Mitsubishi Electric Apricot LS User guide

Apricot
LS SERIES
Owner's Handbook

APRICOT LS SERIES
BX chipset motherboard
with Pentium®II processor
OWNER’S HANDBOOK

Intel and Pentium®II are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.
Microsoft, MS-DOS, Windows®95 and Windows®NT are registered trademarks
of Microsoft Corporation in the US and other countries.
Other trademarks mentioned within this document and not listed above are the
properties of their respective owners.
Information contained in this document is subject to change without notice and
does not represent a commitment on the part of Apricot Computers Limited.
Any software described in this manual is furnished under a license agreement.
The software may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of this
agreement. It is against the law to copy any disk supplied for any purpose
other than the purchaser’s personal use.
No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any
means electronic or mechanical including photocopying and recording, for any
purpose, without the express written permission of the publishers.
Copyright © Apricot Computers Limited 1998. All rights reserved.
Published by:
Apricot Computers Limited
3500 Parkside
Birmingham Business Park
Birmingham, England
B37 7YS
http://www.mitsubishi-computers.com
Printed in the United Kingdom

LS SERIES HANDBOOK i
CONTENTS
Safety and Regulatory notices
General i
Maintenance and Transporting iii
Standards and Legalities iv
Power connection v
1 Welcome
Unpacking 1/1
Pictorial guide to the system unit 1/2
Removing panels 1/4
General advice 1/7
Connecting the components 1/8
2 Getting Started
Turning on the PC 2/1
Power saving 2/2
Shutting down the PC 2/3
Using the computer for the first time 2/4
Electronic Fingerprinting 2/5
Backing-up the pre-installed software 2/6
Improving your display settings 2/7
If your hard disk is larger than 2 gigabytes 2/8
3 Removable media drives
Diskette drive 3/1
CD-ROM drive 3/3

Contents
ii LS SERIES HANDBOOK
4 Expansion Cards
Configuring the card 4/2
Installing the card 4/5
Reserving ISA legacy resources 4/7
Telling Windows about the new hardware 4/7
5 Motherboard Features & Upgrades
Motherboard detailed view 5/2
Motherboard features and jumpers 5/3
Motherboard IRQs and DMA channels 5/7
Replacing the configuration battery 5/8
Upgrading the motherboard 5/9
Adding and removing DIMMs 5/10
Adding more video memory 5/13
The processor assembly 5/14
6 Drive upgrades
Configuring a Hard Disk Drive (HDD) 6/2
Partitioning and formatting the drive 6/4
Configuring the removable media drive 6/6
7 BIOS Setup & POST
BIOS Setup 7/2
Multi-boot facility 7/4
Power-on self-test 7/5
POST errors and beep codes 7/7
8 Troubleshooting
Problems when starting 8/1
Common problems 8/3
Equipment Log

LS SERIES HANDBOOK i
SAFETY AND REGULATORY NOTICES
General
Electrical The computer uses a safety ground and must be earthed.
The system unit AC power cord is its ‘disconnect device’. Ensure that the
system unit is positioned close to the AC power outlet and that the plug is
easily accessible.
The power cord packed with the computer complies with the safety
standards applicable in the country in which it is first sold. Use only this
power cord. Do not substitute a power cord from any other equipment.
To prevent fire and electric shock, do not expose any part of the computer
to rain or moisture. Turn off the computer and unplug all power cords
before moving or cleaning the system unit, or removing the system unit top
cover.
Battery
This product contains a lithium battery.
Do not use a metal or other conductive implement to remove the battery. If
a short-circuit is made between its positive and negative terminals the
battery may explode.
Replace a discharged battery with one of the same type; another type may
explode or ignite. Follow the instructions contained in the Owner’s
Handbook to replace the battery. Dispose of a discharged battery promptly
and in accordance with the battery manufacturer’s recommended
instructions. Do not recharge, disassemble or incinerate the discharged
battery. Keep away from children.
Laser products
Any CD-ROM drive fitted in this system is classified as a CLASS 1 LASER
PRODUCT according to IEC825 Radiation Safety of Laser Products
(Equipment Classification: Requirements and User's Guide). The CLASS 1
LASER PRODUCT label is located on the underside of the system unit.
The CD-ROM drive contains a laser system which is harmful to the eyes if
exposed. Do not attempt to disassemble the CD-ROM drive; if a fault
occurs, call an authorised maintainer.
Use the CD-ROM drive only as described in this manual. Failure to do so
may result in exposure to hazardous radiation.

SAFETY & REGULATORY NOTICES
ii LS SERIES HANDBOOK
Ergonomic
When positioning the system unit, monitor and keyboard, take into
account any local or national regulations relating to ergonomic
requirements.
Anti-static precautions
WARNING
Static electricity can cause permanent damage to electronic components.
You should be aware of this risk, and take precautions against the discharge
of static electricity into the computer.
The computer is at risk from static discharge while the top cover is off. This
is because the electronic components of the motherboard are exposed.
Memory modules, expansion cards and replacement processors are
examples of electrostatic sensitive devices (ESSDs).
All work that involves removing the cover must be done in an area
completely free of static electricity. We recommend using a Special
Handling Area (SHA) as defined by EN 100015-1: 1992. This means that
working surfaces, floor coverings and chairs must be connected to a
common earth reference point, and you should wear an earthed wrist strap
and anti-static clothing. It is also a good idea to use an ionizer or humidifier
to remove static from the air.
When installing any upgrade, be sure you understand what the installation
procedure involves before you start. This will enable you to plan your work,
and so minimise the amount of time that sensitive components are exposed.
Do not remove the system unit cover, nor the anti-static bag or wrapping of
any upgrade, until you need to.
Handle static-sensitive items with extreme care. Hold expansion cards and
add-on components only by their edges, avoiding their electrical contacts.
Never touch the components or electrical contacts on the motherboard or
on expansion cards. In general, do not handle static-sensitive items
unnecessarily.
Keep all conductive material, and food and drink, away from your work
area and the open computer.
Thermalcote bonding compound
The thermal bonding compound used between the system processor and its
heat sink can cause skin irritation and stain clothing. Avoid prolonged or
repeated contact with skin. Wash thoroughly with soap and water after
handling. Avoid contact with eyes and inhalation of fumes. Do not ingest.

SAFETY & REGULATORY NOTICES
LS SERIES HANDBOOK iii
Maintenance
Switch off and disconnect all cables before attempting to clean the
computer.
Do not use sprays, solvents or abrasives that might damage the system unit
surface. Do not use cleaning fluids or sprays near air vents, ports, or the
diskette and CD-ROM drives.
Occasionally wipe the system unit with a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth.
Occasionally wipe over the air vents on the rear and sides of the system unit.
Dust and fluff can block the vents and limit the airflow.
Occasionally clean the diskette and CD-ROM drives using a proprietary
head cleaner.
Occasionally wipe the monitor with a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth. It
is best to use anti-static glass cleaner on the monitor screen, but do not
spray glass cleaner directly onto the screen; it could run down inside the
case and damage the circuitry.
Transporting
Use common sense when handling the computer; hard disks in particular
can be damaged if the computer is dropped or handled roughly. As a
precaution, back up the contents of the hard disks to tape or diskettes
before moving the computer.
Switch off and disconnect all cables before attempting to move the
computer, particularly do not try to move the computer while it is plugged
into the AC power supply.
When lifting and carrying the computer, use the metal sides of the system
unit and never attempt to lift the system unit with a monitor still on top.
If you need to transport the computer any great distance, use the original
packing materials.
If you are planning to use the computer in another country, it may not be
suitable, check with your supplier, particularly on the availability of the
correct AC power cords.
NOTE
Any existing maintenance or warranty agreement may not be supportable in
another country. The system may have to be returned to the supplier.

SAFETY & REGULATORY NOTICES
iv LS SERIES HANDBOOK
Standards
Safety
This product complies with the International safety standard IEC950 and
the European safety standard EN60950 which will, when applicable,
include the national deviations for the country in which it is sold.
Electro-magnetic Compatibility (EMC)
This product complies with the following European EMC standards:
Emissions EN50022 Class B
Immunity EN50082-1
This product also complies with the following International EMC
standards:
VCCI Class A (Japan)
Notes
All interconnecting cables (for example, signal and communication cables)
should be less than 2 metres in length. If cable extensions are used, ensure
adequate earth connections are provided and screened cables are used.
If any metal casework components are removed, during upgrade work for
example, ensure that all metal parts are correctly re-assembled and all
internal and external screws are re-fitted and correctly tightened.
Legalities
This equipment complies with the relevant clauses of the following
European Directives (and all subsequent amendments):
Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC
EMC Directive 89/336/EEC
Telecommunications Directive 91/263/EEC
CE Marking Directive 93/68/EEC
IMPORTANT
This system (when sold) complies with the CE Marking Directive and its
strict legal requirements. Use only parts tested and approved by Mitsubishi
Electric PC Division. Failure to do so may result in invalidating both the
compliance and your warranty. All expansion cards, drives and peripherals
must carry the CE mark.

SAFETY & REGULATORY NOTICES
LS SERIES HANDBOOK v
Power Connection
Typical AC plugs
250V
E
LN
E
NL
250V
E
NL
125V
250V
NL
E
250V
BS1363A SHUCO NEMA 5-15P SRAF 1962/DB16/87 ASE 1011
U. K. Austria Belgium Taiwan Denmark Switzerland
Finland France Thailand
Italy Germany Japan
Sweden Norway USA
Holland Canada
Checking the AC power supply
When this product is delivered, it is ready for the commercial AC power
supply generally available in the country in which it is first sold. It has been
set for the correct voltage range, and is supplied with an AC power cord and
plug which comply with the relevant safety standards.
Before using the product in a country other than that in which it was
originally sold, you must check the voltage and frequency of that country’s
AC power supply, and the type of power cord required there. Check the
power rating labels on the rear of the computer’s system unit and its
monitor to ensure that they are compatible with the AC power supply.
The computer can function within two alternative AC power supply ranges,
according to the position of the voltage selection switch on the rear of the
system unit:
Switch setting AC power supply (voltage and frequency)
115 100 - 120 volt AC, 50 - 60 Hz
230 200 - 240 volt AC, 50 - 60 Hz
The voltage setting of the monitor must always be the same as the voltage
setting of the system unit. See the User’s Guide that accompanies the monitor
or consult your supplier to find out how to change the voltage setting.
CAUTION
It is imperative that the computer is set to the correct voltage range before use.
If not, the machine may be irreparably damaged.

SAFETY & REGULATORY NOTICES
vi LS SERIES HANDBOOK
Connecting to the AC power supply
IMPORTANT
Any peripheral equipment that requires an AC power cord must be earthed.
Use the following guidance to connect the components together. It is
important that you take each step in the order indicated.
1. Before connecting any components, ensure that the AC power supply
is switched off or disconnected, and that the system unit, the
monitor, and any peripherals are turned off.
2. Connect the component signal cables to their respective ports on the
system unit: keyboard, mouse, monitor, audio (where appropriate)
and any other peripherals.
Where appropriate, connect the computer to the network.
3. Connect the component power cords: system unit, monitor to
system, plus any other peripherals to nearby, grounded AC power
outlets. (Never substitute a power cord from any other appliance).
Then switch on or connect the AC power supply.
4. Turn on the system unit first, then the monitor, then other
peripherals.
WARNING
The Owners Handbook contains procedures which require opening of the system
unit. Ensure all cables (including modem and network cables) are disconnected
before the system unit is opened.
Power Cable Connections - UK ONLY
This equipment is supplied with an AC power cord that has a non-
removable moulded plug.
Always replace the fuse with one of the same type and rating which is BSI or
ASTA approved to BS1362. Always refit the fuse cover, never use the plug
with the fuse cover omitted.
External Speakers (where supplied)
Always switch off or disconnect the AC supply before disconnecting any of
the speaker leads, whether audio or power. Disconnect the AC supply from
the speaker power unit when not in use for any period of time.
To prevent the risk of electric shock, do not remove speaker covers.
Connecting the speaker power cord to any other cords or joining cords
together can cause fire and risk of electric shock.

LS HANDBOOK 1/1
1WELCOME
This chapter gives you a quick tour of your new Apricot LS
Personal Computer. As soon as you’ve unpacked the components
and assembled them, you should progress to the next chapter,
Getting Started.
Throughout this manual ‘Windows’ means Microsoft Windows 95
or Windows NT 4.x, unless otherwise stated.
WARNING
Read the Safety & Regulatory Notices section at the start of this
manual before using the computer for the first time.
Unpacking
After unpacking your computer, keep all the cartons, boxes and
packaging materials; you will need them again if you have to
transport the computer elsewhere.
Use the page at the end of this manual to make a note of the
manufacturer’s data recorded on the various components (product
codes, serial numbers, etc.). A service engineer may need this
information if the computer develops a fault.

Welcome
1/2 LS HANDBOOK
Pictorial guide to the system unit
COMPACT
742
3
5
61
8
9
1P
OWER button 6 CD phono jack & volume control
2CDE
JECT button 7 Diskette drive
3 CD emergency eject hole 8 Infrared sensor (optional)
4 CD-ROM disc drawer (platter) 9 Hard disk activity indicator
5 CD activity indicator
Use the POWER button to turn on the computer and change power
modes. The light on the button changes colour to show the current
mode. See the Getting Started chapter for more information.
Not all systems are fitted with a CD-ROM drive.
The infrared sensor is present only on models fitted with a LOC
Technology system in the form of an Apricot LS Security Card. See
the LOC Technology Master User’s Guide for more information.

Welcome
LS HANDBOOK 1/3
20
1
1
21
4
23
15
16
17
18
19
13
12
10
89
7
6
14
10101
10101
11
5
1 Casing screws for the top cover 12 Parallel (printer) port
2 AC power outlet for monitor 13 Video out port (option)
3 Voltage selection switch 14 Monitor port
4 AC power inlet from AC supply 15 PCI slot (full-length)
5 Double USB port 16 ISA slot (full-length)
6 Audio output (speaker) jack 17 ISA slot (half-length)
7 Audio line-out jack 18 PCI slots (two half-length)
8 Microphone input jack 19 Serial port 2 (optional)
9 Serial (modem) port 1 20 Security loop for cable or padlock
10 PS/2 keyboard port 21 Caselock (key supplied)
11 PS/2 Mouse port
The audio input socket is mainly intended for a microphone.
Alternatively, you could attach a personal stereo (tape or CD). The
socket provides “phantom power” for electret condenser type
microphones.
The audio output socket is intended for headphones or a pair of
external self-powered loudspeakers.
Rear port symbols (from above illustration)
5 6 7 8 9 10111213 14
USB Speaker Line out Mic. COM1 Key’bd Mouse Print Video Mon.
10101

Welcome
1/4 LS HANDBOOK
To remove the system unit cover
1. Shut down the computer and turn off the monitor.
2. If your AC power outlets have switches, set them to their off
positions.
3. Unplug all power cords from the rear of the system unit.
4. Turn the caselock key to the unlocked position.
5. Unfasten the two casing screws.
6. Slide the top cover rearwards slightly, then lift it off.
Refitting is the reverse of removal. Take effective anti-static
precautions while the top cover is off, as explained in the Safety &
Regulatory Notices at the start of this manual.
Some Apricot LS models incorporate a security feature, controlled
in BIOS Setup, that can detect if the top cover has been removed
while the computer was turned off. See the on-line help in BIOS
Setup for more information.
See the chapter on Motherboard Features & Upgrades for more
information about the motherboard.

Welcome
LS HANDBOOK 1/5
54
1
2
6
7
8
3
1 Power supply
2CD-ROM(optional) housing
3 Hard disk drive housing (under CD-ROM)
4 Floppy diskette drive
5Casefan*
6 Memory (DIMM) sockets
7 Pentium® II processor
8 Video memory (SoDIMM) socket
The fan speed and thus system noise, can vary. The fan is
controlled by a temperature sensor on the processor, which
gets warmer during some operating conditions, such as
intensive software usage.

Welcome
1/6 LS HANDBOOK
General advice
This computer is designed to be used in a normal home or office
environment. Here are a few hints for choosing a suitable site:
Place the system unit flat on a sturdy, level surface, free from
vibration.
Site the computer away from moisture, direct sunlight, and
extremes of heat and cold. Avoid situations in which the
surrounding temperature or humidity may change rapidly.
When the computer is in use, the temperature should be
between 10 and 35 oC and humidity between 20% and 80%
(with no condensation).
When positioning the system unit, monitor and keyboard,
take into account any local or national regulations relating to
ergonomic requirements. For example, you should ensure that
little or no light is reflected off the monitor screen as glare, and
that the keyboard is placed in a comfortable position for
typing.
Give the computer plenty of room so that air can circulate on
all sides. Air is drawn into the system unit through vents at the
front and on the left-hand side, and expelled through the vent
on the back. Ensure that these vents are never obstructed.
Do not allow any cables, particularly power cords, to trail across the
floor where people walking past can snag them.
WARNING
The computer uses the system unit AC power cord as its ‘disconnect
device’. Ensure that the system unit is positioned close to the AC
power outlet, and that the plug is easily accessible.
To prevent fire and electric shock, do not expose any part of the
system unit to rain or moisture.

Welcome
LS HANDBOOK 1/7
Connecting the components
Use the following guidance to connect the components together. It
is important that you take each step in the order indicated.
1. Before connecting any components, ensure that the AC power
supply is switched off or disconnected, and that the system
unit, the monitor, and any peripherals are turned off.
2. Connect the components’ signal cables to their respective ports
on the system unit: keyboard, mouse, monitor, audio (where
appropriate) and any other peripherals. Where appropriate,
connect the computer to the network.
3. Connect the components’ power cords: monitor to system
unit, and system unit and any other peripherals to nearby,
grounded AC power outlets. Then switch on or connect the
AC power supply.
With AC power applied, the system unit is usually in Off [red]
mode. See the Getting Started chapter for more information about
power modes.
Some Apricot LS models incorporate a feature, controlled in BIOS
Setup, that automatically boots the PC to On [green] mode if AC
power is restored, for example, after a power failure. See the on-line
help in BIOS Setup for more information.
COMPUTER POWER ON/OFF
The push-button on/off power switch on the front panel of the computer
does not completely remove (turn off) the AC power to the computer. To
completely remove AC power from the computer, unplug the AC power
cord from the power supply or the wall outlet.

LS HANDBOOK 2/1
2 GETTING STARTED
You should read this chapter even if you do not read any other. It
provides important information to help you to use your Apricot PC
safely and efficiently.
Turning on the PC
To turn on the computer, simply press the POWER button. The
colour of the indicator on the POWER button turns from [red] to
[green]. Remember that the monitor has its own power button or
switch; see the monitor’s User Guide for details.
Power-on self-test (POST)
Whenever the computer is turned on, a power-on self-test (POST)
routine test various hardware components, and compares the actual
configuration of the computer with that recorded in its permanent
memory. During this time, BIOS sign-on and POST messages may
be displayed. These messages are not significant unless they report
errors – see the BIOS Setup & POST chapter.
Booting the operating system
Provided that POST succeeds without discovering any serious
errors or configuration discrepancies, the computer attempts to find
an operating system; that is, it attempts to ‘boot’.
Apricot PCs are typically supplied with either Windows 95,
Windows NT or MS-DOS/Windows for Workgroups already in
place or ‘pre-installed’ on the hard disk, so that the operating
system is ready for you when you turn on the computer.
NOTE
If a diskette is in the diskette drive when the computer is turned on,
the computer will attempt to boot using that diskette. This will
succeed only if the diskette is a ‘system diskette’; that is, one bearing at
least the rudiments of an operating system.

Getting Started
2/2 LS HANDBOOK
Power saving
Use the POWER button to turn the computer on and change power
modes. The colour of the indicator light on the POWER button
shows the current power mode:
[red]Off. Your computer is turned off, but is still connected
to the AC power supply, ready to be turned on (or
turn itself on) when needed.
[yellow]Suspend. Your computer is “sleeping” to conserve
electricity. The processor stops, the hard disk stops
spinning and the monitor goes blank. Briefly pressing
the POWER button wakes it up again. (This mode is
not available with Windows NT 4.x.)
[green]On. Your computer is awake and working normally.
In Suspend mode your computer complies with the requirements of
the “Energy Star” programme for energy-saving systems.
Using the BIOS Setup utility, you can tell the computer to wake
itself up from Suspend or Off mode at a certain time or, if a suitable
modem is installed, when an incoming call is received. A networked
computer can also be woken up by remote control, if it is fitted
with a network card that supports IBM’s “Wake On LAN”
technology.
Manual power saving
If you press the POWER button while the PC is On [green] and
running either Windows 95 or Windows for Workgroups, the PC
goes into Suspend [yellow] mode. You have to press the POWER
button to return to On [green] mode – just moving the mouse or
using the keyboard won’t work.
Alternatively, in Windows 95 (or later) you can click the Start
button in the taskbar, then click Suspend.
NOTE
Future versions of Windows will allow you to redefine the POWER
button so that when you press it the operating system shuts down and
the PC goes directly into Off mode.