Mitsubishi Electric Apricot VS, Apricot LS Owner's Manual

OWNER’S HANDBOOK

VS + LS

apricot

MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC

Apricot VS and LS Systems

Owner’s Handbook

MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC

Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.

Microsoft
U.S. and other countries.

Soundblaster is a registered trademark of Creative Labs Inc.

Any other trademarks referred to within this document but not listed above
are hereby recognised and acknowledged.

Apricot Computers Ltd. have a policy of continuous research and development
and therefore reserve the right to amend or modify this handbook, or parts
thereof that are subject to specification change, without notice.

Any software described in this manual that has been furnished with the
computer is supplied subject to a license agreement. The software may be used
or copied only in accordance with the terms of this agreement. It may be an
offence punishable by law to copy any disk or part of a disk supplied for any
purpose other than the purchaser’s personal use unless specifically authorised
within the licence agreement.

All rights reserved. No use or disclosure or reproduction in any form of this
manual in part or whole is permitted without prior written consent from the
publishers.

®

and Windows

® 95 are registered trademarks of Microsoft in the

Copyright © Apricot Computers Limited 1995

Published by
Apricot Computers Limited
3500 Parkside
Birmingham Business Park
Birmingham B37 7YS

MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC

Printed in the United Kingdom

Safety and Regulatory Notices

Read the separate Power Connection Guide before using the computer for the
first time.

The computer uses a safety ground and must be earthed. The system unit
AC power cord is its ‘disconnect device’. Ensure that the system unit is
positioned close to the AC power outlet and that the plug is easily
accessible. The power cord packed with the computer complies with the
safety standards applicable in the country in which it is first sold. Use only
this power cord. Do not substitute a power cord from any other equipment.

It is imperative that the system unit is set to the correct voltage range before
use. If not, the machine may be irreparably damaged.

To prevent fire and electric shock, do not expose any part of the computer
to rain or moisture.

When positioning the system unit, monitor and keyboard, take into account
any local or national regulations relating to ergonomic requirements.

Microphone, headphone and speaker cables should be less than 2 metres
long.

SAFETY NOTICE

Replace a discharged configuration (CMOS) battery with one of the same
type. Dispose of the battery in accordance with the manufacturer's
recommended instructions. Do not attempt to recharge, disassemble or
incinerate. Keep away from children.

Any CD-ROM drive fitted in this system is
classified as a CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT
according to IEC825 Radiation Safety of Laser

Products (Equipment Classification: Requirements
and User's Guide).. The CLASS 1 LASER

PRODUCT label is located on the under side
of the system unit.

Use the CD-ROM drive only as described in
this manual. Failure to do so may result in
exposure to hazardous radiation.

Refer to the labels on the computer to establish
which of the following applies.

SAFETY/1

SAFETY NOTICE

E.E.C.

This equipment complies with the relevant clauses of following European directives:

89/836/EEC and 73/23/EEC, and is able to bear the CE mark.

U.S.A

FCC Class A

Warning - this equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A computing
device, pursuant to Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC rules. Only peripherals (computer input/output devices,
terminals, printer, etc.) certified to comply with the Class A limits may be attached to this computer.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area may cause unacceptable interference to radio and television
reception requiring the operator to take whatever steps are necessary to correct the interference.

FCC Class B

Warning - this equipment has been certified to comply with the limits for a Class B computing device,
pursuant to Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC rules. Only peripherals (computer input/output devices, terminals,
printer, etc.) certified to comply with the Class B limits may be attached to this computer. Operation with
non-certified peripherals is likely to result in interference with radio and TV reception.

Radio and television interference

The computer described in this manual generates and uses radio frequency energy for its operation. If it is not
installed and used properly, in strict accordance with the manual, it may cause interference with radio and
television reception.

The computer has been tested and found to comply with the RF emission limits for an FCC Class B
computing device which is intended to provide reasonable protection against such interference in a
residential installation. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation.

If this equipment does cause interference with radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of
the following measures:

• Move the computer away from the receiver being interfered with.

• Turn the computer with respect to the receiver.

• Turn the receiver with respect to the computer.

• Plug the computer into an outlet that is on a different branch circuit from the receiver.

• Disconnect and remove any I/O cables that are not being used.

• Unplug and remove any expansion cards that are not being used. Replace the relevant blanking

plates.

• Make sure that the computer is plugged into a grounded outlet

If you need additional help, consult your supplier. You may find the following booklet helpful, How to
Identify and Resolve Radio-TV Interference Problems. This booklet is available from the US Government
Printing Office: Washington DC 20402 - Stock No. 004-000-000345-4.

SAFETY/2

PREFACE

There are many variants within the Apricot VS and LS range. The
basic difference being a Soundblaster 16 bit audio system, integrated
into the computer’s motherboard.

Some systems also may be supplied for the networking environment
and therefore may not have a hard disk fitted. These systems would
probably have a network card installed in an available slot.

®

Similarly, some systems may be supplied with Windows
of DOS and Windows
guide will be supplied for the software.

This handbook is intended to give advice and guidance on the use of
your computer and include details on some of the optional drives
and upgrades that you may have chosen to be fitted into it.

Many of these will have been fitted prior to supply, during
manufacture at the factory. Others may be installed by your supplier
or Apricot dealer.

®

as their operating system. The appropriate

95 instead

PREFACE

CONTENTS

1 THE BEGINNING

Connections 1/1
Turning on and booting 1/2
Energy saving features 1/3
Turning the power off 1/3
Cleaning and transporting 1/4

2 THE SYSTEM DRIVES

Using the floppy drive 2/1
Using a CD-ROM drive 2/2
The Hard disk drive 2/4
Software backup 2/6
Copying pre-installed software 2/7
Using an FTD (tape drive) 2/7

3 SYSTEM EXPANSION

Configuring a card 3/2
Installing a card 3/6

4 SYSTEM UPGRADES

Adding system memory 4/1
Adding cache memory 4/5
Adding video memory 4/7
Upgrading the processor 4/9

5 MULTIMEDIA FEATURES

The device drivers 5/1
The CD-ROM drive 5/2
The sound connections 5/3

CONTENTS/1

6 TROUBLESHOOTING

Problems when starting 6/1
Troubleshooting checklist 6/3
System disk drives 6/4
Software security 6/5

A THE SYSTEM UNIT

Anti-static precautions A/1
Opening the system unit A/2
The components inside A/3
Drive specification A/4
Physical characteristics A/5
Fitting a new drive A/6

B SYSTEM MOTHERBOARD

General specification B/1
Board layout B/3
System ports B/4
Jumper configurations B/6
Replacing CMOS battery B/8

CONTENTS

C SYSTEM BIOS AND SET-UP

Entering set-up C/1
Control keys C/1
Set-up starts on its own C/2
Opening screen C/3
Sub-menu pages C/4
Error messages C/11

CONTENTS/2

1 THE BEGINNING. . .

1

10101

2

2

11

1

6

7

8

9

10

4

5

3

You should read this chapter even if you do not read any other. It
provides important basic information to help you in using your
computer. It is the minimum you need to know in order to start
work straight away.

Note particularly the information given in the section
‘Energy Saving Features’.

Connections

Individual details of the rear port connections are shown in the
appendix B ‘System Motherboard’, but an overall view is given here.

THE BEGINNING

1 Mains in socket 2 Power out to monitor 3 Optional case lock
4 System security loop 5 Rear audio panel *a 6 Keyboard port
7 PS/2 mouse port 8 Serial port (COM1) 9 Serial port (COM2)
10 Parallel/printer port 11 Monitor connection

The optional Security case-lock (3), can help prevent unauthorised removal

of the cover, while the security loop, (4) above, can be used for an alarmed

loop cable or a padlocking mechanism. This will help deter theft of the

system, or removal of its cover if the case-lock, (3), is not fitted.

*a If fitted. See chapter ‘Multimedia’ for details on connections.

1/1

THE BEGINNING

Turning on and booting the computer

Turning the power on

To turn on the computer, press the lower P
POWER
powered. Remember that the monitor has its own power control (see
the monitor’s User’s Guide for details) and that it may take a few
moments to warm up. Do not touch the purple button yet.

If nothing happens when the P
the system unit and monitor power cords are securely connected and
that the AC power supply is switched on. See also the chapter on
‘Troubleshooting’.

Power-on self-test

Whenever the computer is turned on, the ‘power-on self test’ (POST)
routine checks the actual set-up of the computer against that
recorded in its internal configuration memory. During this time,
various messages are displayed. Further information on the
computer’s Basic In/Out System (BIOS) and its setting up can be
found in Appendix C, ‘System BIOS and set-up’.

The boot sequence

Provided that POST succeeds without any serious errors, the
computer attempts to find its operating system to start it going, that
is, it attempts to boot. By default, the computer will first look for a
system diskette, then for a bootable hard disk partition or area.

OWER

button. The green

ON light should come on to show that the system unit is

OWER

button is pressed, check that

1/2

System diskette

A system diskette is a diskette bearing at least the rudiments of an
operating system. If the computer finds such a diskette in the
diskette drive, it boots from it. If it finds a non-system diskette, the
computer will ask you to replace it.

Bootable Hard disk

Most computers with a hard disk containing pre-installed software
arrive set up with a single ‘partition’. The operating system already
in place or pre-installed on this, the C: drive, and it is usually made
‘active’, i.e. the bootable hard disk.

Energy Saving features

If the system is left unattended for more than a predetermined length
of time, energy saving features will come into play. The screen will
blank, components will slow down, software will still run, but very
slowly. This is meant to happen. A flashing light on the front will
warn you that ‘Low power’ mode is operative.

Warning

The energy saving features built into this computer are designed to be used with
the monitor supplied with the system. If you wish to use another, or older
monitor it may not be compatible and permanent damage may be caused.
Check with your Apricot dealer.

To restart the system, just move the mouse or press a keyboard key.
Everything will return to the exact state in which it was left.

You may also press the purple button, just above the power switch.
This button can also be pressed while you are using the system, to
override the BIOS timer and force the system into the ‘low power’
mode.

THE BEGINNING

The power management section of the system BIOS gives access to
the control settings of the ‘low power’ mode, see appendix C, ‘System
BIOS and set-up’. You may also disable the features if required.

Turning the power off

Before turning off the computer, run through the following simple
checklist:

• Quit or exit from all the applications you are running, making

sure to save any files you have altered or created. Unless you save
it, information held in the computer’s memory will be lost
when you turn off the computer.

• Always close down Windows. This procedure will close down all

your applications in an orderly manner and will prompt you to
save any unsaved work in the process.

1/3

THE BEGINNING

• You should always turn off any attached peripherals first.

However, there is no need to turn off the monitor (if it is
powered from the system unit).

• To turn off the computer, simply press the P

The power indicator on the system goes out. If the monitor is
powered from the system unit, it will be turned off at the same
time.

• After you turn the computer off, wait at least 5 seconds before

turning it on again. The computer may not initialise itself
properly if you turn it off and on again in quick succession.

Cleaning and Transporting

Your Apricot computer requires little physical maintenance other
than occasional cleaning, but you must take care when transporting
it to avoid damage to some of its more delicate components,
particularly the hard disk.

Warning

Turn off the system unit and unplug all power cords before cleaning or moving
the computer.

Cleaning the computer

Do not use solvents or abrasives, they might damage the system
unit surfaces.

OWER

button again.

1/4

Do not use aerosols or sprays near any part of the system, in
particular, air vents or grills, ports, or removable-media drives, as

microscopic droplets can remain in the air for some time and then
penetrate and cause irreparable damage.

The system unit

• Occasionally wipe the system unit with a soft, slightly damp,

lint-free cloth.

THE BEGINNING

• Occasionally wipe the air vents on the rear and sides of the

system unit. Dust and fluff can block the vents and limit the
airflow. A small, clean, soft brush may be useful.

• Occasionally clean the removable media drives using a special

disk cleaning kit. These are available from many sources
including your Apricot dealer.

The monitor

Occasionally wipe the monitor with a soft, slightly damp, lint-free
cloth. It is best to use anti-static glass cleaner on the monitor screen.
Do not spray glass cleaner directly onto the screen, it could run
down inside the case and damage the circuitry.

The keyboard

When necessary, clean the keycaps with a slightly damp cloth and a
minimum amount of a non-abrasive cleaning agent.

Regularly check the keyboard cable for wear and tear, particularly
near table or shelf edges.

Take care not to spill any liquid or drop small objects, e.g. paper
clips or staples, onto the keyboard. Follow these steps if this should
happen to the keyboard and it stops working:

1. Switch off and unplug the keyboard.

2. If the liquid is sticky or viscous, unplug the keyboard and call

your supplier or an authorised maintainer.

3. If the liquid is thin and clear, try unplugging the keyboard,

turning it upside down to let the liquid drain out, and drying it
for at least 24 hours at room temperature. If the keyboard does
not work, call your supplier or an authorised maintainer.

4. If a solid object drops between the keys, turn the keyboard

upside down and shake it gently. Do not probe between the
keys as this may cause serious damage.

1/5

THE BEGINNING

The mouse

The mouse tends to be used heavily and so is susceptible to damage,
but a little care should minimise this.

Dust and fluff often accumulates in the ball tracking mechanism of
the mouse and should be checked for regularly. To clean the mouse
follow this procedure:

1. Unplug the mouse, turn it upside down and locate the plastic

2. Remove the cover and set it aside.

3. Cupping one hand over the underside, turn the mouse back the

4. Blow gently into the mouse to remove any dust that has

5. Inside the mouse there are three small rollers. Using a cotton

cover that holds the ball in place. Depending on the model, the
plastic cover can be removed either by rotating it counter­clockwise or by sliding it forward slightly.

right way up. The ball should drop into your hand.

collected there.

swab moistened with a solvent cleaner, gently wipe off any oil or
dust that has collected on the rollers, rotating them to reach all
of their surfaces.

6. Use clear water, or water with a mild detergent, to clean the ball.

Then dry it with a clean, lint-free cloth.

7. Put the ball back in its socket and replace the plastic cover. It

should click into place.

The mouse cable should also be regularly checked for wear and tear,
especially near table or shelf edges.

Transporting the computer

Use common sense when handling the computer. Hard disks in
particular can be damaged if the computer is dropped or handled
roughly. As a precaution, back up your data from the hard disks to
tape or floppy disks before moving the computer. (See the Hard disk
section of the chapter ‘System drives’).

1/6

THE BEGINNING

Do not try to move the computer while it is plugged into the AC
power supply or with any other cables, network, printer etc., still
attached.

When lifting and carrying the computer, grip the metal underside of
the system unit. Do not lift the unit by the front bezel. Never
attempt to use a drive door as a carrying handle. Never attempt to
lift the system with a monitor on top.

Do not leave floppy disks or CDs in the drives while moving the
system as irreparable damage could occur to either drives or disks.

If you need to transport the computer any great distance, use the
original packing materials.

Warning

If you intend to use the computer in another country, read the information in
the Power Connection Guide before connecting the computer to a different
power supply or electrical system.

1/7

2 THE SYSTEM DRIVES

This chapter contains information about the drives that are currently
fitted in your computer, plus some of the optional drives that you
may choose to add. If a new 5.25 inch size drive is to be fitted on
site, see appendix A, ‘The system unit’, for further details.

Using the floppy disk drive

The floppy disk drive is usually configured in the system BIOS as
drive A:, with a capacity of 1.44 Mbytes.

Floppy disks should be kept away from bright sunlight, dust,
moisture and any strong magnetic fields, e.g. do not place them on
the monitor, printer, or near a telephone. It is common to store them
in a lockable “disk-box”, away from the computer itself. Avoid
opening the metal window on the disk as this exposes the magnetic
surface to contamination which could damage the data or cause the
disk to become useless.

THE SYSTEM DRIVES

Inserting a floppy disk

1. First test the eject button to ensure there are no disks in the

drive.

1. Insert the disk with the metal window first, with the label side

uppermost into the drive. This will push open the drive door,
which will stay open, leaving the disk just visible.

2/1

THE SYSTEM DRIVES

EMERGENCY

EJECT HOLE

BUSY

INDICATOR

EJECT

BUTTON

COMPACT

DISC DRAWER

HEADPHONE JACK

AND HEADPHONE LEVEL

2. Push the disk gently home until it “clicks” into place. The drive

button will also move outwards slightly.

3. The system should now be able to access the disk and the

information it may contain. While the system is accessing the
disk, the “drive in use” LED should be lit.

Pressing the button, when the drive is not in use, will eject the
floppy disk. Use only the ‘High Density’ type of floppy disk which
has a formatted capacity of 1.44 Mbytes and is readily identified by
the HD logo.

Using a CD-ROM drive

One of the popular options is the fitting of a CD-ROM drive to a
system. A great deal current software is supplied on this format,
mainly due to the large capacity of the CD-ROM disk.

A CD-ROM drive is available either as an upgrade kit from your
supplier, or may have been pre-installed for you at our factory.

Unless either a second hard drive has been installed, or the existing
hard drive has been given more than one partition, a CD-ROM
drive will usually become drive D:.

2/2

The drive has its own headphone jack, with associated volume level
control, for use in playing audio CD’s, It is also possible if you wish,

to link the headphone socket via a cable, to your Hi-fi system, and

COMPACT

play CDs at higher power.

With the appropriate software, a CD-ROM drive can retrieve
multimedia data from CD-ROM discs, pictures from Multisession
Photo-CD discs and also play commercial audio CDs.

Warning

The laser beam inside the CD-ROM drive is harmful to the eyes if looked at
directly. Do not attempt to remove the drive cover or otherwise disassemble the
CD-ROM drive. If a fault occurs, call an authorised maintainer.

Keep CDs well away from dust, moisture and temperature extremes
and avoid touching the surface of the CD. Store them in solid
containers wherever possible. Replacement plastic CD containers are
available from most large record stores.

Inserting a compact disc

1. Press the

EJECT

button on the front of drive.

THE SYSTEM DRIVES

2. Place the CD centrally face up on the platter.

1. If the platter ejected fully, push the

EJECT

button again, or gently
push the front of the platter, and it will be drawn back into the
drive.

2/3

THE SYSTEM DRIVES

COMPACT

Note

Wait a few seconds for the CD to spin up to full speed before attempting either
to play the audio tracks or to read data from it.

To remove a compact disc, press the eject button and then lift out
the CD. It is best to close the drawer, to prevent dust getting in,
unless you intend to put in a new CD.

Do not attempt to move the computer while a CD is in the drive, as
serious damage may be caused to both the CD and the drive,
especially if the drive is active at the time.

To remove a CD manually (for example, during a power failure) you
must first ensure that the computer is turned off. Insert a thin metal
rod (such as an unwound paper clip) into the emergency eject hole.
Push carefully and firmly (see below).

The hard disk drive

All modern computers are fitted with a ‘hard’ disk drive (HDD).
These can have very large capacities. They have delicate, sealed and
air-tight, mechanisms. They operate within microscopic tolerances
and spin at high speed.

2/4

Caution

Try not to jar or move the computer while the system is powered up as this
could cause irreparable damage to the delicate drive surface.

The primary hard drive

Your Apricot computer is supplied with one internal or ‘primary’
hard disk drive (HDD) designated as the C: drive. The operating
system will normally be installed on this drive.

Data is stored on the HDD in Directories and Subdirectories, often
referred as ‘folders’. More details on directories and folders will be
found in the Windows guide, as will information on Windows
utilities.

The HDD will have only one partition and this will have been made
‘active’ i.e. the bootable disk. Partitions are like dividing panels or
false walls in a large office, they cut the area into smaller sections,
each one then becomes almost independent.

A secondary hard drive

Caution

Apricot Computers Limited test many types of hard disks from a wide variety
of manufacturers and all of our upgrade parts are fully guaranteed. The
quality or compatibility of components supplied from any other source cannot
be guaranteed.

THE SYSTEM DRIVES

Computers can have two HDDs, the primary drive being designated
as the Master and the new drive becoming the Slave. The Apricot
system BIOS is capable of handling this.

Any slave drive will be supplied completely blank, with only a few
instructions. Fitting and setting up a second hard drive is not
difficult, but there can be many issues to be resolved, only one of
which is drive type. There are these issues to consider:

• Handling and fixing the delicate module

• Master to slave compatibility

2/5

THE SYSTEM DRIVES

• Jumpers and links on the drives

• Partitioning and formatting

• Existing ribbon cable re-connection and/or extension

If you do not feel confident about installing a second hard drive you
may wish to have your supplier or an authorised engineer complete
this task for you.

Software backup

Within Windows you will find Help on numerous topics including
backing up, or making a security copy, of your software. It is vital to
maintain a discipline of regular backup of your data. Power cuts or
hard disk failure are just two reasons.

Your operating system or applications e.g. word processing software,
can be simply reinstalled from your master floppy disks or CD’s.

The letters or files you have created would be lost permanently. Your
files may not be very large, but they will be impossible to replace
once lost.

2/6

Copy your data files to floppy disks, or use proprietary utilities
designed to do software backups, such as the one in Windows. Do
this regularly and then keep the back-up in a safe place. It is good
practice to perform a back-up regularly using two or more sets of
disks, rotated for safety.

There are several companies that manufacture backup units,
accompanied by dedicated software, some of which can backup your
complete hard disk two or three times over on to one small tape
cassette, in a comparatively short time.

These are mostly used in networked office environments, but there
are more simple, economic versions designed for personal or home
use, such as the FTD drive, described in a following section.

Copying the pre-installed software

A disk imaging utility is included with all pre-installations of
DOS/Windows. It can be found within the Apricot group. This
allows you to create installation diskettes for DOS, Windows, and
the other software, from disk images pre-installed on the hard disk.
See the utility’s on-line help for more information. If your system is
supplied with Windows 95, a similar utility will be included.

To back up other software, you can use MSbackup for DOS or the
program within Windows. More information is given in the
DOS/Windows guide.

Note

Any copy you make of pre-installed software must be used only as a back-up
copy, in case the pre-installed version is lost or needs re-installing or
reconfiguring. In particular, you are not allowed to use installation diskettes
created from disk images to install the software onto another computer. This is
an infringement of the copyright and is illegal.

THE SYSTEM DRIVES

Using an FTD (tape drive)

The FTD (floppy tape drive) is so called because it uses the internal
floppy disk interface and so does not require any additional drive
controller card like some other tape drives. It would be fitted in one
of the system’s 5.25 inch drive bays.

As with the CD-ROM drive, they are available as an upgrade kit, or
could be pre-installed at our factory.

The software required to control the tape drive is normally supplied
with the drive, but will also be dependant upon your operating
system. Check first with your supplier for details.

The tape cartridge and drive have delicate mechanisms. In particular
the drive can be damaged by incorrect insertion or removal of
cartridges, so always observe the following procedures.

2/7

THE SYSTEM DRIVES

METAL PLATE

ACTIVITY INDICATOR

WRITE-PROTECT

TAB

Inserting a cartridge

1. Remove the cartridge from its plastic holder.

2. Hold the cartridge so that the metal plate faces downwards, as
shown below. Slide the cartridge into the drive slot until you
feel a slight resistance.

3. Carefully push the cartridge in a bit further until it engages

Removing a cartridge

1. Check that the cartridge is not being accessed by the computer

2. Pull the cartridge carefully out of the drive slot, holding it

3. Return the cartridge to its plastic holder. This protects the

Keep tape cartridges well away from magnetic objects, and
equipment that generates magnetic fields. Avoid extremes of
temperature and exposure to direct sunlight; otherwise, the data
recorded on the tape may become corrupted.

2/8

with the drive mechanism.

(the drive’s activity indicator must be unlit).

between thumb and forefinger.

cartridge and prevents dust from collecting on the surface of the
tape.

Cleaning the drive

THE SYSTEM DRIVES

You should clean the read/write head and the capstan of the FTD
frequently to prevent the accumulation of dust and metallic particles
which can accumulate from the coating on the tape.

If you notice read or write errors, or many bad blocks when using
the drive, be sure to clean the head and capstan thoroughly before
concluding that the drive or your tapes are defective.

The read/write head and the capstan are accessible through the flip­up drive door, as shown below.

Although it is possible to use special kits to clean the drive, you can
use 90% isopropyl alcohol and several non-abrasive, lint free swabs,
as follows:

1. Turn off the system unit and unplug all power cords.

2. Gently rub an alcohol-dampened swab against the surface of the

read/write head. If the swab becomes too discoloured, use
additional swabs until there is no further discoloration.

2/9

THE SYSTEM DRIVES

3. Rub an alcohol-dampened swab against the surface of the

capstan using an up and down motion. Gently rotate the capstan
and continue rubbing until the entire surface is clean.

4. Wait for at least one minute before using the tape drive. This

allows any residual alcohol to evaporate.

Take care at all times and avoid excessive force.

If you clean the read/write head first, and the swab is not too
discoloured, you may use the same swab to clean the capstan. But if
you clean the capstan first, you must not use the same swab to clean
the read/write head.

Remember to keep your tape cartridges in a safe place.

2/10

3 SYSTEM EXPANSION

Your computer can accept various expansion cards or boards. Most
are simple to install. You can extend the capabilities of the computer,
for example:

• A graphics/movie card can provide more specialised video

functions than those offered by the on-board EVGA system.

• A modem card can provide a connection to the Internet or a

bulletin board via a telephone line.

• A network card can provide a connection to an office or business

network fileserver and possibly mainframe.

• A television card can enable you to watch TV on your monitor

and capture individual frames.

This computer system has room for five expansion boards:

one, full length Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) card.
two, half length ISA cards.
one, half length Peripheral Component Interface (PCI) card.
one, either full length ISA or full length PCI card.

SYSTEM EXPANSION

These can be arranged into the internal Riser card generally as
shown in this rear view (the blanking plates have been removed to
show the layout).

2

FULL PCI

FULL ISA

FULL ISA

1/2 ISA

1/2 ISA

1/2 PCI

AUDIO REAR CONNECTIONS

(IF FITTED)

10101

1

3/1

SYSTEM EXPANSION

Configuring the card

Part of the installation procedure for many expansion cards involves
setting up or configuring the card so it works correctly in the
system. To configure, you assign values to various settings on the
card, which enable the card to communicate with the computer. The
chosen settings MUST be registered in the BIOS. See appendix C,
‘System BIOS and set-up’ and the section ‘ISA Legacy resources’.

Many cards require that you specify at least two of the following:

• Interrupt request level (IRQ)

• Direct memory access (DMA) channel

• Base input/output (I/O) port address

• Base memory address

The important thing to understand is that the settings used by the
card must be different to existing hardware in the computer. That is,
the settings must not conflict with other cards or a component on
the motherboard.

3/2

Some settings are done by jumpers and/or switches on the card and
are best completed before installation, others are configured by
running installation software after the card has been fitted inside the
computer. Some cards use a mixture of both methods.

The documentation accompanying the card should tell you what is
required. Remember to check any diskettes supplied with the card
for README or other help files, before you start. If you are in any
doubt consult the supplier or manufacturer.

Cards often come with pre-configured or default settings. It is best
to rely on these settings as much as possible, and change them only
if they conflict with other devices.

ISA Interrupt request level (IRQ)

The interrupt request level or IRQ (the two terms are used
interchangeably) is the line over which the expansion card sends a
signal to get the attention of, or interrupt, the processor. Many of
these are reserved for components on the computer’s motherboard.
Some interrupts are fixed, others can be re-assigned. The following
table lists the interrupts used by the computer and shows which may
be available for use by expansion cards.

IRQ Default assignment Available?

IRQ0 System timer No

IRQ1 Keyboard controller No

IRQ2 System No

IRQ3 Serial port 2 Optionally

IRQ4 Serial port 1 Optionally

IRQ5 Audio (if fitted) Yes

IRQ6 Diskette controller No

SYSTEM EXPANSION

IRQ7 Parallel port Optionally

IRQ8 Real time clock No

IRQ9 Yes

IRQ10 Yes

IRQ11 Yes

IRQ12 Mouse No

IRQ13 Coprocessor No

IRQ14 Primary ATA/IDE interface No

IRQ15 Secondary ATA/IDE interface No

With the BIOS Set-up utility IRQs 3 and 4 are available if you
disable serial ports 2 and 1 respectively. Similarly, if you have no
intention of using the parallel port, you can disable it with the BIOS
Set-up utility, freeing IRQ7. Do not disable ports unless you have
no intention of using them.

3/3

SYSTEM EXPANSION

Direct memory access (DMA) channel

Some hardware devices can use a DMA channel to access system
memory without directly burdening the processor. Computers have
DMA channels numbered DMA0 to DMA7.

The following table lists the DMA channels used by the computer
and shows which are available for use by expansion cards.

DMA Default assignment Available?

DMA0 Yes

DMA1 8-bit Audio Optionally

DMA2 Diskette/floppy disk controller No

DMA3 ECP printer port(default) Optionally

DMA4 System No

DMA5 16-bit Audio Optionally

DMA6 Yes

DMA7 Yes

Base input/output (I/O) port address

I/O ports are an area of ‘address space’ used by the processor to
communicate with hardware devices.

Some expansion cards are also controlled by I/O ports. The base
I/O port address specifies where the card’s ports begin. The
following table lists the I/O ports used by devices on the
motherboard.

Any ports not listed are available for expansion cards.

3/4

SYSTEM EXPANSION

I/O ports Default assignment

All addresses below 100h are used by the system board for various
fixed system components and chipset controller settings.

They are unavailable for use.

1F0h-1F7h Hard disk drive controller
200h-207h Game I/O
278h-27Fh Parallel port 2
2B0h-2DFh Alternate VGA
2F8h-2FFh Serial port 2
378h-37Fh Parallel port 1
3B0h-3BFh Monochrome display and printer adapter
3B4h, 3B5h, 3BAh Video subsystem
3C0h-3C5h VGA
3C6h-3C9h Video DAC
3CAh-3DFh VGA
3F0h-3F7h Diskette drive controller
3F8h-3FFh Serial port 1

Base memory address

Some expansion cards are fitted with memory of their own, usually
read-only memory (ROM) containing functional extensions to the
computer’s BIOS (basic input/output system) ROM. Some cards also
have random-access memory (RAM).

In order that this memory can be recognised by the system
processor, it must be mapped somewhere within the computer’s own
address space. By setting the base memory address you specify
where the card’s memory begins within the address space. Typically,
an expansion card’s memory must be mapped onto the addresses
between C8000h and EFFFFh in upper memory. With most modern
expansion cards this is fully automatic.

3/5

SYSTEM EXPANSION

Note

Memory addresses are always written in base 16 or hexadecimal notation.
Unlike the ten digits of the decimal system (0-9), hexadecimal uses sixteen
digits (0-9 and A-F, where A=10, B=11, C=12 and so on up to F=15).
Hexadecimal numbers are denoted either by the suffix “h” or by the prefix
“0x”. The final digit of a five-digit memory address is often omitted, so
C8000h may be written as C800h. Since amounts of memory are usually
stated as kilobytes rather than in hexadecimal notation, the following
conversion table may be helpful:

The card’s documentation should list its possible base memory
addresses. You will also need to know how much memory the card
has, so that you can leave the right gap between this card’s base
address and the next.

4 Kbytes = 1000h 32 Kbytes = 8000h
8 Kbytes = 2000h 64 Kbytes = 10000h
16 Kbytes = 4000h 128 Kbytes = 20000h

Installing the card

The only tool required is a small cross-head screwdriver

1. Turn off the computer and unplug all power cords.

2. Take suitable anti-static precautions and remove the system unit

Note

If you are unfamiliar with the recommended anti-static precautions and/or the
process of removing the system unit cover, refer to Appendix A, “Inside the
System Unit”.

3. At the rear of the system unit are metal blanking plates, one for

3/6

cover.

each expansion card slot. Opposite the blanking plates, at the
front of the system unit, there are card guides. These ensure that
the front edge of a full-length card is supported securely.

SYSTEM EXPANSION

1. First decide in which of the available slots you wish to install the

card. In general it is easiest to start with the lowest slot and work
upwards.

2. Check on two things, the type of board (ISA or PCI) and then its

length. Not all slots take the same length or type of card.

3. Remove the blanking plate of the chosen slot by removing its

securing screw. On the power supply side, remove the security
plate, then slide the blanking plate out of its slot. Keep all the
screws, etc., they will be needed later to secure the card.

4. If the card you are installing is configured by the means of

jumpers or switches, check that it is correctly configured before
proceeding.

Note

If the card uses the video or audio feature connector on the motherboard, you
may need to connect this before you install the card (otherwise, the card may
get in the way of the connector). See appendix B, ‘System Motherboard’ for
location of these connections.

8. Position the expansion card alongside the slot in which you wish

to install it. Align the rear of the card with the slot in the rear of
the system unit, and, if the card is full length, align the front of
the card with the card guide.

3/7

SYSTEM EXPANSION

9. Slide the card into the slot ensuring that the card edge connector

engages correctly with the socket on the riser board. Do not

use excessive force.

10. Secure the card by replacing all the screws/clamps that you

removed in Step 5.

11. Connect any necessary signal cables to the card.

12. Check to ensure no other cables or connectors have become

dislodged and replace the system unit cover.

Before you switch on, read the manuals supplied with the card. If
you are certain all is correct, switch on. Your first task if you have
just fitted an ISA card will be to enter the BIOS to register the
settings in the ‘ISA Legacy resources’ section. See Appendix C ‘System
BIOS and set-up’. Then follow any other installation requirements,
such as the card’s own configuration software. PCI cards of course
will not need this step.

If you are installing a new video controller card and subsequently
encounter problems, try disabling the built in EVGA video controller
by removing the jumper on the motherboard. Refer to the
motherboard layout diagram in Appendix B, ‘System Motherboard’, to
locate PL22 with the EVGA controller jumper.

3/8

Installing expansion cards can be one of the most difficult operations
you may ever perform within your computer. If you are in any
doubt, or come into difficulties you are unable to resolve, contact the
supplier of the expansion board or ask your Apricot dealer for advice
or assistance.

4 SYSTEM UPGRADES

Read this chapter before purchasing any memory or
processor upgrade and if you are in any doubt, consult your

supplier. Then, if having read the relevant instructions, you still do
not feel confident about installing the upgrade, you may wish to
have your supplier or service organisation install it for you.

Caution

Apricot Computers Ltd has extensively tested many combinations of memory
and all of our upgrade parts are guaranteed. The quality or compatibility of
components obtained from any other source cannot be guaranteed.

Appendix A, “The System Unit”, provides an overview of anti-static
precautions, instructions on removing the top cover and the
appendix B ‘System Motherboard’, an outline guide showing all of the
appropriate memory locations.

The only tool required to complete the installation of the upgrades is
a small cross-head screwdriver.

SYSTEM UPGRADES

Warning

Never carry out any work inside the computer with AC power applied. Turn
off the computer and unplug all power cords before starting work.

Adding more system memory

The computer’s motherboard is fitted with sockets for up to four
SIMMs (single in-line memory modules). You may need to add more
memory if you want to run complex operating systems or large
application programs.

The SIMM sockets are located at the front of the motherboard. Each
pair of sockets, or bank, can be fitted with SIMMs. SIMMs with
capacities of 2, 4, 8, 16 or 32 Mbytes are supported, giving a
maximum capacity of 128 Mbytes.

4/1

SYSTEM UPGRADES

SIMMs must be fitted in pairs and the pair must be identical. Either
bank can be used first.

The SIMM specification is: 32-Bit, having an access time of 70ns,
for a 5V power supply. Parity checking (36-Bit) SIMMs are not
necessary.

The Extended Data Output (EDO) type SIMMs are fully supported
and will give enhanced performance, more noticeably if L2 cache is
low or not fitted.

This table shows all the supported memory configurations.

Total memory MM1 + MM2 MM3 + MM4

8 Mb 4 Mb 4 Mb - -
12 Mb 4 Mb 4 Mb 2 Mb 2 Mb
16 Mb 4 Mb 4 Mb 4 Mb 4 Mb
16 Mb 8 Mb 8 Mb - -
20 Mb 8 Mb 8 Mb 2 Mb 2 Mb
24 Mb 8 Mb 8 Mb 4 Mb 4 Mb
32 Mb 8 Mb 8 Mb 8 Mb 8 Mb
32 Mb 16 Mb 16 Mb - -
36 Mb 16 Mb 16 Mb 2 Mb 2 Mb
40 Mb 16 Mb 16 Mb 4 Mb 4 Mb
48 Mb 16 Mb 16 Mb 8 Mb 8 Mb
64 Mb 16 Mb 16 Mb 16 Mb 16 Mb
64 Mb 32 Mb 32 Mb - -
68 Mb 32 Mb 32 Mb 2 Mb 2 Mb
72 Mb 32 Mb 32 Mb 4 Mb 4 Mb
80 Mb 32 Mb 32 Mb 8 Mb 8 Mb
96 Mb 32 Mb 32 Mb 16 Mb 16 Mb
128 Mb 32 Mb 32 Mb 32 Mb 32 Mb

Installing and removing SIMMs

1. Turn off the computer and unplug all power cords.

2. Take suitable anti-static precautions and remove the system unit

cover.

4/2

To install a SIMM

SYSTEM UPGRADES

Caution

If you are unfamiliar with the recommended anti-static precautions and/or the
process of removing the system unit cover, refer to Appendix A, “The System
Unit”.

3. Remove carefully the floppy disk drive module which restricts

access to the SIMM sockets (first identifying the way all cables
are fitted) by disconnecting the cables, loosening the screws and
lifting out.

4. Compare the current configuration of SIMMs with the

configuration for the memory upgrade you intend to install. If
necessary, remove the existing SIMMs, before going on to install
the new SIMMs.

1. Take the SIMM out of its anti-static packaging. Hold it by its

edges and avoid touching the metal contacts.

Note that the SIMM is not symmetrical. There are small notches in
one end and also slightly off-centre along the connection edge, as
shown in the picture above, it will only fit into the socket one way.

2. Place the SIMM in the socket at a 15

o

angle to the vertical.

3. Pushing gently on its top corners, stand the SIMM upright in the

socket until the pegs of the socket engage the holes on the
SIMM and the metal clips hold both ends of the SIMM firmly in
position.

Do not use excessive force.

4/3

SYSTEM UPGRADES

4. If the SIMM will not fit easily, remove it and start again.

5. Repeat these steps for each SIMM you want to install.

Note

It is not important which pair of SIMM sockets are used first, but it is usual to
start with the outer bank (sockets MM1 and MM2).

To remove a SIMM

1. Gently disengage the metal holding clips on each side of the

2. Lift the SIMM out of its socket. Hold the SIMM by its edges and

3. Place the SIMM in suitable anti-static packaging.

When you have finished, replace and reconnect the drive module
you removed earlier, then refit and secure the system unit cover.

socket using your thumbs, while placing your forefingers on the
top edge of the SIMM. Then tilt the SIMM forward to about 15
to the vertical.

avoid touching the metal contacts.

o

Reconfiguring the system

The first time you turn on the computer after adding or removing
SIMMs the memory change will be automatically detected by the
system BIOS, but you will have to confirm to the BIOS that the
change it has detected is correct. See appendix C ‘System BIOS and set-

up’

If an error message occurs check that you have:

1. Installed a configuration supported in the list above.

2. Correctly fitted the SIMMs in their slots.

3. The SIMMs are of the correct type.

It may be necessary to refit the original memory SIMMs to check if
there is a problem with your new SIMMs. If in any doubt contact
your supplier.

4/4

Adding more cache memory

An external or secondary level (L2) cache is a small amount of
specialised memory with significantly faster access times than the
computer’s system RAM. A controller ensures that it always contains
a copy of the most recently accessed areas of RAM, so that the
processor is able to read it quickly, without waiting for the slower
main memory.

In this system, only the first 64 Mb of RAM is cached.

First-level (L1) cache is contained within the processor itself, and is
not changeable. It could be either 8 Kb or 16 Kb.

You can improve the performance of some software applications by
adding or upgrading the L2 cache memory.

To decide if an upgrade is possible:

• Check the BIOS summary page, to find out how much cache

memory the computer already has. See Appendix C, ‘System BIOS
and set-up’.

SYSTEM UPGRADES

• Check with your supplier to find out what upgrade kits are

Caution

Some older software is very speed sensitive and in some cases, to use it, you may
have to disable the cache memory.

To fit cache memory

1. Turn off the computer and unplug all power cords.

2. Take suitable anti-static precautions and remove the system unit

Caution

If you are unfamiliar with the recommended anti-static precautions and/or the
process of removing the system unit cover, refer to Appendix A, “The System
Unit”.

available.

cover.

4/5

SYSTEM UPGRADES

3. Identify the cache memory socket see appendix B ‘System

Motherboard’, in conjunction with the picture below.

4. To fit or remove a module in the cache socket, you may have to

remove any expansion cards that are in the way. (Take note of
which way all cables are connected.) Disconnect any cables
connected to the cards, remove the screws that secure the cards
at the rear of the system unit, then remove the cards from the
system unit.

4/6

5. Remove the existing Cache memory SIMM module (if fitted) by

carefully lifting by the edges. It is a tight fit.

6. Fit the new Cache memory SIMM module by aligning the

module with the slot and carefully pressing home. It will only fit
in one way. Remember, it is a fairly tight fit.

7. If necessary, replace any expansion cards you removed earlier

and reconnect all cables etc.

8. Refit and secure the system unit cover, reconnect the system and

switch on.

9. Check the BIOS sign-on message to see the new value of cache

memory is displayed.

Adding more video memory

Video memory is memory reserved for use by the on-board EVGA
controller. More video memory provides more colours and/or
higher resolutions (provided that your monitor can cope).

The on board video section of your computer has 1 Mbyte of video
memory, which is more than adequate for normal use. For specialist
graphics applications you can upgrade it to 2 Mbytes by adding
memory chips to the fitted sockets.

There are no changes to be made to the system BIOS. The only
immediate differences will be apparent when you come to make
changes to your video settings. More features will be available.

1. Turn off the computer and unplug all power cords.

2. Take suitable anti-static precautions and remove the system unit

cover.

Caution

If you are unfamiliar with the recommended anti-static precautions and/or the
process of removing the system unit cover, refer to Appendix A, “The System
Unit”.

SYSTEM UPGRADES

3. If there are any expansion cards in the way, you may have to

remove them. (Take note of which way all of the cables are
connected.) Disconnect any cables connected to the cards,
remove the screws that secure the cards at the rear of the system
unit, then remove the cards from the system unit.

4. Identify the two video memory upgrade sockets, see appendix B,

“System Motherboard”

5. Unpack the upgrade kit and lay the memory chips out on an

anti-static surface. Hold each chip by its edges and be careful not
to touch the metal pins. These memory chips are particularly
static sensitive. Handle with extreme caution.

4/7

SYSTEM UPGRADES

6. It is extremely important that the chips are fitted the right

way round. Each chip has a notch at one end or small bevel at

one corner, corresponding to the notch or bevel on the socket
corner. These must be aligned as shown.

7. One at a time, press the chips in the sockets., push firmly home.

8. If necessary, replace any expansion cards you removed earlier

and reconnect any cables etc.

9. Refit and secure the system unit cover. Then switch on and

check your system.

Remember, no immediate on-screen changes will be apparent, unless
there is a fault with the upgrade chips just fitted. Running the video
driver set-up software will highlight extra capabilities.

Upgrading the processor

The ZIF (zero insertion force) processor socket on the motherboard
is designed to accept a variety of Intel Pentium processors. You can
upgrade your processor by replacing it with one of higher
performance.

Note that the external clock speed is often lower than the processor’s
internal clock speed, which is usually the one advertised. The ratio
of the internal and external clock speeds is known as the processor
clock multiplier.

4/8

Removing and fitting a processor

FREE

To remove the existing processor:

1. Turn off the computer and unplug all power cords.

2. Take suitable anti-static precautions and remove the system unit

cover.

Caution

If you are unfamiliar with the recommended anti-static precautions and/or the
process of removing the system unit cover, refer to Appendix A, “The System Unit”.

3. If there are any expansion cards in the way, you may have to

remove them. (Take note of which way all of the cables are
connected.) Disconnect any cables connected to the cards,
remove the screws that secure the cards at the rear of the system
unit, then remove the cards from the system unit.

4. To locate the processor ZIFF socket see appendix B, ’System

motherboard’. A lever attached to the socket secures the processor
in the socket.

5. Lift the lever from the locked position until it is upright (at

right-angles to the motherboard). There may be a little stiffness
at the beginning and end of the lever’s movement. Be careful not
to use excessive force.

SYSTEM UPGRADES

4/9

SYSTEM UPGRADES

6. Lift the processor out of the socket and place it on an anti-static

surface outside the system unit. Hold the processor by its edges
and avoid touching the metal pins.

Warning

If the processor does not lift easily out of the socket, do not attempt to force it.
If the system was in use just before starting this procedure, the processor will
be hot, wait 15 minutes for it to cool down.

To fit the upgrade processor:

1. Ensure that the securing lever on the ZIF socket is still in the

upright position.

2.

Take the upgrade processor out of its anti-static packaging. Hold
the processor by its edges and avoid touching the metal pins.

3. The upgrade processor and the ZIF socket are keyed to ensure

that the processor is installed in the correct orientation. One
corner of the socket has a key hole. The corresponding corner of
the processor is slightly bevelled and should have a positioning
guide in the form of a coloured dot.

4/10

4. Place the processor in the socket, making sure that it is correctly
aligned and that you do not bend or otherwise damage the pins.

SYSTEM UPGRADES

Caution

If the processor is misaligned it will not go into the socket, and any
attempt to force it will damage the processor, or the socket, or both.

5. Move the securing lever to the locked position. Apply just

enough pressure to overcome the resistance offered by the lever.

6. You must now adjust the Processor Selection and External

Clock Speed jumpers on the motherboard. See appendix B,
’System motherboard’, for detailed information about adjusting
motherboard jumper settings.

7. Return any expansion cards to their original position that had

been removed earlier, then replace the system unit cover.

4/11

5 MULTIMEDIA

This chapter is designed to give you basic information on a few of
the multimedia features that you could choose to have fitted to your
computer. It is a catch-all term that covers audio, CD-ROM,
communications, education, fax, games, Internet, modem, movies,
networking, photo-editing, publishing, radio, scanners, television,
voice-mail and more, as it is an area under continuous development.

There are several versions of this system. One
fitted with on board Soundblaster 16 bit sound system (with Yamaha
OPL3 synthesiser)

Caution

Apricot Computers Limited extensively test many combinations of accessories
and devices for official upgrade kits. Parts obtained from other suppliers, or
sources, cannot therefore be guaranteed to be compatible with the system or each
other.

Device drivers

All of the Multimedia aspects are controlled by software ‘drivers’.
These are loaded by batch files that are called by the operating
system. These are read by your computer when it boots up on switch
on. The software then initialises devices like the CD-ROM drive, the
Sound system, plus any others that may be installed.

MULTIMEDIA

version is supplied

If your system was ordered with any of the above included, all of the
required drivers should have been installed, either by our factory or
your supplier. You should not initially attempt to reinstall any of the
device drivers, as this may lead to conflicts in the computer as it tries
to boot up, causing the software to believe, for example, that there
may be two CD drives.

If you have any difficulties, contact your supplier or an authorised
maintainer. If you are making changes or adding expansion cards
yourself, some useful information is in the chapter ‘System Expansion’.

5/1

MULTIMEDIA

EMERGENCY

EJECT HOLE

BUSY

INDICATOR

EJECT

BUTTON

COMPACT

DISC DRAWER

HEADPHONE JACK

AND HEADPHONE LEVEL

The CD-ROM drive

The basic operation of the CD-ROM drive is described in the
chapter ‘System drives’. There are few controls for the CD-ROM drive,
the most important being on the bottom right - the ‘open drive’ or
eject button.

5/2

This causes the drive tray to open in order to place a CD into the
drive. The other two controls are as shown above, headphone
connection and associated volume control. These are for use whilst
playing commercial audio or music CDs. It is also possible to feed
the output from here to your hi-fi system.

Note

You can still use all the other facilities on your computer while you are playing
music from your CD drive.

Remember to allow a few seconds to enable the CD to reach full
speed before attempting to play the audio tracks or read the data.

Inside your computer, if you have the audio equipped version, the
CD drive audio connection will be wired directly to the on-board
sound system, so that the full stereo sound is amplified and
controlled by the Soundblaster.

The sound connections (if supplied)

2

10101

1

1

2 3

4 5

Rear audio connections

1. Joystick/MIDI port.

2. Microphone socket.

3. Line IN socket.

4. Line OUT socket.

5. Speakers jack socket.

MULTIMEDIA

Microphone

The input circuitry will accept most of the popular types of mono
microphone that are available. It provides phantom power for the
electret condenser types.

5/3

6 TROUBLESHOOTING

This chapter offers advice if you suspect a fault with your computer.

If in doubt

Turn off the computer and unplug all power cords before consulting your
supplier or maintenance provider. Make a note of any of the symptoms, error
codes, display messages etc., before calling.

This chapter is concerned mainly with problems caused by the
computer itself, although problems can often arise from other sources
such as your network cabling, operating system or application
software.

Problems when starting

If you suspect a blown fuse

In the United Kingdom, and some other countries, AC plugs contain
fuses. Your Apricot computer is supplied with the correct fuse fitted
for operation within the UK. If the fuse in the system unit’s AC plug
blows when you turn it on, this may be caused by an AC power
surge, but is more likely a symptom of problems with the computer
or its peripherals. Follow these steps:

TROUBLESHOOTING

1. Turn off the computer and unplug all power cords.

2. Unplug all peripherals from the system, e.g. monitor.

3. Look for any obvious cause of the fault. If none is apparent,

replace the blown fuse with one of the same rating, reconnect the
system power cord and try to turn it on again.

4. If the replacement fuse blows, call your supplier or maintenance

provider.

5. If the replacement fuse does not blow, reconnect one peripheral

at a time and switch it on. Repeat this step for each peripheral in
turn.

6/1

TROUBLESHOOTING

Power-on self-test

Whenever the computer is switched on, the POST routine tests
various hardware components, including memory, and compares the
actual configuration of the computer with that recorded in
configuration (CMOS) memory. During this time, BIOS sign-on and
POST messages are displayed.

A configuration discrepancy could arise if you have just installed or
removed a hardware option (for example, if you have added or
replaced a SIMM). In this case you may be diverted directly into the
BIOS set-up. If POST detects a hardware fault, one or more error
messages may be displayed. A full list of these is given at the end of
appendix C ‘System BIOS and set-up’.

Your first action should be to turn off the computer, wait at least 30
seconds, and then turn it on again to see if the error is transitory or
persistent. Persistent POST errors may indicate a fault in the system.
The computer may be able to continue despite the error indication
(for example, if a memory chip fails POST, the computer can
sometimes continue with less memory).

If after checking the BIOS settings you are unable to clear the
hardware problem call your supplier or authorised maintainer.

6/2

Failure to boot

The computer attempts to boot from a system diskette or bootable
HDD partition.

Failure to boot correctly may result in an error message, most of
which will be from the BIOS. One other may be ;

Non system disk or disk error. Replace and strike any key when ready.

There may be a floppy disk in the drive which is not a bootable
floppy, in which case remove it, or replace it with one that is. If the
message persists there may be a fault with the HDD, in which case,
check the BIOS settings are correct. If they are then the HDD may
need to be reformatted and the system software restored.

Troubleshooting checklist

If you encounter a problem with the computer the following sections
suggest checks to make before you alert your dealer, authorised
maintainer or support organisation. The checks listed cover the
causes of common problems.

Connections

Check that all power and signal cables are securely connected to the
correct port on the computer.

The keyboard and mouse are particularly easy to connect into the
wrong port. Although the connectors are identical, the keyboard will
not work if plugged into the mouse port, and vice versa.

The two serial ports also appear identical. If you have a problem
make sure that the cable is connected to the correct port.

Power

Check that the AC power supply is switched on, and that the fuse in
the AC plug (if any) has not blown. If the system still does not seem
to be getting power, obtain another power cord from your supplier.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Monitor

If there is no display check that the monitor is turned on, and the
brightness and contrast controls are not turned to minimum.

Expansion cards

If an expansion card does not work, check that all internal cables are
securely connected, that the card is configured correctly and does not
‘conflict’ with another card or motherboard component. Check also
that the software that controls or uses the card is correctly
configured. Check in the chapter ‘Upgrading’ for information on, for
example IRQs and in the Appendix C ‘System BIOS and set-up’
whether your chosen settings are usable. Check also that the
resources used are registered in the BIOS.

6/3

TROUBLESHOOTING

Video

If you have fitted a new video controller card and subsequently
encounter problems, try disabling the built in EVGA video controller
by removing the jumper on the motherboard. Refer to the
motherboard layout diagram in Appendix B, ‘System Motherboard’, to
locate PL22 with the EVGA controller jumper.

If you have difficulty reading the screen, or some programs do not
seem to display correctly, try a different video resolution or colour
setting. Some graphics may require a particular colour setting.

System BIOS

Check the system BIOS to ensure that it has not been disturbed from
the original settings. If the settings appear to have altered, there may
be a fault with the BIOS battery. See Appendix B, ‘System
Motherboard’ and Appendix C ‘System BIOS and set-up’.

The system’s disk drives

Refer also to the chapter on using the ‘system drives’.

Floppy disk drives

If you have problems accessing a diskette or floppy disk, check that
it is inserted correctly, that it has been correctly formatted, that is not
write-protected, and that the permissions assigned by the BIOS
allow the intended access.

6/4

Some application software may not allow you to read or write to
floppy disks until it has finished all other tasks, or will only save
your files when you exit the program.

CD-ROM drives

If you have problems accessing a CD, check that you have allowed a
few seconds for the disk to spin up to full speed, that the disk is the
correct way up in the drive and that it is a data CD.

Remember that you cannot save data onto a compact disk with a
conventional CD-ROM drive and disk.

Check also that the disk is not badly scratched or dirty. Clean them
carefully, wiping them with a clean, lint free cloth, slightly
moistened if necessary. Clean from the centre outwards. Always store
CD-ROMs in hard cases and handle them by the edges only
wherever possible.

Hard disk drives

If you have problems accessing your hard disk drive, check that the
controller to which the drive is connected is enabled, that the disk
has been correctly formatted, and that the permissions assigned by
the BIOS or the software that you are using allow the intended
access.

Software security

It has now become a requirement to regularly scan your system for
software ‘virus’ intrusion. A virus can cause strange effects and
serious damage to software and sometimes hardware.

Inability to access drives, destruction of data and even wiping of
system BIOS have been experienced by unknowing recipients.

TROUBLESHOOTING

If possible, check all floppy disks of unknown origin with virus
scanning software before use. If it was supplied from an unauthorised
source, be especially on your guard. The supplier may not be aware
of the potential problem. Illegal copying of programs has led to vast
distribution of the many common types of virus.

There are various software companies who design Anti-Virus
software for both home and corporate use and some of these are very
reliable. They are however no substitute for tight control of your
system and your software.

Virus infection can be avoided. It should never be any great threat
providing reasonably simple precautions are taken:

• Purchase software from only reputable sources.

• Avoid ‘second hand’ software.

• Do not lend other people your software master disks.

6/5

TROUBLESHOOTING

• Write protect your floppy disks.

• Perform regular backups of your data.

• Always be aware of what other people might be doing when

they have open access to your computer.

• With any ‘Second hand’ disks, format them first.

Very few software problems are caused by a virus and the vast
majority of users will not get infected by them. For most users it is
more likely to be simply a corruption of some of the data.

It is also possible to see problems when trying to load the wrong
type of file into an application. This can sometimes cause the
application to stop, or even the system to crash completely. In this
situation, remove any floppy disks and switch the system of for a few
moments, then restart.

6/6

A THE SYSTEM UNIT

This appendix provides instructions regarding access to the inside of
the system unit for the purposes of maintaining or upgrading the
system. There is also the general system/drives specifications and
information on fitting new drives. The only tool required is a small
cross head screwdriver.

Warning

Turn off the computer, along with all peripherals, and unplug all power cords
before removing the top cover.

Anti-static precautions

Static electricity can cause permanent damage to electronic
components. You should be aware of this risk, and take precautions
against the discharge of static electricity into the computer.

Static electricity can be generated by moving on a chair, brushing
against desks or walls, or simply walking across an ordinary carpet.
Items handed from one person to another, or being wrapped or
unwrapped, can acquire a static charge. Air conditioning systems can
also result in very high levels of static.

TECNICAL INFORMATION

Clothing made of synthetic fibres is particularly likely to generate
static electricity; this static electricity is often completely unnoticed
by the wearer, but can be sufficient to cripple or destroy sensitive
electronic components in computers.

The computer is at risk from static discharge while the top cover is
off, as the electronic components of the motherboard are exposed.
Memory modules, cache upgrades and OverDrive processors are
other examples of electrostatic sensitive devices (ESSDs).

All work that involves removing the cover must be done in an area
completely free of static electricity. We recommend using a Special
Handling Area (SHA) as defined by EN 100015-1: 1992. This
means that working surfaces, floor coverings and chairs must be
connected to a common earth reference point, and you should wear

A/1

TECHNICAL INFOMATION

1

10101

2

CASING SCREW

CASING SCREW

an earthed wrist strap and anti-static clothing. It is also a good idea
to use an ionizer or humidifier to remove static from the air.

•

When installing any upgrade, be sure you understand what the
installation procedure involves before you start. This will enable
you to plan your work, and so minimise the amount of time that
sensitive components are exposed.

•

Do not remove the system unit cover, nor the anti-static bag or
wrapping of any upgrade, until you need to.

•

Handle static-sensitive items with extreme care. Hold expansion
cards and add-on components only by their edges, avoiding their
electrical contacts. Never touch the components or electrical
contacts on the motherboard or on expansion cards. In general,
do not handle static-sensitive items unnecessarily.

•

Keep all conductive material, foodstuffs and especially liquids,
away from your work area and the open computer.

Opening the system unit

To remove the system unit cover ;

1. Turn off both the system unit and the monitor.

2. If your AC power outlets have switches, set them to their Off

positions.

A/2

3. Unplug all power cords from rear of the system unit.

4. Remove the two casing screws, and put them to one side.

TECNICAL INFORMATION

5. Slide the top cover rearwards slightly, then lift it off.
Refitting the cover is simply the reverse of removal. Take effective

anti-static precautions while the top cover is off.

7

6

8

1

5

2

3

4

The components inside

System main board, for details see ‘appendix B’.

1

Floppy disk drive, see chapter ‘The system drives’

3

‘Power’ and ‘Low power / Restore’ switches

5

Rear audio sub-board see chapter ‘multimedia’ *a

7

*a if fitted, (model dependant.)

Processor and system cooling fan.

2

Hard disk drive, (under casing)

4

Power supply unit.

6

Riser board, see chapter ‘Expansion’

8

For simplicity, ribbon and other cables are not shown in the above illustration

A/3

TECHNICAL INFOMATION

Drive Specification summary (removable media only)
Floppy disk drive

Manufacturer Mitsubishi MF355F-450MP
Interface 34 Pin connector
Power Connector 4 pin miniature

Loading 1.5W during read/write

100mW during standby
(400ms start time)

Disk formats (3 Mode) DS-DD 720 Kb

1.2 Mb (NEC, Japan)
HD 1.44 Mb

Reliability MTBF 80,000 hours

CD-ROM drive (if fitted at factory)

Manufacturer Sony CDU76E
Interface IDE ATA-PI (on main board)

Mode 2 Burst mode 8.3Mb/s (max.)

Speed Quadruple 600Kb/s Mode 1

Access time 220 ms average

Cache Built in 256Kb
Power Connector Standard 4 pin

Loading 26W (max. at tray open/close)

Audio Internal line 750mV at 47Kohms

Headphones 550mV at 32ohms

Disks Size 12 cm, or 8 cm

Types CD-ROM mode 1, or 2, data

Laser Type GaA1As semiconductor

Wavelength 780 nm
Power 0.6 mW

Reliability MTBF 100,000 hours

Warning

The laser beam inside the CD-ROM drive is harmful to the eyes if looked at
directly. Do not attempt to remove the drive cover or otherwise disassemble the
CD-ROM drive. If a fault occurs, call an authorised maintainer.

4Mb/s typical

410 ms full stroke

CD audio disks
Audio-combined CD-ROM
Multisession Photo-CD

A/4

TECNICAL INFORMATION

Physical Characteristics (system unit)

Weight and dimensions

Height Depth Width Component Weight

120 mm 400 mm 435 mm System unit 10-11 Kg*

40 mm 205 mm 488 mm Keyboard 1.4 Kg

* Depending on configuration

Temperature and Humidity ranges

Range Temperature Relative humidity with no

condensation

Storage/Transport +5 to +55

O

C 20% to 80%

Operational +10 to +35OC 20% to 80%

Voltage range

Setting AC Voltage Frequency

115V 100 to 120V 50 to 60 Hz

230V 220 to 240V 50 to 60 Hz

Warning

The power cord supplied with the system complies with the safety standards
applicable to the country in which it was originally sold. You should consult
an Apricot dealer before using the system in another country .

A/5

Technical Infomation

3

4

1

2

Fitting a new drive

Follow the instructions as regards removing the system cover, as
detailed earlier in this chapter. Observe anti-static precautions at all
times when the system’s cover is removed.

Caution

Apricot Computers Ltd. test many components from a wide variety of
manufacturers and all of our upgrade parts are fully guaranteed. The quality
or compatibility of components supplied from any other source cannot be
guaranteed.

Read through these instructions and make sure that they are
understood before commencing work:

• Loosen the screws holding the floppy drive assembly, slide it

towards the rear of the system and lift it out. It may be necessary
to temporarily disconnect drive cables. Take careful note of how
they are fitted.

• Locate and loosen the four screws that hold the 5.25 drive

assembly into the system, slide it back and lift it out. Take care
with screw No 2 and the earthing wire it holds.

A/6

TECNICAL INFORMATION

• Slide the new drive into this casing and secure it with its own

screws, two per side.

• Looking inside the system, you will observe a steel blanking

plate which must be removed. This is accomplished by a gentle
twisting of the plate itself.

• Next remove the plastic blanking plate from the front bezel, the

clips of which can now be reached through the hole left by the
removal of the steel plate. Retain this plastic plate for refitting if
the new drive should ever be removed.

• If the drive is secure in the housing, replace the assembly and

check that the new drive is flush with the front of the system.
Tighten the screws, ensuring that the earth wire is firmly secured
under screw No 2. Do not overtighten.

• Refit the 3.5 drive assembly, tighten the screws and reconnect

any cables if they were removed earlier.

• Fit appropriate power connectors to the new drive and connect

up its signal/ribbon cables according to any instructions supplied
with the drive. The ribbon cable is ‘striped’ to indicate pin 1.
Correct orientation must be observed.

• Refit the system cover carefully. Check that no other cables or

connections have become dislodged or trapped.

There may also be installation software, supplied on a floppy disk, to
control the drive just fitted. Check on this disk for any README
files before proceeding with any software installation. There may be
useful information which might not be in the written instructions.

Note

A CD-ROM or a 5.25 inch floppy drives must be entered in the BIOS for the
system, see appendix C, ‘System BIOS and set-up’.

A/7

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

B SYSTEM MOTHERBOARD

This appendix details the specification and settings for the main
processor board fitted inside your computer. Normally the vast
majority of jumper settings should never be changed.

Board Specification

Processor Type Intel Pentium 75Mhz upward

Bus speeds 50, 60, 66 MHz

Chipset Intel TRITON

BIOS Surepath 1.3 1 Mb Flash BIOS ROM

Battery On board Lithium battery

3V, type CR2032 or equal

Memory SIMMs 32 Bit, 70ns, 5V,

Parity not required,

four SIMMs, in two pairs,

Max. 128 Mb. EDO support.

Cache Modules (L2) Write-back, Pipeline

burst, or async 256 Kb or
512 Kb modules with integral
Tag RAMs

Only the first 64 Mb of main memory is cached.

Video On board Cirrus Logic GD543x/544x

Video RAM 1 Mb on board, upgradeable

to 2 Mb

Upgrading Memory

For Upgrading information of either main, cache, or video memory refer to the
chapter titled ‘System Upgrades’.

B/1

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Audio On board Creative Labs 16 Bit.

Drives Floppy drives Support for 720 Kb, 1.2 Mb

Ports Parallel 25-way female ‘D’ connector

Yamaha OPL3 synthesiser.

(3-Mode), 1.44 Mb at 3.5 in.

and 1.2 Mb at 5.25in. formats

Hard drives PCI/IDE controller built into

Triton chipset

CD-ROM ATA-PI IDE drives.

(Primary connector for IDE Hard disk drives)

(Secondary connector for ATA-PI CD-ROM drives)

IEEE1284 (EPP/ECP)

Serial Two 9 way male ‘D’ type

RS232, 16550 compatible.

B/2

Keyboard PS/2 compatible

Mouse PS/2 compatible

Monitor VGA, SVGA, EVGA.

Expansion By means of a riser board fitted to a socket on

the motherboard, this riser board can support 5
expansion boards as follows:

ISA one full length card

two half length cards

PCI one half length card

ISA/PCI one full length of either type

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

21

20 2

3

1

19

18

17

15

14

Video

Parallel

Com 2

Com 1

Mouse Key/Bd

7

8

9

10

6
5

11

16

13

12

4

Board layout

1 Front audio connection 2 SIMMs sockets 3, 4 3 SIMMs sockets 1, 2
4 Floppy ribbon connector 5 CD ribbon connector 6 HDD ribbon connector
7 Wave table connection 8 Modem audio connector 9 TV audio connector
10 CD audio connector 11 Rear audio connection 12 Power connections
13 Riser board socket 14 External ports 15 VGA feature connector
16 Video mem. upgrade sockets 17 CMOS Battery 18 Cache memory socket
19 System connections 20 Processor ZIF socket 21 Power module (if fitted)

B/3

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

51

6

9

10101

13

1

25

14

System Ports (external connections)

Serial communications COM 1, COM 2

9 way Male D-type connector

1. Data carrier detect 2. Receive data

3. Transmit data 4. Data terminal ready

5. Signal ground 6. Data set ready

7. Request to send 8. Clear to send

9. Ring indicate

Parallel port

25 way female D-type connector

B/4

1. -Strobe 2. Data bit 0 3. Data bit 1

4. Data bit 2 5. Data bit 3 6. Data bit 4

7. Databit 5 8. Data bit 6 9. Data bit 7

10. -ACK 11. BUSY 12. PE

13. SLCT 14. -Auto Feed 15. -ERROR

16. -INIT 17. -SLCT IN 18. to 25. (incl.) Ground.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

6
4213

5

5
3

1

2

4

6

1

5

10

6

11

15

Keybord and Mouse ports

6 pin miniature DIN connector

Both of the connections have the same voltages and signals.

1. Data 2. Reserved 3. Ground

4. +5V DC 5. Clock 6. Reserved

Monitor port

15 way (3 row) female D-type connector

PIN Output Monochrome Colour

1 Red No pin Red
2 Green Mono Green
3 Blue No pin Blue
4 Reserved No pin No pin
5 DIGITAL Ground Self test Self test
6 Red signal return Key pin Red signal return
7 Green signal return Mono signal return Green signal return
8 Blue signal return No pin Blue signal return
9 Plug No pin No pin
10 DIGITAL Ground DIGITAL Ground DIGITAL Ground
11 Reserved No pin DIGITAL Ground
12 Reserved DIGITAL Ground DDC Data
13 H-sync H-sync H-sync
14 V-sync V-sync V-sync
15 Reserved No pin DDC Clock

B/5

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Jumper configurations

There are very few jumpers that will ever need changing, most of
them have been factory set for your system and its needs, but for
completeness, the details are given here.

Internal speaker operation

PL2 Next to outer SIMM socket, default position link pins 4

and 5 gives audio output to the internal speaker in mono.
Only to be removed in a system case having internal
stereo speakers.

Internal ‘audio’ modem

PL4 Just along from the CD audio connection, default position

if no internal modem is fitted, link pins 3 and 4. Remove
only when fitting an internal modem supporting sound.

BIOS reprogramme

These links are for special purposes. Only to be used for an official
upgrade to the system BIOS. Do not move for any other reason.

PL5 Next to PL2, normal link 2 and 3. This link is used in the

event of a disaster occurring during an upgrade to the
system BIOS. Link moved to pins 1 and 2 will enable the
system to be booted up from an internal backup of the
BIOS held in a secure area in the system ROM.

PL6 Normal link 2 and 3, move to pins 1 and 2 to enable

BIOS reprogramming (requires specialist software).

Floppy disk control mode

PL13 Next to floppy disk ribbon connector, default position

Clear BIOS settings

PL21 Next to outer video upgrade socket, default position link

B/6

link pins 3 and 4. To enable 3-mode operation of the
drive (Japan only), link pins 1 to 3.

pins 1 and 2. Moving the link to pins 2 and 3 disconnects
the battery from the BIOS memory, and will cause all the
user settings to be lost. To be used with caution and only
in the event of an access password being lost.

VESA option

PL22 A single jumper may be the only one fitted, at the end

Processor and Bus clock

These settings must not be changed except in the event of a
processor upgrade. Full details of the processor’s required settings
should accompany the new processor and the appropriate board
links should then be identified from the table below.

Warning

DO NOT alter these links under normal circumstances as it
may damage the processor and/or other vital components on
the motherboard.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

nearest PL21. Only needs to be removed if fitting a new
high feature ‘plug in’ video card and serious problems are
encountered. If taken out, it must be replaced if the
upgrade video card is subsequently removed.

Processor speed PL17

Pentium P 75 VRE

P 90 VRE

P 100 VRE

P 120 VRE

P 133 VRE

P 150 VRE

Soundblaster address

SW1 Default position, link pins 15 and 16, sets the on-board

SW 1,

Pin 1

Pin 1

Pin 1

Pin 1

Pin 1

Pin 1

Soundblaster to address 220h. Removing the link changes
the address to 240h.

•

=

: : : : : :

• •

:

: :

•

: : :

•

:

•

•

:

•

•

:

•

•

Link, := No link

: : :

•

: : :

•

:

: : :

•

:

: : :

•

: : :

• •

ISA (MHz)

8.33

7.5

8.33

7.5

8.33

7.5

B/7

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

PL24

PL28

Pin1

Pin1

PL24, PL28

This range of pins is not for jumpers, but is used to connect various
features around the system case to the motherboard.
PL24 Pins: 1 to 4 HDD active light

5 to 9 Keylock (not fitted)

PL28 Pins: 1 & 2 System standby restore switch

Replacing the CMOS battery

If you have to reconfigure the computer BIOS every time you turn it
on, the battery has discharged and needs to be replaced.

10 & 11 System in ‘power standby’ light
12 & 13 System hardware reset (not fitted)

3 to 7 Infrared controller
8,9,10 Fan, slow mode
11,12,13 Fan, full speed mode
14 to 17 Internal speaker

B/8

The battery is a 3 volt lithium type (CR2032 or equivalent)
typically used in calculators, watches and other small,
battery-powered electronic items. Average life, 3 to 5 years.

To replace the battery

1. Turn off the computer and unplug all power cords.

2. Take suitable anti-static precautions and remove the system unit

cover. If you are unfamiliar with the recommended anti-static
precautions and/or the process of removing the system unit
cover, refer to Appendix A, “Inside the System Unit”.

3. Identify the battery holder from the diagram of the

Motherboard.

4. Carefully disconnect and remove any expansion cards that may

obstruct easy access to the battery.

Warning

Do not use a metal or other conductive implement to remove the battery. If a
short-circuit is accidentally made between its positive and negative terminals, it
may cause the battery to explode.

5. Lift the edge of the battery far enough to clear the base of the

holder, then slide the battery from under the contact spring.

6. Taking care not to touch the top or bottom surface of the

battery, pick up the replacement with the positive (+) terminal
upwards.

7. Slide the battery into the holder from the same side the old

battery was removed.

8. Replace any expansion cards you had to remove in step 4.

9. Replace the system unit cover.

10. Dispose of the old battery according to the makers instructions.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

When you turn on the computer you will have to run the
BIOS Set-up utility to re-enter the hardware configuration.
See appendix C ‘System BIOS and set-up’. if in any doubt.

B/9

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

C SYSTEM BIOS AND SET-UP

When the system is switched on, the POST does its job depending
upon the information it finds in the BIOS and sets up the computer
to boot into operation. You can access the BIOS and check or alter
the configuration via its set-up utility.

Caution

The BIOS has been set in our factory for the optimum system performance and
operation. It is not advisable to alter any settings under normal use.

Entering Set-up

During, or just after, the POST, a small box appears in the top right
corner of the screen.

It looks like this:

While this is on the screen press
seconds you will be presented with the BIOS set-up screen.

You cannot enter this set-up utility at any other time or by any other method

~~~~ ~~~

~~~~ ~~~

~~~~ ~~~

on the keyboard, and in a few

F1

Control keys

F1 Help on the highlighted topic, pressing it a second time

transfers you to the general help pages.

Esc Exit either the set-up, or go back a page if in a sub-menu.

.

C/1

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

↑ and ↓ Scroll through a menu list.
←and→ To toggle values or settings.
↵ The enter key, to select the highlighted item.

0

9

/

+/_

Numbers, used in places where values are to be entered.

Used when required, similar to numbers.

F9 Restores the original settings that you entered with.

F10 To restore the original default setting

Caution

F9 will not restore the date settings and pressing F10 may put in a default
setting that could have been changed by our factory during production build.

We recommend that you make a note of ALL of the settings before any
changes are made.

Set-up starts on its own

This can happen for three reasons:

C/2

• There is a configuration error, or fault. In which case an error

message may well appear. A list of these is given at the end of
this chapter.

• The BIOS battery may be running down. In this case you may

also get error messages. If it happens every time you boot up,
you may have to change the motherboard battery. Instructions
for this are in the appendix B ‘System Motherboard’.

• The system‘s configuration may have been changed. More system

memory, more cache memory, or an upgrade that uses ISA
interrupts etc.

If you are unable to resolve any problem, do not alter too many
settings, but make a note of them and any error messages that
appeared on the screen and call your Apricot dealer or authorised
maintainer.

Opening screen

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

On entering the set-up utility a main menu screen appears. If there is
an associated sub-menu, or a further sub-menu available, then the
listed options have a preceding bullet, as shown below:

•

System summary Information about the system.

Processor, memory, drives etc.

•

Devices and I/O ports The settings for serial, parallel ports,

IDE interfaces, HDD.

•

Date and time Change the system master clock

•

Security View or change access to HDD, user

and administrator passwords.

•

Start options Boot from A: or C:, keyboard speed,

POST speed etc.

•

Advanced set-up Change the cache settings, ROM

shadowing and other related topics.

•

ISA Legacy resources Register resources used by new ISA

expansion cards, memory, DMA,
interrupts etc.

•

Power management Change settings for the Low power

energy saving mode.
Save settings Saves any changes that have been made
Restore settings Restores all the settings to the values

that were in force when you entered

set-up, same as pressing F9
Load default settings Restores the settings to their default

(possibly blank) state.
Exit set-up Ends the session and starts the system

POST again. If you have changed any

settings you will be asked if you wish

to save the new settings.

C/3

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Sub-menu pages

System summary

This page cannot be edited, but gives a summary of the system main
settings. Changes made in other pages will be reflected here.

Make a note of the information on this page before you progress any
further or make any changes.

Devices and I/O ports

Serial ports 1 & 2 (COM1 & COM2)

Selects the I/O ports and interrupts used by the two serial ports.
Normally set to default settings. Do not disable the serial ports unless
you are absolutely sure you are not going to need them.

Parallel port

This sets the I/O port and interrupt used by the parallel port. You
can select standard, or extended port modes. To obtain the extended
port modes it will be necessary to change the I/O setting.

Standard mode Output only.
Extended mode Bi-directional Simple two way data.

Any parallel port devices that you may wish to attach, such as a tape
streamer or external hard drive etc., will have full instructions
supplied with them that will tell you if the port capabilities need to
be altered to one of the extended options above.

EPP Enhanced parallel port

compatible operation.

ECP Extended capabilities port

operation.

C/4

Mouse

This tells the system that a mouse is connected to the mouse port.
The mouse is then detected by the POST. You should not normally
change this setting.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Floppy disk drives

This is available purely to change the mode of the floppy drive. The
drive supplied and fitted is a 3.5inch 1.44 Mbyte. This setting, if
changed, could prevent software access to the fitted drive.

Hard disk drives

Hard disk type is auto detected on switch on, but various parameters
can be manually set for each drive, the system being capable of
controlling two HDDs:

HDD 0 The system hard drives are normally attached to
HDD 1 the primary PCI IDE interface. The system is

supplied with a master HDD (HDD 0)

CDROM 2 The CD-ROM drives are included in this section

CDROM 3 as most new types are controlled from the

secondary IDE interface

Selecting either of the HDDs will put you into a further sub-menu
where their settings can be changed:

Performance Select either Compatible or High

performance

The default setting is High performance.
Transmission mode Select either Extended or Standard

The default setting is Extended
Selecting either of the CD-ROMs will put you into their sub-menu

where the changeable setting for these drives is for:
Performance select either Compatible and High

performance

The default setting is Compatible.

Date and Time

This is to enable a change to the Real Time Clock (RTC) on the
system motherboard. This RTC is normally maintained by the
motherboard battery when the system is switched off.

C/5

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

System time

Using the left and right arrow keys to move around, you then use
either the number keys to insert new figures or the + and - keys to
increase/decrease the existing number. The time is in 24 hour
format.

System date

The procedure is the same as setting the time, the date being in UK
format of Day / Month / Year, e.g. 1st August 1995 = 01 / 08 / 1995.

System security

This is to allow you to set, change or delete a set of passwords for
either user or administrator, plus control access independently to
HDD and floppy drives.

Caution

This menu can have interaction with the START OPTIONS menu. You must
ensure that a user has access to a START-UP DEVICE, or the system could
end up being impossible to use.

C/6

User password

If a user password is enabled, the correct password must be entered
every time the system is switched on or re-booted. If you select this
option a sub-menu appears:

Enter User Password Type in your password, use numbers

and letters only.

Enter Password Again Re-type it as above.

Set Or Change Select this to accept the password for

all future sessions.

If you have not changed or entered a password before selecting ‘Set
Or Change’, a box will appear asking you to press ENTER to
confirm deletion of the existing password, effectively choosing ‘no
password’. If you make any mistakes, press ‘Esc’ to return to the
main menu and start again.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Delete User password

Use this to clear or remove the existing password, without replacing
it with a new one. You may be asked for confirmation or to enter the
old password.

Warning

Remember your passwords, But do not write them down on a piece of paper
and leave it in your desk drawer, or pin it on your wall !

Password prompt

The system can be set to ‘ask’ for the password on switch on or re­boot. You may not wish to have a prompt for security reason, but the
user is still required to enter a password.

Administrator Password

This allows the setting of a supervisory password and to choose
whether a user can change their individual password. This
administrator password will be requested in order to enter the BIOS
SET-UP. If the user password is entered instead, there is only access
to the System Summary and (if enabled) access to setting the User
Password of System Security.

Start Options

The procedure is generally the same as for the User Password, with
the addition of User Password changeable by User. Select either
Yes or No for this feature.

Certain features can be set or enabled for system boot up.

Keyboard Numlock

If ON, the keyboard number lock is enabled when the system boots
and the right hand section of the keyboard is numbers only.

The default setting is ON.

Keyboard speed

This sets the speed at which a pressed key will repeat.

The default setting is FAST.

C/7

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Diskette-less Operation

If this option is Disabled, POST will report a fault or any absence of
the floppy drive and halt the boot process, if Enabled, POST will
bypass the floppy test and continue, providing another boot device is
available e.g. HDD.

Displayless Operation

If this option is Disabled, POST will halt on any absence of a
monitor, Enabled, will allow the system to start without a monitor
e.g. when used as a small fileserver.

Keyboardless Operation

Similar principle to the above.

Start-up Devices

This allows the choice of sequence that the BIOS uses to look for a
‘boot’, drive. The default sequence is:

Diskette drive 0 ; Hard disk 0 (i.e. A: then C:)

It should not need to be changed for normal operation.

Advanced Set-up

C/8

Power On Self Test

The POST can be selected to either run only a short set of tests
(Quick) or a full test (Enhanced)

The default setting is Enhanced.

Virus Detection

When Enabled, the BIOS will perform a checksum operation on the
boot sector to find if a ‘boot virus’ has crept in. It is not an
infallible check against the newer types of virus, but it may help.

Any settings changed here, if incorrect, may cause the system to halt
or may cause your software to malfunction. A warning to this effect
appears on the screen as you enter this item from the menu.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Cache Control

A simple two line screen allows you to either enable or disable the
L2 cache memory (external to the processor).

The default setting is Enabled, and should not normally be
changed. Some older software is speed sensitive and on rare
occasions you may need to disable the L2 cache.

Cache Size

This value also appears in the System Summary. It is detected by the
POST and the value is not editable.

ROM Shadowing

The contents of the Read Only Memory are copied into the faster
Random Access Memory during start-up, providing faster access and
enhancing system performance. Choosing this option displays a sub­menu showing a split up table of the memory address range, with
the range sectioned into 32K blocks. Some areas are greyed out as
they are already in use by parts of the system.

Changes should only be made to the supplied settings when fitting a
new expansion board, if asked to do so, and then with great care,
using the information supplied with the particular card.

ISA Legacy Resources

When expanding your system with an ISA card this menu section is
used to ‘register’ the system resources that the card uses. This needs
to be done as the system cannot auto-detect their being in use, but
must know about them so as to auto-configure any PCI Plug and
Play cards and avoid conflicts. There is a menu for each topic.

The resources affected are:

Memory, I/O port addresses, DMA channels, System interrupts.

Some areas are shown as Allocated by the system and shown only for
your information. Finer detail is shown in the chapter dealing with
Expansion, which should be consulted in conjunction with the
information supplied with the expansion card.

Each resource can be set to either Available or Not available.

C/9

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

If shown as available, it is assumed by the system not to be in use by
any ISA card or device and therefore will be made available for the
PCI auto-configure process.

Although many ISA cards are very simple to configure, the resources
they use, if any, must be registered in the BIOS.

Power Management

The individual parts of the system can be selected to be shut down in
the ‘Low power mode’ by enabling or disabling them in this menu.
Certain settings are not adjustable, while some of them will have
been pre-set in our factory to ensure compliance with the Energy
Star Programme. Timing changes, or disabling the features, are both
straight forward.

Control keys are shown on page 1 of this chapter.

Menu option Settings

Hard disk standby Disable, Enable.

C/10

Timing for this is set at 20 mins. and is

not adjustable.

Standby time-out Disable, or range of times in minutes.

Monitor Disable, Enable.

Wake up on alarm Disable, Daily, Single.

You can set a daily alarm or a one-off.

Alarm Date Enter a date as required.

Time Enter a time as required.

Error Messages

Code Cause Code Cause

Timer tick interrupt failure

101

Timer 2 test failure

102

Diskette controller failure

106

System board memory parity interrupt

110

Option ROM checksum failure

114

Real time clock failure

151

Real time clock battery failure

161

CMOS RAM checksum failure

162

Invalid configuration information

162

Time of day not set -preboot

163

Memory size does not match CMOS

164

Bad EEPROM CRC #1

175

System tampered

176

Bad PAP checksum

177

EEPROM is not functional

178

PAP update required

183

Bad POP checksum

184

Corrupted Boot sequence

185

Hardware problem

186

Excessive password attempts

189

Base memory error

201

External cache failure

229

Keyboard controller failure

303

Keyboard failure

301

301
301
301
604
604
605
662
762
1762
1780
1781
1782
1783
1800
1801
1802
1803
1804
1805
1962
2400
2462
5962
8603

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Keyboard clock line failure

Keyboard data line failure

Keyboard stuck key failure

Diskette drive 0 failure

Diskette drive 1 failure

Diskette unlocked problem

Diskette drive configuration

Coprocessor configuration

Hard disk configuration

Fixed disk 0 failure

Fixed disk 1 failure

Fixed disk 2 failure

Fixed disk 3 failure

No more IRQ available

No more room for option ROM

No more I/O space available

No more memory <1Mb available

No more memory >1MB available

Checksum error or 0 size option ROM

No bootable device

Display adapter failed ; using alternate

Video configuration

IDE CD-ROM configuration

Pointer device has been removed

C/11

MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC

APRICOT COMPUTERS LIMITED

3500 PARKSIDE

BIRMINGHAM BUSINESS PARK

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UNITED KINGDOM

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