DEC a-Series Assembly instructions

DIGITALPersonalWorkstation a/au-Series
InstallationandSetupGuide
Part Number: EK-ALMIG-SI. A01
April 1998
Digital Equipment Corporation
Maynard, Massachusetts

April 1998
Digital Equipment Corporation makes no representations that the use of its products in the manner described in this
publication will not infringe on existing or future patent rights, nor do the descriptions contained in this publication
imply the granting of licenses to make, use, or sell equipment or software in accordance with the description.
Possession, use, or copying of the software described in this publication is authorized only pursuant to a valid
written license from DIGITAL or an authorized sublicensor.
© Digital Equipment Corporation 1998. All rights reserved.
The following are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation: DIGITAL, OpenVMS and the DIGITAL logo.
The following are third-party trademarks:
Microsoft and MS-DOS are registered trademarks and Windows NT is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
UNIX is a registered trademark in the United States and other countries, licensed exclusively through X/Open
Company, Ltd.

FCC Information - Class B
This equipment 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.
Any changes or modifications made to this equipment may void the user's authority to operate this equipment.
This equipment 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 equipment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged
to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
•Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver
•Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected
•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help
The user may find the following booklet prepared by the Federal Communications Commission helpful: How to
Identify and Resolve Radio-TV Interference Problems. This booklet is available from the U.S. Government Printing
Office, Washington, D.C., 20402. Stock No. 004-00398-5.
All external cables connecting to this basic unit need to be shielded. For cables connecting to option boards, see
the option manual or installation instructions.
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions set out in the radio interference
regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.

help

v
Table of Contents
1 Getting Started
Before You Begin................................................................................................... 1–1
Initial System Inventory...................................................................................1–1
Pre-Startup Checklist ....................................................................................... 1–2
Creating a Comfortable Work Environment..................................................... 1–2
Installing Your System............................................................................................1–4
Network Connection ........................................................................................ 1–5
Connecting External System Devices...............................................................1–6
Starting Your System..............................................................................................1–8
Preloaded Operating System Software.............................................................. 1–9
Turning Off Your System .......................................................................................1–9
Microsoft Windows NT............................................................................. 1–9
DIGITAL UNIX........................................................................................ 1–9
OpenVMS............................................................................................... 1–10
System Security.................................................................................................... 1–10
Chassis Lockdown Hasp................................................................................. 1–10
Kensington Lock............................................................................................ 1–10
Passwords ...................................................................................................... 1–11
2 Setting Up an Operating System
Starting a Windows NT Installation........................................................................ 2–1
Starting a DIGITAL UNIX or OpenVMS Installation ............................................. 2–5
Updating Firmware................................................................................................. 2–5
Microsoft Windows NT Operating System Firmware....................................... 2–6
Using the Flash Update Utility from AlphaBIOS....................................... 2–6
Updating Firmware from AlphaBIOS........................................................ 2–6
Preparing a Firmware Floppy Diskette ...................................................... 2–6

Contents
vi
DIGITAL UNIX and OpenVMS Operating System Firmware.......................... 2–6
Update Utility........................................................................................... 2–6
Using the Flash Update Utility from the SRM Console ............................. 2–7
3 Troubleshooting
Tips........................................................................................................................ 3–1
Logging Equipment................................................................................................ 3–2
System Troubleshooting ......................................................................................... 3–2
4 Customer Support
Product Information................................................................................................ 4–1
Support Resources/Checklist................................................................................... 4–1

vii
Preface
Welcome
This guide describes how to install, set up, and troubleshoot your DIGITAL Personal
Workstation a/au-Series system. Topics covered include:
• System inventory
• Ergonomics
• Connection of external devices
• System installation
• Preloaded operating system software
• System security
• Troubleshooting
• Customer support
The following table shows symbols used in this guide and their meanings:
Symbol Meaning
WWW Indicates a reference to material located on a Web site.
Indicates an inventory step or checklist.

Preface
viii
Symbol Meaning
Used to alert users to Warnings and Cautions.
Indicates installation and connection steps.
Indicates system startup and turning off steps.
Indicates system security topics.
Indicates topics on operating system installation or firmware
updates.
Indicates general troubleshooting tips.
Indicates system logging or general product information.
Indicates topics on system troubleshooting.
NOTE: Throughout this guide, illustrations and some textual explanations are intended as
examples only; based on your system’s particular hardware configuration, operating
system version, firmware update version, and so forth, your system’s display may differ.
Customer Support
See the Checklist in Chapter 4, Customer Support, for instructions on finding support and
additional information on the use of your new workstation.
Feedback
Our readers' opinions about this guide or any other DIGITAL product are important to us.
If you have any comments, please send e-mail to [email protected].
Please reference order number EK-ALMIG-SI. A01 in your correspondence.

1–1
1
Getting Started
This chapter includes an inventory of the items shipped with your system and tells you
how to start, install, restart, and turn off your system. Information about preloaded
software and guidelines for system security are included as well.
Your DIGITAL Personal Workstation is a high-performance system that uses the latest
microprocessor and core logic technology. Housed in a mini-tower box, the system can
stand alone or function as a client in an office
network environment.
A typical DIGITAL Personal Workstation
configuration is shown here. Your system may
differ.
Before You Begin
Initial System Inventory
Check to make sure you received the following components with your system, and note the
items in a safe place, for later reference:
 Monitor  System box  Mouse  Video cable
 Power cords  Microphone  Keyboard  Headphones
Your system may include different components from those listed. Consult the shipping list
that came with your system for an accurate listing of parts. If you think something is
missing, contact your distributor or DIGITAL representative.

Getting Started
1–2 Installation and Setup Guide
Pre-Startup Checklist
Before you start your system, perform the following checks:
• Review the information supplied with your system, including user documentation.
• Select a well-ventilated site for your system near a grounded power outlet and away
from sources of excessive heat. The site also should be isolated from electric noise
(for example, spikes, sags, and surges) produced by devices such as air conditioners,
large fans, radios, and televisions.
• Save all shipping containers and packing material for repackaging or moving the
system later.
NOTE: Do not install optional hardware or application software until you have started
your system and verified that the base system is working correctly.
WARNING: When unpacking and moving system components, be aware that
some components (such as the monitor) may be too heavy for you to lift alone safely.
If you are doubtful about whether you can lift these items alone, please get assistance.
Creating a Comfortable Work Environment
If you exercise poor posture while you work or if your equipment
is poorly set up, certain recent scientific articles suggest that
personal injury may result. Other articles suggest that there is no
cause and effect. Because the safety of our users is a great
concern to Digital Equipment Corporation, we strongly urge that
you read and follow the precautions outlined in the figure and
Table 1-1. In addition, be sure to adjust your work space so that
you are comfortable, and change your position frequently.