Epson ActionPC 7300 User manual

EPSON
®
User’s Guide Update
In order to take advantage of the latest technology, the system board
in your computer has been completely redesigned.
This update includes last-minute information that was not available
at the time your on-screen User’s Guide was created.
External Cache
Your computer supports up to 1MB of external cache. If your system
already has cache installed, it can be increased up to 1MB. However,
you cannot install cache chips yourself. Please contact your
Authorized EPSON Servicer if you want to install cache memory in
your computer.
Power Management
The Windows® 95 CD-ROM Autoplay feature operates continuously
and prevents power management from being fully effective on your
system. If you want to take advantage of your computer’s power-
saving features, you must use the Widows Device Manager to
disable Autoplay. See your Windows documentation for instructions.
System Board
Because your computer’s system board has been redesigned, the
illustrations showing the board in Chapter 4 of your User’s Guide are
incorrect. Board components such as jumpers and SIMM sockets have
been relocated. However, disk drives and other internal components
are shown correctly in the illustrations.

The illustration below shows the correct location of jumpers and
other components on the system board in your computer.
2

Jumper Settings
The jumpers on the system board have been renumbered, as shown
in the tables below. The factory default settings are indicated by an
asterisk (*).
Miscellaneous jumper settings
pi
Clean CMOS memory (resets BElUP values to factory defoulis)
IJP12 k’ I
Emblem on-bead i/O controller
Dbables on-boad I/o controller
I
IJPl5 1;;;’ 1 Enables oeboord VGA controller
Dhbles on-bootd VGA controller
I
Parallel port ECP mode DRQ jumper settings
Function JP13 JP14
DRQ1 (DACK1) 1-2 1-2
DRQ4 (DACK3) 2-3 2-3
CPU voltage jumper settings
CPU voltage JP18
3.3V 13-4
3.45V 5-6
3.6V 7-8
4.0V 19-10
5.0V 1-2
Cache jumper settings
3

CPU type jumpers settings
CPU clock speed JP17
I
25 Mhz 1-2
I
33 MHz
40 MHz
50 Mhz
1-2,3-4,5-6
1-2,3-4
5-6
EPSON is a registered trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.
Copyright 0 1995 by Epson America, Inc.
Torrance, California, USA 400557200 10/95

EPSON
®
User’s Guide
a
EPA POLLUTION PREVENTER
@
Printed on recycled paper with at least 10% post consumer content

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
ofmerchantability 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
EPSON Connection is a service mark of Epson America, Inc.
General notice: Other product names used herein are for identification purposes only and
may be trademarks of their respective owners. EPSON disclaims any and all rights in
those marks.
Copyright 0 1995 by Epson America, Inc. 400434800-1
Torrance, California, USA 9/95
ii

Important Safety Instructions
Read all of these instructions and save them for later reference. Follow
all warnings and instructions marked on the computer.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Unplug the computer before cleaning. Clean with a damp cloth only.
Do not spill liquid on the computer.
Do not place the computer on an unstable surface or near a radiator
or heat register.
Do not block or cover the openings in the computer’s cabinet. Do not
insert objects through the slots.
Use only the type of power source indicated on the computer’s label.
Connect all equipment to properly grounded power outlets. Avoid
using outlets on the same circuit as photocopiers or air control
systems that regularly switch on and off.
Do not let the computer’s power cord become damaged or frayed.
If you use an extension cord with the computer, make sure the total
ampere rating of the devices plugged into the extension cord does
not exceed the cord’s ampere rating. Also, make sure the total of all
devices plugged into the wall outlet does not exceed 15 amperes.
Except as specifically explained in this Users Guide, do not attempt to
service the computer yourself.
Unplug the computer and refer servicing to qualified service
personnel under the following conditions:
If the power cord or plug is damaged; if liquid has entered the
computer; if the computer has been dropped or the cabinet damaged;
if the computer does not operate normally or exhibits a distinct
change in performance. Adjust only those controls that are covered
by the operating instructions.
If you plan to use the computer in Germany, observe the following:
To provide adequate short-circuit protection and over-current
protection for this computer, the building installation must be
protected by a 16 Amp circuit breaker.
iii

Importantes instructions de sbcuritb
Lire attentivement les instructions suivantes et les conserver pour les
consulter en cas de besoin. Observer soigneusement tous les
avertissements et directives marques sur l’ordinateur.
l Debrancher l’ordinateur avant de le nettoyer. N’utiliser qu’un chiffon
humide. Veiller ane pas renverser de liquides sur l’appareil.
l Ne pas placer l’ordinateur sur une surface instable ni pres dune
source de chaleur.
l Ne pas bloquer ni couvrir les orifices d’aeration de l’appareil. Ne pas
introduire d’objets dans les ouvertures.
Utiliser seulement le type de source d’alimentation Clectrique indique
sur l’etiquette.
Tout l’equipement doit Ctre branche sur des prises de courant avec
contact de terre. Ne jamais utiliser une prise sur le meme circuit
qu’un appareil a photocopies ou un systeme de controle de
ventilation avec commutation marche-arret automatique.
lS’assurer que le cordon d’alimentation de l’ordinateur n’est pas
abime ni effiloche.
l Dans le cas ou on utilise un cordon de rallonge avec l’ordinateur,
s’assurer que l’intensite en amperes requise pour tous les appareils
branches sur ce cordon ne soit pas superieure ala capacite du cordon.
S’assurer aussi que cette intensite ne depasse jamais la somme de 15
amperes pour l’ensemble des appareils.
l Sauf dans les cas specifiques expliques dans ce manuel de l’usager,
ne pas essayer d’entretenir ou de reparer l’ordinateur soi-meme.
l Debrancher l’ordinateur et contacter un technicien qualifie dans les
circonstances suivantes:
Si le cordon ou la prise sont abimes; si un liquide a pen&C a
l’interieur de l’appareil; si on a laisse tomber l’appareil ou si le bonier
est endommage; si l’ordinateur ne fonctionne pas normalement ou
fonctionne dune man&e tres differente de l’ordinaire. N’ajuster que
les commandes d&rites dans les directives.
l Pour utiliser l’ordinateur en Allemagne, il est necessaire que le
batiment soit muni d’un disjoncteur de 16 amperes pour proteger
l’ordinateur contre les courts-circuits et le survoltage.
iv

Wichtige Sicherheitshinweise
Bitte lesen Sie diese Sicherheitshinweise, und heben Sie sie zur spateren
Verwendung auf. Beachten Sie alle Warnungen und Anweisungen, die
auf dem Computer angebracht sind.
Ziehen Sie das Netzkabel des Computers vor der Reinigung heraus.
Verwenden Sie zur Reinigung nur ein feuchtes Tuch. Achten Sie
darauf, dab keine Fltissigkeiten auf dem Computer verschtittet
werden.
Stellen Sie den Computer nur auf einer stabilen Arbeitsflache auf,
und halten Sie ihn von Heizkorpern und Warmluftquellen fern.
Achten Sie darauf, dab die ijffnungen im Computergehause nicht
blockiert oder verdeckt werden. Ftihren Sie keine Fremdkorper in die
Ltiftungsschlitze ein.
Verwenden Sie nur die auf dem Typenschild des Computers
angegebene Stromversorgung.
Schliehen Sie alle Gerate an ordnungsgemain geerdete Steckdosen an.
Verwenden Sie keine Steckdosen, die mit demselben Stromkreis wie
Fotokopiergerate oder Klimaanlagen, die sich regelmainig ein- und
ausschalten, verbunden sind.
Achten Sie darauf, dab das Netzkabel des Computers stets in
einwandfreiem Zustand ist.
Stellen Sie bei Verwendung eines Verlangerungskabels sicher, dab
der gesamte Amperewert aller an das Verlangerungskabel
angeschlossenen Gerate den zulassigen Hochstwert des Kabels nicht
tiberschreitet. Stellen Sie ferner sicher, dab der Gesamtwert aller an
die Wandsteckdose angeschlossenen Gerate 15 Ampere nicht
tiberschreitet.
Ftihren Sie keine Wartungsarbeiten am Computer durch, die tiber
das im Benutzerhmdbuch beschriebene Ausmah hinausgehen.
V

l Ziehen Sie den Computer heraus, und rufen Sie qualifiziertes
Wartungspersonal, wenn eine der folgenden Bedingungen auftritt:
Das Netzkabel oder der Netzstecker ist beschadigt; Fltissigkeit ist in
den Computer eingetreten; der Computer wurde fallengelassen oder
das Gehause ist beschadigt; der Computer funktioniert nicht
ordnungsgemain oder die Leistung hat sich merklich geandert. Stellen
Sie nur die Bedienelemente ein, die in der Gebrauchsanweisung
beschrieben sind.
l Nehmen Sie den Computer bei Flugreisen als Handgepack mit in den
Fluggastraum, damit er nicht in einem drucklosen Frachtraum
verstaut wird.
l Beachten Sie den folgenden Hinweis, wenn Sie den Computer in
Deutschland in Betrieb nehmen:
Beim Anschluh des Computers an die Netzversorgung muh
sichergestellt werden, dab die Gebaudeinstallation mit einem 16 A
ijberstromschutzschalter abgesichert ist.
vi

Your new EPSON@ computer is a full powered, full featured
system that gives you complete access for all your business or
home computer needs. And because your computer is plug and
play compliant and designed to take advantage of Microsoft@
Windows® 95, you’ll be able to use all the latest technology.
With the computer’s high-performance processor and memory
you can run a vast array of the latest programs, utilities, and
games designed for productivity and fun.
Your system’s state-of-the art PCI (Peripheral Component
Interconnect) bus architecture gives you fast and efficient
access to both PCI and IDE option cards. It also provides PCI
performance for IDE drives and your VGA or high-resolution
monitor.
And when you’re ready for even more capability, you can
expand your system, video, and cache memory, install option
cards or additional drives, and upgrade your processor.
Computer Features
Your computer offers the following features:
0 Upgradable 486-class processor
0 4 or 8MB of RAM (Random Access Memory), expandable
to 128MB
0 PCI-based main system board providing PCI caching,
memory, bus control, video control, and IDE (Integrated
Drive Electronics) device control
Introduction 1

High-speed, PC1 video controller with 64-bit DRAM video
interface and 32-bit CPU interface
Two PCI ATA-2 compatible, enhanced IDE interfaces
supporting up to four IDE devices, such as hard disk drives
and CD-ROM drives (two on each interface)
8 or 16KB of internal cache in the processor and up to
512KB of external cache on the main system board
1MB of on board video memory for resolutions up to
1024 x 768; memory expandable to 2MB
Three Energy Star compliant power-saving modes for the
CPU, video, and hard disk drives in standard
configurations
Three 16-bit, ISA (Industry Standard Architecture) option
slots and two PCI option slots supporting up to two PCI
bus m aster cards
On the slim line model, space for up to four mass storage
devices, three externally accessible and one internal; on the
tower model, space for up to seven mass storage devices,
four externally accessible and three internal.
Power-saving Features
In standard configurations, this computer complies with the
United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star
Program, which promotes the manufacture of energy-efficient
printers, computers, and monitors. Your computer’s “Green
PC” features place the CPU, video, and hard disk drives in
power-saving modes when the mouse and keyboard have been
inactive for a specified period of time. You can customize the
Green PC features in the SETUP program.
2 Introduction

ISA and PCI Expansion Buses
Your computer includes expansion buses for two types of
option cards: ISA and PCI. The PCI bus provides extremely fast
data transfer (33 MHz) for up to two high-performance PCI
cards, such as high-speed video cards. PCI cards use plug and
play technology that automatically configures resources used
by the card, such as interrupt requests and memory addresses.
The ISA bus transfers data at 8.33 MHz for up to three 16-bit
ISA option cards. You can use these slots for standard ISA
cards such as fax/ modem cards, sound cards, and SCSI (Small
Computer System Interface) cards.
System and video BIOS
The computer’s system and video BIOS are contained in a flash
memory device on the main system board, which you can
upgrade without replacing the chip.
Your computer supports shadowing of the system and video
BIOS to allow BIOS routines to run from fast, 32-bit RAM
instead of from the slower, S-bit flash device.
How to Use This Manual
This manual contains the information you need to get the best
results from your computer. You don’t have to read everything;
see the following chapter summaries to find the sections you
need.
If you are reading the manual online, click on the highlighted
words below to skip to the section you want to read.
Introduction 3

Chapter 1 provides instructions for setting up your system and
connecting peripheral devices such as the monitor and printer.
Chapter 2 describes how to run the SETUP program to change
your computer’s configuration and how to install the PCI IDE
and video drivers.
Chapter 3 covers general operating procedures, such as using
your Green PC features and using a password.
Chapter 4 describes how to remove and replace the computer’s
cover, change jumper settings, and install optional equipment
such as option cards, memory modules, and video memory.
Chapter 5 explains how to install and remove mass storage
devices on the slim line computer.
Chapter 6 explains how to install and remove mass storage
devices on the tower computer.
Chapter 7 contains troubleshooting tips.
Appendix A lists the specifications of your computer, including
DMA and IRQ assignments.
Where to Get Help
If you purchased your computer in the United States or
Canada, EPSON provides customer support and service
through a network of Authorized EPSON Customer Care
Centers. EPSON also provides the following services when
you dial (800) 9224911:
0 Technical assistance with the installation, configuration,
and operation of EPSON products
0 Assistance in locating your nearest Authorized EPSON
Reseller or Customer Care Center
4 Introduction

0 Customer relations
0 EPSON technical information library fax service
0 Product literature on current and new products.
You can purchase printed manuals, accessories, or parts for
EPSON products from EPSON Accessories at [phone]
(U.S. sales only). In Canada, call (800) BUY-EPSON.
If you purchased your computer outside the United States or
Canada, contact your EPSON dealer or the marketing location
nearest you for customer support and service.
If you need help with any software program you are using, see
the documentation for that program for technical support
information. If the software was installed on your computer,
see the User's Digest for technical support information.
Electronic Support Services
If you have a modem, the fastest way to access helpful tips,
specifications, drivers, application notes, DIP switch or jumper
settings, and bulletins for EPSON products is through the
online services below.
EPSON Bulletin Board Service
You can call the EPSON Bulletin Board Service (BBS) at
[phone]. No membership is required. Make sure your
communications software is set to 8 data bits with 1 stop bit,
no parity bit, and a modem speed up to 28.8 Kbps. See the
documentation that came with your communications software
for more information.
Introduction 5

CompuServe online support
CompuServe® members can call the Epson America Forum on
CompuServe. If you are already a member, simply type
GO EPSON at the menu prompt to reach the Forum.
If you are not currently a member, you are eligible for a free
introductory membership as an owner of an EPSON product.
This membership entitles you to:
0 An introductory credit on CompuServe
0 Your own user ID and password
0 A complimentary subscription to CompuServe Magazine,
CompuServe’s monthly publication.
To take advantage of this offer, call [phone] in the United
States and Canada and ask for representative #529. In other
countries, call the following U.S. telephone number:
[phone], or your local CompuServe access number.
6 Introduction

Contents
Introduction
Computer Features .........................
1
Power-saving Features .......................
2
ISA and PCI Expansion Buses ...................
3
System and Video BIOS ......................
3
How to Use This Manual......................
3
Where to Get Help .........................
4
Electronic Support Services..................
5
Chapter 1
Setting Up Your System
Choosing a Location ........................
1-1
Setting the Voltage Selector Switch ................
1-2
Connecting System Components .................
1-3
Connecting a Keyboard or Mouse..............
1-4
Connecting a Monitor.....................
1-4
Connecting a Parallel or Serial Device ...........
1-6
Connecting the Power Cord .................
1-7
Turning On the Computer.....................
1-8
Turning Off the Computer.....................
1-10
Chapter 2
Running SETUP and Installing Drivers
Starting the SETUP Program....................
2-2
Using the System Setup Option...............
2-3
Using the Fixed Disk Setup Option.............
2-5
Using the Advanced System Setup Options........
2-7
Setting the Boot Options ...................
2-12
Selecting the Security and Anti-Virus Options ......
2-13
Using the Green PC Features ................
2-16
Exiting SETUP ........................
2-18
Installing the PCI IDE Drivers...................
2-18
Running the Installation Program..............
2-20
Installing Video Drivers ......................
2-21
vii

Chapter 3 Using Your Computer
Working Comfortably ...........................
3-1
Using the Right Furniture ...........
3-2
Positioning Your Monitor ...........
3-3
Lighting Your Workspace ...........
3-4
Using the Keyboard and Mouse ........
3-4
Maintaining Good Posture and Work Habits...........
3-5
Backing Up Your Files ................
3-6
Using Energy Wisely .................
3-6
Using Your Green PC Features ...........
3-7
Inserting and Removing Diskettes .........
3-8
Stopping a Command or Program .........
3-9
Resetting the Computer ...............
3-10
Using a Password ...................
3-11
Chapter 4 Installing and Removing Options
Removing the Cover .........................
4-2
Replacing the Cover .........................
4-5
Locating the Internal Components .................
4-6
Locating System Board Components .............
4-8
Changing the Jumper Settings ...................
4-9
Setting the Jumpers .......................
4-12
Installing Memory Modules (SIMMs) ...............
4-13
Inserting SIMMs .........................
4-17
Removing SIMMs ........................
4-19
Installing an Option Card ......................
4-20
Installing a Card in the Slim line Computer (3-slot Side) 4-22
Installing a Card in the Slim line Computer (2-slot Side) 4-23
Installing a Card in the Tower Computer ..........
4-25
Removing an Option Card ......................
4-27
Adding Video Memory .......................
4-27
Installing External Cache ......................
4-29
Upgrading the Processor ......................
4-32
Post-installation Procedures .....................
4-35
viii

Chapter 5
Ins falling and Removing Slim line Drives
Removing the Drive Mounting Bracket ............. 5-2
Installing a Hard Disk Drive in the Mounting Bracket ..... 5-4
Setting the IDE Device Jumpers ............... 5-5
Installing the Hard Disk Drive ............... 5-6
Replacing the Bracket in the Computer ........... 5-7
Connecting the Drive Cables ................. 5-8
Reconnecting the Cables to the Diskette Drive ....... 5-12
Removing a Hard Disk Drive From the Mounting Bracket ... 5-13
Installing a Drive in an External Drive Bay ........... 5-15
Attaching Mounting Frames to the Drive .......... 5-16
Installing the Drive ...................... 5-17
Connecting the Drive and Power Cables .......... 5-19
Removing a Drive from an External Bay ............. 5-22
Chapter 6 Installing and Removing Tower Drives
Setting the Jumpers and Locating Pin 1 ........... 6-3
Installing a Drive in the Front Internal Drive Bay ........... 6-4
Installing the Internal Drive ...........
6-5
Connecting the Cables to the Front Internal Drive
...........
6-6
Removing a Drive From the Front Internal Drive Bay ........... 6-8
Installing a Drive in an External Bay ...........
6-11
Removing a Drive From an External Bay........... 6-15
Installing a Drive in the Rear Internal Bracket ........... 6-17
Removing a Drive From the Rear Internal Bracket........... 6-20
Chapter 7 Troubleshooting
Identifying Your System ......
7-2
The Computer Will Not Start ......
7-4
The Computer Does Not Respond ......
7-5
Keyboard Problems ......
7-6
Mouse Problems......
7-6
Monitor Problems ......
7-7
Diskette Problems......
7-8
Diskette Drive Problems ......
7-9
Hard Disk Drive Problems ......
7-10
ix

CD-ROM Drive Problems
Password Problems
Software Problems
Printer or Scanner Problems
Option Card Problems
Memory Module Problems
Controller Problems
External Cache Problems
.............
7-12
.............
7-12
.............
7-13
.............
7-14
.............
7-15
.............
7-16
.............
7-17
.............
7-17
Appendix A Specifications
CPU and Memory ..............
A-2
Controllers...................
A-3
Interfaces....................
A-4
Mass Storage..................
A-5
Keyboard....................
A-6
Mouse......................
A-6
SETUP Program
................
A-6
Power Supply.................
A-6
Option Slot Power Limits...........
A-7
Physical Characteristics............
A-7
Environmental Requirements........
A-7
Video Resolutions and Colors .......
A-8
Processor Upgrades .............
A-9
Information for Qualified Hard Disk Drives...........A-10
DMA Assignments..............
A-11
Hardware Interrupts.............
A-12
System Memory Map ............
A-12
System I/O Address Map ..........
A-13
Connector Pin Assignments.........
A-14
Tested Operating Environments ......
A-15
Options Available From EPSON ......
A-16
Glossary
Index
X