Epson ActionNote 650 User manual

User’s Guide
Printed on recycled paper with at least 10% post-consumer content

IMPORTANT NOTICE
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY
Epson America makes no representations or warranties, either express or implied, by or
with respect to anything in this manual, and shall not be liable for any implied warranties
of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose or for any indirect, special, or
consequential damages. Some states do not allow the exclusion of incidental or
consequential damages, so this exclusion may not apply to you.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Epson
America, Inc. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of information
contained herein. Nor is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the
information contained herein. Further, this publication and features described herein are
subject to change without notice.
TRADEMARKS
EPSON is a registered trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation
Action Note is a trademark, and EPSON Connection and EPSON Direct are service marks
of Epson America, Inc.
General notice: Other product names used herein are for identification purposes only and
may be trademarks of their respective owners. EPSON disclaims any and all rights in
those marks.
The Energy Star emblem does not represent EPA endorsement of any product or service.
Copyright © 1995 by Epson America, Inc. 400387400-2
Torrance, California, USA 3/95
ii

Important Safety Instructions
Read all of these instructions and save them for later reference. Follow
all warnings and instructions marked on the computer.
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Turn off the computer before cleaning. Clean with a damp cloth only.
Do not spill liquid on the computer.
Use only the type of power source indicated on the computer’s label.
Connect all equipment to properly grounded power outlets. Avoid
using outlets on the same circuit as photocopiers or air control
systems that regularly switch on and off.
Do not let the computer’s power cord become damaged or frayed.
If you use an extension cord with the computer, make sure the total
ampere rating of the devices plugged into the extension cord does
not exceed the cord’s ampere rating. Also, make sure the total of all
devices plugged into the wall outlet does not exceed 15 amperes.
Except as specifically explained in this User's Guide, do not attempt
to service the computer yourself.
Unplug the computer and refer servicing to qualified service
personnel under the following conditions:
If the power cord or plug is damaged; if liquid has entered the
computer; if the computer has been dropped or the cabinet damaged;
if the computer does not operate normally or exhibits a distinct
change in performance. Adjust only those controls that are covered
by the operating instructions.
When traveling by airplane, be sure to take your computer into the
passenger compartment as carry-on luggage to prevent it from being
stored in an unpressurized storage area.
If you plan to use the computer in Germany, observe the following:
To provide adequate short-circuit protection and over-current
protection for this computer, the building installation must be
protected by a 16 Amp circuit breaker.
Beim Anschluß des Computers an die Netzversorgung muß
sichergestellt werden, daß die Gebäudeinstallation mit einem
16 A Überstromschutzschalter abgesichert ist.
iii

Importances Instructions de Sécurité
Lire attentivement les instructions suivantes et les conserver pour les
consulter en cas de besoin. Observer soigneusement tous les
avertissements et directives marques surl’ordinateur.
● Débrancher l’ordinateur avant de le nettoyer. N'utiliser qu‘un chiffon
humide. Veiller à ne pas renverser de liquides sur l’appareil.
● Utiliser seulement le type de source d‘alimentation électrique indiqué
sur l’étiquette.
● Tout l’équipement doit être branché sur des prises de courant propre.
Ne jamais utiliser une prise sur le même circuit qu’un appareil à
photocopies ou un système de contrô1e de ventilation avec
commutation marche-arrêt automatique.
● S’assurer que le cordon d’alimentation de l’ordinateur n’est pas
abîmé ni effiloché.
● Dans le cas où on utilise un cordon de rallonge avec l’ordinateur,
s’assurer que l’intensité en ampères requise pour tous les appareils
branchés sur ce cordon ne soit pas supérieure à la capacité du cordon.
S’assurer aussi que cette intensité ne dépasse jamais la somme de 15
ampères pour l’ensemble des appareils.
● Sauf dans les cas spécifiques expliqués dans ce manuel de l’usager,
ne pas essayer d’entretenir ou de réparer l’ordinateur soi-même.
● Débrancher l’ordinateur et contacter un technician qualifié dans les
circonstances suivantes:
Si le cordon ou la prise sent abîmés; si un liquide a pénétré à
l’intérieur de l’appareil; si on a laissé tomber l’appareil ou si le boîtier
est endommagé; si l’ordinateur ne fonctionne pas normalement ou
fonctionne d‘une manière très difference de l’ordinaire. N‘ajuster que
les commandes décrites dans les directives.
● Pour les voyages par avion, prendre l’ordinateur avec soi dans la
cabine comme bagage à main, pour éviter qu’il soit transporté dans
une soute non pressurisée.
● Pour utiliser l’ordinateur en Allemagne, il est nécessaire que le
bâtiment soit muni d’un disjoncteur de 16 amperes pour protéger
l’ordinateur contre les courts-circuits et le survoltage.
iv

FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT
FOR 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 can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio and
television reception. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause interference to radio and television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
❑ Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
❑ Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver
❑ Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected
❑ Consult an experienced radio/ TV technician for help.
WARNING
The connection of a non-shielded equipment interface cable to this equipment will
invalidate the FCC Certification of this device and may cause interference levels that
exceed the limits established by the FCC for this equipment. It is the responsibility of the
user to obtain and use a shielded equipment interface cable with this device. If this
equipment has more than one interface connector, do not leave cables connected to
unused interfaces.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the
user’s authority to operate the equipment.
FOR CANADIAN USERS
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class Blimits 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 radioé1ectriques dépassant les limites
applicable aux appareils numériques de Classe B prescrites dans le règlement sur le
brouillage radioélectrique édicté par le Ministère des Communications du Canada.

Contents
Introduction
Computer Features .. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Power-saving Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...3
What This Manual Covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...3
Conventions Used in This Manual. . . . . . . . . . 4
Where to Get Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . 5
CompuServe On-line Support. . .. . . . . . . . . 6
Chapter 1
Setting Up the Computer
Opening the Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...1-1
Identifying the System Components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Connecting the AC Adapter. . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Turning the Computer On and Off. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Reading the System Window Icons. . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
Making Backup Copies of Your Files. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Running the System Configuration Utility. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
When to Run the System Configuration Utility. . . . . . . . . 1-9
Starting the Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...1-9
Changing the Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...1-10
Setting, Deleting, and Changing a Password 1-13
Setting a password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14
Deleting or changing a password. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14
Setting the Power Management Options . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
Exiting the System Configuration Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Chapter 2 Using Your Computer
Caring for the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...2-1
Protecting the Hard Disk. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . 2-2
Using Energy Wisely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...2-3
Using the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...2-3
Using the Fn Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...2-4
Using the Embedded Keypad. . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
v

Using the Trackball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...2-6
Cleaning the Trackball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...2-8
Resetting the Computer . . . . . . . . ... . 2-9
Changing the CPU Speed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Using Password Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...2-10
Entering a Boot Password. . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Entering an SCU Password. . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Using Diskettes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...2-12
Using Video Drivers and Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Configuring PC Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...2-14
Installing Additional PC Card Drivers and Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Chapter 3 Powering the Computer
Using the AC Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...3-1
Using the Battery . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 3-2
Monitoring Battery Power. . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Replacing the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...3-7
Recharging the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...3-8
Using the Power Management Features. . . . .. . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Automatic Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...3-12
Manual Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...3-13
Resuming Activity From Suspend Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
Using the APM Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15
Using Suspend to Disk Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . .. 3-16
Creating the Suspend to Disk data file. . . . . . . . . . . 3-17
Recreating the Suspend to Disk data file. . . . . . . . .. 3-19
Chapter 4 Installing Optional Devices
Connecting an External Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Connecting a Parallel Device. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
Connecting a Serial Device . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
Checking the Serial Port Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
Connecting an External Keyboard or Mouse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
Installing a PC Card .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...4-7
Installing a Memory Module. . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8
Removing and Replacing the Hard Disk Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13
vi

Chapter 5 Troubleshooting
Identifying Your System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Computer Won’t Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AC Adapter Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The LCD Screen Is Blank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The External Monitor Screen Is Blank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Computer Locks Up...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Password Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Embedded Keypad Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trackball Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
External Pointing Device Problems. . . . . . . . . . . .
Diskette Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diskette Drive Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hard Disk Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Software Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Printer Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Memory Module Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PC Card Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendix A Specifications
5-1
5-3
5-3
5-4
5-5
5-6
5-7
5-8
5-9
5-9
5-9
5-10
5-11
5-12
5-12
5-13
5-14
5-14
5-15
CPU and Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. A-l
Controllers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. A-2
Interfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. A-3
Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. A-3
Trackball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. A-3
Mass Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. A-3
LCD Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. A-4
System Configuration Utility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-4
Power sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. A-4
Environmental Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-5
Physical Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. A-5
Optional Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. A-6
Index
vii

Introduction
The EPSON® ActionNoteTM 600 Series notebook computers give
you exceptional speed, display quality, and expaddability—all
packaged in the latest in notebook computer technology.
The ActionNote computer has 4MB of standard memory on the
system board. Some systems have an additional 4MB memory
module installed (check your system startup screen). Your
ActionNote also comes with pre-installed MS-DOS,®
Microsoft® Windows,TMand other software so you can run a
vast array of the latest programs, utilities, and games designed
for productivity and fun.
Your high-capacity hard disk drive will hold the hundreds of
program and data files you create as you use your computer.
And when you‘re ready to acquire more capability, your
computer’s two PCMCIA card slots allow you to quickly and
easily add flash RAM, fax/ modem, local area network (LAN),
and other PC card options.
You can even use your ActionNote like a desktop PC when
you‘re not on the road; just connect an external monitor,
keyboard, mouse, and printer.
Computer Features
Your computer comes with the following features:
486DX2 microprocessor with 8KB of internal cache
4MB of RAM on the system board (additional 4MB memory
module installed on some systems), expandable to 20MB
512KB of video RAM
Introduction 1

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LCD screen supporting VGA resolutions of 640 x 480 in
256 colors or 64 gray shades
High-speed, 32-bit local bus video technology supports
resolutions up to 1024 x 768 in 16 colors or 800 x 600 in 256
colors on an external monitor
High-capacity hard disk drive
Built-in 16 mm trackball with two buttons
Two stacked PCMCIA Type II slots, supporting two Type I
or Type II cards or one Type III card
Long-lasting, rechargeable NiMH battery
Compact AC adapter
Pre-installed software on your hard disk drive, including
MS-DOS, Microsoft Windows, and in any other programs
On-line computer user’s guide, Windows manual, and
other manuals providing instructions and inform ation
while you are on the road.
Your ActionNote has been configured for you and the hard
disk drive already contains most of the software you need.
Video drivers have already been installed and you can select
whether to load your PCMCIA drivers and utilities each time
you boot your computer.
See the card titled “For Software Support” that came with your
computer for a list of the manuals, diskettes, and brochures that
are included with your software.
Also see the “About EPSON” group window in Windows for
the latest information about your ActionNote and about
EPSON’s services.
2 Introduction

Power-saving Features
The ActionNote complies with the United States
Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star Program,
which prom otes the manufacture of energy-efficient printers,
computers, and monitors. Your computer’s power
management features place the system in low-power standby
and suspend modes when it has been inactive for specified
periods of time. The System Configuration utility lets you
customize the way your computer saves power so you can
ensure that the power management features fit the way you
work.
Note
If you use an Energy Star compliant external monitor with
your computer, it also enters a low-power standby mode
because it is not receiving video signals from your computer.
(Screens on non-compliant monitors become blank but do
not enter a low-power mode.)
What This Manual Covers
You do not need to read everything in this book to use your
computer; see the following chapter summaries:
Chapter 1 provides steps for setting up your computer.
Chapter 2 covers basic information about using the computer.
Chapter 3 explains how to power your computer with the
AC adapter or the battery and how to conserve battery power.
Chapter 4 describes how to connect optional devices, install
additional memory, and remove the hard disk drive.
Introduction 3

Chapter 5 provides troubleshooting tips.
Appendix A lists the computer’s specifications.
At the end of them anual, you’ll find an Index and a list of
EPSON U.S. and international marketing locations.
Conventions Used in This Manual
This manual uses the following type conventions in the text:
Example Meaning
Enter Keys you press on the keyboard
Fn F12 Keys you press at the same time; hold down the
key marked Fn and press the F12 key
C: \DOS Text as it appears on the screen
DISKCOPY A: B: Text that you type exactly as shown
4 Introduction

Where to Get Help
If you purchased your computer in the United States or
Canada, EPSON provides customer support and service
through a network of Authorized EPSON Customer Care
Centers. EPSON also provides support services through the
EPSON Connection.SM In the United States or Canada, dial
[phone].
Call the EPSON Connection for the following:
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❑
❑
❑
Technical assistance with the installation, configuration,
and operation of EPSON products
Assistance in locating your nearest Authorized EPSON
Reseller or Customer Care Center
Assistance with Extra Care Road Service
Customer relations
EPSON technical information library fax service
Product literature on current and new products.
You can purchase accessories, manuals, or parts for EPSON
products from EPSON Accessories at [phone] (U.S. sales
only). In Canada, call [phone].
When you call for technical assistance, be ready to identify
your system and its configuration, and provide any error
messages to the support staff. See Chapter 5 for more
information.
If you purchased your computer in the United States or
Canada, EPSON also provides Extra Care Road Service. Your
ActionNote package should contain information on this
program; if not, call the EPSON Connection.
Introduction .5

If you purchased your computer outside the United States or
Canada, contact your EPSON dealer or the marketing location
nearest you for customer support and service. International
marketing locations are listed at the end of this manual.
If you need help with any software application program you
are using, see the documentation that came with that program
for technical support information.
CompuServe On-line Support
Your computer includes the CompuServe® WinCIM
information manager and a free CompuServe membership.
This membership entitles you to an introductory $15 usage
credit on CompuServe’s extended services and forums. The
brochure that came with your computer describes the
CompuServe services and how to access them, as well as
providing subscription information.
Note
To access CompuServe, you must install a modem PC card
in your computer.
The fastest way to access helpful tips, specifications, drivers,
application notes, tables for DIP switch or jumper settings, and
bulletins for EPSON products is through the Epson America
Forum on CompuServe.
To access the Epson America Forum, simply click on the green
traffic light icon and type EPSON at the menu prompt.
6 Introduction

Chapter 1
Setting Up the Computer
This chapter describes how to setup your computer. It covers:
❑
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❑
❑
Opening the screen
Identifying the system components
Connecting the AC adapter
Turning the computer on and off
Reading the System Window icons
Backing up files
Running the System Configuration utility (SCU).
Opening the Screen
To open the LCD screen, slide the latch on the computer’s lid to
the right and lift the lid upward.
Setting Up the Computer 1-1

ldentifying the System Components
Use the illustrations below to help you identify your system
components.
1-2 Setting Up the Computer

Connecting the AC Adapter
The AC adapter included with your computer can be used in
most countries because it operates in the input ranges
100-250 VAC with frequencies of 47-63 Hz. If you are using the
adapter in a country other than the one where you purchased
your computer, make sure you have the correct power cord
before you connect the AC adapter to an electrical outlet.
Caution
Use only the adapter designed for the ActionNote 600 Series
computer (model number TSA3), or you could damage the
computer.
To connect the AC adapter, first connect the adapter’s power
cord to the connector, as shown below.
Setting Up the Computer 1-3

Position the connector on the AC adapter cable so the side with
the arrow faces up. Then connect the cable to the AC adapter
port on the right side of the computer.
Plug the adapter’s power cord into an electrical outlet. The
green power light on the adapter comes on and the AC Power
icon (the plug) appears in the computer’s System Window. (See
page 1-7 for a description of the System Window icons.)
For more information about powering the computer with the
AC adapter, see Chapter 3. For instructions on connecting
optional equipment to your computer, see Chapter 4.
1-4 Setting Up the Computer

Turning the Computer On and Off
The first time you use your computer, the battery may not be
charged (NiMH batteries lose up to 20% of their charge each
week they aren’t recharged), so make sure the AC adapter is
connected. Then press the power button on the back panel to
turn on the computer.
The computer beeps and then begins a series of power-on
diagnostics that check the circuit boards, memory, ports,
keyboard, and disk drives.
First you see this prompt:
Press SPACEBAR to skip memory test
Press the spacebar or let the power-on diagnostic tests
continue. Then you see this prompt on the bottom of the screen
for 1 second:
<CTRL-ALT-S> to enter System Configuration
Utility
(Ignore this prompt for now.)
You then see a prompt asking if you want to load PC card
drivers. If you do not respond to the prompt within 5 seconds,
the computer loads the drivers and continues to boot. Ignore
this prompt also. (See “Configuring PC Cards” in Chapter 2 for
more information about this prompt.)
Your computer comes with MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows
installed on the hard disk, so it starts Windows next.
Setting Up the Computer 1-5

Note
If you want to adjust the brightness, contrast, or other
aspects of the display, see “Using the Fn Key” in Chapter 2
for keyboard commands you can use.
If you plan to use another operating system, such as OS/ 2,®
UNIX®, or Windows NT, perform the necessary steps to install
the program now. See the documentation that came with it for
installation instructions.
Before you turn off the computer, save your data and exit the
program you are currently using. Make sure the computer is
not accessing data from the diskette drive, hard disk drive, or a
PC card by checking the icons in the System Window; see
page 1-7 for more information.
Press the power button for two seconds to turn off the
computer. This two second delay is a safety feature to prevent
you from accidentally turning off the computer.
Caution
Always make sure the computer is off before you connect or
disconnect equipment, such as an external keyboard. You
can, however, insert or remove a PC card, or connect a
printer while the computer is on.
1-6 Setting Up the Computer