmly but gently,
and only along the top of a diskette (next to the
manufacturer’s label). Do not stick several labels on top of
one another; too many labels can make it difficult to insert
and remove the diskette in the drive.
Cl
It is best to write on a label before you attach it to a
diskette. If you need to write on a label that is already on a
5
i/q-inch
pen or a pencil.
0
Store diskettes in a proper location, such as a diskette
container. Do not store diskettes flat or stack them on top
of each other. When you are not using them, be sure to
keep your 5
diskette, use only a soft-tip pen-not a ballpoint
i/q-inch
diskettes in their protective envelopes.
Inserting and Removing Diskettes
To insert a diskette into a 5
facing up and and the read/write slot leading into the drive.
3-16
Using the Equity IIe
‘/q-inch
drive, hold it with the label
Page 82
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 enables the read/write heads in the
diskette drive to access the diskette.
To remove the diskette, turn the latch up until it is horizontal
and the edge of the diskette pops out. Carefully pull out the
diskette, place it in its protective envelope, and store it in a
proper location, such as a diskette container.
If you have a 3
‘/?-inch
diskette drive, insert the diskette with
the label facing up and the metal shutter leading into the drive,
as shown below. Slide the diskette into the drive until it clicks
into place.
To remove a 3
‘/z-inch
diskette, press the release button. The
diskette pops out of the drive. Pull out the diskette and store it
properly.
Using the Equity IIe
3-17
Page 83
WARNING
Never remove a diskette or, turn off the computer while the
diskette drive light is on. You could lose data. Also, be sure to
remove ail diskettes before you turn off the computer.
Write-protecting Diskettes
You can write-protect a diskette to prevent its data from being
altered. When a diskette is write-protected, you can read it and
copy data from it, but you cannot store new data on the diskette
or delete any files it contains. If you try to change data stored on
a write-protected diskette, MS-DOS displays an error message.
To write-protect a 5
rectangular notch (shown below) with an adhesive writeprotect tab. Write-protect tabs usually come with new 5
diskettes when you buy them.
l/4-inch
diskette, cover the small,
\
write-protect
0
notch’
i/4-inch
0
To remove the write protection, peel off the write-protect tab.
3-18
Using the Equity IIe
--
Page 84
Note
Some program diskettes, such as your MS-DOS diskettes and
your Reference diskette, have no notch or no switch so they
are permanently write-protected. This protects them from
being accidentally erased or altered.
On a 3
‘/z-inch
diskette, the write-protect device is a small
switch on the back of the diskette in the lower right corner,
shown below. To write-protect a 3
‘/z-inch
diskette, slide the
switch toward the edge of the diskette until it clicks into
position, exposing a hole in the corner.
write-protect
switch
/
To remove the write protection, slide the switch toward the
center of the diskette until it clicks into position so the hole is
covered.
Note
It is a good idea to write-protect your backup copies of your
MS-DOS and Reference diskettes.
Using the Equity IIe
3-19
Page 85
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 the original MS-DOS and Reference
diskettes that come with the Equity IIe, and use only the copies.
Store the original diskettes in a safe place away from your
working diskettes.
Copy your data diskettes regularly, whenever you revise them,
to keep them up-to-date, and store them away from your
originals.
To make backup copies of your diskettes, use the DISKCOPY
command, the MS-DOS Shell, or the MENU program. See
Chapter 4, your Shell User’s Guide, or your MS-DOS Reference
Manual for instructions.
If you have a hard disk, it is best to store the programs and data
files you use regularly on the hard disk. Keep backup copies of
all your program files on diskettes, and regularly copy important
data files to diskettes as well. See “Backing up the hard disk” in
this chapter for more information.
3-20
Using the
Equity IIe
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Using a Single Diskette Drive
MS-DOS expects the computer to have at least two diskette
drives, and it displays prompts and messages accordingly. If your
system has a single diskette drive, MS-DOS treats your one
drive like two logical drives. This helps you perform operations
that normally require two diskette drives.
Usually, MS-DOS recognizes the first diskette drive (the top
drive on the Equity IIe) as drive 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.
For example, if you enter a command to copy from A to B,
MS-DOS copies from the first diskette you place in the drive
(A) to the computer’s memory. Then MS-DOS prompts you to
insert another diskette (for drive B) and copies from memory to
the new diskette. When copying is complete, you see a prompt
to insert the original diskette (for drive 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
write-protect your original diskette.
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 the
application programs you are using. First 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 you
can remove that diskette and insert the program diskette you
want to use, and load that into memory too. See your
application program manual for detailed instructions.
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.
Using
the Equity IIe3-21
Page 87
Using Two Diskette Drives
If you have two diskette drives, you can use the top drive (A)
for loading the operating system and application programs and
the second drive (B) for creating data. If you have a hard disk,
you will probably need the diskette drives just to copy files to
and from the hard disk and to copy diskettes.
Note
You can lead MS-DOS from an application program diskette
if that diskette contains the MS-DOS system files.
Using a Hard Disk Drive
Working with a hard disk is similar to working with a diskette.
However, the hard disk provides several advantages:
Cl
A 40MB hard disk can store as much data as approximately
33 1.2MB diskettes, and a 100MB hard disk can store as
much data as approximately 82 1.2MB diskettes.
Li
Your computer can perform all disk-related operations
faster.
LI
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 Chapter 4 for
instructions on how to use directories.
--
--
3-22
Using
the Equity IIe
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The MS-DOS Shell program is a menu-driven program
which makes it easy for you to move, create, delete, and
rename files and directories, as well as view files and execute
commands, See your MS-DOS Shell User’s Guide for
instructions.
If your Equity IIe has a hard disk drive, follow these precautions
to protect it from damage and to avoid losing data:
LI
Never turn off the computer when the hard disk drive light
is on. This light indicates that the computer is copying data
to or from the hard disk. If you interrupt this process, you
can lose data.
tl
Never attempt to open the hard disk drive. The disk itself is
enclosed in a sealed container to protect it from dust.
Ci
Before you move your computer (even to another part of
the room), you need to prepare the hard disk for moving.
See “Preparing the hard disk for moving,” below, for
instructions.
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.
You can enhance the performance of your hard disk by using
the SMARTDRV.SYS device driver and the FASTOPEN
command. See your MS-DOS Reference Manual for
instructions.
Using the Equity IIe
3-23
Page 89
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
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.
To make copies of your program diskettes before copying them
to the hard disk, use the DISKCOPY command, the MS-DOS
Shell, or the MENU program. To copy your hard disk files onto
diskettes, use the BACKUP, COPY, or XCOPY command; the
MS-DOS Shell; or the MENU program. See Chapter 4, your
Shell User’s Guide, or your MS-DOS Reference Manual for
instructions.
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 should run
the HDSIT program to protect the hard disk during the move.
The HDSIT program 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.
Follow these steps to run HDSIT:
Exit any program you are using and display the MS-DOS
1.
command prompt on the screen.
Insert the Reference diskette in drive A.
2.
Type the following and press
3.
Enter:
A:HDSIT
3-24
Using the Equity IIe
Page 90
You see a message on the screen that tells you the disk drive’s
read/write heads will remain locked until you reset the
computer or turn the power off and on again. The computer
locks the heads and disables the keyboard. You can now turn off
the computer and prepare to move it to the new location.
Turning Off the Computer
Before you turn off your computer, save your data, exit the
program you are using, and remove any diskettes from the
diskette drives. Turn off the computer first, then turn off the
monitor and any peripherals.
Using the Equity IIe
3-25
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Chapter 4
Using MS-DOS with Your Equity IIe
Your Equity IIe comes with version 4.01 of MS-DOS. This
operating system manages your computer by organizing the
computer’s memory, controlling the monitor display, receiving
keyboard input, and accessing data.
How much you need to know about MS-DOS depends on how
you will be using your computer. If you plan to use it just to run
application programs, the few MS-DOS commands you’ll need
are introduced in this chapter. If you plan to use advanced
features, refer to your MS-DOS Reference Manual for complete
descriptions of MS-DOS commands and features.
This chapter covers the following topics:
Cl
Starting and exiting MS-DOS
c3
Using drive designators
0
Types of MS-DOS commands
Q Entering an MS-DOS command
‘Q
Setting the date and time
tl
Creating and managing files
Q Using directories
Cl
Formatting diskettes
Cl
Backing up data
Q The MS-DOS Shell program
0
Using the Epson HELP program
Using MS-DOS with Your Equity IIe
4-1
Page 92
LI
Using the Epson MENU program
LI
Using an AUTOEXEC.BAT file
LI
Using memory beyond 640KB.
Starting and Exiting MS-DOS
Before you can run an MS-DOS application program, MS-DOS
must be loaded in the computer’s memory. If you have a hard
disk and you installed MS-DOS according to the instructions in
your MS-DOS Installation Guide, the computer loads MS-DOS
automatically after you turn on the power (provided no diskette
is in the diskette drive).
If you do not have a hard disk, you need to load MS-DOS when
you turn on the computer. To do this, insert the MS-DOS
Startup diskette in drive A and then turn on the computer.
(The Startup diskette is one of the working diskettes MS-DOS
generates during the installation process. See your MS-DOS
Installation Guide for instructions on how to install the
operating system.)
If you set a power-on password when you ran the Setup
program, the computer displays the key prompt
loading MS-DOS. At the key prompt, type your power-on
password and press
Chapter 3 for more information.) After you enter your
password, the computer loads MS-DOS.
When MS-DOS is loaded, the screen displays the Shell Start
Programs Menu if you installed the Shell program when you
installed MS-DOS. If you did not install the Shell program, the
screen displays the MS-DOS command prompt, usually
C>.
The MS-DOS command prompt identifies the current
drive.
4-2
Using MS-DOS with Your Equity IIe
Enter.
(See “Using a Power-on Password” in
(%
) before
A>
or
Page 93
Before you turn off the computer, make sure the screen displays
the Shell Start Programs Menu or the MS-DOS command
prompt. Then remove your diskettes, turn off the computer, and
turn off any peripherals.
Using Drive Designators
MS-DOS uses letters known as drive designators to identify the
disk drives in your computer. If you have one diskette drive, it is
known as drive A. If you have two diskette drives, the top drive
is A and the bottom drive is B.
If you have one hard disk drive, MS-DOS identifies its primary
partition as drive C (even if you have only one diskette drive).
If you have a second hard disk drive, MS-DOS identifies its
primary partition as drive D.
If you created one or more extended partitions on your hard
disk when you installed MS-DOS, the logical drives that make
up the extended partition(s) are identified by drive letters. For
example, if you have one hard disk (one physical drive)
partitioned into three logical drives, the logical drives are C, D,
and E. If you have two hard disk drives partitioned into a total
of five logical drives (three on the first physical drive and two
on the second), the first physical drive is divided into logical
drives C, E, and F, and the second physical drive is divided into
logical drives D and G, as shown here:
drive 1
C: (primary)
E:
F:
drive 2
D: (primary)
G:
Using MS-DOS with Your Equity IIe4-3
Page 94
The Current Drive
At any given time, MS-DOS considers one disk drive to be the
current (or default) drive. The current drive is the drive on
which MS-DOS executes your next command, unless you tell it
to do otherwise. For example, if the current drive is C, and you
enter the DIR (directory) command, MS-DOS lists the files
stored on drive C. If the current drive is A and you type WP and
press Enter, MS-DOS looks on drive A for a file called WP and
executes the instructions in that file. The current drive is the
drive you are logged onto at the time.
The MS-DOS command prompt tells you which drive is the
current drive. The MS-DOS command prompt includes the
current drive’s letter followed by a greater-than symbol.
(Depending on how you installed MS-DOS, it may also include
additional information.) Thus, when you see C> on the screen,
you know the current drive is C. The MS-DOS command
prompt also lets you know that MS-DOS is ready to receive a
command from you.
If you need to access a file or program on another drive, you can
either change the current drive or specify the other drive when
you give the command.
Changing the current drive
To change the current drive, type the letter of the drive you
want to change to, followed by a colon. Then press Enter. For
example, to change the current drive from A to C, type
the
A>
prompt and press Enter. MS-DOS acknowledges the
change by displaying the command prompt
new drive is also known as logging onto that drive.
4-4
Using MS-DOS with Your Equity IIe
C>.
Changing to a
C
: at
Page 95
Specifying the drive designator
If you want to access a program or file on another drive without
first changing the current drive, type the drive designator along
with the filename. For example, if you are logged onto drive A
and want to use a file named PROGRAM on drive B, type
B : PROGRAM
the file named PROGRAM from drive B but stays logged onto
drive A.
and press
Enter.
MS-DOS loads and executes
Types of MS-DOS Commands
Each MS-DOS command is either internal or external. Internal
commands are built into MS-DOS; so you can use them any
time after MS-DOS has been loaded into memory. External
commands are separate files which MS-DOS must be able to
find before it can execute the command. If it cannot find the
file, MS-DOS displays an error message.
If you have a hard disk and you installed MS-DOS according to
the instructions in your MS-DOS Installation Guide, most
external commands are stored in a subdirectory named DOS on
the hard disk (unless you specified a different name when you
installed MS-DOS). The external commands CONFIG.SYS,
AUTOEXEC.BAT, and COMMAND.COM are stored in the
root directory. (For information on directories, see “Using
Directories,” later in this chapter.) MS-DOS automatically finds
any external commands you use in the DOS subdirectory or the
root directory because the installation process has set a path to
them. (For information on setting paths, see “Using
Pathnames,” later in this chapter.)
Using MS-DOS
with Your Equity IIe
4-5
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If you do not have a hard disk, external commands are stored
on the set of working diskettes generated when you installed
MS-DOS. To use an external MS-DOS command, you must
insert the diskette containing that command into a diskette
drive. To find out which external commands are on which
diskettes, see the list of working diskette contents in your
MS-DOS Installation Guide.
For example, if you want to use the FORMAT command, you
must insert the Working 1 (5
diskette into a diskette drive. Then you can either log onto that
drive and enter the FORMAT command or specify the
appropriate drive when you enter the command.
For example, if you have two diskette drives and you want to
format a diskette that is in drive B, you need to insert the
Working 1 (5
drive A, and log onto drive A. Then type the following and
press
Enter:
‘/
4-inch)
or Startup (3
l/4-inch)
or Startup (3
‘/z-inch)
diskette into
‘/z-inch)
FORMAT
MS-DOS finds the file named FORMAT.COM on the current
drive.
If you are logged onto drive B, you need to type the following
and press
A:FORMAT
This tells MS-DOS to look on drive A for FORMAT.COM
because the current drive is drive B.
B:
Enter:
B:
4-6Using MS-DOS with Your Equity IIe
Page 97
Entering an MS-DOS Command
To enter an MS-DOS command, you need to type the
command in the correct format. The command format provides
MS-DOS with the information needed to perform a task.
The MS-DOS command format consists of the command name,
parameters, and delimiters. The command name tells MS-DOS
the task you want the computer to perform. Parameters specify
information such as what data you want to process and where to
locate or store a file. Delimiters are characters such as spaces or
commas that separate command names and parameters.
For example, the command to format a diskette in drive A is:
FORMAT A:
FORMAT is the name of the command that tells MS-DOS to
execute the file FORMAT.COM. The A : is a parameter that
tells MS-DOS what to format-in this case, the diskette in
drive A. The space between FORMAT and A : is the delimiter
that allows MS-DOS to distinguish the command name
(FORMAT) from the parameter (A :).
Some commands also have optional switches you can use. A
switch is a type of parameter that changes the effects of a
command. A forward slash usually precedes a switch. For
example, suppose you want to format a 360KB diskette in a
1.2MB diskette drive. To do this, you add the following switch
to the FORMAT command:
FORMAT A: /4
If you do not add the /4 switch, MS-DOS tries to format the
360KB diskette as a 1.2MB diskette.
Using MS-DOS with Your Equity IIe
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See your MS-DOS Reference Manual for more information on
the command format and for command descriptions that
explain which parameters and delimiters are required and which
parameters and switches are optional for each command.
You can enter an MS-DOS command whenever you see the
MS-DOS command prompt. Type the command name and any
parameters and delimiters. You can type command names and
parameters in either uppercase or lowercase letters. Then press
Enter to execute the command.
If you make a mistake when typing a command and you notice
it before you press Enter, you can do either of two things:
LI
Use the backspace key to delete the error
DPress ESCand then Enter to cancel the current command
line and move to a new one.
Then reenter the command correctly.
If you press Enter when a command line has an error in it, the
screen displays an error message. Usually, the MS-DOS
command prompt reappears so you can try again. Type the
correct command and press Enter.
Setting the Date and Time
The real-time clock in your Equity IIe constantly tracks the
correct time and date-even when the computer is turned off.
To adjust the time for daylight savings time, you can use the
MS-DOS TIME and DATE commands. See your MS-DOS
Reference Manual for instructions. The Equity IIe automatically
changes the date for leap years.
4-8
Using MS-DOS with
Your
Equity IIe
Page 99
You can also use the Setup program on your Reference
diskette to set the correct time and date. See “‘Setting the
Real-time Clock” in Chapter 2 for instructions.
Creating and Managing Files
All your data and programs are stored in files on disk. A data
file contains information, such as words, numbers, or pictures. A
program file contains coded instructions that the computer can
understand and execute.
The kind of file you create depends on the MS-DOS command
or application program you use to create it. In general, a data
file that you create using an application program is stored in a
special format. If you use a different application program to read
that file, you may encounter problems.
When you create a file, you need to give it a name. The name
must be in the format MS-DOS requires.
Naming Files
Each file must have a unique name so that you can retrieve it
when you need to. The name consists of two parts: the filename
and the extension (which is optional).
The filename can be up to eight characters long. Create a
filename that identifies the information the file contains. You
can use any characters or numbers except for blank spaces and
the following symbols:
*\/I?[]:;<>-,+=
Using MS-DOS with Your Equity IIe
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The extension is optional and can be up to three characters
long. You can use the extension to further identify a file or to
describe what type of file it is, such as a text file or program file.
When you use an extension, separate it from the filename with
a period, like this:
DATA.TXT
Do not use uppercase and lowercase letters to distinguish
between files. MS-DOS does not recognize the difference and
displays all filenames in uppercase.
Some application programs automatically add extensions to the
files you create. These programs use the extension to determine
whether a data file is compatible. Avoid using the same
extensions that your application programs use.
MS-DOS reserves certain filenames for its own use. The
reserved filenames are:
AUX
CLOCK$CON
COM1
COM2LPT2
COM4LPT3
LST
LPT1
NUL
PRN
COM3
MS-DOS also reserves certain extensions for program files. The
reserved extensions are .COM, .EXE, and .BAT, and files with
these extensions are also sometimes called executable files. Do
not use these reserved filenames and extensions for your data
files.
The extension .BAT denotes a type of executable file called a
batch file. You can use batch files to automate sequences of
MS-DOS commands. Even if you are not a programmer, you
may want to create some batch files to save time. See “Creating
an AUTOEXEC.BAT File” in this chapter for a description of a
particularly useful kind of batch file, an autoexecute batch file.
4-10
Using MS-DOS with Your Equity IIe
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