Mitsubishi Electric apricot ls/vs550 Owner's Manual

LS/VS550

NATIONAL

ACCREDITATION

OF CERTIFICATION

BODIES

Owner’s Handbook

OWNER’S HANDBOOK

APRICOT LS/VS550

with Pentium-Pro processor

Intel, Pentium® and Pentium®Pro 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 FIRST STEPS

System rear 1/1
Audio subsystem 1/2
Turning on and booting 1/2
Energy saving features 1/3
Turning the power off 1/4
Opening the system unit 1/5
The components inside 1/6

2 THE SYSTEM DRIVES

Using the floppy drive 2/1
Using a CD-ROM drive 2/2
Optional PD drive 2/4
Hard disk drives 2/6
Installation of a second HDD

3 SYSTEM EXPANSION

Configuring a card 3/1
Installing a card 3/5

LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 1

2/7

Contents

4 TROUBLESHOOTING

Problems when starting 4/1
Troubleshooting checklist 4/3
The system’s disk drives 4/4

5 SYSTEM MOTHERBOARD

Major board features 5/1
Jumpers and control connections 5/2
Replacing the CMOS battery 5/6
Upgrading the motherboard 5/7
Adding more memory 5/7
Upgrading the processor 5/9

6 SYSTEM BIOS AND SETUP

Entering Setup 6/1
Control keys 6/2
Main menu screen 6/3
Beep codes 6/11
Error messages 6/13

Note down your settings

6/14

Appendix section

Cleaning and Transporting 4 pages
Antistatic precautions 2 pages

2 LS/VS OWNER’S HANDBOOK

SAFETY AND REGULATORY NOTICES

General

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 the system top 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.

I

Safety and regulatory notices

Standards

Safety

This product complies with the European safety standard EN60950. When
required, any applicable national deviations for the country in which it is sold
will be shown on an appropriate label affixed to the system underside.

Electro-magnetic Compatibility (EMC)

This product complies with the following European EMC standards:
Emissions EN55022 Class B
Immunity EN50082 Level 2
This product also complies with the following International EMC standards:
VCCI level 1 (Japan)

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

II

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

Low voltage Directive 73/23/EEC
EMC Directive 89/336/EEC
CE marking Directive 93/668/EEC

CautionCaution

This system has been tested to comply with CE marking 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 approvals.

Safety and regulatory notices

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

125V

N

250V

L

E

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.

◊

If the monitor AC power cord is connected to the computer AC
outlet, when you come to switch off, the computer’s power
button will switch off the monitor at the same time.

III

Safety and regulatory notices

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.

IV

1 FIRST STEPS

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 rear

16

15

1

2

3

4

5

6

1. Casing screws 7. PS/2 mouse port 13. Expansion

2. AC supply socket 8. Serial port (COM1) 14. Audio connections*

3. Supply selector switch 9. Serial port (COM2) 15. System security loop

4. AC outlet for monitor 10. Parallel/printer port 16. Optional case lock

5. USB port 11. Not used

6. Keyboard port 12. Side air vents

14

7

8

9

13

10101

1

2

12

1

10

11

*detailed on following page

Security

The optional Security case-lock (16), can help prevent casual and
unauthorised removal of the cover, while the security loop, (15)
above, can be used for either alarmed loop cable, anchoring cable, or
padlocking mechanisms. This will help prevent unauthorised cover
removal as well as system theft.

LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 1/1

First steps

Audio subsystem (option)

1

2 3

4 5

10101

1

1. Joystick/MIDI port 4. Line out

2. Microphone 5. Speakers

3. Line in

The motherboard sound system is a Creative Labs Vibra, full 16 bit.
Audio output from the CD-ROM drive is internally connected to
the Vibra sound system.

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) 8 Ohm impedance
minimum on both microphone and speakers.

Turning on and booting the computer

Turning the power on

To turn on the computer, press the
lower, or white, P
green POWER
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.
Do not touch the purple button yet, that
will be dealt with on the next page.

1/2 LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

button. The

OWER

ON light should come on

First steps

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:

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.

A light is provided on the
power’ mode is operative. The ‘power on’ light will still be visible.

purple button

LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 1/3

to warn you that ‘Low

First steps

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.

Turning the power off

Remember these two simple points:

it may not

be compatible and

permanent

. Check with your Apricot dealer.

You may instead press the purple button,
just above the power switch to restore the
system. This button can also be pressed
while you are using the system, to override
the time-out and put 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.

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

♦

will be lost

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.

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 at least 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.

1/4 LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

when you turn off the computer.

button again. If

OWER

It may be advantageous on some occasions to use the ‘Energy Saving’
features of the computer. Press the purple button on the front panel and
put the system into ‘Low Power’. This will provide a quick start up next
time you use the system.

Opening the system unit

The only tool required is a medium cross head screwdriver.

WarningWarning

Turn off the computer, along with all peripherals, and unplug all power
cords before removing the top cover. Take suitable antistatic precautions
while the system cover is removed.

1. Turn off both the system unit and the monitor and unplug all
power cords from rear of the system unit.

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

First steps

10101

1

2

3. Release the caselock or remove any locking device from the
loop, if fitted.

4. Slide the top cover rearwards slightly, then lift it off.

Refitting the cover is simply a reversal of the procedure.

LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 1/5

First steps

The components inside*

8

7

6

5

4

1. Power supply 5. System cooling fan

2. Hard disk (below CD-ROM) 6. Motherboard

3. CD-ROM drive 7. Expansion riser board

4. Floppy drive 8. Rear audio board (option)

∗

Please note that, for clarity, all the power and signal cables are not
shown in the above illustration.

3

1

2

1/6 LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

2 THE SYSTEM DRIVES

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.

COMPACT

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 in use’ LED should be lit.

Pressing the button, when the drive is not in use, will eject the floppy
disk. It is best to 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 next to the metal window.

LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 2/1

System Drives

Using a CD-ROM drive

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

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

1

COMPACT

2

1. Disc drawer 4. Emergency eject hole

2. Headphone jack and volume 5. Eject button

3. Activity light

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.

2/2 LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

3 4

5

Inserting a compact disc

COMPACT

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.

NoteNote

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.

Care of CDs

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.

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 there 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.

LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 2/3

System Drives

COMPACT

Emergency CD removal

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.

There is an indicator LED to show the type of disk which has been
inserted, but the rest of the controls are very similar to a
conventional CD-ROM drive.

The drive can use any PD cartridges bearing 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 minor differences as shown in
the illustration opposite.

2/4 LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

logo. If the

System Drives

PD/CD

BUSY

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:

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.

LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 2/5

System Drives

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.

Hard disk drives (HDDs)

The primary hard drive

The majority of computers are supplied with one internal or
‘primary’ HDD. This will normally be designated as the
The operating system will normally be installed on this drive.

The HDD can have only one active partition i.e. the bootable disk,
but larger HDDs 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 components obtained from any other source cannot
be guaranteed.

A second hard drive

Computers with an integrated drive electronics (IDE) interface can
have two HDDs connected to it. The primary drive being designated
as the Master and the new drive becoming the Slave. The Apricot

2/6 LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

C:

drive.

system BIOS is capable of handling this. If the SCSI interface is used
the computer may have several devices connected to the same
interface, each one requiring its own individual ‘ID’ to be set.

Installing and setting up a second hard drive is not difficult, but 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.

Installation of second HDD

Switch off the system and remove the cover. Take care to observe
anti-static precautions at all times while the system cover is
removed. Information on suitable precautions can be found at the
rear of this manual.

Remove the floppy drive assembly by loosening its screws, sliding it
towards the rear of the system and lifting it out. It may be necessary
to temporarily disconnect drive cables. Take careful note of how
they are fitted.

System Drives

2

3

1

4

1 Floppy drive fixing screws 2-5 CD-ROM assembly screws

Locate and loosen the four screws that hold the CD-ROM drive
assembly into the system, slide it back and lift it out. You now have
access to the hard disk drive assembly. Loosen the screws holding it
to the baseplate and lift carefully out.

LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 2/7

5

System Drives

MASTER

SLAVE

IDE driveIDE drive

The master, or first drive, should have a link across DS. On a slave, or
second drive,
two pins as shown in the following illustration.

SCSI driveSCSI drive

A new SCSI drive will need its ID link set. Read carefully the
documentation supplied with the drive. Note that the boot SCSI drive is
usually ‘device 0’ and the CD-ROM (if a SCSI type is fitted) may be
‘device 1’ or ‘device 2’.

Fit the new hard drive in the available position using the special
screws provided taking care not to touch the exposed control board,
then refit the assembly to the baseplate.

the link, but retain it by placing it onto

remove

one

of the

Fit an appropriate power connector to the new drive and connect
up its signal/ribbon cable. The ribbon cable is ‘striped’ to indicate
pin 1. Correct orientation
end nearest the power connector.)

Refit the CD-ROM drive assembly followed by the floppy drive
assembly. Tighten all the screws as you fit the assemblies and
reconnect any cables, including earth wires, that had been removed,
taking care to reconnect them to their original state.

Refit the system cover carefully, checking first that no other cables
or connections have become dislodged or trapped during the work.

You will now need to partition and format the new drive.
Information on this topic can be found either in Windows ‘help’ or
in your software guide.

2/8 LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

be observed. (Pin 1 is usually at the

must

3 SYSTEM EXPANSION

2

10101

1

1

3

2

Your computer can accept various expansion cards or boards. Most
are simple to install. You can extend the capabilities of the computer
by installing, for example, a modem, TV card, or network interface.

Most modern cards are very simple to install, particularly Peripheral
Component Interface (PCI) types as they are ‘plug and play’ and
require little in the way of configuration. Industry Standard
Architecture (ISA) cards however often require a little preparation
and setting up before they can be used.

1. Half PCI 2. Full PCI 3. Half ISA

The riser board can accommodate a number of expansion cards as
shown in the above illustration. The normal fitted blanking plates
are not shown for clarity.

Configuring the card

The installation procedure for many expansion cards involves
setting up or configuring the card so it works correctly in the
system. You assign values to various settings on the card, which
enables the card to communicate with the computer. The settings
MUST be registered in the ‘ISA legacy resources’ section of the BIOS.

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

Interrupt request level (IRQ)

♦

LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 3/1

Expansion

Direct memory access (DMA) channel

♦

Base input/output (I/O) port address

♦

Base memory address

♦

The settings used by the card
in the computer. The settings must not
a component on the motherboard

Some settings are done by jumpers and/or switches on the card and
are best completed

before

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. If you are in any doubt consult the supplier or
manufacturer.

Most modern cards are supplied with default settings which are
often an industry standard. It is best to rely on these where possible.

ISA Interrupt request level (IRQ)

The interrupt request level or IRQ (either term can be used) 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. While 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 PIC daisy chain No
IRQ3 Serial port 2 Optionally
IRQ4 Serial port 1 Optionally
IRQ5 Optional sound system Optionally
IRQ6 Diskette controller No
IRQ7 Parallel port Optionally

be different to existing hardware

must

with other cards or

conflict

.

installation, others are configured by

3/2 LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

IRQ Default assignment Available?

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*

*If SCSI is used in place of IDE, ’Plug and Play’ can place SCSI controller in
one of these.

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.
have no intention of using them.

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.

disable ports unless you

Do not

Expansion

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 Default audio (8 bit) Optionally
DMA2 Diskette/floppy disk controller No
DMA3 ECP printer port(default) Optionally
DMA4 DMAC daisy chain No
DMA5 Default audio (16 bit) Optionally
DMA6 Yes
DMA7 Yes

LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 3/3

Expansion

Base input/output (I/O) port address

Some expansion cards are also controlled by I/O ports or ‘address
space’. 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.

I/O ports Default assignment

1F0h-1F7h Hard disk drive controller
278h-27Fh Parallel port 2 (optional)
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

Any ports not listed are available for expansion cards. All addresses
below 100h are used by the system board for various fixed system
components and chipset controller settings. They are unavailable for use.

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

3/4 LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

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.

Installing the card

Read all these instructions through before attempting to install any
expansion 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 board or ask your Apricot
dealer for advice or assistance.

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 cover. Information on suitable precautions can be found
at the rear of this manual.

3. 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.

Expansion

4. Check on two things, the type of board (ISA or PCI) and then
its length.
Details are given at the beginning of this chapter.

◊

5. 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.

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

Not all slots take the same length or type of card

Note that PCI cards have their components on the

to older ISA cards.

side

LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 3/5

opposite

.

Expansion

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. Secure the card by replacing all the screws/clamps that you
removed in Step 5.

10. Connect any necessary signal cables to the card.

11. 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. Refer to the BIOS chapter for full information. PCI cards
and full ‘Plug and Play’ cards, should fully configure with the
system software automatically.

Follow any other installation requirements, such as the card’s own
configuration or installation software.

3/6 LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

4 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 supply cable and 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/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 4/1

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 memory). 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 20 to 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 The diskette drive contains a non-system diskette. Replace it

with a system diskette and press F1.

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

with a system diskette and press F1.

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

4/2 LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

Troubleshooting

Boot failure message Explanation

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

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

Power

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.

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.

LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 4/3

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. 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. 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. 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.

4/4 LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

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.

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. There is also the write protect
tab to check.

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 the 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.

Troubleshooting

LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 4/5

5 SYSTEM MOTHERBOARD

Major board features

20

Parallel

19

18

17

Com 2

Com 1

Mouse Key/Bd

USB

(optional)

1
2

3
4
5

6

7

8
9

10

11

12
13
14

16

15

1 CD-ROM audio connector 8 IDE primary connector 15 VRM8 socket
2 Aux. audio connector 9 IDE secondary connector 16 Zif socket for processor
3 modem audio input 10 Floppy drive connector 17 CMOS battery (CR2032)
4 Main PSU connections 11 PSU 3.3V aux. connector 18 Diagnostic board port
5 Rear audio connections 12 Memory slot, MM1 19 Expansion riser socket
6 PSU logic control (not used) 13 Memory slot, MM2 20 External ports
7 SCSI connector 14 Memory slot, MM3

LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 5/1

System motherboard

Jumpers and control connections

14

13
12

11
10

9

8

1
2

3
4

5

6

1 J80 - audio enable/disable 8 PL74 and PL75 - fan connectors

2 PL86 - speaker links 9 J70 - Reserved. Do not move.

3 J40 - hard disk LED select 10 J72 - battery disconnect

4 J71 - Reserved. Do not move 11 J1 to 4 - CPU clock divisor

5 J90 and J91 - SCSI setting links 12 J32 - board bus frequency

6 PL70 and PL71 - case connections 13 J30 and J31 - BIOS links

7 PL20 - front bezel daughterboard 14 J60 - floppy drive setting

WarningWarning

Do not alter jumper settings under normal operation as permanent
damage could be caused to motherboard components.

5/2 LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

7

Processor clock multiplier, J1 to 4

J1 J2 J3 J4 Ratio

IIII 2

IIOI 3

IIIO 4

IIOO 5

I O I I 5/2

I O O I 7/2

IOIO 9/2

I O O O 11/2

O X X I Strictly reserved

OOOO 2

I=jumper fitted O=No jumper X=Don’t care

Bus speed select, J32

Frequency Jumper J32

60 MHz No jumper

System motherboard

Flash BIOS, J30 & J31

Recovery J30 Program enable J31

2-3, Normal 1-2, Enable

1-2, Recover 2-3, Disable

Battery backup, J72

66 MHz Jumper fitted

Erase CMOS settings

1-2, Normal

2-3, >1 sec. to discharge

LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 5/3

System motherboard

Audio disable, J80

Audio J80

1-2, Enable Audio

2-3, Disable Audio

On-board SCSI Interface, J90 & J91

Link SCSI Enable - J90 SCSI Type - J91 Link

1 - 2 Enable SCSI Non Ultra SCSI ON

2 - 3 Disable SCSI Ultra wide SCSI OFF

Hard drive LED, J40

J90 setting (see above) Set J40 as follows:

SCSI Disabled (IDE drives fitted) 1 - 2

SCSI Enabled (SCSI drives fitted) 2 - 3

Floppy Disk mode, J60

Pins Floppy options J60

1-3 3-mode operation

Software control for 1.2Mb mode operation in Japan

Speakers, PL86

This is only for special system cases with internal stereo speakers, the normal
casing is only fitted with a single ‘beep’ type speaker, connected to PL71.

Pins Function Connection PL86

1 Stereo - Left Left 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 speaker = pins 5 and 6

6 Audio ground

5/4 LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

Fan Connectors, PL73 & PL74

Pins CPU Fansink PL73 Pins Main fan PL74

1 Ground 1 Ground

2 Fan Fail 2 Controlled supply

3 + 12 volts 3 Ground

Front and panel connectors, PL70 & PL71

Row A - PL70 Pins Row B - PL71

Power (PSU control) 1 Standby switch

Power return 2 Standby switch return

(Connected to pin 6) 3 Vcc

Keyed 4 Keyed

Hard disk LED signal 5 IRDA input

Hard disk LED pullup 6 Ground

Ground 7 IRDA output

Keylock switch 8 Ground

Keylock switch return 9 Not used

Power on LED signal 10 Not used

Power on LED return 11 Speaker out (BEEP)

Standby LED signal 12 Message LED signal

Standby LED return 13 Message LED pullup

Reset switch return 14 Not used

Reset switch 15 Not used

System motherboard

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/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 5/5

System motherboard

Replacing the CMOS battery

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

Read carefully the following instructions before commencing work.

1. Turn off the computer and unplug all power cords. Take
suitable anti-static precautions and remove the system unit
cover.

2. Identify the battery holder, identified at position ‘26’ on the
motherboard diagram.

3. Carefully disconnect and remove any expansion cards that may
obstruct easy access to the battery. Take note of any cable
positions before removal.

WarningWarning

Do not

battery. If a short-circuit is accidentally made between its positive and
negative terminals, it may cause the battery to explode.

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

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

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

7. Dispose of the old battery according to the makers

When you next turn on the computer you will have to run the
BIOS Set-up utility to enter the hardware configuration. See
‘System BIOS and set-up’ for guidance.

5/6 LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

use a metal or other conductive implement to remove the

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

battery, pick up the replacement with the positive (+) terminal
upwards and slide the battery into the holder from the same
side the old battery was removed.

replace the system unit cover.

instructions.

Upgrading the motherboard

CautionCaution

Care must be taken in the purchase of upgrade parts to ensure both
compatibility with the system and the compliance with appropriate
approvals and certification, e.g., CE marking within Europe. Using
non-approved parts may invalidate your warranty and system approvals.

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

Read all the instructions through carefully before starting. The tasks
are not difficult, but if you do not feel confident about the work
involved, you may wish to have your supplier or service organisation
complete it for you.

WarningWarning

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 memory

System motherboard

Memory can be fitted in three vertical DIMM sockets which must
be populated with gold contact, 3.3V, 72-bit unbuffered EDO type
DIMMs having 60 ns timing.

The three DIMM slots accept DIMMs of 16, 32 and 64 Mbytes
in any combination, to the maximum of 192 Mbytes.

Fitting and removing DIMMs

Note the indents along the connector edge, they prevent the
DIMM from fitting into the socket the wrong way round.

LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 5/7

System motherboard

1. Turn off the computer and unplug all power cords. Take
suitable anti-static precautions and remove the system unit cover.

2. You may have to remove the floppy disk drive module which
partly restricts access to the memory sockets (first identifying
the way all cables are fitted) by disconnecting the cables,
loosening the screws and lifting out.

3. Check the configuration for the upgrade you intend to install.
It may be necessary to remove all of the existing DIMMs,
before going on to install the new modules.

To install a DIMM

1. Take the module out of its anti-static packaging. Hold it by its
ends and avoid touching the metal contacts.

2. Align with and place carefully above the chosen socket,
ensuring that the socket end clips are not obstructing.

3. Pushing gently on its top corners, press the DIMM into the
socket and make sure the two end clips are snapped into place.

Do not use excessive force

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

5. Repeat these steps for each module to be installed.

NoteNote

It is not important which memory socket is used first, but it is usual practice
to start with the lowest number bank available (socket MM1).

5/8 LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

.

To remove a DIMM

1. Gently press the tabs on both of the end clips at the same time.
This will release the DIMM and lift it out of its socket.

2. Lift the module clear of its socket. Hold it by its ends and
avoid touching the metal contacts.

3. Place the DIMM 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.

The first time you turn on the computer after adding or removing
memory, the change will be automatically detected by the system
BIOS, if an error message occurs check that you have:

System motherboard

Correctly fitted the DIMMs in their slots.

♦

fitted DIMMs of the correct type.

♦

It may be necessary to refit the original memory to check if there is
a problem with your new modules. If in any doubt contact your
supplier. Remember that all new DIMMs must carry the
appropriate approval markings etc. to avoid invalidating the system
certifications.

Upgrading the processor

The ZIF (zero insertion force) ‘type 8’ processor socket on the
motherboard is designed to accept a variety of Intel
processors. You may wish to upgrade your processor by replacing it
with one of higher performance.

Read the following instructions carefully before commencing work.

Pentium-Pro

LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 5/9

System motherboard

Changing the processor

To remove the existing processor:

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

If the system was in use just before starting this procedure,

◊

the processor
cool down.

2. Take suitable anti-static precautions and remove the system
unit cover. Information on antistatic precautions can be found
at the rear of this handbook.

3. If there are any expansion cards in the way, you may have to
remove them. Disconnect any cables connected to the cards,
remove the securing screws at the rear of the system unit, then
remove the cards.

4. If there is no processor fan, a strong spring clip secures the
large heatsink to the processor. Release the end of the spring
from the hook on the front of the ZIF socket with care and
slide the heatsink clear.

Handle carefully as there may be heat transfer compound

◊

on the heatsink face.

will be hot

, wait at least 15 minutes for it to

There may be a power lead for the fan if the processor has

◊

one fitted. Take note of the fan power lead polarity before
releasing it from its board connection.

5. A lever attached to the ZIF socket secures the processor in the
socket. Unhook the lever from under the clip in the locked
position. Lift it upright (at right-angles to the motherboard).
There may be a little stiffness at the beginning and end of the
lever’s movement.

The illustrations opposite show the clip, lever locking

◊

mechanism and the processor socket along with the
organisation of the whole assembly.

5/10 LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

System motherboard

e

int l

6. Lift the processor out of the socket and place it on an anti­static surface outside the system unit. Hold the processor by its
edges and avoid touching any of the metal pins.

e

int l

LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 5/11

System motherboard

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.
(The pin pattern is totally different at one end.) It will only fit
into the socket one way.

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.

4. Move the ZIF socket lever to the locked position. Apply just
enough pressure to overcome the resistance offered by the
lever. Ensure that it is firmly hooked into its down position.

5. Refit the heatsink if the new processor was supplied without
one and secure correctly the retaining spring.

heatsink is central on the processor and is securely held

If the spring is no longer required, remove it completely by

◊

disengaging it from its hook on the rear of the ZIF socket.
The upgrade processor may have a fan power lead to be

◊

connected to the pins on the board (PL73). The ‘overdrive’
type processor however may have its own internal
connection for the fan power supply.

6.

Now adjust the processor multiplier and external bus clock
speed links

conjunction with the new processor’s data sheet.

on the motherboard, (Jumpers 1-4 and 32) in

Do not use excessive force

.

Ensure the

.

WarningWarning

Ensure that the supply lead for the front casing fan is still connected to
PL74 to ensure adequate airflow over the processor assembly.

This processor requires continuous airflow.

Return to their original position any expansion cards that had been
removed earlier, then refit and secure the system unit cover.

5/12 LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

6 SYSTEM BIOS AND SETUP

The basic input-output system (BIOS) is permanently encoded in
an area of read-only memory (ROM). It can be modified or
upgraded if necessary, but this is recommended to be undertaken by
an authorised engineer. It requires specialist software.

BIOS Setup is a utility within the computer BIOS. Its main
purpose is to allow you to view and alter the computer hardware
configuration. It is also used to configure various security and
power-saving options.

The current configuration is kept in a special area of memory, called
CMOS memory, and maintained by a small battery, so the
configuration is preserved while the computer is switched off, along
with other settings like the date and time.

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.

Entering Setup

Not long after turning on your computer, the Mitsubishi symbol
appears at the top right hand side of the screen:

While this symbol is displayed and the memory is counting, you can
press the
the setup utility at this time and by this method. It will take a few
seconds for the utility to load.

HintHint

A page is provided at the end of this chapter to make a note of your
current BIOS settings.

key to enter the BIOS Setup utility. You can only enter

F1

LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 6/1

System BIOS and Setup

If Setup runs on its own

This can happen for three reasons:

Power on self test (POST) detects a configuration error or

♦

fault. This will result in either a BEEP code or one or more of
the error messages listed at the end of this chapter. If a fault
persists, make a note of error messages and the current
configuration settings before calling an authorised maintainer.

The CMOS battery may be running down. You may get

♦

spurious 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 ‘Motherboard’ chapter.

The configuration may have been changed, for example by the

♦

addition of more system memory, a new hard drive, or an
expansion card. In this case you may have to define and check
the new configuration.

In any areas where the POST has detected changes, or there is some
contentious issue, the BIOS setup menu’s buttoned items will
change to show an arrowhead symbol. This can be followed down
through any further levels of menu until you arrive at the screen
with the change on it.

Control keys

A number of keys are used within the BIOS Setup utility, to select
items on the screen, and change the settings. The two lines at the
bottom of the screen indicate what you can do at any given time.
The following are the keys and their function:

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 sub­menu.

Scroll through a menu list.

6/2 LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

Keys to use Function

Main menu screen

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

• •

System summary

• •

Devices and I/O ports

• •

Date and time

• •

System Security

• •

Start options

• •

Advanced setup

• •

Plug and Play

• •

Error Log

• •

Power management

System BIOS and Setup

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 setting

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.

LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 6/3

System BIOS and Setup

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 notable
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

ALL

Settings option or pressing F10.

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

the current settings before using the Load Default

Serial ports A & B (COM1 & COM2)

This allows you to select the I/O ports and interrupts used by the
two serial ports. The system will normally auto-configure, so it is
best to leave these at the default settings.

Parallel port

This allows you to set the I/O port and interrupt used by the
parallel port. It should be left at ‘Auto-configure’ unless required to
be set to one of the following:

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.

6/4 LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

System BIOS and Setup

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 manually altered to one of the extended options listed.

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 3.5” floppy diskette drive. You
should not normally disable this setting.

Floppy disk drives

This lets you specify what diskette and floppy disk drives are fitted.
Diskette drive A which is fitted by default, is invariably a 1.44
Mbytes 3.5” drive. You will not be required to change this setting.

Video Setup

If selected this opens a screen which details the video controller and
the size of the video memory.

IDE Controller

This must be ‘enabled’ if the system is supplied with an IDE CD­ROM, but may be disabled if all drives are exclusively SCSI.

IDE Drives Setup

The motherboard has two IDE/ATA (Integrated Drive electronics
AT-Attachment) interfaces, supporting two drives on each.

However, the computer itself can accommodate only two IDE hard
disk drives, on the primary interface, so any removable-media
drives, typically a CD-ROM drive, should be connected to the
secondary interface.

LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 6/5

System BIOS and Setup

Hard disk drives

Hard disk size, type and mode, is auto-detected when the computer
is turned on, and the most suitable mode will have been selected.
Do not alter this mode as it may cause your hard disk to be
inaccessible, or the data to be lost.

Choosing any of the displayed drives opens a screen giving further
details of the drive.

Date and Time

Use this to adjust the motherboard’s Real Time Clock (RTC). This
clock is maintained by the CMOS battery.

Time

The time is in 24-hour format. Use the ‘control keys’ to move
around and change settings.

Date

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

System security

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.

6/6 LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

DOWN

System BIOS and Setup

If you want the computer to ask for the power-on password,

3.

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.

If you do not enter the password on start-up, the keyboard

◊

is inoperative! To get round this you may have to boot
from a floppy disk in the A: drive.

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 will be displayed:

Type your password, then press Enter.

If the Password Prompt option is set to ‘Off’, the user is not
prompted at all but will 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.

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.

Start Options

To change or delete the password, select the appropriate option.
You may be asked for the existing password to allow any change or
deletion.

Administrator Password

The administrator password can be set up in the same way as a
power-on password. If you define both an administrator and a
power-on password, the computer will only allow you to enter
Setup by using the Administrator’s password.

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

LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 6/7

System BIOS and Setup

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).

Displayless Operation

If this option is ‘Disabled’, POST will look for an attached monitor
and report 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.

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

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.

6/8 LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

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.

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

System BIOS and Setup

To shadow ROM means to copy its contents into the computer
system or random-access memory (RAM). ROM has longer access
times and the processor can access RAM faster than ROM. Also, the
contents of RAM can be cached for even greater performance. All of
the computer 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.

CautionCaution

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

LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 6/9

System BIOS and Setup

PCI Settings

The only configurable PCI setting is Palette Snooping. This can be
‘Enabled’ or ‘Disabled’ and should be enabled
expansion cards that specify it as being required.

Universal Serial bus (USB)

This is available for future use as more USB devices become
available. Leave set to ‘enabled’.

Memory settings

This page sets the level of memory testing. The available settings
are, ‘Disabled’, ‘Correction’, ‘Checking and Correction’. The
default setting is for ‘Correction’.

Pentium Pro features

The only setting is for BU Enable and this should be left ‘Enabled’.

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.

for PCI video

only

There is a separate option for each resource; memory, I/O ports,
DMA and interrupts. Some areas are allocated by the system and are
not shown. Each resource can be set to either

If shown as Plug and Play, it is assumed by the system not to

legacy.

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,

be registered in the BIOS. See the chapter

must

dealing with ‘Expansion’.

Error Log

Any errors reported during the POST routine will be logged in the
Error log. The log will display up to three errors detected

It can be reset, but should only be cleared after a note is made of the
faults during any diagnostic work.

6/10 LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

Plug and Play

or

ISA

Power Management

The power management features provided aim to reduce the
amount of electricity consumed by your computer if it should be
left idle. If your system has Apricot power management software the
BIOS settings should all be set to disabled as standard. That will
allow use of the software to pre-program power restore events and
operations. (incoming messages, alarm calls etc.)

The following menu is available:

Menu option Choices

Power Management ‘On’ or ‘Off’
Time Till (auto) Power Saving ‘Disable’, or range of times. (in minutes)
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 use another, or older monitor, It may not
be compatible. It may cause permanent damage.

System BIOS and Setup

timing fixed at 20 mins)

( see warning below)

Beep codes

No beeps

. If no beeps are heard at all the speaker may be

disconnected or there may be a speaker circuitry fault.

One short beep

. 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.

Two short beeps

. Indicates and draws your attention to an error

during POST. This should be accompanied by an error message.

Three short beeps

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

Continuous beep

. Could indicate a serious failure of the system

motherboard, or a failure of the speaker circuitry.

LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 6/11

System BIOS and Setup

Repeating short beeps

. Usually indicative of a keyboard key stuck

down, but may be due to the keyboard interface failing.

One long and one short beep

. POST has detected an error on the

video adapter in the system. There may be no display on the screen.

One 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.

Two long and two short beeps

. 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 serious fault and the
system may halt. Switch off for 20 to 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

6/12 LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

System BIOS and Setup

Error Messages

If you get an error which is not listed or the problem persists, call your maintenance
provider.

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/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 6/13

System BIOS and Setup

Notes

Use this area to make a note of your current BIOS settings for
future reference.

6/14 LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

APPENDIX

Cleaning and transporting

Suitable antistatic precautions

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

The keyboard

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

CLEANING AND TRANSPORTING 1

Cleaning and Transporting

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.

The mouse

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

probe between the

Do not

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.

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

swab moistened with a solvent cleaner, gently wipe off any oil

2 CLEANING AND TRANSPORTING

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.

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

especially

Cleaning and Transporting

with the monitor on top.

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.

CLEANING AND TRANSPORTING 3

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).

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.

ANTISTATIC PRECAUTIONS 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 ANTISTATIC PRECAUTIONS

MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC PC DIVISION

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

http://www.apricot.co.uk