Iomega 9000 User Manual
High-Performance, Upgradable,
Minitower Computer
®
Advantage!
9000 Series
User’s Manual
003694-001 A
January, 1997
First Edition (January 1997)
Copyright 1997 AST Research, Inc. All rights are reserved, including those to reproduce
this book or parts thereof in any form without permission in writing from AST Research,
Inc.
AST Research periodically changes the information in this manual; changes are
incorporated into new editions. AST Research reserves the right to change product
specifications without notice.
AST Research, Inc. shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions
contained herein; nor for incidental or consequential damages resulting from the
furnishing, performance, or use of this material.
AST, AST Research, Advantage!, and ASTVision are registered trademarks of AST
Research, Inc.
Microsoft, MS-DOS, and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
IBM and PS/2 are registered trademarks of IBM Corp.
Iomega is a registered trademark and Zip is a trademark of Iomega Corporation.
All other product or service names mentioned herein may be trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective owners.
AST Research, Inc.
16215 Alton Parkway
P.O. Box 57005
Irvine, CA 92619-7005
Contents
Introduction
About Your Computer .......................................................................... 1
Unpacking Your Computer .................................................................. 2
Using Your Computer Safely ............................................................... 3
Setting Up Your Computer
Connecting a Monitor ..........................................................................5
Connecting the Keyboard, Mouse, and Peripheral Devices ................ 6
Connecting the Power Cord ................................................................8
Turning the Computer On .................................................................... 8
Using Your Computer’s Power Management Features ..................... 10
Some Considerations on Using Power Management ................. 10
Disabling Power Management .................................................... 11
For the First-Time User
Using the Keyboard ........................................................................... 12
Using the Mouse ............................................................................... 13
Using Disks ....................................................................................... 13
Using Floppy Disks ..................................................................... 13
Using Hard Disks ........................................................................ 15
Using Zip Disks ........................................................................... 16
Using Compact Discs .................................................................. 16
Restarting the Computer ............................................................. 16
......................................................................................... 1
............................................................ 5
................................................................. 12
Upgrading Your Computer
Removing the System Cover ............................................................. 19
Removing the Front Panel ................................................................. 20
Replacing the System Cover ............................................................. 21
Installing Add-in Boards .................................................................... 21
Removing the Bottom Panel .............................................................. 21
Board Installation ........................................................................ 22
.......................................................... 18
Configuring Add-in Parallel Ports and Sound Cards ................... 25
Installing Drives ................................................................................. 25
Preparations for Installing Drives ................................................ 27
Installing a Drive in the Front Drive Bay ...................................... 27
Installing a Drive in the Rear Drive Bay ...................................... 32
Adding System Memory .................................................................... 34
Memory Configurations ............................................................... 34
Adding and Removing SIMMs .................................................... 35
Upgrading the Microprocessor .......................................................... 37
Adding Video Memory ....................................................................... 39
Configuring Your Computer
Setting Jumpers ................................................................................ 41
Jumper Settings .......................................................................... 41
Setting Microprocessor Jumpers ................................................ 42
System Setup .................................................................................... 43
Starting System Setup ................................................................ 43
Using System Setup .......................................................................... 43
System Setup Fields ......................................................................... 44
Main Menu .................................................................................. 45
Advanced Menu .......................................................................... 48
Security Menu ................................................................................... 51
Exiting System Setup .................................................................. 52
Using Passwords ............................................................................... 52
Creating or Changing a Password .............................................. 52
Canceling a Password ................................................................ 53
Setting the Password Jumper ..................................................... 54
Updating the System BIOS ............................................................... 54
Performing the BIOS Update ...................................................... 55
Troubleshooting the BIOS Update .............................................. 55
........................................................ 41
Troubleshooting
Replacing the Computer Battery ....................................................... 58
ii Advantage! 9000 Series User’s Manual
............................................................................... 57
Abbreviations
.................................................................................... 60
Glossary
Appendix A: Regulatory Information
FCC Class-B Warning ....................................................................... 69
DOC Notice ....................................................................................... 69
Warning ............................................................................................. 70
Avertissement .................................................................................... 70
Advarsel ............................................................................................ 70
CE Compliance ................................................................................. 71
CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT ............................................................72
LUOKAN 1 LASERLAITE .................................................................. 72
KLASS 1 LASERAPPARAT .............................................................. 73
Index
.............................................................................................. 62
....................................... 69
CAUTION .................................................................................... 72
WARNING .................................................................................. 72
ADVARSEL ................................................................................. 72
ADVARSEL ................................................................................. 72
VAROITUS ................................................................................. 72
VARNING ................................................................................... 73
..................................................................................................... 75
System Board
.................................................................................... 78
Contents iii
Introduction
This manual explains how to set up, use, upgrade, and
troubleshoot the hardware that comes with your AST
Advantage!
For a list of abbreviations used throughout this guide, see the
section “Abbreviations” on page 60.
For clarity, some illustrations may not show all components of
your system. For example, your modem and Zip drive are
included in the appropriate illustrations in your Getting Started
guide, but may not be included in system illustrations
throughout this user manual.
®
9000 Series computer.
About Your Computer
Your AST computer provides the following features:
•
Upgradable microprocessor. You can upgrade to a faster
processor with an Intel OverDrive
“Upgrading the Microprocessor” on page 37).
•
Four SIMM sockets for system RAM memory. You can
upgrade memory to 128 MB (see “Adding System
Memory” on page 34).
•
Local-bus video, which improves video performance by
providing a high-speed, 64-bit data path for video
signals. Your system comes with 1 MB of video memory
installed: you can upgrade to 2 MB (see “Adding Video
Memory” on page 39).
•
Integrated 16-bit audio and speakers.
•
Wavetable audio capability (available on selected
models).
•
One 3.5-inch high-density floppy drive. The system
holds up to seven drives (see “Installing Drives” on page
25). The system board has a floppy controller that
supports up to two floppy drives (one comes installed in
your system) and two IDE interface connectors that
®
®
microprocessor (see
Introduction 1
support up to two IDE devices each (three come installed
in your system).
•
Seven expansion slots: five slots that accept up to fulllength, 8- or 16-bit, ISA-compatible add-in boards; two
slots that accept up to full-length 32-bit PCI-compatible
add-in boards (see “Installing Add-in Boards” on page
21).
•
Flash BIOS, which enables you to update the BIOS easily
from a floppy disk (see “Updating the System BIOS” on
page 54).
•
Power-conservation features that can reduce power
consumption while the system is not in use. For more
information about using power management, see “Using
Your Computer’s Power Management Features” on page
10.
•
Plug and Play (PnP) support.
•
Security features.
•
A Windows® 95 keyboard and a PS/2®-type mouse.
•
A keyboard connector, a mouse port, a 25-pin parallel
port, and a video connector.
•
Two 9-pin serial ports.
•
Audio interface connectors: line-in and line out.
•
A fax/data/voice modem with microphone connection.
Unpacking Your Computer
Unpack and unwrap the contents of the computer package and
examine them before setting up the computer.
Contact your authorized AST reseller immediately if any
component is damaged or missing.
Save the packing materials. Should you ever need to
ship the computer, pack it in these shock-absorbing
materials.
2 Advantage! 9000 Series User’s Manual
Using Your Computer Safely
To avoid possible injury to yourself or damage to your
computer, do not install or remove any component, or
alter switch or jumper settings, while your computer is
on. If you install a modem, disconnect its phone cord
every time you remove the computer cover.
To avoid accidental discharge of static electricity, which
could damage computer components, you can use a
grounding wrist strap.
As you set up and use the computer, take the following
precautions:
•
The monitor screen should be at eye level as you sit at the
computer. Adjust lighting in the room to reduce glare on
the screen. Use the controls on the monitor to adjust the
brightness and contrast to comfortable levels.
•
If you plan to use the keyboard or mouse for several
hours at a time, consider purchasing and using wristsupport padding. Take occasional breaks from using the
computer.
•
Use a flat, stable work surface with enough space around
it for proper air circulation. These are the minimum
clearances:
Rear of system: 3 in (7.6 cm)
Left side of system: 6 in (15.2 cm)
Right side of system: 6 in (15.2 cm)
Top of monitor: 6 in (15.2 cm)
•
Use the system in an environment where the air
temperature is more than 41 F °(5° C) and less than 104° F
(40° C). For nonoperating systems, such as systems in
storage, the acceptable temperature range is -4° F (-20° C)
to 149° F (65° C).
•
Choose a work surface large enough to accommodate the
entire system.
•
Protect the equipment from wet weather and liquids.
•
Avoid dropping, jarring, or shaking the equipment.
Introduction 3
•
Turn the equipment off, unplug the power cord, and
disconnect all peripheral devices if you:
– Intend to open the computer.
– Have exposed the equipment to liquid.
– Have dropped or otherwise damaged the
equipment.
•
Do not open the power supply or monitor.
•
Follow all the instructions and cautions in this manual.
4 Advantage! 9000 Series User’s Manual
Setting Up Your Computer
Assembling the computer can be as basic as unpacking the
system, then connecting the keyboard and mouse, a monitor,
and any peripheral devices you want to use (such as a printer) to
the system.
You can also add disk drives, add-in boards, an upgrade Intel
OverDrive microprocessor, system memory, or video memory
to your computer. See “Upgrading Your Computer” on page 18
for more information.
After you assemble or upgrade the computer, you may need to
configure it with the System Setup program. See “Configuring
Your Computer” on page 41 for more information.
Connecting a Monitor
You can connect a monitor to the 15-pin video port on the back
of the system. This makes use of the VGA built into the system.
The video port is compatible with the following types of
monitors:.
•
Super VGA color monitor with DPMS, such as the
ASTVision line of monitors. To conserve energy, the
computer can cause such a monitor to go into a lowpower state when the system is on but not in use. Many
other monitors do not support this feature. See “Using
Your Computer’s Power Management Features” on page
10 for information on power management.
•
VGA and Super VGA color, or compatible monitor
•
VGA monochrome monitor.
•
Multifrequency monitor.
Optionally, you can install an add-in video adapter. The
computer works with most ISA- and PCI-compatible video
adapters, including an EGA, VGA, or specialized video adapter.
See “Installing Add-in Boards” on page 21 for more information.
Setting Up Your Computer 5
To connect a monitor to the computer:
Set up your monitor according to the instructions that
1.
accompany it.
Connect the monitor interface cable to the video port on
2.
the back of the computer (Figure 1), or to the add- in video
connector if you have installed a video adapter.
To use a multifrequency monitor in standard VGA mode,
3.
set the monitor to analog mode.
Plug the monitor power cord into a grounded outlet.
4.
Figure 1. Video Port Location
Connecting the Keyboard, Mouse, and
Peripheral Devices
If a plastic cap covers the end of the keyboard cable, remove it.
Plug the keyboard and mouse into their connectors at the back
of the computer. Be sure that the arrows on the cable plugs point
to the right as you face the rear of the system.
6 Advantage! 9000 Series User’s Manual
To adjust the height of the keyboard, flip the height adjusters on
the bottom of the keyboard up to the raised position (Figure 2).
Figure 2. Adjusting Keyboard Height
Two serial ports and one parallel port are located on the back
panel of the computer (Figure 3). Connect serial peripheral
devices to these ports. For instance, a printer commonly
connects to the parallel port, but some types connect to a serial
port.
The audio and peripheral ports are also located on the rear panel
of the computer. The rear panel Microphone port is disabled: To
add a microphone, use the modem’s port illustrated in the
Getting Started guide.
Figure 3. Rear Panel Connectors
Setting Up Your Computer 7
If you are uncertain how to connect a peripheral device, see the
documentation that accompanied it. Information on connecting
your speakers is provided in your Getting Started guide.
Connecting the Power Cord
Check that the voltage switch on the power supply is set to the
appropriate voltage: 115 V or 230 V (Figure 4). Plug one end of
the power cord into the power connector on the rear of the
computer and the other into a grounded outlet.
Figure 4. Power Connector Location
Turning the Computer On
Before turning the computer on, press the power button on the
monitor. (For its location, see the monitor’s user manual.) The
computer power button is located at the upper-right corner of
8 Advantage! 9000 Series User’s Manual
the front panel (Figure 5). Press it to turn the computer on. While
the computer is on, the green power light on the front panel of
the computer should be on.
Figure 5. Power Button and Light
As the computer starts, messages appear on the monitor screen.
Note the prompt to run System Setup, a program that configures
your system.
Once the computer is on, you can:
•
Make master disks of the programs installed on your
computer’s hard drive.
•
Use System Setup to configure the computer (see “Using
System Setup” on page 43).
•
Begin using the computer hardware (see “For the FirstTime User” on page 12).
You can also install and use application programs that you have
purchased for the computer. See the instructions that
accompany the application programs.
When you have finished using the computer, exit all
applications, shut down Windows 95, and press the power
buttons to turn the computer and monitor off.
Setting Up Your Computer 9
Using Your Computer’s Power Management Features
Your computer has an advanced power management feature
that enables it to automatically save power when it is not in use.
“Not in use” is defined as a period during which your computer
receives no input from the keyboard or mouse. When your
system goes into its power management mode, it will blank the
monitor screen, spin down the hard drive, and put the CPU into
an “idle” mode.
To wake the system up, press any key on the keyboard or move
the mouse. If the password is enabled, enter the password, then
move the mouse or press a key.
Power conservation is most effective with DPMS monitors and
hard drives.
Your system comes configured from the factory with the
advanced power management feature enabled and set to 30
minutes. This means that the computer will go into its power
management mode if it does not receive any keyboard or mouse
input for 30 minutes.
Some Considerations on Using Power Management
If your computer is engaged in activities that require no
keyboard or mouse input for long periods of time, you can either
increase the delay period or turn off the advanced power
management mode. Under certain conditions, power
management may automatically start, interrupting what your
computer is doing at the time. Some examples of usage which
may lead to this condition include:
•
Playing games that use only the joystick
•
Transferring long files over your modem or infrared
receiver (available on some models)
•
Printing long documents
•
Making tape backups of your data
10 Advantage! 9000 Series User’s Manual
•
Using programs that schedule events for unattended
operation
See “Power Management Configuration” on page 51 for the
procedure for changing the inactivity timer for power
management.
Be sure to set the Inactivity Timer field to a period of
time greater than any activities which may be
interrupted by the power management feature.
Disabling Power Management
It is not necessary to go into System Setup to disable power
management. Power management can be disabled from within
Windows
Power management should now be disabled.
®
95. To disable power management:
Click on the Start button on the Task Bar, then Settings,
1.
then Control Panel.
Double-click on the Power icon to open the Power window.
2.
From within the field labeled “Power Management,” select
3.
“none.”
Setting Up Your Computer 11
For the First-Time User
This section provides basic information about using the
keyboard, mouse, drives, and other features of your computer.
Using the Keyboard
Your system includes an upgraded Windows 95 keyboard,
which features special software application keys for use with
Windows 95.
The four types of keys found on your keyboard are shown in
Figure 6.
Figure 6. Keyboard Layout
12 Advantage! 9000 Series User’s Manual
Using the Mouse
Your computer comes with a PS/2-type port for connecting the
mouse that came with your system. This port also supports
other PS/2-compatible pointing devices.
Optionally, you can attach a serial mouse, but doing so will
occupy a serial port.
The function of different mouse types varies. Refer to the
device’s user manual for more information. Keep the following
in mind while using a mouse:
•
Use the mouse on a level surface, such as a mouse pad. A
mouse pad provides better traction and a cleaner surface
than a desktop.
•
Be sure there is enough work space in which to move the
mouse.
•
Keep the contact portion of the mouse free from dust,
lint, or hair. You may occasionally need to remove the
mouse roller ball and clean the contacts inside the mouse
if cursor movement becomes erratic.
•
If you use the mouse constantly, give your mouse hand
an occasional break.
Using Disks
A computer stores information on floppy or hard disks. A
computer retrieves information from these disks, as well as CDROM discs if your computer has a CD-ROM drive installed. The
operating system determines how you use disks. For more
information, read the user’s manual for your operating system.
Using Floppy Disks
The computer comes with a 3.5-inch, high-density drive. You
can install another floppy drive, either 3.5- or 5.25-inch.
For the First-Time User 13
Your 3.5-inch drive can:
•
Read, write, and format 3.5-inch, high-density disks. This
type of disk stores up to 1.44 MB of data.
•
Read, write, and format 3.5-inch, double-density disks.
This type of disk stores up to 720 KB of data.
The capability of a 5.25-inch floppy drive depends on whether it
is high-density or low-density:
•
The high-density drive can read, write, and format 5.25inch, high-density disks. This type of disk stores up to 1.2
MB of data.
•
Either type of drive can read, write, and format 5.25-inch,
double-density disks. This type of disk stores up to 360
KB of data. Data written on a 360-KB disk in a highdensity drive may not be readable in a double-density
drive.
Floppy disks are designed so that you can easily insert one into
the computer when you need it, and then remove it when you
are finished with it. With the 3.5-inch drive, simply insert the
disk; push the button on the drive to eject the disk. If you install
a 5.25-inch drive, insert a disk and then flip the drive lever down
to lock the disk in place; flip the lever up again to remove the
disk.
A light near the floppy disk drive opening (Figure 7) comes on
when the computer reads from or writes to a floppy disk.
Do not remove a disk or turn the system off when this
light is on – you may damage the disk and its data.
For more information about your Zip drive and disk use,
see the Zip drive’s
14 Advantage! 9000 Series User’s Manual
User’s Guide
.
Figure 7. Drive Activity and Status Lights
Once information is saved to a floppy or Zip disk, it remains
there until it is overwritten or erased, or the disk is formatted.
Turning off the computer does not affect this data.
Using Hard Disks
Unlike a floppy disk, a hard disk (also called a fixed disk) is
installed inside the computer and is not meant to be removed
routinely. While the storage capacity of hard disks varies
according to model, any hard disk holds much more than a
floppy. Also, the computer reads and works with a hard disk
more rapidly than with a floppy disk.
While the hard drive is searching for information, or storing
information to the disk, the hard drive activity light on the front
panel of the computer (Figure 7) is on.
Once information is stored on a hard disk, it remains there until
it is overwritten. Turning off the computer does not affect the
data.
For the First-Time User 15
Using Zip Disks
Your computer comes with a 100MB Iomega® Zip™ drive. This
drive functions in a manner similar to the 3.5 inch drive, but
with an increased capacity of 100MB per disk. A formatted tools
disk is included with your computer. You store information on
and retrieve data from Zip disks as you would the 3.5 inch disks.
For more information about your Zip drive, see its user’s guide.
Using Compact Discs
Your computer comes with a CD-ROM drive. This drive
retrieves data and runs programs stored on compact discs.
Like floppy disks, compact discs are designed so that you can
easily insert one into the computer when you need it, then
remove it when you are done. Press the button on the CD-ROM
drive, and its tray slides out. (Do not lean on the tray; it does not
support much weight.) Insert a CD, label side up (or remove a
disk, if you have finished using it). Then press the button again
or gently push the tray in to close the drive tray.
Install and start a CD-based program as you would any other.
Generally, the name of a CD-ROM drive is the letter following
the letter assigned to your last hard drive. For instance, if you
have one hard drive, it is drive C and your CD-ROM is drive D.
See your operating system or Windows documentation for more
information on running programs.
The laser beam used in CD-ROM drives may be harmful
to the eyes - do not attempt to disassemble the CD-ROM
drive. Service should be performed by qualified
personnel only. Do not place reflective objects other than
a CD in the disc slot, due to possible hazardous radiation
exposure.
Restarting the Computer
You can restart (reboot) the computer in three ways:
•
From within Windows 95, restart the computer by:
Clicking on the Start icon
a.
Selecting “Shut Down.”
b.
16 Advantage! 9000 Series User’s Manual
When the “Shut Down Windows” dialog box
c.
appears, select the “Restart the Computer” option,
then press the “Yes” button.
This is the preferred method for restarting your
computer (assuming your system is working
normally), because it allows Windows 95 to save
configuration information and shut down in an
orderly manner before it restarts. However, if your
system has become erratic or nonresponsive (i.e.,
“crashed”), you should:
•
Press <Ctrl+Alt+Del> twice to perform a warm (or soft)
boot. A warm boot clears system memory and restarts
the computer.
•
If the computer still does not respond, you must do a
cold (or hard) boot: press the power button to turn the
power off, wait ten seconds, then press the power button
again to turn the power on. If a password has been
assigned, you will be required to enter it.
When you restart the system, you lose any data that you
have not saved.
For the First-Time User 17
Upgrading Your Computer
You can enhance the capabilities and performance of your
computer by installing upgrade components. You can install
any of the following components:
•
8- or 16-bit ISA-compatible add-in boards.
•
32-bit PCI-compatible add-in boards.
•
A video adapter board. However, the computer includes
built-in 64-bit VGA hardware, which provides enhanced
video and graphics capabilities without using an
expansion slot. Install a video adapter board only if you
do not want to use built-in VGA.
The computer is compatible with most ISA- or PCIcompatible video adapters, including CGA, EGA, VGA,
SVGA, and specialized video adapters.
•
A 3.5- or 5.25-inch floppy drive.
•
A tape-backup drive.
•
A 3.5-inch half-height IDE hard drive.
•
Additional system memory.
•
Additional Video memory
•
An upgrade Intel microprocessor.
As part of the upgrade process, you may need to change the
system configuration by setting jumpers or running the System
Setup program. See “Configuring Your Computer” on page 41
for more information.
If you are not familiar or comfortable with add-in board,
floppy drive, hard drive, SIMM or chip handling and
installation procedures, ask an authorized AST service
technician to upgrade your system. In no case will AST
Research, Inc., be liable for damage to the system and its
components, or loss of data, caused by improper or
faulty installation. Contact your AST reseller for the
location of the nearest AST authorized service center.
18 Advantage! 9000 Series User’s Manual
Removing the System Cover
Before installing internal components, you must turn off and
unplug the computer, and remove the system cover.
To remove the system cover:
If the computer is on, turn it off.
1.
Unplug the power cord and disconnect any peripheral
2.
devices.
Loosen the three thumbscrews on the rear of the system
3.
(Figure 8). If the screws are too tight to remove by hand,
use a flat-bladed screwdriver to loosen them.
Figure 8. Removing the System Cover
Slide the cover back approximately one-half inch, until a
4.
space opens between the front of the cover and the front
of the system.
Upgrading Your Computer 19
Loading...