Epson Equity IIe User Manual

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EPSON America, Inc. 2780 Lomita Blvd. Torrance, CA 90505

MS 4-1

- - _ - - _ - _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Fold Here

PLACE

STAMP

HERE

- _ - _ - _ _ _

Tape Here. Do Not Staple

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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.

1989 by Epson America, Inc.

Torrance, California

Page 6

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

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

Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product.

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.

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

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.

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.

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:

When the power cord or plug is damaged or frayed.

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

If the product does not operate normally when the operating

instructions are followed. Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating instructions, since improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to

restore the product to normal operation.

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

If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance,

indicating a need for service.

Page 8

Introduction

How to Use This Manual Where to Get Help

Chapter 1

1 Unpacking

Removing the Diskette Drive Protector Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2 Choosing a Location. 3 Connecting a Monitor 4 Connecting a Printer or Other Device.

Using the Parallel Interface Using the Serial Interface.

Using the Mouse Connector 5 Connecting the Power Cord. 6 Connecting the Keyboard.

7 Turning On the Computer.

Chapter 2

Starting the Setup Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Continuing From an Error Message . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Moving the Cursor Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Setting the Memory Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Changing the On-board Memory Setting . . . . . . . .

Setting Extended Memory on a Memory Card . . . . . . . .

Saving Your Memory Configuration Settings . . . . .

Setting Up Your System

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

Running the Setup Program

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2 4

1-1 1-3 1-4 1-5 1-8 1-8 1-11 1-12

1-13

1-14

1-16

2-2 2-3 2-5 2-5 2-7 2-8 2-9

iii

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Setting the Display Adapter Card Type . . . . . . . . . .

Setting the Power-on Password. . . . . . . . . . .

Setting the Auto Speed Function. . . . . . . . .

Changing the Math Coprocessor Setting . . .

Setting the Real-time Clock. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Setting the Hard Disk Drive Configuration . . . . . . . . . . .

Setting the Diskette Drive Type(s) . . . . . . .

Setting the Serial and Parallel Interfaces . . .

Reviewing Your Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Leaving the Setup Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . .

. . . . . 2-29

Chapter 3 Using the Equity IIe

Installing MS-DOS ......................

Using a Power-on Password

Changing a Power-on Password

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.

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

........

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.....

..........

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

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

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

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

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Chapter 4 Using 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

4-39

4-41

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Using an AUTOEXEC.BAT File

Creating an AUTOEXEC.BAT File

Using Memory Beyond 640KB

Using EEMM286.SYS

........................... 4-46

Chapter 5 Installing 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

Monitor Problems ................

Diskette Problems ................

Diskette Drive Problems ...........

Hard Disk Problems.

Software Problems. ...............

Printer Problems .................

Option Card Problems ............

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

........

..........

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

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

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

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

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

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

5-2 5-3

5-4 5-7 5-12

5-20

5-21 5-22 5-24

A-1 A-2 A-3 A-4 A-5 A-6 A-7 A-10 A-11 A-14 A-15 A-16

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Appendix B

Power-on Diagnostics

System Device Check Timer and CMOS RAM Check. RAM Check

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

Keyboard Controller and Keyboard Check

Display Adapter Card Check Optional RAM Check Diskette Drive Seek Check. Hard Disk Controller and Hard Disk Check

Appendix C

Performing System Diagnostics

Starting System Diagnostics

Selecting an Option Modifying the Device List. Selecting a Test

Resuming From an Error. System Board Check

Memory Check.. Keyboard Check

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

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..................................... C-6

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Monochrome Display Adapter and CRT Check

Monochrome Adapter Check Attribute Check Character Set Check

................................ C-12

............................ C-13

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

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

SyncCheck ...................................

Run All Above Checks

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

...........

B-1 B-2 B-3 B-4 B-4 B-4

B-5 B-5

C-2

C-4

C-7

C-9 C-9

C-10 C-11 C-12

C-14 C-14

vii

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Color Graphics Adapter and CRT Check

Color Graphics Adapter Check Attribute Check Character Set Check

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

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

40-column Character Set Check 320x200 Graphics Mode Check. 640x200 Graphics Mode Check. Screen Paging Check Light Pen Check. Color Video Check.

SyncCheck

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

Run All Above Checks

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

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

............................. C-22

.......................... C-23

Diskette Drives and Controller Check

Sequential Seek Check. Random Seek Check Write, Read Check. Disk Change Check Run All Above Checks

Math Coprocessor Check

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Parallel Port (Printer Interface) Check Alternate Parallel Port Check

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

Parallel Port (on Video Adapter) Check Serial Port (RS-232C Port) Check. Alternate Serial Port Check Dot-matrix Printer Check.

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

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

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Hard Disk Drive(s) and Controller Check

Seek Check Write, Read Check. Read, Verify Check

Run All Above Checks

Error Codes and Messages

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.......................... C-36

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

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

C-14 C-15 C-16 C-16 C-17 C-18 C-19 C-20 C-21

C-22

C-23 C-24

C-26 C-27

C-27 C-28 C-28

C-29

C-31

C-33

C-34

C-35

C-37

viii

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Appendix D

Physically Formatting a Hard Disk

Choosing the Type of Format

Reformatting a Used Disk Formatting a New Disk. Selecting an Option

Starting the Formatting Process

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

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

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

...........

Option 1, Format..............................................................

Modifying the Defective Track Table Formatting the Disk

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

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

Appendix E

Hard Disk Drive Types

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.........

.....

...........

. . . . .

. . . .

Hard. Disk Drive Types Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Appendix F

CPU and Memory

Specifications

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

Controllers. ................................

Interfaces Power Supply Mass Storage Keyboard

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

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

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

Environmental Requirements..................................................................

Physicalcharacteristics

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

D-2 D-3 D-4 D-4 D-4 D-5 D-7 D-9 D-10

D-12 D-13

E-1

F-1 F-1 F-2

F-2 F-2 F-3 F-3 F-4

Glossary

Index

Page 15

Introduction

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:

A single diskette drive system with either a 1.2MB

4-inch

(megabyte), 5

diskette drive

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.

2 Introduction

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:

The nearest Epson dealer

The nearest Customer Care Center

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

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 System 1-3

Page 22

Choosing a Location

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

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:

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.

If necessary, connect the monitor cable to the monitor.

(Some monitors come with permanently attached cables.)

Video card Monochrome display adapter (MDA)

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

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

Video graphics array (VGA)

Setting Up Your System 1-5

Page 24

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.)

1-6 Setting 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 System 1-7

Page 26

Connecting a Printer or Other Device

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:

Be sure the power switches on the computer, monitor, and

printer are off.

Place the printer next to the computer.

1-8

Setting Up Your System

Page 27

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

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.

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.

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.

mouse

connector

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

Follow these steps to connect the power cord:

Make sure the power switch on the computer is turned off.

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.

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

Follow these steps to connect the keyboard:

Turn the computer around so the front is facing you.

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

Plug the keyboard cable into the socket, as shown below. Do not force the connector, but be sure to insert it all the

way.

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

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:

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.

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 System 1-17

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:

Insert the Reference diskette into drive A. If you have a

‘/+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.

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

If an error message appears when you turn on the computer, see “Continuing From an Error Message,” below.

Running the Setup Program

Page 39

The Setup option is highlighted. To select it, press Enter.

The screen displays the main Setup menu:

Exit

Memory Display Password

Auto speed

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:

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:

is highlighted and press

detected

configuration

Enter.

The Setup

Exit

Memory Display Password

Auto speed

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 Memory at the main Setup menu. You see the memory submenu:

On-board memory

Memory on

The number for On-board memory

type of current on-board memory configuration. The value for

Memory on

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

type

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-board memory You see a submenu, such as the one below, that shows the current on-board memory configuration setting:

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.

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

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:

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

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.

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

1 or

Type

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:

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

card

Page 45

You can press Home to reset the value to 0 or ESC to 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.

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.

To change the display adapter card setting, press Enter. The cursor block moves into the submenu and you see:

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:

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

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.)

If you have a composite color monitor, such as a color television with a video input, try selecting CGA 80

column If the resulting resolution is poor, run Setup

again and select CGA 40 column

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.)

2-10 Running

the

Setup Program

Page 47

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

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

Press

Enter.

The cursor block moves to

password.

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

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:

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.

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.

2-14 Running 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:

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.

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

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:

At the main Setup menu, highlight press Enter. The current setting appears:

Coprocessor not installed

*****

SAVE

SETTINGS *****

Coprocessor

and

Running the Setup Program

2-15

Page 52

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:

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.

2-16 Running 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.

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.

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 None after

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

None

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

To select

menu such as the following:

Hard

disk

drive,

press

Enter. You

see a

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:.

Press

Enter.

You see this submenu:

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.

2-20 Running 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.

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:

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.)

You can use the cursor keys to move through the drive

type numbers, as follows:

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.

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

cylinders 980

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).

2-22 Running

Number of

is automatically updated on the submenu

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.

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:

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.

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.

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

(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:

At the main Setup menu, highlight Serial/

Parallel. The current settings for each port appear:

Running the Setup Program 2-25

Page 62

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 ***

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

Time 13:40:38 Date

12-30-1989

disabled

Coprocessor

Diskette drive

Serial

Parallel

not installed

Drive A: 1.2 MB Drive B: None

Primary

Running

the

Setup Program

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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

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

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

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

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Chapter 3

Using the Equity IIe

This chapter describes the following procedures for using your

Equity IIe computer:

Installing MS-DOS

Using a power-on password

Selecting the operating speed

Using special keys on the keyboard

Stopping a command or program

Resetting the computer

Using disks and disk drives

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.

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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:

If you do not have a hard disk, insert your Startup diskette

in drive A.

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.

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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:

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

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.

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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:

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

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:

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.

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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.

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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

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

Backspace

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

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.

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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:

Hold down the Ctrl key and press C

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.

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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:

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.

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.

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This section explains how disks work and tells you how to do

the following:

Use different types of diskettes and diskette drives

Care for your diskettes and diskette drives

Insert and remove diskettes

Write-protect diskettes

Make backup copies of your diskettes

D Use a single diskette drive LI

Use two diskette drives

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.

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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

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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:

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

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.

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l/4-inch,

double-sided,

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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,

D 1.44MB 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

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‘/&nch

drive/diskette compatibility

Drive type Diskette types it can read from and write to

360KB

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

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.

‘/L-inch

Drive type Diskette 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

drive/diskette compatibility

720KB 720KB, 1.44MB

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Caring for Diskettes and Diskette Drives

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

Do not remove a diskette from the diskette drive or turn off

the computer while the drive light is on. This light indicates that the computer is copying data to or from a

diskette. If you interrupt this process, you can destroy data. Remove all diskettes before you turn off the computer.

Keep diskettes away from dust and dirt. Small particles of dust or dirt can scratch the magnetic surface and destroy data. Dust can also ruin the read/write heads in a diskette drive.

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

at normal room temperature and in normal humidity. 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.

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

Never touch a diskette’s magnetic surface. The oils on your fingertips can damage it. Always hold a diskette ‘by its protective jacket. When using a 3 slide the metal shutter; this exposes the diskette’s surface.

Do not place anything on top of your diskettes, and be sure they do not get bent. A diskette does not rotate properly in

the drive if it has been damaged.

‘/z-inch

Using

diskette, do not

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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.

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.

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.

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‘/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.

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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

notch’

i/4-inch

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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:

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.

Your computer can perform all disk-related operations faster.

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.

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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:

Never turn off the computer when the hard disk drive light

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

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

enclosed in a sealed container to protect it from dust.

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.

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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

Enter:

A:HDSIT

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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.

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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:

Starting and exiting MS-DOS

Using drive designators

Types of MS-DOS commands

Q Entering an MS-DOS command ‘Q

Setting the date and time

Creating and managing files

Q Using directories Cl

Formatting diskettes

Backing up data

Q The MS-DOS Shell program 0

Using the Epson HELP program

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Using the Epson MENU program

Using an AUTOEXEC.BAT file

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.

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Using MS-DOS with Your Equity IIe

Enter.

(See “Using a Power-on Password” in

) before

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:

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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

prompt and press Enter. MS-DOS acknowledges the

change by displaying the command prompt new drive is also known as logging onto that drive.

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Using MS-DOS with Your Equity IIe

C>.

Changing to a

: at

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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.)

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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.

Enter:

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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.

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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:

Use the backspace key to delete the error

D Press ESC and 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.

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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?[]:;<>-,+=

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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 COM2 LPT2

COM4 LPT3

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.

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Epson Equity IIe User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Contents

Introduction

How to Use This Manual

Where to Get Help

Unpacking

Removing the Diskette Drive Protector Card

Choosing a Location

Connecting a Monitor

Connecting a Printer or Other Device

Using the Parallel Interface

Using the Serial Interface

Using the Mouse Connector

Connecting the Power Cord

Connecting the Keyboard

Turning On the Computer

Starting the Setup Program

Continuing From an Error Message

Moving the Cursor Block

Setting the Memory Configuration

Changing the On-board Memory Setting

Setting Extended Memory on a Memory Card

Saving Your Memory Configuration Settings

Setting the Display Adapter Card Type

Setting the Power-on Password

Setting the Auto Speed Function

Changing the Math Coprocessor Setting

Setting the Real-time Clock

Setting the Hard Disk Drive Configuration

Setting the Diskette Drive Type(s)

Reviewing Your Settings

Leaving the Setup Menu

Installing MS-DOS

Using a Power-on Password

Changing a Power-on Password

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

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