Lotus 890 User Manual

ActionNote 890 Series Update

This update sheet contains additional information about your
computer.

Upgrading the Memory

Your system comes with 8MB RAM. In this system’s
configuration, 4MB is on the system board and 4MB is on a

separate memory module inserted in the memory module
socket. To upgrade memory, you have to remove the 4MB
memory module from the socket and replace it with a larger
capacity memory module.

The maximum memory for this computer is 24MB. Use this

table to determine the size of the memory module you need to
buy. For information on how to replace a memory module, see
Chapter 5 of your User’s Guide.

You want to upgrade to

12MB

20MB

24MB

Memory module size to buy

8MB

16MB

20MB

PC Card Software

We have provided SystemSoft® CardSoft and Card Wizard
drivers and utilities for you to use if you select MS-DOS® and
Windows®3.11 as your operating system. If you select Windows
95 as your operating system, you can use the PC Card

(PCMCIA) utilities in the control panel.

Setup Option Changes

The power management functions in your BIOS contain more
options to let you customize your ActionNote. In addition to the
options documented in your User’s Guide, you can also enable a

time out interval for the serial port, the parallel port, and the
diskette drive (FDD). Also, the default for the Power
Management option is Enabled.

Also, the options on page 3 of your system’s Setup program
now support your system’s capabilities more easily. The
following table lists these Setup options:

Setup page 3 options

Setting

Internal Cache

External Cache

Options

Enabled*
Disabled

Enabled

Disabled*

Serial Port

Serial Part 2

Parallel Port

Audio I/O 220h*

Audio RQ 5

Pointing Device

Block DE

Serial 2

3F8h*
2F8h
3E8h

2E8h
Disabled

3F8h
2F8h*
3E8h
2E8h
Disabled

278h*

378h
3BCh
Disabled

230h
240h
250h

7
9

10

Enabled*

Disabled

Enabled

Disabled*
Fax/modem

IR*

Description

Controls the processor's Internal cache

operation
Controls the processor's external cache

operation when external cache is installed
Assigns the serial part address

Assigns the part address for the
fax/modem or lrDA device, when Installed

Controls the parallel port operation

Identifies the l/O setting the audio card
uses

Identifies the IRQ setting the audio card

uses

lets you

case you connect a serial mouse
Enables support for block mode transfers.

if your turd disk drive supports it
Lets you define serial Port 2 as either the

optional Fax/modem or lrDA interface

disable the built-h touchpad, In

* Default setting

** Autodetects ECP or EPP devices when connected and turned on at system

start-up

Copyright 1995 by Epson America, Inc.
Torrance, CA USA 9/95

400532600

About Your Software

Before you set up and use your EPSON® ActionNote™ computer, be
sure to read the information on this card about the software and
online manuals installed on your system. This information is also
available in the About Your Software online documentation.

You must use a modem with several of the software applications.

If your system didn’t come with one installed, you can install an
optional internal fax/modem, connect an external modem to your
serial port, or use a fax/modem PC card. See your User’s Guide for

instructions.

Where to Go for Help

All ActionNote systems come with the software listed below

installed on the hard disk drive. If you have trouble using any of

these programs, first check to see if the software includes online help

or an online user manual. Many programs also provide support

through CompuServe® forums; check your software documentation

for information.

If these sources do not help you solve the problem, contact the
software manufacturer for assistance at any of the numbers given
on this card. Some 800 numbers may not be available in Canada.

1

I

(Windows® 3.1 and MS-DOS0 installation only) Microsoft

MS-DOS 6.22 operating system software installed on the hard
disk drive; for more information, type HELP at the DOS prompt.

Technical support:

Microsoft FastTips,
a free 24-hour automated service
at [phone]

or: EPSON Connection

at [phone] (U.S. and Canada)
Fax-back [phone]

I

(Windows 3.1 and DOS installation only) Microsoft Windows

3.11 graphical user interface software installed on the hard disk
drive; including a documentation fulfillment card and online
help; for more information, press the

Technical support:

Microsoft FastTips,

F1

key.

a free 24-hour automated service
at [phone]

or: EPSON Connection

at [phone] (U.S. and Canada)

Fax-back: [phone]

I

(Windows 95 installation only) Microsoft Windows95 graphical
user interface software installed on the hard disk drive;
including the
for more information, press the

Introducing

Windows 95 manual and online help;

F1

key.

Technical support

Microsoft FastTips,
a free 24-hour automated service

at [phone]

Microsoft and WINNEWS areas
of America Online, Prodigy, and

CompuServe, or Microsoft’s Internet
web page

or: EPSON Connection

at [phone] (U.S. and Canada)
Fax-back: [phone]

2

SystemSoft® PC card software utilities including CardSoft and
CardWizard installed on the hard disk drive; printed and online

PCMCIA Card Software Users’ Guide.

Technical support

EPSON Connection
at [phone] (U.S. and Canada)

Fax-back: [phone]

Lotus® SmartSuite

TM

version 3 integrated application package
installed on the hard disk drive; for more information, see the
online help; brochure and Lotus Technical Support information
included.

Technical support

EPSON Connection
at [phone] (U.S. and Canada)
Fax-back: [phone]

OAG® (Official Airline Guide) FlightDisk* Worldwide edition;
for DOS/Windows 3.1 software installed on the hard disk drive
(send in the coupon for the latest version for Windows 95);

brochure and subscription information included.

Technical support: [phone]

America Online®news and information service software

installed on the hard disk drive; brochure, subscription, and

free trial information included.

Technical support:

[phone]

BBS [phone]

CompuServe WinCIM® Information Manager for CompuServe
news and information service; software installed on the hard
disk drive; brochure, subscription, and free trial information

included.

Technical support

[phone]

3

PRODIGY® news and information service; software installed
on the hard disk drive; brochure, subscription, and free trial
information included.

Technical support

NetCom

TM

NetCruiser Internet access service; brochure,

[phone]

subscription, and free trial information included.

Technical support

[phone]

(ActionNote 895 only) Delrina WinComm and WinFax Lite
modem/fax communications software installed on the hard
disk drive; printed manual included.

Technical support

EPSON Connection
at [phone] (U.S. and Canada)

Fax-back: [phone]

ARK® Workspace™ alternative interface for Win dows installed
on the hard disk drive.

Technical support

EPSON Connection
at [phone] (U.S. and Canada)
Fax-back: [phone]

EPSON is a registered trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation. ActionNote is a trademark
and EPSON Connection Is a service mark of Epson America, Inc. Other trademarks are
trademarksof their respective owners,

Copyright © 1995 by Epson America, Inc.
Torrance, California, USA

400526800

9/95

4

Choosing Your Operating System

Your EPSON® ActionNote™ allows you a one time installation

choice of either windows® 95 or windows 3.1 (which includes

MS-DOS®) as your operating system the first time you start your

computer. Regardless of the operating system you choose, you
can use the all of the applications that come with your ActionNote.

CAUTION

Be careful as you go through the procedure. If you decide you

want the other operating system, you must purchase it.

Before you can make your final operating system selection, you
see several screens that refer to Windows 95. Although

Windows 95 does some preliminary setup activity, it is not

already selected as the operating system.

When you start your ActionNote, Windows Setup checks your

system and records information about all the hardware devices it

finds. You see its progress on the System Detection screen.

Next, you see the Welcome to Windows Setup screen. Follow
these steps to select your operating system.

From the windows 95 setup screen, choose the Next

1.

button.

2.

Select your Regional Setting and choose Next.

Select the keyboard layout and you want and choose Next.

3.

4.

Type your user information and choose Next.

5.

Read the license agreement and select I accept the
agreement, then choose Next. (You must do this even if you
plan to choose Windows 3.1/MS-DOS; if you do not accept
the agreement, the process ends.)

6.

Type the registration number from your Windows 95
Certificate of Authenticity located in your accessories box;
then choose Next. You must enter the registration number or

you cannot proceed.

1

2

NOTE

To find out how many formatted disks you need, follow the

instruction below to start the utility. It tells you how many disks
you need for the application you have chosen. At that point,
you can stop if you need to get the right number of

pre-formated disks.

create Application Disks with windows 3.1/MS-DOS

Follows these steps to create application disks:

1. From the Program manager, open Make Diskettes. You see
an icon for each application for which you can create disks.

2. Double click on the application icon you want. For example,
if you want to create for the audio application software,
double click the Audio Application icon.

3. The process is automated. Follow the instructions on the
screen and insert blank, pre-formatted disks when prompted.

4. When disk creation is complete, the utility gives you a
summary of its activity.

N O T E

To receive Windows 3.1/MS-DOS disks and documentation,

send in your Windows 95 manual with the fulfillment card
attached to this document.

Create Application Disks with Windows 95

Follow these steps to create disks:

1.

With Windows 95 loaded, open the EPSON software group
on the Startup button.

2. Open the Utilities folder within the EPSON software folder.
The Make Diskettes folder contains an icon for each
application for which you can create disks.

3

3.

Double click on the icon you want. For example, if you want

to create disks for the PC card utilities software, double-click
the PC Card Drivers icon.

4.

The process is automated. Follow the instructions on the

screen and insert blank, pre-formated disks when prompted.
You can skip a disk if you want by clicking cancel when you

are prompted to insert a blank disk for that program disk.

When the process is complete, the utility gives you a summary of

how many disks were created.

NOTE

To create a set of Windows 95 system disks, run create system

Disks from the System Tools folder. You need 30 pre-formatted
disks to make a complete set.

Maintaining System Backups

As well as creating for your applications, you should
maintain up-to-date copies of the other files on your hard hand disk.
Your operating system includes a backup utility. Use it to make

backup copies of your system and data files. In addition, make

backup copies of any software for which you do not have the

original program disks.

If you need to reinstall any software and you do not have a

backup, you may need to obtain program disks from the

manufacturer. Contact them at the number(s) listed in your
About Your Software documentation.

4

Mail order to:

Type of kit

Windows 3.1/MS-DOS User Pack (diskettes and User’s Guide)

EPSON Windows 3.1 Offer

P.O. Box 3802

Salinas, CA 93912

$

•Add shipping and handling (check one only)

U.S.
Canada

Express U.S.

Express Canada

State Sales Tax (Residents of CA, MA, NY, TX must add state sales tax)

TOTAL

$ 9.95
$
$
$
$

$

FREE*

15.50

20.00

30.00

Method of payment (choo8. one)

I am paying by check (enclosed)

(checks must be drawn in U.S. dollars, U.S. banks)

VISA
MasterCard

American Express

Discover Card

Card No.
Exp. Date

Signature

Date

EPSDUAL

IMPORTANT NOTICE

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY

Epson America makes no representations
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

or warranties,

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

All rights reserved No port 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 potent
liability is assumed with respect to the use of information
contained herein Nor is any liability assumed for damages
resulting from the use of the information contained herein
Further, this publication and features described herein are
subject to change without notice.

TRADEMARKS

EPSON is a registered trademark of Seiko Epson
Corporation

ActionNote, ActionPoint, and ActionPort ore trademarks of
Epson America, Inc.

EPSON Connection is a service mark of Epson America, Inc.
General notice: Other product names used herein ore for

identification purposes only and may be trademarks of
their respective owners EPSON disclaims any and all rights
In those marks

The Energy Star emblem does not represent EPA endorsement

of any product or service.

Copyright © 1995 by Epson America, Inc.

Torrance, California, USA

ii

400521800

9/95

Important Safety Instructions

Read all of these instructions and save them for later
reference. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on
the computer and AC power adapter.

Turn off the computer before cleaning. Clean with o
damp cloth only. Do not spill liquid on the computer.

Use only
computer’s label.

Avoid using outlets on the same circuit
or air control systems that regularly switch on and off.

Do not let the computer’s power cord become damaged
or frayed

If you use on extension cord with the computer, make
sure the total Amp rating of the devices plugged into the
extension cord does not exceed the cord’s Amp rating
Make sure the total of all devices plugged into the wall
outlet does not exceed 15 Amps

Except as specifically explained in this Users
not attempt to service the computer yourself.

Unplug the computer and refer servicing to qualified
service personnel if the power cord or plug is damaged;

if liquid has entered the computer; if the computer has

been dropped or the cabinet damaged; or if the

computer does not operate normally or exhibits a
distinct change in performance Adjust only those
controls that are covered by the operating instructions

When travelling by airplane, be sure to take your
computer into the passenger comportment as carry-on
luggage to prevent it from being stored in an

unpressurized storage area.
If you plan to use the computer in Germany, observe the

following:
To provide adequate short-circuit protection and over-

current protection for this computer, the building
installation must be protected by a 16 Amp circuit
breaker.

the

type of power source indicated on the

OS

photocopiers

Guide, do

iii

Sécurité

Lire attentivement les instructions suivantes et les
conserver pour les consulter en cas de besoin. Observer
soigneusement tousles overtissments et directives
marqués sur I'ordinateur et I'adaptateur secteur.

Débrancher I'ordinateur avant de le nettoyer. N’utiliser
qu’un chiffon humide. Veiller à ne pas renverser de
liquides sur l'appareil.

Utiliser seulement le type de source d’alimentation
électrique indiqué sur l'étiquette.

Ne jamais utiliser une prise sur le même circuit qu’un
appareil à photocopies ou un système de contrôle de
ventilation avec commutation marche-arrêt
automatique.

S’assurer que le cordon d’alimentation de l’ordinateur

n’est pas a bimé ni effiloché.

Dons le cos oú on utilise un cordon de rallonge avec
l’ordinateur, s’assurer que l'intensité en ampères requise

pour tous les apparells branchés sur ce cordon n'est pas
supérieure à la capacité du cordon. Sassurer aussi que
cette intensité ne dépasse jamais la somme de

15 ampères pour l’ensemble des appareils branchés sur

la prise secteur.

Souf dons les cas spécifiques expliqués dans ce manuel

de l’usager, ne pas essayer d’entretenir ou de réparer

l'ordinateur soi-même.

Débrancher l’ordinateur et contacter un technicien

qualifié dans les circonstances suivantes:
Si le cordon ou lo prise sent abimés; si un liquide a

Pénétré à l'intérieur de l'appareil; si on a laissé tomber

l'a

apparil ou si le bottier est endommagé; si l’ordinateur
ne fonctionne pas normalement ou fonctionne d'une
manière très différente de l’ordinaire. N’ajuster que les
commandes décrites dons les directives

Pour les voyages par avion, prendre l’ordinateur avec
soi dans la cobine comme bagage à main, pour éviter

qu’il soit transporté

Pour utiliser l’ordinateur en Alle magne, il est nécessaire
que le badmentWtfment soit muni d’un disjoncteur de
16 ampères pour protéger l’ordinateur contre les courts­circuits et le survoltage.

dons une soute non pressurisée.

iv

Wichtige Sicherheitshinweise

Bitte lesen Sie diese Sicherheitshinweise, und he ben Sie sich
zur späteren Verwendung auf. Beachten Sie alle
Wamungen und Anweisungen, die auf dem Computer und
dem Wechselstromadapter angebracht sind

Schalten Sie den Computer vor der Reinigung aus.
Verwenden Sie zur Reinigung nur ein souberes Tuch
Achten Sie darauf, daß keine Flüssigkeiten auf dem
Computer verschüttet werden

Verwenden Sie nur die auf dem Typenschild des
Computers angege bene Stromversorgung.

Schiießen Sie den Computer nicht on denselben
Stromkreis on wie Fotokopiergeräte oder Klimaanlagen,
die sich regelmäßig ein- und ausschalten

Achten Sie darauf, daß das Netzkabel des Computers
stets in einwandfreiem Zustand ist.

Stellen Sie bei Verwendung eines Verlängerungska bels
sicher, daß der gesamte Amperewert aller on das
Verlängerungskabel angeschlossenen Geräte den
zulässigen Höchstwert des Kabels nicht überschreitet
Stellen Sie ferner sicher, daß der Gesamtwert aller on

die Wandsteckdose angeschiossenen Geräte 15 Ampere

nicht überschreitet.
Führen Sie keine Wartungsarbeiten am Computer

durch, die
Ausmaß hinausgehen.

Ziehen Sie den Computer heraus und rufen Sie
qualifiziertes Wartungspe
folgenden Bedingungen auftritt:

D
Flüssigkeit ist in den Computer eingetreten; der
Computer wurde fallengelassen oder das Gehäuse ist
beschädigt; der Computer funktioniert nicht
ordnungsgemäß oder die Leistung hot sich merklich
geändert. Stellen Sie nur die Bedienelemente ein, die in
der Gebrauchsanweisung beschrieben sind

Nehmen Sie den Computer bei Flugreisen als
Handgepäck mit in den Fluggastraum omit er nicht in
einem drucklosen Frachtraum verstaut wird

Beachten Sie den folgenden Hinweis wenn Sie den
Computer in Deutschland in Betrieb

Beim Anschluß des Computers on die Netzversorgung
muß sichergestellt werden, daß die Gebäudeinstallation
mit einem 16 Ampere Überstromschutzschalter
abgesichert ist

über

das

im Benutzerhandbuch

rsonal wenn eine der

OS

Netzkabel oder der Netzstecker lst beschädigt;

beschrie bene

nehmen:

V

FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT

FOR AMERICAN USERS

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with
the limits for a class B digital device, pursuant to Port 15 of
the FCC Rules These limits ore designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates uses, and
con radiate radio frequency energy
used in accordance with the instructions may cause
harmful interference to radio and television reception.
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
con be determined by turning the equipment off and OR
the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by
one or more of the following measures:

I Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
I

Increase the separation between the equipment and

receiver

I

Connect the equipment into on outlet on a circuit

different from that to which the receiver is connected

I

Consult on experienced radio/TV technician for help.

and if not

installed and

WARNING

The connection of o non-shielded 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. It is the responsibility of the user to obtain and

use a shielded equipment Interface cable with this device. If
this equipment has more than one interface connector, do
not leave cables connected to unused interfaces

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the
manufacturer could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.

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.
Deportment of Communications.

Le present appareil numérique n'émet pas de bruits
radioélectriques dépassant les limites applicables aux
appareils numériques de Classe B prescrites dons k
règlement sur le brouillage
Ministère des Communications du Canada.

radioélectrique édicté par le

vi

Contents

1 Getting Started

Opening Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . .

Powering Your Computer . . . . . . . . . .

Connecting the AC Power Adapter . . .

Turning the Computer On and Off . . . . . .

Checking the Indicator Lights.. . . . . . . . . . . .

Adjusting the Screen Controls

Using the ActionPoint Touchpad . . . . . . . . . . . .

Learning More About ActionPoint . . . . .

Using the Keyboard

Using the Fn Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Using the Embedded Numeric Keypad

Creating Software Diskettes

2

Powering the Computer

Using the AC Power Adapter

Using the Battery . . . . . . . . . . .

Recharging the Battery

Replacing the Battery . . . . . .

Using Power Management .

Low Battery Protection .

Using Energy Wisely . . . . . . .

3

Getting to Work

Using Passwords

Entering a Password....................

Using Diskettes

Resetting the Computer.....................

Working Comfortably.......................

. , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

. . 1-2
. . 1-2
. . 1-3
. . 1-4
. . 1-4
. . 1-6
. . 1-6
. . 1-8
. . 1-8
. . 1-9
. . 1-9
. . 1-10

.

..2-1
.

..2-2
.

.2-3

.

..2-3

.

. .2-5
.

..2-6
.

..2-8

. ..3-1
. ..3-1

. ..3-2
. ..3-3
. ..3-4

vii

4 Caring for Your Computer

Protecting the Hard Disk Drive . . . . . . . . .. . . .... ...... . .

Moving and Storing the Computer . . . . . .

Cleaning Your ActionNote . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cleaning the ActionPoint Touchpad

Cleaning the Diskette Drive . . . . . .......

4-2

4-3

4-4
4-4

4-4

5 Upgrading Internal Components

Upgrading the Hard Disk Drive

Removing the Hard Disk Drive
Replacing a Hard Disk Drive

Removing and Replacing the Keyboard .......

Removing the Keyboard ...................

Replacing the Keyboard ....................

Upgrading Your Memory

Removing a Memory Module ...............

Installing a Memory Module ..............

Installing a Fax/Modem or Infrared Device ....

Connecting a Phone Line

6

Customizing Your Computer

Customizing Your ActionPoint

Customizing Computer Settings . . . . . . . .

Starting Setup.. , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Changing the Settings . . . . . . . . . . . .

Customizing Power Management . . . . . .

Using Instant On and Saving to Disk

Using Password Security

Setting or Changing a Password . . . . .

Setting a Password
Deleting or Changing a Password . . .

Using Video Drivers and Utilities . . . . . . . . .

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

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

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

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

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

. . . . . .

....

....

......

....

....

....

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

.....

....

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

....

...

....

5-1

5-2
.5-4
.5-7

.5-7

5-10
.5-11

5-12
.5-13

5-14

5-17

..6-1
..6-3

6-4

..6-4
..6-8

..6-9

.6-11

..6-11
..6-12

...6-13

..6-13

7 Troubleshooting

Where to Get Help.. .............................

Electronic Support Services

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

Identifying Your System .........................

Error Messages

Viii

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

.7-1
.7-2

7-4

..7-5

Troubleshooting Your ActionNote

The Computer Won’t Start
The LCD Screen Is Blank
The Computer Locks Up
Your Password Isn’t Working
You Can’t Access Data on a Diskette
The Diskette Drive Isn’t Working.

.............. 7-5

................ 7-6

................... 7-8

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

............... 7-9

.......

..........

7-9
7-10

7-10

You Can’t Access Files on the Hard Disk

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

Drive

A PC Card Isn’t Working

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

The ActionPoint Isn’t Working Correctly . . . . . .

An External Monitor Is Blank

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

7-11
7-11

7-13

7-14

An External Pointing Device Doesn’t

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

Work
Your Printer Isn’t Working
The Memory Count Is Incorrect

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

...........

Your Software Isn’t Working Correctly

...

.7-14
.7-16
7-16
.7-16

A Specifications

CPU and Memory
Controllers
Interfaces

Keyboard

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

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

ActionPoint Touchpad
Volume Control
Mass Storage
LCD Screen
Setup Program

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Software .....................................

Power Sources
AC Power Adapter

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

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

AC Power Adapter Dimensions...................

Fax/Modem Specifications

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

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

Physical Dimensions

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

. . . A-1
. . A-2
. . A-3
. A-4
. A-4
. ..A-4
. . A-5
. . A-5
. . . A-5
. . . A-6
. ..A-6
. ..A-6
. . . A-7
. . . A-7
. A-8
. . A-8

Index

ix

1 Getting Started

Your EPSON® ActionNote™ computer is all set
up and ready to use. This chapter gives you
the information you need to get started. You’ll
find a list of the computer’s features on the
back cover of this manual, illustrations of
your system on the inside front cover, and a
place to write important information about
your ActionNote on the inside back cover.

If you have questions, this manual or the
online version should provide you with
answers Read the troubleshooting
information in Chapter 7 or call the EPSON
Connectional

SM

at [phone] for help.

Getting Started 1-1

Opening Your Computer

To open your ActionNote, slide the latches on
each side of the computer’s lid forward and

lift up the screen.

Powering Your Computer

Your computer is shipped with a charged
battery and is ready to use when you take it
out of the box. You don’t need to plug it in. To
conserve battery power, however, (or if your
battery has lost its charge while in storage,)
you should use the AC power adapter to
connect your computer to an electrical outlet
whenever possible. The adapter also recharges
your battery.

1-2 Getting Started

Connecting the AC Power Adapter

The lightweight AC power adapter included
with your ActionNote operates in the input
ranges 100 to 250 VAC and 40/63 Hz.

NOTE
If you purchased your computer out side the United
States, you have the international AC power
adapter. See “Using the international AC Power
Adapter” in Appendix B for more information.

Follow these steps to connect the AC power
adapter:

1.

Plug the connector into the DC-in port on
the back of the computer.

2.

Flip the adapter’s two prongs out of their
compartment, then plug the adapter into
an electrical outlet.

Getting Started 1-3

Recharging the battery takes about 3 hours
with the computer turned on, and about

1.5 hours when it is turned off. While it
recharges, the charge indicator light is orange.
When the battery is fully charged, it is green.

Turning the Computer On and Off

The on/off button is beneath the screen on
your right

Press the button and hold it briefly to turn on
the computer. As the computer starts, it does a
complete self test of its circuits and drives.

To turn the computer off, press and hold the
button for two seconds. Be sure to save your
work before you turn off the computer.

Checking the Indicator Lights

The indicator lights above the keyboard give
you information about your computer.

1-4 Getting Started

The following table identifies the indicator
lights for your ActionNote.

lndicator lights

Name Description

con

Power mode

Green Computer is on
Flashing green

Suspend mode:

Green Standby mode: press any key to

Flashing green Suspend mode: press Suspend/

Charge mode:

Orange
Flashing

orange
Green Battery is fully charged

Diskette drive

Very low battery; system is

about to power down

return to full power

Resume to return to full power

Battery is charging normally
Battery is not installed

correctly or is damaged

Computer is accessing diskette
drive

Hard disk drive

PC card PC card is inserted

Num Lock

Caps Lock

scroll Lock

Computer is accessing hard
disk drive

Num Lock is on, whichactivates
the embedded numeric keypad

Caps Lock is on

Scroll Lock is on

Getting Started

1-5

Adjusting the Screen Controls

The screen contrast and brightness controls
are located at the bottom of the screen.

Slide the contrast control to the right to
increase the contrast, or to the left to decrease
it. On dual scan screens, slide the brightness
control to the right to lighten the screen, or to

the left to darken it
Unless you need a bright screen, you can

extend battery life and save energy by
making it dimmer.

Using the ActionPoint Touchpad

You can move your cursor on the screen by
sliding your finger along the built-in
ActionPoint™ touchpad. It works with any
software application that uses PS/2®
compatible mouse drivers, and has a utility
that lets you adjust its response.

1-6 Getting Starred

To move the cursor, slide your finger along

the ActionPoint touchpad. If your finger is too
close to the edge, lift it and put it down on the
opposite edge. The cursor moves only when

your finger touches the pad. See “Customizing

Your ActionPoint” in Chapter 6 or the utility’s
online help for more about cursor settings.

To click, quickly press and release the left

touchpad button or gently tap the touchpad
once.

To

select and move an item

(click and drag),
doubletap on the touchpad and then slide
your finger across it. You can also hold down
the left touchpad button while sliding your
finger along the touchpad.

When you reach the edge of the touchpad
surface, the pointer continues to move in the
same direction until you lift or move your

finger. This feature is called “Edge Motion.”

Getting Started 1-7

When software manuals tell you to use your
mouse, use these ActionPoint equivalents:

Touchpad movements

Mouse

Click
Double-click

Drag
Click and drag

select
Right mouse button

ActionPoint
Tap

Double-tap
Slide
Double-tap, slide

Tap
Right touchpad button

Learning More About ActionPoint

For information about changing the speed
and sensitivity of your touchpad, see
“Customizing Your ActionPoint” in Chapter 6.
You can also access the online help in the

touchpad’s control panel

Using the Keyboard

Your computer’s keyboard has 85 keys that
provide the same functions as a full-sized
keyboard, thanks to function keys and an
embedded numeric keypad. The Fn key
provides a second function for other keys.

1-8

Getting Started

The keyboard on the ActionNote is available
with different layouts for different languages.
You can also use the operating system to
reassign the layout of your keyboard. See your
operating system documentation.

Using the Fn Key

To use special functions, hold down the Fn key
and then press the second key. A key’s special
function is labeled in blue.

Fn key functions

Key
Fn F8

Fn F9

Fn F10

Label Function
Set Up
Invert Toggles between normal and reverse

Display

Displays Power Management screen

video (passive matrix only)
Toggles between displaying the image

on the LCD, external monitor, or both

Using the Embedded Numeric Keypad

In Num Lock mode, the keys in the embedded
numeric keypad give you the number or
symbol for that key instead of the letter.

Getting Started 1-9

Press

Num Lock

to turn Num Lock mode on
and off. To enter the letter while in Num Lock
press Fn plus the key. With Num Lock off, you
can enter a number or symbol on the numeric
keypad by pressing Fn plus the key.

Creating Software Diskettes

Your computer came with software installed;
the program diskettes are not included.
However, you may need the diskettes to set up
a new printer or re-install a program. You

have utilities that let you create these

diskettes See your “Choosing Your Operating
System” documentation for information

1-10 Getting Started

2 Powering the

Computer

This chapter describes how to conserve your
computer’s battery and save energy using the

power management tools supplied.

Using the AC Power Adapter

The AC power adapter charges the battery
and runs the computer off power from an
electrical outlet. Use the adapter whenever
you have access to an outlet, especially when
you are using a PC card

Check the charge indicator light to monitor
charging status when you use the adapter.

Battery charging status

Light

Orange

Green

Flashing orange

Status

Battery is charging normally
Battery is fully charged
Battery is not installed properly or is

damaged

If you plan to use the computer in countries
other than the U.S. or Canada, you’ll need to
purchase the international AC power adapter.
EPSON also offers an automobile adapter. See
“Using the International AC Power Adapter”

Powering

the Computer 2-1

and “Using the Automobile Adapter” in
Appendix B of the online manual for more
information.

CAUTlON

To avoid damaging the

designed for the Action/Vote 890 series

computer,

use on/y adapters

computers.

Using the Battery

The removable NiMH battery can provide
between 4 and 6 hours of power when you use
your computer’s power management features.

How long the battery lasts depends on how

you use the computer. It consumes more

power when you do the following:

Use a bright screen display
Access the drives often
Use a PC card

Your operating system may provide ways to
view your battery’s status and additional
power management features Check your
operating system documentation.

2-2 Powering the Computer

Recharging the Battery

The battery that comes with your system is
rechargeable. It takes approximately 1.5 hours
to charge a completely discharged battery
when the computer is off or when it is in
Suspend mode. If you use the system while the
battery is recharging it can take up to 3 hours.

If you find that over time the battery is losing
its charge faster, the battery life may be
reaching its end. Try letting it discharge
completely; then recharge it. You can also use
the optional external battery charger to
recondition the battery.

Replacing the Battery

If you have additional batteries, keep them

fully charged so you can replace your battery

when it runs low. This is especially useful

when you’re traveling.

CAUTION
Use only the NiMH battery pock designedfor the

ActionNote 890 series computers.

You can use the optional external battery
charger to charge an extra battery while
using another one in your computer. See

Powering the Computer 2-3

“Using the Battery HyperCharger/

Conditioner” in Appendix B of the online
manual for more information.

NOTE

Contact your

information on NiMH batteries.

local government agency for recycling

Follow these steps to replace the battery:

Save the files you’re revising.

1.
Press the on/off button

2.

Close the screen and turn the computer

3.
over.

CAUTION

To avoid a short, do not touch the battery

contacts with metal objects.

Press the battery release lever, then lift the

4.

battery up and out of the case.

2-4 Powering the Computer

5.

Insert the new battery at an angle and
then lower it into place.

Using Power Management

Your ActionNote offers a variety of power
management features to help you conserve
battery power. Your computer has three
power-saving modes Idle, Standby, and
Suspend These modes progressively reduce
computer functions and save battery life by

turning off various system components when
they are not in use, as described in the

following table:

Power

saving modes

Mode

System idle CPU clock speed reduced

System

standby

Suspend

mode

Description

CPU clock speed further reduced, screen
backlight turned off, hard disk drive and
other components in low power state

CPU clock stopped, screen and hard disk
drive turned off, ad other components

I

The screen and hard disk drive also have their
own independent timeout periods and the
screen backlight turns off whenever you close
the cover.

You

can press the

Suspend/Resume

button
(located between the brightness and contrast
controls) at any time to enter Suspend mode

Powering the

Computer 2-5

and temporarily stop system activity. After

you

press

Suspend/Resume,

it takes a moment

for the computer to enter Suspend mode. Then

the Suspend indicator light comes on and the

screen becomes dark.

NOTE
In environments where you con perform background
tasks, the system may appear to be inactive when it
is performing one of these tasks. Check this

possibility before pressing

Suspend/Resume.

With a fully charged battery, the computer
can remain in Suspend mode for several hours
without losing data. To resume activity, press
the

Suspend/Resume

Low Battery Protection

button again.

The ActionNote’s power management
features protect your data when the battery
runs low. When you have only a few minutes
of power left, the power indicator light flashes
and the computer beeps. At this point, you
should immediately save your data and
either connect the AC power adapter or turn
off the computer and replace the battery (as
described earlier in this chapter).

2-6 Powering the Computer

In addition, the computer can be set up to

enter Suspend mode when the battery power
reaches a minimum level. This protects the
contents of your computer’s memory for
several hours.

You can also configure your ActionNote to
save your data to the hard disk drive
whenever your battery can no longer provide
enough power. With this configuration, the
memory contents are saved on the hard disk
drive and protected indefinitely.

To resume activity where you left off after
saving to disk, replace your battery and press
the on/off button.

Your ActionNote also provides a similar

Instant On feature. When you set up your

computer to use Instant On, you can press the

Suspend/Resume button to save your data

and turn off the power at the same time. To
start up again “instantly” (without reloading
your operating system or software
applications), simply press the on/off button.

For instructions on setting up your ActionNote

to use the Save to Disk and Instant On
features, see “Using Instant On and Saving to
Disk” in Chapter 6.

Powering the Computer 2-7

Using Energy Wisely

By purchasing this Energy Star compliant
computer, you join a growing number of users
concerned about conserving energy. Here are
a few energy-saving tips:

When using a printer and external
monitor, check to see if they are Energy
Star compliant. If not, turn them off when
you’re not using them.

Use the print preview option in your
software before you print something
You’ll be able to catch formatting errors
before you commit them to paper.

If you have an electronic mail system
available to you, send E-mail rather than
memos. Not only is this faster, but you’ll
save paper and storage space too.

Use recycled paper and recycle your used
paper whenever you can.

2-8 Powering the Computer

3 Getting to Work

This chapter contains practical information
about using your ActionNote. Reading it now
can save you time later.

Using Passwords

Passwords help protect data from theft. Your
ActionNote offers two types of passwords a
Setup password that controls access to the
Setup utility, and a System password that
controls access to your computer.

For details on setting both types of passwords,
see “Setting a Password” in Chapter 6.

NOTE

The passwords described here are not

password you may

system.

set

through you

related

operating

to the

Entering a Password

Whether the computer is configured with a
System or Setup password, you enter the
password in the same way. When you turn on

Getting to Work 3-1

your system (for the System password) or
access Setup (for the Setup password), you see
this prompt:

Enter password:

Type the correct password and press Enter. To
protect your password, the screen does not
display the characters you type.

If you type the password incorrectly, the
computer displays this message and repeats
the password prompt:

Password is incorrect
Enter password:

Try typing the password again. The computer
allows you three tries to enter it correctly. If

you don’t enter a System password correctly,

the system locks up. Turn off the computer,
wait 30 seconds, and try again. If you don’t
enter a Setup password correctly, the
computer loads the operating system without

letting you access Setup. See “Using Password

Security” in Chapter 6 for more information

Using Diskettes

You can use either 720KB double-density or

1.44MB high-density, double-sided diskettes in

your 3.5-inch, 1.44MB diskette drive.

3-2

Getting

to Work

To insert a diskette, hold it with the label
facing up and the shutter leading into the
drive. Slide it all the way into the drive.

release
button

To remove the diskette, make sure the diskette
drive light is off. Then press the release button
and pull out the diskette.

CAUTION

Never remove a diskette or reset or turn off the

computer while the diskette drive is being accessed;

you could lose data Also, be sure to remove the

diskette before you turn off the computer.

Resetting the Computer

Occasionally, when the computer doesn’t
respond, you may need to reset it Resetting
clears the memory and is easier on the
hardware than turning the computer off.

Getting to Work 3-3

To reset the computer, hold down the Ctrl key
and press the Alt and Del keys simultaneously.
Then follow any instructions you see-.

Working Comfortably

It’s easy to spend a lot of time working on the

computer. But too much work time without a

break can cause repetitive motion strain on
your hands and arms. Follow these
suggestions to relieve strain:

Your ActionNote is ergonomically
designed with a palm rest and embedded
ActionPoint touchpad. Try to take
advantage of these while you’re working.

If you do a lot of typing avoid wrist strain
by resting your forearms on an arm rest
or other surface while you type.

Keep your fingers relaxed, and don’t press
too hard on the keys.

Remove your hands from the keyboard
when you are not typing take frequent
breaks, and stretch your fingers.

3-4

Getting to Work

4 Caring for Your

Computer

Although it has been built for years of use,
your ActionNote contains fragile circuits and
needs to be handled with care to keep it in
good working order:

Keep the computer and AC power adapter
dry, and do not subject them to extreme
heat or cold.

To prevent damage to the LCD, do not
place external devices on top of the
computer, even when it is closed.

When you are not using the serial,

parallel, video ports, or the PC card slots,

keep their covers closed to prevent
damage to the pins in the ports.

Be sure you turn off the computer before

you connect devices other than PC cards

that support hot swapping.

Caring for Your Computer 4-1

Protecting the Hard Disk Drive

Your hard disk drive is designed for travel and
lots of use. Follow these precautions, however,
to protect your data and prolong hard disk
life.

Never turn off or reset the computer when
it is copying data to or from the hard disk
drive (the indicator light is on).

Never remove the hard disk drive when
the computer is on.

After turning the power off, wait
20 seconds before moving the computer.
This allows the disks in the drive to stop
spinning and the read/write heads to lock
in place.

Although the hard disk drive is very
reliable, be sure to back up your files
regularly.

4-2 Caring for Your Computer

Moving and Storing the

Computer

Before you move your ActionNote, make sure

the power is off and the screen is closed.

Remove any diskettes. Use a carrying case or

equivalent. If you have any devices attached,

make sure they are turned off and unplugged.

The ActionNote has an operating temperature
range of 42 to 95° Fahrenheit, or 5 to
35° Centigrade. You should keep your
computer well within that range to prevent

damage.

If you will not be using your ActionNote for a
while. store it in a dry place, protected from
dust and moisture.

The ActionNote can tolerate storage
temperatures from -4 to 140° Fahrenheit, or

-20 to 60° Centigrade. Also, if temperatures
change more quickly than 5° Centigrade per
hour, it may damage your hard disk drive or
screen.

CAUTION

When traveling by air, be sure to take your computer
as carry-on luggage to prevent it from being stored
in an unpressurized storage area.

Caring for Your Computer 4-3

Cleaning Your ActionNote

You may need to clean your ActionNote
occasionally. Clean the exterior with a soft,
damp cloth Spray glass cleaner on a lint-free,
soft cloth to clean the LCD screen; do not spray
the cleaner directly onto the screen.

Cleaning the ActionPoint Touchpad

The ActionPoint is sensitive to moisture which
may affect your cursor movement Use a soft,
lint-free cloth to clean the ActionPoint. If you
need something stronger, lightly moisten the
cloth with glass cleaner. Do not spray the
cleaner directly onto the ActionPoint, and
make sure its surface is completely dry before
you use it.

Cleaning the Diskette Drive

It’s a good idea to clean the diskette drive
occasionally. The drive heads are exposed to
magnetic contaminants in the air and on
diskettes Many diskette manufacturers offer
diskette drive cleaning kits Just follow the
instructions in the kit

4-4 Caring for Your Computer

5 Upgrading Internal

Components

Several internal components in your
ActionNote can be upgraded including the
hard disk drive and system memory.

In addition, if your computer did not come
with the internal audio card, you can have
your Authorized EPSON Servicer install one.

Upgrading the Hard Disk Drive

If you need to remove the existing drive, just
follow the instructions below. You won’t need
any tools.

Your ActionNote supports EPSON-qualified,
IDE hard disk drives with a 2.5-inch form
factor and a maximum height of 19 mm.
Contact the EPSON Connection or your dealer
to find out about the latest upgrade options

CAUTlON
Before you replace your hard disk drive, be sue to
make backup

copies

of all your files andprograms.

Upgrading Internal Components 5-1

Removing the Hard Disk Drive

Follow these steps to remove the drive:

1.

Turn off the computer and disconnect any
external devices or cables.

2.

Close the LCD screen and turn the
computer over.

3.

Press the latch away from the hard disk
drive cover and slide the cover back
slightly. Then lift the cover off, as shown.

5-2 Upgrading Internal Components

Pull up on the two metal tabs to

4.
disconnect the drive, and remove it from

the case.

If you need to disconnect the connector

5.
card, hold it by the edges and pull it away
from the drive, as shown below.

Upgrading Internal Components 5-3

Replacing a Hard Disk Drive

Follow these steps to replace a hard disk drive.
If your new drive already has the connector
card attached, start with step 3.

1.

If necessary, attach the connector card
Align the holes in the card with the group

of 44 pins on the right side of the drive
connector.

Make sure the connector does not cover
the group of four pins on the left side of
the drive connector.

4-pin group

2.

When the holes and pins are properly
aligned, carefully push the card straight
onto the pins, pressing firmly on the card
until it is in place.

5-4

Upgrading Internal Components

The hard disk drive compartment on your
ActionNote can accommodate IDE

standard drives up to 19 mm high If the

drive that comes with your computer is

less than 19 mm high, it is installed above
a black foam spacer. If you are going to
install a 19 mm drive, remove the spacer
from the compartment before you
perform step 3.

3 Insert the drive and card Into the drive

compartment, aligning the connector on
the card with the pins in the compart­ment. Press down on the metal tabs until
the drive is fully seated.

connector

Upgrading Internal Components 5-5

4.

Position the drive cover over the
compartment so that the small arrow on
the cover aligns with the first notch in the
latch Lower the cover and then slide it
until it snaps shut

notch

5.

Run Setup as described under
“Customizing Computer Settings” in
Chapter 6 to make sure the computer
recognizes your new drive.

6.

After installing the operating system,

run the PHDISK utility to create a 25MB
partition on the drive. See “Using Instant
On and Saving to Disk” in Chapter 6 for
more information.

5-6 Upgrading Internal Components

Removing and Replacing

the Keyboard

You need to remove the keyboard to install

memory. However, you don’t need to

disconnect the keyboard cables.

Removing the Keyboard

Follow these steps to remove the keyboard:

1.

Turn off the computer and disconnect the
AC power adapter.

2.

Disconnect any attached external devices
and cables.

3.

Open the screen to 180°, or as wide as you
can.

Upgrading Internal Components 5-7

Remove the plastic caps on both sides of

4.
the case below the screen. Use a small
screwdriver to pry each cap loose and
then slide it off, as shown.

Use a small screwdriver to gently pry up

5.
the plastic strip above the keyboard. You
can pry in the center as shown here, or in
front of the left and right hinges.

5-8 Upgrading Internal Components

6.

Lift up the strip and remove it from the

case.

7.

Being careful not to pull on the keyboard
cables, gently lift the keyboard, holding it
by the top edge. Remove it from the case
and place it on a flat surface in front of
the computer.

Upgrading Internal Components 5-9

Replacing the Keyboard

When you are ready to replace the keyboard,
refer to the illustrations in the previous

section as you follow these steps:

1.

Carefully lift up the keyboard and
position it over the case.

2.

Hold the keyboard at a 45° angle and
align it so that the clips on the bottom
edge fit into the case.

3.

Gently lower the top of the keyboard until
it is securely in place. You should not have
to force it. Make sure the flat cables are
not caught under the edge of the
keyboard.

The top edge of the keyboard should not
overlap the bronze-colored ledge of the
case. If you have difficulty aligning the
keyboard try the following approach
hold the top of the keyboard in the center
with the keyboard at a 45° angle and line
up the clips on the bottom of the keyboard
with the case. Gently lift up the keyboard
until the clips are aligned.

4.

Position the plastic strip above the
keyboard and push it back until it snaps
Into place. The strip fits tightly but should
not obstruct the function keys

5-10 Upgrading Internal Components

5.

Slide the plastic caps over the screws on
each side of the case and snap them into
position Make sure you use the correct
cap for the left or right side; they do not

slide into place on the wrong side.

After you have replaced the keyboard, check
that the keys operate smoothly. If any of the
keys stick, press back again on the plastic strip
under each hinge cover and in the center of
the plastic strip. If the keys still stick, repeat
the keyboard replacement procedure.

Upgrading Your Memory

Your ActionNote comes with 8MB of memory.
You can increase your computer’s memory to
up to 24MB by installing a 4, 8, or 16MB snap­in memory module.

If you are using Instant On or Save to Disk,
you need to rerun the PHDISK utility after you
have changed the amount of memory. See
Chapter 6 for more information

CAUTION
A memory module is delicate and needs careful
handling. If you don’t fee/ confident installing it
yourself, ask your Authorized EPSON Servicer for
assistance.

Upgrading Internal Components 5-11

Removing a Memory Module

Your computer may have a memory module
installed. If you want to replace it with a
higher-capacity module, follow the steps
below to remove the original memory module.
If it doesn’t have a module installed, see the
next section, “Installing a Memory Module,” to
Install one.

1.

Remove the keyboard as described In the
previous section.

2.

Press each of the retaining clips toward

the side of the memory module socket and

lift the module until it is released.

3.

Pull the module out of the socket You are
now ready to install the new memory
module.

5-12 Upgrading Internal Components

Installing a Memory Module

Follow these steps to install the new memory
module:

CAUTION

Computer memory modules are
electricity. Ground yourself by touching
surface before you touch the memory module. Keep
it

safe

inside its anti-static packaging until you are
ready to installit. Remain as stationary as possible
while you install it.

1.

Holding the memory module with the

sensitive

a metal

to static

notch on the upper right corner, align it
with the connector at the edge of the

socket.

2.

Insert the memory module Into the socket
at an angle, pressing along the edge until
it clicks into place.

Upgrading Internal Components 5-13

3.

Press down on the module until it snaps
into the retaining clips on the sides

4.

Replace the keyboard as described in the
previous section.

5.

Run Setup, as described under
“Customizing Computer Settings’ in

Chapter 6, to make sure your computer

recognizes the new memory. (When you
turn on the computer, it might warn you

of a memory size mismatch.)

Installing a Fax/Modem or

Infrared Device

If your computer did not come with the
internal fax/modem, you can install either a
fax/modem or an infrared device yourself. If
you have a fax/modem already installed, you
can replace it with an infrared device. Follow

these steps to install the device:

1.

Remove the keyboard as described under
“Removing the Keyboard.”

5-14 Upgrading Internal Components

2.

Refer to the illustration below to locate

the connector on the system board.

3.

Remove the plastic insert covering the
port opening on the left side of the
computer, next to the PC card slots. Insert
the tip of a screwdriver through the slot in
the plastic cover and carefully pry the
cover off. You may need to use gently
Increasing pressure to pull the cover away
from the case and push it out.

Upgrading Internal Components

5-15

4.

Insert the phone jack end of the fax/
modem card or the LED window of the
infrared card into the port opening and
align the connector on the card with the

connector on the system boar4 as shown
below.

5.

Make sure the pins in the connector are
directly over the holes in the connector on
the system board Then gently push the

card straight into the connector.

6.

If you are installing an infrared device,
you must cover the port opening with the
clear plastic cover provided with the
device.

5-16 Upgrading Internal Components

If you are finished installing internal

7.
components, replace the keyboard as
described under “Replacing the
Keyboard.”

Run Setup, as described under

8.
"Customizing Computer Settings” in
Chapter 6, to make sure the port address is
set correctly for the fax/modem or the
Infrared device. The default setting Is
COM2.

For information about using your fax/modem,
see the following section. For more
information on using an infrared device, see
Appendix B in the online manual.

Connecting a Phone Line

You can connect your telephone line directly
to the fax/modem in your ActionNote with a
standard RJ-11 telephone cable.

Before you connect the phone line, you need to
install the software that came with your fax/
modem. See your software manuals for
Instructions on installing these programs and
using them with your system.

Upgrading Internal Components 5-17

Position the phone line connector so the tab
faces down and aligns with the notch in the
phone jack on the left side of your computer.

CAUTION
Some commercial telephones have
digital telephone
modem. If in doubt, check before connecting.

lines

that can damage

high-voltage

the fax/

Insert the cable into the phone jack. (Connect
the other end of the cable to the modular jack
outlet for your phone line.)

NOTE

You fax/modem also

command

to control data transmission. See the manual that

came with

set

that you may

you modem for more information.

has an internal modem

need

in certain situations

5-18

Upgrading Internal Components

6 Customizing Your

Computer

You can customize your ActionNote in a
variety of ways covered in this chapter.

Customizing Your ActionPoint

You can adjust the amount of pressure you
need to apply to your touchpad as well as the
speed and precision of the cursor movement.

Select the ActionPoint Configuration control
panel utility. Then use the table below to

change your settings

ActionPoint configuration panels

Panel
Pointer

settings size

Features

Color ad

Pointer
growth

Pointer tails

Description
Lets you choose from nine

pointers in three color
schemes and three sizes

When enabled, medium or
large pointers grow to the
selected size while moving,
and shrink back to a small
size while at rest

When enabled, ghost
images follow the pointer
to increase visibility on
LCD screens; can also
adjust tail length

Customizing Your Computer 6-1

ActionPoint configuration panels (continued)

Panel
Motion

settings

Orientation
settings

Shortcuts
settings

Features
Sensitivity

Double-click
speed

Acceleration

Extra
precision

Set rotation

Set buttons

Autojumps

Hotspots Sets the pointer to jump

Custom Lets you assign key

assignments

Description
Adjusts the response of the

pointer to the motion of
the pointing device

Adjusts how quickly you
must double-click

Increases the cursor speed
in relation to sensitivity
settings

Lets you shift the screen
pointer temporarily into
one of four special-purpose

operating modes: slow
motion, freeze motion,
horizontal motion, and
vertical motion

Adjusts the direction of the
cursor

Lets you swap left and
right buttons

Sets the pointer to jump to
a predefined location
whenever a dialog box

opens

to a predefined location
when you press a key
combination

combinations to

predefined

mouse actions

keyboard and

6-2 Customizing Your Computer

ActionPoint configuration panels (continued)

Panel

Touchpad

settings

Features Description
Edge motion Lets you extend cursor

Touch
threshold

Gestures Lets the touchpad

motion when your finger
reaches the edge of the

touchpad

Controls how much finger
pressure you must apply
before the touchpad
responds

recognize several tapping
gestures that replace right
or left mouse button clicks

To select a setting click the button for that
setting then adjust the controls.

When you’ve made changes, click OK to exit.
Your settings take effect immediately.

Customizing Computer Settings

Setup configures your ActionNote and stores
the settings in the computer’s CMOS ROM
(read-only memory) Because this area of
memory is backed up by a battery, it is not
erased when you turn off or reset the computer.

The current configuration is probably fine for
most of your needs. However, you may need to
run Setup when you upgrade your computer

or connect new equipment You can also run

Setup to customize power management.

Customizing Your Computer 6-3

Starting Setup

To start Setup, turn on your computer. (If your

computer is already on, save any files you’ve

been working on, then restart your computer.)

During power-on diagnostics you see the
following prompt:

Press F8 to run SETUP

As soon as you see this message, press F8

If you do not press F8 within 5 seconds, the
computer loads the operating system. You can
restart the computer and try again.

Changing the Settings

When the computer starts Setup, you see the
Page 1 screen, which displays your computer’s
memory configuration in addition to other
settings you can change. Base memory plus

extended memory is total system memory.

Use the right, left, down, and up arrow keys to
move the cursor from option to option. Once
you have highlighted an option you want to

change, press the + or - key to scroll through

the settings and select the one you want Press
PgDn or PgUp to go to the next or previous
Setup screen.

6-4 Customizing Your Computer

Help information is available for each option.
Highlight the option you want to change and
press F1 to get Help.

Setup lets you change or verify the settings
listed in the following tables.

Setup page 1 options

Setting

System

Time

System

Date

Update

Flash

Hard Disk 1 Auto

CPU Speed

Quick Boot Disabled*

Boot Drive

Password

Security Setup*

Boot
Display

*Default setting

Options
hh:mm:ss (24

hour format)
mmm dd, yyy

Enabled

Disabled*

(automatically

detected)*

user
None

Fast* Sets the processor speed
slow

Enabled
C:, A

A:, C*

Disabled
Enabled

system

Auto*

Simul

Description

Sets the time used by the

system

Sets the date used by the

system

Lets you upgrade your BIOS
horn a diskette

Sets the type of drive
installed of allows you to

define the type

Lets you skip non-essential

diagnostic tests at startup

Sets the drive from which
the operating system will
be loaded at startup

See ‘Setting or Changing a
Password- below

Applies password
protection to entire system
or Setup only

Sets the display mode at
startup; Auto lets the
system select the LCD
screen or monitor (if
connected); Simul displays
on both

Customizing Your Computer 6-5

The table below lists the page 3 Setup options.

Setup, page 3 options

Setting

Internal Enabled*
Cache Disabled

External Enabled
Cache Disabled*

Serial Port

Fax/Modem 3F8h (COM1)

Parallel
Port**

Audio I/O

options

3F8h (COM1)*
2F8h (COM2)
Disabled

2F8h (COM2)*
Disabled it is installed

378h

(LPT1)*

Disabled operation

I

220*

230

240

Audio IRQ

5*

7
9

10

Pointing

Device

* Default setting
** Autodetects ECP or EPP devices when connected and

turned on at system start-up

Enabled*
Disabled

Description
Controls the processor’s

internal cache operation
Controls the processor’s

external cache operation
when external cache is
installed

Assigns the serial port
address

Assigns the port address
for the fax/modem when

Controls the parallel port

Identifies the I/O address
the audio card uses

Identifies the IRQ setting

the audio card uses

Lets you die the built­in touchpad, in case you
connect a serial mouse

I

6-6 Customizing

Your Computer

The table below lists the power management
options Additional information about power
management follows the table.

Power management

Setting
Power

Management

System Idle

System

Standby

System

Suspend

Hard Disk
Timeout

Screen

Timeout

Low Battery

Instant On

Options

Enabled

Disabled
AC Disabled*

Disabled
Enabled*

Disabled
1 to 15
minutes;

2 minutes*

Disabled
1 to 15
minutes;
10 minutes*

Disabled
1 to 15
minutes;
5 minutes*

Disabled
1 to 15
minutes;
2 minutes*

Save to HDD

Disabled
Enabled

Disabled* Management’ below

options (Setup page 2)

Description
Lets you enable power

management at all times,
disable it completely, or
disable it only when you
use an adapter

Lets you disable the Idle
mode

Lets you disable or set the
period of inactivity
before the Standby mode
takes effect

Lets you disable or set the
period of inactivity
(following the Standby
period) before the
Suspendmode takes
effect

Lets you disable or set the
period of in activity
before the hard disk drive
turns off

Lets you disable or set the
period of inactivity
before the screen turns off

See ’Customizing Power
Management' below

See ‘Customizing Power

*Default setting

Customizing Your Computer 6-7

When you are ready to exit Setup, press Esc.
You see the exit menu. Press one of the
following keys:

Setup exit command keys

Key

ESC

F4
F5

F6

Description
Retuns you to the main Setup or Power

Management Setup screen
Saves your new settings and restarts the computer
Loads the default settings for all the options and

returns to Setup
Exits Setup without saving your settings

Customizing Power Management

In addition to the timeout options listed
above, the Power Management screen also lets
you press one of the following function keys to
configure your timeout options

Function key Description
F2

F3

Selects Maximum Performance mode;
maximizes system performance in al
power management states, but allows
some features to power down

Selects Maximum Battery mode;
minimizes battery usage and decreases
system performance in low power states

6-8 Customizing Your Computer

You may want to experiment to find the

settings that work best for you. You can access

the Power Management screen (without
running Setup) by pressing Fn F8, so you can

adjust your settings at any time.
You should not, however, change the Power

Management and Low Battery options.
These features protect your data when your
battery is about to run out.

For more information about how your power
management features work, see “Using Power
Management“ in Chapter 2.

Using Instant On and Saving to Disk

The Low Battery option in Setup allows you
to select Suspend or Save to HDD, which
perform the following functions

Mode

Suspend

Save to HDD

Description
The computer continues to use a very

small amount of power. If you select
Suspend ad leave your system
suspended, the battery eventually runs
down and your data will be lost.

Contents of your system and video
memory are saved to a special partition on
your hard disk drive. Even if your battery

MS down, your data is protected.

Instant On works through the same process as
Save to HDD, except that your data is saved to
disk when you press the Suspend/Resume

Customizing Your Computer 6-9

button Before you can use either of these

features, you have to configure your hard disk

drive.

The drive is already partitioned to set aside a
25MB area for the saved data (allowing space
for all memory configurations). This area is
invisible to your software, and the amount of
disk space available to you for normal data
storage is reduced

If you need to partition a drive, for example if
you install a new one, copy the utility into the
PM directory; then run the PHDISK utility
program by typing the following commands
at the DOS prompt:

CD\PM
PHDISK/CREATE

The PHDISK program formats the partition on
your hard disk drive. After you run this
program, you can use the Save to Disk and

Instant On functions available on the Power

Management screen. These options take effect
immediately. You might need to run this
utility again if you change the memory size.

6-10 Customizing Your Computer

Using Password Security

This section tells you how to set up a password
to prevent unauthorized people from using

your ActionNote.

NOTE
Remember that once you set a systempassword, you

cannot access your system unless you enter it

correctly.
safe place. If you forget it, call the EPSON

Connection

Setting or Changing a Password

You can set two types of passwords for your
computer: a system password and a Setup
password

If you set a system password, the computer
prompts you to enter it each time you turn on
or reset your computer. If you set a Setup
password, the computer prompts you to enter
it each time you press F8 to run Setup.

Write

down your password and keep it in a

for assistance.

Follow the instructions in the next sections to
set, delete, or change your password See
"Entering a Password” in Chapter 3 for

information on using a password

Customizing Your

Computer 6-11

Setting a Password

Follow these steps to set a password

1.

Highlight the Password option.

Press Enter.

2.
Type a password up to seven characters

3.

long As you type, you see only symbols
displayed on the screen

Press Enter.

4.

Type the password again and press Enter.

5.

(If you enter an incorrect password, you
must start the process over again. Keep
trying until you have entered the

password correctly twice in a row.)
Press any key to continue. The Password

6.

option setting is enabled

7.

You can now highlight the Security option

and select SETUP , which applies the
password to the Setup program. You can
also select

SYSTEM.

If you select
you are prompted to enter the password
whenever you turn on the computer or
run Setup.

SYSTEM,

6-12 Customizing Your Computer

Deleting or Changing a Password

If you want to delete or change a password,

follow these steps:

Highlight the Password option

1.

Press Enter.

2.

Type your password. You see only squares

3

on the screen

Press Enter.

4.

If you are deleting your password, press

5.

the / key. The Password option setting is
changed to Disabled

If you are changing your password, type
the new password You see only squares
displayed on the screen

Press Enter.

6.

7.

Type the password again and press Enter.
Press any key to continue.

8.

Using Video Drivers and Utilities

Your system includes high-resolution video

display drivers for Windows® installed on
your hard disk drive. If you are using
Windows 3.1, you can use these drivers to

Customizing Your Computer 6-13

display in resolutions up to 1024 x 768 in
16 colors on an external monitor. Windows 95
provides the Chips and Technology drivers to
do the same thing To select these drivers, use
your operating system’s video display or
control panel utility.

If you select a higher resolution for your LCD
screen, your display is larger than the screen
itself. As you move your cursor up and down
and from side to side, the screen pans to show
the entire display.

NOTE

Your Action/We is configured to display in standard
VGA resolution on your LCD or
You can toggle between displaying on the LCD, on
the external monitor, or on both screens

simultaneously bypressing

the default video mode by using Setup; see
"Charging the

Settings”

for more information.

an external

Fn F10. You

monitor.

can also set

To check on the availability of drivers for non­Windows applications, call the EPSON
Connection or access one of the EPSON
electronic support services, as described under
“Where to Get Help” in Chapter 7.

6-14 Customizing Your Computer

7 Troubleshooting

You probably won’t have any problems as
you set up and use your ActionNote. If
anything out of the ordinary happens,
however, see this chapter for help.

Where to Get Help

If you purchased your computer in the United
States or Canada, EPSON provides customer

support and service through a network of

Authorized EPSON Customer Care Centers
EPSON also provides the following services
when you dial [phone].

Technical information on the installation,
configuration, and operation of EPSON
products

Assistance in locating your nearest
Authorized EPSON Reseller or Customer
Care Center

Customer relations

EPSON technical information library fax

service
Product literature on current and new

products.

Troubleshooting 7-1

You can purchase printed manuals,
accessories, or parts for EPSON products from
EPSON Accessories Call [phone] (U.S.
sales only) from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 pm. Pacific
time. In Canada, call (800) BUY EPSON.

If you purchased your computer outside the
United States or Canada, contact your EPSON
dealer or the marketing location nearest you
for customer support and service.

If you need help with any application
program you are using see the documentation
for that program for technical support
information.

Electronic Support Services

If you have a modem, the fastest way to access
helpful tips, specifications, drivers, application
notes, and bulletins for EPSON products is
through the online services below.

NOTE

To access electronic support services, you must have
a modem.
fax/modem PC card,
to you serial

You can install

port.

an internal fax modem,

or connect

an

external modem

a

7-2 Troubleshooting

EPSON bulletin board service

You can call the EPSON bulletin board service
(BBS) 24 hours a day at [phone]. No
membership is required. Make sure your
communications software is set to 8 data bits
with no parity and 1 stop bit, and any modem
speed up to 28.8 Kbps. See the documentation
that came with your communications
software for more information.

CompuServe’s EPSON America Forum

EPSON also maintains the EPSON America
Forum on CompuServe.® If you have questions
about your EPSON product, this is a good place
to get them answered.

Your computer includes the CompuServe
WinCIM® Information Manager® installed on
your hard disk drive and a free trial

subscription to CompuServe’s services and

forums The brochure that comes with your
ActionNote describes all the CompuServe
services and how to access them, as well as
providing subscription information.

To access the EPSON America Forum in
WinCIM, simply click on the green traffic light
icon and type EPSON at the menu prompt.

Troubleshooting 7-3

Identifying Your System

When you request technical assistance, be
ready to provide the following

EPSON product name and model (on the

logo for your ActionNote)
EPSON product code (Axxxxxx)

Serial number (on base of ActionNote)

System BIOS version (displayed during

startup)
System configuration information from

Setup
Operating system version number

Hardware configuration (connections to

external devices, memory size, and so on)

Names and version numbers of software

you’re using

Any installed options
Any error message displayed

Once you gather this information, write it

down at the back of this manual to keep it

handy whenever you need it.

7-4 Troubleshooting

Error Messages

Your computer contains power-on diagnostics
that check internal devices every time you

turn it on. If the computer finds an error, it

displays an error message on the screen. Many
error messages suggest a remedy. For example,
if you have installed a component, you might
need to check that it was installed correctly.

If the error is serious, the error message
remains on the screen and the computer locks
up. If this happens, contact your Authorized

EPSON Servicer or the EPSON Connection

Troubleshooting Your ActionNote

If you have trouble with your ActionNote,

look through the headings in this chapter to

see if the problem is covered. Then follow the
suggestions to see if you can solve the problem.

If your computer is still not working correctly,

call [phone] or access any of the

electronic support services described earlier in

this chapter.

Troubleshooting 7-5

The Computer Won’t Start

The computer won’t start when you press
the on/off button.

If the Power light is on, check the Suspend
light. Press any key if it is on; press the

Suspend/Resume button if it is flashing

Check the Power fight. If it is flashing
green, it means the battery is too low to
power the computer.

Make sure the brightness and contrast
controls are not turned down If an
external monitor is connected, make sure
it’s turned on

If you replaced your hard disk drive,
make sure you installed it correctly.

Turn

off the computer. If you are using the
battery, remove it and reinstall it. If you
are using an AC power adapter,
disconnect it and then reconnect it Then

turn the power on again

You have trouble running the computer
from a battery

The battery power may be low. If you
have a second fully charged battery, use it
to replace the one in the computer and
recharge the original battery.

7-6 Troubleshooting

If you replace the battery and the
computer does not work properly, the new
battery may also not be fully charged.
Recharge it.

When the charge light is flashing orange,
the battery may not be installed properly.
Try removing and reinstalling it.

Connect the AC power adapter to the
computer and plug the adapter into an
electrical outlet If you have not used the
battery in a long time (three months or
more), you may need to recharge it

When you find that, over time, the battery
is losing its charge faster, it may be
reaching the end of its life. You may need
to replace it with a new battery.

NOTE

When you need to discardyour

you local government agency for information

about recycling NMH batteries.

battery, contact

The computer doesn’t work properly with
the AC power adapter.

Make sure the AC power adapter is

securely connected to the computer and

the electrical outlet.

Troubleshooting

7-7

Make sure the electrical outlet is
supplying power. If the outlet is working

there may be something wrong with your

AC power adapter.

The LCD Screen is Blank

Use the brightness and contrast controls to

adjust the screen display. See “Adjusting
the Screen Controls” in Chapter 1.

You may have switched your display to
external monitor mode. Press Fn F10 until
you see the display on your LCD screen.
Make sure the default display selected in
Setup and the setting in the video display
control panel utility are correct for your
system. See ‘Using Video Drivers and
Utilities” in Chapter 6.

The computer may be in Suspend mode;
press any key or the Suspend/Resume
button to resume. Press the on/off button
to resume if you are using Instant On See
Chapter 2 for more information.

You may have set a timeout period for the
LCD screen in Setup or with your
operating system. This turns off the screen
after a specified period of time has
elapsed with no system activity. Press any
key to restore the display. (See “Using
Power Management” in Chapter 2.)

7-8 Troubleshooting

The Computer Locks Up

Some operations take longer than others
to perform. Wait a few minutes to see if
the computer returns to normal operation.

The computer may be in Standby or
Suspend mode. Press any key or the

Suspend/Resume

button to resume

activity.
Try pressing the

Num Lock

key. If the
Num Lock light does not come on, the
computer is probably locked up.

You may be able to resume activity by
cancelling the current operation. Press

Ctrl Alt Del. Then follow any instructions

on the screen
Turn off the computer, wait thirty

seconds, and turn it back on

Your Password Isn’t Working

If you type the password and then see the
password prompt again, type the
password again and press Enter.

If the computer locks up, turn it off, watt

30 seconds, and try again

If you have forgotten your password, call
the EPSON Connection for assistance.

Troubleshooting 7-9

You Can’t Access Data on a Diskette

Remove the diskette and make sure it is
inserted with the label facing up.

Make sure the diskette is either 720KB or

1.44MB.

If the write-protect switch is set, and you
are trying to save a file to the diskette,

either use a different diskette, or move the

writeprotect switch
If the diskette is damaged, use a backup

copy to repeat the operation. If you need

the files on the original diskette, try

copying one file at a time.

Try cleaning the diskette drive heads.
See “Cleaning the Diskette Drive” in

Chapter 4.

Try formatting a new blank diskette to
determine whether the problem is with
the diskette or the drive. See your

operating system documentation or

online help for instructions

The Diskette Drive Isn’t Working

Try reading from or writing to the
diskette in another computer’s drive, if

you have access to one.

7-10 Troubleshooting

If the drive is making loud or unusual
noises, contact your Authorized EPSON
Servicer or the EPSON Connection

You Can’t Access Files on the Hard Disk Drive

If you have set a timeout for the hard disk
drive in Setup and the drive powered
down, it may still be coming back up to
speed Your drive takes about 15 seconds
to resume speed

Make sure the Hard Disk option is set

correctly in Setup. If your hard disk drive

is not detected, you will have to configure
the appropriate hard disk drive
parameters yourself.

If you replaced or upgraded the hard disk

drive, make sure it is installed correctly

and that the operating system is installed
See “Upgrading the Hard Disk Drive” in
Chapter 5.

A PC Card Isn’t Working

The PC card slots on your computer
support PCMCIA version 2.1 or earlier and
accept up to two Type I or II cards, or one
Type III card. If you aren’t sure your card

Troubleshooting

7-11

is compatible, call the EPSON Connection
or your Authorized EPSON Servicer for the
latest information about tested cards.

Like a diskette, a new PC RAM or hard
disk card may need to be formatted

(initialized) before you can use it. See the

documentation that came with your card

or driver for instructions.
Press the release button to remove the

card; then try inserting it again See “Using

PC Cards” in Appendix B for instructions.

Your computer is set up to work with most
PC cards, but some cards require that you
install other software drivers. See the

documentation that came with your card

The ActionNote comes with PCMCIA
drivers and utilities that you can use with
your card Your operating system may
also include drivers. For details, see “Using
PC Cards” in Appendix B.

You may need to restart your computer
and select the appropriate option at the
PCMCIA driver prompt Then try your PC
card operation again.

When you resume from Suspend to Disk
mode, your PCMCIA drivers may not be
reloaded or reinitialized. Exit any
application programs you are using and

7-12 Troubleshooting

restart your computer; then, if necessary,
select the option to load your PCMCIA
card drivers at the prompt.

See the EPSON PCMCIA Card Software User’s

Guide for information about configuring PC

cards using the drivers supplied with your
computer. If none of these solutions solve your
problem, contact the card manufacturer or
call your Authorized EPSON Servicer or the
EPSON Connection for assistance.

The ActionPoint Isn’t Working Correctly

Make sure the touchpad has not been

disabled in Setup. See “Changing the

Settings” in Chapter 6 for instructions.
Make sure the touchpad drivers are

loaded and the ActionPoint is configured
the way you want See “Customizing Your
ActionPoint” in Chapter 6 for more
information

The touchpad is highly sensitive to

moisture. Clean the ActionPoint (see
“Cleaning your ActionNote” in Chapter 4);
then wash and dry your hands

If you still have trouble with the

ActionPoint, contact your Authorized

EPSON Servicer or the EPSON Connection

Troubleshooting 7-13

An External Monitor Is Blank

Adjust the brightness and contrast of the
monitor screen

Check that the monitor’s power cable is

securely connected to the monitor and to

an electrical outlet.

Make sure the monitor is set for the

correct input and can support the video

mode you have selected. See your monitor

manual for more information.

You may have switched your display to

LCD mode. Press Fn F10 until you see the

display on your external monitor.

If the monitor still does not work, turn off

both the computer and the monitor. Then

check the electrical outlet for power.

Contact your Authorized EPSON Servicer

or the EPSON Connection for assistance.

An External Pointing Device Doesn’t Work

If you have disabled the pointing device

in Setup, make sure your new pointing

device driver is installed and loaded See

the documentation that came with your

device for instructions

7-14 Troubleshooting

Your ActionPoint touchpad is disabled
when you connect a device to the

external keyboard/mouse port and use it

before you use the touchpad.
If you connect a pointing device to the

serial port (rather than the mouse port),

however, you must disable the touchpad
in Setup. See “Changing the Settings” in
Chapter 6 for instructions

Make sure you connected the device to

the external keyboard/mouse port (or
serial port) before you turned on the
computer, as described in “Using an

External Keyboard, Mouse, or Other

Pointing Device” in Appendix B.

If the device is connected to the
computer’s serial port, make sure the

device and the serial port options in Setup

are set to use the same memory address or
COM port See “Changing the Settings” in
Chapter 6 for more information

If you still have trouble with an external

device, check the manual that came with
it or contact the manufacturer.

Troubleshooting 7-15

Your Printer Isn’t Working

If you have just connected the printer,
check that the printer has power and is
properly connected to the computer.

If you have a serial printer or if you have
problems feeding paper, check the printer
manual for the correct DIP switch settings
and settings for serial operation.

Check the settings in your software to
make sure the correct port is selected

The Memory Count Is Incorrect

Reinsert the memory module following the
instructions under “Installing a Memory
Module” in Chapter 5.

Your Software Isn’t Working Correctly

If the application program does not start,
check that you are following the correct
procedure for starting the program, and
that it is installed correctly.

If it’s available, see the software’s online to
help you diagnose the problem.

Your computer can run at either high
speed or low speed. While almost all
programs work properly at high speed,
some must run at the slower speed. Check

7-16 Troubleshooting

your software manual to see if this is the

case, and change the CPU Speed setting in

Setup if necessary. See “Changing the
Settings” in Chapter 6 for details.

If you have entered a command that you
want to stop, press Ctrl

Alt Del

and follow

the instructions on the screen
An application program can occasionally

lock up the computer. If your computer
does not respond when you press the

Num Lock

key, turn off your computer,
wait 30 seconds, and then turn it back on
and restart your application program.

If none of these solutions solves your
software problem, contact the software
manufacturer for technical support.

Your Optional Infrared Port Isn’t
Communicating

Make sure you have the infrared utility
software running and check the software
utility’s communications indicator to see
if the port is active The IrDA device polls
for data until it finds another IrDA signal

To check that it is communicating hold a
mirror up to the port so that it receives its
own reflected signal The signal will show
in the utility software’s indicator.

Troubleshooting 7-17

Check that there is no obstruction
between the ActionNote IrDA port and
the receiving device’s IrDA port. There
must be a clear line of sight between the
two communicating ports.

Make sure that the communicating IrDA
ports are within three feet of each other,
and are positioned at a 30° angle.

Check that the IrDA port’s COM

assignment is correct. The default setting
is COM2.

7-18 Troubleshooting

A

Specifications

CPU and Memory

CPU

486 DX4 microprocessor
installed in a PGA socket;
includes 8KB of internal cache
in write-back mode and
integrated math coprocessor

System speed

Memory

ROM

Video RAM

Cache

Clock/calendar

Fast speed and slow speed
selectable in Setup

8MB

RAM on the system board
expandable up to 24MB using
a 4, 8, or 16MB memory

expansion module
128KB Flash ROM device

containing the system and

video BIOS

code. The BIOS is shadowed in

DRAM for faster access
512KB DRAM supports

resolutions up to 640 by 480
256 colors on LCD and up to
1024 by 768 in 16 colors or
800 by 600 in 256 colors on
external monitor

8KB

Real-time clock, calendar, and
CMOS RAM; backed up by

internal battery

internal

and

Setup program

in

Specifications A-1

Controllers

Video

Chips and Technology® 65535

video controller; 1MB DRAM;
32-bit VL Local bus; supports

640 by 480 in 256 colors on

LCD 800 by 600 in 256 colors
or 1024 by 768 in 16 colors on
external monitor; automatic
external monitor detection;

simultaneous display with
LCD screen using Fn F10
command or software

Diskette drive Super I/O controller for one

internal 3.5-inch diskette
drive; supports 720KB and

1.44MB formats

Hard disk

Super I/O controller has
interface for one internal hard
disk drive; automatically

recognizes and configures

drives that support the IDE

interface

PCMCIA

Built-in Vadem® VG-468
controller for two stacked slots
supports two Type I or II cards
or one Type III; PCMCIA
version 2.01 and JElDA 4.1
compatible; supports low
power and suspend modes;
supports hot insertion
(including ExCA standards)
register compatible with

Intel® 82365SL

A-2 Specifications

Interfaces

External VGA

Auto-sensing, 15-pin, D-sub,
female connector for analog
monitor, supports
simultaneous display with
LCD using Fn F10 hot key
sequence or software
command

Parallel Centronics

25-pin, D-sub, female
connector, bidirectional 8-bit
parallel; autodetects ECP or
EPP devices when connected
and turned on at system
start-up

®

compatible;

Serial

External

keyboard/mouse

Phone jock

Infrared

RS-232C, programmable,
asynchronous, 9-pin, D-sub
male connector

Auto-sensing, 6-pin, mini-DIN

connector for a PS/2-type
external keyboard, keypad, or
pointing device

Standard RJ-11 connector with

optional internal send/receive
fax/modem installed

Supports optional IrDA­compliant interface; up to

115.2 kbits/second to a
distance of 3.3 feet (1 meter)
within a 30° viewing ang1e;
can use COM1 (3F8h) or COM2

(2F8h)

Specifications A-3