Gericom 31C User Manual

72-31C00-010 Printed in Taiwan

Notice

The company reserves the right to make any updates, revisions or changes to the information contained herein as and when deemed necessary. The company is under no obligation to notify any purchaser or end-user of such actions in advance or afterwards.

1998

Trademarks

IBM PC, OS/2, PS/2, EGA, and VGA are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation.

Intel, Pentium are trademarks of Intel Corporation.

MS-DOS, Microsoft Windows, Windows NT and Microsoft Mouse are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

Sound Blaster Pro is a trademark of Creative Labs, Inc.

SystemSoft is a registered trademark of SystemSoft Corp.

Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective companies.

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 1:

CHAPTER 1CHAPTER 1

NPACKING THE NOTEBOOK

EATURES OF THE NOTEBOOK

Opening the LCD Cover ----------------------------------------------------------- 1-3

Top-Front View --------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-6

Rear View ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-8

: GETTING STARTED ----------------------------------------------- 1-1

---------------------------------------------------------- 1-2

-------------------------------------------------------- 1-3

Power button ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-4 System Status LED Indicators ------------------------------------------------------ 1-5

LCD Panel ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-6 Keyboard -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-7 Stereo Speakers ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-7 Trackpad and Buttons ---------------------------------------------------------------- 1-7 Microphone ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1-7

PS/2 Type Ports ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1-8 Dual USB Ports ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1-8 Expansion Port ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-8 Serial Port ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-8 External Monitor (CRT) Port -------------------------------------------------------- 1-9 S-Video Jack ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-9 Parallel Port ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-9 AC-in Socket ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-9

Right-side View --------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-10

Battery Pack ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-12 Removable 5.25" CD-ROM Drive ------------------------------------------------- 1-10 Infrared ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-10

Line-in Jack ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-11 Microphone-in Jack ------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-11 Speaker-out Jack ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-10 Phone Jack (Option) ------------------------------------------------------------------ 1-11

Left-side View ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-12

Security Connector -------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-12 Ventilation ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-12 PC Card Sockets ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-12 Removable 3.5" Floppy Disk Drive ------------------------------------------------ 1-12

Bottom View ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-14

CD-ROM latch -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-14 Battery Pack latch --------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-14 Floppy Disk Drive latch --------------------------------------------------------------- 1-14 CPU Cover ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1-15 Hard Disk Drive latch ----------------------------------------------------------------- 1-14

PERATING ENVIRONMENT

OWERING THE SYSTEM

----------------------------------------------------------- 1-16

--------------------------------------------------------------- 1-17 AC Power Adapter ------------------------------------------------------------------ 1-17 Battery Pack ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-18

Removing -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-18 Inserting ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-18 Recharging by AC Power ------------------------------------------------------------ 1-20 Proper Handling of the Battery Pack --------------------------------------------- 1-20

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 2:

CHAPTER 2CHAPTER 2

PGRADING PROCESSOR MODULE

: OPERATION ---------------------------------------------------------- 2-1

-------------------------------------------------- 2-2 Replacing Processor Module------------------------------------------------------ 2-2 Reinstalling the Heat Sink --------------------------------------------------------- 2-3

ETTING

DIP S

WITCH

------------------------------------------------------------------ 2-4 Flash ROM BIOS update ---------------------------------------------------------- 2-4 CPU Core Frequency Settings ---------------------------------------------------- 2-4

Accessing Pole DIP Switch ------------------------------------------------------ 2-5

XPANDING MEMORY

------------------------------------------------------------------ 2-6 Accessing the Memory Sockets -------------------------------------------------- 2-7 Installing Memory Module -------------------------------------------------------- 2-8 Removing Memory Module ------------------------------------------------------- 2-9

SING HARD DISK DRIVE

------------------------------------------------------------- 2-10 Removing the Hard Disk Drive Module ---------------------------------------- 2-10 Replacing Hard Disk Drive ------------------------------------------------------- 2-10 Inserting the Hard Disk Drive Module ------------------------------------------ 2-11

SING FLOPPY DISK DRIVE

----------------------------------------------------------- 2-12 Inserting/Removing Diskettes ---------------------------------------------------- 2-12 Replacing Floppy Disk Drive ----------------------------------------------------- 2-13 Write-Protecting Diskettes -------------------------------------------------------- 2-14 Do’s and Don’ts --------------------------------------------------------------------- 2-14

SING

CD-ROM ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 2-15 Removing CD-ROM Module ----------------------------------------------------- 2-15 Loading Compact Discs ----------------------------------------------------------- 2-17 Handling of Compact Discs ------------------------------------------------------- 2-18

SING PC CARD SOCKETS

------------------------------------------------------------ 2-19 Inserting PC Cards ------------------------------------------------------------------ 2-19 Removing PC Cards ---------------------------------------------------------------- 2-20

SING HOT KEYS

SING NUMERIC KEYPAD

SING POWER MANAGEMENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------- 2-21

------------------------------------------------------------- 2-23

-------------------------------------------------------- 2-24

Advanced Power Management (APM 1.2) ------------------------------------- 2-24 Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI 1.0) ------------------ 2-24

Hard Disk Standby -------------------------------------------------------------------- 2-25 Global Standby ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2-25 Suspend and Resume ---------------------------------------------------------------- 2-25 Powered On Suspend (POS) ------------------------------------------------------- 2-26

Resume from POS Mode ------------------------------------------------------------ 2-26

Suspend To Disk (STD) -------------------------------------------------------------- 2-27

Resume from STD Mode ------------------------------------------------------------ 2-27

TTACHING PERIPHERAL DEVICES

--------------------------------------------------- 2-28 Attaching a Phone Line (option) ------------------------------------------------- 2-29 Attaching a PS/2 Keyboard or Mouse ------------------------------------------- 2-29 Attaching a Serial Mouse ---------------------------------------------------------- 2-30 Attaching a Parallel Printer ------------------------------------------------------- 2-31 Attaching an External Monitor (CRT) ------------------------------------------- 2-31 Attaching a Proprietary Port Replicator ----------------------------------------- 2-32 Attaching a TV Set ----------------------------------------------------------------- 2-34 Attaching a USB-compatible Device -------------------------------------------- 2-35

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 3:

CHAPTER 3CHAPTER 3

OWER ON SELF TEST

: BIOS UTILITIES ---------------------------------------------------- 3-1

(POST) ------------------------------------------------------- 3-2 POST Message: Normal Operation ---------------------------------------------- 3-2 POST Message: Error Detected -------------------------------------------------- 3-3

YSTEM CONFIGURATION UTILITY

-------------------------------------------------- 3-4 Information in the System Configuration Utility ------------------------------ 3-4 Initiating the System Configuration Utility ------------------------------------- 3-5 Working with the Menu Bar (Main Menu) ------------------------------------- 3-6 Working with the Pull-down Menu (Submenu) -------------------------------- 3-7

Features of the System Configuration Utility ---------------------------------- 3-8

Startup Menu --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-8 Memory Menu -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-11 Disks Menu ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3-12 Components Menu -------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-13 Power Menu ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-16 Exit Menu -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-19

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 4:

CHAPTER 4CHAPTER 4

ATTERY

OWER

ARD DISK DRIVE

LOPPY DISK DRIVE

ARDWARE INSTALLATION

LCD P M

EMORY MODULE

PC C

: TROUBLESHOOTING --------------------------------------------- 4-1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-2

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-4

--------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-5

------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-5

------------------------------------------------------------ 4-6

ANEL

----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-6

--------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-7

ARD

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-8

OOT PASSWORD

UDIO

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 4-9

----------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-9

CD ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-10 P

RINTER

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-11

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 5:

CHAPTER 5CHAPTER 5

REPARATION

NSTALLING WINDOWS 95 (FOR REFERENCE

NSTALLING WINDOWS 98 (FOR REFERENCE

NSTALLING DRIVERS IN WINDOWS

: INSTALLING DRIVERS ------------------------------------------- 5-1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5-2 ) -------------------------------------- 5-2

) -------------------------------------- 5-4

95 ---------------------------------------------- 5-5

Step 1: Run USB supplement path update file --------------------------------- 5-5

Step 2: Installing TXPATCH Driver --------------------------------------------- 5-5 Step 3: Installing VGA Driver ---------------------------------------------------- 5-5 Step 4: Installing Audio Driver ------------------------------------------------- 5-6 Step 5: Installing PCMCIA driver ------------------------------------------------ 5-7 Step 6: Installing ATI DVD Play (Option) Driver ----------------------------- 5-7 Step 7: Using Infrared Wireless Communication ------------------------------ 5-8

NSTALLING DRIVERS IN WINDOWS

98 ---------------------------------------------- 5-9 Step 1: Installing VGA Driver ---------------------------------------------------- 5-9 Step 2: Installing Audio Driver ------------------------------------------------- 5-9 Step 3: Installing PCMCIA Driver ----------------------------------------------- 5-10 Step 4: Installing ATI DVD Play (Option) Driver ----------------------------- 5-10

NSTALLING DRIVERS IN WINDOWS NT

4.0 ---------------------------------------- 5-12 Step 1: Installing VGA Driver ---------------------------------------------------- 5-12 Step 2: Installing Audio Driver ------------------------------------------------- 5-13

PPENDIX A: SPECIFICATIONS

PPENDIX B:

I/O P

ORT PIN ASSIGNMENTS

Parallel Port --------------------------------------------------------------------------- B-1

-------------------------------------------------------- A-1

----------------------------------------- B-1

RS-232C Serial Port ----------------------------------------------------------------- B-1 PS/2 Type Port ------------------------------------------------------------------------ B-2 S-Video Jack -------------------------------------------------------------------------- B-2 USB Port ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ B-2 PC Card Sockets ---------------------------------------------------------------------- B-3

Safety Notice

The computer is a delicate device that requires careful handling. Negligence or mistaken use may cause serious damage. Before you learn to operate or use this computer, you need to understand the instruction regarding safety handling. The following mentions the incorrect handling that is seriously inhibited. To keep the computer from being damaged, please keep these precautions in your mind.

Do not turn off power in operation. Do not place the computer on

Do not disassemble the computer yourself.

unstable surface.

Do not turn off the peripheral device when the light is on.

Do not touch the poisonous liquid when the LCD is broken.

Do not disassemble the computer

Do not place anything heavy on the

yourself.

Do not touch power cord by wet hand. Do not use broken power cord.

Keep the computer away from any metal appliance.

computer.

Do not throw the computer or accessories into fire.

The following mentions the actions that are important for your computer. To keep your computer in the most excellent condition, please follow the instruction as much as possible.

If there is unusual odor, heat or smoke, plug out the power cord immediately.

Follow the use instruction in taking airplane.

Plug out the power cord in attaching peripheral devices.

Use the same brand of peripheral devices.

Maintain your computer regularly. Do not place heavy thing on the

power cord.

Affix tape to the contact plate while putting the battery into keeping box.

The data is easy to lose in low power status.

Take a rest after a long term of work.

Please keep the computer away from humid environment.

Conventions

This manual uses the following conventions to describe, identify, and highlight terms and operating procedures.

Text Conventions Text in boldface contains messages that are important for safe operation. Please read. Characters in boldface represent specific items or keys, e.g. CardBus, Fn key. File names are presented in bold capitals, e.g. A:\>0VMAKFIL /Pn.

Abbreviations For the purpose of clarity, abbreviations are enclosed in parentheses following their definition; for example, Enhanced Parallel Port (EPP) mode.

Icons Icons identify ports and jacks of the notebook computer. The system status indicators are also identified with their relative icons.

Keys Keys appear in boldface. A plus sign (+) between two keys indicates that they should be pressed simultaneously.

Messages Note:A note is an advice that helps you make best use of your notebook computer. Please read.

Ergonomics

Developing good work habits are important if you need to work in front of the computer for long periods of time. Improper work habits can result in discomfort or serious injury from repetitive strain to your hands, wrists or other joints. The following are some tips to reduce the strain:



Adjust the height of the chair and/or desk so that the keyboard is at or slightly below the level of your elbow. Keep your forearms, wrists, and hands in a relaxed position.



Your knees should be slightly higher than your hips. Place your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest if necessary.



Use a chair with a back and adjust it to support your lower back comfortably.



Sit straight so that your knees, hips and elbows form approximately 90° angles when you are working.

Lighting

Proper lighting and comfortable display viewing angle can reduce eye strain and muscle fatigue in your neck and shoulders.



Position the display to avoid glare or reflections from overhead lighting or outside sources of light.



Keep the display screen clean and set the brightness and contrast to levels that allow you to see the screen clearly.



Position the display directly in front of you at a comfortable viewing distance.



Adjust the display viewing angle to find the best position.

In addition, continuous concentration on computing work can result in discomfort and injury. Remember to:



Alter your posture frequently.



Stretch and exercise your body several times a day.



Take periodic breaks when you work at the computer for long periods of time. Frequent and short breaks are of greater benefit than fewer and longer breaks.

Chapter 1—Getting Started 1-1

Chapter 1

Chapter 1Chapter 1

This chapter provides you with the brief introduction to the notebook. It will familiarize you to the computer’s features, components, operating environment and the power sources.

☛

Unpacking the Notebook

☛

Features of the Notebook

☛

Operating environment

☛

Powering the system

: Getting Started

1-2 User’s Manual

Unpacking the Notebook

Carefully unpack the Notebook Computer and the included accessories (Figure 1-1). If there is any discrepancy or problem, contact your dealer immediately. Be sure to save the packing materials in the event that the notebook needs to be shipped in the future. The shipping carton should contain the following items:

❍ Notebook computer ❍ CD For drivers ❍ PS/2 Transfer Cable ❍ Carrying Bag ❍ User’s Manual ❍ Battery Pack ❍ Utilities Diskette ❍ Power Cord ❍ Power Adapter

Figure 1-1

Chapter 1—Getting Started 1-3

Features of the notebook

Opening the LCD Cover

1. Push the latch towards the right to open the top cover. (Figure 1-2)

2. Lift the top cover to reveal the LCD panel and the keyboard.

3. Adjust the LCD panel to a comfortable viewing angle.

4. Press the power button to turn the system on or off (Figure 1-4).

Figure 1-2

Figure 1-3

1-4 User’s Manual

System Status Indicators

Power button

Figure 1-4

Figure 1-5

Power button

Use this button to turn the system on or off (Figure 1-4). After proper configuration under SCU, this button can be used as suspend/resume hot button (refer to Chapter 3: BIOS Utilities, Power Menu for more information).

Note: After turning off the system, wait for a few seconds to power it on again.

Chapter 1—Getting Started 1-5

System Status LED Indicators

The LED indicators show the system’s operation status.

Icon Color Description

Green Battery power is used with the system

turning on.

Red AC power is used with the system turning

on.

Blinking Red Battery power is critically low.

Green 1st Battery is fully charged.

Red 1st Battery is being charged.

Green 2nd Battery is fully charged.

Red 2nd Battery is being charged.

Green The embedded number-lock feature is

activated

Green The Caps Lock feature is activated.

Green The Screen Lock feature is activated.

Green The system has entered the configured

suspend mode.

Green The hard disk is being accessed.

Note

When the battery is being charged and the temperature of the battery reaches a certain heat, LED indicators will show blinking light.

1-6 User’s Manual

Top-Front View

❶

❺

❷

❸

➍

Figure 1-5

➊ LCD Panel

The Notebook is equipped with a LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel. Depending upon the model you have purchased, the display screen can be a 13.3” or 14.1” XGA TFT color panel. The notebook’s LCD panel supports up to 1024×768×16M resolution. The LCD panel is driven by a AGP bus video controller with 8MB video memory.

Chapter 1—Getting Started 1-7

➋ Keyboard

The Notebook uses an 88-key keyboard in which the numeric keypad is embedded. It supports Windows 95 by incorporating two Windows 95 special keys. The notebook keyboard design emulates a full-sized desktop one and supports various language versions. Please refer to chapter 2: Operation for more information on using keyboard.

➌ Stereo Speakers

Two built-in speakers provide clear stereo sound.

➍ Trackpad and Buttons

The pointing device features a sensitive glide pad for precise movements. It is compatible with the IBM PS/2 mouse. The buttons of the trackpad function as those of a standard mouse.

❺ Microphone

This is the built-in microphone for recording sound into your applications.

1-8 User’s Manual

Rear View

❶

❻

❼

❺ ❹ ❸ ❷

❽

Figure 1-6

➊ PS/2 Type Ports

The PS/2 Type Port uses 6-pin connector for connecting an external PS/2 type mouse or keyboard.

➋➋➋➋ Dual USB Ports

The dual Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports simplify the expansion capability for peripheral devices. You can optionally connect the USB

➌➌➌➌ Expansion Port

The Expansion port uses a 120-pin Docking connector for connecting a Port Replicator.

➍➍➍➍ Serial Port

The RS-232C serial port uses a 9-pin male connector for connecting an external serial mouse, serial printer or fax/modem. devices such as a mouse, keyboard or monitor to the notebook.

Chapter 1—Getting Started 1-9

➎➎➎➎ External Monitor (CRT) Port

The External Monitor uses a 15-pin connector for connecting an external CRT monitor. Simultaneous display in LCD screen and external CRT monitor is available.

➏➏➏➏ S-video Jack

Use this jack to transmit video signal to a TV set. You may need to select the video standard (NTSC/PAL/NTSC-Japan) for video display (please refer to Chapter 3, Components Menu for more information).

➐➐➐➐ Parallel Port

The Parallel Port uses a 25-pin female connector for connecting a parallel printer or other parallel devices. This parallel port supports EPP (Enhanced Parallel Port) V1.7/V1.9 and ECP (Extended Capabilities Port) modes.

➑➑➑➑ AC-in Socket

Plug the AC adapter into this socket for power supply. Pull the plug (not the cord) directly back to disconnect.

1-10 User’s Manual

Right-side View

➊ ➋

Figure 1-7

➊ Battery Pack

The notebook comes with a rechargeable battery pack that lets you operate the computer without an external power source.

➋ Removable 5.25” CD-ROM Drive

The notebook comes standard with a 24-speed 5.25” CD-ROM drive. The

➌ ➍ ➎ ❻

❼

removable CD-ROM drive module can be replaced with the optional drive units, such as a 12.7mm high DVD-ROM drive. (Please refer to the Chapter 2: Operation for more information on using the CD-ROM.)

➌ Infrared

The notebook is equipped with an infrared feature that allows the communication with an infrared-compatible device. The Infrared port supports IrDA (HPSIR) 1.1 mode, Amplitude Shifted Keyed IR (ASKIR) mode, and Fast IR (FIR) mode.

➍ Line-in Jack

External audio source can be fed into the Notebook through this jack.

Chapter 1—Getting Started 1-11

➎ Microphone-in Jack

Use this jack to connect a microphone to the system.

➏ Speaker-out Jack

Headphone and speakers can be attached to the system through this jack.

➐ Phone Jack (option)

The phone jack is used to support the built-in modem. You can attach a phone line to the jack and insert a modem card (optional) into the modem socket on the mainboard.

1-12 User’s Manual

Left-side View

➊ ➋

➌

Figure 1-8

➍

➊ Security Connector

The Security Connector is used to protect your Notebook from being stolen. Wrap the steel cable around your desk. Next, insert the locking device into this security connector.

➋ Ventilation

The Notebook provides ventilation to dissipate the system’s operating heat. Do not block or obstruct it during operation.

➌ PC Card Sockets

The notebook provides two Type II or one Type III PC card sockets. Both sockets will expand the system capabilities when a PC card is inserted. (Please refer to Chapter 2: Operation for more information on Using PC Card socket.)

Chapter 1—Getting Started 1-13

➍ Removable 3.5” Floppy Disk Drive

The Notebook comes standard with a removable 3,5” 1.44MB floppy drive installed in a bay. The floppy disk drive module can be replaced with optional drive units, such as a 12.7mm high 2.5” hard disk drive, a

12.7mm high LS-120 120MB floppy drive or a secondary battery pack. (Please refer to Chapter 2: Operation for more information on using floppy disk drive.)

1-14 User’s Manual

Bottom View

❶

❷

Figure 1-9

❺

❹

❸

➊ CD-ROM latch

Push this latch to release the CD-ROM module from its bay. (Please refer to Chapter 2: Operation for more information on inserting or removing the CD-ROM.)

❷❷❷❷ Battery Pack latch

Push this latch to release the Battery Pack from its bay. (Please refer to Chapter 1: Getting Started for more information on Inserting or removing the Battery Pack.)

❸❸❸❸ Floppy Disk Drive latch

Push this latch to release the Floppy Disk Drive module from its bay. (Please refer to the Chapter 2: Operation for more information on inserting or removing the Floppy Disk Drive.)

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