Epson 486SX User manual

FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT FOR AMERICAN USERS
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. 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 or
television reception. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause interference to radio and 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:
0
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
Cl
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver
0
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected
0
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
WARNING
The connection of a non-shielded equipment interface cable to this equipment will
invalidate the FCC Certification of this device and may cause interference levels which
exceed the limits established by the FCC for this equipment. It is the responsibility of the
user to obtain and use a shielded equipment interface cable with this device. If this
equipment has more than one interface connector, do not leave cables connected to unused
interfaces.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the
user’s authority to operate the equipment.
FOR CANADIAN USERS
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from
digital apparatus as set out in the radio interference regulations of the Canadian
Department of Communications.
Le present appareil numerique n’emet pas de bruits radioelectriques depassant les limites
applicables aux appareils numeriques de Classe B prescrites dans le reglement sur le
brouillage radidlectrique edict6 par le Ministere des Communications du Canada.

EPSON®
User’s Guide

IMPORTANT NOTICE
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY
Epson America makes no representations or warranties, either express or implied, by or
with respect to anything in this manual, and shall not be liable for any implied warranties
of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose or for any indirect, special, or
consequential damages. Some states do not allow the exclusion of incidental or
consequential damages, so this exclusion may not apply to you.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Epson
America, Inc. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of information
contained herein. Nor is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the
information contained herein. Further, this publication and features described herein are
subject to change without notice.
TRADEMARKS
Epson is a registered trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.
Equity is a registered trademark of Epson America, Inc.
General notice: Other product names used herein are for identification purposes only and
may be trademarks of their respective companies.
Copyright 0 1992 by Epson America, Inc.
Torrance, California Y73899110100
ii

Important Safety Instructions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Read all of these instructions and save them for later reference.
Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product.
Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Use a
damp cloth for cleaning, not liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners.
Do not use this product near water.
Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, or table.
Slots and openings in the cabinet and the back or bottom are
provided for ventilation; these openings must not be blocked or
covered. This product should never be placed near or over a
radiator or heat register.
This product should be operated from the type of power source
indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of
power available, consult your dealer or local power company.
Connect all equipment to properly grounded (earthed) power
outlets. If you are unable to insert the plug into the outlet,
contact your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Avoid
using outlets on the same circuit as photocopiers or air control
systems that regularly switch on and off.
Do not locate this product where the cord will be walked on.
10. If an extension cord is used with this product, make sure that the
total of the ampere ratings on the products plugged into the
extension cord do not exceed the extension cord ampere rating.
Also, make sure that the total of all products plugged into the
wall outlet does not exceed 15 amperes.
11. Never push objects of any kind into this product through the
cabinet slots. Never spill liquid of any kind on the product.
iii

12. Except as specifically explained in the User’s Guide, do not
attempt to service this product yourself. Refer all servicing to
qualified service personnel.
13. Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to
qualified service personnel under the following conditions:
A.
When the power cord or plug is damaged.
B.
If liquid has entered the product.
C.
If the product does not operate normally when the operating
instructions are followed. Adjust only those controls that are
covered by the operating instructions, since improper
adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will
often require extensive work by a qualified technician to
restore the product to normal operation.
D.
If the product has been dropped or the cabinet has been
damaged.
E.
If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance.
iv

Importantes Mesures de S&wit6
V

vi

Contents
Introduction
Optional Equipment
........................
2
Operating Systems and Other Software
.............
2
VGA Utilities .............................
3
How to Use This Manual
......................
3
Where to Get Help
.........................
5
Chapter 1 Setting Up Your System
1 Choosing a Location
........................
1-1
2 Removing the Protector Card
...................
1-3
3 Connecting a Monitor
......................
1-3
Using the VGA Interface
...................
1-4
Using a Display Adapter Card
................ 1-5
4 Connecting a Printer or Other Device
.............
1-7
Using the Parallel Interface
................. 1-7
Using the Serial Interface
...................
1-9
5 Connecting the Keyboard
.................... 1-10
6 Connecting the Mouse
......................
1-11
7 Connecting the Power Cord
...................
1-13
8 Turning On the Computer
................... 1-14
Turning Off the Computer
..................
1-16
Chapter 2 Running the Setup Program
Automatic Configuration ......................
2-2
Starting the Setup Program
....................
2-2
Continuing From an Error Message
............
2-4
Moving the Cursor Block
...................
2-5
vii

Setting the Display Adapter Type
. . . . . .
Setting the Power-on Password . . . . . . . .
Setting the Extended Memory Caching
. . .
Setting the Processor Speed . . . . . . . . . .
Setting the Keyboard and Speaker Options
.
Setting the Real-time Clock . . . . . . . . . .
Setting the Hard Disk Drive Configuration
.
Hard Disk Drive Types . . . . . . . . . .
Setting the Diskette Drive Type(s)
. . . . . .
Setting the Serial/Parallel Interfaces . . . . .
Reviewing Your Settings
. . . . . . . . . . .
Leaving the Setup Menu . . . . . . . . . . . .
......... 2-6
.........
2-9
.........
2-11
.........
2-13
.........
2-15
.........
2-17
.........
2-20
.........
2-23
.........
2-27
.........
2-28
.........
2-30
.........
2-32
Chapter 3
Using Your Computer
Installing MS-DOS or Another Operating System
........ 3-1
Copying the Reference and Utility Files
.............. 3-2
Locking the Computer’s Cover
...................
3-3
Special Keys on the Keyboard
....................
3-4
Stopping a Command or Program
................. 3-5
Resetting the Computer
.......................
3-6
Using a Power-on Password
....................
3-7
Changing a Power-on Password
...............
3-8
Deleting a Power-on Password
................
3-9
Preparing the Hard Disk for Moving
................ 3-10
Chapter 4
Enhancing System Operations
Using AUTOEXEC.BAT and Other Batch Files . . . . . .
Changing the Processor Speed . . . . . . . . . . . .
Entering Keyboard Commands . . . . . . . . .
Using the ESPEED Program . . . . . . . . . . .
Reassigning the Diskette Drives
. . . . . . . . . . .
Using the AFDD Program . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using Your Computer as a Network Server . . . . .
Using a Password in Network Server Mode . .
4-1
. 4-2
. 4-4
. 4-5
. 4-7
. 4-8
. 4-9
. 4-11
viii

Using Expanded Memory Beyond 640KB
............
4-12
Using Special VGA Features
....................
4-13
Chapter 5 Accessing Internal Components
Special Precautions
.........................
5-1
Removing the Cover
........................
5-2
Removing the Front Panel
.....................
5-4
Removing the Subassembly
....................
5-6
Replacing the Subassembly
....................
5-8
Replacing the Front Panel
.....................
5-10
Replacing the Cover
.........................
5-11
Post-installation Setup
....................... 5-12
Chapter 6 Installing and Removing Options
Main System Board
.........................
6-3
Jumper Settings ...........................
6-4
Changing the Jumper Settings
................
6-7
Option Cards
.............................
6-8
Installing Option Cards
....................
6-10
Removing an Option Card
..................
6-12
Memory Modules
..........................
6-13
Installing Memory Modules .................
6-14
Chapter 7 Installing and Removing Drives
Using the Correct Drive Bay
....................
7-2
Setting the IDE Hard Disk Drive Jumpers
............
7-3
Changing the Jumper Settings
................
7-4
Installing or Removing a Drive in the External Bay
.......
7-5
Installing a Drive
.......................
7-6
Removing a Drive
.......................
7-12
Installing or Removing a Drive in the Internal Bay
....... 7-14
Removing a Drive
.......................
7-15
ix

Installing a Drive
........................
7-17
Connecting the Cables
.....................
7-18
Appendix A
Physically Formatting a Hard Disk
Choosing the Type of Format
.................... A-2
Formatting a New Disk
....................
A-3
Reformatting a Used Disk
...................
A-4
Selecting an Option
....................... A-4
Starting the Formatting Process
................
A-4
Option 1, Format
...........................
A-5
Modifying the Defective Track Table
............ A-7
Formatting the Disk
......................
A-8
Option 2, Destructive Surface Analysis
...............
A-9
Option 3, Non-destructive Surface Analysis
............
A-11
Exiting the Hard Disk Format Menu
................
A-13
Appendix B Troubleshooting
Identifying Your System
.......................
B-1
Error Messages
............................
B-2
The Computer Won’t Start
.....................
B-5
The Computer Does Not Respond
.................
B-6
Restoring the Power Supply
..................
B-9
Password Problems
..........................
B-10
Removing a Password
.....................
B-11
Setting a New Password
....................
B-13
Keyboard Problems
..........................
B-14
Monitor Problems
...........................
B-15
Diskette Problems
..........................
B-17
Diskette Drive Problems
.......................
B-19
Hard Disk Problems
.........................
B-20
Installing the Drive
.......................
B-20
Preparing the Drive
.......................
B-21
Accessing Data on the Drive
..................
B-22
Software Problems
..........................
B-23
X

Printer Problems
...........................
B-24
Option Card Problems
....................... B-26
Mouse Problems
...........................
B-27
Using the MOUSE7PT.EXE Program
............
B-27
Memory Module Problems
.....................
B-29
Math Coprocessor Problems
....................
B-30
Appendix C Performing System Diagnostics
Starting System Diagnostics
.................... C-2
Selecting an Option
......................... C-4
Modifying the Device List
.....................
C-5
Selecting a Test
............................ C-7
Resuming From an Error
...................
C-8
Error Messages
...........................
C-11
Appendix D Specifications
CPU and Memory
..........................
D-1
Controllers
..............................
D-2
Interfaces
...............................
D-2
Power Supply
.............................
D-3
Mass Storage Bays
..........................
D-4
Keyboard
...............................
D-4
Power Source Requirements
....................
D-5
Environmental Requirements
...................
D-6
Physical Characteristics
.......................
D-6
System Memory Map
........................
D-7
Glossary
Index
xi

Introduction
You’ve chosen a powerful, versatile Epson@ computer, ideally
suited for use in a network or as a high-performance personal
workstation.
Whether you have the 25 MHz model or the 50 MHz model
(with built-in math coprocessor), your system includes 4MB of
internal memory, a built-in VGA display adapter, built-in
parallel and serial interfaces, and an IBM® PS/2™ compatible
mouse port. These interfaces allow you to connect most of your
peripheral devices directly to the computer.
Note
The 25 MHz model has an 80486SX microprocessor and the
50 MHz model has an 80486DX2/50 microprocessor. The
instructions in this manual refer to both models, except
where specified.
Your computer has six option slots (five 16-bit and one 8-bit)
for installing additional devices, such as a modem or a network
card. Additionally, the computer supports up to five drives:
three externally-accessible drives and two internal drives.
Your computer offers several other outstanding features:
CI Memory caching copies portions of your system memory
into a high-speed cache buffer so your computer can access
programs and data very quickly.
Ll Shadow RAM copies your system and video ROM into the
computer’s 32-bit RAM to further accelerate performance.
Ll The built-in VGA adapter and VGA drivers support
extended graphics resolutions up to 1024 x 768 in 16 colors
or 640 x 480 in 256 colors on compatible monitors.
Introduction 1

Optional Equipment
You can easily upgrade your computer by installing additional
memory and adding just about any optional device that is
compatible with the IBM Personal Computer, PC XT,
TM
or
PC AT®.
By adding memory modules to the memory card, you can
expand the computer’s memory up to 16MB.
If you have the 25 MHz model and want to speed up
mathematical calculations in certain application programs,
you can have your computer’s 80486SX microprocessor chip
replaced with an 80487SX, 25 MHz chip. This optional
microprocessor includes a built-in math coprocessor.
Check with your authorized Epson dealer for information on
optional equipment.
Operating Systems and Other Software
You probably chose a version of MS-DOS@ to use with your
computer. However, you can run another operating system,
such as OS/2, UNIX®, or XENIX®.
Note
This manual covers basic operating instructions for using
your computer, but does not explain how to install or use the
operating system. See your MS-DOS or other operating
system manuals for comprehensive instructions.
You can use virtually any application program designed for the
IBM PC, PC XT, PC AT, or compatible computers. You can also
use powerful 32-bit software, such as Microsoft Windows
TM
3.0
(or later), with your computer.
2 Introduction

VGA Utilities
Epson has included special VGA device drivers and utilities for
use with your built-in VGA adapter. With these utilities, you
can take advantage of extended VGA features such as 16-color
graphics mode resolutions up to 1024 x 768 (non-interlaced),
256-color resolutions up to 640 x 480, and 132-column text
mode. The VGA device drivers and utilities are described in the
VGA Utilities booklet that came with your system.
How to Use This Manual
This manual explains how to set up and operate your
computer, install options, and run diagnostic checks. You do
not need to read everything in this book to use your computer;
see the following chapter summaries to find the sections you
need.
Chapter 1 provides simple step-by-step instructions for setting
up your system.
Chapter 2 describes how to run the Setup program to define
your computer’s configuration. Do this before you use your
computer. You may need to run it again later, if you change the
configuration.
Chapter 3 provides instructions for general operating
procedures, such as locking the computer’s cover and copying
files.
Chapter 4 describes special features you can use to enhance
your system’s performance.
Chapter 5 tells you how to remove and replace the computer’s
cover, front panel, and subassembly to access components
inside the computer.
Introduction 3

Chapter 6 describes some of the options you can use in your
computer and contains instructions for setting jumpers and
installing various options.
Chapter 7 explains how to install and remove disk drives.
Appendix A describes how to perform a low-level format on a
hard disk.
Appendix B contains troubleshooting tips.
Appendix C covers the system diagnostic tests you can run to
diagnose hardware problems.
Appendix D contains the specifications for your computer.
At the end of the manual, you’ll find a glossary and an index.
4
Introduction

Where to Get Help
If you purchased your Epson product in the United States,
Epson America provides local customer support and service
through a nationwide network of authorized Epson dealers and
Service Centers.
Epson also provides the following support services through the
Epson Customer Resource Center at [phone]:
cl
cl
ci
cl
CI
cl
Technical assistance with the installation, configuration,
and operation of Epson products
Assistance in locating your nearest Authorized Epson
Reseller or Service Center
Sales of ribbons, supplies, parts, documentation, and
accessories for your Epson product
Customer Relations
Epson technical information library fax service
Product literature with technical specifications on our
current and new products.
If you purchased your computer outside of the United States,
please contact your dealer or the marketing location nearest
you for customer support and service. International marketing
locations are listed on the inside of this manual’s back cover.
Introduction 5

Chapter 1
Setting Up Your System
Setting up your Epson personal computer is easy. Just follow
the eight steps in this chapter. You may want to leave this
manual’s back cover foldout open so you can refer to the
illustrations identifying the different parts.
Before you begin, make sure your computer is turned off by
pressing the power button on the right side of the front panel.
It is off when the button pops out.
7
Choosing a Location
Setting Up Your System 1-1

Before you set up your computer, it’s important to choose a
safe, convenient location that provides the following:
cl
A sturdy desk or table strong enough to support the weight
of your system and all of its components.
A flat, hard surface. Soft surfaces like beds and carpeted
floors attract static electricity, which can erase data on your
disks, damage the computer’s circuitry, and prevent proper
ventilation.
Good air circulation. Leave several inches of space around
the computer so air can move freely.
Moderate environmental conditions. Select a cool, dry area
and protect your computer from extremes in temperature,
humidity, dust, and smoke. Avoid direct sunlight or any
other source of heat.
Appropriate power sources. Connect all your equipment to
the appropriate power source. (See “Power Source
Requirements” in Appendix D for more information.) You
need one outlet for the computer, one for the monitor, and
additional outlets for a printer and any other peripheral
devices.
No electromagnetic interference. Do not place your system
too close to any electrical device, such as a telephone, which
generates an electromagnetic field.
1-2 Setting Up Your System