Epson Equity 386SX PLUS User manual

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Equity 386SX User’s Guide
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EPSON®
EQUITY™386SX
User’s Guide
Y19299100100

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 trademark of Epson America, Inc.
Centronics is a registered trademark of Centronics Data Corporation.
Hercules is a registered trademark of Hercules Computer Technology Corporation.
IBM is a registered trademark and AT and XT are trademarks of International
Business Machines Corporation.
Intel is a registered trademark and Above is a trademark of Intel Corporation.
Lotus and 1-2-3 are registered trademarks of Lotus Development Corporation.
Microsoft, MS-DOS, and MS are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
RampagePlus is a registered trademark of AST Research, Inc.
Copyright 0 1989 by Epson America, Inc.
Torrance, California
ii

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. Do not
use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for
cleaning.
4.
5.
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.
6. 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.
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. 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.
9. Do not locate this product where the cord will be walked on.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
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 ex-
tension 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.
iii

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
How to Use This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3
Where to Get Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4
Chapter 1 Setting Up Your System
1 Unpacking .......................................
1-1
2 Choosing a Location. ..............................
1-3
3 Connecting a Monitor .............................
1-4
4 Connecting a Printer or Other Device. ................
1-7
Using the Parallel Interface .......................
1-7
Using the Serial Interface. ........................
1-10
Using the Mouse Connector ......................
1-11
5 Connecting the Power Cord .........................
1-12
6 Connecting the Keyboard. ..........................
1-13
7 Turning On the Computer ..........................
1-15
Chapter 2 Running the Setup Program
Starting the Setup Program ............................
2-2
Continuing From an Error Message .................
2-4
Moving the Cursor Block. ........................
2-6
Setting the Display Adapter Card Type ..................
2-6
Setting the Power-on Password. ........................
2-8
Setting the Fast Boot Function. ........................
2-11
Setting the Auto Speed Function. ......................
2-12
Setting the Real-time Clock ...........................
2-14
Setting the Hard Disk Drive Configuration ...............
2-17
Setting the Diskette Drive Type(s) .....................
2-22
v

Setting the Serial and Parallel Interfaces .................
2-24
Reviewing Your Settings. .............................
Leaving the Setup Menu. 2-28
............................. 2-26
Adding an Optional Memory Card .....................
2-29
Chapter 3Using the Equity 386SX
Installing MS-DOS ..................................
3-1
Using a Power-on Password
........................... 3-2
Changing a Power-on Password. ...................
3-3
Deleting a Power-on Password ..................... 3-4
Selecting the Operating Speed .........................
3-5
Special Keys on the Equity 386SX Keyboard .............. 3-6
Stopping a Command or Program ......................
3-8
Resetting the Computer .............................. 3-8
Using Disks and Disk Drives. .......................... 3-9
How Disks Store Data ........................... 3-10
Types of Diskette Drives. .........................
3-12
Caring for Diskettes and Diskette Drives. ............
3-14
Inserting and Removing Diskettes .................. 3-16
Write-protecting Diskettes. .......................
3-18
Making Backup Copies. .......................... 3-20
Using a Single Diskette Drive .....................
3-21
Using Two Diskette Drives .......................
3-22
Using a Hard Disk Drive .........................
3-22
Turning Off the Computer ............................
3-25
vi

Chapter 4 Using MS-DOS with Your Equity 386SX
Starting MS-DOS ...................................
4-2
Using Drive Designators ..............................
4-3
The Current Drive ..............................
4-4
Types of MS-DOS Commands .........................
4-5
Entering an MS-DOS Command .......................
4-7
Setting the Date and Time ............................ 4-8
Creating and Managing Files .......................... 4-9
Naming Files. ..................................
4-9
Copying Files ..................................
4-11
Renaming Files .................................
4-14
Deleting Files ..................................
4-15
Printing Text Files ..............................
4-16
Using Directories. ................................... 4-16
The Current Directory ........................... 4-19
Changing the Current Directory ................... 4-19
Using Pathnames ............................... 4-20
Including Filenames With Pathnames. ..............
4-21
Including Drive Letters With Pathnames and
Filenames ..................................
4-21
Creating Directories .............................
4-23
Listing the Contents of a Directory .................
4-23
Displaying a List of Directories ....................
4-25
Removing Directories. ...........................
4-27
Formatting Diskettes. ................................
4-27
Using the FORMAT Command ...................
4-28
Backing Up Data. ...................................
4-30
Using the DISKCOPY Command ..................
4-31
Using the BACKUP Command. ...................
4-34
The MS-DOS Shell Program ..........................
4-35
Using the Epson HELP Program. .......................
4-35
Using the Epson MENU Program. ......................
4-37
Menu Program Options .......................... 4-39
Using an AUTOEXEC.BAT File ....................... 4-40
Creating an AUTOEXEC.BAT File ................
4-41
Using Memory Beyond 640KB .........................
4-43
Using EMM386.SYS. ............................
4-44
vii

Chapter 5Installing Options
Adding Memory Modules .............................
5-2
Installing Option Cards. ..............................
5-4
Removing the Cover ............................
5-5
Installing an Option Card ........................
5-8
Changing Jumper Settings ........................ 5-14
Removing an Option Card. .......................
5-21
Replacing the Cover.............................
5-22
Post-installation Setup for Memory Cards ................
5-23
Post-installation Setup ...............................
5-25
Appendix A
Troubleshooting
Error Messages
...................................... A-1
The Computer Won’t Start ........................... A-2
The Computer Locks Up ............................. A-3
Password Problems
.................................. A-4
Removing a Password. ........................... A-5
Setting a New Password .......................... A-7
Keyboard Problems
.................................. A-8
Monitor Problems ................................... A-8
Diskette Problems ................................... A-10
Diskette Drive Problems .............................. A-13
Hard Disk Problems. ................................. A-14
Software Problems. .................................. A-17
Printer Problems .................................... A-18
Option Card Problems ............................... A-19
Appendix B
Power-on Diagnostics
Power-on Diagnostics Error Codes and Messages Table . . . . .
B-2
viii

Appendix C
Performing System Diagnostics
Starting System Diagnostics ........................... C-2
Selecting an Option ................................. C-3
Modifying the Device List. ............................ C-4
Selecting a Test. .................................... C-6
Resuming From an Error. ......................... C-8
System Board Check ................................. C-9
Memory Check ..................................... C-10
Keyboard Check .................................... C-10
Monochrome Display Adapter and CRT Check ........... C-12
Monochrome Adapter Check ..................... C-12
Attribute Check ................................ C-13
Character Set Check ............................ C-13
Video Check ................................... C-14
Sync Check .................................... C-14
Run All Above Checks .......................... C-14
Color Graphics Adapter and CRT Check ................ C-15
Color Graphics Adapter Check .................... C-15
Attribute Check ................................ C-16
Character Set Check ............................ C-16
40-column Character Set Check ................... C-17
320x200 Graphics Mode Check. ................... C-18
640x200 Graphics Mode Check. ................... C-19
Screen Paging Check ............................ C-20
Light Pen Check ................................ C-21
Color Video Check. ............................. C-22
Sync Check .................................... C-22
Run All Above Checks .......................... C-23
Diskette Drives and Controller Check. .................. C-23
Sequential Seek Check........................... C-24
Random Seek Check ............................ C-25
Write, Read Check. ............................. C-25
Disk Change Check ............................. C-26
Run All Above Checks .......................... C-27
Math Coprocessor Check ............................. C-27
Parallel Port (Printer Interface) Check .................. C-28
ix

Alternate Parallel Port Check ......................... C-28
Parallel Port (on Video Adapter) Check .................
C-29
Serial Port (RS-232C Port) Check. ..................... C-29
Alternate Serial Port Check ........................... C-31
Dot-matrix Printer Check. ............................
C-31
Hard Disk Drive(s) and Controller Check. ............... C-33
Seek Check .................................... C-33
Write, Read Check. ............................. C-34
Read, Verify Check .............................
C-35
Run All Above Checks .......................... C-36
Error Codes and Messages.
............................ C-37
Appendix D Physically Formatting a Hard Disk
Choosing the Type of Format ..........................
Reformatting a Used Disk ........................
Formatting a New Disk. ..........................
Selecting an Option .............................
Starting the Formatting Process. ...................
Option 1, Format. ...................................
Modifying the Defective Track Table ...............
Formatting the Disk .............................
Option 2, Destructive Surface Analysis ..................
Option 3, Non-destructive Surface Analysis ..............
Exiting the Hard Disk Format Menu ....................
Appendix E Hard Disk Drive Types
D-2
D-3
D-4
D-4
D-4
D-5
D-7
D-9
D-10
D-12
D-13
Hard Disk Drive Types Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
E-1
X

Appendix F Specifications
CPU and Memory ............................
Controllers. .................................
Interfaces ...................................
Power Supply ................................
Mass Storage
................................
Keyboard ...................................
Environmental Requirements. ..................
Physical Characteristics .......................
...... F-1
...... F-1
...... F-2
......
F-2
......
F-2
......
F-3
...... F-3
......
F-4
Glossary
Index
xi

Introduction
The Epson® Equity™ 386SX is a high-performance personal
computer which offers exceptional speed and versatility in a
compact design. The computer’s 80386SX microprocessor
makes all your programs run faster, even when supporting
multitasking operations.
The Equity 386SXS available in these configurations:
c3 A single diskette drive system with a 1.44MB (megabyte)
3 ‘/z-inch diskette drive
Cl A hard disk drive system with one 40MB or 100MB hard
disk and a 1.44MB diskette drive.
You can install an additional diskette drive or hard disk drive,
up to a maximum of three drives total.
All models of the Equity 386SX include 1MB of internal
memory, five standard option slots (four 16-bit and one 8-bit),
serial and parallel interfaces, and an auxiliary mouse connector.
You can easily upgrade your computer by installing additional
memory and adding optional devices.
Because of its industry-standard architecture, the Equity 386SX
is fully compatible with the current installed base of personal
computer hardware and software. You can install just about any
optional device that is compatible with the IBM@ Personal
Computer, PC XT™, or PC AT™.
You can expand the computer’s memory up to 14MB by
adding memory modules to a special card that comes with the
Equity 386SX. Memory modules are efficient because they
eliminate the need to use one of your option slots to add
memory to your computer. If you do choose to use a memory
card, you can increase the computer’s memory up to 16MB.

You may also want to install an 80387SX math coprocessor in
your computer to speed up mathematical calculations. Check
with your authorized Epson dealer to see which options are
available.
The Equity 386SX ff
o ers several features to enhance the
security and versatility of your computer:
DPassword protection. This optional feature ensures that no
one may access your computer unless they know the
password.
Cl Embedded hard disk drive and integrated diskette drive
controllers. Each controller can run up to two drives so you
don’t have to use an option slot to install additional drives
in your system.
Ll Automatic configuration. The Setup program automatically
configures the memory and other items included in your
system, making it easier for you to get started.
Your Equity 386SX comes with version 4.01 of MS-DOS the
operating system by Microsoft? This version of MS-DOS
includes a Shell program, which lets you run MS-DOS
commands by selecting options from on-screen menus. You’ll
find a set of MS-DOS manuals packed in the box with the
computer.
You probably also purchased other software; you can use
virtually any application program designed for the IBM PC,
PC XT, PC AT, or compatible computers on your
Equity 386SX.
Y
ou may also use powerful 32-bit software-
such as Microsoft Windows/386-with your computer.
Additionally, Epson has included two time-saving utilites that
make MS-DOS easier to use: HELP and MENU. The HELP
program lets you display information on the screen about any
MS-DOS command. MENU provides an easy way to run many
useful MS-DOS commands.
2Introduction

MS-DOS is not the only operating system you can use with
your computer. If you have a hard disk you also may want to
use MS®OS/2.
Among other capabilities, MS OS/2 provides
multitasking, dual-mode processing, and online help. With
Epson’s version of MS OS/2, you can have both MS-DOS and
MS OS/2 on your Equity 386SX; this way, you can select which
operating system to load each time you turn on the computer.
Ask your Epson dealer for more information.
How to Use This Manual
This manual explains how to set up and care for your.
Equity 386SX. It also describes how to use your computer and
run diagnostics checks. You probably 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
identifying the different parts of the Equity 386SX; you may
want to refer to this while setting up your system.
Chapter 2 describes how to run the Setup program to define
your computer’s configuration. You must do this for a new
computer before you use it. You may need to do it again later,
if you change the configuration.
Chapter 3 provides instructions for performing important
operating procedures, including using and caring for your disks
and disk drives.
Chapter 4 provides basic instructions for using MS-DOS with
your computer.
Chapter 5 describes some of the options you can use in your
Equity 386SX and contains instructions for installing option
cards and changing jumper settings.
Introduction 3

Appendix A contains troubleshooting tips in case you
encounter any problems while using your computer.
Appendix B provides information about the power-on
diagnostics.
Appendix C outlines the system diagnostics checks you can
perform on your computer. If you are having trouble with any
part of the hardware, you may want to run some of these
diagnostics checks.
Appendix D 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 hard disk
in your computer. (This is not the same type of format you can
perform with the MS-DOS FORMAT command.)
Appendix E lists the types of hard disk drives you can use in the
Equity 386SX.
Appendix F gives the technical specifications for the computer.
At the end of the manual, you’ll find a glossary of the computer
terms used in this manual and an index.
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.
4 Introduction

Epson is confident that this policy will provide you with the
assistance you need.
Call the Epson Consumer Information Center at
1-800-922-8911 for the following:
Cl The nearest Epson dealer
0 The nearest Customer Care Center
Cl Information on Epson User Groups.
To locate or purchase accessories or supplies, contact your
nearest Epson dealer or call 1-800-873-7766.
Introduction 5

6Introduction