Epson ActionTower 3000 Computer User manual

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.
EPSON Connection and EPSON Direct are service marks of Epson America, Inc.
General Notice: Other product names used herein are for identification purposes only and
may be trademarks of their respective companies
The Energy Star emblem does not represent EPA endorsement of any product or service.
Copyright © 1994 by Epson America, Inc.
Torrance, California, USA
8/94
ii

Important Safety Instructions
Read all of these instructions and save them for later reference. Follow
all warnings and instructions marked on the computer.
l Unplug the computer before cleaning. Clean with a damp cloth only.
Do not spill liquid on the computer.
l Do not place the computer on an unstable surface or near a radiator
or heat register.
l Do not block or cover the openings in the computer’s cabinet. Do not
insert objects through the slots.
l Use only the type of power source indicated on the computer’s label.
l 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.
l Do not let the computer’s power cord become damaged or frayed.
l 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.
l Except as specifically explained in this User’s Guide, do not attempt
to service the computer yourself. Adjust only those controls that are
covered by the operating instructions.
l 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.
l 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.
Beim Anschluß des Computers an die Netzversorgung muß
sichergestellt werden, da8 die Gebäudeinstallation mit einem
16 A Uberstromschutzschalter abgesichert ist.
iii

Importantes instructions de sécurité
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 Débrancher l’ordinateur avant de le nettoyer. N’utiliser qu’un chiffon
humide. Veiller à ne pas renverser de liquides sur l’appareil.
l Ne pas placer l’ordinateur sur une surface instable ni près d’une
source de chaleur.
l Ne pas bloquer ni couvrir les orifices d'aération de l’appareil. Ne pas
introduire d’objets dans les ouvertures.
l Utiliser settlement le type de source d’alimentation électrique indiqué
sur I’étiquette.
l Tout l’équipement doit âtre branché sur des prises de courant avec
contact de terre. Ne jamais utiliser une prise sur le même circuit
qu’un appareil à photocopies ou un système de contrôle de
ventilation avec commutation marche-arrêt automatique.
l S'assurer que le cordon d’alimentation de l’ordinateur n’est pas
abîmé ni effiloché.
l Dans le cas où on utilise un cordon de rallonge avec l’ordinateur,
s’assurer que l’intensité en ampères requise pour tous les appareils
branchés sur ce cordon ne soit pas supérieure à la capacité du cordon.
S’assurer aussi que cette intensté ne dépasse jamais la somme de 15
amperes pour l’ensemble des appareils.
l Sauf dans les cas spécifiques expliqués dans ce manuel de l’usager,
ne pas essayer d’entretenir ou de réparer l’ordinateur soi-même.
N’ajuster que les commandes décrites dans les directives.
l Débrancher l!ordinateur et contacter un technicien qualifié dans les
circonstances suivantes:
Si le cordon ou la prise sont abîmés; si un liquide a pénétré à
l’intérieur de l’appareil; si on a laissé tomber l’appareil ou si le boîtier
est endommagé; si l’ordinateur ne fonctionne pas normalement ou
fonctionne d'une manière très différente de l’ordinaire.
l Pour utiliser l’ordinateur en Allemagne, il est nécessaire que le
bâtiment soit muni d’un disjoncteur de 16 amperes pour protéger
l’ordinateur contre les courts-circuits et le survoltage.
iv

FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT
FOR AMERlCAN 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 and
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:
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 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 that
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 CANADlAN 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 numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioéelectriques dépassant les limites
applicables aux appareils numériques de Classe B prescrites dans le règlement sur le
brouillage radioélectrique édicté par le Ministère des Communications du Canada.

Contents
Introduction
Video
...................................
2
Energy Savings
..............................
3
VGA Drivers
...............................
3
optional Equipment
..........................
4
How to Use This Manual........................
5
Where to Get Help............................
6
CompuServe On-line Support
..................
7
Chapter 1
Setting up Your system
Unpacking Your Computer
......................
1-1
Setting the Voltage Selector Switch
..................
1-2
Connecting System Components
...................
1-4
Connecting the Power Cord
......................
1-5
Turning Your System On and Off
................... 1-5
Running the SETUP Program
.....................
1-7
Starting the SETUP Program
...................
1-8
The System Setup Option
.....................
1-10
The Fixed Disk Setup Option
................... 1-11
The Advanced System Setup Option
..............
1-12
Setting the Boot Options
.....................
1-14
The System Security and Anti-Virus Options
.........
1-15
Using the Green PC Features
..................
1-18
The System Summary Option
..................
1-19
Exiting SETUP
...........................
1-20
Post-SETUP Procedures
.....................
1-20
v

Chapter 2 Using Your Computer
Working Comfortably
.........................
2-1
Stopping a Comman
d or Program
..................
2-2
Resetting the Computer
........................
2-3
Using Energy Wisely
..........................
2-4
Using Your Green PC Features
....................
2-4
Changing the Processor Speed
.................... 2-5
chapter 3 Installing and Removing Options
Removing the Cover
..........................
3-2
Replacing the Cover
..........................
3-4
Locating the Internal Components
..................
3-5
Changing the Jumper Settings
.....................
3-6
Setting the Jumpers
........................
3-8
Installing Memory Modules
......................
3-10
lnserting SlMMs
..........................
3-12
Removing SIMMs
.........................
3-14
installing an Option Card
.......................
3-15
Removing an Option Card
.......................
3-18
Adding Video Memory
.........................
3-18
Installing External Cache
........................
3-21
installing the External Cache Chips
...............
3-22
Upgrading the Microprocessor
....................
3-24
Replacing the Processor Chip
..................
3-25
Post-installation Procedures
......................
3-27
Chapter 4 Installing and Removing Drives
Removing Mounting Frames
.....................
4-3
Installing a Drive in the Front Internal Drive Bay ..........
4-4
Removing a Drive From the Front Internal Drive Bay
.......
4-8
Installing a Drive in an External Drive Bay
.............
4-10
Removing a Drive From an External Drive Bay ...........
4-13
Installing a Drive in the Rear Internal Drive Bay
..........
4-15
Removing a Drive From the Rear Internal Drive Bay
.......
4-19
Post-installation Procedures
......................
4-21
vi

Chapter 5
Trobleshooting
Identifying Your System
........................
5-1
The Computer Will Not Start
.....................
5-3
The Computer Does Not Respond
..................
5-4
Keyboard Problems
...........................
5-5
Mouse Problems.............................
5-5
Monitor Problems............................
5-6
Diskette Problems
............................
5-7
Diskette Drive Problems
........................
5-8
Hard Disk Drive Problems
.......................
5-8
Password Problems
........................... 5-10
Software Problems
............................
5-11
Printer Problems
.............................
5-12
Option Card Problems
......................... 5-12
Memory Module Problems
.......................
5-13
Controller Problems
........................... 5-14
External Cache Problems
........................
5-14
Appendix A Specifications
CPU and Memory
............................ A-1
Controllers
................................ A-3
lnterfaces
.................................
A-3
Mass Storage
...............................
A-4
Keyboard .................................
A-5
Mouse ...................................
A-5
SETUP Program
.............................
A-5
Physical Characteristics
.........................
A-6
Power Supply
............................... A-6
Option Slot Power Limits
........................ A-6
Environmental Requirements
..................... A-7
Video Resolutions and Colors
.....................
A-7
Hard Disk Drive Types
......................... A-8
Drive Option Information
....................... A-10
Options Available from EPSON
....................
A-11`
Tested Operating Environments
....................
A-12
DMA Assignments
...........................
A-12
vii

Hardware Interrupts
.......................... A-13
System Memory Map
.......................... A-14
System I/O Address Map
....................... A-14
Connector Pin Assignments
...................... A-16
Glossary
Index
viii

lntroduction
Your EPSON
®
computer provides powerful system
performance and offers a wide range of enhancement options.
System features include:
Choice of microprocessor: Intel
®
or Cyrix
®
486SX/25
or /33; DX/33, /40, or /50; DX2/50 or /66; SX2/50;
DX4/75 or /100; or Pentium™ OverDrive™
Energy Star compliant, low-power standby mode for the
hard disk drive and video display
4MB or 8MB of internal memory, expandable to 64MB
System and video BIOS shadow RAM
8KB of internal cache integrated into the microprocessor
and support for up to 256KB of optional external cache on
the main system board
Integrated high-speed, local bus SVGA video interface
512KB (expandable to 1MB) or 1MB of on-board video
memory
Video resolutions up to 1280 x 1024 in 16 colors (with 1MB
of VRAM)
True Color™ support in the 640 x 480 resolution with 1MB
of VRAM
Two built-in serial ports and one built-in bidirectional
parallel port
One built-in PS/2™ compatible keyboard port and one
built-in PS/2 compatible mouse port
Introduction 1