Epson Equity 386/33 PLUS User manual

EPSON
®
EQUITY® 386/33 PLUS
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
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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 Y74499100100
ii

Important Safety Instructions
1.
2.
3.
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.
4.
5.
6.
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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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

Contents
Introduction
Where to Get Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Chapter 1
Using Your Computer
Copying the Reference and Utility Files
.............. 1-1
Special Keys on the Keyboard
................... 1-2
Stopping a Command or Program
................. 1-4
Resetting the Computer
.......................
1-4
Using a Power-on Password
.................... 1-6
Using Disks and Disk Drives
.................... 1-7
How Disks Store Data
..................... 1-7
Types of Diskette Drives
................... 1-9
Caring for Diskettes and Diskette Drives
..........
1-12
Write-protecting Diskettes
..................
1-14
Using a Single Diskette Drive System
............ 1-16
Inserting and Removing Diskettes
.............. 1-17
Formatting Diskettes
......................
1-19
Making Backup Copies
.................... 1-19
Using a Hard Disk Drive
...................
1-20
Chapter 2 Enhancing System Operations
Using AUTOEXEC.BAT and Other Batch Files
.......... 2-1
Changing the Processor Speed
...................
2-2
Entering Keyboard Commands
...............
2-4
Using the ESPEED Program
.................
2-5
Using Your Computer as a Network Server
........... 2-7
Using a Password in Network Server Mode
........ 2-8
Using Special VGA Features
....................
2-9
vii

Chapter 3
Accessing Internal Components
Removing the Cover
.........................
3-2
Removing the Subassembly
.....................
3-5
Replacing the Subassembly
.....................
3-9
Replacing the Cover
..........................
3-17
Chapter 4
lnstalling and Removing Options
Main System Board
..........................
4-3
Changing the Jumper Settings
....................
4-4
Setting the Jumpers
.......................
4-4
Replacing the Battery
.........................
4-7
Installing an Option Card
......................
4-11
Removing an Option Card
......................
4-15
Using the Alternate VGA Interface
.................
4-16
Adding Memory Modules
......................
4-18
Installing Memory Modules
..................
4-19
Removing Memory Modules
.................
4-22
Installing a Math Coprocessor
....................
4-23
Removing a Math Coprocessor
...................
4-26
Post-installation Setup for Memory Cards
.............
4-26
Using the CORFIX Program
..................
4-27
Post-installation Setup
........................
4-28
Chapter 5
Installing and Removing Drives
Choosing the Correct Drive Bay
...................
5-2
How to Use This Chapter
.......................
5-3
Setting the Hard Disk Drive Jumpers
................
5-4
Changing the Jumper Settings
.................
5-5
Installing a Hard Disk in the Vertical Position
...........
5-7
Removing the Mounting Frames From the Drive
......
5-8
Removing and Attaching the Mounting Plate
........
5-10
Installing the Drive
.......................
5-11
Removing a Hard Disk From the Vertical Position
........
5-17
viii

Installing or Removing a Drive in the Horizontal Position . . .
5-19
Installing a Drive in the Horizontal Position . . . . . . . .
5-19
Removing a Drive From the HorizontaI Position . . . . . 5-26
Appendix A Specifications
CPU and Memory
.......................
A-1
Controllers
...........................
A-2
Interfaces
............................
A-2
Power Supply.
.........................
A-3
Mass Storage
..........................
A-3
Keyboard ............................
A-4
Environmental Requirements
................
A-4
Physical Characteristics
....................
A-4
System Memory Map
.....................
A-5
Appendix B
Performing System Diagnostics
Starting the Diagnostics Program
.................
B-2
The Main Menu Screen
.......................
B-2
Setting the Run Time Parameters.
.................
B-4
Error Logging.
.........................
B-6
Selecting Diagnostic Tests
......................
B-8
Selecting Multiple Tests
....................
B-8
Running the Tests
..........................
B-10
Memory Diagnostics
.........................
B-12
Hard Disk Diagnostics.
.......................
B-13
Hard Disk Parameters
.....................
B-14
Hard Disk Format
.......................
B-17
Media Analysis
.........................
B-18
Performance Test
........................
B-18
Seek Test
............................
B-18
Read/Verity Test
........................
B-19
Check Test Cylinder
......................
B-19
Force Bad Tracks
........................
B-19
Hard Disk Error Messages
..................
B-19
ix

Floppy Disk Diagnostics
......................
B-20
Performing the Tests
.....................
B-21
Floppy Disk Error Messages
.................
B-22
Miscellaneous Diagnostics
.....................
B-23
Printer Adapter Test.
.....................
B-23
Communication Adapter Test
................
B-24
Exiting System Diagnostics
.....................
B-25
Appendix C Troubleshooting
Identifying Your System
......................
C-1
Error Messages
............................
C-2
The Computer Won’t Start
.....................
C-5
The Computer Does Not Respond
.................
C-6
Password Problems
.........................
C-8
Accessing Your Current Password
.............
C-8
Keyboard Problems
.........................
C-10
Monitor Problems
..........................
C-10
Diskette Problems
..........................
C-12
Diskette Drive Problems
......................
C-14
Hard Disk Problems
.........................
C-15
Installing the Drive
......................
C-16
Preparing the Drive
......................
C-17
Accessing Data on the Drive
.................
C-18
Software Problems
..........................
C-18
Printer Problems
...........................
C-20
Option Card Problems
.......................
C-21
Mouse Problems
...........................
C-22
Memory Module Problems
.....................
C-23
Battery Problems
...........................
C-23
Math Coprocessor Problems
....................
C-24
Glossary
Index
x

Introduction
This Equity® 386/33 PLUS User’s Guide contains the information
you need to get the best results from your computer. You’ll find
instructions for adding options to your system such as disk
drives, option cards, or a math coprocessor, as well as general
reference information such as how to use diskettes, test your
system, and troubleshoot minor problems.
Note
For instructions on setting up your system or changing the
SETUP configuration, see the Setup Guide.
You don’t have to read everything in this book. Its contents are
summarized below:
Chapter 1 covers general operating procedures, such as using
and caring for disks and disk drives.
Chapter 2 describes special features you can use to enhance
your system’s performance.
Chapter 3 tells how to remove and replace the computer’s
cover and subassembly to reach internal components.
Chapter 4 describes some of the options you can use in your
computer and instructions for setting jumpers, replacing the
battery, and installing options.
Chapter 5 explains how to install and remove disk drives.
Appendix A lists the specifications of your computer,
Appendix B covers the system diagnostic tests you can run, and
Appendix C contains troubleshooting tips.
At the end of this manual you’ll find a glossary and an index.
Introduction 1

Where to Get Help
If you purchased your computer 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
Ll
cl
cl
Q
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 back cover.
2 Introduction

Chapter 1
Using Your Computer
This chapter briefly describes the following procedures for
using your computer:
Q Copying the Reference and Utility diskette files
CI Using special keys on the keyboard
LI Stopping a command or program
0 Resetting the computer
Q Using a password
0 Using disks and disk drives
LI Preparing a hard disk for moving.
These instructions assume you have already installed the
operating system on your computer according to the
instructions in your operating system manuals.
Copying the Reference and Utility Files
If you have a hard disk, you’ll probably want to copy some of
the files on your Reference and Utility diskettes to the hard disk
for convenience. This allows you to run the programs any time
without having to insert a diskette. Copy the following files
from the Reference diskette to your hard disk:
CORFIX.EXE HDSIT.COM
ESPEED.EXE HDSIT.VER
(Chapter 2 and Appendix B explain how to use these programs.)
Using Your Computer 1-1

The Reference diskette also contains files for the System
diagnostics program. Because you should always run this
program from the Reference diskette, do not copy these files to
your hard disk.
The Utility diskettes contain VGA drivers that allow you to
display graphics in certain high-resolution modes. If you want
to use any of these extended modes on your VGA monitor,
copy any VGA files you need to your hard disk. See the
VGA Utilities Guide for instructions.
Note
Be sure to make backup copies of your Reference and Utility
diskettes.
Key
Special Keys on the Keyboard
Certain keys on your keyboard serve special functions when
your computer is running your operating system or application
programs, as described in the table below.
Special key functions
Purpose
Moves the cursor one tab to the right in normal
mode and one tab to the left in Shift mode.
Changes the letter keys from lower- to uppercase;
changes back to lowercase when pressed again.
The numeric/symbol keys on the top row of the
keyboard and the symbol keys in the main part of
the keyboard are not affected.
GEI
Produces uppercase characters or the top
symbols on the keys when used with the main
character keys. Produces lowercase characters
when the Caps Lock function is on.
1-2 Using Your Computer

Special key functions (continued)
Key
Purpose
[wl
Works with other keys to perform special (control)
functions, such as editing operations in MS-DOS
and various application programs.
[ul
Works with other keys to enter alternate character
codes or functions.
Moves the cursor back one space, deleting the
character to the left of the cursor.
m
Iml
@iEl
Ends a line of keyboard input or executes a
command.
Turns the Insert function on and off.
Deletes the character marked by the cursor.
Control cursor location.
Changes the function of the numeric/cursor keys
from entering numbers to positioning the cursor;
changes back when pressed again.
[Erj
Cancels the current command line or operation.
m-m
Perform special functions within application
programs.
@gg (PrtSc)
[slsl (Req)
m
Prints the screen display on a printer.
Generates the System Request function in some
application programs (used with [ul).
Controls scrolling in some applications.
[pul
Suspends the current operation.
Terminates the current operation (when used with
Lctrl.
Using Your Computer
1-3

The [Qpllodrl, [=I, and [s#d] keys work as toggles; press
the key once to turn on a function and again to turn it off.
When the function is enabled, the corresponding light in the
upper right comer of the keyboard is on.
Stopping a Command or Program
You may sometimes need to stop a command or program while
it is running. If you have entered an MS-DOS command that
you want to stop, try one of the following commands:
0 Hold down the [cbll key and press [cl
CI Hold down the [cbll key and press m.
These methods may also work in your application program. If
not, you may need to reset the computer as described below.
Caution
Do not turn off the computer to stop a program or command
because the computer erases any data you did not save.
Resetting the Computer
Occasionally, you may want to clear the computer’s current
settings or its memory without turning it off. You can do this
by resetting the computer.
For example, if an error occurs and the computer does not
respond to your keyboard entries, you can reset it to reload
your operating system and try again. However, resetting erases
any data in memory that you have not saved; so reset only if
necessary.
1-4
Using Your Computer

Caution
Do not reset the computer as a means to exit a program.
Some programs classify and store new data when you exit
them in the normal manner. If you reset the computer
without properly exiting a program, you may lose data.
To reset the computer, the operating system must be either on
the hard disk or on a diskette in drive A; so if you do not have a
hard disk, insert the system diskette in drive A.
There are two ways to reset the computer:
0 If you are using MS-DOS, hold down a and m and
press the
cd
DCW key. The screen goes blank for a moment
and then the computer should reload MS-DOS. If it doesn’t,
try the next method.
0 Press the RESET button on the front panel. This method
works even when the computer does not respond to your
keyboard entries.
If resetting the computer does not correct the problem, you
probably need to turn it off and reboot it. Remove any
diskette(s) from the diskette drive(s). Turn off the computer
and wait five seconds. If you do not have a hard disk, insert the
system diskette in drive A. Then turn on the computer.
Using Your Computer 1-5

Using a Power-on Password
If you set a power-on password when you ran the SETUP
program, you must enter it every time you turn on or reset the
computer. Follow these steps to use your password:
1. If you do not have a hard disk, insert your system diskette in
drive A.
2. Turn on the computer or press RESET. After the computer
completes its memory test, the screen displays the
following prompt:
Enter Password :
3. Type your password at the prompt. The screen does not
display the characters you type. Then press [Entwl.
After you type the password correctly and press I, you see
the Press <Del> to start SETUP prompt. If you do not
press m, the computer loads your operating system and
displays the command prompt.
If you do not enter the correct password the first time, press
c5
EM and try again.
Note
If you turned on network server mode when you ran the
SETUP program, see “Using Your Computer as a Network
Server” in Chapter 2 for instructions on using the power-on
password.
If you want to change or delete your current password,
you must run the SETUP program. See Chapter 2 of the
Setup Guide for instructions. If you do not know the correct
password, see “Password Problems” in Appendix C.
1-6
Using Your Computer

Using Disks and Disk Drives
The disk drives in your computer allow you to store data on
disk, and then retrieve and use your stored data. This section
explains how disks work and tells you how to:
Use different types of diskettes and diskette drives
Care for your diskettes and diskette drives
Write-protect diskettes
Use a single diskette drive system
Insert and remove diskettes
Format diskettes
Make backup copies
Use a hard disk drive.
How Disks Store Data
Diskettes are made of flexible plastic coated with magnetic
material. This plastic is enclosed in a square jacket that is either
slightly flexible (5¼-inch diskette) or hard (3½-inch diskette).
Unlike a diskette, a hard disk is rigid and fixed in place. It is
sealed in a protective case to keep it free of dust and dirt. A
hard disk stores data the same way that a diskette does, but it
works much faster and has a much larger storage capacity.
All disks are divided into data storage compartments by sides,
tracks, and sectors. Double-sided diskettes store data on both
sides. On each side are concentric rings, called tracks, on which
a disk can store data.
Using Your Computer 1-7

A disk is further divided by sectors, which can be visualized as
pie slices. The figure below provides a simple representation of
tracks and sectors.
Double-sided, double-density diskettes have either 40 or 80
tracks on each side, and double-sided, high-density diskettes
have 80 tracks on each side. Diskettes can have 8,9,15, or 18
sectors per track.
A hard disk consists of two or more platters stacked on top of
one another and thus has four or more sides. In addition, a hard
disk has many more tracks per side than a diskette, but the
number of tracks depends on the capacity of the hard disk. The
number of sectors depends on the type of hard disk.
1-8 Using Your Computer

Your computer uses the read/write heads in a disk drive to
store and retrieve data on a disk. To write to a disk, the
computer spins it in the drive to position the disk so that the
area where the data is to be written is under the read/write
head. A diskette has an exposed area where the read/write
head can access it.
Because data is stored magnetically, you can retrieve it, record
over it, and erase it just as you play, record, and erase music on
a cassette tape.
Types of Diskette Drives
The following list describes the four types of diskette drives
you can use in your computer and which diskettes to use with
them:
Q 1.44MB drive-Use 3½-inch, double-sided, highdensity,
135 TPI (tracks per inch), 1.44MB diskettes. These diskettes
contain 80 tracks per side, 18 sectors per track, and hold up
to 1.44MB of information (approximately 600 pages of text).
Note
MB stands for megabyte, which equals 1024KB (or
1,048,576 bytes). KB stands for kilobyte, which equals
1024 bytes. Each byte represents a single character, such
as A, $, or 3.
0 1.2MB drive-Use 5¼-inch, double-sided, high-density, 96
TPI, 1.2MB diskettes. These diskettes contain 80 tracks per
side, 15 sectors per track, and hold up to 1.2MB of
information (approximately 500 pages of text).
Using Your Computer
1-9

0 720KB drive-Use 3½-inch, double-sided, doubledensity,
135 TPI, 720KB diskettes. These diskettes contain 80 tracks
per side, 9 sectors per track, and hold up to 720KB of
information (approximately 300 pages of text).
Cl 360KB drive-Use 5¼-inch, double-sided, doubledensity,
48 TPI, 360KB diskettes. (You can also use single-sided,
160KB or 180KB diskettes.) These diskettes contain 40
tracks per side and 8 or 9 sectors per track. With 8 sectors
per track, a diskette holds up to 320KB. With 9 sectors per
track, a diskette holds up to 360KB of information
(approximately 150 pages of text).
Note
You must format a new diskette before you can store data on
it. See “Formatting Diskettes,” later in this section.
Drive and diskette incompatibilities
If your computer has more than one type of diskette drive, or if
you use different types of diskettes, you need to be aware of
certain incompatibilities between the drives and diskettes.
Because of the type and size differences, you cannot use a
3M-inch diskette in a 5%inch drive or vice versa. There are
also limitations on using diskettes that are the same size as the
drive but have different capacities. The following tables
summarize the possibilities and limitations.
1-10
Using Your Computer