Texas Instruments 6100 User Manual

User’s Guide

TravelMate® 6100 Series Notebook Computers

Copyright

TravelMate 6100 Series Notebook Computers User's Guide TI Part No. 9814483-0001 Original Issue: January 1997

Changes may be made periodically to the information in this publication. Such changes will be incorporated in new editions of this manual.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Texas Instruments.

Record the serial number, purchase date, and model number in the spaces provided below. The serial number and model number are recorded on the label affixed to the case. All correspondence concerning your unit should include the serial number, model number, and date of purchase.

Model Number

Serial Number

Purchase Date

TravelMate is a registered trademark and DockMate, BatteryPro, livegear and ThunderLAN are trademarks of Texas Instruments. The icons in the TravelMate Notebook Center and Startup groups are copyrighted by Texas Instruments. Ethernet is a registered trademark of Xerox Corporation. Microsoft, MS-DOS, and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Pentium is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation. PS/2 is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. Sound Blaster is a trademark of Creative Technology Ltd. Kensington is a registered trademark of Kensington Microware, Inc. SCSI is a registered trademark of Security Control Systems, Inc. Centronics is a trademark of the Centronics Corporation. AudioRack is a trademark of ESS Technology, Inc. Avatar is a registered trademark of Avatar Technologies, Inc. UNIX is a registered trademark of Novell, Inc.

Notice

This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This device generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.

However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this device does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the device off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna

• Increase the separation between the device and receiver

• Connect the device into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for help

Notice: Shielded Cables

All connections to other computing devices must be made using shielded cables to maintain compliance with FCC regulations.

Notice: Peripheral Devices

Only peripherals (input/output devices, terminals, printers, etc.) certified to comply with the Class B limits may be attached to this equipment. Operation with non-certified peripherals is likely to result in interference to radio and TV reception.

Caution

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user's authority, which is granted by the Federal Communications Commission, to operate this computer.

Notice

Use Conditions

This part complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Notice: Canadian Users

This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.

Remarque à l'intention des utilisateurs canadiens

Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.

Notice

This equipment complies with Part 68 of the FCC rules. The following regulations apply to modems used within the United States and Canada:

For USA Users: FCC Regulations

An FCC compliant telephone cord and modular plug are provided with this equipment.

• The equipment is designed to be connected to the telephone network or premises wiring using a compatible modular jack that is Part 68 compliant. Do not use this equipment on a party line or coin line.

• Malfunctioning equipment may damage the telephone network. If this device is not functioning properly, disconnect it until the problem has been determined and the device has been reparied. Otherwise, phone service may be temporarily disconnected. If advance notice isn’t practical, the telephone company will notify you as soon as possible. The telephone company may also request that you disconnect the equipment until the problem is resolved. Be advised of your right to file a complaint with the FCC if you believe it is necessary.

• Modem repair is done by Texas Instruments or authorized third-party service providers. For information on repair, dial 1-800-TI-TEXAS.

• If you experience any problems with your phone after installing any new device, disconnect it from the telephone line to see if the device is the source of the problem.

• The telephone company may change technical operations and procedures. If these changes affect compatibility or use of this device, the telephone company is required to provide adequate notice of the changes.

Phone Company Requests

If the telephone company requests information about the equipment connected to their lines, inform them of:

• The phone number to which the device is connected.

• The Ringer Equivalence Number (REN). The REN is used to determine

Notice

the quantity of devices that may be connected to the telephone line. Excessive RENs on the telephone line may result in the devices not ringing in response to an incoming call. In most (but not all) areas, the sum of RENs should not exceed five. To be certain of the number of devices that may be connected to a line, contact the local telephone company. See the bottom of your computer for the REN.

• The USOC telephone jack required. This equipment uses the RJ11C USOC jack.

• The FCC registration number found on the FCC-68 sticker attached to the device.

Connecting to the Telephone Company

It is not necessary to notify the telephone company before using the modem. However, the telephone company may request the telephone number(s) to which the modem is connected and the FCC information printed on this page.

Be sure that the telephone line you are connecting the modem to is a standard analog line and not a digital (PBX), party, or coin telephone line.

If the modem is malfunctioning, it may affect the telephone lines. In this case, disconnect the modem until the source of difficulty is traced.

Fax Branding

The Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 makes it unlawful for any person to use a computer or other electronic device, including fax machines, to send any message unless such message clearly contains in a margin at the top or bottom of each transmitted page or on the first page of the transmission, the date and time it is sent, an identification of the business or other entity, or other individual sending the message, and the telephone number of the sending machine or of such business, or other entity, or individual. (The telephone number provided may not be a 900 number or any other number for which charges exceed local or longdistance transmission charges.)

In order to program this information into your modem, refer to the manual for the communications software that shipped with your computer.

Notice

For Canadian Modem Users:

The Industry Canada (IC) label identifies certified equipment. This certification means the equipment meets certain telecommunications network protective, operational, and safety requirements. The department does not guarantee the equipment will operate to the user’s satisfaction.

Before using the modem, users should ensure that it is permissible to be connected to the facilities of the local telecommunications company. The equipment must also be installed using an acceptable method of connection. In some cases, the company’s inside wiring associated with a single-line, individual service may be extended by means of a certified connector assembly (telephone extension cord). The customer should be aware that compliance with the above conditions may not prevent degradation of service in some situations. Currently, telecommunications companies do not allow users to connect their equipment to jacks except in precise situations that are spelled out in tariffing arrangements with those companies.

Repairs to certified equipment should be made by SHL Technical Services at 905-458-9800 or another authorized Canadian maintenance facility designated by the supplier. Any repairs or alterations made by the user to this equipment, or equipment malfunctions, may give the telecommunications company cause to request the user to disconnect the equipment.

For your own protection, make sure that the electrical ground connections of the power utility, telephone lines, and internal metallic water pipe system, if present, are connected together. This precaution may be particularly important in rural areas.

Caution: Do not attempt to make such connections yourself.

Contact the appropriate electric inspection authority, or electrician.

To prevent overloading, a Ringer Equivalence Number (REN) has been assigned to each terminal device to denote the percentage of the total load to be connected to a telephone loop that is used by the device. The termination on a loop may consist of any combination of devices subject only to the requirement that the total REN of the devices not exceed five. The IC-CS03 label and REN label are located on the bottom of your computer.

Notice 5

Chapter 1: Using Documentation 1-1

Chapter 2: Getting Started 2-1

Chapter 3: Installing Internal Accessories

Chapter 4: Setting Up Your Desktop 4-1

Printed Manuals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

Online Manuals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

Using the TravelMate Online Manual . . . . . 1-5

Deleting the TravelMate Online Manual . . . 1-7

What You Need Before Starting . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Running the Setup Program . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4

Backing Up System Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6

Loading Windows for Workgroups . . . . . . . 2-8

Loading Windows 95 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10

Loading Windows NT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13

Running the Demo Program . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15

Preventing Damage from Static Electricity . 3-2

Installing Memory Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

Installing Modular Bay Accessories . . . . . 3-10

Installing PC Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13

Preparing To Install External Accessories . . 4-3 Installing a DockMate Docking Solution . . . 4-5

Connecting a Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8

Connecting a Pointing Device . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9

Connecting a Monitor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10

Connecting a Numeric Keypad Accessory . 4-13 Connecting an External Floppy Disk Drive 4-14

Connecting a Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15

Connecting Sound Equipment . . . . . . . . . 4-16

Connecting the Modem. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-18

Securing the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-19

Feature Port. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-20

Chapter 5: Installing Software 5-1

Selecting Software for the Computer. . . . . . 5-2

Loading Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4

Special Considerations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5

Contents ix

Contents

Chapter 6: Battery Operation 6-1

Chapter 7: Mobility

7-1

Chapter 8: Care and Troubleshooting 8-1

Appendix A: Where To Get Help A-1

Index 1

General Information about Batteries . . . . . 6-2

Charging Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4

Prolonging Battery Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6

Responding to a Low Battery Condition . . . 6-8

Overview of Mobility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2

Disconnecting from the Desktop. . . . . . . . . 7-3

Moving Around. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4

Taking the Computer Home . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5

Traveling with the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . 7-7

Traveling Internationally with the Computer 7-8

Cleaning the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-2

Troubleshooting Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3

Customer Support Numbers. . . . . . . . . . . . A-1

Texas Instruments Worldwide Sales Offices A-2

x Contents

Using Documentation

This chapter describes this manual and the other documentation that ships with your computer. It tells you how to use the TravelMate Manual and how to delete those files from your hard disk drive if you are running short of space.

Printed Manuals

Online Manuals

Using the TravelMate Online Manual

Deleting the TravelMate Online Manual

Contents of the User’s Guide . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

Other printed documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

Advantages of online documentation . . . . . 1-3

TravelMate Online Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

Other online documentation. . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

Starting from Windows 95 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5

Starting from Windows NT . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5

Starting from Windows for Workgroups . . . 1-5

Viewing a topic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5

Printing current page or range of pages . . . 1-6

If you delete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7

How to delete in Windows 95 . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7

How to delete in Windows NT . . . . . . . . . . 1-8

How to delete in Windows for Workgroups . 1-8

Online

Using Documentation 1-1

Printed Manuals

Contents of the User’s Guide

Getting Started

This chapter supplements the Installation Poster to help you install the computer for the first time. The chapter contains information to help you make decisions during the setup process, details of the Windows 95 setup program, and a description of the multimedia demo program.

What You Need Before Starting 3

Running the Setup Program 4

Backing Up System Files 6

Loading Windows for Workgroups 8

Loading Windows 95

Read Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Sufficient time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Access to AC power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Drive modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

PCMCIA cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Certificate of Authenticity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Which operating system to load . . . . . . . . . 2-4

Windows 95 or Windows for

Workgroups and MS-DOS . . . . . . . . . 2-4

Windows NT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5

MS-DOS and Windows for Workgroups

backup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6

Windows 95 backup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6

Windows NT backup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6

Loading PHDISK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8

Choosing the operating system. . . . . . . . . . 2-8

Creating Recovery Disk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9

Registering your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9

Loading PHDISK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10

Choosing the operating system. . . . . . . . . 2-10

Configuring your system . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11

Finishing Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12

Loading Windows NT

Windows NT Setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13

Starting Windows NT for the first time . . . 2-14

Getting Started 2-1

Getting Started

Running the Demo Program 15

Contents of the demo program . . . . . . . . . 2-15

Running the demo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15

In Windows 95 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15

In Windows for Workgroups . . . . . . . . 2-15

Stopping the demo program . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15

Deleting the demo program . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16

In Windows 95 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16

In Windows for Workgroups . . . . . . . . 2-16

2-2 Getting Started

What You Need Before Starting

Read Safety Instructions

Sufficient time

Access to AC power

Drive modules

PCMCIA cards

The Safety Instructions for your computer are in printed form so you can read them carefully before turning on your computer for the first time.

The Windows 95 setup takes up to 30 minutes. Windows NT setup takes only a few minutes. Because of the way these operating systems structure their files, stopping in the middle of the setup process can cause irreversible file damage.

Although the battery pack may have some charge, it is probably insufficient for the entire set up. Loss of power during setup can cause irreversible file damage. Ensure that the computer is powered by the AC adapter.

Ensure that an optional drive module (such as a CD-ROM or hard disk) is not installed in the module bay. The floppy disk drive module must remain in the modular bay.

Ensure that any PCMCIA cards are removed from the unit.

What You Need Before Starting

Certificate of Authenticity

Language

During the Windows 95 and Windows NT Setup, you are asked for the Certificate of Authenticity number. You will find the Certificate of Authenticity in your Microsoft documentation kit. You need this number even if you are installing Windows for Workgroups.

During initial setup you choose the following:

• Language for Windows displays

• Language for keyboard installed Your language selection is final. You will not be

able to change the language after installation is complete.

Getting Started 2-3

Running the Setup Program

Which operating system to load

The TravelMate 6100 Series is available for use

Running the Setup Program

with several operating systems including:

• Windows 95

• Windows for Workgroups and

MS-DOS

• Windows NT

Note: There are two models of the TravelMate

6100. One model is configured for Windows 95 and Windows for Workgroups and MS-DOS. The other model is configured for Windows NT.

Windows 95 or Windows for Workgroups and MS-DOS

When you first boot the TravelMate 6100 model with Windows 95 and Windows for Workgroups, you must choose which operating system to load. Procedures located in this chapter show you how to load Windows 95 or Windows for Workgroups and MS-DOS.

Caution: This choice is final. You will not be able to change the operating system after installation is complete.

2-4 Getting Started

For most users Windows 95 is the better choice. You might want to load MS-DOS and Windows for Workgroups under the following circumstances.

• Your corporation or workgroup may have

guidelines that require use of MS-DOS and Windows for Workgroups. Check with your manager to determine the policy at your company.

• The software that controls your local area

network may not be compatible with

Running the Setup Program

Windows 95. Check with your network administrator to determine whether Windows 95 is compatible.

• Some software is incompatible with

Windows 95. If you have a critical software application that you intend to copy to your new computer, check with the manufacturer of the software to determine whether your application is compatible with Windows 95.

Windows NT

The other model of the TravelMate 6100 computer comes pre-loaded with Windows NT and automatically runs setup. There are no other operating systems to select.

Getting Started 2-5

Backing Up System Files

After setting up the operating system, you should back up the operating

Backing Up System Files

system onto floppy disks. You can make your backups immediately following setup or later. When you choose to back up your operating system on floppy disks, you will need several dozen floppy disks.

MS-DOS and Windows for Workgroups backup

Windows 95 backup

To backup your operating system in Windows for Workgroups, select the DiskMaker icon from the TravelMate Notebook Center Group.

To backup your operating system in Windows 95, select Start/Programs/Accessories/ System Tools/Create System Disks. Follow instructions on the screen.

Windows NT backup

Although the computer ships with a backup copy of Windows NT on a CD-ROM, you still need to create backup disks for the remaining software that is loaded on the hard disk drive at the factory. The following backup disks are created.

Software No. of Disks

AudioRack™ 1

2-6 Getting Started

NT Enhancements 2 ESS Sound Drivers 1

Follow these steps to create backup disks.

1. From the Windows NT desktop, double-click

the Start Doing Extraordinary Things icon.

The computer displays the Start Doing Extraordinary Things screen.

2. Click on Make Backup Disks.

The computer displays the TI Backup Disk

Backing Up System Files

Maker screen.

3. Click on the program you want to back up.

The disk maker prompts you to insert a floppy disk into the floppy disk drive.

4. Follow the prompts to back up the program.

5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for each program in

the list.

Getting Started 2-7

Loading Windows for Workgroups

If you have decided to load DOS and Windows for Workgroups, follow

Loading Windows for Workgroups

these steps. If you have decided to load Windows 95, skip this section.

Loading PHDISK

Loading PHDISK creates an area on your hard disk drive which stores information upon disk shutdown. This partition is created automatically when you startup your computer for the first time.

1. When the Welcome to Windows 95 screen

appears, read the screen and press C to continue.

You are prompted to reset your system.

2. Press any key.

Your system is reset and the Windows 95 Setup screen appears.

Choosing the operating system

1. To begin installation, select Next.

You are prompted to select an operating system.

2. To change to Windows for Workgroups or

DOS, select Change.

2-8 Getting Started

You are asked to choose the operating system you want to install.

3. Select No, I want to install MS-DOS 6.22

and Microsoft Windows for Workgroups

3.1.

An Electronic License Agreement appears.

4. Read the agreement and select I Accept.

Your computer hardware is configured. When finished, a Finishing Setup window appears.

5. Press Finish to restart your computer.

Loading Windows for Workgroups

You are prompted to remove all disks from the floppy disk drives.

6. Remove any floppy disks from the floppy

disk drive and select OK. Your computer restarts.

Creating Recovery Disk

Registering your computer

You are prompted to create a recovery disk. Follow instructions on the screen to insert the disk and copy system files.

1. At the MS-DOS 6.22 Startup Menu, select

one of the following:

• Windows for Workgroups with PC Card support

• Windows for Workgroups with Media Bay CD-ROM

2. Select OK.

You are prompted to register your computer.

3. Select OK to continue the setup or Register Now to register.

When you press OK or upon completion of registration, you are taken to the Windows desktop. Installation of your operating system is complete.

Getting Started 2-9

Loading Windows 95

If you have decided to load Windows 95, follow these steps:

Loading PHDISK

Loading PHDISK creates an area on your hard disk drive which stores information upon disk shutdown. This partition is created automatically when you startup your computer for the first time.

Choosing the operating system

Complete the following steps to the operating system and setup files for your operating system and perform system analysis.

1. When the Welcome to Windows 95 screen appears, read the screen and press C to continue.

You are prompted to reset your system.

2. Press any key. Your system is reset and the Windows 95

Setup screen appears.

3. To begin installation, select Next. You are prompted to select an operating

system.

Loading Windows 95

2-10 Getting Started

4. To accept the default of Windows 95, select Next.

You are prompted to configure your computer.

5. Press Next.

6. Follow instructions on your screen to complete Windows 95 setup.

You are prompted to finish Windows 95 setup by restarting your computer.

7. Press Finish to select the default of restarting your computer.

Loading Windows 95

You are prompted to remove all disks from the floppy disk drives.

8. Click OK to restart your computer.

Configuring your system

Since this is the first time Windows 95 has been started, the computer will advance through some initial file setup as it loads.

You are asked to make selections from the Regional Settings screen.

1. Make selections and press Next. You are prompted for the keyboard layout

you wish to use.

2. Highlight the keyboard layout you wish to use and select Next.

Your international settings are loaded. You are prompted for user information.

3. Enter your name and company and press Next.

You are prompted to accept or decline the License Agreement.

4. Select Accept and press Next. You are prompted for the Certificate of

Authenticity number.

5. Enter the number (located in your Microsoft Documentation Kit) and press Next.

6. Select Finish to complete the initial startup of Windows 95.

7. Follow any further instructions on your screen.

8. When the Date/Time Properties screen appears, select your time zone, enter the correct date and time, and press Close.

Getting Started 2-11

Loading Windows 95

9. Select Ok.

You will be asked to reboot your computer for settings to take effect.

Your computer is rebooted and Windows 95 setup continues.

Finishing Setup

The final steps to system setup create a recovery disk and load the Microsoft Plus Pack (containing backgrounds, cursors, and a system agent that provides programs for system analysis).

1. If you do not wish to tour Windows 95, select Close.

The Microsoft Plus Pack is installed. You are taken to Desktop Themes to select a theme (background, etc.) for your desktop.

2. Select a theme and press Ok.

3. You are taken to DOS and asked to create a recovery disk.

4. Follow instructions on the screen to create the recovery disk and press any key to continue.

You are returned to the Windows 95 desktop.

2-12 Getting Started

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