Mitsubishi Electric Apricot LS660, Apricot VS660 Owner's Manual

LS/VS660

Owner’ s Handbook

COMPACT

NATIONAL

ACCREDITATION

OF CERTIFICATION

BODIES

OWNER’S HANDBOOK

APRICOT LS/VS660

Intel and Pentium® are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.
Microsoft, MS-DOS, Windows ® and Windows ® NT are registered trademarks

of Microsoft Corporation in the US and other countries.
Other trademarks mentioned within this document and not listed above are the

properties of their respective owners.
Information contained in this document is subject to change without notice and

does not represent a commitment on the part of Apricot Computers Limited.
Any software described in this manual is furnished under a license agreement.
The software may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of this
agreement. It is against the law to copy any disk supplied for any purpose
other than the purchaser’s personal use.

No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any
means electronic or mechanical including photocopying and recording, for any
purpose, without the express written permission of the publishers.

Copyright © Apricot Computers Limited 1996. All rights reserved.

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

http://www.apricot.co.uk

Printed in the United Kingdom

CONTENTS

Safety and regulatory notices

General i
Standards ii
Power connection information iii

Power - UK only iv

1 Introducing your computer

System front 1/1
Rear view 1/2
Audio subsystem (option) 1/3
Turning on and booting 1/3
Energy saving feature 1/5
Turning the power off 1/6
Removing panels 1/6
The internal layout 1/9
Electronic Fingerprinting 1/10

2 Using your computer

Using the floppy disk drive 2/1
Optional CD-ROM drive 2/2
Optional PD drive 2/4
Cleaning your drives 2/7

3 Adding new drives

New drive locations 3/1
IDE hard drives 3/1
Fitting front drives/accessories 3/3

4 Expansion cards

Configuring a card 4/1
Installing a card 4/5

LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

Contents

5 Troubleshooting

Problems when starting 5/1
Troubleshooting checklist 5/5
The system’s disk drives 5/6

6 System motherboard

Principal features 6/1
Jumpers and connections 6/2
System connectors 6/5
Replacing the CMOS battery 6/6
Adding more memory 6/7
Upgrading the processor 6/10

7 System BIOS and setup

Entering setup 7/2
Setup runs on its own 7/2
Control keys 7/3
Main menu screen 7/4
Error messages 7/13

Note down your BIOS settings

7/14

Appendix

Antistatic precautions A1
Cleaning and transporting A2

Fall back password ‘cut out’ page * A3

read the instructions in Chapter 1 and on this page first

*

LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

!

SAFETY AND REGULATORY NOTICES

Electrical

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.

To prevent fire and electric shock, do not expose any part of the computer
to rain or moisture and turn off the computer and unplug all power cords
before moving or cleaning the system unit, or removing any system cover.

Battery

This product contains a lithium battery:
Do not use a metal or other conductive implement to remove the battery. If

a short-circuit is made between its positive and negative terminals the
battery may explode.

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

Laser products

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 underside of the system unit.

Ergonomic

It will be in high visibility colours and bear the details shown above.
Use the CD-ROM drive only as described in this manual. Failure to do so

may result in exposure to hazardous radiation.

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

SAFETY AND REGULATORY NOTICES

i

External Speakers (where supplied)

Always switch off or disconnect the AC supply before disconnecting any of
the speaker leads, whether audio or power. Disconnect the AC supply
when equipment is not used for a period of time.

To prevent the risk of electric shock, do not remove speaker covers.
Connecting the speaker power cord to any other cords or joining cords

together can cause fire and risk of electric shock.

Standards

Safety

This product complies with the European safety standard EN60950 plus
amendments 1, 2, 3 and all European country deviations.

Electro-magnetic Compatibility (EMC)

This product complies with the following European EMC standards:
Emissions EN55022 Class B

Immunity EN50082 Level 2

German Acoustic Noise Regulation

Sound power level is less than 70 dB(A) according to DIN 45635 Part 19
(ISO 7779).

Notes

All interconnecting cables (e.g. Microphone, headphone and speaker) and
communication cables should be less than 2 metres in length. If cable
extensions are used, ensure adequate earth connections are provided and
screened cables are used.

Legalities

SAFETY AND REGULATORY NOTICES

ii

This equipment complies with the following European Directives:

Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC
EMC Directive 89/336/EEC
CE Marking Directive 93/68/EEC

and where applicable:

Telecommunications Directive 91/263/EEC

CautionCaution

This system complies with the CE marking directive and its strict legal
requirements. Use only Apricot tested and approved parts. Failure to do so may
result in invalidating both the compliance and your warranty. All expansion
cards or upgrade components must carry CE marking.

Thermalcote bonding compound

E

N

L

125V

The thermal bonding compound used between the system processor and its
heatsink can cause skin irritation and stain clothing. Avoid prolonged or
repeated contact with skin. Wash thoroughly with soap and water after
handling. Avoid contact with eyes and inhalation of fumes. Do not ingest.

Power connection information

Typical AC plugs

250V

E

L N

250V

E

N L

BS1363A SHUCO NEMA 5-15P SRAF 1962/DB16/87 ASE 1011

U. K. Austria Belgium Taiwan Denmark Switzerland

Finland France Thailand

Italy Germany Japan

Sweden Norway USA

Holland Canada

250V

L

N

E

250V

Procedure

NoteNote

Any ancillary equipment using an AC power supply cable should be earthed.

The power supplies in the computer and the monitor are correct for the
country in which the system is first sold. Do not alter any switch settings
on the rear of the system. If you wish to use the computer in another
country it may not be suitable, contact your supplier or an authorised
Apricot dealer.

♦ Before connecting up any parts of the system, ensure that the AC

supply is switched off or disconnected.

♦ First connect up the keyboard, mouse, monitor signal cable, and

audio cables as appropriate.

♦ Connect up all AC cables. (System to supply, system to monitor, all

related peripherals.) Then switch on or connect the AC supply.

♦ Switch on the monitor first, then the computer followed by the

peripherals, such as printer or speakers.

SAFETY AND REGULATORY NOTICES

iii

Power Cable Connections - UK ONLY

This equipment is supplied with an AC power lead that has a
moulded, non-removable, 3-pin AC plug.

Always replace the fuse with one of the same type and rating which
is BSI or ASTA approved to BS1362.

Always refit the fuse cover, never use the plug with the fuse cover
omitted.

Never substitute a power cord from any other appliance. If you
suspect a fault with the AC power lead, obtain a replacement from
your supplier or authorised maintainer.

SAFETY AND REGULATORY NOTICES

iv

1 FIRST STEPS

COMPACT

5

1

7

6

2

4

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 use
your computer safely and with ease.

System front

1 Energy saving button and LED 5 Available drive bays

2 Front lifting point * 6 Power button

3 Floppy diskette drive 7 System LEDs:

4 Optional CD-ROM drive

-or optional PD drive

*

Not to be used on its own

LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 1/1

Upper - Not used on this model
Middle - Hard disk active
Lower - Power-on

First steps

Rear View

A

1
2

A

A

1

10101

2

3
4

5
6

7

9

8

10

10

11

A

A

15

12
13
14

1 Rear of expansion bay 9 Audio (option), see next page for details
2 VGA port for monitor signal cable 10 Handles to assist during side panel removal
3 Parallel or printer port 11 Security loop for cable or padlock
4 Serial port 2 12 AC power output for monitor
5 Serial port 1 13 AC power input from supply
6 PS/2 port for mouse 14 Protection cover for PSU fan *
7 PS/2 port for keyboard 15 Main side panel locking

8 Dual stacked USB port

Panel fixing screws

A

* DO NOT use to lift system

1/2 LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

Security

1

The security case-lock (15), can help prevent unauthorised removal
of the cover, while the security loop, (11) above, can be used for
either alarmed loop cable or anchoring cable.

Audio subsystem (option)

The optional motherboard sound system is a Creative Labs
Vibra16. Audio output from the CD-ROM drive is internally
connected to the Vibra sound system. Details of the internal
connections are given in the motherboard chapter.

There is a built-in amplifier suitable for driving headphones and
passive speakers. Phantom power is provided for microphone types
that require this facility (Electret type). Speakers and microphone
should be 8 Ohm impedance minimum.

First steps

10101

2

1
2
3
4

5

1. Speakers 4. Microphone

2. Line out 5. Joystick/MIDI port

3. Line in

Turning on and booting the computer

Turning the power on

To turn on the computer, press the P
ON LED should come on to show that the system unit is powered.
The monitor has its own power control (see the monitor’s User’s
Guide for details) it may take a few moments to warm up.

LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 1/3

button. The POWER-

OWER

First steps

COMPACT

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.

The boot sequence

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

System disk

A floppy disk bearing at least the rudiments of an operating system. If
the computer detects a disk in the floppy drive, it tries to boot from it.
If it is a non-system disk, 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 suitable ‘boot partition’. The operating system is
usually already in place or pre-installed on this, the
drive is usually made ‘active’, i.e. the bootable hard disk.

button is pressed, check that

OWER

C:

drive. The C:

1/4 LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

Energy Saving features

Energy saving is normally enabled in the Power management
section of the system BIOS. If the system is left unattended for
more than a predetermined time, energy saving features come into
play. The screen will blank, components will slow down, software
will still run, but very slowly. The system is still powered, (the
‘Power-on’ LED will still be lit).

First steps

An additional LED is provided near the
that ‘Low power’ mode is operative.

WarningWarning

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

damage may be caused

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 instead press the purple button to restore the system. This
button can also be pressed while you are using the system, to
override the time-out and force the system into the low power
mode. The power management section of the system BIOS gives
access to the control settings of the ‘low power’ mode.

it may not

. Check with your Apricot dealer.

purple button

be compatible and

to warn you

permanent

LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 1/5

First steps

Turning the power off

Remember these two simple points:

Close down any applications you are running and save any files

♦

you have altered or created. Data held only in the computer’s
memory

Always exit from, or ‘shut down’ Windows. This procedure

♦

deletes the temporary operational files it creates and will close
down everything in an orderly manner.

You will usually be prompted to save any work you may have
forgotten in any ‘minimised’ applications, for example a spreadsheet
working in the background.

will be lost

when you turn off the computer.

To turn off the computer, simply press the P
the monitor is powered from the system unit, it will be turned off at
the same time. Wait 10 to 20 seconds before turning on again. The
computer may not initialise itself properly if you turn it off and on again
in quick succession.

It may be advantageous on some occasions to use the ‘Energy Saving’
features of the computer. Press the purple button on the front panel to
switch into the standby mode. This will allow you to start up more
quickly when you return to use the system again.

Removing panels

For normal access to the motherboard, only the main side panel
requires removing, but for fitting expansion boards the main side
panel and the top panel both have to be removed. Both side panels
will require removal if any drives are to be fitted into the remaining
drive bays.

WarningWarning

Turn off the computer, along with all peripherals, and unplug all power
cords before removing any panels. Take suitable antistatic precautions
while any of the system panels have been removed.

button again. If

OWER

1/6 LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

First steps

Main panel

1. Unlock the cover with the special key provided. It can be
found on the rear of the system.

2. Release the appropriate panel screws.

3. Slide the panel carefully towards the rear of the system using
the handle provided.

4. After about 2 to 3 cm movement it is possible to lift the panel
vertically clear of the system.

The motherboard and all of its components are now accessible.

CautionCaution

Exercise care with the removed panels as there are metal fixings and
hooks on the inside. These may scratch delicate surfaces.

Top panel

1. First remove the main side panel as detailed above.

2. Remove the top panel retaining screw.

3. Again slide the panel towards the rear of the system.

4. After 2 to 3 cm the panel should be free to lift off.

You can now safely access or fit expansion cards.

LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 1/7

First steps

1

10101

2

Other side panel

This panel only needs to be removed for access to the drive bay
fixing screws. No other components can be reached from this side.

1. Remove the two panel securing screws.

2. Slide the panel carefully towards the rear of the system using
the handle provided.

3. After about 2 to 3 cm movement it is possible to lift the panel
vertically clear of the system.

The access window to the drive mounting screws is now clearly
visible. For instructions on fitting drives see the chapter on
upgrading your system.

1/8 LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

The internal layout

1

4

5

9

10

7

6

8



3

2

Please note that for clarity, all the internal ribbon and power
connections are not shown.

First steps

1 Power supply 6 Processor socket
2 First hard disk 7 Memory, banks 1 and 2
3 Main drive housing

-CD-ROM at top
4 Floppy diskette drive 9 Expansion riser
5 Motherboard

(see motherboard chapter
for details)

LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 1/9

8 Connections for drive ribbon

cables

10 Audio board

(see page 1/3 for connection
details)

First steps

Electronic Fingerprinting (option)

Electronic Fingerprinting allows information you supply to be
stored in part of the computer’s permanent memory. This is then
displayed every time the computer is switched on. It is intended
that this information includes your name, address and phone
number so that if your computer is stolen it can be traced back to
you.

Extremely importantExtremely important

1. The first time you use the Electronic Fingerprinting application a
unique ‘fall-back’ password will be displayed. This is a 12-digit
number and can be used, in an emergency, if you should forget your
password.
the only time you will ever see it. A page at the back of the manual
is provided for you to note it down. Cut it out and keep it in a safe
place.

2. If you have not yet ‘branded’ your computer it is advisable that you
do so before somebody else gains access to your computer and sets a
branding message and password which could then prevent you
having access to your own computer.

1/10 LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

You must therefore make a note of this number

, this is

First steps

NoteNote

You will be able to change any of the items in your branding details by
running the Electronic Fingerprinting application later and entering the
correct password. This would be necessary, for example, if you moved
office or passed the system over to someone else.

After you have entered your details you will be prompted to set a
password. This prevents anybody else from gaining access to your
personal details or changing them. Optionally, for extra security
Electronic Fingerprinting can be set such that this same password is
requested every time the computer is switched on.

Until you have entered your branding details the Electronic
Fingerprinting application will automatically run each time the
system software starts. Thereafter, Electronic Fingerprinting can be
run by selecting its icon which is displayed at the top of the Start
bar menu and entering your password.

Please refer to the on-line help file for further details.

CautionCaution

If you set a

Power On Password

effective and must be entered. It will be requested immediately

in the system BIOS, this will still be

AFTER

the fingerprint password has been verified.

LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 1/11

2 THE SYSTEM DRIVES

COMPACT

Using the floppy disk drive

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

Floppy disks should be kept away from bright sunlight, dust,
moisture and any strong magnetic fields. Avoid opening the metal
window on the disk as this exposes the magnetic surface to
contamination which could render the disk useless.

Inserting a floppy disk

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

uppermost into the drive. This will push open the drive door.

1.44 Mbytes.

2. Push the disk gently home until it ‘clicks’ into place. The drive

button will also move outwards slightly. The drive door will
stay open, leaving the disk just visible

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 active’ LED, opposite the button, should be lit.

LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 2/1

The system drives

COMPACT

2

1

3

4

5

Pressing the drive button will eject the floppy disk, but avoid doing
so while the drive active light is on, as this may cause damage to the
disk or the drive.

Optional CD-ROM drive

A CD-ROM drive has a wide range of uses. The majority of
application and operating system software is currently supplied in
the CD-ROM format only. You require a special drive and disk to
write to CDs.

The drive can retrieve multimedia data from CD-ROM disks and
multi-session Photo-CD disks. It can also play audio CDs.

The CD-ROM LED flashes when the CD-ROM tray is opened,
and when it is active (i.e. busy reading information).

It is important that the computer is not moved while a CD is in the
drive, especially if the CD is being played at the time.

1. Disc drawer 4. Emergency eject hole

2. Headphone jack and volume 5. Eject button

3. Activity light

2/2 LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

Inserting a compact disc

The system drives

1. Press the

button on the front of drive.

EJECT

2. Place the CD centrally, printed side up, on the platter.

3. If the platter ejected fully, push the

button again, or

EJECT

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

4. Wait a few seconds for the drive to spin up to full speed before

either attempting to play audio tracks or read data from the
disk.

COMPACT

WarningWarning

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.

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

LS/VS OWNER’S HANDBOOK 2/3

The system drives

Care of CDs

Keep CDs well away from dust and moisture, and avoid touching
the surface of the CD. Avoid extremes of temperature and exposure
to direct sunlight as these may cause the disk to warp.

Always store CDs in their original cases wherever possible.
Replacement cases are readily available in record stores. CD storage
racks are useful as you will find the majority of new software is now
supplied in CD format.

Emergency CD removal

COMPACT

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.

Optional PD drive

This dual purpose drive can be fitted as an option into any system
where both a CD-ROM drive and an efficient re-writable backup
device is needed.

2/4 LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

The system drives

There is an indicator LED to show the type of media which has
been inserted, green for CD and amber for a cartridge. The rest of
the controls are very similar to a conventional CD-ROM drive.

The drive can use any PD cartridges bearing the

logo. If the
cartridge is not formatted you will be prompted to format it. All the
standard types of CD can be used in this drive, data, music etc.,
including the mini-CD.

The Phase-change drive will occupy the same space as the
conventional CD-ROM drive, with the minor differences in
controls as shown in the illustration.

1

COMPACT

BUSY

PD/CD

7

6

5

4

3

2

1. Drive tray 5. Media indicator

2. Emergency eject 6. Drive active indicator

3. Headphone socket 7. Tray eject button

4. Headphone volume

The drive can handle the large and small types of CD-ROM (as well
as music CDs), or it will accept the PD recordable cartridge:

LS/VS OWNER’S HANDBOOK 2/5

The system drives

PD/CD

BUSY

These cartridges have a capacity similar to a CD-ROM but with the
difference of being re-writable. They have a shelf life of 30 years or
more, unlike magnetic material which decays over a relatively short
period of time. Like floppy disks they have a write protect switch.

The drive control software provides two icons, each with its own
drive letter. These will be found in Windows Explorer, or the drives
section in the control panel. One is for use with data cartridges, the
other is for CD-ROM and is easily identified as such with a CD
symbol. Emergency removal of the media under conditions such as
a power failure is similar in method to that of the conventional CD­ROM drive as detailed earlier.

2/6 LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

Cleaning your drives

Cleaning a floppy drive

Do not insert cotton buds or other implements into the drive door.
If you think the drive needs cleaning, obtain a specialist cleaning kit
from a reputable supplier. They are supplied with detailed
instructions.

It looks like a floppy disk, but has a special head cleaning surface
inside which removes dust and fluff from the reading heads and the
mechanism. They should be used only once and then discarded.

Cleaning the CD-ROM or PD drive

It is recommended that you occasionally use a specialist CD
cleaning disk to clean the lens in the drive as it may become dusty
and fail to operate. Specialist cleaning kits are available from
reputable suppliers and come with detailed instructions. They
should be used only once and then discarded.

The system drives

LS/VS OWNER’S HANDBOOK 2/7

3 ADDING NEW DRIVES

New drive locations

3

2
1

1 First hard disk drive (HDD) 3 Spare drive bay
2 Space for second HDD

IDE hard drives

Your computer can support more than one IDE hard disk drive. A
single drive, or the ‘bootable’ device in a system, will be configured
as ‘master’. The second, non-bootable drive in a dual drive system,
when fitted, must be configured as a ‘slave’. The master drive may
be supplied with more than one partition.

CautionCaution

Apricot Computers Ltd tests many types of hard disks from a variety of
manufacturers and all of our upgrade parts are guaranteed. The quality
or compatibility of drives obtained from any other source cannot be
guaranteed. Any damage caused by fitting non approved drives will not
be covered by the system warranty.

To install an IDE hard disk drive

New hard disk drives are available from your Apricot supplier. It is
not a difficult procedure, but if you do not feel confident about it,

LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 3/1

Adding new drives

MASTER

SLAVE

you could have your supplier or service organisation complete it for
you.

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

suitable anti-static precautions and remove the system side
panels. Detailed instructions for this are given in chapter 1.

CautionCaution

If you are unfamiliar with the recommended anti-static precautions,
refer to the antistatic section at the rear of this handbook.

2. Carefully remove the front bezel blanking insert by pushing it

off from the rear with a blunt point. A hole for this is provided
inside the system, alongside the metal drive cage.

3. Pull out the blanking plate on the front of the internal drive

bay metalwork.

4. Check the master/slave link on the new hard drive is set for

‘slave’ drive. The link across ‘DS’ should be removed but kept
for safety by placing it onto one of the pins. A typical drive is
illustrated here:

5. Remove the drive mounting plate from its position inside the

drive bay and fix it to the new HDD.

6. Slide the assembly into the drive bay from the front and secure

it with the screws into the space immediately above the
existing hard drive.

7. Connect a power cable from one of the available unused ones.

8. Connect the hard disk ribbon cable to the new drive. The

ribbon is striped to indicate pin 1, which usually goes to the
end nearest the power connector.

3/2 LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

9. Refit the system side panels, metal plate and bezel insert.

It will now be necessary to run the disk preparation utilities to
partition and format the disk to your requirements. Your software
guide or the operating system HELP should provide information on
this topic.

Fitting new drives/accessories

There is sometimes a requirement to fit extra components into the
system, such as Tape drives, extra CD-ROM drives etc.

The drive or accessory you are about to install should have fixing
and installation instructions with it, making it a fairly simple task. If
you do not feel confident about the procedure you could have your
supplier or service organisation complete it for you.

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

suitable anti-static precautions and remove both of the system
side panels. It may also be necessary to remove the top panel.
Detailed instructions for this are given in chapter 1.

CautionCaution

If you are unfamiliar with the recommended anti-static precautions,
refer to the antistatic section at the rear of this handbook.

Adding new drives

2. Carefully remove the front bezel blanking insert by pushing it

off from the rear with a blunt point. A hole for this is provided
inside the system, alongside the metal drive cage.

3. Pull out the blanking plate on the front of the internal drive

bay metalwork.

4. Check before sliding the device into the system, that any

required links have been correctly set, for example, SCSI ‘ID’.

5. Carefully slide the new device into the bay and secure it with

screws on both sides, as illustrated at the beginning of this
chapter. Make sure that the front of the device is aligned as
close as possible to the front bezel.

6. Connect a suitable power cable from one of the available

unused ones.

LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 3/3

Adding new drives

7. Install any control card supplied with the drive, by following

the detailed information given in chapter 4.

8. Follow any additional instructions provided as regards to signal

cable connection etc.

9. After checking that no other cables have become dislodged or

trapped, refit the system panels.

10. Follow any further instructions as given in any supplied

manuals, such as software or configuration requirements.

3/4 LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

4 EXPANSION CARDS

If, having read the following installation instructions, you do not
feel confident about installing expansion cards yourself you may
wish your supplier or service organisation to fit the card for you.

The only tool required is a small cross-head screwdriver.

WarningWarning

Never carry out any work on the equipment with power applied. Always
switch off at the supply and remove the power lead from the equipment
before starting work.

Configuring the card

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,
doubt consult the supplier or manufacturer.

If manual configuration is required, usually with ‘Industry Standard
Architecture’ (ISA) cards, then you will probably need to 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

♦

you start. If you are in any

before

The important thing to understand is that the settings used by the
card
in the computer, whether another card or a component on the
motherboard, the settings must not

Some settings are done by jumpers and/or switches on the card and
are best done
installation software after installation. Some cards use a mixture of
both methods. 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.

be different from the settings used by the other hardware

must

conflict.

installation, others are configured by running

before

LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 4/1

Expansion cards

CautionCaution

This system complies with the CE marking directive and its strict legal
requirements. Use only Apricot tested and approved parts. Failure to do
so may result in invalidating both the compliance and your warranty.
All expansion cards or upgrade components must carry CE marking.

ISA Interrupt request level (IRQ)

The interrupt request level or IRQ 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 of these interrupts are fixed, others
can be re-assigned, or freed by disabling the component with BIOS
Setup, as shown in the following table:

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
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 Optionally
IRQ15 Secondary ATA/IDE interface Optionally

IRQ3 is available if you disable serial port 2 with the BIOS Setup utility.

IRQ4 is available if you disable serial port 1.

4/2 LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

disable either one unless you have no intention of using the

Do not

affected port. Similarly, if you have no intention of using the
parallel port, you can disable it with the BIOS Setup utility,
completely freeing IRQ7 for use by an expansion card.

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
gives details of which ones may be available:

DMA Default assignment Available?

DMA0 Yes
DMA1 Default (8 bit) Audio Optionally
DMA2 Diskette/floppy disk controller No
DMA3 Enhanced Capabilities Port (default) Optionally
DMA4 System No
DMA5 Default (16 bit) Audio Optionally
DMA6 Yes
DMA7 Yes

Expansion cards

Base input/output (I/O) port address

I/O ports are 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 below may be available for an
expansion card. This extensive list continues on the next page.

I/O ports Default assignment

000h-01Fh DMA controller 1
020h-021h Interrupt controller 1

034h, 038h, 03Ch Alternate Local bus ATA/IDE

040h-05Fh System timer
060h-06Fh Keyboard controller
070h-07Fh Real-time clock, NMI mask

LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 4/3

Expansion cards

0B4h, 0B8h, 0BCh Local bus ATA/IDE

220h-22Fh, 230h-233Fh Sound blaster system
240h-24Fh, 250h-253Fh Alternate Sound blaster system

3B4h, 3B5h, 3BAh Video subsystem

I/O ports Default assignment

080h-09Fh DMA page register
0A0h-0A1h Interrupt controller 2

0C0h-0DFh DMA controller 2

0F0h, 0F1h Math coprocessor busy (clear/reset)

0F8h-0FFh Math coprocessor
1F0h-1F7h Hard disk drive controller
200h-207h Game I/O (disable)

278h-27Fh Parallel port 2

2B0h-2DFh Alternate VGA

2F8h-2FFh Serial port 2
300h-301Fh Alternate MIDI (disable)
330h-331Fh MIDI

378h-37Fh Parallel port 1

388h-38Fh FM synthesiser

3B0h-3BFh Monochrome display and printer adapter

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

4/4 LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

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 DFFFF in upper memory. With most
modern expansion cards this is fully automatic.

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.

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.

Installing a card

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 card or ask your Apricot dealer
for advice or assistance.

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

Expansion cards

suitable anti-static precautions and remove the system side and
top panels, detailed information is given in chapter 1.

CautionCaution

If you are unfamiliar with the recommended anti-static precautions,
refer to the antistatic section at the rear of this handbook.

2. At the rear of the system unit are metal blanking plates, one for
each expansion card slot. To ensure the front edge of a full
length card is securely supported you will find card guides on
the front of the machine, on the back of the fan assembly.

3. First decide in which of the available slots you wish to install
the card. Not all slots will accept the same type of card.

4. Remove the blanking plate of the chosen slot by removing its
securing screw, then sliding the blanking plate out of its slot.
Keep the screw, it will be needed later to secure the card.

LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 4/5

Expansion cards

1 Full PCI 3 Full ISA
2 Full PCI/ISA shared slot

5. If the card you are installing is configured by the means of
jumpers or switches, check that it is correctly configured before
proceeding.

1

2

3

1

10101

2

NoteNote

If the card uses the video feature connector (VFC) on the motherboard,
or any separately installed video board, you may need to connect this

you install the card.

before

6. Position the expansion card alongside the slot in which you
wish to install it. If it is a full length card, align the end with
the slot in the rear of the fan assembly,

4/6 LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

Expansion cards

7. Slide the card into the slot ensuring that the card edge
connector engages correctly with the socket on the riser board.

use excessive force.

Do not

8. Secure the card by replacing the screw that you removed in
Step 5.

9. Connect any necessary signal cables to the card. See the
documentation for the card for information.

10. Check to ensure no other cables or connectors have become
dislodged and replace the system panels.

11. Read the manuals supplied with the card and follow any other
installation requirements, such as software etc.

LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 4/7

5 TROUBLESHOOTING

This chapter offers advice if you suspect a fault with your computer.
It is concerned mainly with problems caused by the computer itself,
problems more often arise from other sources such as your operating
system or application software.

It must also be remembered that it can be very easy to leave off or
dislodge cables and connectors inside the computer when fitting
expansion cards, or upgrading the motherboard, or indeed anything
that may require temporary removal of the system cover.

If in doubtIf in doubt

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

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 initially supplied and fitted
with the correct fuse for operation in the country in which it is sold.
If the fuse in the system’s unit AC plug blows when you turn on the
computer, this may be caused by an AC power surge, but is more
often a symptom of problems with the computer or its peripherals.
Follow these steps:

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

2. Unplug all peripherals.

3. Try to discover the cause of the fault. If none is apparent,
replace the blown fuse with one of the same rating, reconnect
the system unit 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.

LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 5/1

Troubleshooting

Power-on self-test (POST)

Whenever the computer is turned on, the power-on self-test
(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 Setup utility.

If POST detects a hardware fault, one or more POST error codes
and messages are displayed. A full list of these is given at the end of
‘System BIOS and Setup’. You may also be prompted to “Press the
F1 key to continue” or “Press any key when ready”.

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.

Check that all external cables are securely connected.

♦

Try running the BIOS Setup utility to reconfigure the system.

♦

Open up the system unit and check that all internal signal and

♦

power cables are securely connected.

If the problem persists, call your supplier or authorised maintainer.

Failure to boot

On completion of POST, the computer attempts to boot from a
system diskette or bootable hard disk partition. The table below lists
some of the messages that might appear during the boot sequence.

Boot failure message Explanation

Non-system disk or disk
error

Diskette read failure The diskette is either not formatted or defective. Replace it

No boot sector on fixed disk The hard disk has no active, bootable partition or is not

5/2 LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

The diskette drive contains a non-system diskette. Replace it
with a system diskette and press F1.

with a system diskette and press F1.

formatted. Insert a system diskette, press F1, and format the

Troubleshooting

Boot failure message Explanation

hard disk as described in your operating system manuals.

Fixed disk read failure The hard disk may be defective. Press F1 to retry. Make sure

the drive is correctly specified in the BIOS setup utility. If the
problem persists, insert a system diskette, press F1, backup the
data held on the defective hard disk and try reformatting it.

No boot device available This may indicate a fault in the diskette or hard disk drive, or

perhaps a damaged system diskette. Press F1 to retry, using
another system diskette, if possible. Make sure that the Startup
Devices option is correctly specified with the BIOS Setup
utility. If the problem persists contact your supplier or
authorised maintainer.

Beep Codes

The computer uses special audio beep codes to signal certain
hardware faults. If you hear a beep code which is not accompanied
by a POST error message, call your supplier or authorised
maintainer.

The system may halt completely with some of the errors and the
beep code will keep repeating after a brief pause.

Number of beeps Explanation

No beeps

One short beep

Two short beeps

Three short beeps

Continuous beep

Repeating short beeps

One long and one short
beep

If no beeps are heard at all the speaker may be disconnected or
there may be a speaker circuitry fault.

Marks the completion of POST and no functional errors found.
You will also get a single beep if you press an invalid key for a
power-on password.

Indicates and draws your attention to an error during POST.
This should be accompanied by an error message.

System memory error, normally accompanied by code 201.
Beeps are used when the video cannot display the code.

Could indicate a serious failure of the system motherboard, or a
failure of the speaker circuitry.

Usually indicative of a keyboard key stuck down, but may be
due to the keyboard interface failing.

POST has detected an error on the video adapter in the system.
There may be no display on the screen.

LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 5/3

Troubleshooting

Number of beeps Explanation

One long and two short
beeps

Two long and two short
beeps

This means that either the video system is faulty, or that a video
I/O adapter ROM is not readable.

The video subsystem cannot be supported by the main system
POST. This can occur when the video subsystem is replaced or
changed on site.

Many of these following codes indicate a more serious fault in
which the BIOS stops. Switch off for 20-30 seconds and try again.
If the fault persists, make a note of it and call your maintenance
provider.

Number of beeps Meaning

1-1-3 CMOS write/read test failure
1-1-4 BIOS ROM checksum failure
1-2-1 Programmable Interval Timer test failure
1-2-2 DMA initialisation failure
1-2-3 DMA page register read/write test failure
1-2-4 RAM refresh verification failure
1-3-1 First 64K RAM test failure
1-3-2 First 64K RAM parity test failure
1-3-3 Slave DMA register test failure
1-3-4 Master DMA register test failure
1-4-1 Master interrupt mask register test failure
1-4-2 Slave interrupt mask register test failure
1-4-4 Keyboard controller test failure
2-2-2 Search for video ROM test failure
2-2-3 Screen believed inoperable
2-2-4 Timer tick interrupt test failure
2-3-1 Interval timer channel 2 test failure
2-3-3 Time-of -day clock test failure
2-4-3 CMOS memory size against actual compare failure
2-4-4 Memory size mismatch occurred

5/4 LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

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 port you are trying to use.

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 too low.

If you have fitted a new video controller expansion card and
subsequently encounter problems try disabling the on-board video
controller by removing a jumper from the motherboard. See the
chapter ‘System motherboard’ for more information.

Expansion cards

If an expansion card does not work, check that all internal cables are
securely connected, that the card is configured correctly, that its use
of system resources does not conflict another card or motherboard
component, and that legacy resources (if it is an ISA card) are
properly declared in the BIOS setup utility.

LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 5/5

Troubleshooting

Check also that the software which drives or uses the card is
correctly configured. Check in the chapter, ‘Expansion Cards’ for
information, and in ‘System BIOS and Setup’ to see whether your
chosen settings are useable.

System BIOS

Check finally the system BIOS to ensure that it has not been
disturbed from the original settings. a
the ‘System BIOS and Setup’ chapter to make a note of your current
or original BIOS settings.

If the settings appear to have altered, there may be a fault with the
CMOS battery. See ‘System motherboard’ and ‘System BIOS and
Setup’.

The system’s disk drives

Refer also to Chapter 2, ‘Using your computer’.

Floppy disk drive

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

area is provided within

Notes

Some application software also may not allow you to read or write
to floppy disks during certain other operations, or until you are
about to exit the programme.

Optional CD-ROM drive

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, printed side upwards, and that it is a
data CD.

Remember that with a conventional CD-ROM drive you cannot
write to a CD.

5/6 LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

Optional PD drive

Check the type of media in the drive, CD or PD disk cartridge.
Remember that the PD cartridge needs the disk inside to be
formatted to allow it to be written to. Check, as with a floppy drive,
that the cartridge is not write protected.

Make sure that you are trying to access the drive by the correct icon
for the media in use.

Hard disk drive

If you encounter problems accessing any IDE hard disk drive, use
the BIOS Setup utility to check that the drive is correctly specified,
and that the drive’s controller is enabled. Check also that the disk
has been correctly formatted, and that the permission assigned by
the operating system allow the intended access.

SCSI drives

If you have just fitted a new SCSI drive, or device, check that you
have used a valid ‘ID’ that does not conflict with other SCSI drives
or devices is the system. Look in any documentation for
information.

Troubleshooting

On boot up, just after POST, a list is displayed of the devices
attached to the SCSI interface, which shows the device, its
parameters and the set ‘ID’.

LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 5/7

6 SYSTEM MOTHERBOARD

1 2

8
7
6

14

Video

Parallel

Com 2

Com 1

Mouse Key/Bd

12

13

USB

11

15

17

10

9

4

5

16

(optional)

3

18

19

Principal features

1 Memory sockets 1, 2 (SIMMs) 11 Radio card audio connector
2 Memory sockets 3, 4 (SIMMs) 12 TV card audio connector
3 PL20, Front panel connector 13 CD audio connector
4 Pls 3, 4, 6, 7 Case feature connectors 14 External ports
5 CMOS Battery (type CR2032) 15 Video memory sockets
6 Floppy drive ribbon connector 16 Power supply connections
7 Secondary IDE connector (CD-ROMs) 17 Video feature connection (VFC)
8 Primary IDE connector (HDDs) 18 Expansion riser board socket
9 Wave table connection 19 Processor ZIF socket

10 Modem audio connector

LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 6/1

System motherboard

PL22

PL36

PL32

PL3, PL4, PL6, 
& PL7

PL8

PL2

PL11
PL10

PL100

PL37

Jumpers and connections

CautionCaution

Do not alter any jumper settings under normal operation. You may
cause permanent damage to the motherboard or its components.

All jumpers are set at the factory and should not be changed.

‘1-2’ = jumpers should be fitted across pins 1 and 2.

‘2-3’ = jumpers should be fitted across pins 2 and 3, etc.

‘Open’ or ‘O’ = no jumpers should be fitted.

‘Closed’ or ‘X’ = jumpers should be fitted

On the motherboard, pin 1 of each block is indicated by a small
triangle marking.

6/2 LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

Clear BIOS settings, PL8

Moving the link to pins 2-3, from the default position 1-2,
disconnects the battery from the CMOS and will erase all the
system settings. This should only be used as a last resort in the event
of a password being totally lost and the link should be immediately
returned to its original position. All the BIOS settings will need to
be re-entered, see the chapter ‘System BIOS and setup’.

Clearing CMOS PL8

CMOS battery connected (default) 1-2

CMOS erase, >1 second to discharge 2-3

BIOS re-program, PL10, PL11

These links are for an official upgrade to the motherboard BIOS.
They must not be moved for any other reason. Special software is
required and the task should be carried out by authorised engineers.

Recovery, PL10 Re-program, PL11

1-2, normal 1-2, enable

2-3, recovery 2-3, normal

System motherboard

Floppy disk control mode, PL22

Floppy disk mode, PL22

Full 3-mode operation 1-3

3rd mode, 1.2 Mb operation available in Japan only

System Fan

Pins CPU Fansink PL37 Pins Main fan PL36

1 Ground 1 Ground

2 +12 volt supply 2 Controlled supply

3 Fan Fail 3 Ground

Soundblaster enable, PL100

Normal link 1-2, remove to disable sound.

Link pins

LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 6/3

System motherboard

Internal speaker connections, PL2 (if fitted)

Pins Function Connection PL2

1 Stereo - Left Left (stereo) speaker = pins 1 and 2

2 Audio ground

3 Mono Mono = pins 3 and 2

4 Link Link 4 and 5 for mono

5 Stereo - Right Right (stereo) speaker = pins 5 and 6

6 Audio ground

Processor and BUS clock, PL32

WarningWarning

Do not alter these links under normal circumstances as it could destroy
the processor or other vital components on the board.

ISA FS1 BF1

Pin 1

Pin 2

Reserved FS0 BF0

The ‘ISA’ link on 11-12 must be fitted on all processors above
100Mhz. Any links fitted on 13-14 or 15-16 are reserved and must
not be moved.

Processor Jumper block PL32

Multiplier Bus frequency

Pentium BF1 BF0 FS1 FS0

100 MHz 1-3 2-4 7-8 O

120 MHz 1-3 4-6 O 9-10

133 MHz 1-3 4-6 7-8 O

150 MHz 3-5 4-6 O 9-10

166 MHz 3-5 4-6 7-8 O

200 MHz 3-5 2-4 7-8 O

6/4 LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

System Connectors

The following system connectors are used to connect various
features to the motherboard. You should not normally need to disturb
these connections but they may become dislodged during work inside
the system casing.

Power switch PSU control) 1 1 Standby switch

(Connected to pin 6) 1 4 Keyed

Hard disk LED signal 3 6 Ground

Hard disk LED return 4 7 IRDA output

Ground 5 8 Ground

Keylock switch 6 9 Not used

Keylock switch return 7 10 Not used

Power ON LED signal 8 11 Speaker out (BEEP)

Power ON LED return 9 12 Message LED

Standby LED signal 10 13 Message LED return

Standby LED return 11

Reset switch return 12 1 Not used

Reset switch 13 2 Not used

System motherboard

PL3 Pins Pins PL4

return 2 2 Standby switch return

PL6

Keyed 2 5 IRDA input

3 Vcc

PL7

Front panel connector, PL20

Analogue ground 1 2 KEYED

No connection 3 4 No connection

No connection 5 6 No connection

Message LED (control 2) 7 8 No connection

Message LED (control 1) 9 10 5 V supply (fused)

IR transmit 11 12 RTS

IR receive 13 14 Digital ground

LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 6/5

System motherboard

Replacing the CMOS battery

The battery has an average life of 3-5 years. If you have to
reconfigure the computer every time you turn it on, the battery has
discharged and needs replacing. The battery is a 3 volt lithium type
CR2032 (or equivalent).

To replace the battery

1. Turn off the computer and unplug the power cord. Take
suitable anti-static precautions and remove the system main
side panel.

2. Identify the battery and holder (No5 on the diagram at the
front of this chapter) on the motherboard.

WarningWarning

Do not
If a short-circuit is accidentally made between its positive and negative
terminals, it may cause the battery to explode.

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

metal or other conductive implement to remove the battery.

use a

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

3. Check the replacement battery is identical to the old battery.

4. Taking care not to touch the top or bottom surface of the
battery, pick up the replacement with the positive (+) terminal
upwards.

5. Slide the battery into the holder from the same side the old
battery was removed.

6. Refit the system side panel.

7. Dispose of the old battery according to the maker’s
instructions.

When you turn on the computer you will have to run the BIOS Setup
utility to re-enter the hardware configuration. If in any doubt refer
to ‘System BIOS and Setup’.

6/6 LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

Adding more 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 SIMMs sockets are located at the front of the motherboard.
SIMMs with capacities of 2, 4, 8, 16, or 32 Mbytes are supported,
giving a maximum capacity of 128 Mbytes. Extended Data Output
(EDO), 60nS SIMMs
matching pairs, i.e., fill either

There are two pairs or banks of sockets. The sockets labelled

♦

MM1 and MM2 form Bank 1, and the sockets labelled MM3
and MM4 form Bank 2.

HintHint

You cannot easily install a SIMM in a socket while the socket
immediately next to it is occupied. You may therefore need to remove a
SIMM before you can install one.

System motherboard

be used. SIMMs

must

:

bank

be fitted in

must

Installing and removing SIMMs

1. Turn off the computer and unplug all power cords. Take
suitable anti-static precautions and remove the system main
side panel, as detailed in the first chapter.

CautionCaution

If you are unfamiliar with the recommended anti-static precautions,
refer to the antistatic section at the rear of this handbook.

2. Use the illustration at the beginning of this chapter to identify
the SIMM sockets. Some or all of the sockets will be occupied.

3. Compare the current configuration of SIMMs with the
configuration for the memory upgrade you intend to install.

The following table details the supported memory

◊

configurations.

LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 6/7

System motherboard

Total Memory Bank 1 sockets Bank 2 sockets

8 Mb
16 Mb
16 Mb
24 Mb
32 Mb
40 Mb
48 Mb
64 Mb
64 Mb
72 Mb
80 Mb
96 Mb

128 Mb

To remove a SIMM

1. Gently disengage the metal holding clips on each side of the
socket using your thumbs, while placing your forefingers on
the top edge of the SIMM. Then tilt the SIMM forward to
about 15

MM1 MM2 MM3 MM4

4 Mb 4 Mb - ­4 Mb 4 Mb 4 Mb 4 Mb
8 Mb 8 Mb -

8 Mb 8 Mb 4 Mb 4 Mb
16 Mb 16 Mb - ­16 Mb 16 Mb 4 Mb 4 Mb
16 Mb 16 Mb 8 Mb 8 Mb
16 Mb 16 Mb 16 Mb 16 Mb
32 Mb 32 Mb - ­32 Mb 32 Mb 4 Mb 4 Mb
32 Mb 32 Mb 8 Mb 8 Mb
32 Mb 32 Mb 16 Mb 16 Mb
32 Mb 32 Mb 32 Mb 32 Mb

o

to the vertical.

2. Lift the SIMM out of its socket. Hold the SIMM by its edges
and avoid touching the metal contacts.

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

6/8 LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

To install a SIMM

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

NoteNote

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

System motherboard

edges and avoid touching the metal contacts.

2. Place the SIMM in the socket at a 15o 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. If the SIMM will not fit easily, remove it and start again.

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

LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 6/9

System motherboard

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
power-on self-test (POST). All you have to do is confirm the new
configuration in the BIOS Setup utility (refer to ’System BIOS and
Setup’ for more information).

If an error message occurs check that you have:

Installed a configuration supported in the list above.

♦

Correctly fitted the SIMMs in their slots.

♦

Used SIMMs 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.

Upgrading the processor

The computer is supplied with a Pentium 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. The motherboard supports the full range of
OverDrive processors known at the time of writing.

The system also supports a range of external clock speeds of 50, 60
and 66 megahertz (MHz). The clock speed is set by adjusting
jumpers on the motherboard. Note that the external clock speed is
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 multiple’.

Removing the old processor

1. Turn off the computer and unplug all power cords. Take
suitable anti-static precautions and remove the system main
side panel and top panel. Detailed instructions for this are
given in chapter 1.

6/10 LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

System motherboard

int l

e

CautionCaution

If you are unfamiliar with the recommended anti-static precautions,
refer to the antistatic section at the rear of this handbook.

If the computer was turned on prior to commencing this

2.

procedure,

wait at least 15 minutes

for the processor to cool

down before proceeding.

Use the illustration at the beginning of the chapter to locate

3.

the ZIF processor socket. The lever attached to the socket
secures the processor in the socket.

4. You will need to remove the heatsink retaining clip before you
attempt to lift the lever which secures the processor into the
socket.

If your upgrade processor is not supplied with a built-in

◊

heat sink or cooling fan, you will have to re-use the heat
sink currently attached to your old processor.

5. Lift this lever (shown below) from its locked position until it is
upright (at right-angles to the motherboard). The first and last
15° of movement may require significant effort. Apply just
enough pressure to overcome the resistance offered by the lever.

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

6.

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

CautionCaution

If the processor does not lift easily out of the socket, do not attempt to
force it. Wait for the processor to cool down.

LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 6/11

System motherboard

Fitting the new processor

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.

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 (see
below). The corresponding corner of the processor is
slightly bevelled and has a positioning guide in the form of
a coloured dot.

1 Keyed corner 2 Positioning guide

6/12 LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

1

2

System motherboard

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

CautionCaution

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

4. Move the securing lever to the locked position. Apply just
enough pressure to overcome the resistance offered by the lever.

If necessary, place the heat sink into position on top of the new

5.

processor. The vanes of the heat sink must be aligned with the
airflow from the fan in front of the processor. Refit the clip
that secures the heat sink to the processor.

6. You will need to adjust the processor speed selection jumpers
on the motherboard. See the chapter ‘System motherboard’ for
more information about locating and adjusting jumper
settings.

7. If necessary replace the expansion cards you removed earlier.

8. Replace the system panels.

LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 6/13

7 SYSTEM BIOS AND SETUP

BIOS (pronounced ‘bye-oss’) stands for basic input/output system.
The BIOS operates at the boundary between the computer’s
hardware (the processor, memory and so on) and its software (the
operating system and your program), and effectively mediates
between the two.

The BIOS is permanently encoded in an area of read-only memory
(ROM), although it can be modified if necessary by an authorised
maintainer. This does require very specialist software.

BIOS Setup is a utility programmed into the computer’s BIOS
ROM. Its main purpose is to allow you to view and alter the
computer’s hardware configuration. It is also used to configure
various security and power-saving options. Configuring the
computer is necessary to ensure that the software you use can
recognise and exploit the hardware’s capabilities.

The current configuration is kept in a special area of memory, called
CMOS memory, and maintained by a small battery so that the
configuration is preserved even while the computer is switched off.

Your computer arrives already configured, but may need to be
configured again after you add or remove add-on options such as
memory modules or expansion cards.

CautionCaution

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.

For your safety, you should make a note of your current BIOS
settings as given on the ‘ System summary’. A space for this is
provided on page 14 of this chapter.

LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 7/1

System BIOS and Setup

Entering Setup

Immediately after switching on the Mitsubishi logo is displayed at
the top right hand corner of the screen:

While this is visible you can press the
Setup utility.

You cannot enter the BIOS setup at any other time or by any other
method.

If Setup runs on its own

This can happen for three reasons:

POST detects a configuration error or fault. This may be

♦

signalled by one or more of the POST error messages listed at
the end of this chapter. If a persistent fault is indicated, make a
note of any new error messages and the current configuration
settings before calling an authorised maintainer.

The CMOS battery may be running down. This may be

♦

signalled by spurious POST error messages. If this happens
every time you turn on the computer, you may have to change
the battery, instructions for this are given in the chapter:

‘System motherboard’.

The computer’s configuration may have been changed, for

♦

example by the addition of more system memory, or an
expansion card. In this case you may have to define the new
configuration.

key to start the BIOS

F1

7/2 LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

Control keys

System BIOS and Setup

A number of keys are used to move around the BIOS Setup utility,
select items on the screen and change the current configuration.
The two lines at the bottom of the screen indicate what you can do
at any given time. The following control keys can be used in the
BIOS Setup utility:

Keys to use Function

Provides help on the highlighted topic, pressing
it again transfers you to the general help pages.

Exit either the setup, or go back a page if in a
sub-menu.

Scroll through a menu list.

To toggle values or settings.

The enter key, to select the highlighted item.

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

Used when required, similar to numbers.

Restores the original settings in force when you
entered BIOS setup.

To restore the original default settings.
(Note: this does not restore date or time)

LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 7/3

System BIOS and Setup

Main menu screen

When you start BIOS Setup a main menu screen appears with the
following options:

• • System Summary

• • Product Data

• • Devices and I/O Ports

• • Date and Time

• • System Security

• • Start Options

• • Advanced Setup

• • Plug and Play

• • Error Log

• • Power Management

Save Settings
Restore Settings
Load Default Settings

Exit Setup

Lines with a y bullet in front of them have further menus or dialog
boxes associated with them, and are described later in this chapter.

A bullet next to a line indicates that BIOS setup detected a
configuration error and attempted to correct it. This will be seen if
Setup launches automatically on switch on, to indicate a
contentious area or a change to be investigated.

The Save Settings options saves any changes that you have made so far.

The Restore Settings option restores the settings that were in effect
when you started the BIOS Setup utility (with the exception of the
Date and Time settings).

The Load Default Settings option restores the BIOS default
settings.

CautionCaution

The BIOS defaults may not be appropriate for your particular system.

Make a note of the current settings before using the Load Default

Settings option or pressing F10.

7/4 LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

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

(on page 13)

progress any further or make any changes.

Product Data

This page cannot be edited, it gives details of the Machine

Type/Model and the System Serial Number.

Devices and I/O Ports

Serial Ports A & B (COM1 & COM2)

This allows you to select the I/O ports and interrupts used by the

two serial ports. It is best to leave these at the default settings. Do

not disable the serial ports unless you are absolutely sure you are not

going to need them.

Port B will be greyed out on those systems which are provided with

an infra-red remote receiver.

System BIOS and Setup

of the information on this page before you

Parallel Port

This allows you to set the I/O port and interrupt used by the

parallel port. You can select Standard or Extended port modes. To

get EPP mode you may have to change the I/O port setting.

Parallel Port Mode Description

Standard Used for output only.
Extended Bi-directional Simple two-way data.

EPP Enhanced Parallel Port mode.
ECP Extended Capabilities Port mode.

Any parallel port devices that you may wish to attach, such as a tape

streamer or external hard drive etc., should 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.

LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 7/5

System BIOS and Setup

Mouse

This option enables the use of a mouse. The actual presence of the

mouse can then be detected by POST. You should not normally

disable this setting.

Diskette Controller

This option enables the use of the floppy diskette drives. You

should not normally disable this setting.

Diskette Drive A/B

This lets you specify what diskette and floppy disk drives are fitted.

Diskette drive A is fitted by default, and is invariably a 1.44 Mbytes

3.5” drive. You will not be required to change this setting.

Video Setup

This details the video controller and details the size of the video

memory.

IDE Controller

This option enables the use of the hard drives connected to the

onboard controller. It should not be disabled.

IDE Drives Setup

The motherboard’s two IDE/ATA (Integrated Drive electronics

AT-Attachment) interface support a total of four drives (that is, two

drives per interface).

However, the computer itself can accommodate at most two hard

disk drives plus one removable-media drive, typically a CD-ROM

drive. The hard disk drives should be connected to the primary IDE

interface, and the CD-ROM drive connected to the secondary

interface.

IDE Translation Mode

Select

Extended CHS

(cylinder, head, sector) to enable the scheme

that allows the BIOS to access hard disk drives of greater than 504

7/6 LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

System BIOS and Setup

Mbytes capacity. You might need to select

operating system does not support Extended CHS for large drives.

Hard Disk Drives

Hard disk size and type is auto-detected when the computer is

turned on, but other parameters can be manually set for each drive

should it be required.
is partitioned and formatted as you risk losing all the data on the
drive. CD-ROM drives are also auto-detected.

Transfer Mode You can either select

Logical Block Address

(LBA) Mode

Date and Time

Use this to adjust the motherboard’s Real Time Clock (RTC). This

clock is maintained by a battery while the computer is turned off.

Standard CHS

alter any settings once your hard drive

Do not

Parameter Settings

Automatic

. If you select manual then
you will be required to specify the
transfer mode of the hard disk drive.

Select

Supported

if your hard disk drive
is 8 Gbytes or larger as LBA mode offers
significant performance benefits.

if your

Manual

or

Time

The time is in 24-hour format. Use the

LEFT

and

RIGHT ARROW

keys to move from hours to minutes to seconds. To enter new
values use the number keys, or the

PLUS

(+) and

MINUS

(-) keys to

increase or decrease the current setting.

Date

The date is in the usual Day / Month / Year format. The procedure for
alerting the date is the same as for the time.

Once the correct date is set you should not need to set it again. The
computer accounts for leap years automatically.

LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 7/7

System BIOS and Setup

System Security

This is to allow you to set, change or delete passwords for either
general or administrator use.

Power-on Password

This option allows you to set a password that is required every time
the computer is turned on or rebooted. Only people who know the
password will be able to use the computer. The password can be up
to seven characters long.

To define a power-on password:

1. In the Power-on Password dialog, type the password in the
‘Enter Power-on Password’ box, then press the

ARROW

◊

key.

To preserve confidentiality, the password is not displayed
as you type it.

2. Type the password once more in the ‘Enter Power-on
Password Again’ box.

3. If you want the computer to ask for the power-on password,
ensure that Password Prompt is set to “On”. If this option is
set to “Off”, the computer will still require the password but
will

not

ask for it.

4. Choose the Set or Change Power-on Password option.

5. A dialog asks you to confirm that you want to replace any
existing power-on password.

6. Press

ENTER

to confirm (or

otherwise).

ESC

DOWN

Now, when the computer is next turned on or rebooted, the user is
required to enter the password. If the Password Prompt is set “On”,
the following prompt is displayed:

Type your password, then press Enter.

If the Password Prompt option is set to “Off”, the user is not
prompted at all. The computer will boot (or if F1 is pressed during
start-up the BIOS Setup utility will start) and then wait for the user
to type the password and press ENTER. It is important that
authorised users of the computer are told to expect this, or they may
think that the computer has stopped working.

7/8 LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

System BIOS and Setup

The user is allowed three attempts to enter the correct password. If
they fail the computer is “locked” and must be switched off.
Turning the computer on again restarts the sequence.

To delete a power-on password:

1. In the Power-on Password dialog, choose the Delete Power-on
Password option.

A dialog asks you to confirm that you want to delete the

◊

existing power-on password.

Start Options

2. Press

Administrator Password

ENTER

to confirm.

The administrator password works in exactly the same way as a
power-on password. If you define both an administrator and a
power-on password, the computer only allows you to enter Setup if
you enter the Administrator’s password.

Certain features can be set or enabled automatically when the
computer boots.

Keyboard Numlock State

If set to “On” (default), the keys on the numeric keypad (on the
right-hand side of the keyboard) will produce numbers when
pressed. If “Off”, these keys provide cursor control functions
instead.

Keyboard Speed

This sets the speed (frequency) at which a pressed key will repeat;
either “Fast” (default) or “Normal”.

Disketteless Operation

If this is “Disabled”, POST will look for and test the diskette drive,
and report an error if the drive is faulty or missing. If “Enabled”,
POST will omit the test and continue, provided that another boot
device is available (i.e. the hard disk drive).

LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 7/9

System BIOS and Setup

Displayless Operation

If this option is “Disabled”, POST will look for an attached
monitor and report an error an error if it is faulty or missing; if
“Enabled”, POST will allow the computer to start without a
monitor.

Keyboardless Operation

If this option is “Disabled”, POST will look for an attached
keyboard and report an error if it is faulty or missing; if “Enabled”,
POST will allow the computer to start without a keyboard.

Start-up Devices

These options allow you to specify where the BIOS looks for an
operating system when it boots. If the computer cannot locate an
operating system on the First Startup Device, it tries the Second
Startup Device and so on.

Note that if the First Startup Device is set to “Disabled”, the
computer will be unable to boot.

The possible settings depend on the number and type of devices
that are installed in your computer. For example, “Diskette Drive
1” is not a possible setting without a second floppy disk drive.

By default, the First Startup Device is “Diskette Drive 0” and the
Second Startup Device is “Hard Disk 0”. this should not normally
need to be changed.

Power On Self Test

The POST can be selected to either run only a “Quick” set of tests
or a more thorough (but longer) “Enhanced” set.

Virus Detection

If this option is “Enabled”, each time the computer boots the BIOS
will check the startup device to find if a boot sector virus has crept
in. This is not an infallible check against the newer types of viruses,
but it can help.

7/10 LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

Advanced Setup

Any settings changed here, if incorrect, may cause the system to halt
or may cause your software to malfunction. A warning about this
appears on the screen when you choose Advanced Setup from the
menu.

Cache Control

A simple dialog allows you to enable or disable the computer’s
memory cache. Some older software is speed sensitive and on rare
occasions you may need to disable the cache.

ROM Shadowing

To shadow ROM means to copy its contents into the computer’s
system or random-access memory (RAM). This is beneficial for two
reasons: ROM has (relatively) long access times and the processor
can access RAM faster than ROM; second, the contents of RAM
can be cached for even greater performance. All of the computer’s
system BIOS ROM is shadowed.

The ROM Shadowing option allows you to shadow video BIOS
and up to three 32 Kbytes areas of expansion card ROM (that is,
ROM fitted on ISA or PCI expansion cards) addressed between
C8000h and DFFFFh.

System BIOS and Setup

See the chapter entitled, ‘Expansion’ for more information about
addressing expansion card ROM.

CautionCaution

Shadowing is only appropriate for expansion card ROM. It must not be
enabled for expansion card RAM.

PCI Options

The only configurable PCI setting is Palette Snooping, which can be
“Enabled” or “Disabled”, it should be enabled only for PCI video
expansion cards that require it.

Universal Serial Bus (USB)

This is available for future use with USB compatible peripherals and
is set to ‘enabled’.

LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 7/11

System BIOS and Setup

Plug and Play

Enabling the Plug and Play adapter configuration will auto-configure
any Plug and Play cards but any ISA adapters which do not support
Plug and Play will require the system resources to be registered.

There is a separate option for each resource; memory, I/O ports,
DMA and interrupts. Some areas not shown are system allocated.

Each resource can be set to either
shown as Plug and Play, 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

entitled ‘Expansion’ for more information about the resources used
by expansion cards.

Error Log

Any errors reported during the POST routine will be logged in the
Error log. It will contain the last three errors detected and can be
cleared.

Power Management

Plug and Play

or

ISA Legacy.

be registered in the BIOS. See the chapter

If

The Power Management is ON as default to enable the system to
comply with the Energy Star program. But it may be disabled, or
overridden by the Power Manager Software in Windows95 when
that is installed. See the chapter ‘Multimedia applications’ for further
details on power management. A simple menu is available:

Menu option Choices

Power Management ‘On’ or ‘Off’

Time Till (auto) Power Saving ‘Disable’, or range of times

Hard disk Power Saving ‘Disable’, ‘Enable’

Standby Switch Monitor Control ‘Disable’, ‘Enable’

CautionCaution

The monitor supplied with your computer is designed to work with these
energy-saving features. If you want to use another monitor, make sure
that it supports DPMS. If not, it may be permanently damaged.

7/12 LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

(in minutes)

(timing fixed at 20mins)

(see warning below)

System BIOS and Setup

Error Messages

If you get an error which is not listed or the problem persists, call your supplier or
authorised maintainer.

Code Cause Code Cause

0 Keyboard locked 301 Keyboard clock line failure
062 Boot failure (default values loaded) 301 Keyboard data line failure
101 Timer tick interrupt failure 301 Keyboard stuck key failure
102 Timer 2 test failure 303 Keyboard controller failure
106 Diskette controller failure 604 Diskette drive 0 failure
110 System board memory parity interrupt 604 Diskette drive 1 failure
114 Option ROM checksum failure 605 Diskette unlocked problem
151 Real time clock failure 662 Diskette drive configuration
161 Real time clock battery failure 762 Coprocessor configuration
162 CMOS RAM checksum failure 962 Parallel configuration
162 Invalid configuration information 1162 Serial configuration
163 Time of day not set -preboot 1762 Hard disk configuration
164 Memory size does not match CMOS 1780 Fixed disk 0 failure
165 Add/remove MC card 1781 Fixed disk 1 failure
166 Memory configuration change 1782 Fixed disk 2 failure
175 Bad EEPROM CRC #1 1783 Fixed disk 3 failure
176 System tampered 1800 No more IRQ available
177 Bad PAP checksum 1801 No more room for option ROM
178 EEPROM is not functional 1802 No more I/O space available
183 PAP update required 1803 No more memory <1Mb available
184 Bad POP checksum 1804 No more memory >1MB available
185 Corrupted Boot sequence 1805 Checksum error or 0 size option ROM
186 Hardware problem 1806 PCI-PCI bridge error
187 VPD S/N not set 1962 No bootable device
188 Bad EEPROM CRC #2 2400 Display adapter failed ; using alternate
189 Excessive password attempts 2462 Video configuration
201 Base memory error 5962 IDE CD-ROM configuration
229 External cache failure 8601 Pointer device failure
301 Keyboard failure 8603 Pointer device has been removed

LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 7/13

System BIOS and Setup

Notes

Note down your BIOS settings for reference.

7/14 LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

APPENDIX

Suitable antistatic precautions

Cleaning and transporting

Fall-back password cut-out page

LS/VS660 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

A1 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.

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).

Anti-static precautions

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
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.

1

Anti-static precautions

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.

2

Cleaning and Transporting

A2 CLEANING AND

TRANSPORTING

Cleaning the computer

use solvents or abrasives, they might damage the system unit

Do not

surfaces.

Do not

particular, air vents or grills, ports, or removable-media drives, as
microscopic droplets can remain in the air for some time and then
be sucked in when you switch on and cause irreparable damage.

WarningWarning

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

The system unit

♦

♦

♦

The monitor

Occasionally wipe the monitor with a soft, slightly damp, clean
cloth. It is best to use antistatic glass cleaner on the monitor screen

to help prevent dust adhesion.
onto the screen, it could run down inside the case and damage the
circuitry.

use aerosols or sprays near any part of the system, in

Occasionally wipe the outside of the system unit with a soft,
slightly damp, clean cloth.

Occasionally check 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.

Do not

spray glass cleaner directly

1

Cleaning and Transporting

The keyboard

When necessary, clean the keycaps with a slightly damp clean 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.
keys as this may cause serious damage.

Do not

probe between the

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
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.

2. Remove the cover and set it aside. Then cupping one hand
over the underside, turn the mouse back the right way up. The
ball should drop into your hand.

3. Blow gently into the mouse to remove any dust that has
collected there.

2

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

5. Use clear water, or water with a mild detergent, to clean the
ball. Then dry it with a clean, soft cloth.

6. 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.

transport the computer with either a floppy disk or a CD-

Do not

ROM left in the drives, as they may cause damage both to the
media and to the drive.

attempt to pick up the computer using either of the drives

Do not

as a lifting point.

Cleaning and Transporting

try to move the computer while it is plugged into the AC

Do not

power supply or with any other cables, (network, printer etc.), still
attached and

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

WarningWarning

The computer is correctly set up to operate with the AC supply in the
country in which it first sold. If you wish to use the computer in another
country it may not be suitable. Consult your supplier or an authorised
Apricot dealer.

especially

with the monitor on top.

3

A3 FALL-BACK PASSWORD

The fall-back password is a 12-digit number, unique to your
computer, that is indelibly encoded in your computer's read-only
memory. It is intended for use with your computer’s anti-theft
features (described in Chapter 1, of this manual).

If you ever forget your usual password, you can use the fall-back
password instead. To keep the fall-back password secure, it is

displayed
features. That is why you must make a note of the fall-back
password and keep it safe.

You should record the password in the space provided below, then
store this page (or the whole manual) in a safe place.

only once

, the first time that you use the anti-theft

FALL BACK PASSWORD

MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC PC DIVISION

APRICOT COMPUTERS LIMITED
3500 PARKSIDE
BIRMINGHAM BUSINESS PAR K
BIRMINGHAM B37 7YS
UNITED KINGDOM
Tel [phone] Fax [phone]

http://www.apricot.co.uk