Acer Altos 900 User Manual
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Acer Altos 900 User Manual

Acer Altos 900 User Manual

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AcerAltos 900
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  • Page 1 AcerAltos 900 User’s Guide...
  • Page 2 Further, Acer reserves the right to revise this publication and to make changes from time to time in the contents hereof without obligation to notify any person of such revisions or changes. Acer reserves the right to make changes to the products described in this manual at any time and without notice.
  • Page 3 The software is the property of Acer or Acer’s supplier and you do not have and shall not gain any proprietary interest in the software (including any modifications or copies made by or for you) or any related intellectual property rights.
  • Page 4 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 1. Read these instructions carefully. Save them for future reference. 2. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product. 3. Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning. 4.
  • Page 5 12. Do not attempt to service this product yourself, as opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage points or other risks. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. 13. Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions: a.
  • Page 6 FCC Class A Radio Frequency Interference Statement Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.

  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Introduction ................... 1 Chapter 1 System Housing............1-1 1.1 Features ...................... 1-1 1.1.1 Front Panel ..................1-1 1.1.2 Rear Panel..................1-3 1.2 Getting Started................... 1-5 1.2.1 Selecting a Site................. 1-5 1.2.2 Unpacking the System..............1-6 1.2.3 Positioning the System ..............1-7 1.3 Connecting Components................
  • Page 8 2.3.3 Connector Functions ...............2-7 2.4 ESD Precautions ..................2-8 2.5 Installing a VGA Daughter Board..............2-9 2.6 CPU Upgrade ....................2-10 2.7 Memory Upgrade..................2-11 2.7.1 Rules for Adding Memory ............2-11 2.7.2 Memory Configurations ...............2-12 2.7.3 Installing a SIMM................2-13 2.7.4 Removing a SIMM ................2-14 2.7.5 Reconfiguring the System.............2-15 2.8 Second-level Cache Module ..............2-16 2.9 SCSI Feature....................2-17...
  • Page 9 3.2.9 Large Memory Support Mode............. 3-10 3.2.10 Num Lock After Boot..............3-11 3.2.11 Memory Test ................. 3-11 3.2.12 Auto-configuration Mode ............3-11 3.2.13 Fast Boot Mode ................3-11 3.3 Advanced System Configuration ............3-12 3.3.1 Shadow RAM................3-14 3.3.2 Internal Cache (CPU Cache) ............3-14 3.3.3 External Cache ................
  • Page 10 Chapter 4 SCSISelect Configuration Utility ......4-1 4.1 The SCSISelect Configuration Utility ............4-1 4.1.1 Default Values .................4-1 4.1.2 When to Use the SCSISelect Utility ..........4-3 4.1.3 Running the SCSISelect Utility............4-3 4.2 SCSISelect Utility Options................4-4 4.2.1 Configure/View Host Adapter Settings Menu ......4-5 4.2.2 SCSI Disk Utilities .................4-19 4.3 Configuring Multiple SCSI Controllers..........4-22 4.4 Disk Drives Over 1 Gbyte ...............4-23...
  • Page 11 5.7 Viewing or Editing Configuration Details ..........5-22 5.8 What To Do If Your Nonvolatile Memory Is Invalid......5-25 Appendix A System Resources ..........A-1 A.1 Memory Map .................... A-1 A.2 System I/O Address Map................ A-2 A.3 Interrupt Channels ................... A-4 A.4 Basic System Configuration (1/2) ............
  • Page 12 List of Figures 1-1 System Unit Front Panel................1-2 1-2 System Unit Rear Panel ................1-4 1-3 Positioning the System (Bottom View).............1-7 1-4 System Housing Vents................1-8 1-5 Connecting the Keyboard................1-9 1-6 Connecting a Mouse ................1-10 1-7 Connecting a Monitor................1-11 1-8 Connecting a Printer ................1-12 1-9 Opening the System .................1-14 1-10 Inside Components ..................1-15 1-11 Removing a Bracket .................1-16...
  • Page 13 2-8 Installing a Synchronous Cache Module ..........2-16 4-1 Options Menu Screen ................4-4 4-2 Configure/View Host Adapter Settings Screen........4-5 4-3 Host Adapter SCSI ID Selection Screen for AIC-7880 ......4-6 4-4 SCSI Parity Checking Selection ..............4-7 4-5 Host Adapter SCSI Termination Selection for AIC-7880 ....... 4-9 4-6 Boot Device Options Screen..............
  • Page 14 List of Tables Features and Functions of the Front Panel..........1-1 Features and Functions of the Rear Panel ..........1-3 Jumper Settings ..................2-5 2-2 Connector Functions..................2-7 2-3 Memory Configurations ................2-12 2-4 System Error Messages................2-19 3-1 Drive Control Settings ................3-24 3-2 Serial Port 1 Settings ................3-25 3-3 Serial Port 2 Settings ................3-25 3-4 Parallel Port Settings................3-26 3-5 Parallel Port Operation Mode Settings...........3-27...

  • Page 15: Introduction

    Introduction The AcerAltos 900 is a high performance, entry-level server that can be used as a departmental file server, application server, or communication gateway. supports a variety of operating systems, including Novell NetWare, SCO UNIX, and Microsoft Windows NT. The AcerAltos 900 server combines high performance with high expandability while incorporating the latest technological advances.
  • Page 16 Conventions The following conventions are used in this manual: a , e , s , etc. Represents the actual keys that you have to press on the keyboard. NOTE Gives bits and pieces of additional information related to the current topic.

  • Page 17: Chapter 1 System Housing

    Chapter 1 System Housing Features This chapter contains the following information: • Features and functions of the front and rear panels • Getting started • Installing options 1.1.1 Front Panel Table 1-1 Features and Functions of the Front Panel Feature Function Speed Indicator LED Unused LED location.
  • Page 18 1 Speed Indicator LED (Not Used) 5 3.5-inch Diskette Drive 2 Fixed Disk Drive LED 6 Power Button 3 Power LED 7 Reset Button 4 5.25-inch Drive Bay Figure 1-1 System Unit Front Panel AcerAltos 900 User’s Guide...

  • Page 19: Rear Panel

    1.1.2 Rear Panel Table 1-2 Features and Functions of the Rear Panel Feature Function Power Socket Connects the power cable Parallel Port Connects a parallel printer Serial Ports Connects serial peripherals SCSI Port Connects peripheral devices for high-speed, parallel data transfer Safety Latch Locks chassis Keyboard Connector...
  • Page 20 1 Safety Latch 6 Video Port 2 Power Socket 7 Power Supply Outlet 3 Serial 1 Port 8 Serial 2 Port 4 SCSI Port 9 Keyboard Connector 5 Parallel Port 10 Mouse Connector Figure 1-2 System Unit Rear Panel AcerAltos 900 User’s Guide...

  • Page 21: Getting Started

    Getting Started The pre-installation process involves the following: • Selecting a site • Unpacking the components • Positioning the system • Moving the System 1.2.1 Selecting a Site Consider the following when selecting a site for the system: 1. Find a place that is comfortable for you. Avoid dusty areas of extreme temperature and humidity.

  • Page 22: Unpacking The System

    The accessory tray contains the following: • AcerAltos 900 User's Guide - (this manual) • Power Cord • Keyboard and mouse • Acer StartUp CD software bundle • Warranty Package • Mounting hardware for peripherals AcerAltos 900 User’s Guide...

  • Page 23: Positioning The System

    1.2.3 Positioning the System Arrange the legs of the system so that the system is stable and secure in the standing position. Figure 1-3 Positioning the System (Bottom View) Chapter 1 - System Housing 1-7...

  • Page 24: System Housing Vents

    VENTILATION HOLES ( Left Side) 2-4 inches Figure 1-4 System Housing Vents The housing has vents on both sides, with the left side being the more important of the two. When standing the system with left ventilation holes facing the wall, leave 2-4 inches of space from the wall to allow air circulation.

  • Page 25: Connecting Components

    Connecting Components CAUTION: Make sure that the system is turned off before connecting any system components. NOTE: Each component plug is keyed allowing it to be inserted in one direction. Follow these steps to connect the component: 1. Plug the keyboard into the keyboard connector. Figure 1-5 Connecting the Keyboard Chapter 1 - System Housing 1-9...
  • Page 26 2. Connect the mouse into the mouse connector. Figure 1-6 Connecting a Mouse AcerAltos 900 User’s Guide 1-10...
  • Page 27 3. Connect the monitor cable into the video socket. Figure 1-7 Connecting a Monitor Chapter 1 - System Housing 1-11...
  • Page 28 4. If you have a parallel printer, connect it to the parallel port. If you have a serial printer or other serial peripheral, connect it to a serial port (Serial 1 or Serial 2). Figure 1-8 Connecting a Printer 5. Plug the female end of the power connector into the system power socket and the other end into a grounded electrical outlet.

  • Page 29: Installing Options

    Installing Options This section tells you how to open the system housing and install additional components in the system. IMPORTANT! Turn OFF the system power before connecting or removing any peripheral device. Always turn ON any peripherals first before you turn on the system.

  • Page 30: Opening The System

    1.4.2 Opening the System Figure 1-9 Opening the System 1. At the rear of the system, remove the plastic lock and turn the safety latch to unlock the system housing. 2. Pull the front panel release latches on each side of the front panel. 3.
  • Page 31 1 3.5-inch Fixed Drive Bays 2 Power Supply 3 Expansion Board Brackets 4 5.25-inch Drive Bays 5 3.5-inch Drive Bays Figure 1-10 Inside Components Chapter 1 - System Housing 1-15...

  • Page 32: Installing Expansion Boards

    1.4.3 Installing Expansion Boards Figure 1-11 Removing a Bracket 1. Study the expansion board installation guide and configure any jumpers as directed. 2. Remove a bracket from any empty expansion slot. Save the screw to secure the new board. Keep the bracket for future use. AcerAltos 900 User’s Guide 1-16...
  • Page 33 Figure 1-12 Installing a Board 3. Gently insert the board into the expansion slot. Make sure that the board is properly inserted. 4. Secure the board with the screw. NOTE: Do not neglect this last step. The board may use the screw for grounding.

  • Page 34: Installing Drives

    1.4.4 Installing Drives Installing a 3.5-inch Diskette Drive PUSH DOWN PULL OUT Figure 1-13 Detaching the Drive Frames from the Housing AcerAltos 900 User’s Guide 1-18...

  • Page 35: Securing The Diskette Drive To The Upper Drive Frame

    Follow these steps to install a 3.5-inch diskette drive: 1. Detach the 3.5-inch diskette drive frames from the housing. 2. Detach the upper drive frame from the lower drive frame. 3. Secure a 3.5-inch diskette drive to the upper drive frame. Figure 1-14 Securing the Diskette Drive To the Upper Drive Frame Chapter 1 - System Housing 1-19...

  • Page 36: Securing The Diskette Drive To The Lower Drive Frame

    4. Attach the upper drive frame to the lower drive frame and click it into place. Figure 1-15 Securing the Diskette Drive to the Lower Drive Frame AcerAltos 900 User’s Guide 1-20...

  • Page 37: Installing A 3.5-Inch Diskette Drive

    5. Insert the drive frame into the 3.5-inch drive bay and click it into place. Figure 1-16 Installing a 3.5-inch Diskette Drive Chapter 1 - System Housing 1-21...
  • Page 38 6. Connect the diskette drive cables. Figure 1-17 Connecting the 3.5-inch Diskette Drive Cables AcerAltos 900 User’s Guide 1-22...

  • Page 39: Installing A 5.25-Inch Drive

    Installing a 5.25-inch Drive Figure 1-18 Installing a 5.25-inch Drive Chapter 1 - System Housing 1-23...
  • Page 40 This housing can support up to three 5.25-inch drives. To install a 5.25-inch drive, follow these steps: 1. Insert a drive into an available 5.25-inch drive bay. 2. Secure the drive on both sides with the required screws. Figure 1-19 Connecting the 5.25-inch Drive Cables 3.

  • Page 41: Installing A Fixed Disk Drive

    Installing a Fixed Disk Figure 1-20 Installing a Fixed Disk Drive Chapter 1 - System Housing 1-25...

  • Page 42: Connecting The Fixed Disk Drive Cables

    You can install either one 3.5-inch, full height fixed disk drive or one 3.5-inch, 1-inch high fixed disk drive into the drive bay. To install a fixed disk, follow these steps: 1. Insert a fixed disk drive into an available drive bay. 2.

  • Page 43: Chapter 2 System Board

    The board has three memory banks, each bank composed of two 72-pin SIMM sockets supporting a maximum system memory of 192 MB when using 32-MB SIMMs. The SIMM sockets support both Fast Page Mode SIMMs or Acer’s EDO/ECC SIMMs. A second-level cache socket is installed with a 512-KB synchronous SRAM module.

  • Page 44: Major Components

    Major Components The system board has the following major components: • One zero-insertion force (ZIF) socket for Intel Pentium processor • Three memory banks (Bank 1 to Bank 3) composed of six 72-pin SIMM sockets • Synchronous cache module socket that supports 512 KB second-level write back cache •...

  • Page 45: System Board Layout

    2.2.1 System Board Layout 1 SIMM sockets 9 Video RAM upgrade socket 2 CPU voltage regulator 10 Video RAM 3 Cache module socket 11 EISA slots 4 Fan connector 1 12 Keyboard controller 5 CPU socket 13 PCI slots 6 Fan connector 2 14 PS/2 mouse connector 7 CPU voltage regulator 15 PS/2 keyboard connector...

  • Page 46: Jumpers And Connectors

    Jumpers and Connectors 2.3.1 Jumper and Connector Locations Figure 2-2 shows the jumper locations on the system board. The blackened pin on a jumper represents pin 1. Figure 2-2 Jumper Locations Jumpers are prefixed “JP”. Connectors are prefixed “CN”. FA1 and FA2 are fan connectors.

  • Page 47: Jumper Settings

    Use SCSI Setup Utility to set terminator ON or OFF Cache Size 256 KB 2-3* 512 KB SCSI Selection 1-2* 16-bit 8-bit BIOS Version 1-2* Acer Generic Password Security Enabled 2-3* Disabled PC Sound Source JP10 1-2* Buzzer Speaker Front Panel Reset...
  • Page 48 Table 2-1 Jumper Settings (continued) Jumper Setting Function Core/Bus Freq. Bus Freq. Core Freq. Ratio JP4, JP5, JP7 50 MHz 75 MHz 60 MHz 150 MHz 60 MHz 120 MHz 60 MHz 90 MHz 66 MHz 166 MHz 2-3* 1-2* 3-4* 66 MHz 133 MHz...

  • Page 49: Connector Functions

    2.3.3 Connector Functions Table 2-2 lists the different connectors on the system board and their respective functions. Table 2-2 Connector Functions Connector Function COM1 COM2 Power connector for 200-watt SPS Power connector for 300-watt SPS Parallel port connector Diskette drive connector IDE drives connector Reserved Reserved...

  • Page 50: Esd Precautions

    ESD Precautions Always observe the following ESD (electrostatic discharge) precautions before installing any system component: 1. Do not remove any system component from its packaging unless you are ready to install it. 2. Wear a wrist grounding strap before handling electronic components. Wrist grounding straps are available at most electronic component stores.

  • Page 51: Installing A Vga Daughter Board

    Installing a VGA Daughter Board The system board comes with a video controller, a video connector, and a VGA daughter board. This saves one bus slot for another expansion board. The daughter board carries an external video port. To reinstall if removed, simply plug the daughter board into CN13 and secure the bracket with a screw.

  • Page 52: Cpu Upgrade

    CPU Upgrade The system board comes with a zero-insertion force (ZIF) CPU socket for easy installation. Follow these steps to install an Intel Pentium processor: 1. Pull up the socket lever. 2. Insert the CPU, making sure that pin 1 of the CPU connects to pin 1 of the socket.

  • Page 53: Memory Upgrade

    Memory Upgrade The six 72-pin SIMM sockets onboard support Fast Page Mode or Acer’s EDO/ECC SIMMs. You may install 4-MB and 16-MB single-density as well as 8-MB, and 32-MB double-density SIMMs for a total of 192-MB system memory. The SIMM sockets also support 64-MB SIMMs, when available, to achieve 384-MB system memory.

  • Page 54: Memory Configurations

    2.7.2 Memory Configurations Table 2-3 lists the available memory configurations. Table 2-3 Memory Configurations Bank 1 Bank 2 Bank 3 Total Memory 16MB 32MB 16MB 16MB 32MB 16MB 16MB 48MB 16MB 16MB 64MB 16MB 16MB 16MB 16MB 16MB 16 MB 96MB 32MB 32MB...

  • Page 55: Installing A Simm

    2.7.3 Installing a SIMM Read the ESD precautions in section 2.4 before proceeding. Follow these steps to install a SIMM: 1. Slip a SIMM at a 45 angle into a socket with the gold pins pointing down. Be careful when inserting SIMMs to avoid damaging the SIMM or the socket. 2.

  • Page 56: Removing A Simm

    2.7.4 Removing a SIMM Follow these steps to remove a SIMM: 1. Press the holding clips on both sides of the SIMM outward to release it. 2. Push the SIMM downward to a 45 angle. 3. Pull the SIMM out of the socket. Figure 2-7 Removing a SIMM AcerAltos 900 User’s Guide 2-14...

  • Page 57: Reconfiguring The System

    2.7.5 Reconfiguring the System Reconfigure the system after installing or removing SIMMs. Follow these steps to reconfigure the system: 1. Reboot the system. A memory error message appears, indicating that the total memory does not match the value stored in CMOS. 2.

  • Page 58: Second-Level Cache Module

    Second-level Cache Module The system supports synchronous pipeline burst second-level cache. The system board has an exclusive 160-pin socket for a synchronous pipeline burst cache module. The cache module socket supports 512 KB 3.3V cache module. Follow these steps to install a cache module: 1.

  • Page 59: Scsi Feature

    SCSI Feature The system board features a single-chip SCSI host adapter that adds SCSI I/O capability to the system. The chipset consists of an onboard RISC processor, bus master interface controller, and SCSI controllers. A 50-pin Fast SCSI-II interface with 10 MB/s transfer rate and a 68-pin Wide SCSI interface that transfers at 20 MB/s (Wide SCSI) are also onboard to accommodate various SCSI devices.

  • Page 60: Error Messages

    2.10 Error Messages Do not continue using the computer if you receive an error message of any type. Note the message and take corrective action. This section describes the types of error messages and lists their corresponding corrective measures. There are two general types of error messages: •...

  • Page 61: System Error Messages

    Table 2-4 System Error Messages Message Action CMOS Battery Error Replace the RTC chip or contact your dealer. CMOS Checksum Error Check the RTC chip and the necessary jumper. If the battery is still good, run Setup. Display Card Mismatch Run Setup Diskette Drive Controller Error Check and connect the control...
  • Page 62 Table 2-4 System Error Messages (continued) Message Action Memory Size Mismatch Check the memory size based on the system specifications. If you CPU Clock Mismatch are sure that connections and values are correct, ignore the message. If the message reappears, ask for technical assistance.

  • Page 63: Correcting Error Conditions

    2.10.3 Correcting Error Conditions As a general rule, if an error message says "Press F1 to continue," it is caused by a configuration problem, which can be easily corrected. An equipment malfunction is more likely to cause a fatal error, i.e., an error that causes complete system failure.
  • Page 64 AcerAltos 900 User’s Guide 2-22...

  • Page 65: Chapter 3 Bios Utility

    Chapter 3 BIOS Utility Most systems are already configured by the manufacturer or the dealer. There is no need to run Setup when starting the computer unless you get a Run Setup message. The Setup program loads configuration values into the battery-backed nonvolatile memory called CMOS RAM.

  • Page 66: Entering Setup

    Entering Setup To enter Setup, press the key combination b + a + ^ . b+a+^ You must press while the system is booting. This key combination does not work any other time. The BIOS Utility main menu then appears: BIOS Utility Basic System Configuration Advanced System Configuration...
  • Page 67 Basic System Configuration Select Basic System Configuration to input configuration values such as date, time, and disk types. The following screen shows the Basic System Configuration menu. Basic System Configuration Page 1/2 Date ..... [MM/DD/YY] Time ..... [HH:MM:SS] Diskette Drive A ..[1.44 MB 3.5-inch] Diskette Drive B ..
  • Page 68 The following screen shows page 2 of the Basic System Configuration menu. Basic System Configuration Page 2/2 Communication Settings Baud Rate ..... [9600] BPS Parity ......[None] Stop Bits ..... [1] Bits Data Length ....[8] Bits Enhanced IDE Features Hard Disk Block Mode ..

  • Page 69: Date And Time

    3.2.1 Date and Time The real-time clock keeps the system date and time. After setting the date and time, you need not enter them every time you turn on the system. As long as the internal battery remains good (approximately seven years) and connected, the clock continues to keep the date and time accurately even when the power is off.

  • Page 70: Diskette Drives

    3.2.2 Diskette Drives To enter the configuration value for the first diskette drive (drive A), highlight the Diskette Drive A parameter. Press key to view the options and select the appropriate value. Possible settings for the Diskette Drive parameters: • None •...
  • Page 71 Selecting the “Auto” Option If you do not know the exact type of your IDE fixed disk, select the option Auto. During the power-on self-test (POST), when the system performs self-testing and self-initialization before loading the operating system and applications, the BIOS utility automatically determines your hard disk type.

  • Page 72: System Memory

    structure, that is, the disk type may be in the hard disk types list but the number of cylinders, heads, and sectors differ. Follow these steps to configure a hard disk with the User option: 1. Highlight a hard disk parameter. 2.

  • Page 73: Video Display

    3.2.6 Video Display The video display is the monitor on which the operating system prompt appears when you boot the system. The system automatically detects the video mode of your primary display and sets the configuration value accordingly. Values for this parameter are: •...

  • Page 74: Enhanced Ide Features

    3.2.8 Enhanced IDE Features Hard Disk Block Mode This function enhances disk performance depending on the hard disk in use. If you set this parameter to Enabled, it allows data transfer in block (multiple sectors) by increasing the data transfer rate to 256 bytes per cycle. If your system does not boot after enabling this parameter, change the setting to Disabled.

  • Page 75: Num Lock After Boot

    3.2.10 Num Lock After Boot This parameter allows you to activate the Num Lock function upon booting. The default setting is Enabled. 3.2.11 Memory Test When set to Enabled, this parameter allows the system to perform a RAM test during the POST routine. When set to Disabled, the system detects only the memory size and bypasses the test routine.

  • Page 76: Advanced System Configuration

    Advanced System Configuration The Advanced System Configuration option allows you to configure the advanced system memory functions. To avoid damaging the system, do not change any settings in the Advanced Configuration unless you are a qualified technician. The following screen shows page one of the Advanced System Configuration parameters.
  • Page 77 Advanced System Configuration Page 1/1 Shadow RAM *E0000h - FFFFFh (System BIOS) ... [Enabled ] *C0000h - C7FFFh (Video BIOS) ..[Enabled ] C8000h - CBFFFh ....[Disabled] CC000h - CFFFFh ....[Disabled] D0000h - D3FFFh ....[Disabled] D4000h - D7FFFh ....

  • Page 78: Shadow Ram

    3.3.1 Shadow RAM The system reserves 384 KB of random access memory (RAM) for the shadow RAM function. This parameter has eight range addresses. When you set these addresses to Enabled, the system BIOS, video BIOS, and I/O ROM functions run directly from the shadow RAM for faster operation.

  • Page 79: Ecc/Parity Mode Selection

    3.3.4 ECC/Parity Mode Selection This parameter allows you to enable or disable the ECC and parity check feature. Fast-page mode SIMMs supports both ECC and parity mode while EDO SIMMs supports only ECC mode. You must disable this parameter if you installed SIMMs without parity. Operation of ECC This parameter is not user-configurable.

  • Page 80: Pci System Configuration

    PCI System Configuration The PCI System Configuration allows you to specify the settings for your PCI devices. PCI System Configuration Page 1/1 PCI IRQ Setting ... [ Auto INTA INTB INTC INTD *PCI Slot 1 ... [--] [--] [--] [--] *PCI Slot 2 ...

  • Page 81: Pci Irq Setting

    3.4.1 PCI IRQ Setting This parameter allows for Auto or Manual configuration of PCI devices. If you use plug-and-play (PnP) devices, you can keep the default setting Auto. The system then automatically configures the PnP devices. If your PCI device is not a PnP, you can manually assign the interrupt for each device.

  • Page 82: Vga Palette Snoop

    3.4.2 VGA Palette Snoop PCI devices support a palette snooping technique that enables the device to control access to their palette registers. Set this parameter to Enabled to activate the palette snooping function in the PCI VGA devices installed in your system. Check your VGA card manual for more information about this function.
  • Page 83 Non-PnP ISA Card Configuration Page 1/2 System Resources Used by Non-PnP ISA Cards IRQ 00 ... [---]* IRQ 08 ... [---]* DMA 0 ... [No ] IRQ 01 ... [---]* IRQ 09 ... [No ] DMA 1 ... [No ] IRQ 02 ...

  • Page 84: System Resources Used By Non-Pnp Isa Cards

    Refer to your non-PnP ISA card manual when setting the following parameters. 3.5.1 System Resources Used by Non-PnP ISA Cards This parameter allows you to assign specific IRQ and DMA channels to non-PnP ISA cards. The system will not use such IRQ and DMA channels when it automatically assigns resources to PnP cards.

  • Page 85: Power-Saving Configuration

    Power Saving Configuration The Power Saving Configuration parameters are configurable only if your system supports the power management feature. Most multi-user operating systems do not support the Power Saving feature. Consult your operating system manual or call your operating system vendor for information. The following screens show the Power Saving Configuration parameters and their default settings: Power Saving Configuration...

  • Page 86: Power Management Mode

    3.6.1 Power Management Mode This parameter allows you to reduce power consumption. When this parameter is set to Enabled, you can configure the system timers. Setting to Disabled deactivates the power management feature and all the timers. IDE Fixed Disk Standby Timer This parameter allows the hard disk to enter standby mode after inactivity of 1 to 15 minutes, depending on your setting.

  • Page 87: System Security Setup

    System Security Setup The Setup program has a number of security features to prevent unauthorized access to the system and its data. Enter the Setup program and select System Security. The following screen appears: System Security Page 1/1 Disk Drive Control Diskette Drive....

  • Page 88: Drive Control Settings

    Table 3-1 Drive Control Settings Diskette Drive Setting Description Normal Diskette drive functions normally Write Protect All Sectors Disables the write function on all sectors Write Protect Boot Sector Disables the write function only on boot sector Disabled Disables all diskette functions Hard Disk Drive Setting Description...

  • Page 89: Onboard Communication Ports

    3.7.2 Onboard Communication Ports Serial Port 1 Base Address This parameter enables serial port 1 as COM 1 and sets its base address. Table 3-2 Serial Port 1 Settings Setting Function Serial 1 (3F8h) COM1 with address 3F8h 2F8h COM2 with address 2F8h 3E8h COM3 with address 3E8h 2E8h...

  • Page 90: Parallel Port Settings

    Parallel Port Base Address The system has one parallel port. Table 3-4 lists the options for selecting the parallel port address. You also have the option to disable the parallel port. Table 3-4 Parallel Port Settings Setting Function 3BCh (IRQ 7) Corresponds to the parallel port with address 3BCh 378h (IRQ 7)

  • Page 91: Onboard Ps/2 Mouse (Irq12)

    Operation Mode This item allows you to set the operation mode of the parallel port. Table 3-5 lists the different operation modes. Table 3-5 Parallel Port Operation Mode Settings Setting Function Standard Parallel Port (SPP) Allows normal speed one-way operation Standard and Bidirectional Allows normal speed operation in a two-way mode...

  • Page 92: Setup Password

    3.7.4 Setup Password The Setup Password prevents unauthorized access to the BIOS utility. Set jumper JP2 to pins 1-2 to enable the password function. Setting a Password 1. Highlight the Setup Password parameter and press the left- or right-arrow key. The password prompt appears: 2.

  • Page 93: Power On Password

    If You Forget the Password If you forget your password, you must return the configuration values stored in CMOS to their default values. Should this happen, call your dealer for assistance. 3.7.5 Power On Password The Power On Password secures your system against unauthorized use. Once you set this password, you have to type it whenever you boot the system.

  • Page 94: Leaving Setup

    Leaving Setup Examine the system configuration values. When you are satisfied that all the values are correct, write them down. Store the recorded values in a safe place. In the future, if the battery loses power or the CMOS chip is damaged, you will know what values to enter when you rerun Setup.

  • Page 95: Chapter 4 Scsiselect Configuration Utility

    Chapter 4 SCSISelect Configuration Utility The SCSISelect Configuration Utility The SCSISelect configuration utility allows you to change SCSI controller settings without opening the computer or changing jumpers. 4.1.1 Default Values Table 4-1 lists the settings you can change with the SCSISelect utility and the default value for each setting.
  • Page 96 Table 4-1 Default Settings for SCSI Controller and All Devices Global Settings for SCSI Controller and All Devices Default Value Host Adapter SCSI ID SCSI Parity Checking Enabled Host Adapter SCSI Termination Enabled Low OFF/High ON Boot Device Option 0 (zero) Host Adapter BIOS Enabled Support Removable Disks Under BIOS as Fixed Disks...

  • Page 97: When To Use The Scsiselect Utility

    4.1.2 When to Use the SCSISelect Utility Use the SCSISelect utility if you need to • Change any of the default values listed in Table 4-1 • Check and/or change SCSI device settings that may conflict with those of other devices (e.g, SCSI ID) •...

  • Page 98: Scsiselect Utility Options

    SCSISelect Utility Options When the SCSISelect utility detects the AIC-7880 SCSI controller in your computer, it displays the Options menu shown in Figure 4-1. Adaptec AIC7880 Ultra/Ultra W SCSISelect (TM) Utility v1.2 AIC-7880 Ultra/Ultra W at Bus:Device 00:10h Would you like to configure the host adapter, or run the SCSI disk utilities? Select the option and press <Enter>.

  • Page 99: Configure/View Host Adapter Settings Menu

    4.2.1 Configure/View Host Adapter Settings Menu The Configure/View Host Adapter Settings menu lists three settings under SCSI Bus Interface Definitions and three additional options, as shown in Figure 4-2: • Host Adapter SCSI ID: changes the host controller SCSI ID from its default value of 7 •...

  • Page 100: Host Adapter Scsi Id Selection Screen For Aic-7880

    Use the cursor ( ↑ ↓ ) to move to your selection. Press Enter to display a pop-up menu of choices or to make selections. Press Esc at any time to return to the previous menu. Press F6 to reset all settings to the SCSI controller defaults.

  • Page 101: Scsi Parity Checking Selection

    Each SCSI device on the SCSI bus, including the SCSI controller, must be set to a unique SCSI ID. The SCSI ID serves two purposes: it uniquely identifies each SCSI device on the bus, and it determines the device's priority on the bus during the Arbitration phase.
  • Page 102 The SCSI controller always checks parity when reading from the SCSI bus to verify the correct transmission of data from your SCSI devices. You should disable SCSI Parity Checking if any attached SCSI devices do not support SCSI parity. (Most currently available SCSI devices do support SCSI parity.) Use the cursor ( ↑...

  • Page 103: Host Adapter Scsi Termination Selection For Aic-7880

    Adaptec AIC7880 Ultra/Ultra W SCSISelect (TM) Utility v1.2 AIC-7880 Ultra/Ultra W at Bus:Device 00:10h Configuration SCSI Bus Interface Definitions Host Adapter SCSI ID ........7 SCSI Parity Checking........Enabled Host Adapter SCSI Termination ....Low OFF/High ON Additional Options * Low ON/High ON Boot Device Options........Press <Enter>...

  • Page 104: Boot Device Options Screen

    Adaptec AIC7880 Ultra/Ultra W SCSISelect (TM) Utility v1.2 AIC-7880 Ultra/Ultra W at Bus:Device 00:10h Configuration SCSI Bus Interface Definitions Host Adapter SCSI ID ........7 SCSI Parity Checking........Enabled Host Adapter SCSI Termination ....Low ON/High ON Boot Device Configuration Additional Options Boot Device Options........Press <Enter> Please run SCSI Disk Utilities to get present devices SCSI Device Configuration......Press <Enter>...

  • Page 105: Scsi Device Configuration Screen For Aic-7880

    Adaptec AIC7880 Ultra/Ultra W SCSISelect (TM) Utility v1.2 AIC-7880 Ultra/Ultra W at Bus:Device 00:10h SCSI Device Configuration Configuration SCSI Device Configuration SCSI Device ID SCSI Bus Interface Definitions Host Adapter SCSI ID ........7 Initiate Sync Negotiation....yes SCSI Parity Checking........Enabled Maximum Sync Transfer Rate ..
  • Page 106 Initiate Sync Negotiation This option determines whether the SCSI controller initiates synchronous negotiation with the SCSI device. When set to yes, the SCSI controller initiates synchronous negotiation with the SCSI device. When set to no, the SCSI controller does not initiate synchronous negotiation.
  • Page 107 In most cases, you can use the maximum value of 20.0. If the SCSI controller is set not to negotiate for synchronous data transfer (i.e., Initiate Sync Negotiation is set to no), then the value selected here is the maximum rate that the SCSI controller accepts from the device during negotiation.
  • Page 108 Initiate Wide Negotiation This option allows communication between all devices (lower 8-bit or upper 8-bit) on the wide (16-bit) SCSI bus. When set to yes, each device can connect on the bus. When set to no (disabled), communication can only occur on the lower 8-bits of the 16-bit SCSI bus.
  • Page 109 If this option is enabled for more than one SCSI device, the Start Unit Command is sent first to the device with the lowest SCSI ID. When this device responds to the SCSI controller, the Start Unit Command is sent to the next highest SCSI ID with a setting of yes.

  • Page 110: Advanced Configuration Options Screen

    Advanced Configuration Options When you select Advanced Configuration Options, a screen similar to Figure 4-8 appears. Do not change these nine options unless absolutely necessary. Adaptec AIC7880 Ultra/Ultra W SCSISelect (TM) Utility v1.2 AIC-7880 Ultra/Ultra W at Bus:Device 00:10h Configuration Advanced Configuration Options SCSI Bus Interface Definitions Host Adapter SCSI ID ........7...
  • Page 111 The SCSI controller BIOS must be enabled if you want the computer to boot from a SCSI hard disk drive connected to the SCSI controller. Several SCSISelect options cannot be used unless the SCSI controller BIOS is enabled. Support Removable Disks Under BIOS as Fixed Disks This option allows you to control which removable-media drives are supported by the SCSI controller BIOS.
  • Page 112 Extended BIOS Translation for DOS Drives > 1 GByte This option allows you to enable or disable extended translation for SCSI hard disks with a capacity greater than 1 GByte. It is only valid if the SCSI controller BIOS is enabled. The default factory setting is Disabled. If this option is enabled, the following translation schemes are used: •...

  • Page 113: Scsi Disk Utilities

    BIOS Support for Bootable CD-ROM When this option is enabled, a bootable CD-ROM device may be used to directly load an operating system. The default setting is Enabled. BIOS Support for Int13 Extensions This option allows access to attached SCSI devices through BIOS Int13 functions. The default setting is Enabled.

  • Page 114: Scsi Disk Utilities Screen For Aic-7880

    Adaptec AIC7880 Ultra/Ultra W SCSISelect (TM) Utility v1.2 AIC-7880 Ultra/Ultra W at Bus:Device 00:10h Select SCSI Disk and press <Enter> SCSI ID #0: QNTMEAST XP34300 SCSI ID #1: No device SCSI ID #2: No device SCSI ID #3: No device SCSI ID #4: Sony CD-ROM CDU-76S SCSI ID #5:...
  • Page 115 Format Disk The Format Disk utility performs a low-level format on disk devices. Most SCSI disk devices are preformatted and do not need to be formatted again. The Adaptec Format Disk utility is compatible with the vast majority of SCSI disk drives.

  • Page 116: Configuring Multiple Scsi Controllers

    Configuring Multiple SCSI Controllers The AHA-2940/W/UW SCSI controller is used as an example in the following discussion. To use multiple PCI SCSI controllers, do the following: • Install the boot SCSI controller in the lowest PCI Device number. The Device number is determined by the slot number on the PCI bus.

  • Page 117: Disk Drives Over 1 Gbyte

    documentation to ensure the SCSI controller is at the lowest BIOS base address. ISA/EISA-based SCSI controllers which have their BIOS enabled boot before the AHA-2940. Disk Drives Over 1 Gbyte 4.4.1 Extended Translation Adaptec SCSI controllers have always supported the full range of disk drive capacities under all major operating systems.

  • Page 118: The Dos 1 Gbyte Limit

    4.4.2 The DOS 1 GByte Limit All current versions of DOS are limited to 1024 cylinders per drive. The standard translation scheme for SCSI host controllers, using 64 heads and 32 sectors, provides a maximum accessible capacity of 1 GByte. To eliminate the 1 GByte limit, Adaptec's extended translation feature uses 255 heads and 63 sectors, extending the disk drive capacity limit under DOS to 8 GBytes.
  • Page 119 Drives With Mixed Partitions Use standard translation, not extended translation, on drives formatted with two or more partitions for different operating systems. Partitions for UNIX and NetWare can be larger than 1 GByte when using standard translation. The term UNIX, as used here, includes all versions of AT&T/USL UNIX, SCO v3.2.4 (or later), and ISC v3.0 (or later).

  • Page 120: Scsi Troubleshooting Checklist

    SCSI Troubleshooting Checklist The AIC-7880 SCSI controller has been tested for compatibility with a wide range of SCSI devices. Most problems that occur during installation result from errors in preparing and connecting devices on the SCSI bus. Answer these questions first if a problem occurs during installation: •...
  • Page 121 If an initialization failure occurs, however, the SCSI controller BIOS displays a specific error message followed by a BIOS Installation Failure message. Here are some of these error messages and their meaning: WARNING!!! A drive larger than 1 gigabyte has been detected with 64 head / 32 sector partitioning.

  • Page 122: Device Connected, But Not Ready

    4. In the SCSISelect Advanced Configuration Options menu, set Extended BIOS - Translation to Enabled. 5. Partition the drive again. 6. Restore data to the drive, if necessary. 4.6.1 Device connected, but not ready. This message appears if the SCSI controller receives no answer when it requests data from an installed SCSI device.

  • Page 123: Disk Drive Configuration Problems

    An unexpected time-out occurred. Check SCSI bus termination. Try disconnecting the SCSI peripheral cables from the SCSI controller and then starting the computer. If the computer successfully restarts, check SCSI bus termination and cable connections. One of the devices on the SCSI bus may be defective. 4.6.3 Disk Drive Configuration Problems This section describes situations that may occur if your computer has multiple...
  • Page 124 • Be sure that the SCSI boot drive is set to SCSI ID 0 and that there are no SCSI ID conflicts. Check the drive installation manual for information about setting the SCSI ID for that device. You can use the SCSISelect utility to determine the SCSI IDs of devices on the SCSI bus.
  • Page 125 • Verify that the SCSI controller and the SCSI devices are properly configured and installed. • Be sure to cycle the power OFF and ON after changing any values on a SCSI controller, in a Setup program, or on a SCSI device. Doing this ensures that the new initial values are loaded.
  • Page 126 • Verify that the SCSI controllers and the SCSI devices are properly configured and installed. • Be sure that the SCSI bus is properly terminated. • Be sure that, if necessary, the disk has a partition and is formatted. Computer Hangs, or SCSI Controller Cannot Always Find the Drives •...

  • Page 127: Chapter 5 Eisa Configuration Utility (Ecu)

    Chapter 5 EISA Configuration Utility EISA Configuration Utility The EISA Configuration Utility (ECU) is a program that allows you to easily configure your EISA computer. Use this utility when you set up your EISA computer for the first time or any time you change your configuration by adding or removing an EISA or ISA board or memory.

  • Page 128: Making Menu Selections

    5.1.2 Making Menu Selections You can either use the keyboard or the mouse (if a mouse driver was loaded) to make menu selections in the EISA Configuration Utility program. Using the Keyboard Table 5-1 Keyboard Function Keys Function Tab or Moves the cursor to the next field + Tab or Moves the cursor to the previous field...

  • Page 129: Getting Help

    Using the mouse A mouse driver must be loaded in order to use the mouse. When you access the ECU through Acer StartUp, a mouse driver is loaded. Follow these steps to use the mouse when making menu selections: 1. Position the cursor over the desired option then click on the left mouse button to select it.

  • Page 130: Starting The Ecu

    Starting the ECU 1. You can access the ECU two ways: • From the Acer StartUp main menu, click on the EISA Configuration icon, then click on the EISA Configuration button on the System Configuration menu. • Use Diskette Maker in Acer StartUp to make an ECU diskette, then insert the ECU diskette into drive A and reboot the system.

  • Page 131: Ecu Main Menu

    ECU Main Menu   Steps in Configuring Your Computer Steps in configuring your computer Step 1: Important EISA configuration information Step 2: Add or remove boards Step 3: View or edit details Step 4: Examine switches or print report Step 5: Save and exit >Select=ENTER<...

  • Page 132: Main Menu Selections

    5.3.1 Main Menu Selections Step 1: Important EISA Configuration Information This selection is highlighted when you first enter the main menu. It gives an overview of how to configure your computer with the EISA Configuration Utility. Press Enter to select this item. Then press the up and down arrow keys to move up or down the text.
  • Page 133 You can move between screens by pressing Enter to go to the next screen, or F9 to go back to the previous screen. After viewing the screens, press Enter or F10 to return to the ECU main menu. Additional information is available in the Help sub-menus that automatically display at the bottom right of the window.

  • Page 134: Add Or Remove Boards

    Step 2: Add or remove boards Listed are the board and options detected in your computer. Press INSERT to add the boards or options which could not be detected or which you plan to install. Press DEL to remove the highlighted board from your configuration.
  • Page 135 Step 3: View or Edit Details ↑ ↓ Press to see all information. Press ENTER to edit the functions of the highlighted item. Press F6 to edit its resources (IRQs, DMAs, I/O ports, or memory). Press F10 when you have finished this step. System - AcerAltos Server System BIOS Type ....

  • Page 136: Examine Switches Or Print Report

    Step 4: Examine Switches or Print Report This selection lists the boards installed in your computer. Figure 5-5 shows a sample Examine Switches or Print Report screen. Boards marked with an arrow on the screen may have defined jumpers and switches that you must physically verify.

  • Page 137: Save And Exit

    Step 5: Save and Exit Figure 5-6 shows the Save and Exit screen. Press Enter to save your configuration and exit the ECU program. You can also exit without saving in this step. Step 5: Save and Exit In order to complete the configuration process, you must save your configuration.

  • Page 138: Configuring Your Computer For The First Time

    Configuring Your Computer for the First Time Follow these steps when configuring your computer for the first time: 1. Select Step 1: Important EISA Configuration Information from the ECU main menu. Read through the information then press F10 when you are done.
  • Page 139 4. To view the switch and jumper settings, highlight the board marked with an arrow and press Enter. The switch/jumpers settings screen for the board appears. 5. Scroll through the switch and jumper settings for the board, and press F10 when you have finished viewing the information.

  • Page 140: Save And Exit

    8. Select Step 5: Save and Exit, then press Enter. The following screen appears. Step 5: Save and Exit In order to complete the configuration process, you must save your configuration. In this step, you must select whether to save your configuration or to discard your changes before exiting this program.

  • Page 141: Adding Or Removing Boards

    Adding or Removing Boards Each time you add or remove a board, you must reconfigure the computer using the EISA Configuration Utility program. Adding Boards Follow these steps when adding a board: 1. Select Step 2: Add or remove boards from the ECU main menu. Press Enter to display the following screen: Chapter 5 - EISA Configuration Utility 5-15...

  • Page 142: Add Or Remove Boards

    Step 2: Add or remove boards Listed are the board and options detected in your computer. Press INSERT to add the boards or options which could not be detected or which you plan to install. Press DEL to remove the highlighted board from your configuration. Press F7 to move the highlighted board to another slot.
  • Page 143 5. On the Examine Switches or Print Report screen that displays, notice the boards marked with an arrow, if any. The arrow indicates that the boards in your computer may have defined jumpers and switches that you must physically verify. It may also mean that there is a software statement with additional information about the board.
  • Page 144 10. Select Step 5: Save and Exit, then press Enter. The Save and Exit screen displays. 11. To save your changes, select Save the configuration and restart the computer, then press Enter. To discard the changes, choose the option Discard the configuration and return to the main menu.

  • Page 145: Configuring Memory

    Configuring Memory Each time you change your system’s memory configuration, you must reconfigure the computer using the ECU. When removing memory, run the ECU and change memory size before physically removing the memory; otherwise, the system may become inoperable. The following discussion describes how to configure a system for 96 MB of memory.
  • Page 146 System Memory Functions 16 - 64MB System Memory (*) Enabled ( ) Disabled Press F6 to edit the resources (IRQs, DMAs, I/O ports or memory) of the highlighted setting. Done = F10 Edit Resources = F6 Cancel = ESC c) Press F6 to edit resources. The Enabled screen displays. Use the Tab key or the up and down arrow keys to move between fields.
  • Page 147 64MB is the total amount that can be configured within each memory function parameter. Therefore, for the 16 - 64MB parameter, change the Memory Amount field to 48M. Memory Address: 16M Memory Amount: 48M ____ Total Press F10 to return to the View or Edit Details screen. 3.
  • Page 148 6. Press F10 when you are through. The ECU main menu, Steps in Configuring Your Computer, reappears. 7. Select Step 5: Save and exit, then press Enter. The Save and Exit screen displays. 8. To save your changes, select Save the configuration and restart the computer, then press Enter.
  • Page 149 Advanced Menus Press F7 from the View or Edit Details screen to display the Advanced menu. This menu contains four options: Lock/unlock boards, View additional system information menu, Set verification mode menu, and Maintain SCI files menu. Lock/unlock boards This option allows you to secure choices for the current board or the entire system to the current selections, or to unlock those choices so that changes can be made.
  • Page 150 Set verification mode menu This option allows you to specify whether your computer’s configuration should be checked each time you make a change or only when you choose. Select Automatic to have the computer’s configuration verified automatically each time a change is made and have conflicts identified and resolved as they occur.
  • Page 151 What To Do If Your Nonvolatile Memory Is Invalid If the nonvolatile memory has become invalid or it has not been initialized, the following screen may display before the ECU main menu appears. The EISA configuration nonvolatile memory for this system is invalid. backup system configuration information (SYSTEM.SCI) file, however, does exist.
  • Page 152 AcerAltos 900 User’s Guide 5-26...
  • Page 153 Appendix A System Resources Memory Map Table A-1 System Memory Map Address Size Function 0000000 ~ 009FFFF 640 KB system memory Onboard DRAM Reserved for graphics display buffer, 00A0000 ~ 00BFFFF 128 KB video RAM non-cacheable 00C0000 ~ 00C7FFF 32 KB for VGA BIOS Reserved for ROM on I/O adapters 00C8000 ~ 00CFFFF 32 KB I/O expansion ROM...
  • Page 154 I/O Address Map Table A-2 System I/O Address Map Address Range (hex) Device 000 ~ 01F DMA controller 1 020 ~ 027 Interrupt controller 1 030 ~ 037 Interrupt controller 1 040 ~ 047 System timer 050 ~ 057 System timer 060 ~ 06F Keyboard controller 070 ~ 07F...
  • Page 155 Table A-2 System I/O Address Map (continued) Address Range (hex) Device 0CFC PCI configuration data regulation 1F0 ~ 1F7 Hard disk 278 ~ 27F Parallel port 3 2F8 ~ 2FF Serial port 2 378 ~ 37F Parallel port 2 3B0 ~ 3BF Parallel port 1 3C0 ~ 3CF EGA, VGA, SVGA...
  • Page 156 A.3 Interrupt Channels Table A-3 Interrupt Channels Channel Function IRQ0 Timer output 0 IRQ1 Keyboard IRQ2 Reserved IRQ3 Serial port 2 IRQ4 Serial port 1 IRQ5 Reserved IRQ6 Diskette drive IRQ7 Parallel port IRQ8 Real-time clock IRQ9 Reserved IRQ10 Reserved IRQ11 Reserved IRQ12...
  • Page 157 System Default Configuration The following tables show your system’s factory default configuration. Table A-4 Basic System Configuration (Page 1/2) Parameter Default Setting Diskette Drive A 1.44 MB 3.5-inch Diskette Drive B None Fixed Disk 0 None Fixed Disk 1 None Base Memory is always 640 KB, while the total amount is determined by configuration.
  • Page 158 Table A-6 Advanced System Configuration (Page 1/1) Parameter Default Setting E0000h - FFFFFh Enabled C0000h - C7FFFh Enabled C8000h - CBFFFh Disabled CC000h - CFFFFh Disabled D0000h - D3FFFh Disabled D4000h - D7FFFh Disabled D8000h - DBFFFh Disabled DC000h - DFFFFh Disabled Internal Cache Enabled...
  • Page 159 Table A-7 PCI System Configuration Parameter Default Setting PCI IRQ Setting Auto PCI Slots 1, 2, and 3 Not Configured PCI Slot 4 VGA Palette Snoop Disabled Onboard SCSI Enabled Boot Device Enabled PCI slot 4 and the onboard SCSI controller share the same IRQ. Appendix A - System Resources...
  • Page 160 Table A-8 System Security Parameter Default Setting Disk Drive Control Diskette Drive Normal Fixed Disk Drive Normal System Boot Drive Drive A then C On-board Communication Ports Serial Port 1 3F8h Serial Port 2 2F8h Parallel Port 3BC (IRQ 7) Operation Mode Enhanced Parallel Port Onboard PS/2 Mouse...

  • Page 161: Eisa Configuration Utility (Ecu

    Table A-9 EISA Configuration Utility - ECU Parameter Default Setting Step 3: View or edit details Base System Memory 640 KB Base Memory 8 - 16 MB Extended Memory 16 MB Ext Memory with 15 - 16 MB System Use Peripheral Device Status Mouse Port Enabled...
  • Page 162 A-10 AcerAltos 900 User’s Guide...
  • Page 163 Index connector locations • 2-4 connector functions • 2-7 CPU • 2-3, 2-5, 2-6, 2-10 installation • 2-10 adding memory modules • 2-11 Pentium • 2-10 advanced system configuration • 3-12 socket • 2-3 external cache • 3-14 upgrade • 2-10 internal cache (CPU cache) •...
  • Page 164 configuring computer first time • 5-12 configuring memory • 5-19 functions • 5-1 IDE • 2-2, 3-7 getting help • 5-3 enhanced IDE feature • 3-10 invalid nonvolatile memory • 5-25 hard disk configuration • 3-6 making menu selections • 5-2 type •...
  • Page 165 EPP/ECP • 2-2 external • 2-2 keyboard • 2-1, 2-2 major components • 2-2 mouse • 2-1, 2-2 math coprocessor • 3-8 parallel • 2-1, 2-2 memory serial • 2-1, 2-2 adding • 2-11 positioning the system • 1-7 configurations • 2-12 POST •...
  • Page 166 selecting site • 1-5 SCSI feature • 2-17 using SCSI feature • 2-17 UART • 1 second-level cache • 2-1, 2-2 unpacking the system • 1-6 second-level cache module • 2-16 “User” option • 3-6, 3-7 Setup • 2-15, 2-19, 2-20, 2-21, 3-1 advanced system configuration •...
  • Page 167 This release note updates the AcerAltos 900 User’s Guide (P/N 49.AA983.001) with information about RDM, a key component in Acer’s manageability suite. For the latest information about RDM, look to this release note and the Remote Diagnostic Manager (RDM) User’s Guide included with your server.
  • Page 168 5. The table below replaces the Core/Bus Frequency data in Table 2-1 in the User's Guide. This update includes jumper settings for a Pentium 200 MHz system. Table 2-1 Jumper Settings (continued) Jumper Setting Function Core/Bus Freq. Bus Freq. Core Freq. Ratio JP4, JP5, JP7 50 MHz...
  • Page 169 User's Guide. For more information about RDM hardware, including how to reinstall the RDM module and LED, refer to the Remote Diagnostic Manager (RDM) User’s Guide. The RDM module and LED are pre-installed at the Acer factory. 1 RDM LED 5 3.5-inch Diskette Drive...
  • Page 170 RDM Connector Locations The figure below shows the location of the RDM connectors (CN8 and CN9) on the system board. P/N 46.AA983.002 (4 of 22) August 22, 1997...
  • Page 171 RDM BIOS Utility Refer to the RDM User’s Guide for the latest information about the RDM BIOS Utility. The “EISA Configuration Utility for AA900+” Diskette Do NOT use StartUp to access the ECU. Instead, use the EISA Configuration Utility for AA900+ floppy diskette that came with your system.
  • Page 172 The following sections tell of the various ways to configure your computer using the ECU. Running ECU Follow these steps to run ECU: Insert the EISA Configuration Utility for AA900+ diskette in drive A and turn on the computer (reset the system if the power is already on). The ECU logo screen appears. Press any key to continue.
  • Page 173 Using the Keyboard Table 1 Keyboard Function Keys Function Moves the cursor to the next field Tab or Moves the cursor to the previous field + Tab or Moves the cursor between items within a list Selects an item Cancels the most recent action Scrolls a screen Moves the cursor to the top of a list Moves the cursor to the bottom of a list...
  • Page 174 Setting the Date and Time The Set Date and Set Time options in the Main Menu allow you to set the date and time for your computer. Once you set the date and time, your computer keeps track of it, even when the power is turned off.
  • Page 175 Configuring Your Computer for the First Time Follow these steps when configuring your computer for the first time: Run ECU. See the “Running ECU” section. From the Main Menu, select Configure computer to display the following screen. Steps in configuring your computer Step 1: Important EISA configuration information Step 2: Add or remove boards Step 3: View or edit details...
  • Page 176 Read through the information then press when you are done. Select Step 4: Examine switches or print report, then press to display the following screen. Step 4: Examine switches or print report Step 4: Examine switches or print report You must PHYSICALLY verify that the switches and jumpers of each board marked with an arrow ( →...
  • Page 177 10. Do one of the following: • If you have a printer attached to your computer, select Print all configuration settings or Print settings for selected board or option then press to print a hard copy of the switch and jumper settings and other configuration information. •...
  • Page 178 16. Check the boards in your computer that have switches and jumpers and compare their settings with your printed copy. 17. Make any necessary changes. Requirements when Adding Boards Each time you add a board, you must determine the type of board you are adding and locate the board’s corresponding configuration (CFG) file.
  • Page 179 Adding EISA Boards Follow these steps when adding EISA boards to your computer: Locate the corresponding CFG file for the EISA board. See the “Requirements when Adding Boards” section for information on locating the CFG file. Turn off the computer if it is on, and install the EISA board(s). Follow the installation instructions in the board documentation.
  • Page 180 From the list that appears, select the CFG file(s) that corresponds to the EISA board(s) that you installed then press . The Destination Diskette screen appears. Destination Diskette Please insert the System Configuration diskette. >Select=ENTER< <Cancel=ESC> Figure 11 Destination Diskette Remove the option configuration diskette and reinsert the System Configuration diskette.
  • Page 181 Adding ISA Boards Follow these steps when adding ISA boards: Determine the manufacturer and the name of the ISA board(s) that you want to install. Run ECU. See the “Running ECU” section. From the Main Menu, select Configure computer. The screen Steps in Configuring Your Computer appears.
  • Page 182 Do one of the following: • If the CFG file(s) for your board(s) is in the list, select the file(s) and press • If the CFG file(s) is not in the list and an option configuration diskette comes with the board, press to display the Change Directory screen.
  • Page 183 10. Press when the Step 2: Add or Remove Boards screen appears. The Steps in Configuring Your Computer reappears. 11. Proceed to steps 5 to 17 in “Configuring Your Computer for the First Time” to complete your configuration. 12. Compare the actual settings of the boards in the system plus the ISA boards that you want to install with the printed copy of the configuration settings.
  • Page 184 Using the Generic ISA CFG File The ECU has a Generic ISA CFG file that you may use to reserve the required system resources for ISA boards that do not have a corresponding CFG file. Select the Generic ISA CFG file option if you cannot locate the CFG file for the ISA board either in the System Configuration diskette, option configuration diskette, or in the CFG File Library diskette.
  • Page 185 From the list of CFG files that appear, select Generic ISA Adapter then press . The Add Confirmation screen appears. Add Confirmation Board Name: Generic ISA Adapter Manufacturer’s Comments: Use this generic adapter to reserve the resources for any ISA adapter for which a CFG file does not exist.
  • Page 186 11. Select Step 3: View or edit details from the menu then press . The View or Edit Details screen appears. Step 3: View or Edit Details Press ↑ and ↓ to see all information. Press ENTER to edit the functions of the highlighted item. Press F6 to edit its resources (IRQs, DMAs, I/O ports, or memory).
  • Page 187 12. Scroll through the boards listed on the screen until you find the option Generic ISA Adapter board. 13. Select a function under the Generic ISA Adapter option and press to display its corresponding function screen. 14. Edit the function according to the board manufacturer’s documentation. 15.
  • Page 188 Removing a Board Whenever you physically remove any board, remove its configuration stored in the NVRAM by reconfiguring the computer. Follow these steps when you remove a board: If the computer is on, turn it off and remove the board. Insert the System Configuration diskette in drive A and turn on the computer.

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