Plextor 12-20D User manual

Contacting Plextor’s
Technical Support
Department
YOUR TASK: Learn the variety of methods you can use to contact
Plextor’s Technical Support Department. Learn
what information you should gather before
contacting Plextor’s Technical Support Department.
YOUR OBJECTIVE: Know how to get in contact with Plextor if you
experience any problems installing or operating
your 12/20PleX CD-ROM drive.
YOUR METHOD: Store Plextor’s e-mail, Web site, phone, fax, and
BBS numbers in a convenient location. Keep your
drive’s serial number and a copy of your sales
receipt handy, as well.
Ifyouexperienceaproblemwhileinstallingoroperatingyour12/20PleXdrive,please
refer first to the troubleshooting chapter (Chapter 12) in this manual. It contains
solutionstothemostcommontypesofproblemsfieldedbyourtechnicalsupportstaff.
Our Technical Support Department will help you solve problems that relate specifi-
cally to your 12/20PleX drive. In many cases, a problem that appears to be caused by
your CD-ROM drive actually originates in another part of your computer. In such
instances, our technical support staff will try to help you identify the part (e.g., SCSI
interface board) at fault, and will refer you to the manufacturer of that part for further
assistance.
Although we think highly of the capabilities of our technical support staff, we
recognize that they do suffer from some limitations; namely, they do not possess
psychic or telepathic powers. Therefore, their ability to help you depends a great deal
onyourabilitytohelpthem.You mustactastheireyesandears astheytrytodiagnose
and fix your problem. If you gather the information requested on the following page
before you contact them, you will find that your problem can be resolved much more
quickly.
Plextor’s Technical Support Department is available Monday through Friday, 6:30
a.m. to 5:30 p.m., PST. We are closed on weekends and some holidays.
---- CHAPTER 13 ----
12/20PLEX OPERATION MANUAL 59

How to Contact
There are four ways for you to contact Plextor’s Technical Support Department:
1) Send us e-mail at [email protected]., or visit our Web site for answers
to frequently asked questions.
2) Log on to our BBS (2400/9600/14.4/28.8/MNP, V.42bis) at 408-986-1569.
You will find a great deal of useful information and software on our BBS. It
includes:
•Device drivers for various SCSI interface boards and soundboards
(available only to those who have purchased these boards directly
from Plextor).
•Utilities to enhance the operation of your drive.
•Discussions of various technical problems you might encounter,
with suggestions as to how you might fix or circumvent them.
•In addition, you can upload questions you have about the installa-
tion or operation of your 12/20PleX drive. A member of Plextor’s
technical support staff will respond to your question either by
phone or modem.
3) Sendafaxtotheattentionof the Technical Support Department at408-986-
1010. Include your telephone number and the hours during which you can be
reached. Be as detailed as possible in describing your problem. It typically is
usefulifyoualsosendaprintoutofyourAUTOEXEC.BATandCONFIG.SYS files.
4) Call 800-886-3935 and select the technical support extension.
Before You E-mail/Log On/FAX/Call
Please gather as much of this information as possible:
✓The serial number of your CD-ROM drive (your serial number can be found both
on the warranty card that accompanied the drive and on a label on the drive itself).
✓The name and model number of your SCSI interface board (e.g., Future Domain
TMC-1610, Adaptec AHA-1515, Trantor T-130).
✓Theversionof thesoftwaredevicedrivers thatcamewithyour SCSI interfaceboard
(this typically is found on the label of the floppy disk which contains the device
drivers).
✓The version of the Windows, DOS, Mac, Novell, OS/2 or UNIX operating system
you are using.
✓The brand name and model number of your computer (e.g., Dell 466/NP, Micron
P66PCI Powerstation, ALR Evolution V, Apple Macintosh Performa 575).
CHAPTER 13 ---- Contacting Plextor’s Technical Support Department
60 12/20PLEX OPERATION MANUAL

✓The type of VGA, Super VGA, or other graphics card you use.
✓Brand name and model number of any other peripherals you have installed/
connected to your computer (e.g., scanner, fax board, network board).
Returns
YoumustreceiveanRMA(ReturnedMaterialsAuthorization)numberfromourTechnical
Support Department before any Plextor CD-ROM drive can be returned for repair or
replacement. Any drive sent to Plextor without an RMA number will not be accepted.
Drives must be sent postage prepaid. We recommend that you insure your shipment,
asPlextorcannotbeheldresponsibleforanydamagethatmayoccurduringshipment.
Helpful Contacts (Phone/FAX/BBS/Web)
COMPANY PHONE FAX BBS
Product Web address
Adaptec 408-945-8600 408-262-2533 408-945-7727
SCSI interface boards www.adaptec.com
AMC 206-882-0587 206-861-8391 ----
Audio cables [email protected]
Basin Comp. 800-238-4453 818-598-0110 818-597-0275
SCSI interface boards
Diamond 408-736-2000 408-325-7000 408-524-9301
Soundboards www.diamond.com
DPT 407-830-5522 407-260-5366 407-830-1070
SCSI interface boards www.dpt.com
DTC 408-942-4000 408-942-4052 408-942-4010
SCSI interface boards www.datatechnology.com
Future Domain 714-455-8100 714-253-0429 714-253-0432
SCSI interface boards www.adaptec.com
FWB 415-325-4392 415-833-4653 ----
Mac device drivers www.fwb.com
Pacific Inter Connects 408-654-0234 408-982-9329 ----
Audio cables www.piccable.com
Plextor 408-980-1838 408-986-1010 / 408-986-1569
Recommend SCSI soundboards, audio cables, and all other technical support needs
[email protected]
Trantor (see Adaptec listing)
SCSI interface boards and Mac device drivers
CHAPTER 13 ---- Contacting Plextor’s Technical Support Department
12/20PLEX OPERATION MANUAL 61

Specifications
PX-20TSi Internal PX-20TSe External
Disc
Useable Formats CD-DA; CD-ROM Mode 1; CD-DA; CD-ROM Mode 1;
CD-XA Mode 2, Form 1 & 2; CD-XA Mode 2, Form 1 & 2;
Multi-session Mode 1 & 2; Multi-session Mode 1 & 2;
CD UDF (variable packets); CD UDF (variable packets);
CD+G; CD+Midi CD+G; CD+Midi
Disc Type ISO 9660-HFS; Rockridge; ISO 9660-HFS; Rockridge;
PhotoCD; Video CD; CD-I; PhotoCD; Video CD; CD-I;
CD-Extra (CD-Plus); CD-Extra (CD-Plus);
Enhanced CD; CD-R; Enhanced CD; CD-R;
Disc Diameter 12 cm. (60 min. & 74 min.) 12 cm. (60 min. & 74 min.)
Rotational Speed at
12/20X Inner Track: 6360 rpm Inner Track: 6360 rpm Outer Track: 4000 rpm Outer Track: 4000 rpm
Performance
Data Transfer Rate
Sync
Async
1.8--3.0 MB/sec.; 1.8--3.0 MB/sec.;
Burst: 10 MB/sec. Burst: 10 MB/sec.
Burst: 5.0 MB/sec. Burst: 5.0 MB/sec.
Random Access 95 ms 95 ms
Data Buffer 512 KB 512 KB
Optical Pickup
Laser
Spindle Motor Semiconductor Semiconductor Brushless Brushless
Error Rate Mode 1: 1 Block/1012Bits; Mode 1: 1 Block/1012Bits;
Mode 2: 1 Block/109Bits Mode 2: 1 Block/109Bits
Front Panel
Indicator (LED) DISC IN; Power ON/BUSY DISC IN; Power ON/BUSY
Disc Loading Automatic; tray Automatic; tray
Headphone Jack Stereo mini-jack, Stereo mini-jack,
0.9V at 32 Ohms 0.9V at 32 Ohms
Volume Control Wheel Knob Wheel Knob
Play Button Play, Forward, Skip Play, Forward, Skip
Stop/Eject Button Stop, Eject Stop, Eject
---- CHAPTER 14 ----
62 12/20PLEX OPERATION MANUAL

PX-20TSi Internal PX-20TSe External
Rear Panel
Power Supply DC +5V; DC +12V AC 100-240V 50/60 Hz.,
Power Switch ---- Tumbler Type: 3A, 250V
Interface Connector SCSI, 50-Pin SCSI, Two 50-Pin
Header Type High-density Connector
Audio Output Analog Output, Analog Output, RCA Jacks
Molex Connector
(P/N 50083-8014 4-pin)
Use Molex Housing
(P/N 51030-0430 4-pin)
Jumper Switches SCSI ID, Parity, Term, ----
Test, Block, Eject
DIP Switch ---- Parity, Term, Test
Block, Eject
Rotary Switch ---- SCSI ID
Environmental Conditions
Operating
Temperature 0 to 45 degrees Celsius 0 to 45 degrees Celsius
Humidity 20 to 80% 20 to 80%
Noncondensing Noncondensing
Storage
Temperature --40 to 60 degrees Celsius --40 to 60 degrees Celsius
Humidity 10 to 95% 10 to 95%
Noncondensing Noncondensing
Dimensions and Weight
Dimensions (W/H/D) 5.79" x 1.64" x 7.95" 7.0" x 2.24" x 12.03"
Weight 2.4 lbs. 5.7 lbs.
Reliability
MTBF 100,000 POH 100,000 POH
Tray Loading 50,000 Times 50,000 Times
CHAPTER 14 ---- Specifications
12/20PLEX OPERATION MANUAL 63

Windows 95 Drivers
and Installation Guide
Quick Install
Windows 95 should automatically recognize and support your SCSI controller and
Plextor CD-ROM drive. Microsoft has included a generic CD-ROM device driver in
the operating system. They have also included numerous controller specific drivers
on the Windows 95 CD-ROM. If you connect your Plextor drive to a previously
installedandoperatingSCSIcontroller,Windows95willrecognizethenewcontroller
and ask you to insert the Windows 95 CD-ROM so it can obtain the necessary file. If
you purchased your SCSI controller in a Plextor kit, you can use either the Windows
95 CD or the Plextor Manager floppy disk to provide the necessary file. If you
purchased your new SCSI controller from another source, you must use the Windows
95 CD. If Windows 95 does not have the necessary file, you will need to use software
provided by the manufacturer of the SCSI controller. If you encounter any problems,
we suggest you read the following detailed instructions.
Detailed Instructions
If the Quick Install description above does not work, this section will tell you a little
abouttheWindows95operatingsystem,helpyoufigureoutwhatyourcurrentsystem
configuration is, and then walk you through the installation. If you are lucky, this
process will be close to ‘‘Plug and Play’’. Either way, don’t worry. You will soon be
using the highest performance CD-ROM drive around. If you have any problems at
all, our technical support staff will help you out. They can be reached toll-free at
800-886-3935.
Microsoft has incorporated ‘‘PlugandPlay’’softwareintoWindows95.Theoretically,
this enables true Plug and Play peripherals, such as your Plextor CD-ROM drive, to
configure themselves automatically after installation. You have been hearing about
PlugandPlayforalongtimenowfromeveryoneandtheirbrother.Thereality:Anyone
telling you their product was Plug and Play prior to August 24, 1995 (the Windows
95 release date) was pulling your leg. The unfortunate thing is that even now things
arenotquiteasautomaticastheyshouldbe.That’sallrightthough----Plextorwillmake
it work for you.
ForatruePlugandPlayexperiencewhileinstallingaSCSIperipheralmanythingsare
required. Your system must have Plug and Play BIOS available either on the mother-
board or on a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) SCSI controller. All PCI
controllers have this capability. Your controller itself must also have its own Plug and
---- APPENDIX ----
64 12/20PLEX OPERATION MANUAL

Playcapabilities.AgainallPCIcontrollersincludethesefeatures.Your SCSIcontroller
must also be SCAM capable. It may sound like a con game, but actually SCAM stands
for SCSI Configured Auto Magically (sure it sounds hokey, but we didn’t make it up).
Others may refer to it as SCSI Configured AutoMatically.
Any combination of up to seven internal and external devices can be attached to a
single SCSI controller. Each must be set to a unique ID number (0--6) for identification
purposes in your computer system. SCAM is the Plug and Play feature that overrides
whatever a device’s SCSI ID is set to (physically, via jumpers or switches on the back
of the drive) and makes sure each device has a unique ID.
Theproblemis that evenwithallthe delaysinreleasingWindows 95,mostperipheral
manufacturers were not fully prepared to implement SCAM. As a result, this was
removed from the finallist of requirements for obtaining the ‘‘Designedfor Microsoft®
Windows®95’’ certification.
Your computer’s capabilities are pretty much out of our control. On the other hand,
your Plextor drive is fully SCAM capable. Benevolent folks that we are, if you bought
aPlextor‘‘kit’’youalsohaveaSCAMcapableSCSIcontrollerinfrontofyou----wouldn’t
make much sense to sell you a true Plug and Play drive and some old technology
controller board, would it? You can also buy SCAM capable controller kits off the
shelfatmostcomputerstoresbynow.ItispossiblethatyouhaveaPCISCSIcontroller,
which means you are in really good shape, especially if you have already installed
Windows 95. We also include a floppy disk that gives you some great utilities and
makes this whole Plug and Play thing work (more on that coming up).
To the best of our knowledge, Plextor’s 4PleX Plus was the first ever SCAM capable
CD-ROM drive----another first for Plextor. Of course, as we revise this in 1997, those
other guys are still pulling your leg. Just because they say Plug and Play it doesn’t
mean it’s true. And all those Windows 95 logos you see do not really promise Plug
andPlay;theyonlypromisefunctionalityonce you finally get the device installedand
configured properly.
So, let’s say your computer is Plug and Play or you have a PCI SCSI controller, your
SCSI controller and Plextor CD-ROM drive are SCAM capable, and you have
successfully installed Windows 95. No problem, right? Wrong. In Windows 95
various files are used to support different SCSI controllers (think of them as device
drivers). Unfortunately, different files are used in a SCAM environment than are used
in a non-SCAM environment. To make matters worse, some Windows 95 releases
will not recognize when your controller is SCAM capable and load the correct file.
Instead,sinceSCAMwasnotarequirementforlogocertificationbythetimeWindows
95 was released, and most devices were not yet capable, it automatically loads the
files that support the non-SCAM device.
As you might suspect by now, Plextor fixes this problem for you. Just pay close
attentiontotheinstructionsandeverythingwillworkoutfine.Nowthatwehavebored
you with the history and current state of Plug and Play, it’s time to get that great new
CD-ROM drive up and running. Turn the page and let’s get you started.
Inside back cover
Appendix ---- Windows 95 Drivers
12/20PLEX OPERATION MANUAL 65

Configuration Identification
Thefirstthingyouwantto do is figure out exactlywhatyourconfigurationisand what
you are trying to accomplish. Review the following descriptions and then go to the
appropriate section of this manual.
•YouhavepurchasedanewSCAM capable Plextor CD-ROM drive kit
with a SCAM capable SCSI controller. If you purchased just the drive
without a SCSI controller, it is also possible (though unlikely) that you
alreadyhad,orseparatelypurchased,aSCAMcapableSCSIcontroller
board. Your computer has a Plug and Play BIOS or your SCSI
controller is of the PCI variety. You have Windows 95 installed. You
may have purchased a new computer with Windows 95 installed, or
you purchased an upgrade to Windows 95 on floppies and already
installed it. You may also have upgraded to Windows 95 from a CD
using an older CD-ROM drive. If this scenario describes your situ-
ation, consider yourself a state-of-the-art computer jockey. Go to the
section titled ‘‘Plug and Play Installation,’’ page 67.
•You have a SCAM capable controller as in the Plug and Play configu-
ration, but your computer is a little older and does not have a Plug
and Play BIOS. You also do not have a PCI class SCSI controller to
provide Plug and Play BIOS. Go to the section titled ‘‘Non-Plug and
Play Installation,’’ page 70.
•You did not buy a Plextor kit and have an older SCSI board that is not
SCAM capable. Go to the section titled ‘‘Non-SCAM Installation,’’
page 72.
•You are currently running DOS or Windows 3.x and have purchased
an upgrade to Windows 95 on CD-ROM. Since you do not have an
old CD-ROM drive, you need to install your new Plextor CD-ROM
drive first. But you need to run the upgrade while in a DOS/Windows
environment, and you need a device driver. Problem? Not with
Plextor.WeprovideallthesoftwareyouneedtorununderDOS/Win-
dowsand upgrade to Windows 95. It’s a bit complex, but we’ll get
you there. Go to the section titled ‘‘Upgrading to Windows 95 From
DOS/Windows Using CD-ROM,’’ page 74.
By the way, our instructions generally assume you are installing a SCSI controller as well
as a Plextor CD-ROM drive. Of course, it is quite possible you already have a SCSI
controller installed and operating under Windows 95. If so, you can make appropriate
adjustments to the procedures. For instance, since your controller is already functioning
under Windows 95, it will not ask for a disk or CD to get support for the controller. We
haveaddressedsomepotentialproblemsthismaycauseinthetroubleshootingportion
of each section.
Appendix ---- Windows 95 Drivers
66 12/20PLEX OPERATION MANUAL

Plug and Play Installation
Install Hardware
You should be able to simply install your SCSI controller, CD-ROM drive, and all
cabling without any concern for things like SCSI ID selection. First, turn off your
computer system, then review the Hardware Installation chapter of your drive’s
Operation Manual for installation instructions. You should also familiarize yourself
with the chapter on Termination. However, the quick solution here is to place your
internal drive at one end of the SCSI ribbon cable and the SCSI controller at the other
end of the cable. Your drive ships from the factory with termination enabled so
everything should be fine. If you put another SCSI device between the controller and
the drive, you need to make sure termination is disabled on that device. For external
devices, if your Plextor drive is the last in a chain of devices, leave termination
enabled. If it is not last in the chain, disable termination. All SCAM capable boards
should have the ability to automatically set termination of the board itself so you
shouldnot have to deal with this. Once your hardware is Plugged in, it is timeto Play.
But of course we first have to take care of that little device driver problem.
Install Software
After your CD-ROM drive and SCSI controller are installed, it is time to make the right
software file available to complete your Plug and Play environment. Turn on your
computer, and your system should automatically detect and configure your SCSI
controller. When you start Windows 95 it will then recognize that it does not have the
rightdriveravailableforyournewSCSIcontroller.Adialogboxnamed‘‘NewHardware
Found’’ appears, followed immediately by a dialog box named ‘‘Insert Disk.’’ At this
point, click on ‘‘OK’’ in the ‘‘Insert Disk’’ dialog box and a second ‘‘New Hardware
Found’’ dialog box will appear. It will ask you to insert the Windows 95 disk or CD.
Please, DON’T DO IT. If you do put in your Microsoft disk or CD, Windows 95 may
automatically load the non-SCAM capable file for the SCSI controller we provided.
Instead,ifyoupurchasedaPlextorkit with SCSI controller, insert the PlextorManager
disk.ThisdiskhastheSCAMcapablesupportfileforyourSCSIcontrollertocomplete
your Plug and Play CD-ROM environment. After inserting the disk, select ‘‘Browse’’
in the dialog box and then select the appropriate drive letter (probably A:\). The
Windows 95 configuration process should select the correct file off the floppy disk
and copy it to the correct Windows 95 subdirectory on your hard drive.
If you purchased a SCAM capable SCSI controller separately, the correct file is
hopefullylocatedon adiskprovided withthecontroller. Wesuggestyoufirsttryusing
this disk, supplied by the manufacturer of your SCSI controller, rather than inserting
the Windows 95 disk. If you do not have such a disk (or cannot find it among all the
Appendix ---- Windows 95 Drivers
12/20PLEX OPERATION MANUAL 67

other disks you have), you can try using the files provided by Windows 95, but we
cannot guarantee you will get SCAM support.
Reboot Your Computer
Reboot your machine by selecting ‘‘SHUT DOWN’’ from the START Button. In the
shut down dialog box select ‘‘Restartthe Computer’’ and select‘‘YES.’’Thiswillreboot
your computer with the new configuration. As your system goes through all its self
checks, you might find it interesting to watch the display and note the SCSI ID that
hasbeenassignedtoyourCD-ROMdrive.Yourdrivecamefromthefactoryphysically
set to ID #3. It is possible (especially if you have other SCSI devices) that once you
reboot your computer, the configuration process will reassign the drive to some other
SCSI ID number. If so, you have just seen visual proof of Plextor’s SCAM capabilities.
Get out your favorite or most useful CD and enjoy.
Troubleshooting
If you followed the previous instructions, you should be up and running without any
problems. If things are not working correctly, there are four likely problems.
•First, you might have overlooked our instructions to use the Plextor
Manager disk to get the necessary driver support for your SCSI
controller. If you used the Windows 95 disk or CD, the configuration
process may have copied the wrong (i.e., non-SCAM capable) driver
support. Then, if some other SCSI device attached to your SCSI
controller is physically set to the same ID as your CD-ROM drive, a
conflict will occur. To solve this problem, insert the Plextor Manager
diskoruseWindowsExplorerorthefollowingDOScommandtocopy
the correct file to the applicable Windows 95 subdirectory:
copy A:\*.MPD C:\windows\system\iosubsys
Reboot again and everything should work fine.
•Thesecondlikelycauseisthatyourmotherboardmaynothavea Plug
and Play capable BIOS and your Plug and Play SCSI controller is not
ofthePCI variety.Youwill needtoturnoff yourcomputerand disable
the Plug and Play capabilities on your SCSI controller. Review the
controller’s documentation (check the Quick Start Guide or similar
document first) to determine the location of the disable switch. After
disabling, review the ‘‘Install Hardware’’ portion of the Non-Plug and
Play Installation section of this manual. Make sure termination is set
properlyonyourcontrollerandalldevicesattachedtoit.Restartyour
computer.
Appendix ---- Windows 95 Drivers
68 12/20PLEX OPERATION MANUAL

•It is also possible that the SCSI controller you may have purchased
separately is not really SCAM capable as you thought. Not to worry,
though. You simply need to deal with SCSI ID selection. First, turn off
your computer. Review the Operation Manual discussion of SCSI ID
selection (Chapter 6) and then check the physical selection of SCSI
ID on your CD-ROM drive and any other SCSI devices connected to
yourcontroller.Makesurethatalldevicesarephysicallysettounique
IDs. Since your board is not SCAM capable, it will probably not have
automatic termination. You will also need to make sure the termina-
tion of your board is set properly. If you have both internal and
external devices attached, the termination on your controller should
bedisabled.Reviewthecontroller’sdocumentationtodeterminehow
to do this. If you have ONLY internal devices, or ONLY external
devices, termination of your SCSI controller should remain enabled.
After your IDs and termination are set properly, restart your system.
•Finally, it is possible that your previously or separately purchased
SCAM capable controller is not being supported properly by Win-
dows 95. If you had to use the Windows 95 disk or CD to get support
for the controller, it may not have existed, or it may have loaded a
non-SCAMcapableversionofthefile. If the file did not exist, you will
have to contact the SCSI controller manufacturer to obtain the neces-
sary file (you might first look through your own stack of disks one
more time). Once you have the correct file, you can then use the
Windows95 ‘‘Add New Hardware Wizard’’ to load it. If Windows 95
did load a file during the configuration process, AND you have
another SCSI device besides your Plextor CD-ROM drive, then you
probablyhaveaconflictwithyourSCSIIDs.Inotherwords,Windows
95 loaded a non-SCAM capable support file. The quick fix here is to
leap out of the Plug and Play environment and reset the SCSI ID on
one of your devices per the previous paragraph. Alternatively, you
can find or obtain the SCAM capable file from the manufacturer of
yourSCSIcontroller.YouwillthenneedtocopythatfiletoaWindows
95 subdirectory using Windows Explorer or the following DOS
command:
copy A:\filename.ext C:\windows\system\iosubsys
TheSCSIcontrollerdocumentationshouldtell youwhichfile tocopy.
If not, you should contact the technical support department of the
SCSIcontrollermanufacturer.Ifyoucannotreachthem,ortheycannot
help you, contact Plextor’s Technical Support Department.
Appendix ---- Windows 95 Drivers
12/20PLEX OPERATION MANUAL 69

Non-Plug and Play Installation
Install Hardware
Refer to the Operation Manual for instructions on installing your SCSI controller,
cabling,andCD-ROMdrive.If your non-PCI controller hasPlugandPlayfeatures but
your computer system is not supporting Plug and Play, you will need to disable the
Plug and Play capabilities on your SCSI controller. Review the controller’s documen-
tation(checktheQuickStartGuideorsimilardocumentfirst)todeterminethelocation
of the disable switch.
Youmightwant tofamiliarizeyourselfwith thechapteronTermination in yourdrive’s
Operation Manual. However, the quick solution here is to place your internal drive
at one end of the SCSI ribbon cable and the SCSI controller at the other end of the
cable. Your CD-ROM drive ships from the factory with termination enabled, so
everything should be fine. If you put another SCSI device between the controller and
the drive, you need to make sure termination is disabled on that device. For external
devices, if your drive is the last in a chain of devices, leave termination enabled. If it
is not last in the chain, disable termination.
Install Software
AfteryourCD-ROMdriveandSCSI controller are installed, it is time to make the right
software device driver file available to support your new controller. Turn on your
computerandstart up Windows95,andyour systemshouldautomaticallydetect and
configure your SCSI controller. If you have just installed it, Windows 95 will then
recognize that it does not have the right driver available. A dialog box named ‘‘New
Hardware Found’’ appears, followed immediately by a dialog box named ‘‘Insert
Disk.’’ At this point, click on ‘‘OK’’ in the ‘‘Insert Disk’’ dialog box and a second ‘‘New
Hardware Found’’ dialog box will appear. It will ask you to insert the Windows 95
diskorCD.Please,DON’TDOIT.IfyoudoputinyourMicrosoftdiskorCD,Windows
95 will automatically load the non-SCAM capable file for the SCSI controller we
provided.
Instead, if you purchased a Plextor kit with SCSI controller, insert the Plextor Manager
disk.ThisdiskhastheSCAM capable support file for your SCSI controller to complete
your Plug and Play CD-ROM environment. After inserting the disk, select ‘‘Browse’’
in the dialog box and then select the appropriate drive letter (probably A:\). The
Windows 95 configuration process should select the correct file off the floppy disk
and copy it to the correct Windows 95 subdirectory on your hard drive.
If you purchased a SCAM capable SCSI controller separately, the correct file is
hopefullylocatedon a diskprovidedwiththe controller.Wesuggestyou firsttryusing
thisdisksuppliedbythemanufacturer of your SCSI controller rather than inserting the
Appendix ---- Windows 95 Drivers
70 12/20PLEX OPERATION MANUAL

Windows95disk.Ifyoudo not have such a disk (or cannot find it among all the other
disks you have), you can try using the files provided by Windows 95, but we cannot
guarantee you will get SCAM support.
Reboot Your Computer
Reboot your machine by selecting ‘‘SHUT DOWN’’ from the ‘‘START’’ Button. In the
shut down dialog box select ‘‘Restartthe Computer’’ andselect‘‘YES.’’ This will reboot
your computer with the new configuration.
Troubleshooting
If you followed the previous instructions, you should be up and running without any
problems. If things are not working correctly, there are four likely problems.
•First, if you purchased a Plextor kit, you might have overlooked our
instructionstousethePlextorManagerdisktogetthenecessarydriver
support for your SCSI controller. If you used the Windows 95 disk or
CD, the configuration process may have copied the wrong (i.e.
non-SCAM capable) driver support. Then, if some other SCSI device
attached to your SCSI controller is physically set to the same ID as
your 4PleX Plus, a conflict will occur. To solve this problem, insert
the Plextor Manager disk and use Windows Explorer or the following
DOS command, to copy the correct file to the applicable Windows
95 subdirectory:
copy A:\*.MPD C:\windows\system\iosubsys
Reboot again and everything should work fine.
•The second likely cause is that you neglected to disable the Plug and
Play capabilities on your SCSI controller. Turn off your computer.
Review the controller’s documentation (check the Quick Start Guide
or similar document first) to determine the location of the disable
switch. Double-check for proper termination. Restart your computer.
•It is also possible that the SCSI controller you purchased separately is
not really SCAM capable as you thought. Not to worry, though. You
simply need to deal with SCSI ID selection. First, turn off your
computer. Review the drive’s Operation Manual discussion of SCSI
IDselection(Chapter 6)andthencheck the physicalselectionofSCSI
IDs on your drive and any other SCSI devices connected to your
controller.MakesurethatalldevicesarephysicallysettouniqueIDs.
Since your board is not SCAM capable, it will probably not have
automatic termination. You will also need to make sure the termination
Appendix ---- Windows 95 Drivers
12/20PLEX OPERATION MANUAL 71

of your board is set properly. After your IDs and termination are set
properly, restart your system.
•Finally, it is possible that your previously or separately purchased
SCAM capable controller is not being supported properly by Win-
dows 95. If you used the Windows 95 disk or CD to get support for
the controller, it may not have existed, or it may have loaded a
non-SCAMcapableversionofthefile. If the file did not exist, you will
have to contact the SCSI controller manufacturer to obtain the neces-
saryfile(youmightfirstlookthroughyourownstackofdisksonemore
time). Once you have the correct file, you can then use the Windows
95 ‘‘Add New Hardware Wizard’’ to load it. If Windows 95 did load
a file during the configuration process, AND you have another SCSI
device besides your Plextor drive, then you probably have a conflict
withyourSCSIIDs.Inother words, Windows 95 loaded a non-SCAM
capable support file. The quick fix here is to leap out of the Plug and
Play environment and reset the SCSI ID on one of your devices per
the previous paragraph. Alternatively, you can find or obtain the
SCAMcapablefilefromthemanufacturerofyourSCSIcontroller.You
will then need to copy that file to a Windows 95 subdirectory using
Windows Explorer or the following DOS command:
copy A:\filename.ext C:\windows\system\iosubsys
TheSCSIcontrollerdocumentation shouldtell youwhichfiletocopy.
If not, you should contact the technical support department of the
SCSIcontrollermanufacturer.Ifyoucannotreachthem,ortheycannot
help you, contact Plextor’s Technical Support Department.
Non-SCAM Installation
Install Hardware
Refer to the Operation Manual for instructions on installing your SCSI controller,
cabling, and CD-ROM drive. If your non-PCI controller has Plug and Play features,
but your computer system is not supporting Plug and Play, you will need to disable
the Plug and Play capabilities on your SCSI controller. Review the controller’s
documentation (check the Quick Start Guide or similar document first) to determine
the location of the disable switch.
SinceyourSCSIboardisnotPlugandPlayandSCAMcapable,youwillhavetoensure
that all peripheral devices attached to the controller have unique SCSI IDs. Review
the section of the Operation Manual that covers SCSI IDs (Chapter 6). Make sure that
all peripheral SCSI devices connected to the controller board are physically set to
unique ID numbers (using switches or jumpers).
Appendix ---- Windows 95 Drivers
72 12/20PLEX OPERATION MANUAL

You should familiarize yourself with the chapter on Termination in your drive’s
Operation Manual. However, the quick solution here is to place your internal drive
at one end of the SCSI ribbon cable and the SCSI controller at the other end of the
cable. Your CD-ROM drive ships from the factory with termination enabled so
everything should be fine. If you put another SCSI device between the controller and
the drive, you need to make sure termination is disabled on that device. For external
devices, if your drive is the last in a chain of devices, leave termination enabled. If it
is not last in the chain, disable termination.
Finally, controllers that are not SCAM capable will not likely have automatic termi-
nation. You will need to make sure termination of your controller is set properly. If
you have both internal and external devices attached, the termination on your
controller should be disabled. Review the controller’s documentation to determine
how to do this. If you have ONLY internal devices, or ONLY external devices,
termination of your SCSI controller should remain enabled.
Install Software
After your drive and SCSI controller are installed, it is time to make the right software
device driver files available to support your new controller. Turn on your computer
andstartupWindows95,andyour system should automatically detect andconfigure
your SCSI controller. If you have just installed a new controller, Windows 95 will
recognize that it does not have the right driver available. A dialog box named ‘‘New
Hardware Found’’ appears, followed immediately by a dialog box named ‘‘Insert
Disk.’’ At this point, click on ‘‘OK’’ in the ‘‘InsertDisk’’ dialog box and a second ‘‘New
Hardware Found’’ dialog box will appear. It will ask you to insert the Windows 95
disk or CD. If you do this, it will automatically load the non-SCAM capable file.
Since your SCSI controller does not support SCAM, this is appropriate. After inserting
thediskorCD,select‘‘Browse’’ inthedialog boxandthenselectthe appropriatedrive
letter. The Windows 95 configuration process should select the correct file off the
floppy disk and copy it to the correct Windows 95 subdirectory on your hard drive.
It is possible that Windows 95 will not have the required support for your SCSI
controller. If that is the case, you will need to call the controller manufacturer’s
technical support department. If you still have problems, call Plextor’s Technical
Support Department at 800-886-3935.
Reboot Your Computer
Reboot your machine by selecting ‘‘SHUT DOWN’’ from the ‘‘START’’ Button. In the
shut down dialog box select ‘‘Restart the computer’’ and select ‘‘YES.’’ This will reboot
your computer with the new configuration.
Appendix ---- Windows 95 Drivers
12/20PLEX OPERATION MANUAL 73

Troubleshooting
If you followed the previous instructions, you should be up and running without any
problems. If things are not working correctly, there are three likely problems.
•First, having read this entire document, you might have inadvertently
copied the SCSI controller support files on the Plextor Manager disk
into your Windows subdirectory. It is possible the SCAM files on our
disk are not properly supporting your controller. To solve this prob-
lem, delete the applicable *.MPD file(s) from C:\windows\system\
iosubsysandthenreinstallthecorrectsupportfileusingthe Windows
95 ‘‘Add New Hardware Wizard.’’ (See the ‘‘Add New Hardware’’
discussion (page 77 of this manual)in the ‘‘Upgrading to Windows 95
from DOS/Windows Using CD-ROM’’ section of these instructions.)
Restart your system and everything should work fine.
•The second likely cause is that your previously purchased SCSI
controller supports some Plug and Play features, but it is not PCI and
not SCAM capable, AND you also have no Plug and Play BIOS on
your motherboard. You will need to disable Plug and Play on your
controller.Turnoff yourcomputer.Reviewthe controller’sdocumen-
tation (check the Quick Start Guide or similar document first) to
determinethelocationofthedisableswitch.Double-checkforproper
termination. Restart your computer.
•Finally, you may have failed to set a unique SCSI ID for each of your
peripheral devices connected to your controller. Turn off your com-
puter. Review the Operation Manual on SCSI ID selection (Chapter
6)andthencheckthephysicalselectionofSCSIIDsonyourCD-ROM
drive and any other SCSI devices connected to your controller. Make
sure that all devices are physically set to unique IDs. After your IDs
are set properly, restart your system.
Upgrading to Windows 95
From DOS/Windows Using CD-ROM
Install Hardware
If you are installing your Plextor drive in a Plug and Play environment (Plug and Play
BIOS on the motherboard and a SCAM capable controller), refer to the ‘‘Install
Hardware’’ portion of the ‘‘Plug and Play Installation’’ section on page 67 of these
instructions.
Appendix ---- Windows 95 Drivers
74 12/20PLEX OPERATION MANUAL

If you are installing your Plextor drive in a non-Plug and Play environment (no Plug
and Play BIOS on the motherboard, and your interface card is not PCI but is SCAM
capable), refer to the ‘‘Install Hardware’’ portion of the ‘‘Non-Plug and Play Installa-
tion’’ section on page 70 of these instructions.
IfyouareinstallingyourPlextordriveinanon-SCAMcapableenvironment(yourSCSI
controller is not SCAM capable), refer to the ‘‘Install Hardware’’ portion of the
‘‘Non-SCAM Installation’’ section on page 72 of these instructions.
Install Software
InordertouseyourPlextordriveunderDOSorWindows3.xtoupgradetoWindows
95, you must have a device driver to support it. If you just installed a new SCSI
controller that you did not purchase from us, you also need to load what is called an
‘‘ASPI Manager’’ for your controller. Refer to your controller’s documentation for
instructions. If you purchased our kit, the ASPI Manager will load as part of our
CD-ROM device driver installation process. If you purchased our kit, or successfully
loaded the ASPI Manager, you are ready to go. Insert the Plextor Manager disk into
yourfloppydrive.ThenenterthefollowingDOScommandtoinstallthePlextordevice
driver:
A:\install
Or, from your Program Manager in Windows, choose ‘‘File’’ and ‘‘Run,’’ and enter the
following on the command line:
A:\install
Install Windows 95
Insert your Windows 95 CD into your new Plextor CD-ROM drive and follow
Microsoft’s instructions for upgrading. During the installation process Windows 95
will attempt to find and install support for your SCSI controller, resulting in the
following scenarios:
Separately Purchased SCSI Controller
•If you have a previously purchased and installed SCSI controller that
is supported by Windows 95, support will be loaded automatically.
•If your previously purchased SCSI controller is not supported by
Windows 95, you will be prompted to insert a disk that includes the
appropriate file. That disk should have been provided with the
controller.
Appendix ---- Windows 95 Drivers
12/20PLEX OPERATION MANUAL 75

Ifyouhaveaseparately purchased SCSI boardinstalled,wecannotguarantee support
will be available on Windows 95. After the upgrade finishes, you can check to see if
Windows recognizes your SCSI controllerby selecting ‘‘My Computer.’’ If a CD-ROM
drive icon is shown in this Window, everything should be functioning properly. If it
is not, then support for your SCSI controller did not load properly (Windows 95 can’t
look ‘‘through’’ your controller to see your drive). Select ‘‘Control Panel’’ and then
double-click the ‘‘Add New Hardware’’ icon and follow the instructions. This process
will take some time but hopefully will find the files necessary to support your SCSI
board. If it does not, it is possible that Windows 95 does not have the necessary file
available,orthat non-SCAMcapablesupportwas loaded eventhoughyoupurchased
a SCAM capable controller. You may need to contact the manufacturer of the SCSI
controller to get the correct file. It is also possible that your older controller simply
does not have support available for Windows 95 and will need to be replaced.
Plextor Provided SCSI Controller
•IfyourPlextor-providedSCSI controller isnot supportedbyWindows
95,youwillbepromptedtoinsertadiskthatincludestheappropriate
file. At this point you can insert the Plextor Manager floppy, point
Windows95totherootdirectory,anditwillautomaticallyselectand
install the proper file.
•If your Plextor provided SCSI controller is supportedby Windows 95,
itwillautomaticallyinstallnon-SCAMcapable32-bitsupportforyour
SCSIboard.If yourSCSIcontrollerwas not SCAMcapable,thiswould
presentnoproblem.However,sinceyou purchased a SCAM capable
Plextor kit, you may experience problems. After the installation is
complete, copy the *. MPD file(s) from the Plextor floppy disk to the
correct Windows 95 subdirectory using Windows Explorer or the
following DOS command:
copy A:*.MPD C:\windows\system\iosubsys
The non-SCAM capable file originally installed will be overwritten.
Disable Plextor Manager
Our preliminary tests indicate that Plextor’s device driver will operate your Plextor
drive under Windows 95. In fact, we think it may perform even better than under
Microsoft’s generic CD File System (CDFS). However, our device driver is written in
16-bit code and has not been fully tested under Windows 95. In addition, all the
utilities (and more) available in 16-bit code Plextor Manager are also available in
32-bit code Plextor Manager 96. Therefore, we recommend that you disable the
driver.IfyouchoosetooperateyourPlextordriveunderWindows95usingthePlextor
device driver and subsequently encounter any problems, your first step should be to
disable the driver. To disable Plextor’s DOS/Windows driver, click on the ‘‘START’’
Appendix ---- Windows 95 Drivers
76 12/20PLEX OPERATION MANUAL

button.Fromthepop-upmenu select‘‘RUN.’’TypeNOTEPADC:\CONFIG.SYS.This
allows you to edit the CONFIG.SYS file using the notepad editor. Find the lines that
refer to the ASPI Manager (example: BTDOSM.SYS or ASPI4DOS.SYS) and device
driver called PLEXTOR.SYS. Type ‘‘REM’’ in front of each of those two lines. This
disablestheselinesbymarkingthemasREMARKS.Select‘‘SAVE’’fromtheFILEmenu,
and then ‘‘EXIT.’’
Reboot Your Computer
Reboot your machine by selecting ‘‘SHUT DOWN’’ from the START Button. In the
shut down dialog box select ‘‘Restart the computer’’ and select ‘‘YES.’’ This will reboot
your computer with the new configuration.
WhenWindows95starts,aniconforaCD-ROMdrivewillappearin‘‘MyComputer.’’
If it does not, then the support for your SCSI controller has probably not loaded
correctly. Go to the following section titled ‘‘Add New Hardware.’’ Even if you get the
CD-ROM icon, you may want to check that the Windows 95 32-bit driver is working
properly. Select ‘‘Control Panel’’ in ‘‘My Computer’’ and double-click on ‘‘System.’’
Clickonthetabcalled‘‘DeviceManager’’atthetopofthewindow.Inthenewwindow
of devices, double-click on ‘‘SCSI Controllers.’’ This displays all the SCSI controllers
currently installed in your system. In the box called ‘‘DRIVER STATUS’’ the message
should be ‘‘This device is working properly.’’ If you get this message, you can now
make full use of your CD-ROM drive with the Windows 95 32-bit support.
Add New Hardware
If your SCSI controller is not recognized by Windows 95 after installation, or if the
message under ‘‘DRIVER STATUS’’ does not indicate that it is working properly, you
can use the Windows 95 ‘‘Add Hardware Wizard’’ in an attempt to load the required
support.Access‘‘MyComputer,’’open‘‘ControlPanel,’’thendouble-clickonthe‘‘Add
New Hardware’’ icon and follow the directions. This will look for and auto-install
Windows 95 support for your SCSI board and CD-ROM drive IF AVAILABLE. At the
end of this process a screen will notify you if the SCSI board has been detected. If no
new devices are detected, your SCSI board is probably not supported by Windows
95 directly. You may be able to get support from the manufacturer of the SCSI
controller by calling their technical support department.
Appendix ---- Windows 95 Drivers
12/20PLEX OPERATION MANUAL 77

ABOUT PLEXTOR
Plextor is a subsidiary of the Shinano Kenshi Company (SKC), Ltd. SKC’s roots stretch
back to 1918, when it began to manufacture textiles in Japan’s northern prefecture of
Nagano. (Nagano, incidentally, will be the site of the 1998 Winter Olympics.) SKC’s
involvement in the electronics industry started in 1962, when it diversified into the
production of stepper motors for commercial audio products. SKC is now one of the
world’s largest manufacturers of small motors used in hard disks, floppy disks, tape
drives, copy machines, video cameras----and your Plextor CD-ROM drive.
Over the past decade, SKC has developed a reputation as an innovator in compact
discandCD-ROMtechnology.In1992itwasthesecondcompanytobeginshipments
ofdoublespeedCD-ROMdrives.In1994,itwasthefirstcompanytobegin shipments
of half-height quad speed CD-ROM drives. In early 1995, SKC was the first company
to ship a six speed CD-ROM drive. In early 1996, they shipped the first professional
quality eight speed CD-ROM drive. SKC also is a leading manufacturer of compact
disc players used for industrial and commercial applications (e.g., background music
players for retail stores, restaurants, and shopping centers).
PlextoractsasSKC’ssales, service, and support armthroughouttheworld.In addition
toCD-ROMdrives,Plextoralsosellsunderitsownlabelprofessionalaudioequipment
used by radio stations, high-speed printing presses, and a CD encoding system
developed by SKC that can pack up to eight hours of audio onto a single compact disc.
Plextor’s home office is in Tokyo. Plextor first opened an office in California’s Silicon
Valleyin 1990.Rapidgrowthhasrequireditto movetwicesincethentolargeroffices.
Plextornowoccupiesa30,000sq.ft.facilityinSantaClara,California,whichisstaffed
by sales, marketing, technical support, engineering, administrative, and shipping
personnel. Our European office (in Brussels) began operation in 1994.
78 12/20PLEX OPERATION MANUAL