Epson Equity 386/25 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 ln 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:
.
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.
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 Epson America, Inc., 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 présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites
applicables aux appareils numériques de Classe B prescrites dans le règlement sur le
brouillage radioélectriques édicté par le Ministère des Communications du Canada.

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. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this
publication, Epson America assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. 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 © 1990 by Epson America, Inc.
Torrance, California
Y70799100100
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. Do not
use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for
cleaning.
Do not use this product near water.
Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, or table.
The product may fall, causing serious damage to the product.
Slots and openings in the cabinet and the back or bottom are
provided for ventilation; to ensure reliable operation of the
product and to protect it from overheating, these openings must
not be blocked or covered. The openings should never be blocked
by placing the product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface.
This product should never be placed near or over a radiator or
heat register. This product should not be placed in a built-in
installation unless proper ventilation is provided.
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.
This product is equipped with a 3-wire grounding-type plug, a
plug having a third (grounding) pin. This plug will only fit into a
grounding-type power outlet. This is a safety feature. If you are
unable to insert the plug into the outlet, contact your electrician
to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the purpose of the
grounding-type plug.
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.
. . .
111

11. Never push objects of any kind into this product through cabinet
slots, as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out
parts that could result in a risk of fire or electric shock. Never
spill liquid of any kind on the product.
12. Except as specifically explained in the User’s Manual, do not
attempt to service this product yourself. Opening or removing
those covers that are marked “Do Not Remove” may expose you
to dangerous voltage points or other risks. Refer all servicing in
those compartments to 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 or frayed.
B.
If liquid has been spilled into the product.
C. If the product has been exposed to rain or water.
D.
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.
E.
If the product has been dropped or the cabinet has been
damaged.
F.
If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance,
indicating a need for service.
iv

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 .............................
1-4
Using the VGA Interface .........................
1-4
Using a Display Adapter Card .....................
1-7
4 Connecting a Printer or Other Device. ................
1-8
Using the Parallel Interface .......................
1-8
Using the Serial Interface. ........................
1-11
5 Connecting the Keyboard. ..........................
1-12
6 Connecting the Mouse .............................
1-13
7 Connecting the Power Cord ..........................
1-15
8 Turning On the Computer ..........................
1-16
Turning Off the Computer. .......................
1-18
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 .........................
2-6
V

Setting the Display Adapter Type. ......................
2-7
Setting the Power-on Password .........................
2-9
Setting the Extended Memory Caching ..................
2-12
Setting the Processor Speed ...........................
2-14
Setting the Keyboard and Speaker Options ...............
2-15
Setting the Real-time Clock ...........................
2-17
Setting the Hard Disk Drive Configuration ...............
2-20
Hard Disk Drive Types ...........................
2-24
Setting the Diskette Drive Type(s). .....................
2-26
Setting the Serial/Parallel Interfaces. ....................
2-27
Reviewing Your Settings. .............................
2-29
Leaving the Setup Menu ..............................
2-31
Chapter 3 Using Your Computer
Installing MS-DOS or Another Operating System .........
3-1
Copying the Reference and Utility Files. .................
3-2
Special Keys on the Keyboard. .........................
3-3
Stopping a Command or Program. ......................
3-5
Resetting the Computer ..............................
3-5
Using a Power-on Password. ...........................
3-7
Changing a Power-on Password ....................
3-8
Deleting a Power-on Password ..................... 3-9
Using Disks and Disk Drives ........................... 3-10
How Disks Store Data............................ 3-10
Types of Diskette Drives. ......................... 3-12
Caring for Diskettes and Diskette Drives ............. 3-14
Write-protecting Diskettes. ....................... 3-16
Using a Single Diskette Drive System ............... 3-18
Inserting and Removing Diskettes .................. 3-19
Formatting Diskettes.............................
3-21
Making Backup Copies ...........................
3-21
Using a Hard Disk Drive..........................
3-22
vi

Chapter 4 Enhancing System Operations
Using AUTOEXEC.BAT and Other Batch Files. ..........
4-1
Changing the Processor Speed .........................
4-2
Entering Keyboard Commands. ....................
4-4
Using the ESPEED Program. ......................
4-5
Reassigning the Diskette Drives ........................
4-7
Using the AFDD Program ........................
4-8
Using Your Computer as a Network Server ...............
4-9
Using a Password in Network Server Mode ...........
4-11
Using Expanded Memory Beyond 640KB. ................
4-12
Using Special VGA Features. ..........................
4-13
Chapter 5
Installing and Removing Options
Removing the Cover. ................................
5-2
Changing the Jumper Settings .........................
5-6
Setting the Jumpers. .............................
5-7
Installing an Option Card .............................
5-10
Removing an Option Card ............................
5-15
Adding Memory Modules .............................
5-16
Installing Memory Modules .......................
5-17
Removing Memory Modules. ......................
5-22
Installing a Math Coprocessor. .........................
5-25
Removing a Math Coprocessor. ........................
5-30
Replacing the Cover .................................
5-30
Post-installation Setup ...............................
5-32
Appendix A
Using the VGA Utilities
Preparing to Install Drivers or Utilities ................... A-4
Using the VGA Driver Setup Program ................... A-4
Microsoft Windows/286, Versions 2.03, 2.10, and 2.11 ...... A-8
Microsoft Windows/386, Versions 2.03, 2.10, and 2.11 ...... A-10
Microsoft Windows, Version 3.0. .......................
A-l 1
vii

Microsoft/IBM OS/2 Presentation Manager,
Versions 1.1 and 1.2 ............................... A-13
Microsoft Word,Version 5.0 ........................... A-15
Autodesk AutoCAD, Version 2.62. ..................... A-16
Autodesk AutoCAD, Version 9.00. ..................... A-18
Autodesk AutoCAD, Version 10.0. ..................... A-20
Autodesk AutoCAD 386, Version 10.0 .................. A-23
Autodesk AutoCAD, Version 10.0 (Fast Display List) ...... A-25
Digital Research GEM, Version 2.2 ..................... A-27
Digital Research GEM, Version 3.0 ..................... A-29
Ventura Publisher, Versions 1.0 and 1.1 ..................
A-31
Ventura Publisher, Version 2.0 ......................... A-33
Lotus 1-2-3, Release 2.0 and Lotus Symphony,
Releases 1.0, 1.1, and 2.0 ........................... A-34
Ashton-Tate Framework II, Release 1.0 .................. A-37
WordStar, Version 3.3. ............................... A-39
WordStar, Versions 4.0 and 5.0 ........................
A-41
WordPerfect, Versions 4.0 and 4.1 ...................... A-43
WordPerfect, Version 5.0 ............................. A-44
VersaCAD Design, Version 5.4. ........................ A-46
VersaCAD 386, Version 5.4 ........................... A-48
CADVANCE, Version 3.50 ........................... A-49
OrCAD, Version 3.22 ................................
A-51
Generic CADD, Version 1.1, Level 3. ................... A-52
VESA Driver, Version 1.0. ............................ A-54
Using SETVESA ............................... A-55
Using VTEST .................................. A-56
Utility Programs .................................... A-57
VGAMODE Utility ............................. A-57
SETVGA Utility ............................... A-59
MODETEST Utility. ............................ A-62
WS33INST Utility .............................. A-63
SNOOZE Utility. ............................... A-63
*..
VIII

Appendix B
Installing and Removing Disk Drives
Using the Correct Drive Bay. ..........................
B-2
How to Use This Appendix ...........................
B-3
Setting the Hard Disk Drive Jumpers ....................
B-4
Setting the Jumpers for Two Hard Disk Drives ........
B-4
Changing the Jumper Settings .....................
B-5
Installing a Hard Disk in the Vertical Position. ............
B-8
Removing the Mounting Frames From the Drive ......
B-8
Removing and Attaching the Mounting Plate ........
B-10
Installing the Drive. .............................
B-13
Connecting the Hard Disk Drive Cables .............
B-18
Removing a Hard Disk From the Vertical Position .........
B-24
Installing or Removing a Disk Drive in the
Horizontal Position ................................
B-27
Removing the Subassembly .......................
B-28
Installing a Disk Drive in the Horizontal Position. .....
B-34
Replacing the Drive on the Subassembly. ............
B-42
Removing a Disk Drive From the Horizontal Position . .
B-44
Replacing the Subassembly. .......................
B-47
Appendix C
Physically Formatting a Hard Disk
Choosing the Type of Format ..........................
C-2
Reformatting a Used Disk. ........................ C-3
Formatting a New Disk. ..........................
C-4
Selecting an Option .............................
C-4
Starting the Formatting Process ....................
C-4
Option 1, Format ....................................
C-5
Modifying the Defective Track Table ............... C-7
Formatting the Disk ............................. C-9
Option 2, Destructive Surface Analysis .................. C-10
Option 3, Non-destructive Surface Analysis .............. C-12
Exiting the Hard Disk Format Menu. ....................
C-13
ix

Appendix D Troubleshooting
Identifying Your System .............................. D-l
Error Messages
...................................... D-2
The Computer Won’t Start. ...........................
D-5
The Computer Does Not Respond ......................
D-6
Password Problems. ..................................
D-8
Removing a Password ............................
D-9
Setting a New Password ..........................
D-11
Keyboard Problems ..................................
D- 12
Monitor Problems ...................................
D-13
Diskette Problems ...................................
D-15
Diskette Drive Problems ..............................
D-18
Hard Disk Problems. .................................
D-19
Software Problems. ..................................
D-22
Printer Problems ....................................
D-23
Option Card Problems. ...............................
D-25
Mouse Problems. ....................................
D-26
Using the MOUSE7PT.EXE Program ...............
D-27
Memory Module Problems ............................
D-28
Math Coprocessor Problems ...........................
D-29
Appendix E
Performing System Diagnostics
Starting System Diagnostics ...........................
E-2
Selecting an Option .................................
E-4
Modifying the Device List. ............................
E-5
Selecting a Test .....................................
E-6
Resuming From an Error. .........................
E-8
Error Codes and Messages ............................. E-l2
X

Appendix F Specifications
CPU and Memory ................................... F-l
Controllers. ........................................
F-2
Interfaces ..........................................
F-2
Power Supply. ......................................
F-3
Mass Storage .......................................
F-3
Keyboard.. ........................................
F-4
Environmental Requirements ..........................
F-4
Physical Characteristics. ..............................
F-5
Glossary
Index
xi

xii

Introduction
The Epson® Equity® 386/25 PLUS is a high-performance
personal computer which offers exceptional speed and
convenience in a compact design. The computer’s 25 MHz
80386 microprocessor makes all your programs run extremely
fast, even when supporting multitasking operations.
Your system includes 2MB of internal memory, a built-in ‘VGA
(video graphics array) display adapter, built-in parallel and serial
interfaces, an IBM® PS/2™ compatible mouse port, and four
standard option slots (three 16.bit and one B-bit). These
interfaces allow you to connect most of your peripheral devices
directly to the computer, so you do not have to install option
cards. You can use the option slots to install additional devices,
such as a modem or a networking card.
Your computer can support up to three internal drives: either
two diskette drives and one hard disk drive, or one diskette drive
and two hard disk drives.
The Equity 386/25 PLUS offers several other features to
enhance the speed and versatility of your computer:
❏Memory caching. Portions of your system memory are
copied to a high-speed cache buffer so your computer can
access programs and data very quickly.
❏ Shadow RAM. Your system ROM (read-only memory) and
video ROM are copied into the computer’s 32-bit RAM
(random access memory) to further accelerate system
performance.
❏ Extended and super-extended VGA modes. The built-in
VGA adapter and VGA drivers (included) provide graphics
resolutions up to 1024 x 768 in 16 colors or 640 x 480 in
256 colors on compatible VGA monitors.
Introduction 1

Optional Equipment
You can easily upgrade your computer by installing additional
memory and adding optional devices compatible with the IBM
Personal Computer, PC XT,™ or PC AT.“’
By adding memory modules to the main system board, you can
expand the computer’s memory up to 16MB. Memory modules
are efficient because they eliminate the need to use an option
slot to add memory to your system. Your computer can also
access memory on modules faster than memory on an option
card.
You may also want to install a math coprocessor in your
computer to speed up calculations in certain application
programs. You can add an Intel ® 80387 (25MHz) or a
Weitek®3167 (25MHz) math coprocessor; or you can add both
by installing a Weitek dual-coprocessor adapter. Check with
your authorized Epson dealer to see which options are available.
Operating Systems and Other Software
You probably have a version of MS-DOS@’ to use with your
computer. Epson has enhanced MS-DOS by adding two time-
saving utilities-HELP and MENU-that make it easier to use.
The HELP program lets you display information on the screen
about any MS-DOS command. MENU provides an easy way to
run many of these commands.
2 Introduction

You can use virtually any application program designed for the
IBM PC, PC XT, PC AT, or compatible computers on your
Equity 386/25 PLUS. You may also use powerful 32-bit
software-such as Microsoft Windows/386™-with your
computer.
VGA Utilities
Epson has provided special VGA utilities and device drivers
that you can use with certain standard VGA monitors and
multi-frequency monitors. Using these drivers, you can take
advantage of extended and super-extended VGA features such
as 16-color graphics mode resolutions up to 1024 x 768,256-color
resolutions up to 640 x 480, and 132-column text mode.
How to Use This Manual
This manual explains how to set up and operate your
computer, install options, and run diagnostics checks. Although
the illustrations show a computer with a 5¼-inch diskette drive,
instructions are included for using a 3½-inch drive.
You do not need to read everything in this book; see the
following chapter summaries.
Chapter 1 provides simple step-by-step instructions for setting
up your system. On the back cover foldout are illustrations
showing the different parts of your computer; refer to these as
you set up your system.
Introduction 3

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 do it again later if you change the
configuration.
Chapter 3 provides instructions for important operating
procedures, such as using and caring for disks and disk drives.
Chapter 4 describes specialized features you can use to enhance
your system’s performance.
Chapter 5 describes some of the options you can use in your
computer and contains instructions for removing the cover,
setting jumpers, and installing options.
Appendix A provides instructions for using the VGA device
drivers and utilities.
Appendix B explains how to install and remove a hard disk or
diskette drive.
Appendix C describes how to perform a hardware-level format
on a hard disk. You need to do this only if you have installed a
new hard disk that has never received this type of low-level
format, or if you are having serious problems with the disk.
Appendix D contains troubleshooting tips.
Appendix E outlines the system diagnostics checks. If you are
having trouble with any part of the hardware, you may want to
run some of these.
Appendix F gives the technical specifications for the computer.
At the end of the manual, you’ll find a glossary and an index.
4 Introduction

Where to Get Help
Customer support and service for Epson products are provided
by a network of authorized Epson dealers and Customer Care
Centers throughout the United States. Epson America provides
product information and support to its dealers and Customer
Care Centers.
Therefore, we ask that you contact the business where you
purchased your Epson product to request assistance. If the people
there do not have the answer to your question, they can obtain
it through our toll-free dealer support program. Epson is
confident that this policy will provide you with the assistance
you need.
Call the Epson Consumer Information Center at
[phone] for the following:
❏Your nearest Epson dealer
❏ The nearest Customer Care Center.
To locate or purchase accessories or supplies, contact your
nearest Epson dealer.

6 lntroduction