IBM PC 300GL Types 6275 Installation and operating instructions

Personal Computer
Using Your Personal Computer
PC 300GL Type 6561 and Type 6591

Personal Computer
Using Your Personal Computer
PC 300GL Type 6561 and Type 6591
IBM

Note
Before using this information and the product it supports, be sure to read the general information
under Appendix B, “Product Warranties, License Information, and Notices” on page 113.
Second Edition (January 1998)
The following paragraph does not apply to the United Kingdom or any country where such provisions
are inconsistent with local law: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION PROVIDES
THIS PUBLICATION “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Some states do not allow disclaimer of express or implied
warranties in certain transactions, therefore, this statement may not apply to you.
This publication could include technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. Changes are periodically
made to the information herein; these changes will be incorporated in new editions of the publication.
IBM may make improvements and/or changes in the product(s) and/or the program(s) described in this
publication at any time.
This publication was developed for products and services offered in the United States of America. IBM
may not offer the products, services, or features discussed in this document in other countries, and the
information is subject to change without notice. Consult your local IBM representative for information
on the products, services, and features available in your area.
Requests for technical information about IBM products should be made to your IBM reseller or IBM
marketing representative.
 Copyright International Business Machines Corporation 1998. All rights reserved.
Note to U.S. Government Users — Documentation related to restricted rights — Use, duplication or
disclosure is subject to restrictions set forth in GSA ADP Schedule Contract with IBM Corp.

Contents
Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
Laser Compliance Statement ............................... viii
Lithium Battery Notice ................................... ix
About This Book ...................................... xi
Related Publications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xii
Chapter 1. Your IBM Personal Computer ....................... 1
Identifying Your Computer ................................ 2
Desktop Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Tower Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
What Your IBM Personal Computer Offers ....................... 4
Microprocessor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
System Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
L2 Cache . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
ISA Bus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
PCI Bus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
AGP Bus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Expansion with Adapters ................................ 5
High-Capacity Hard Disk Drives ........................... 5
CD-ROM Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
ECP/EPP Parallel Port ................................. 5
Serial Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Universal Serial Bus Ports ............................... 6
Integrated Video Graphics Controller ........................ 7
Audio Adapter (Optional) ............................... 7
Ethernet Adapter (Optional) .............................. 7
Token Ring Adapter (Optional) ............................ 7
System-Management Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
IBM-Preinstalled Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Operating-System Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Ease-of-Use Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Ergonomic Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Advanced Power Management ............................ 9
Asset Security Features ................................. 9
Service and Support ................................... 9
Expandability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Desktop Model Connectivity .............................. 13
Tower Model Connectivity ............................... 14
Keyboard Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
 Copyright IBM Corp. 1998 iii

Features at a Glance ..................................... 16
Desktop Model System Specifications .......................... 20
Tower Model System Specifications ........................... 22
Chapter 2. Arranging Your Workspace ........................ 25
Comfort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Glare and Lighting ..................................... 26
Air Circulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Electrical Outlets and Cable Lengths ........................... 26
Chapter 3. Operating Your Personal Computer ................... 27
Using Controls and Status Indicators .......................... 27
Starting Your Computer .................................. 28
Using a Mouse ........................................ 29
Shutting Down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Using Video Features .................................... 30
Video Device Drivers .................................. 31
Video Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Using System-Management Features ........................... 32
System Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Updating the System BIOS ................................. 33
Flash ROM Recovery Procedure ............................ 34
Using a CD-ROM Drive .................................. 35
Handling a CD ...................................... 35
Loading a CD ....................................... 36
Using Security Features .................................. 38
Chapter 4. Configuring Your Computer ........................ 39
Starting the Configuration/Setup Utility Program ................... 40
Viewing and Changing Settings in the Configuration/Setup Utility Program .. 41
Exiting from the Configuration/Setup Utility Program ................ 43
Viewing the System Summary .............................. 44
Setting the Date and Time ................................. 45
System Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Secure IDE Devices and Diskette Drives ....................... 45
Diskette Write Protect .................................. 45
POST/BIOS Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Adapter ROM Security ................................. 46
Power-On and Administrator Passwords ........................ 46
Power-On Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Setting and Changing a Power-On Password .................... 48
Administrator Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Power Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
iv Using Your Personal Computer

Power Management Features .............................. 53
Automatic Power-On Features ............................. 54
Automatic Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) BIOS Mode ....... 55
POST/BIOS Update over the Network ........................ 57
Chapter 5. Taking Care of Your Computer ...................... 59
Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Cleaning Your Computer ................................. 59
Computer and Keyboard ................................ 59
Monitor Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Replacing the Battery .................................... 61
Moving Your Computer .................................. 61
Chapter 6. Solving Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Using Diagnostic Tools ................................... 63
Power-On Self-Test (POST) ............................... 64
Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
POST Message Charts .................................. 69
Troubleshooting Charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Diagnostic Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
IBM Enhanced Diagnostics ............................... 97
PC-Doctor for Windows ................................. 98
PC-Doctor for Windows NT .............................. 99
CoSession Remote . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Installing Files from Option Diskettes .......................... 99
Managing TSR Programs (DOS or Microsoft Windows 3.1x) ........... 100
Chapter 7. Getting Help, Service, and Information ................ 101
Hardware Warranty Summary ............................. 101
Before You Call for Service ............................... 102
Getting Customer Support and Service ........................ 102
Using Electronic Support Services .......................... 103
Using the World Wide Web ............................. 104
Getting Information by Fax .............................. 104
Getting Help Online .................................. 104
Getting Help by Telephone .............................. 105
Getting Help Around the World .......................... 106
Purchasing Additional Services ............................. 106
Enhanced PC Support Line .............................. 106
900-Number Operating System and Hardware Support Line ......... 107
Network and Server Support Line ......................... 107
Ordering Support Line Services ........................... 107
Contents v

Warranty and Repair Services ............................ 108
Ordering Publications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Appendix A. Computer Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Serial Numbers and Keys ................................ 109
Device Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Appendix B. Product Warranties, License Information, and Notices ..... 113
Hardware Limited Warranty .............................. 113
License Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Program Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Additional Terms and Conditions .......................... 116
Program Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
U.S. Government Users Restricted Rights ..................... 117
Other Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Other Additional Terms and Conditions ...................... 117
Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Trademarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Electronic Emission Notices ............................. 119
Telecommunication Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Power Cord Notice ................................... 123
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
vi Using Your Personal Computer

Safety Information
Turn everything OFF.
Attach signal cables to
receptacles.
First, remove power cord from
outlet.
To Disconnect
Turn device ON.
DANGER:
Turn everything OFF.
To Connect
Remove signal cables from
receptacles.
Remove all cables from devices.
Attach power cord to outlet.
First, attach all cables to devices.
In the U.K., by law, the power
cord must be disconnected after the
telephone line cable.
2
In the U.K., by law, the telephone
cable must be connected after the
power cord.
12
1
Electrical current from power, telephone, and communication
cables is hazardous. To avoid shock hazard, connect and
disconnect cables as shown below when installing, moving or
opening the covers of this product or attached devices. The
power cord must be used with a properly grounded outlet.
 Copyright IBM Corp. 1998 vii

Laser Compliance Statement
Some IBM Personal Computer models are equipped from the factory with a
CD-ROM drive. CD-ROM drives are also sold separately as options. The CD-ROM
drive is a laser product. The CD-ROM drive is certified in the U.S. to conform to
the requirements of the Department of Health and Human Services 21 Code of
Federal Regulations (DHHS 21 CFR) Subchapter J for Class 1 laser products.
Elsewhere, the drive is certified to conform to the requirements of the International
Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 825 and CENELEC EN 60 825 for Class 1 laser
products.
When a CD-ROM drive is installed, note the following.
CAUTION:
Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those
specified herein might result in hazardous radiation exposure.
Opening the CD-ROM drive could result in exposure to hazardous laser radiation.
There are no serviceable parts inside the CD-ROM drive. Do not open.
Some CD-ROM drives contain an embedded Class 3A or Class 3B laser diode. Note
the following.
DANGER
Laser radiation when open. Do not stare into the beam, do not view
directly with optical instruments, and avoid direct exposure to the beam.
viii Using Your Personal Computer

Lithium Battery Notice
CAUTION:
Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced.
When replacing the battery, use only IBM Part Number 33F8354 or an equivalent
type battery recommended by the manufacturer. The battery contains lithium
and can explode if not properly used, handled, or disposed of.
Do not:
Throw or immerse into water
Heat to more than 100°C (212°F)
Repair or disassemble
Dispose of the battery as required by local ordinances or regulations.
ATTENTION
Danger d'explosion en cas de remplacement incorrect de la batterie.
Remplacer uniquement par une batterie IBM de type 33F8354 ou d'un type
équivalent recommandé par le fabricant. La batterie contient du lithium et peut
exploser en cas de mauvaise utilisation, de mauvaise manipulation ou de mise au
rebut inappropriée.
Ne pas :
Lancer ou plonger dans l'eau
Chauffer à plus de 100°C (212°F)
Réparer ou désassembler
Mettre au rebut les batteries usagées conformément aux règlements locaux.
Safety Information ix

xUsing Your Personal Computer

About This Book
This book will help you become familiar with your IBM Personal Computer and its
many features. It describes how to configure, operate, and maintain your PC. In
the unlikely event you experience problems, you will also find helpful
troubleshooting information, as well as instructions for obtaining service.
The book is organized as follows:
Chapter 1, "Your IBM Personal Computer," contains an overview of the features
of your PC.
Chapter 2, "Arranging Your Workspace," contains information about setting up
your work area to optimize use of your computer. Safety considerations are
also discussed.
Chapter 3, "Operating Your Computer," contains instructions for the day-to-day
use of your computer. Startup and shutdown procedures, as well as
information on using audio, video, system-management, and security features
are included in this chapter.
Chapter 4, "Configuring Your Computer," contains instructions for using the
Configuration/Setup Utility Program.
Chapter 5, "Taking Care of Your Computer," contains information about the
proper handling and care of your PC.
Chapter 6, "Solving Problems," contains information that will help you identify
and correct problems that might arise as you use your computer.
Chapter 7, "Getting Help, Service, and Information," contains a description of
the wide variety of resources available from IBM to assist you in the use of your
PC. This chapter also describes how to obtain additional information about IBM
products.
Appendix A, "Computer Records," contains forms for recording information
about your PC, which can be helpful if you decide to install any additional
options, or if you ever need to have your PC serviced.
Appendix B, "Product Warranties, License Information, and Notices," contains
warranty and license information for your computer, as well as legal notices and
trademark information.
 Copyright IBM Corp. 1998 xi

Related Publications
The following publications, together with this book, contain information about your
computer.
Setting Up Your Personal Computer
This publication contains instructions to help you set up your computer.
Installing Options in Your Personal Computer
This publication contains instructions for adding memory, adapters, drives, and
other options to your computer.
Understanding Your Personal Computer
This online publication (provided only with computers that have
IBM-preinstalled software) includes general information about using personal
computers and in-depth information about the specific features of your PC.
About Your Software
This publication (provided only with computers that have IBM-preinstalled
software) contains information about the preinstalled software package.
Your Ready-to-Configure Utility Program CD
This publication contains information about the Ready-to-Configure Utility
Program CD for your computer. The publication also contains instructions for
starting the CD.
The following publications contain more information about your computer.
Hardware Maintenance Manual
This separately purchased publication contains information for trained service
technicians. To obtain a copy, refer to “Ordering Publications” on page 108. It
is also available on the World Wide Web at
http://www.us.pc.ibm.com/cdt/hmm.html.
Technical Information Manual
This publication is available on the World Wide Web only at
http://www.us.pc.ibm.com/support/desktop_support.html. It contains more
information about the technical aspects of your computer.
xii Using Your Personal Computer

Chapter 1. Your IBM Personal Computer
Thank you for selecting an IBM Personal Computer. Your PC incorporates many of
the latest advances in personal computer technology and is easy to expand and
upgrade as your needs change. With its enhanced video and system-management
capabilities, your computer is particularly suited for your corporate intranet1
environment.
1An intranet is a private network that conforms to the same protocols as the Internet, but is contained
within an organization. The intranet contains one or more servers that provide services to the
workstations on the private network. Some intranets are also connected to the Internet.
 Copyright IBM Corp. 1998 1

Identifying Your Computer
In most instances, the best way to identify your computer is by the machine
type/model number. The model/type number indicates the various features of the
computer, such as the type of microprocessor or the number of bays. You can find
this number on the small label on the front of your computer. An example of a
machine type/model number is 6282-54A.
You also need to know whether the computer is a desktop or tower. The desktop
model can be set on its side in a floor stand, but the orientation of the drives will be
vertical in that position, rather than horizontal. Towers and desktops used in their
normal orientations have horizontal drive bays.
Throughout this book, your computer is identified as either a desktop model or a
tower model. These naming conventions are used only where it is appropriate.
Instructions without these naming conventions apply to both computer models.
Desktop Model
The desktop model comes with four bays and four expansion slots. This computer
has a hard disk drive in bay 3 and a diskette drive in bay 4. If your computer has a
CD-ROM drive, it is installed in bay 1. Bay two can accept a hard disk drive which
does not have accessible media.
2Using Your Personal Computer

Tower Model
The tower model comes with six bays and six expansion slots. This computer has a
hard disk drive in bay 6 and a diskette drive in bay 4. If your computer has a
CD-ROM drive, it is installed in bay 1. Bays two, three and five can accept hard
disk drives which do not have accessible media.
Chapter 1. Your IBM Personal Computer 3

What Your IBM Personal Computer Offers
This section describes many of the features of your computer.
Microprocessor
At the core of your PC is an Intel Pentium II processor. With its advanced
performance features, this MMX microprocessor supplies the speed and power you
need to take advantage of even the most complex programs. In addition, the
microprocessor incorporates new multimedia extensions into the Intel architecture,
which improves the performance of multimedia and communications applications
by accelerating calculations commonly performed for audio, video, speech synthesis
and recognition, 2D and 3D graphics, and data communications.
System Memory
Your computer comes standard with non-parity or ECC (error correcting code)
SDRAM (synchronous dynamic random access memory).
L2 Cache
L2 cache memory, which helps speed the exchange of information between the
microprocessor and system memory, is integrated on the Pentium II processor in
most models.
ISA Bus
Your PC has an ISA (industry standard architecture) bus, which is one of the most
widely used and successful I/O (input/output) buses available. The ISA bus is
popular because so many adapters and devices have been designed and marketed
for it.
PCI Bus
Your computer also has a PCI (peripheral component interconnect) bus. PCI is one
of the advanced I/O bus standards recently developed by the computer industry to
keep up with performance improvements of microprocessor buses and advanced
peripheral devices. The PCI bus adds to the capability of the ISA bus, speeding up
the exchange of information among the microprocessor and peripheral devices
within your computer system. This improves the overall performance of your
computer, including the hard disk drive.
4Using Your Personal Computer

AGP Bus
Your computer also has an integrated AGP Cirrus 5465 3-D SVGA (super video
graphics array) bus. AGP is a state-of-the-art enhanced performance video bus for
the integrated video controller, which provides a PC-like interface with performance
extensions added specifically for video functions.
Expansion with Adapters
By installing optional adapters, you can expand the capabilities of your computer
and take advantage of a variety of peripheral devices and applications. Your
computer has a riser card for connecting adapters to the ISA or PCI bus. Examples
of adapters that can be added to your computer include graphics, SCSI (small
computer system interface), and NIC (network interface controller) adapters.
High-Capacity Hard Disk Drives
Some PC models come with a hard disk drive that has an enhanced integrated drive
electronics (EIDE) bus-master interface. The EIDE drive plugs into one of two EIDE
connectors located on the riser card in your computer. You can connect an
additional hard disk drive to the ribbon cable already attached to the riser card, or
you can purchase another cable and connect up to two hard disk drives or other
IDE or EIDE devices to the second connector on the riser card.
Notes:
1. In the desktop model, a maximum of three internal IDE or EIDE devices can be
installed—limited by the number of available bays.
2. For models with an IBM factory-installed CD-ROM, two ribbon cables (for
connecting IDE or EIDE devices) are shipped with your computer.
CD-ROM Drive
A CD-ROM drive is installed in some PC models. CD-ROM (compact disc
read-only memory) technology offers quick access to enormous amounts of
information. A compact disc can store more than 650 MB of data, such as the large
files needed for audio, still and full-motion video, and still and animated graphics.
A CD-ROM drive can play back or read from a CD, but it cannot write information
on it.
ECP/EPP Parallel Port
Your PC has one 25-pin parallel port. The parallel port is most often used to
communicate with a parallel printer, but it can also be used with other parallel
Chapter 1. Your IBM Personal Computer 5

devices. To minimize electromagnetic interference (EMI), use braid-shielded cables
with metal ends when connecting a device to this port.
The parallel port can operate in several different modes. The default mode for your
computer is SPP (standard parallel port). However, your computer also supports
the ECP/EPP (extended capabilities port/enhanced parallel port) mode. ECP/EPP
has two advantages over SPP. When your computer is in ECP/EPP mode, you can
print documents faster than when the computer is in SPP mode, and you can attach
devices other than printers, such as communication and storage devices, to the
parallel port. You can set modes of operation for the parallel port using the
Configuration/Setup Utility Program.
Serial Ports
Your computer has two standard 9-pin, 16550-UART serial ports that can be used to
communicate with devices such as modems, plotters, and printers. To minimize
electromagnetic interference (EMI), use braid-shielded cables with metal ends when
connecting devices to these ports.
Universal Serial Bus Ports
The universal serial bus (USB) interface is a new, emerging technology being
developed to add more diversity and capabilities to personal computers. IBM has
provided two, 4-pin USB connectors in your computer as a standard feature so you
can be ready to take advantage of new USB devices as they become available.
Using this new technology, you will be able to plug many different types of
optional, USB-compatible devices into the USB ports on your computer. Because
USB incorporates Plug and Play technology, you can install and remove devices
easily without turning off your computer or opening the cover. Once installed, the
devices configure automatically.
In addition, an option called a hub can be connected to a USB port on your
computer, which enables you to plug in more than one device at a time. A hub
converts a single USB connector into multiple ports where USB devices can be
attached.
For more information, see the USB Web site (http://www.usb.org). For USB
drivers, see the Microsoft Web site (http://www.microsoft.com/support).
6Using Your Personal Computer