Digital Equipment Starion Minitower PC 919 User manual

1
Starion Minitower PC
User's Guide
Part Number: ER-919A3-UA. A01
Digital Equipment Corporation

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October 1995
The information in this document is subject to change without notice and should not be
construed as a commitment by Digital Equipment Corporation.
Digital Equipment Corporation assumes no responsibility for any errors that might appear in
this document.
The software, if any, described in this document is furnished under a license and may be used
or copied only in accordance with the terms of such license. No responsibility is assumed for
the use or reliability of software or equipment that is not supplied by Digital Equipment
Corporation or its affiliated companies.
Restricted Rights: Use, duplication, or disclosure by the U.S. Government is subject to
restrictions as set forth in subparagraph (c) (1) (ii) of the Rights in Technical Data and
Computer Software clause at DFARS 252.227-7013.
Starion Minitower PC User's Guide
CopyrightDigital Equipment Corporation.
All Rights Reserved.
DEC, Starion, and the Digital logo
Intel is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation.
Microsoft, Windows 95, and MS-DOS are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Pentium is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation
PhoenixBIOS is a trademark of Phoenix Technologies Ltd.
SIMM is a registered trademark of Wang Laboratories.
As an ENERGY STARTM partner, Digital Equipment Corporation has determined that this
product meets the ENERGY STARTM guidelines for energy efficiency.
ENERGY STAR and the ENERGY STARSM logo are service marks of the EPA
All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective holders.

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The FCC wants you to know...
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.
FAX/Modem FCC I.D. #: EUD5U9BRI4296

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STATEMENT OF FAX BRANDING
The Telephone Consumer Protection ACT of 1991 makes it unlawful for any person to use a
computer or other electronic device to send any message via a telephone fax machine 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 and an identification of the
business or other entity, or other individual sending the message and the telephone number of
the sending machine or such business, other entity, or individual.

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1
Contents
About This Guide
Introduction..................................................................................................... vii
Audience......................................................................................................... vii
Organization.................................................................................................... vii
Conventions .................................................................................................... ix
Abbreviations.................................................................................................. x
Special Notices................................................................................................ xi
Related Documentation................................................................................... xi
1
Introduction
Plug and Play .................................................................................................. 1-2
Power Management......................................................................................... 1-3
PCI Local Bus................................................................................................. 1-4
Onboard Video................................................................................................ 1-5
Fax/Modem Card............................................................................................. 1-6
Sending and Receiving a Fax........................................................................... 1-7
Sound Card...................................................................................................... 1-8
CD-ROM Reader............................................................................................. 1-9
System Software and Utilities.......................................................................... 1-9
Turning Off Your Computer............................................................................ 1-10
Restarting Your Computer............................................................................... 1-11
Computer Security........................................................................................... 1-11
Supervisor and User Password.................................................................. 1-12
Diskette Write Protection.......................................................................... 1-13
Reminder Messages.................................................................................. 1-14
Important Information..................................................................................... 1-15
Getting Help.................................................................................................... 1-19
2
Configuring Your Computer Using BIOS Setup
Introduction..................................................................................................... 2-1

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What is the BIOS Setup Utility?...................................................................... 2-1
Helpful Hints............................................................................................ 2-3
Maneuvering through Setup............................................................................. 2-4
Changing Time and Date................................................................................. 2-6
Setting Up Security ......................................................................................... 2-7
Setting Supervisor and User Passwords..................................................... 2-7
Enabling Password On Boot ..................................................................... 2-9
Eliminating User and Supervisor Passwords ............................................. 2-10
Protecting Against Boot Sector Viruses .................................................... 2-11
Other Security Options.................................................................................... 2-13
Setting up Power Management ................................................................. 2-14
Putting Your Computer Quickly into Full Power Management ................. 2-15
Configuring for New Disk Drives.................................................................... 2-16
Diskette Drive Configuration.................................................................... 2-16
Hard Disk Drive Configuration................................................................. 2-17
Autotyping a Hard Disk..................................................................... 2-17
Manually Defining a Hard Disk......................................................... 2-18
Changing the Boot Sequence........................................................................... 2-19
Speeding up the Boot Process.......................................................................... 2-20
Resetting Keyboard Features........................................................................... 2-21
Changing the Keyboard Features.............................................................. 2-22
3
System Software and Utilities
Introduction..................................................................................................... 3-1
Software Applications and Backup Media....................................................... 3-1
Restoring Factory Installed Software............................................................... 3-2
How to Restore All Factory Installed Software......................................... 3-3
How to Restore Individual Programs ........................................................ 3-4
Using System Utilities..................................................................................... 3-4
Before Using System Utilities and Video Drivers ..................................... 3-4
Setting High Resolution Mode for Your Monitor Display......................... 3-5
Using Your Remote Support Diskette....................................................... 3-6

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How do I Update my BIOS?..................................................................... 3-6
Preliminary Steps............................................................................... 3-7
Creating a Crisis Recovery Diskette................................................... 3-7
Using PHLASH.EXE to Upgrade your BIOS..................................... 3-9
Using the Crisis Recovery Diskette........................................................... 3-10
4
Expanding Your Computer
Introduction..................................................................................................... 4-1
Tools Needed .................................................................................................. 4-1
Static Electricity.............................................................................................. 4-2
Disconnect External Devices and Power.......................................................... 4-2
Removing the Cover........................................................................................ 4-2
Voltage Select Switch...................................................................................... 4-4
Computer Components.................................................................................... 4-6
Main Logic Board Components....................................................................... 4-8
Main Logic Board Connectors......................................................................... 4-10
Installing a Higher Performance CPU.............................................................. 4-12
Installing Additional Computer Memory......................................................... 4-14
Memory Configurations............................................................................ 4-16
Installing a SIMM..................................................................................... 4-16
Replacing the Real-Time Clock (RTC)/Lithium Battery.................................. 4-18
Installing Expansion Boards............................................................................ 4-22
Installing Mass Storage Devices...................................................................... 4-27
Installing a 5¼-Inch Device...................................................................... 4-27
Connecting Diskette and IDE Devices............................................................. 4-30
Replacing the Cover........................................................................................ 4-33
5
Problem Solving and Troubleshooting
Introduction..................................................................................................... 5-1
Initial Troubleshooting.................................................................................... 5-2
Computer Troubleshooting.............................................................................. 5-3
Disk Drive Troubleshooting............................................................................. 5-8
Monitor Troubleshooting................................................................................. 5-9
CD-ROM Troubleshooting .............................................................................. 5-10
Audio Troubleshooting.................................................................................... 5-11
A
Technical Specifications
Introduction..................................................................................................... A-1

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Computer Specifications.................................................................................. A-2
Starion Minitower PC CPU Features......................................................... A-2
Computer Performance Specifications...................................................... A-2
Computer Dimensions .............................................................................. A-3
Computer Environmental Specifications................................................... A-3
Power Supply and Input Power Requirements.................................................. A-4
Power Cord Requirements............................................................................... A-4
Main Logic Board Jumpers.............................................................................. A-5
Main Logic Board Jumper Settings........................................................... A-7
B
Computer Messages
Introduction..................................................................................................... B-1
POST Messages............................................................................................... B-1
POST and Boot Messages......................................................................... B-2
Beep Codes ..................................................................................................... B-5
C
Device Mapping
Introduction..................................................................................................... C-1
CPU Memory Address Map (Full Range)........................................................ C-2
I/O Address Map ............................................................................................. C-3
Computer Interrupt Levels............................................................................... C-5
DMA Channel Assignment.............................................................................. C-6
D
CD-ROM Specifications
CD-ROM......................................................................................................... D-1
Front Panel............................................................................................... D-2
Rear Panel................................................................................................ D-3
Operating Specifications........................................................................... D-4

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E
Fax/Modem Card and Sound Card
Fax/Modem Card Information......................................................................... E-1
Connector/Jumper Locations .................................................................... E-1
Sound Card Information.................................................................................. E-3
Connector/Jumper Locations .................................................................... E-3
FIGURES
Typical Starion Computer ..................................................................... xii
1-1. Providing a Comfortable Working Environment.................................... 1-18
2-1. BIOS Setup Utility Flow Chart.............................................................. 2-5
4-1. Removing the Cover.............................................................................. 4-3
4-2. Voltage Select Switch Location............................................................. 4-5
4-3. Computer Components.......................................................................... 4-7
4-4. Main Logic Board Components............................................................. 4-9
4-5. Main Logic Board Connectors............................................................... 4-11
4-6. Installing a Higher Performance CPU.................................................... 4-13
4-7. SIMM Socket Locations........................................................................ 4-15
4-8. Installing a SIMM ................................................................................. 4-17
4-9. Replacing the Real-Time Clock............................................................. 4-19
4-10. Replacing the Battery............................................................................ 4-21
4-11. Starion Expansion Board Slots............................................................... 4-24
4-12. Removing Metal Filler Plates ................................................................ 4-25
4-13. Installing an Expansion Board............................................................... 4-26
4-14. Removing the Filler Panel..................................................................... 4-28
4-15. Installing a 5¼-Inch Device................................................................... 4-29

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4-16. Diskette and IDE Devices Data Cable Connections ............................... 4-32
4-17. Replacing the Cover.............................................................................. 4-33
A-1. Main Logic Board Jumper Locations..................................................... A-6
D-1. CD-ROM Front Panel............................................................................ D-2
D-2. CD-ROM Rear Panel............................................................................. D-3
E-1. Fax/Modem Card Components............................................................... E-2
E-2. Sound Card Components........................................................................ E-4

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About This Guide
Introduction
This guide describes how to operate, upgrade, troubleshoot, and configure the Starion
Minitower PC (Model 919) computer. This guide, along with the “Getting Started” program
will help to familiarize you with all aspects of the computer and provide a reference tool for
questions you might have in the future.
Audience
This guide is written specifically for anyone responsible for operating, configuring, and
expanding the Starion Minitower PC computer.
Organization
This guide contains the following:
• Chapter 1: Introduction—This chapter provides general information about
your computer. For example: how to restart and turn off your computer,
use the supplied utilities and video drivers, ensure computer security,
provide a comfortable working environment, and learn where to obtain help.
• Chapter 2: Configuring Your Computer Using BIOS Setup—This chapter
provides task-based information on how to configure your computer using
the BIOS Setup utility.
• Chapter 3: System Software and Utilities—This chapter describes how to
customize your computer using the factory-installed software, utilities and
device drivers.
• Chapter 4: Expanding Your Computer—This chapter explains how to
unlock and remove the cover, install or replace main logic board options,
expansion boards, and mass storage devices.

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• Chapter 5: Problem Solving and Troubleshooting—This chapter describes
initial and advanced troubleshooting solutions.
• Appendix A: Technical Specifications—This appendix lists vital computer
operating specifications and main logic board jumper information.
• Appendix B: Computer Messages—This appendix describes the power-on
self test (POST) and run-time error messages, including recommended
corrective actions.
• Appendix C: Device Mapping—This appendix contains tables listing the
main logic board's memory map, I/O address map, interrupt map, and DMA
map.
• Appendix D: CD-ROM Specifications—This appendix provides
configuration and operating specifications for the installed CD-ROM.
• Appendix E: Fax/Modem Card and Sound Card Specifications—This
appendix provides configuration and operating specifications for the
installed fax/modem card and sound card.

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Conventions
Convention
Example Description
CD\UTILS
An italicized word or phrase represents text or commands
you must enter.
c:\windows> Monospaced text indicates information that your computer or
software displays. For example, a directory path or error
message.
[drive
letter]
Italic monospaced text indicates a filename or directory path
you must enter.
[Enter] Square brackets surrounding text represents a keyboard key.
[Ctrl]+[Alt]+[Del] A plus sign indicates that the keys shown should be pressed
at the same time.
1 234 567 Spaces are used in large numbers instead of commas.

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Abbreviations
Abbreviation Meaning
BIOS Basic input/output system
CD-ROM Compact-disc read only memory
CMOS Complementary metal oxide semi-conductor
CPU Central processing unit
DMA Direct memory access
DRAM Dynamic random access memory
h An h suffix to a numerical value denotes hexadecimal
numbers. For example, 0F8h equals 0F8 hexadecimal.
HDD Hard disk drive
IDE Integrated drive electronics
I/O Input/output
ISA Industry standard architecture
MS-DOS Microsoft Disk Operating System
PCI Peripheral components interface
POST Power-on self test
ROM Read only memory
RTC Real-time clock
SIMM Single in-line memory modules
VGA Video graphics array
Windows 95 Microsoft Windows 95 environment
ZIF Zero insertion force

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Special Notices
Three kinds of special notices are used in this guide to emphasize specific information.
WARNING: indicates the presence of a hazard that can
cause personal injury if the hazard is not avoided.
CAUTION: indicates the presence of a hazard that might
cause damage to hardware or that might corrupt software.
NOTES: are used to provide additional information.
Related Documentation
The Quick Setup Guide is available as a supplement to the information provided in this user's
guide.
Digital's “Getting Started” program provides additional product information on software
programs and utilities supplied with your computer. Review the “Getting Started” Education
selection for more product tutorials and important information.
Information on using your modem to connect to other computers, and sending and receiving a
Fax using Microsoft Exchange can be found in your Microsoft Windows 95 manual and related
help files.
Additional README files might also come with your factory installed software and supplied
system utilities. The information contained in these files can help you further configure and
operate your computer. Digital recommends that you search for and read this information
first.

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DEC00667
Typical Starion Computer
NOTE: Your monitor, keyboard, and mouse might look different.

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2
Introduction
The Starion Minitower PC computers are high-performance personal computers featuring the
latest in computing technology. Developed using the following state-of-the-art technology,
these computers are the most value packed minitower computers in their class.
Microprocessor Pentium 100 MHz CPU upgradable via Type 5 ZIF socket.
Plug and Play Optional Plug and Play compatible expansion boards are
automatically configured under Windows 95 for easy
installation.
Advanced Power
Management Reduces your computer's energy consumption and operating costs.
Onboard Video S3 Trio 32 technology to take full advantage of your
computer’s CPU and power management features. Video
controller circuitry is incorporated into the main logic
board; a separate video adapter is unnecessary.
Fax/Modem Card High-speed, combination modem and fax card provides
fastest data transmission rates with V.34 bis modem at
speeds up to 28.8 bps; send/receive fax messages up to 14.4
bps.
Sound Card 16-bit audio with enhanced 3D sound and software
wavetable support. SoundBlaster Basic and SoundBlaster
Pro compatible.
CD-ROM Reader Quad-speed CD-ROM reader with industry-standard
IDE/ATAPI interface and audio capability.
NOTE: Certain options and/or devices might not be offered in
all model configurations. Contact your computer reseller for
additional information.
The remainder of this chapter provides additional information about your computer’s state-of-
the-art technology, supplied system utilities and video drivers, restarting and turning off your

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computer, and computer security. Information about providing a comfortable working
environment and obtaining help is also included.
Plug and Play
Plug and Play technology eliminates the process of manually configuring optional expansion
boards for operation in your computer. With Plug and Play, your computer’s BIOS and the
hardware logic built into Plug and Play expansion boards work together to automatically assign
interrupt requests (IRQs), I/O and memory addresses, and DMA channels for optimum
performance.
Refer to the Windows 95 documentation, and to any additional Plug and Play information that
is supplied with optional expansion boards that you might have purchased separately.

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Power Management
The Digital Power Management technology enables you to reduce your computer’s power
consumption during system inactivity. These options can be selected in Setup and include:
• System standby timeouts
• System suspend timeouts
• Suspend lock system
• Quick suspend
NOTE: Your monitor and hard disk drive must be Energy Star
compatible to use any of the monitor and disk drive power saving
features contained in Power Management.
For more information on accessing and selecting these options, refer to Chapter 2,
“Configuring Your Computer Using BIOS Setup,” the supplied Windows 95
documentation, and Windows 95 on-line help.

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PCI Local Bus
Your computer's PCI architecture represents the latest in local bus technology. It delivers
maximum computer performance by providing a wider data path, greater speed, and improved
expandability. Simply put, PCI removes various types of peripheral controllers from the slower
ISA bus and connects them directly to a faster 32-bit data path. This results in a faster 32-bit
I/O bus for devices such as SCSI controllers and high-end video adapters.
Some of the PCI local bus features are:
• Highest performing bus on the market today
• Offers the best expandability for high-performance peripheral devices
• Supports multiple bus masters
• 32-bit data transfer at 132 MB per second (maximum)
• PCI-to-ISA bridge circuitry allows continued use of existing ISA expansion
boards on the market that do not support the high data transfer rate of PCI