Power Computing PowerTower Pro User manual

PowerTower Pro
UserÕs Guide
Part number 72810
Revision number 970116

For Technical Support, Call 1-800-708-6227 PowerTower Pro UserÕs Guide v
A word from the Power
Computing team
0
Dear New Power Computing Owner,
Thank you for choosing an award winning Mac OS system from Power Computing. As the
Þrst and only vendor of
personalized Mac OS computers
we appreciate your support. Our goal is to provide you with the best product available.
Power Computing was chosen by Apple as the Þrst licensed manufacturer
of Mac OS systems. We created our company with the focus on providing customers with
more choice, better service, and more affordable systems.
Our top priority is you. We offer toll-free lifetime technical support and an inexpensive
optional on-site warranty plan, which provides service at your location. We would love to
hear from you. Call us with any questions, or just
to let us know how you like the system. Our customer service number is
1-800-671-6227; our e-mail address is,
[e-mail] .
We hope this is the beginning of a long relationship between us. We look forward to your
continued support. Enjoy your new Power Computer.
Sincerely,
Steve Kahng
Chairman and CEO

vi PowerTower Pro UserÕs Guide For Technical Support, Call 1-800-708-6227

ii PowerTower Pro UserÕs Guide For Technical Support, Call 1-800-708-6227
Power Computing Corporation
 1996, 1997 Power Computing Corporation. All rights reserved.
Under copyright laws, this manual may not be copied, in whole or in part, without the
written consent of Power Computing. Your rights to the software are governed by the
accompanying software license agreement.
Power Computing Corporation
2555 North Interstate 35
Round Rock, Texas 78664-2015
[phone]
Power Computing, the Power Computing logo, PowerTower, and PowerTower Pro are
trademarks of Power Computing Corporation. Mac and the Mac OS logo are trademarks of
Apple Computer, Inc. All other trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective
holders. Every effort has been made in this book to distinguish proprietary trademarks from
descriptive terms by following the capitalization style used by the manufacturer.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this manual is accurate. Power
Computing is not responsible for printing or clerical errors.
Warranty information about your system may be found beginning on page xvii. Other legal
notices are found in ÒRegulatory InformationÓ on page 161.

For Technical Support, Call 1-800-708-6227 PowerTower Pro UserÕs Guide iii
Support Information
For basic customer and technical support information, as well as product information and
other news, visit our Web Site at:
http://www.powercc.com
Direct or Dealer Support?
Customers who purchased systems directly from Power Computing should contact Power
Computing for assistance. Customers who did not purchase systems directly from Power
Computing must contact the dealer they purchased their system from for assistance.
Contacting Power Computing Customer Service
To contact Power Customer Service call [phone], fax [phone], or e-mail
[e-mail] and describe in detail any problems or issues you need
resolved with respect to Power Computing. Be sure to include your order or quote number,
serial number, and phone number with all correspondence. For details, see ÒContacting
Customer ServiceÓ on page xix.
Contacting Power Computing Technical Support
To contact Power Technical Support call [phone], fax [phone], or e-mail
[e-mail] and describe in detail the problem that you are having with
your Hardware.
Before calling technical support, please complete the troubleshooting steps described in
Chapter 4, ÒTroubleshooting.Ó
For details on contacting Technical Support, see ÒContacting Technical SupportÓ on
page 34.

iv PowerTower Pro UserÕs Guide For Technical Support, Call 1-800-708-6227
Support Numbers
Customers who purchased systems directly from Power Computing should use the numbers
listed below to contact Power Computing for telephone assistance.
Sales To place an order or
check on an order you
havenÕt received yet
M Ð F 8AM to10 PM
Sat 9 AM to 6 PM
Sun 10 AM to 6 PM
1-800-999-7279
Customer
Support
If you have a question
or a problem with an
order you have
received
M Ð F 8 AM to 6 PM
Sat 10 AM to 4PM
Sun 10 AM to 6 PM
1-800-671-6227
Technical
Support
For help with a
technical problem
M Ð F 8 AM to 8 PM
Sat 10 AM to 4 PM
Sun 10 AM to 4 PM
1-800-708-6227

PowerTower Pro UserÕs Guide vii
Table of Contents
PowerTower Pro UserÕs Guide
A word from the Power Computing team ........................................ v
System Overview ............................................................................. xv
System front view ..................................................................................................xv
System rear view ..................................................................................................xvi
Return, Support, Warranty, Satisfaction Guarantee,
and License Information ............................................................... xvii
RETURN POLICIES .......................................................................................xvii
Support information ..........................................................................................xix
LIMITED WARRANTY ..................................................................................xxi
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION GUARANTEE .......................................... xxiii
Apple Computer, Inc. System Software License Agreement ..........................xxv
Chapter 1 Getting Started
Finding a place for the computer and monitor ........................................................1
Plugging in the computer ........................................................................................2
Connecting the monitor ...........................................................................................4
Connecting the mouse and keyboard ......................................................................7
Turning the computer on .........................................................................................9
Problems starting up ..........................................................................................10
Shutting down the computer .................................................................................12
Warranty Registration .......................................................................................13
Chapter 2 Connecting Peripheral Devices
Using SCSI devices ...............................................................................................16
Setting the SCSI ID ...........................................................................................16
Ensuring proper termination ..............................................................................17

viii PowerTower Pro UserÕs Guide
Connecting the device .......................................................................................18
Installing software device drivers ......................................................................19
Connecting a printer ..............................................................................................19
Connecting input devices ......................................................................................19
Connecting a modem or telecom adapter ..............................................................20
Connecting to a network .......................................................................................20
Connecting to a LocalTalk network ..................................................................20
Connecting to an Ethernet network ...................................................................20
Connecting to a Token Ring network ................................................................21
Using audio equipment ..........................................................................................21
Understanding the sound ports ..........................................................................21
Connecting an audio device ...............................................................................21
Connecting external speakers ............................................................................22
Connecting a microphone ..................................................................................23
Playing audio CDs on a CD-ROM drive ...........................................................24
Chapter 3 Getting Started With Mac OS
Running the Basics tutorial ...................................................................................27
Using on-line help .................................................................................................28
Shutting down the computer .................................................................................29
Sleep ..................................................................................................................31
Chapter 4 Troubleshooting
Common problems and solutions ..........................................................................33
Restarting the computer .....................................................................................34
The monitor is dark after you turn on the computer. .........................................34
Flashing question mark on start-up ...................................................................34
A floppy disk icon with an X in it appears. .......................................................36
An icon with a sad face appears when you start up. ..........................................36
A hard disk icon does not appear on the Mac OS desktop. ...............................37
You cannot read a floppy disk. ..........................................................................37
No characters appear on the screen when you type. ..........................................38
You see a dialog box with a bomb. ...................................................................38
You cannot launch a program or it quits unexpectedly. ....................................39
Isolating system software issues ...........................................................................40
Procedures involved in troubleshooting ................................................................42

PowerTower Pro UserÕs Guide ix
Starting up from the Power CD .........................................................................42
Using Disk First Aid ..........................................................................................44
Using HDT Primer PE to test and repair SCSI disks ........................................45
Using Drive Setup for test and repair IDE hard disks .......................................47
Using the System Software installer ..................................................................48
Rebuilding the desktop file ................................................................................50
Resetting (Zapping) the PRAM .........................................................................51
Technical Support Contact Information ................................................................52
Chapter 5 Installing PCI Expansion Cards
Required tools .......................................................................................................55
Removing the cover ..............................................................................................55
How to remove the cover ..................................................................................56
Installing expansion cards .....................................................................................59
What you need to know about adding expansion cards ....................................59
Install an expansion card ...................................................................................61
Chapter 6 Adding Memory
Required tools .......................................................................................................67
Removing the cover ..............................................................................................67
How to remove the cover ..................................................................................68
Adding memory .....................................................................................................72
What you need to know about adding RAM .........................................................72
Installing and removing RAM ...........................................................................73
Prepare the computer .........................................................................................74
Adding video memory ...........................................................................................93
Chapter 7 Installing Internal Drives
What you need to know about installing internal drives .......................................95
Required tools ....................................................................................................95
Drive bay locations ............................................................................................96
Prepare the drive ..................................................................................................100
Removing the cover ............................................................................................103
Installing the drive ...............................................................................................106
Drive replacement and installation considerations ..........................................110
Replacing a drive in the bottom 5.25 inch rack position .................................111

x PowerTower Pro UserÕs Guide
Replacing and installing drives in the upper
5.25 inch rack positions ..................................................................................119
Replacing and installing drives in the
front 3.5 inch rack positions ...........................................................................130
Replacing and installing drives in the RAID rack ...........................................135
Putting the computer back together .................................................................137
Installing software drivers ...................................................................................147
If the drive does not work ...................................................................................147
Appendix A Safety and Health Information
Safety instructions ...............................................................................................149
Health-related information about computer use ..................................................150
Appendix B Technical Information
Specifications ......................................................................................................153
RAM configurations ............................................................................................157
VRAM information .............................................................................................157
Monitor resolution/color table .........................................................................158
Power requirements .........................................................................................159
Appendix C Regulatory Information
FCC statement .....................................................................................................161
Radio and television interference ....................................................................161
DOC statement ....................................................................................................162
CD-ROM drive ....................................................................................................163
Lithium battery warning ......................................................................................163
For use in European countries .............................................................................164

PowerTower Pro UserÕs Guide xi
Hard Disk ToolKit¥ Personal Edition User Guide
Hard Disk ToolKit¥Personal Edition End-User Software License Agreement ...167
HDT Primer PE ...................................................................................................169
Copyright Notice .................................................................................................169
Trademarks ..........................................................................................................169
Disclaimer of Liability and Warranty .................................................................169
Introduction ................................................................................... 171
Welcome to Hard Disk ToolKit¥ Personal Edition .............................................. 171
System Requirements ..........................................................................................171
What Is Hard Disk ToolKit¥
Personal Edition ? ...................................................171
Installing Hard Disk ToolKit¥ Personal Edition ............................ 175
Installing Hard Disk ToolKit¥ Personal Edition ........................................ 175
HDT Primer PE ............................................................................... 177
What is HDT Primer PE? ........................................................................... 177
The HDT Driver ..................................................................................................178
Using HDT Primer PE ................................................................................ 179
Launching HDT Primer PE .................................................................................180
Formatting ...........................................................................................................182
Initializing ...........................................................................................................185
Partitioning ..........................................................................................................187
Testing a Drive ....................................................................................................194
Information Capabilities ......................................................................................195
HDT Primer PE Menu Commands ............................................................ 198
Apple Menu .........................................................................................................198
File Menu ............................................................................................................198
Edit Menu ............................................................................................................199
SCSI Bus menu ...................................................................................................200
Troubleshooting ............................................................................ 201
Common problems by category ............................................................... 201

xii PowerTower Pro UserÕs Guide
ToolKit Operation Problems ...............................................................................201
Happy Mac Problems ..........................................................................................202
Sad Mac ...............................................................................................................202
Drive Problems ....................................................................................................203
Removable Media ...............................................................................................205
File-Oriented Problems .......................................................................................205
System Bomb ......................................................................................................206
Turning off Blind transfers ..................................................................................207
Frequently asked questions ..................................................................... 208
CD-ROM ToolKitª User Guide
Introduction................................................................................................. 223
WhatÕs New .........................................................................................................223
About CD-ROM ToolKit ....................................................................................223
About CDT Remote ............................................................................................224
System Requirements ..........................................................................................225
Supported Devices ...............................................................................................225
Quick Start .................................................................................................. 227
Installing CD-ROM ToolKit......................................................................... 229
Removing Old Driver Software ..........................................................................229
Installing CD-ROM ToolKit and CDT Remote ..................................................230
How To Use CD-ROM ToolKit.................................................................... 239
Overview .............................................................................................................239
Opening CD-ROM ToolKit ................................................................................240
Setting Up a CD-ROM Drive ..............................................................................240
Loading a Device Driver .....................................................................................253
How To Use CDT Remote .......................................................................... 255
Overview .............................................................................................................255
Playing Audio Discs with CDT Remote .............................................................258
Transfer Digital Audio ........................................................................................260
Troubleshooting ......................................................................................... 263

PowerTower Pro UserÕs Guide xiii
Overview .............................................................................................................263
Troubleshooting Installation ...............................................................................263
Frequently Asked Questions ...............................................................................264
Notes on Supported Devices ...............................................................................271
Technical Information ................................................................................ 277
Overview .............................................................................................................277
A Few Facts About CD-ROM .............................................................................277
Compatibility with Audio Players and CD-ROM Drives ...................................278
CD Recorders ......................................................................................................280
Some Facts About Digital Audio Extraction .......................................................284
Care when Manually Ejecting CDs .....................................................................286
CD+G ..................................................................................................................287
Drive Setup: Suggested Settings............................................................. 291
Overview .............................................................................................................291
Some notes about settings ...................................................................................292
Glossary ..................................................................................................... 307
Bitstream Typeface Library .......................................................... 313
Index ............................................................................................... 317
Registration Cards ........................................................................ 327

xiv PowerTower Pro UserÕs Guide

For Technical Support, Call 1-800-708-6227 PowerTower Pro UserÕs Guide xv
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0
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Here are the key features of the system from the front.
mouse
keyboar
d
power ke
y
CD-ROM
drive
keyboard
monitor
(not
included)
c
omputer
front panel
power
button
p
rogrammerÕsi
n
terrupt button
reset
button
ßoppy
disk
drive

xvi PowerTower Pro UserÕs Guide For Technical Support, Call 1-800-708-6227
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Here are the key features of the system from the rear.
PCI
expansion
slots
-
sound out port
Xsound in port
Macintosh-standard
video port
115/230 volt
switch
power input
plug
gexternal
SCSI port
[printer port
Wmodem port
GAAUI
Ethernet port
G10BaseT
Ethernet port
VADB port
VGA video port

For Technical Support, Call 1-800-708-6227 PowerTower Pro UserÕs Guide xvii
Return, Support, Warranty,
Satisfaction Guarantee, and
License Information
0
RETURN POLICIES
If you received equipment (ÒHardwareÓ) from Power Computing Corporation (ÒPowerÓ) in
a damaged shipping container or if your Hardware was otherwise damaged in shipment to
you, please contact the shipper immediately. All Hardware and packaging were fully
inspected prior to shipment from Power, and you must Þle a claim with the shipper for any
damages that may occur in shipment. Retain all shipping materials. Contact Power's
Customer Service Department if you need assistance with any such claims.
Customers who did not purchase systems directly from Power Computing must contact the
dealer they purchased their system from for assistance.
Returns for refund
To return Hardware manufactured by Power Computing Corporation and purchased under
Power's thirty-day money back guarantee, see the terms of the Customer Satisfaction
Guarantee. You must contact Customer Service for a Return Merchandise Authorization
(ÒRMAÓ) before returning the merchandise. If you have already registered your Product for
warranty purposes (see ÒWarranty registrationÓ on page xxi for details), processing will be
simpliÞed.

xviii PowerTower Pro UserÕs Guide For Technical Support, Call 1-800-708-6227
After your return request is received, Power's Customer Service will issue you an RMA
number, along with shipping instructions for return of the Hardware. This number is valid
for ten (10) days from the date of issuance. The Hardware must be received by Power on or
before the tenth day after issuance of the RMA number. Returns will not be accepted
without a valid RMA number written on the box.
Note: A sample shipping label is included in the back of the manual.
Returns for repair
In order to return Hardware for warranty or non-warranty service, you must request an
RMA by contacting Power's Technical Support or Customer Service Department.
You must back up all data stored on the Hardware before returning your Hardware to Power
for repair, as Power will format your drive with a new disk image. Power is not responsible
for any loss of data.
If Power Þnds defective components, materials or workmanship in your Hardware, Power
will use reasonable efforts to repair or replace the Hardware. If the Hardware is under
warranty, there shall be no charge to you for such repairs or replacement, and the Hardware
will be returned to you using the same class of service for shipping. Otherwise, Power's
standard charges for parts, labor, shipping and handling will apply.
Shipment of hardware to Power
For both types of returns, all Hardware should be returned in the original packaging
material, accompanied by all original components as conÞgured by Power Computing, and
the Hardware must have the RMA number clearly written at least three (3) times on the
outside of each box. You bear all costs and risks of loss in connection with shipping the
Hardware back to Power Computing. We recommend that the package(s) be insured for the
full purchase amount.
These policies are subject to change at the discretion of Power Computing, except that any
changes in these policies will not apply to Hardware sold to customers prior to the effective
date of any policy change. If you have any questions regarding these policies, please contact
Power Computing Customer Service.

For Technical Support, Call 1-800-708-6227 PowerTower Pro UserÕs Guide xix
Dealers, Distributors, Leasing Companies, VARs, and other resellers of Power Hardware
are not eligible for the Satisfaction Guarantee return and refund policies. Sales to those
entities will be Þnal unless otherwise agreed to in writing by Power. Customers who did not
purchase systems directly from Power Computing must contact the dealer they purchased
their system from for assistance.
Support information
For basic customer and technical support information, as well as product information and
other news, visit our Web Site at:
http://www.powercc.com
Direct or dealer support?
Customers who purchased systems directly from Power Computing should contact Power
Computing for assistance. Customers who did not purchase systems directly from Power
Computing must contact the dealer they purchased their system from for assistance.
Contacting Customer Service
To contact Power Customer Service call [phone], fax [phone], or e-mail
[e-mail] and describe in detail any problems or issues you need
resolved with respect to Power Computing. Be sure to include your order or quote number,
serial number, and phone number with all correspondence.
Customer Service telephone hours are as follows: (All times are United States Central
Time.)
Customer
Service
If you have a question or
a problem with an order
you have received
M Ð F 8 AM to 6 PM
Sat 10 AM to 4PM
Sun 10 AM to 6 PM
1-800-671-6227

xx PowerTower Pro UserÕs Guide For Technical Support, Call 1-800-708-6227
Contacting Technical Support
To contact Power Technical Support call [phone], fax [phone], or e-mail
[e-mail] and describe in detail the problem that you are having with
your Hardware.
For details on contacting Technical Support, see ÒContacting Technical SupportÓ on
page 34.
Be sure to include your model number, serial number, date of purchase and phone number
with all correspondence. We advise you to conÞrm receipt of all fax or e-mail requests.
Technical Support telephone hours are as follows: (All times are United States Central
Time.)
Technical
Support
For help with a technical
problem
M Ð F 8 AM to 9 PM
Sat 10 AM to 4 PM
Sun 10 AM to 4 PM
1-800-708-6227