Epson Equity 4 User manual

EPSON
®
User’s Guide
49
This manual is printed on recycled paper and is 100% recyclable.

lMPORTANT 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 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
COPYRlGHT 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.
General notice: Other product names used herein are for identification purposes only and
may be trademarks of their respective companies.
Copyright 8 1993 by Epson America, Inc.
Torrance, California
ii

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 in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses, and an 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:
0 Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
0 Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver
0 Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected
0 Consult and 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 approvedby the manufacturer 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~tappareilnumQiquen’emetpasdebruilsr~~~triquesd~leslimi~
applicables aux appareils numhiques de Classe Bprescrites dans le r&glement sur le
brouillage radio6lectrique kdictk par le h4inisthredes CommunicationsduCanada

Important Safety Instructions
1. Read all of these instructions and save them for later reference.
2. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the computer.
3. Unplug the computer from the wall outlet before cleaning. Use a
damp cloth for cleaning; do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.
4. Do not spill liquid of any kind on the computer.
5. Do not place the computer on an unstable cart, stand, or table.
6. Slots and openings in the cabinet and the back or bottom are
provided for ventilation; do not block or cover these openings.
Do not place the computer near or over a radiator or heat
register.
7. Operate the computer using the type of power source indicated
on its label.
8. If you plan to operate the computer in Germany, observe the
following safety precaution:
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.
Reim AnschluB des Computers an die Netzversorgung muf3
sichergestellt werden, dat3 die Gebaudeinstallation miteinem
16A ijberstromschutzschalter abgesichertist.
9. Connect all equipment to properly grounded (earthed) power
outlets. If you are unable to insert the plug into an outlet,
contact your electrician to replace your outlet. Avoid using
outlets on the same circuit as photocopiers or air control
systems that regularly switch on and off.
iii

10. Do not allow the computer’s power cord to become damaged or
frayed.
11. If you use an extension cord with the computer, make sure the
total of the ampere ratings of the devices plugged into the
extension cord does not exceed the ampere rating for the
extension cord. Also, make sure the total of all products
plugged into the wall outlet does not exceed 15 amperes.
12. Do not insert objects of any kind into this product through the
cabinet slots.
13. Except as specifically explained in this User’s Guide, do not
attempt to service the computer yourself. Refer all servicing to
qualified service personnel.
14. Unplug the computer 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 computer.
C. If the computer does not operate normally when the
operating instructions are followed. Adjust only those
controls that are covered by the operating instructions.
Improper adjustment of other controls may result in
damage and often requires extensive work by a qualified
technician to restore the computer to normal operation.
D. If the computer has been dropped or the cabinet has been
damaged.
E. If the computer exhibits a distinct change in performance.
iv

Instructions Importantes de Skurit6
1. Lire compl&ement les instructions qui suivant et les conserver
pour references futures.
2. Bien suivre tous les avertissements et les instructions incliques sur
l’ordinateur.
3. Debrancher l’ordinateur de toute sortie murale avant le nettoyage.
Utiliser un chiffon humide; ne jamais utiliser un nettoyeur
liquide ou une bonbonne aerosol.
4. Ne jamais renverser un hquide d’aucune sorte sur l’ordinateur.
5. Ne pas placer l’ordinateur sur un chariot, un support, ou une table
instable.
6. Les events dans le meubles, a l’arriere et en dessous sont concus
pour l’aeration; on ne doit jamais les bloquer. Ne pas placer
l’ordinateur p&s dune source de chaleur directe.
7. Le fonctionnement de l’ordinateur doit s’effectuer conformement
au type de source d’alimentation indiquee sur l’etiquette.
8. Lorsqu’on desire utiliser l’ordinateur en Allemagne, on doit
observer les normes s&uritaires qui suivent:
Afin d’assurer une protection adequate a l’ordinateur co&e les
court-circuits et le survoltage, l’installation de l’kdifice doit
comprendre un disjoncteur de 16 amp.
9. On doit brancher tout l’&quipement darts une sortie relirk a la
masse. Lorsqu’il est impossible d’inserer la fiche clans la prise, on
doit retenir les services d’un &ctricien ou remplacer la prise. Ne
jamais utilkr une prise sur le m&e circuit qu’un appareil a
photocopie ou un syst&me de contn%e da&ration avec
commutation marche-arret.

10. S’assurer que le cordon d’alimentation de l’ordinateur n’est pas
effrs.
11. Dans le cas 06 on utilise un cordon de rallonge avec l’ordinateur,
on doit s’assurer que la valeur totale d’ampikes branches dans le
cordon n’exdde en aucun temps les amperes du cordon de
rallonge. La quantite totale des appareils branches darts la prise
murale ne doit jamais exckkr 15 amperes.
12. Ne jar&s ins&w un objet de quelque sort-e que ce soit darts les
cavit&s de cet appareil.
13. Sauf tel que spkifie darts la notice d’utilisation, on ne doit jamais
ten&r d’effectuer une reparation de l’ordinateur. On doit r&rer
le service de cet appareil aun technicien qua&B
14. Debrancher l’ordinateur de la prise murale et confier le service au
personnel de service qualit% selon les conditions qui suivent:
A. Lorsque le cordon d’abmentation ou la prise sont
endommages.
B. Lorsqu’un liquide s’est inUt& dans l’ordinateur.
C. Lorsque l’ordinateur refuse de fonctionner normalement
meme en suivant les instructions. N’ajuster que les
commandes qui sont &unGr&s darts les instructions de
fonctionnement. Tout ajustement mad&Brat de tout autre
contr6le peut provoquer un dommage et souvent nkzssiter
des reparations &labor&s par un technicien qualifie afin de
remettre I’appareil enservice.
D. Lorsqu’on a Mtappe l’ordinateur ou que l’on a endommage le
boxer.
E. Lorsque l’ordinateur d&nor&e un changement note au niveau
de sa performance.
vi

Contents
Introduction
VGA Utilities
.............................
2
Optional Equipment
.........................
2
Memory
............................. 2
Drives ..............................
3
OverDrive Processor
......................
3
Math Coprocessor
....................... 3
Alternate VGA Interface
....................
3
How to Use This ManuaI
......................
4
Chapter 1
Using Your computer
Turning On the Computer
.....................
1-2
Turning Off the Computer
..................
1-5
Using Disks and Disk Drives
....................
1-5
How Disks Store Data
.....................
1-6
Types of Diskette Drives
....................
1-7
Caring for Diskettes and Diskette Drives
.......... 1-10
Write-protecting Diskettes
..................
1-12
Inserting and Removing Diskettes
..............
1-14
Using a Single Diskette Drive System
............
1-16
Formatting Diskettes
.....................
1-17
Making Backup Copies
....................
1-17
Using a Hard Disk Drive
...................
1-18
Special Keys on the Keyboard
...................
1-20
Stopping a Command or Program
.................
1-21
Resetting the Computer
.......................
1-22
Using a Password
..........................
1-23
Changing or Deleting a Password
..............
1-23
vii

Changing the Processor Speed
..................
1-24
Preparing the Hard Disk for Moving
...............
1-26
Using AUTOEXEC.BAT and Other Batch Files
......... 1-27
Chapter 2
Installing and Removing Options
How to Use This Chapter
.....................
2-2
Locating the Internal Components
.............
2-3
Removing the Cover
........................
2-4
Changing the Jumper Settings
...................
2-6
Setting the Jumpers
......................
2-9
Memory Modules (SIMMs)
....................
2-11
Inserting SIMMs
........................
2-13
Removing SIMMS
.......................
2-15
Installing an Option Card
.....................
2-16
Removing an Option Card
.....................
2-20
Removing the Option Card Connector Board
..........
2-21
Replacing the Option Card Connector Board
.......... 2-22
Installing a New Processor Chip
.................
2-23
Increasing the Video Memory
...................
2-24
Installing the Memory Chips
.................
2-24
Using the Alternate VGA Interface
................
2-26
Using a Display Adapter Card
..................
2-28
Replacing the Cover
........................
2-29
Post-instaIIation Procedures
....................
2-30
Chapter 3
lnstalling and Removing Drives
How to Use This Chapter
..................... 3-3
Setting the Hard Disk Drive Jumpers
...............
3-4
Where to Go Next .......................
3-4
InstaIIing a Hard Disk in the VerticaI Bay
............ 3-5
Removing the Mounting Frames
.............. 3-6
Installing the Hard Disk
...................
3-8
Connecting the Cables
....................
3-12
Removing a Hard Disk From the Vertical Bay
.......... 3-15
viii

InstaIIing a Drive in a HorizontaI Bay ...............
3-17
Attaching Mounting Frames to a Hard Disk
........ 3-19
Installing the Drive. ......................
3-20
Connecting the Cables
..................... 3-24
Removing a Drive From a Horizontal Ray
............ 3-29
Connecting the Hard Disk Drive Ribbon Cable to the
System Board ...........................
3-33
Post-installation Procedures
....................
3-36
Chapter 4 Running System Diagnostics
Starting the Program ........................
4-2
Deleting Tests ..........................
4-3
Adding Tests
.......................... 4-4
Running Tests ............................ 4-5
Resuming From an Error
................... 4-6
System Diagnostic Tests ......................
4-7
Error Messages ............................
4-8
Chapter 5 Formatting a Hard Disk
Starting the Program
........................ 5-2
Formatting a New Disk
....................
5-3
Reformatting a Used Disk
..................
5-3
Selecting an Option
......................
5-3
selecting a Drive
........................ 5-4
Option 1, Format
...........................
5-4
Modifying the Defective Track Table
............
5-6
Formatting the Disk
...................... 5-8
Option 2, Destructive Surface Analysis
..............
5-9
Option 3, Nondestructive Surface Analysis
........... 5-10
Exiting the Program
......................... 5-11
ix

Chapter 6 Troubleshooting
Identifying Your System
......................
6-1
Error Messages
...........................
6-2
The Computer Won’t Start
.....................
6-6
The Computer Does Not Respond
................
6-7
Restoring the Power Supply
................. 6-9
Password Problems
......................... 6-10
Accessing Your System
....................
6-11
Keyboard Problems
.........................
6-12
Monitor Problems
..........................
6-13
Diskette Problems
..........................
6-15
Diskette Drive Problems
......................
6-17
Hard Disk Problems
........................
6-18
Installing the Drive
...................... 6-18
Preparing the Drive
......................
6-19
Accessing Data on the Drive
................. 6-20
Software Problems
......................... 6-21
Printer Problems
..........................
6-22
Option Card Problems
.......................
6-23
Mouse Problems ...........................
6-24
Memory Module Problems
....................
6-25
Appendix A Specifications
CPU and Memory
..........................
A-1
Controllers
..............................
A-2
Interfaces
...............................
A-3
Mass Storage
.............................
A-4
Keyboard
...............................
A-4
Physical Characteristics
.......................
A-5
Power Supply
............................
A-5
Environmental Requirements
...................
A-6
Power Source Requirements
....................
A-7
System Memory Map
........................
A-8
Glossary
lndex
x

Introduction
Your new Epson® computer is a fast, high-performance system
offering flexibility and expandability in a compact design. It
provides the following features:
486SX/25,486DX/33, or 486DX2/50 microprocessor
4MB of internal memory, expandable to 32MB
System and video BIOS shadow RAM
8KB of internal processor cache
512KB or 1MB of on-board video memory (512KB systems
are expandable to 1MB)
Math coprocessor built into the 486DX/33 and 486DX2/50
microprocessor chips
Built-in VGA port
Two built-in serial ports and one built-in parallel port
Built-in IBM® PS/2™ compatible keyboard and mouse ports
Four 16-bit (or 8-bit) ISA option slots
Support for up to three internal mass storage devices
Password security.
The shadow RAM feature allows your system to speed up
processing by moving the system and video BIOS into the RAM
area of memory.
Introduction 1

Using the built-in interfaces, you can connect most of your
peripheral devices directly to the computer so you don’t have
to install option cards. You can use the option slots to enhance
your system with extra functions such as a modem card or
additional interface ports.
The VGA controller supports standard resolutions up to
640 x 480 in 16 colors and extended resolutions up to 1024 x 768
in 16 colors (interlaced and non-interlaced), and lower
resolutions in up to 256 colors. With 1MB of video memory
installed, the VGA controller supports resolutions up to
1024 x 768 in 256 colors and 640 x 480 in 16.8 million colors
(for some applications).
VGA Utilities
Your computer comes with special MS-DOS® VGA drivers and
utilities for use with the integrated VGA interface. With these
utilities, you can take advantage of extended VGA features
such as high resolutions and 132-column text mode when you
run popular application programs. See the VGA Utilities Guide
for installation instructions.
Optional Equipment
You can easily upgrade your computer by installing additional
memory and a wide variety of options, as described below.
(Installation instructions are provided in Chapters 2 and 3 of
this manual.)
Memory
By adding 1MB, 4MB, or 16MB SIMMs (single inline memory
modules) to the main system board, you can expand the
computer’s memory up to 32MB.

Drives
Your system can support up to three internal mass storage
devices, including hard disk drives, diskette drives, a tape
drive, or a CD-ROM drive. As your storage needs expand, you
can install additional drives.
OverDrive Processor
Depending on which system you have, you may be able to
enhance your system by installing an Intel® OverDrive™
processor. This processor doubles the internal clock speed so
your system runs much faster.
Math Coprocessor
If you have the 486SX/25, you may want to install an 80487SX,
25 MHz coprocessor. This optional microprocessor includes a
built-in math coprocessor so your computer can perform
mathematical functions faster.
Alternate VGA Interface
If you want to install a high-resolution graphics adapter card
for additional graphics capabilities (such as 1280 x 1024
resolutions), you can connect it to the computer’s alternate
VGA interface. This allows you to use the special graphics
features on the adapter card while accessing the standard VGA
signals provided by your main system board.
Introduction 3

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
in this book; check the following summary.
Chapter 1 covers general operating procedures, such as turning
the computer on and off, using disks and disk drives, entering a
password, and changing the processor speed.
Chapter 2 describes how to remove and replace the computer’s
cover, change jumper settings, and install optional equipment
such as option cards and memory modules.
Chapter 3 explains how to install and remove disk drives.
Chapter 4 provides instructions for running system diagnostics.
Chapter 5 gives the procedure for formatting a hard disk.
Chapter 6 contains troubleshooting tips.
Appendix A lists the specifications of your computer.
At the end of this manual, you’ll find a Glossary and an Index.
Note
Please see the Setup Guide for instructions on setting up your
system and running the SETUP program.
4 Introduction

Chapter 1
Using Your Computer
This chapter briefly describes the following operations:
0 Turning the computer on and off
D Using disks and disk drives
Cl Using special keys on the keyboard
Cl Stopping a command or program
0 Resetting the computer
0 Using a password
Cl Changing the processor speed
0 Preparing a hard disk for moving
Cl Using AUTOEXEC.BAT and other batch files.
Using Your Computer 1-1

If you want basic information on turning the computer on and
off, using your disk drives and keyboard, stopping commands,
or resetting the computer, read the first five sections in this
chapter.
If you are familiar with these asp&s of operating a computer,
you can skip to page 1-23 to learn about system operations
specific to your computer, such as using a password and
changing the processor speed.
Turning On the Computer
Before turning on your computer, check the following safety
rules to avoid accidentally damaging your computer or injuring
yourself:
Do not connect or disconnect any peripheral device cables
(including the mouse or keyboard) or power cables when
the computer’s power is on.
Never turn on the computer with a protective card in a
5.25-inch diskette drive.
Never turn off or reset your computer while a disk drive
light is on. This can destroy data stored on the disk.
Always wait at least 20 seconds after you turn off the
power before you turn it on again. This prevents possible
damage to the computer’s electrical circuitry.
Do not leave a beverage near your system. Spilled liquid
can damage the circuitry of your equipment.
Follow these steps to turn on your system:
1. Turn on the monitor, printer, and any other peripheral
devices connected to the computer.
1-2
Using Your Computer

2. If you do not have a hard disk, insert your main operating
system diskette in drive A.
Note
If you do not have a hard disk, you need to insert the
operating system diskette each time you turn on your
system so the computer can copy the operating system
to its memory. See your operating system manual for
more information.
3. To turn on the computer, press the power button located on
the right side of the front panel, as shown below.
power (SPEED) indicator
power
button
The power indicator lights up. After a few seconds, the
computer displays a count of its system memory, and then
performs its power-on diagnostics. This is a series of checks the
computer runs each time you turn it on to make sure
everything is working correctly. (If necessary, use the controls
on your monitor to adjust the screen display.)
Using Your Computer
1-3

Note
If you have made a major change to your system, such as
adding a disk drive, the computer may take a few minutes to
complete power-on diagnostics the first time you turn it on.
When the system has successfully completed its diagnostics,
you see the following prompt:
Press Del to start SETUP
Note
If your computer’s configuration does not match the
information stored in the computer’s CMOS RAM (defined
through the SETUP program), you see an error message.
Press m to run the SETUP program to correct the
information. (See Chapter 2 of the Setup Guide for
instructions.)
If you do not want to run SETUP, do nothing. After about five
seconds your computer either loads the operating system from
the hard disk or the diskette in drive A or, if you’ve set a
System Access password, it prompts you for your password.
When you enter the correct password, your computer loads the
operating system.
What happens next depends on how your computer is set up.
If your system is configured to automatically load a program
(such as Microsoft® Windows® or a word processing program),
you see the first menu or screen display of that program. If not,
you may see the operating system prompt, such as c : \> or A>.
See your application program manuals for further instructions.
1-4
Using Your Computer

Turning Off the Computer
Whenever you turn off your system, follow these steps:
1. Save your data and exit any application program you are
using.
2. Check the hard disk drive light and the diskette drive light(s)
to make sure they are not on. Do not turn off the computer
if a drive light is on, because you can damage the drive or
lose data.
3. Remove any diskette(s) from the diskette drive(s).
4. Press the power button to turn off the computer and then
turn off any peripheral devices (monitor, printer, etc.).
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
Insert and remove diskettes
Use a single diskette drive system
Format diskettes
Make backup copies
Use a hard disk drive.
Using Your Computer 1-5