Epson LT-386SX User Manual

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EQUITY™LT™-386SX User’s Guide

EPSON

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This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and if it is not installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, it may cause interference to radio and television reception. It has been type tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B computing device in accordance with

the specifications in Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC rules, which are designed to provide

reasonable protection against such interference in a residential installation. However,

there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause interference to radio and television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, you are encouraged to try to

correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

Reorient the receiving antenna

l Relocate the computer with respect to the receiver l Move the computer away from the receiver l Plug the computer into a different outlet so that the computer and receiver are

on different branch circuits.

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

“Television Interference Handbook”

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

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

peripheral devices. To further isolate the problem: Disconnect the peripheral devices and their input/output cables one at a time. If the

interference stops, it is caused by either the peripheral device or its I/O cable. These devices usually require shielded I/O cables. For Epson peripheral devices, you can obtain the proper shielded cable from your dealer. For non-Epson peripheral devices, contact the manufacturer or dealer for assistance.

WARNING: This equipment has been certified to comply with the limits for a

Class B computer device, pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC Rules. Only

peripherals (computer input/output devices, terminals, printers, etc.) certified to

comply with the Class B limits may be attached to this computer. Operation with

noncertified peripherals is likely to result in interference to radio and TV

reception.

The connection of a nonshielded equipment interface cable to this equipment will

invalidate the FCC Certification of this device and may cause interference levels

that exceed the limits established by the FCC for this equipment.

DOC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT FOR CANADIAN USERS

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions

from digital apparatus as set out in the radio interference regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.

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EPSON

EQUITY™LT

User’s Guide

-386SX

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IMPORTANT NOTICE

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

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

TRADEMARKS

AT and XT are trademarks and IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.

Centronics is a registered trademark of Centronics Data Corporation. Epson is a registered trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation. Equity and LT are trademarks of Epson America, Inc. GW-BASIC, Microsoft, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Windows/386, and

MS-DOS are trademarks and registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Hayes is a registered trademark of Hayes Microcomputer Products, Inc. Intel is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation. Lotus and 1-2-3 are registered trademarks of Lotus Development Corporation,

Torrance, California

9100-0005-001

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IMPORTANT SAFETY

INSTRUCTIONS

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

2. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product.

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

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

4. Do not use this product near water.

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

6. Slots and openings in the cabinet and the back or bottom are provided for ventilation; to ensure reliable operation of the product and to protect

it from overheating, these openings must not be blocked or covered.

The openings should never be blocked by placing the product on a bed,

sofa, rug, or other similar surface. This product should never be placed near or over a radiator or heat register. This product should not be

placed in a built-in installation unless proper ventilation is provided.

7. This product should be operated from the type of power source indicated

on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power available, consult your dealer or local power company.

8. This product is equipped with a three-wire grounding-type plug, a plug

having a third (grounding) pin. This plug will only fit into a grounding

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

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

10.

If an extension cord is used with this product, make sure that the total of

the ampere ratings on the products plugged into the extension cord do not exceed the extension cord ampere rating. Also, make sure that the

total of all products plugged into the wall outlet does not exceed 15 amperes.

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.

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12.

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

13.

Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions:

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

If liquid has been spilled into the product.

If the product has been exposed to rain or water.

If the product does not operate normally when you follow the operating instructions. 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.

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Introduction

How To Use This Manual. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Where To Get Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Chapter 1

1 Unpacking 2 Installing the Hard Disk Drive. 3 Connecting a Printer

Using the Parallel Interface

Using the Serial Interface 4 Connecting the AC Adapter. 5 Connecting the Power Cord 6 Starting the System

Turning On the Computer

Adjusting Screen Contrast and Brightness

Initial Screen Display

7 Running the SETUP Program

Starting the SETUP Program

Setting the Date

Setting the Diskette Drive(s)

Setting the Hard Disk Drive

Setting the Primary Display

Setting the Keyboard

Setting the Scratch RAM Option Setting the CPU Clock Setting Setting the Shadow RAM

Setting the Standby Mode

Setting the LCD Contrast

Saving Your Settings

8 Inserting the Install Diskette

Setting Up Your System

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1-2 1-4 1-7

1-8 1-10 1-11 1-14 1-15 1-15 1-17 1-18 1-18

1-19 1-20 1-21 1-21 1-22 1-22 1-23 1-23 1-23 1-24 1-24 1-25

1-26

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Chapter 2

Using the Equity LT-386SX

Using the AC Adapter

Using the Battery

Connecting the Battery Pack. Status Indicator Bar Opening and Closing the Screen Using the Handle

Selecting Execution Speed Selecting LCD Screen Contrast Changing the Gray Scale Pattern for Any Color. Special Keys on the Equity LT-386SX Keyboard. Using Diskettes

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How Diskettes Work Choosing Diskettes for the Equity LT-386SX Caring for Diskettes

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

Using the Hard Disk Drive

Caring for the Hard Disk

Protecting the Data on Your Hard Disk.

Improving Hard Disk Performance Turning Off the Hard Disk. Modifying the AUTOEXEC.BAT File

Resetting the Computer Turning Off the Computer

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2-1 2-2 2-4 2-7 2-9

2-10 2-11 2-11 2-12 2-16

2-18 2-19 2-19 2-20

2-22 2-23 2-23 2-24 2-24 2-25

2-25 2-26 2-26 2-28 2-29

Chapter 3 Starting and Exiting MS-DOS

Changing the Current Drive.

Using MS-DOS With Your Computer

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The MS-DOS Command Format.

Entering MS-DOS Commands. Storing Data

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3-2 3-2

3-4 3-5 3-5

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Using Directories.

The Current Directory

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Listing the Contents of a Directory Using Pathnames Creating Directories Changing Directories

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Copying From One Directory to Another. Deleting a Directory

Formatting Diskettes

Formatting a 1.44MB Diskette Formatting a 720KB Diskette

Copying Data

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Using DISKCOPY Using COPY

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Using BACKUP

Deleting Data

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Using the MS-DOS Shell Program. Using HELP. Using MENU

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MENU Utility Options

Using an AUTOEXEC.BAT File

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Creating an AUTOEXEC.BAT File

Starting an Application Program

Using Memory Beyond 640KB

About EMM386.SYS

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3-6 3-8 3-9 3-10 3-11 3-12

3-13 3-14 3-14 3-15 3-16 3-17 3-18 3-20 3-22 3-24

3-24 3-25 3-27 3-28 3-29 3-30 3-31

3-31 3-33

Chapter 4

Troubleshooting

The Computer Won’t Start The LCD Screen Is Blank.

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The Monitor Screen Is Blank The Computer Locks Up Diskette Problems

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Diskette Drive Problems

Hard Disk Problems.

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4-1 4-2 4-3 4-4 4-4 4-5

4-6

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Appendix A

DIP Switches

Setting the DIP Switches

Accessing the DIP Switches. Replacing the Expansion Card Cover

Appendix B

Installing Options

Connecting an External Color Monitor. Connecting an External Diskette Drive Installing the Internal Modem

Installing the RAM Card

Connecting an External Keyboard

Installing an Option Card. Installing a Math Coprocessor

Appendix C

Main Unit Interfaces Keyboard

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Mass Storage Display

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Power Supply

Specifications

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Power Requirements Physical Dimensions Environmental Requirements.

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Options.. .........................................

A-2 A-7

B-1 B-3 B-4 B-5

B-6 B-7 B-13

C-1

C-1 C-2 C-2 C-2 C-3 C-3

C-3 C-4 C-4

Appendix D Starting the Diagnostics Program

Creating a Database The Main Menu Screen Selecting Diagnostics Tests.

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System Diagnostics

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D-2 D-2 D-4 D-6

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Setting the Run Time Parameters

Timebound Testing Continuous Testing Passbound Testing

Error Logging Executing Diagnostics Tests in Batch Mode Running the Tests System Board Diagnostics.

Basic Functionality Test.

CPU Protected Mode Test.

Processor Speed Test Coprocessor Test. DMA Controller Test. Interrupt Controller Test Timer Test RTC Test CMOS Validity Test

Memory Diagnostics

BIOS ROM Test Parity Test Pattern Test Walking 1’s Test.

Walking 0’s Test.

Address Test Refresh Test

Hard Disk Diagnostics.

Hard Disk Parameters.

Hard Disk Format

Auto Interleave

Media Analysis Performance Test Seek Test

Read/Verify Test.

Check Test Cylinder Force Bad Tracks Hard Disk Error Messages.

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D-7 D-9

D-9

D-10 D-12 D-12 D-13 D-13 D-13

D-14 D-14 D-14 D-15 D-15 D-16

D-16 D-17 D-18 D-18 D-18 D-19 D-19

D-19 D-20 D-20 D-21 D-24 D-25 D-26 D-27 D-28 D-28 D-29 D-29 D-30

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Floppy Disk Diagnostics

Diskette Format Drive Speed Test Random R/W Test Sequential R/W Test Disk Change Line Test. Floppy Disk Error Messages

Keyboard Diagnostics

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Controller Test. ................................

Scan/ASCII Code Test Keyboard Clock Line Test Keyboard Data Line Test

Video Diagnostics

Adapter Test.

Attribute Test.

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80x25 Display Test.

40x25 Display Test.

320x200 Graphics Test

640x200 Graphics Test Page Selection Test Color Test.

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640x350 Graphics Test 640x480 Graphics Test

Video Error Message.

Miscellaneous Diagnostics

Printer Adapter Test Communication Adapter Test.

Keyboard Scan/ASCII Codes

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D-31 D-32 D-32 D-32 D-33 D-33

D-33 D-34 D-35 D-35 D-35 D-35 D-36 D-36 D-36 D-36

D-37 D-37 D-37 D-37 D-37 D-37 D-38 D-38 D-38 D-38 D-39 D-41

Appendix E Using OS/2

Adding the Driver After OS/2 Is Installed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

E-2

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Appendix F

Using Other Reference Diskette Utilities

Using Microsoft Windows/386

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Using Microsoft Windows, Version 3.0 Using VGARAM Using SCROLL.

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Glossary

Index

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F-1 F-3 F-4

F-5

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Introduction

Your Epson®’ Equity LT-386SX portable computer is a compact, high-performance system you can use just about anywhere: at the office, at home, or on the road. Its rechargeable battery lets you use it in remote locations when you don’t have access to an electrical outlet. With the AC adapter connected, you can use the computer as long as you like and recharge the battery in the process.

The Equity LT-386SX comes with the following:

An 80386SX microprocessor

2MB (megabytes) of internal RAM memory

Q One 1.44MB, 3 D

A high-contrast, paper-white, backlit LCD (liquid crystal

display) screen

A slot for a 2MB RAM card

An internal, proprietary modem slot

$size,

expansion slot

A high-capacity battery pack to power the LT-386SX,

rubber pads for the battery pack, and installation

instructions

Built-in interfaces for serial, parallel, video, external

diskette drive, and external keyboard connectors

Q An AC adapter and power cord.

IBM®PC AT’“-compatible, 8/16-bit internal

‘/z-inch

diskette drive

Introduction 1

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The 80386SX microprocessor inside your Equity LT-386SX can run at an execution speed of 16 MHz or 8 MHz. Ordinarily,

you’ll want to use the 16 MHz speed to get faster performance

from your computer. A few application programs may require

8 MHz, and the 8 MHz speed consumes less energy, if you want to conserve battery life.

You can establish the default execution speed in the SETUP program, which you can run when you turn on or reset the

computer. During operation, you can change the execution

speed by holding down the Ctrl key and pressing the left Shift

and F keys simultaneously.

The Equity LT-386SX

a built-in socket for an 80387SX math coprocessor. This socket is easily accessible from the bottom of the computer, so you can install the chip yourself. Or, if you prefer, have an authorized Epson dealer or Customer Care Center install the coprocessor for you.

The built-in serial and parallel interfaces allow you to attach almost any peripheral device, such as an Epson printer or

external modem, to your Equity LT-386SX.

You can connect a VGA color monitor to the computer to take advantage of the color and larger display. When you insert a connector into the port labeled RGB VIDEO before turning on the Equity LT-386SX, the computer automatically recognizes the presence of an external monitor. The LT-386SX supports VGA video monochrome and color modes.

You can also connect an Epson external 5 ‘/+inch diskette drive to the computer to exchange data easily with other computers that use 5 ‘/+inch diskette drives.

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The following optional equipment is available from your Epson dealer:

D A 16 MHz 80387SX math coprocessor

A 2400-baud, Hayes-compatible, auto-dial internal modem

An internal RAM memory card to expand memory to 4MB

An external 1.2MB, 5 ‘/+inch diskette drive

The GW-BASIC programming language

One or more 20MB or 40MB hard disk drives

An additional battery pack

An additional AC adapter

An adapter for an external, Epson keyboard

Carrying case.

Your Equity LT-386SX comes with MS-DOS? version 4.01, by Microsoft? MS-DOS 4.01 provides a Shell feature that lets you run programs and choose operating system commands from menus instead of the MS-DOS command prompt. Designed for both new and experienced users of MS-DOS, the Shell program

lets you tailor your system to your own needs and manage your

programs and data more efficiently. You’ll find the following MS-DOS manuals packed in the box

with the computer:

MS-DOS Installation Guide-Use this manual to install MS-DOS on your hard disk.

MS-DOS Reference Manual-Use this manual to learn about the features of MS-DOS and for a complete description of each MS-DOS command.

Introduction 3

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Q MS-DOS Shell User’s Guide-Use this manual to learn

about the MS-DOS Shell feature.

MS-DOS Command Summary-Use this as a quick reference when you need to check on the format of a command.

In addition to MS-DOS, 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 some MS-DOS commands for routine operations, such as

file copying and disk management. You can use any application program designed for the IBM

Personal Computer, PC XT: or PC AT on your Equity LT-386SX. You may also want to use powerful 32bit softwaresuch as Microsoft Windows/386-with your computer.

In addition to the MS-DOS operating system, you can use OS/2, version 1.1, if your computer has a hard disk. Among other capabilities, OS/2 provides multitasking, dual-mode processing, and on-line help.

4 Introduction

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How To Use This Manual

This manual explains how to set up and care for your Equity

LT-386SX. It also describes how to use your computer and run diagnostic checks.

The eight steps in Chapter 1 explain how to set up your computer and prepare it for use. On the inside back cover is a foldout with illustrations of the LT-386SX; you may want to refer to these illustrations while you set up the computer.

Chapter 2 describes general operating procedures for your computer and explains how to use and care for your disks and disk drives.

Chapter 3 provides basic instructions for using MS-DOS with your computer. You can find more detailed information about MS-DOS in the MS-DOS manuals.

Chapter 4 provides troubleshooting guidelines you can follow if you encounter any problems while using your Equity LT-386SX.

Appendix A describes the DIP switches you may need to

change if you modify your system’s configuration.

Appendix B explains how to attach options, such as an external

color monitor, external diskette drive, or keyboard to your Equity LT-386SX and how to install the Epson internal modem, the Epson RAM card, an option card, or a math coprocessor. To install other options, see the instructions that come with the option. For dealer-installed options, contact an authorized Epson dealer or Customer Care Center. (See the next section, “Where To Get Help,” for details.)

Appendix C lists the Equity LT-386SX hardware specifications.

Appendix D describes the Equity LT-386SX system diagnostics.

Introduction 5

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Appendix E explains how to install the LCD video driver for OS/2.

Appendix F explains how to install other utilities on the Reference diskette, including the LCD VGA video driver for Microsoft Windows/386.

At the back of the manual is a glossary of computer terms.

Where To Get Help

Customer support and service for Epson products is 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 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:

D The location of the nearest Epson dealer 0

The location of 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.

6 Introduction

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Chapter 1

Setting Up Your System

Setting up your Epson Equity LT-386SX portable computer is easy. Just follow the steps in this chapter. They describe how to attach the hard disk, connect a printer, and attach the AC adapter and power cord that come with your Equity LT-386SX. After assembling these parts, you start the computer and run the system SETUP program. Then turn to Chapter 2 for

information about using the computer.

The LT-386SX has one set of DIP switches that provide the computer with information about its configuration each time you turn it on. The DIP switches are located on the bottom of

the computer.

When the LT-386SX is shipped from the factory, the DIP switches are set for the following type of system:

The internal diskette drive is drive A

If an external drive is attached, it is drive B

The primary display is a color display

The RS232C port is the primary serial port

The PRINTER port is the primary parallel port.

Setting Up Your System

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The standard DIP switch settings are appropriate whether your computer uses the LCD or an external color monitor and whether your computer uses only the internal diskette drive or also uses a hard disk drive and an external diskette drive.

If you plan to keep this standard setup, continue with the instructions in this chapter.

If your system does not match this configuration, you need to change the appropriate switches as described in Appendix A before you begin. If you plan to modify your computer by attaching an external monitor or diskette drive, see Appendix B for instructions.

Do not turn on the computer, printer, or any peripherals until the instructions tell you to do so. Otherwise, you may damage some part of your equipment.

Unpacking

As you unpack the components,

anything is missing or damaged,

be sure to inspect each item. If

consult your Epson dealer.

1-2

Setting Up Your System

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In addition to this manual, you should have the following items:

The main unit

The battery pack

The AC adapter

The power cord

The hard disk drive (if purchased)

The Equity LT-386SX Reference diskette

The three MS-DOS diskettes: Install, Operating, and Shell

The MS-DOS manuals: MS-DOS Installation Guide, MS-DOS Reference Manual, MS-DOS Shell User’s Guide, MS-DOS Command Summary.

You’ll also find a registration card with the main unit. Fill out

this card now and mail it to Epson. With your registration card on file, Epson can send you update information.

Please keep a copy of your sales receipt for warranty verification. Your receipt is all that is required for warranty service.

Be sure to keep your packing materials. They provide the best

protection for your computer if you need to ship it later.

Setting Up Your System

1-3

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Installing the Hard Disk Drive

The computer comes with an empty hard disk box installed in

the main unit. Your hard disk drive, which may be either 20MB

or 40MB, comes in its own package. Your dealer may have installed the hard disk. If the hard disk

drive is installed, you can skip this step. If your dealer has not

installed the hard disk, your computer contains a box with a label that says, “This box is empty!“.

You install the hard disk drive above the keyboard panel on the

computer. To access the slot for the hard disk drive, open the

screen by pressing the latch release button in the center of the

computer. Then lift the screen up and back. Follow these steps to install the hard disk drive:

Unwrap the hard disk drive.

1-4

Setting Up Your System

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To remove the empty hard disk box, press in on the PUSH

2. button. When the box releases, lift it straight up and out. Store the empty hard disk box with your other packing materials.

Face the front of the computer and hold the hard disk drive

with the PUSH button on the left and the retractable tabs on the right.

Setting Up Your System

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Position the hard disk drive directly above the hard disk

drive slot on the computer.

The connectors on the hard disk drive fit into the sockets on the computer.

1-6

Keep the hard disk drive level and lower it straight down

into the slot. If you lower either side first, the connectors do

not fit into the sockets.

Setting Up Your System

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Press firmly (but carefully) on the hard disk drive until it snaps into place.

A new hard disk drive must be partitioned and formatted to run

an operating system. The MS-DOS installation program, called SELECT, performs these functions. See your MS-DOS Installation Guide for instructions after you complete the remaining steps in this chapter.

Connecting a Printer

The Equity LT-386SX has both parallel and serial interfaces

(ports). You can easily connect a printer or plotter that has either type of interface. Just follow the instructions below. Of course, Epson offers a full range of printer products; consult your Epson dealer for more information.

Setting Up Your System

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Using the Parallel Interface

The computer’s Centronics-compatible parallel interface provides a 25-pin, D-shaped female connector. Most Epson printers have parallel interfaces. To connect a printer to the computer, you need an IBM PC-compatible printer cable. If you’re not sure which one you need, consult your Epson dealer.

Once you have a printer cable, follow these steps to connect your printer to the parallel interface labeled PRINTER on the

computer:

Place the printer next to your computer.

Before you connect the printer, make sure the power switches on the computer and printer are off. (The power switch for your computer is located on the right side of the machine).

Press down on the release tab to open the computer’s

interface cover, as shown below.

One end of the printer cable has a 25-pin, D-shaped male

connector. (See your printer manual if you cannot identify

this connector.) Connect this end to the parallel connector

1-8 Setting Up Your System

release tab

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labeled PRINTER on the right side of the computer, as shown below. If the plug has retaining screws, tighten them by hand or with a screwdriver.

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

in the following illustration. To secure the cable, squeeze the clips at each side of the printer connector and push them into place.

Setting Up Your System

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Plug the printer’s power cable into an electrical outlet.

The standard DIP switch settings for the LT-386SX define your

PRINTER port as the primary parallel port. If you think the DIP

switch settings have been changed or you would like a different setting, see Appendix A.

Using the Serial Interface

If you have a printer or other peripheral device that uses a serial interface, connect it to the serial interface labeled RS232C on

the right side of the computer.

serial port

The Equity LT-386SX uses an IBM PC AT-compatible, 9-pin, D-shaped male connector, so be sure you have a compatible cable or an adapting cable that converts the 9-pin output to the standard 25-pin output. To connect a serial device, follow the same steps as above for connecting a parallel device.

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Make sure the serial port is set up to function properly. If you are using the port for a serial printer, you must also redirect printer output from the parallel port to the serial port. Use the MS-DOS MODE command (or the Epson MENU program) to make these changes. See your MS-DOS Reference Manual for

instructions.

The standard DIP switch settings for the LT-386SX define your

RS232C port as the primary serial port. If you think the DIP switch settings have been changed or you would like a different setting, see Appendix A.

Connecting the AC Adapter

Follow these steps to connect the AC adapter:

Make sure the computer’s power switch (located on the right side of the computer) is turned off.

Turn the computer around so the back panel is facing you.

Position the back panel slightly over the edge of the desk or table.

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The end of the AC adapter cable is shaped like a box. Notice the plastic safety cover that protects the connector on the AC adapter. Slide the release tab in the direction shown on the tab to release the safety cover. Lift off the cover and store it in a safe place.

Slide this box up into the slots on the connector on the back panel of the computer. Press the connector box up until it snaps into place.

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Setting Up Your System

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Be sure to read “Using the AC Adapter” in Chapter 2 for more

information about the AC adapter.

When you are not using the AC adapter, replace the safety

cover that protects the connector.

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Connecting the Power Cord

Follow these steps to connect the power cord:

Connect the power cord to the adapter’s input socket.

1-24

Plug the other end of the power cord into a grounded, 120-volt, AC wall outlet.

Setting Up Your System

Page 34

Starting the System

After you complete steps 1 through 5, you’re ready to turn on

the power and start using your Equity LT-386SX computer.

Read these safety rules first to avoid accidentally damaging your

computer or injuring yourself:

Do not attempt to dismantle any part of the computer. If there is a hardware problem you cannot solve after reading Chapter 4 on troubleshooting, consult your Epson dealer.

Never turn off or reset your computer while a disk drive is in use; this can destroy data stored on the disk or make the entire disk unusable. The disk drive indicators are located on the status indicator bar. The left disk-in-use icon indicates that the hard disk drive is in use. The right disk-in-use icon indicates that the built-in diskette drive is in use. (See “Status Indicator Bar” in Chapter 2 for further information.)

Always wait at least five seconds after you switch off the power before switching it back on. 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. Spilled liquid can damage the circuitry of your components.

Turning On the Computer

After you have connected the AC adapter and power cord, you

can turn on your computer. Leave the AC adapter connected

while you use the computer. You can turn on your computer with or without a system

diskette in the diskette drive. For now, leave the drive empty.

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To turn on your computer, follow these steps:

Turn on any peripheral devices, such as a printer, an external diskette drive, or a color monitor.

Turn on the computer by pressing the power switch on the right side of the computer. Press the switch toward the back of the computer.

rive

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power switch

Setting Up Your System

Page 36

The speed indicator on the status bar shows your operating speed (16 MHz), and after a few seconds the computer begins to perform an internal self test. This is a diagnostic program the computer runs whenever you turn it on. The power-on self test checks the RAM (random access memory), keyboard, system board, and peripheral interfaces before the computer begins normal operation.

Adjusting Screen Contrast and Brightness

If you cannot see text on the screen clearly, use the levers on the right side of the screen to adjust the screen’s contrast and brightness. The levers are shown below:

contrast lever

The contrast lever on the right determines how bright the characters appear against the background. To increase the contrast, move the lever up. To decrease it, move the lever down.

The brightness lever on the left controls the intensity of the screen’s backlighting. To make the backlighting brighter, move the lever up. To decrease the backlighting, move the lever down. When you’re running the computer on the battery, do not make the screen brighter than necessary to read the text clearly. This helps to conserve the battery’s charge.

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Initial Screen Display

After the computer completes its self test, a message tells you

how much RAM is available:

01920 KB OK

Next you are prompted to run the SETUP program:

Press <DEL> if you want to run SETUP

utility.

Running the SETUP Program

When you turn on your computer for the first time, run the SETUP program to define how your computer is set up. This is a simple procedure that you must do at least once. You may need

to do it again later if you want to change a setting.

The SETUP program is stored in the computer’s read-only memory (ROM). You can access this program whenever you turn on or reset the computer.

The SETUP program lets you specify the following:

The current date and time

Whether you have installed an external 5

drive

D The type of hard disk drive you have Cl

The type of display you’re using

The location for scratch RAM

The initial clock speed

1-18 Setting Up Your System

%-inch

diskette

Page 38

Whether or not to enable shadow RAM

The amount of time the computer is to use for its power-

saving standby mode

The LCD display contrast (positive: white letters on a black

background; or negative: black letters on a white

background).

The SETUP menu automatically displays the base memory size, the extended memory size, and whether or not a numeric processor (i.e., math coprocessor) is installed.

The settings you specify with the SETUP program are recorded in a special area of memory called CMOS RAM. This memory is backed up by a battery, so it will not be erased when you turn off or reset the computer. Whenever you turn on the computer, it reads the settings stored in CMOS RAM. If there are any differences between those settings and the DIP switch settings, you see an error message. If this occurs, run SETUP again or change your DIP switch settings.

Starting the SETUP Program

When you turn on or reset the computer, the following message displays at the completion of the self-test:

Press <DEL> If you want to run SETUP

utility.

To start SETUP, press Delete. You see the following menu:

EXIT FOR BOOT

RUN CMOS SETUP

The first option is highlighted. Press the down arrow to highlight RUN CMOS SETUP, and then press Enter.

Setting Up Your System

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The Equity LT-386SX displays the menu below.

Date imnl&te/year): Mon,

Time

(hourtminlsec):

Floppy drive A: : 1.44 MB, 3 Floppy drive B:: Not Installed

Hard disk C: Type : 17 977 5 Hard disk D: Type : Not Installed Primary display : VGA or EGA Keyboard

Scratch RAM option : Top of the base memory CPU clock setting : 16 MHz. Shadow RAM setting : Enabled Stand-by mode set : Power down tine is 00 min.

Start up LCD cntrt.: Positive

ESC = Eut,

J+tc

Jan

29 1990

10 : 00 : 00

: Installed

Select, PgUp/PgDn = Modify

‘1”

Base memory size : 640KB Ext.

memory size

Numeric processor : Not installed

Cyln Head

: 3328 KB

HPcom LZone Sec

977 17

300

Size 40 MB

Press the arrow keys to move through the menu selections. Press

Page Up or Page Down to change the selected setting.

Setting the Date

The computer’s setting for the current month is highlighted. A

calendar in the lower right-hand portion of the menu displays

the current month, and the current day flashes in this calendar. To correct the month setting, press either Page Up or Page

Down. Use any of the arrow keys to move to the next menu item. Use Page Up or Page Down to correct the day and year.

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Setting Up Your System

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Setting the Diskette Drive(s)

The possible selections for drives A and B are:

Not installed

1.44MB 3

720KB 3

1.2MB 5

360KB 5 9’4”.

Unless you have changed the setting for DIP switch 1, designate drive A as the internal 1.44MB, 3 have installed an external 1.2MB 5 the setting for drive B.

l/z”

l/4”

‘/z-inch

‘/+inch

diskette drive. If you

drive, choose that as

If you have set DIP switch 1 to off to reverse the designations of the A and B drives, set drive B to 1.44MB 3 attached an external diskette drive, set drive A to 1.2MB 5 1/4”. See Appendix A for more information on the DIP switches.

l/z”,

and if you have

Setting the Hard Disk Drive

You may have either of two types of hard disk drives installed in

the Equity LT-386SX. Type 2 is the 20MB hard disk drive.

Type 17 is the 40MB hard disk drive. Define Hard disk C

appropriately as either type 2 or type 17.

Select Not installed

for

Hard disk D.

Setting Up Your System

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Setting the Primary Display

The computer considers the LCD your primary display, unless you connect an external monitor to the RGB VIDEO port before turning on the Equity LT-386SX. The following definitions are available for the primary display:

VGA or EGA

Color 80x25

Not installed

Monochrome

Color 40x25.

The default selection is VGA or EGA. If you are using the LCD

and you choose color 80x25, monochrome, or color 40x25, the computer displays the error message CMOS display type

mismatch at the completion of the self-test. If you select Not

when you turn on or reset the computer.

installed, the computer skips the display self-test

Setting the Keyboard

There are two options for the keyboard: installed or not installed. Selecting Not installed causes the computer to skip the keyboard test when you turn on or reset it.

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Setting the Scratch RAM Option

Scratch RAM is an area of memory that OS/2 and some application programs use. The Equity LT-386SX lets you pick what area of memory you want to use for scratch RAM. If you are not using OS/2, VDISK, or a user-defined drive type, choosing BIOS stack area 30:00 provides a little bit more memory for your MS-DOS programs. (See Appendix D in this manual for further information on user-defied drive types.)

For best results when using OS/2, a user-defined disk drive type, or a RAM disk program, choose the top of base memory as the scratch RAM location.

Setting the CPU Clock Setting

This setting determines the execution speed the Equity LT-386SX uses every time you turn on the computer. During operation, you can change the speed by holding down the Ctrl key and then pressing the left Shift and F keys simultaneously. The CM-left Shift-F “hot key” combination does not change the setting the computer uses when you turn it on or reset it.

Setting the Shadow RAM

Enabling shadow RAM causes the Equity LT-386SX to copy the contents of BIOS into RAM. This speeds up processing

operations, because the computer can read RAM much faster

than ROM. (Enabling shadow RAM does not reduce the amount of memory you can define as expanded memory.)

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Setting the Standby Mode

Standby mode increases battery life by shutting off the LCD backlight, slowing down the CPU clock speed to 8 MHz, and decreasing the VGA controller clock rate. Standby mode is valid only when the Equity LT-386SX is not attached to an external monitor. The time you select for standby mode (00 to 60 minutes) is the length of time that can pass without keyboard input before the computer enters standby mode.

Setting the standby period to 00 turns it off.

Once you have specified a time for standby mode in SETUP,

you can enable or disable this feature during operation by

holding down the Ctrl key and pressing the left Shift and L keys

simultaneously. When standby mode is enabled, the computer

sounds two short beeps. Hold down Ctrl and press left Shift and

L again to disable standby mode. The computer sounds a single

beep to signal that standby mode is disabled.

If you are installing or running software that requires a lot of

disk access time, during which there is little or no keyboard

input, it is best to set standby mode to 00 (off) to prevent the

LCD from going dark.

Setting the LCD Contrast

This setting determines whether the LCD displays black letters

on a white background (negative contrast) or white letters on a

black background (positive contrast). During operation, you can invert the LCD screen contrast at

any time. Hold down Ctrl and press the left Shift and I keys

simultaneously to invert screen contrast. Using this key

sequence does not affect the LCD contrast the computer uses

each time you turn on or reset it.

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Setting Up Your System

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Saving Your Settings

After you have made your selections for SETUP, press ESC to

exit from the SETUP menu. The Equity LT-386SX asks,

Write data into CMOS and exit? (Y/N).

Press N and Enter to return to the menu to make corrections. Press Y and Enter to save the settings in CMOS RAM.

The Equity LT-386SX runs through the power-on tests again

and asks you to press Delete if you want to run SETUP again.

At the completion of the self-test, the computer displays a table

listing the current settings for the Equity LT-386SX. An example of this table is shown below:

Main Processor: Numeric Processor: Present Floppy Drive A:: 1.44MB. 3 Floppy Drive Display Type: ROM-BIOS

Date:

80386

1.2MB, 5

"GA

EGA

09/15/89

1/2"

1/4"

Base

Memory size:

Ext.

Memory

Hard Disk Hard Disk serial

Parallel Port

size:

Type:

Port(s):

640 KB 3328 KB 17

None

3F8

378

If the settings in this table are correct, continue with step 8, “Inserting the Install Diskette.”

Setting Up Your System

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Inserting the Install Diskette

Follow these steps to insert the MS-DOS Install diskette:

Hold the diskette with the printed label facing up and the

arrow pointing into the diskette drive, as shown below.

Insert the diskette in the drive so that it clicks into place. When the diskette is all the way in, the release button pops out. For more information on inserting, removing, and caring for diskettes, see Chapter 2.

Reset the LT-386SX and ignore the SETUP prompt. The

computer automatically loads the operating system and starts the MS-DOS installation program, which is called SELECT.

The SELECT program automatically partitions and formats your hard disk, creates an AUTOEXEC.BAT file and a

CONFIG.SYS file based on your responses to prompts, and

copies the MS-DOS files to the hard disk.

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Setting Up Your

System

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After you have copied the MS-DOS files onto the hard disk, your original MS-DOS diskettes become your backup copies.

Store these diskettes in a safe place.

See your MS-DOS Installation Guide for a complete description of SELECT and how to install MS-DOS on your computer.

Setting Up Your System

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Chapter 2

Use the Equity LT-386SX

This chapter describes some basic procedures for using your computer.

Using the AC Adapter

The Equity LT-386SX can be powered by its external battery pack or by the AC adapter. When you connect the AC adapter

to the computer and to an electrical outlet, the outlet supplies the power to the computer. To preserve the battery’s charge, use the AC adapter whenever you have access to an electrical

outlet.

If the battery pack is connected to the computer, and you

connect the AC adapter to the battery pack and to an electrical outlet, the AC adapter recharges the battery. See the next section for details.

If you are not using the AC adapter and the Battery in Use icon on the status indicator bar starts flashing, save all your work and power off the computer before connecting the AC adapter.

(When the battery is low, connecting the AC adapter may reset the computer.)

Because the adapter can operate at voltages from 120 to 240 volts, you can use your Equity LT-386SX in countries other than the United States, provided you have the appropriate adapter plug.

Use the AC adapter to recharge the battery as described in the next section.

Using the Equity LT-386SX

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Using the Battery

The battery pack that comes with the Equity LT-386SX contains NiCad (nickel cadmium) batteries that power the computer when the AC adapter is not connected. The battery pack is rechargeable.

You need to recharge the battery pack at the following times:

Before using the battery pack with the computer for the first

time

If the battery has not been used for a long time

If the Battery in Use icon on the status indicator bar starts flashing and you hear a beep.

After the Battery in Use icon starts to flash, you have a maximum of 10 to 15 minutes before the battery charge is completely gone. If you continue using the computer without connecting the adapter, power runs out and you may lose data.

To recharge the battery, leave the battery pack connected to the computer and connect the AC adapter to the battery pack. Then connect the power cord to the AC adapter and to an

electrical outlet. You can charge the battery whether the

computer is on or off. For the maximum charge, leave the AC

adapter connected for eight hours or more. The battery pack cannot be overcharged, so don’t worry if you leave it connected

for more than eight hours.

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Remember the following when you are charging the battery:

Use only the AC adapter that comes with the Equity LT-386SX. Using a different adapter can damage the computer and/or the battery pack.

Charge the battery for at least eight hours. If you charge the battery for short periods, it

The length of time the battery provides power after being

charged depends on how you are using the computer. A fully charged battery provides approximately one to three hours of use. If you are working with a program that makes extensive use

of the hard disk or if you are using the diskette drive, you may

need to recharge the battery sooner. To increase the amount of time you can operate the LT-386SX

using the battery, follow these guidelines:

Lower the brightness of the backlight to its lowest readable

level. Use the brightness lever on the right side of the screen.

Select a clock speed of 8 MHz. In the SETUP menu, choose the 8 MHz option for CPU clock setting.

Or, during operation, you can hold down Ctrl and press

left Shift and F simultaneously to change the computer’s clock speed. (The status indicator bar displays the current clock speed.)

runs

low sooner.

Using

the Standby mode setting

the backlight to the LCD when you are not using the keyboard.

Using HDDPSAVE, turn off the hard disk drive when you are not using it. (The HDDPSAVE utility program is described in “Turning Off the Hard Disk,” later in this chapter.) Remember that powering up the hard drive uses power, so set a realistic time period for the power to be turned off.

Using the Equity LT-386SX

in SETUP, turn off

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To maximize the charge time your battery supplies, completely discharge and then recharge the battery from time to time. To do this, follow these steps:

Let the battery drain all the way down.

When the Battery in Use icon starts to flash, save your work

in progress (if any) and exit any program you are using.

Leave the computer on, but do not use it. After about 10 to

3. 20 minutes, the icons on the status indicator bar go dark, indicating the battery is discharged.

Now give the battery a full, eight-hour charge.

Connecting the Battery Pack

Before you can use the Equity LT-386SX without the AC adapter, you must install the battery pack. Follow these steps:

Enclosed in the box with the battery pack is a set of rubber pads. Attach these pads to the bottom of the pack, as shown below. This provides additional stability to keep the computer from tilting backward when you push on the LCD or the rear of the computer.

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Make sure the power switch on the computer is off.

Turn the computer around so its back is facing you. Position the back of the computer slightly over the edge of the desk

to make it easier to slide the battery pack into place.

Remove the safety cover that protects the metal connector on the battery pack.

Align the two metal connectors on the battery pack with

the slots on the back of the computer, as shown below.

Pull the battery pack up until it snaps into place.

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When the battery pack is connected, you can either use the

power from the battery pack or attach the AC adapter for unlimited power.

To remove the battery pack, follow these steps:

Make sure the computer is off.

Disconnect the AC adapter.

Turn the computer around so the back is facing you. Make

sure the back of the computer is slightly over the edge of the desk so you can slide the battery pack down.

While pulling the release tabs (on each side of the battery pack) toward you, press down on the battery pack. Slide the battery pack down and off the computer.

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Status Indicator Bar

The status indicator bar above the keyboard provides

information about the computer’s operation.

43 Elb

EXT.FD

16 MHZ

pmj

Indicates when you are accessing the hard

disk drive.

Indicates when you are accessing the internal diskette drive.

Indicates that the DIP switches are configured for an external diskette drive. (See Appendix A.)

Displays the current CPU clock speed, either 8 MHz or 16 MHz.

Indicates when you are using the battery pack; blinks when the battery pack charge

is low. Indicates when you select an external

monitor.

Using the Equity LT-386SX

2-7

Page 54

Indicates when you can use the LCD display; blinks when the display is in standby mode.

SCRL

Indicates when the internal keyboard is in Scroll Lock mode; does not respond to the modes of an external keyboard.

NUM

Indicates when the internal keyboard is in

Num Lock mode; does not respond to the

modes of an external keyboard.

CAPS

Indicates when the internal keyboard is in Caps Lock mode; does not respond to the modes of an external keyboard.

The SCRL, NUM, and CAPS icons indicate whether the corresponding key functions are enabled. See “Special Keys on the Equity LT-386SX Keyboard” later in this chapter.

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Opening and Closing the Screen

To open the screen, press the latch release button in the center of the computer (shown below). Then lift the screen back. You can position the screen at a variety of viewing angles.

When you are not using the computer or you want to move it,

turn it off and close the screen, as shown below. Be sure the screen locks into the bottom part of the computer.

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If you close the screen while the computer is on, you hear a warning beep. Always turn off the computer before closing the screen.

Using the Handle

The Equity LT-386SX has a convenient carrying handle. To use the handle, pull it out from the computer, as shown below.

Be sure the screen is closed whenever you carry the computer by its handle.

To avoid accidental damage to your Equity LT-386SX, always store the computer in a flat, horizontal position. Do not leave it standing upright on its back panel.

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Selecting Execution Speed

The Equity LT-386SX can operate at two execution speeds:

8 MHz and 16 MHz. At the higher speed, the computer performs all tasks more quickly. Select the slower speed to run application programs that have specific timing requirements and to prolong the battery’s charge.

You can select the CPU clock setting in the SETUP menu. (See

the description of running the SETUP program in Chapter 1.) The Equity LT-386SX always starts at the clock speed established in the SETUP menu.

While the computer is operating, you can change the clock speed by holding down Ctrl and pressing left Shift and F simultaneously. (The status indicator bar displays the current clock speed. )

Selecting LCD Screen Contrast

The LCD can display white letters on a black background

(positive LCD contrast) or black letters on a white background (negative LCD contrast). You can select the contrast in the SETUP menu. (See the description of running the SETUP program in Chapter 1.)

At any time while the computer is operating, you can invert the contrast by holding down Ctrl and pressing left Shift and I simultaneously. Hold down Ctrl and press left Shift and I again to change the contrast back. Using this key sequence during operation does not affect the setting the Equity LT-386SX uses when you turn on or reset it.

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Changing the Gray Scale Pattern for Any Color

The Equity LT-386SX assigns VGA colors to 16 shades of gray

(or gray scales). There is a utility program called SETLCD on

the Reference diskette that lets you modify the shade of gray assigned to any color. This capability is useful if you have trouble reading text that an application program displays in a particular color.

You may want to copy the file SETLCD.EXE to your hard disk so that it is easily accessible when you need it. You also can start the program using the Reference diskette. To start the program from the Reference diskette, follow the steps below:

Insert the Reference diskette into drive A.

2. Type A:

and press

Enter.

3. Type SETLCD and press Enter.

If you want to use run SETLCD as a memory-resident

program, type SETLCD/R and press Enter.

If you start the program without using the /R option, the menu appears immediately. When you run SETLCD as a memoryresident program, the LCD displays the message:

SETLCD Ver.

1.0 is installed.

Press [Ctrl]+[Left Shift]+[S] to

invoke.

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If you are running SETLCD as a memory-resident program, hold down Ctrl and press left Shift and S simultaneously whenever you want to display the menu that allows you to change the gray scales.

The LCD displays a menu similar to the one below:

SETLCD.EXE Ver. 1.0

BLACK BLUE

LT. BLUE GREEN CYAN RED

MAGENTA

LT. MAGENTA BROWN

WHITE

You use the following keys to make menu selections.

Selects the color you want to change.

BRT. WHITE

-B

F9 F10

Darkens the level of gray. Lightens the level of gray. Moves the menu to the right half of the screen when

pressed the first time and to the left half of the screen when pressed again.

Hides the menu. Pressing F8 again returns the menu to

the screen.

Resets all gray scale levels to their default values.

Allows you to exit.

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The table below provides the default gray scale value for every

Black

Blue

Green

Cyan

Red

Magenta

Brown White Gray Light blue

Light green

Light cyan Light red

Light magenta

Yellow

Bright white

1 2 3

4 5 20

7 56 57 58 59 60 61

62 63

0 5

17 28 8

11 20 40

14 24 45 50 32 36 56 63

The 16 gray scale numbers listed in the right column above represent the only shades available to define any color.

You also can change the gray scale number for specific colors without displaying the SETLCD menu by entering the color number and the desired gray scale number as parameters in the

SETLCD command. The format for this function of SETLCD is:

SETLCD/cc:gg[/cc:gg]

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Items in brackets are optional. (Do not type the brackets into the command.)

cc is the color number. This may be any one- or two-digit

number from the column titled “Color Number” in the table above.

gg is the gray scale number you want to use to represent this

color. This may be any one- or two-digit number from the column titled “Gray Scale Number” in the table above.

[/cc:gg] is the parameter for changing the gray scale for a second

(or subsequent) color. You can change as many colors as you

want by using a slash between the parameters.

For example, the following command sets color number 0 (black) to gray scale number 63, and it sets color number 7

(white) to gray scale number 0:

SETLCD /0:63/7:0

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Special Keys on the Equity LT-386SX Keyboard

The illustration below shows the Equity LT-386SX keyboard.

Certain keys on your keyboard serve special functions when your computer is running application programs. For instructions on how to use keys for specific software functions, consult the manual that came with the program you’re running.

The Num Lock, Scroll Lock, and Caps Lock keys work as toggles; press them once to turn on a function and again to turn it off. When a function is on, the corresponding icon on the status indicator bar is displayed. When a function is off, the icon disappears.

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The following table describes special keys on the Equity LT-386SX keyboard.

F1 -F10

Esc

Tab

Ctrl

Shift

Alt

Print Screen Scroll Lock Break + Ctrl Num Lock

Perform special functions within application programs.

Cancels the current command line or operation in some application programs.

Moves the cursor one tab to the right in normal mode and one tab to the left in Shift mode.

Works with other keys to perform special functions, such as editing operations in MS-DOS.

Changes the letter keys from lowercase to uppercase while held down and changes other keys from their normal characters or functions to their alternate characters or functions. When the Caps icon is displayed, changes letter keys from

uppercase to lowercase.

Works with other keys to enter alternate character codes.

Sends text on the screen to the printer. Used by some application programs. Used by some application programs. Turning on Num Lock activates the keypad and

scroll functions for the keys assigned to those functions. Other character functions are disabled while Num Lock is on.

For example, with Num Lock on, pressing j on the Equity LT-386SX keyboard produces the number 1; when the Shift and j keys are pressed, the cursor moves to the end of the line. On the LT-386SX keyboard, the keypad functions are boxed in the lower right-hand portion of the key cap. The scroll functions are printed along the front side of the key cap.

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Caps Lock

Changes letter keys from lowercase to uppercase; changes back to lowercase when pressed again. This key does not affect the numeric/symbol keys on the top row of the keyboard or the keypad and scrolling functions enabled when Num Lock is on.

Ins

Del Enter J

(Backspace)

Home, End Page Up Page Down

T+lt

SysRq + Alt

Inserts characters at the cursor or turns the insert function on and off. (The function is dependent on the application program.)

Deletes the character at the cursor. Ends a line of keyboard input or executes a

command. Moves the cursor back one space, deleting the

character to the left. Control cursor location within application

programs.

Used by some application programs.

Using Diskettes

Use diskette drives to store data on diskettes and retrieve and use stored data. The Equity LT-386SX has a 1.44MB, 3 diskette drive; it also supports an optional, external 1.2MB, 5 1/4-inch diskette drive. This section explains how diskettes work and tells you how to do the following:

‘/z-inch

Choose diskettes

Care for diskettes

Make backup copies

Write-protect diskettes.

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How Diskettes Work

The diskettes you use are flexible plastic, coated with a magnetic material and enclosed in a protective plastic case. Information is recorded in magnetic patterns on both surfaces of the diskette. Because data is stored magnetically, you can retrieve, record, and erase data, just as you play, record, and erase music on cassette tapes.

When you insert a diskette in a drive, a metal shutter above the

diskette’s access area moves aside to expose the diskette surface.

When your computer reads data from or writes data to the

diskette, it causes the diskette to spin within its plastic casing. Then the drive’s read/write head locates the appropriate position on the diskette and performs the operation you specify.

Choosing Diskettes for the Equity LT-386SX

Be sure to buy high-quality diskettes to use in your Equity LT-386SX. You can use two kinds of diskettes:

LI3 l/z-inch, Q3 ‘/z-inch,

On a 720KB diskette, you can store the equivalent of about

300 pages of text. You can store twice as much information on

1.44MB diskettes, but the 3 computers cannot use these high-capacity diskettes. If you are planning to exchange data with a computer that has a 720KB diskette drive, use 720KB diskettes in your Equity LT-386SX.

If you have an external, 5 ‘/,-inch, 1.2MB (high-capacity) diskette drive, use 5

in this drive. These diskettes can hold the equivalent of about 500 pages of text and are compatible with the high-capacity diskette drives used on some models of the IBM AT. The

1.2MB diskette drive can read 360KB diskettes.

720KB, double-sided, double-density diskettes

1.44MB, double-sided, high-density diskettes.

l/4-inch,

‘/z-inch

double-sided, high-density diskettes

diskette drives on some

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Because of their size difference, you cannot use a 3 diskette in a 5 of drives, however, you can copy individual files or groups of

files from one drive to the other with the COPY and XCOPY

commands. See Chapter 3 or your MS-DOS manuals for

information about the COPY and XCOPY commands. You need to format new diskettes before you can use them.

Formatting prepares a diskette to receive data. Formatting also

erases any data previously stored on a diskette, so be sure to format only new blank diskettes or diskettes that contain data you want to erase. See Chapter 3 for information about formatting diskettes.

‘/+inch

drive or vice versa. If you have both types

Caring for Diskettes

‘/z-inch

The 3

‘/z-inch

indestructible. To avoid damaging your diskettes and losing data, take these precautions:

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

Remove all diskettes before you turn off the computer.

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diskettes are sturdy and reliable, but are not

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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.

Keep diskettes away from magnetic fields. (Remember, diskettes store data magnetically; strong magnetic fields can

scramble that data.) Do not set your diskettes on such common magnetic sources as electrical appliances, telephones, television sets, and loudspeakers. Do not place your diskettes near your hard disk drive or the AC adapter.

Keep diskettes in a moderate environment. They work best at room temperature and in normal humidity. Never leave diskettes sitting in the sun or in extreme cold or heat. The temperature in a car in the middle of summer or winter can cause severe damage.

Do not expose a diskette’s magnetic surface by sliding the metal shutter. Never touch a diskette’s magnetic surface. The oil on your fingertips can damage the diskette and also the drive.

Do not place anything on top of your diskettes, and make

sure they do not get bent. Never wipe, brush, or try to clean diskettes in any way. Store diskettes properly in diskette containers.

If you use an external, 5 ‘/+inch diskette drive, be especially

careful with your 5 ‘/+inch diskettes. Because they are more flexible, and because they do not have a metal shutter protecting their magnetic surfaces, they are more easily damaged than 3

‘/z-inch

diskettes. Always keep 5

‘/d-inch

diskettes in their protective envelopes when you are not using them.

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Inserting and Removing Diskettes

To insert a diskette into the drive, hold it with the label facing

up and the arrow on the left side pointing into the computer:

Slide the diskette into the drive until it clicks into place. To remove a diskette, press the release button on the diskette

drive. When the diskette pops out of the drive, pull it out and store it properly in a diskette container.

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Making Backup Copies

Copy all diskettes that contain programs. After you make your copies, store the originals in a safe place away from your working diskettes and use only the copies.

For general instructions on copying diskettes or hard disk files, see Chapter 3 or your MS-DOS Reference Manual.

Write-Protecting Diskettes

You can write-protect a diskette to prevent its data from being altered. When a diskette is write-protected, you can copy data from it, but you cannot store new data, modify existing data,

erase files, or format the diskette.

The write-protect mechanism is a small switch on the lowerright comer on the back of the diskette. To write-protect the diskette, slide the switch down toward the edge of the diskette

to expose a small opening.

-write-protect switch

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To remove the write protection, move the switch up toward the center of the diskette to cover the opening.

Using the Hard Disk Drive

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

You can do almost all your work on the hard disk and copy your files to diskettes whenever you need to make backups or transfer data to another computer system. However, to ensure that you

always have plenty of space available, keep only files you use regularly on the hard disk. Store your other files on diskettes.

Caring for the Hard Disk

To avoid damaging your hard disk, take these precautions:

Keep your computer away from magnetic fields, such as electrical appliances, telephones, and loudspeakers.

Keep your computer in a moderate environment. Hard disks work best at room temperature and in normal humidity.

Never turn off the computer’s power or remove the hard disk when the hard disk icon is on. This icon indicates that

the computer is currently copying data to or from the hard

disk. If you interrupt this process, you may lose data.

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Never remove the hard disk unit when the computer’s power is on.

Never attempt to open the hard disk unit. The disk itself is enclosed in an airtight container to protect it from dust.

Keep the AC adapter at least six inches away from your computer and disks.

Protecting the Data on Your Hard Disk

Although the hard disk is very reliable, you must back up your

hard disk files onto diskettes in case you lose some data accidentally.

Make backup copies of all your system and application program diskettes before copying the program files to the hard disk. Copy your data files frequently to keep your backup diskettes up to date.

Use the Epson MENU utility or the MS-DOS BACKUP

command to back up your hard disk files. Use the MENU utility or the MS-DOS DISKCOPY command to make copies of your

system and program diskettes. For instructions on using these

backup utilities, see Chapter 3 or your MS-DOS manuals.

Improving Hard Disk Performance

MS-DOS includes a program called FASTOPEN, and a device driver called SMARTDRV.SYS, that can improve your hard

disk’s performance. For information about using these features,

see your MS-DOS Reference Manual.

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Turning Off the Hard Disk

If you are running the computer on its battery and you do not need to use the hard disk, you can use the HDDPSAVE utility on the Reference diskette to turn off the hard disk to prolong

the battery’s charge. If you are using the AC adapter, you don’t need to turn off the hard disk.

You specify the amount of time (between 1 and 18 minutes) you

want the computer to wait before it turns off the hard disk. After the hard disk drive is off, the computer must turn the hard disk back on to access it. So be sure to set a realistic time period.

To specify a power-off time, type the following at the system

prompt:

HDDP SAVE /xx

where xx can be any value from 1 to 18. Then press Enter. To

keep the hard disk drive on at all times, type one of the

following and press Enter:

HDDPSAVE /0 HDDPSAVE /00 HDDPSAVE /ALL

Modifying the AUTOEXEC.BAT File

The SELECT program you use to install MS-DOS creates a file named AUTOEXEC.BAT on your hard disk. This file contains

instructions MS-DOS executes every time you boot your system

from the hard disk. These instructions do the following:

Tell MS-DOS where to find its essential system files

Allow you to define certain system parameters

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Install the appropriate keyboard information for the country in which you’re using your computer

Allow you to start the MS-DOS Shell program.

These instructions ensure that your system starts up properly each time you boot it from the hard disk. See your MS-DOS

Installation Guide for details.

You may also want to add the HDDPSAVE utility to your

AUTOEXEC.BAT file. By adding this utility, you can set the power-off period for the hard disk each time you power on the computer.

To modify the AUTOEXEC.BAT file created by SELECT, follow these steps:

At the MS-DOS command prompt in the root directory

(C : \ >), type the following and press Enter:

COPY AUTOEXEC.BAT+CON AUTOEXEC.BAT

2. Type HDDPSAVE /5 and press Enter. This turns off

power to the hard disk if you do not access the hard disk

for five minutes. Use any time period you want (between

1 and 18).

Press F6 and then Enter.

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Resetting the Computer

You can reset the computer to reload the operating system or to

restart a program. You may also need to do this if an error occurs

and the computer does not respond to anything you type. Resetting, however, erases any data in the computer’s temporary

memory (RAM) that you have not stored; so be careful when you reset your computer.

In MS-DOS, you can hold down Ctrl and press C or Break to

stop a program’s operation and return to the MS-DOS

command prompt. If an error occurs, try this method before you

reset the computer.

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

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

computer reloads MS-DOS. (MS-DOS must be either on

the hard disk or on a diskette in drive A.) If this does not

correct the problem, try the second method.

Press the RESET button on the right side of the computer.

This method works even when the keyboard does not respond to your commands. If this does not correct the problem, try the third method.

Turn off any peripheral devices and then turn off the LT-386SX. Wait five seconds and then switch the power back on.

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Turning Off the Computer

Before you turn off your computer, save your data, exit the program you are using, and then remove all diskettes from the disk drives. First turn off any peripherals, such as a printer, a monitor, or an external diskette drive. Then turn off the computer.

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Chapter 3

Using MS-DOS With Your Computer

Your Equity LT-386SX comes with version 4.01 of MS-DOS. MS-DOS manages the routine work of your computer system, such as keeping the computer’s memory organized, controlling

the screen display, accepting keyboard input, and directing external communications.

To communicate with the operating system, you use MS-DOS commands. How much you need to know about MS-DOS depends on how you plan to use your computer. If you use it only for running application programs, the few MS-DOS

commands you need are introduced in this chapter. If you use

advanced features or create your own programs, see your

MS-DOS manuals for a complete description of the features of

the operating system.

This chapter describes the following MS-DOS functions:

Starting and exiting MS-DOS Changing the current drive The MS-DOS command format

Entering MS-DOS commands

Storing data Using directories Formatting diskettes

Copying data Deleting data

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Using the MS-DOS Shell program

Using the Epson HELP utility

Using the Epson MENU utility

Using an AUTOEXEC.BAT file

Starting an application program.

The information presented in this chapter assumes you are running MS-DOS from the MS-DOS command prompt, not from the MS-DOS Shell program. If you plan to use Shell, see the MS-DOS Shell User’s Guide for a complete description of how to execute commands using Shell.

Starting and Exiting MS-MDOS

Before you can run an MS-DOS application program, MS-DOS must be running in memory. If you have prepared your hard disk according to the procedures in the MS-DOS Installation Guide, MS-DOS loads automatically from your hard disk whenever you turn on your computer (provided you do not have a diskette in the diskette drive).

Before you turn off the computer, make sure the MS-DOS command prompt (such as C> or C : \ >) appears on the screen. Then remove your diskettes, turn off any peripheral devices, and turn off the computer.

Changing the Current Drive

MS-DOS identifies the hard disk as drive C and the 3 diskette drive as drive A. If you have an external 5 diskette drive, MS-DOS identifies that drive as drive B.

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‘/z-inch

%-inch

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The C> prompt that appears when you load MS-DOS from the hard disk tells you that drive C, your hard disk, is the current drive (also called the default drive). The current drive is the one that MS-DOS uses for all commands unless you specify a different drive. For example, if the current drive is drive C and you type the name of a program, MS-DOS searches drive C for the program.

If you want to run a program or find a data file on a different drive, you must specify the name of that drive. You can do this either by logging onto that drive (making it the current drive) or by including the drive letter with the filename.

To log onto another drive, type the name of the drive followed by a colon. Then press Enter. For example, if the current drive

is C and you want to log onto drive A, type A : and press Enter.

Your screen now displays the A> prompt, showing that you are operating from drive A. Drive A continues to be the current drive until you log onto a different drive or turn off or reset your computer.

To access a program or file on another drive without first

logging onto that drive, specify the drive identifier (the name of the drive followed by a colon) along with the filename. For

example, if you are logged onto drive C and you want to run a program called WP that is stored on drive A, type A : WP and press Enter. MS-DOS runs the program on drive A but remains logged onto drive C.

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The MS-DOS Command Format

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

command in the correct format. The MS-DOS command format consists of the command name, parameters, and delimiters. The command name tells MS-DOS the task you want to perform. Parameters are items that identify the data you want to process (such as a filename) and change the way a command works. Delimiters are characters such as spaces or commas that separate command names and parameters.

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

command.

Pathnames may be required in a command if you are specifying

files that are not on the current drive or directory. A pathname

tells MS-DOS where to find a file, and consists of one or more

directory names separated by backslashes. See “Using

Pathnames,” later in this chapter.

There are two kinds of MS-DOS commands: internal and

external. Internal commands are commands that are built into

MS-DOS and can be used any time MS-DOS is loaded into

memory. External commands are stored on your system diskettes

(or hard disk) as program files. To run an external command, MS-DOS must be able to locate the file on a system diskette or on your hard disk. If the file is not stored in the current drive and directory, you may need to use a pathname when you enter an external command.

See your MS-DOS manuals for more information on the command format and for a detailed description of each command.

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Entering MS-DOS Commands

You can enter an MS-DOS command when you see the MS-DOS command prompt. Type the command name and any necessary parameters and delimiters, and then press Enter to execute the command. You can type command names in either uppercase or lowercase letters.

If you make a mistake when typing a command and you notice

it before you press Enter, you can do one of two things:

Use the backspace key to back up and correct the error

Press ESC to cancel the command line.

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

Enter.

Storing Data

You store all your work and programs in files on your hard disk or diskettes. A data file contains information, such as words, numbers, or pictures. A program contains instructions that the computer can understand and execute.

The kind of file you create depends on the MS-DOS commands or application program you use to create it. Because each program you use stores data files in its own particular format, you are likely to encounter problems if you try to read a file using a different program.

Each file must have a unique filename so that MS-DOS can find it when you need to retrieve it. The filename consists of two parts, the name and the extension.

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The name can be up to eight characters in length. It is a good

idea to choose a name that describes the contents of the file.

You can use any characters except blank spaces and the

following symbols:

*\/[]:|<>+=;.?,

The extension is optional and can be up to three characters long. You can use the extension to describe the type of data contained in the file-for example, TXT for a text file. When you use an extension, separate it from the filename with a period, like this:

DATA.TXT

Many application programs automatically add extensions to the data files you create. Lotus 1-2-3. Release 2, for example, automatically uses the extension .WK1 for worksheet files. Microsoft Word uses .DOC for its word processing files. Such default extensions help an application program distinguish its own data files from files created by other programs. If you have programs that use default extensions, avoid using those particular extensions in other contexts.

You can type the name and the extension in either lowercase

or uppercase letters, but do not use uppercase or lowercase letters to distinguish between files. After you type the filename, MS-DOS converts all lowercase letters to uppercase.

Using Directories

MS-DOS organizes files by storing them in directories. This makes it easy for you to find and manage your files. Directories also list specific information about each file, including the filename, the size of the file, and the date and time you last modified the file.

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When you format your hard disk, MS-DOS creates a single directory for the disk. This directory is called the root directory. Because the hard disk has room for hundreds of files, MS-DOS allows you to create additional directories, called subdirectories. Subdirectories allow you to organize your hard disk to keep files of similar type or purpose together. Without subdirectories, it would be difficult to keep track of all the files on your hard disk.

You can also create subdirectories on your diskettes. You may find this useful for organizing the files on your backup diskettes.

The subdirectory structure of a hard disk can be represented with a tree-like diagram, like this:

Root directory

LEDGER WORDPROC

ACCOUNTS

SALES

PERSONAL BUSINESS

STORIES LETTERS

In this example, the original directory (the root directory) has

two subdirectories, named LEDGER and WORDPROC. Each of these subdirectories has subdirectories of its own. LEDGER has two, named ACCOUNTS and SALES; WORDPROC also has two, named PERSONAL and BUSINESS. The PERSONAL subdirectory of WORDPROC also has two subdirectories, named STORIES and LETTERS.

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On your own hard disk, you can create a subdirectory structure that is more complex than this one. Or you may prefer to keep

things simple. Organize your disk to suit your own needs; you can modify the structure as your needs change.

When creating subdirectories, note the following points:

Any directory can have any number of subdirectories (except the root directory, which is limited in the number of files and subdirectories).

You name subdirectories in the same way as files. The name can include as many as eight characters (letters or numbers), and you can add an optional extension consisting of up to three characters.

U The root directory does not have a name; it is identified by

a backslash ( \ ).

The Current Directory

MS-DOS always recognizes one directory as the current, or default, directory, just as it always recognizes one drive as being the current, or default, drive. The current directory is the directory in which MS-DOS performs your commands, unless you tell it otherwise. If you want to run a program or access a data file that is not stored in the current directory, you can change directories (making a different directory the current directory) or include a pathname in your command.

Six basic directory operations are described on the following pages:

Listing the contents of a directory

Using pathnames

Creating directories

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Changing directories

Copying from one directory to another

Deleting a directory.

You may also want to read about Shell, an MS-DOS program

that makes it easier to perform these functions, as well as others. You can use Shell to generate a visual diagram of your subdirectory structure, to move quickly between directories, to add and remove directories, and so on. Shell is described in the MS-DOS Shell User’s Guide.

Listing the Contents of a Directory

To list the files in the current directory, type DIR and press

Enter. MS-DOS lists the names of the files in the current

directory on the current drive. If you are logged onto drive C but want to see a directory of the files on the diskette in drive A, type DIR A: and press Enter.

A directory listing looks like this:

Volume in drive C is DOS400 Volume Serial Number is 3728-0CF6

Directory of C:\

COMMAND COM CONFIG AUTOEXEC BAT DOS HDDPSAVE EXE

LT BENCH <DIR> WORD MEMOS

9 File(s) 17717247 bytes free

SYS

37557

146

166

<DIR>

1693

<DIR>

12-19-88 12:00a 01-06-89 5:58p 03-29-89 4:26p 01-06-89 5:59p 03-15-89 10:01a 02-31-89 1:43p 03-29-89 2:24p 10-31-88 11:06a 04-18-89 1:34p

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To list the files in a different directory on the current drive,

type the pathname of that directory. For example, to list the contents of the LEDGER subdirectory while logged onto drive C, type DIR \LEDGER and press Enter. (Pathnames are described below.)

Using Pathnames

Whenever you want to access a file that is not in the current directory, you must specify the file’s pathname. A full pathname consists of one or more directory names separated by backslashes and followed by the filename. The pathname tells MS-DOS where your file is stored.

For instance, in the directory structure shown previously in this chapter, if you had a file named APRIL.TXT stored in the subdirectory named LETTERS, the full pathname of that file would be:

\WORDPROC\PERSONAL\LETTERS\APRIL.TXT

This pathname tells MS-DOS to start at the root directory

and go through two subdirectories (WORDPROC and PERSONAL) to find the LETTERS subdirectory. Once in the LETTERS subdirectory, MS-DOS finds the file called APRIL.TXT.

The first backslash tells MS-DOS to begin at the root directory. If you omit the backslash at the beginning of the pathname, MS-DOS begins the search at the current directory. For example, if the current directory is PERSONAL and you want MS-DOS to find the file APRIL.TXT, which is stored in the subdirectory LETTERS, you can specify the pathname like this:

LETTERS\APRIL.TXT

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Because this pathname does not begin with a backslash,

MS-DOS starts in the current directory (PERSONAL), moves

to the subdirectory LETTERS, then finds the file APRIL.TXT. If you did begin with the backslash, MS-DOS would not find the file, because it is located in a subdirectory of PERSONAL,

not of the root directory.

Creating Directories

The MKDIR command lets you create directories. To create the directory LEDGER within your root directory, for example, type

the following and press Enter:

MKDIR \LEDGER

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

MD \LEDGER\SALES

To check that the LEDGER directory is a subdirectory of the root directory, type

DIR

\ and press Enter.

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The screen displays a list of files in the root directory, along with the names of any subdirectories of the root directory:

LEDGER WORDPROC COMMAND CONFIG AUTOEXEC

File(s)

COM 25307

SYS 209 9-14-89

BAT 309 9-14-88

18625536 bytes free

The list identifies the subdirectories by the letters

9-14-89 10:17a 9-14-89 10:32a

3-17-88

12:OOa 10:48a 12:11p

<DIR>.

Changing Directories

You can use any directory as your current or working directory.

To change to a different directory, type CHDIR (or followed by the pathname of the directory you want to use. For example, to change from any directory to the directory LEDGER (which is a subdirectory of the root directory), type the following and press Enter:

CD \LEDGER

The backslash identifies the LEDGER directory as a subdirectory of the root directory. Once you are working within a directory, you can access any of the files it contains without typing the full pathname.

CD)

To change to a subdirectory within the current directory, you do not need to type the backslash. For example, to change to the SALES subdirectory while you are working in LEDGER, type the following and press Enter:

SALES

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To change from any directory to its parent directory (the directory of which it is a subdirectory), type the following and press

Enter:

. .

The two periods represent the parent directory. To return to the root directory from any subdirectory, type the

following and press Enter:

CD \

Copying From One Directory to Another

The COPY command lets you copy files from one directory to another. To use this command, you must specify the name of the file you want to copy, as well as the directory to which you want to copy the file.

For example, if you are in the LETTERS directory and want to copy the file APRIL.TXT to the BUSINESS directory, type the following and press Enter:

APRIL.TXT \WORDPROC\BUSINESS

The command has three parts: the word COPY, the name

of the file you want to copy (APRIL.TXT), and the name

of the directory to which you want to copy this file

( \ WORDPROC\ BUSINESS). You must include spaces or

commas between each of the three parts as delimiters.

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Deleting a Directory

If you no longer need a directory, you can remove it with the RMDIR command (which can be abbreviated RD). Before removing a directory, you must delete any files it contains or move them to a different directory. You can only delete a directory that is empty. (To delete files from a directory, use the

DEL or ERASE command. See “Deleting Data,” later in this chapter.)

To delete an empty directory, such as the ACCOUNTS directory under LEDGER, type the following and press Enter:

RD \LEDGER\ACCOUNTS

Formatting Diskettes

Before you can store data on a new diskette, you must format it.

Formatting prepares the diskette so that MS-DOS can store

data on it. You need to do this before you use the diskette for

the first time.

You can also reformat previously used diskettes. This process

erases all data on the diskette. Always be sure you no longer

need any files on a diskette before reformatting it.

You can format two kinds of 3

double-density diskettes can be formatted to hold 720KB of

data. Double-sided, high-density diskettes can be formatted to

hold 1.44MB. Ordinarily you may prefer to use high-density

diskettes, because they hold more information. But if you need

to transfer files to another computer that cannot read 1.44MB

diskettes, you can purchase double-density diskettes and use the

720KB format.

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diskettes. Double-sided,

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Formatting a 1.44MB Diskette

format a 1.44MB diskette, follow these steps:

If necessary, log onto drive C. If you are

containing the file FORMAT.COM, change to that

directory. For example, if

FORMAT.COM

subdirectory named DOS, type CD \DOS and press

Type the following and press

Enter:

FORMAT A:

You see this prompt:

Insert new diskette for drive A: and strike ENTER when ready...

3. Insert the diskette you want to format into drive A and press

Enter.

When the diskette is formatted, you see this message and

prompt:

not in the directory

is stored in a

Enter.

Format complete

Volume label (11 characters, ENTER

for none) ?

Enter up to 11 characters for the volume label to be stored on the diskette and press Enter. FORMAT displays these messages:

1447664 bytes total disk space 1447664 bytes available on disk

512 bytes in each allocation unit

2847 allocation units available on disk Volume Serial Number is 3944-14CA Format another (Y/N)?

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At this point, you can format another diskette by pressing Y and Enter, or return to the MS-DOS command prompt by pressing N and Enter.

Formatting a 720KB Diskette

To format a 720KB diskette in a 1.44MB drive, follow these steps:

If necessary, log onto drive C. If you are not in the directory containing the file FORMAT.COM, use the CD command to change to that directory.

Type the following and press Enter:

FORMAT A: /F:-720

You see this prompt:

Insert new diskette for drive A:

and strike ENTER when ready...

Insert the diskette you want to format into drive A and press

Enter.

When the diskette is formatted, you see this message and prompt:

Format complete

Volume label (11 characters, ENTER

for none)?

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Enter up to 11 characters for the volume label to be stored on the diskette and press Enter. FORMAT displays these messages:

730112 bytes total disk space 730112 bytes available on disk

1024 bytes in each allocation unit

713 allocation units available on disk Volume Serial Number is 1C55-14C6 Format another (Y/N)?

At this point, you can format another diskette by pressing Y

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

Copying Data

It is very important to keep backup diskettes containing copies of the files you create. There are several ways to copy data and program files:

Use the DISKCOPY command to make an exact duplicate of a diskette

Use the COPY command to copy individual files

Use the BACKUP command to back up the files on a hard disk or diskette in a special format.

The COPY command is easier to use when you have only a few

files to back up. The BACKUP command has some advantages when you want to back up many files at once.

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Note

Using DISKCOPY

The DISKCOPY command lets you copy an exact image of one

diskette onto another diskette as long as the two diskettes are the same size and type. You cannot use DISKCOPY to copy data from a 3 data from a 1.44MB diskette to a 720KB diskette. You also cannot use DISKCOPY to copy data between a hard disk and a diskette.

To use DISKCOPY, follow these steps:

Make sure your original diskette (the one you are copying from) is write-protected. (See Chapter 2 for instructions.)

If necessary, log onto drive C. If you are not in the directory containing the file DISKCOPY.COM, use the CD command to change to that directory.

‘/z-inch

diskette to a 5 ‘/+inch diskette or to copy

3-18

Type the following and press Enter:

DISKCOPY A: A:

MS-DOS displays this message:

Insert SOURCE diskette in drive A:

Press any key to continue . . .

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Insert the diskette you want to copy from (your source

diskette) in the diskette drive and press any key.

DISKCOPY copies the contents of the diskette to the computer’s memory. When memory is full, the screen

displays this message:

Insert TARGET diskette in drive A:

Press any key to continue . . .

Remove the diskette from drive A and insert the blank diskette (your target diskette) in the drive. Press any key. DISKCOPY formats the diskette, if necessary. The copy operation begins when the format is complete.

After DISKCOPY copies the files from memory to the target diskette, it prompts you to reinsert the source diskette so it can copy the remaining data to the computer’s memory

(if necessary). Insert the source diskette in drive A and press

any key.

DISKCOPY copies the rest of the source diskette’s files to the computer’s memory and then prompts you to reinsert the target diskette. Insert the target diskette in drive A and press any key.

DISKCOPY copies the remaining data from memory to the target diskette. When the copy is complete, you see this message:

Copy another diskette (Y/N) ?

Press Y and Enter to copy another diskette or N and Enter to return to the MS-DOS command prompt.

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Using COPY

The COPY command lets you copy files in several ways:

Copy individual files from a diskette or the hard disk to

another diskette or hard disk

Copy a group of files using wildcard characters (wildcard

characters are explained below)

Copy one or more files and give them new names

Combine or merge files into one file. A few simple rules apply to all uses of COPY:

You must tell MS-DOS where to find the source file and

where to store the target file.

If an existing file on the target diskette or directory has

the same name as the file you are copying, the copy automatically replaces (overwrites) the existing file. MS-DOS does not provide a warning. Be careful you do not accidentally replace a file that you want to keep.

If you are copying to a diskette, the diskette must be formatted.

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

For example, to copy a file named REPORT from the diskette in

drive A to the hard disk (drive C), using the same name for the

copy as for the original file, type the following and press Enter:

COPY A:REPORT C:

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If you want to copy this file from the diskette in drive A to the hard disk but want to change the name of the copy from

REPORT to FACTS, type this command and press Enter:

COPY A:REPORT C:FACTS

To make a copy of this file on the diskette in drive A and assign

the name FACTS to the copy, type the following and press

Enter:

COPY A:REPORT A:FACTS

In this case, you must assign a new name to the copy, because MS-DOS does not allow two files in the same directory to have the same name.

For any of the previous examples, if you omit the drive identifier (A: or C:), the COPY command uses the current drive. For

example, if the current drive is C and you want to copy the file REPORT from drive A to drive C without changing the filename, enter the command as follows:

COPY A:REPORT

MS-DOS writes the copy to drive C because drive C is the

current drive. You can save a few keystrokes by omitting the

drive identifier of the current drive, but it is equally correct to

include all the drive identifiers. You can use wildcard characters to copy a group of files at one

time. A wildcard character stands for some other single

character or group of characters in the filenames. MS-DOS recognizes two wildcard characters: * and ?. The asterisk represents any group of characters and the question mark represents any single character.

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To copy all files on the diskette in drive A to the current

directory on the hard disk, type the following and press Enter:

COPY A:*.* C:

To copy all files with names that begin with the four letters MEMO and end with any single character, type the following

and press Enter:

COPY A:MEMO? C:

You can also use the COPY command to combine a number of

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

COPY REPORT+FACTS+MEMO DATA

MS-DOS combines the three files into one file, in the order in which you specified their names.

Using BACKUP

The BACKUP command lets you store files in a special format for archive purposes. You normally use BACKUP to back up hard disk files; however, you can use it to copy files from any disk to another (hard disk to diskette, diskette to hard disk, diskette to diskette, or hard disk to hard disk).

There are advantages to using the BACKUP command:

BACKUP can split large files between two or more

diskettes. That is, if the diskette to which you are copying has only 200KB of available space, and the next file to be backed up occupies 300KB, the BACKUP command copies the first part of the file to the current diskette and the remainder to the next backup diskette. This results in more efficient diskette use.

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The BACKUP command can perform incremental backups.

That is, you can copy only those files that changed since the last time you used the BACKUP command. This also results in more efficient diskette use.

The BACKUP command can format new diskettes as it copies files. You don’t have to go through a separate formatting step when you use BACKUP.

Unlike DISKCOPY and COPY, which make readable copies of files, BACKUP creates files that you cannot use until you restore them to the disk by using the RESTORE command.

You can use switches with BACKUP to back up files created

after a certain date or to specify files stored in a certain

directory. You can also tell BACKUP to add only those files

that were modified since the last time you ran BACKUP. This process speeds up the backup procedures you perform on a regular basis.

For complete instructions on the use of BACKUP and

RESTORE, see your MS-DOS Reference Manual.

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Deleting Data

To delete a file, type DEL and then the full name (including the extension, if any) of the file you wish to delete. For example, to delete the file named APRIL.TXT from the current directory, type the following and press Enter:

DEL APRIL.TXT

You can delete all files in the current directory at once by typing the following and pressing Enter:

DEL *.*

For your protection, when you type DEL if you are sure that is what you want to do. If you are sure, press Y, then Enter.

You can also use the ERASE command to delete files. ERASE works exactly like the DEL command.

* . *

Using the MS-DOS Shell Program

MS-DOS 4.01 provides a Shell feature that lets you run programs and choose operating system commands from menus

instead of the MS-DOS command prompt. The Shell feature is designed for both new and experienced users of MS-DOS. It lets you tailor your system to your own needs and manage your programs and data more efficiently.

See your MS-DOS Shell User’s Guide for complete details.

MS-DOS asks

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Using HELP

The Epson HELP utility provides on-line information about the

MS-DOS commands and programs. You can use HELP in either

of two ways:

To display the HELP menu, type HELP at the command

prompt and press Enter.

To bypass the menu, type HELP plus the name of the

command you want information about.

To use the HELP menu, follow these steps:

Type HELP at the MS-DOS command prompt and press

Enter.

The screen displays a menu of MS-DOS commands. Use

2. the cursor keys to highlight the command you want information about, then press Enter.

If there is more than one page of information about the

3. command, you see the prompt PgUp at the top of the

screen. Press Page Up to display the rest of the text. To return to the HELP menu, press ESC. Press ESC again to

exit the HELP utility. MS-DOS displays the name of the last command you selected at the command prompt for easy reference.

Using MS-DOS With Your Computer 3-25

Epson LT-386SX User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Contents

Introduction

How To Use This Manual

Where To Get Help

Chapter 1

Unpacking

Installing the Hard Disk Drive

Connecting a Printer

Using the Parallel Interface

Using the Serial Interface

Connecting the AC Adapter

Connecting the Power Cord

Starting the System

Turning On the Computer

Adjusting Screen Contrast and Brightness

Initial Screen Display

Running the SETUP Program

Starting the SETUP Program

Setting the Date

Setting the Diskette Drive(s)

Setting the Hard Disk Drive

Setting the Primary Display

Setting the Keyboard

Setting the Scratch RAM Option

Setting the CPU Clock Setting

Setting the Shadow RAM

Setting the Standby Mode

Setting the LCD Contrast

Saving Your Settings

Inserting the Install Diskette

Using the AC Adapter

Using the Battery

Connecting the Battery Pack

Status Indicator Bar

Opening and Closing the Screen

Using the Handle

Selecting Execution Speed

Selecting LCD Screen Contrast

Changing the Gray Scale Pattern for Any Color

Special Keys on the Equity LT-386SX Keyboard

Using Diskettes

How Diskettes Work

Choosing Diskettes for the Equity LT-386SX

Caring for Diskettes

Inserting and Removing Diskettes

Making Backup Copies

Write-Protecting Diskettes

Using the Hard Disk Drive

Caring for the Hard Disk

Protecting the Data on Your Hard Disk

Improving Hard Disk Performance

Turning Off the Hard Disk

Modifying the AUTOEXEC.BAT File

Resetting the Computer

Turning Off the Computer

Starting and Exiting MS-MDOS

Changing the Current Drive

The MS-DOS Command Format

Entering MS-DOS Commands

Storing Data

Using Directories

The Current Directory

Listing the Contents of a Directory

Using Pathnames

Creating Directories

Changing Directories

Copying From One Directory to Another

Deleting a Directory

Formatting Diskettes

Formatting a 1.44MB Diskette

Formatting a 720KB Diskette

Copying Data

Using DISKCOPY

Using COPY

Using BACKUP

Deleting Data