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Epson CW3S16 Operation Manual

Epson CW3S16 Operation Manual

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OPERATIONS
GUIDE
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Summary of Contents for Epson CW3S16

  • Page 1 OPERATIONS GUIDE...
  • Page 2 S X 3 8 6 M OPERATIONS GUIDE...
  • Page 3 GERMAN RFI DECLARATION FOR CLASS B SELF CERTIFICATION Hiermit wird bescheinigt, dass der TriGem SX386M in Übereinstimmung mit den Bestimmungen der Vfg 1046/1984 funk-entstort ist. Der Deutschen Bundespost wurde das Inverkehrbringen dieses Gerätes angezeigt und die Berechtigung zur Überprüfung der Serie auf Einhaltung der Bestimmungen eingeräumt.

  • Page 4: Important Notice

    DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY TriGem Computer, Inc. makes no representations or warranties with respect to this manual, and shall not be held liable for technical or editorial omissions made herein; nor incidental or consequential damages resulting from the furnishing, performance, or use of this manual.
  • Page 5 TriGem is a registered trademark of TriGem Computer, Inc. AMI BIOS is a trademark of American Megatrends Inc. IBM, PC, PC/XT, PC/AT, MDA, Monochrome Display Adaptor, EGA, Enhanced Graphics Adaptor, VGA, and Video Graphics Array are trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation.
  • Page 6 FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
  • Page 7 The following instructions pertain to the risk of fire, electric shock or bodily injury. Please read all of these instructions carefully. Follow all of the instructions and warnings marked on this product or included in this manual. Do not use this computer on an unstable cart, stand or table. Slots and openings in the cabinet and the back have been provided for ventilation.
  • Page 8 Except as explained in Chapter 7, “Expanding Your System,” do not attempt to modify or service this product yourself. Opening or removing those covers that are marked “DO NOT REMOVE” may expose you to dangerous voltage points or other risks. Refer all servicing problems to qualified service personnel.
  • Page 9 S t o p ! If you ever have to remove the main system unit cover, observe the following precautions: The power supply cord must be unplugged before the main system unit cover is removed. Separe le cordon d’alimentation et puis enleve le couvercle.) Once removed, the cover must be replaced and screwed in position before the power supply cord is plugged back in.
  • Page 10 Wichtige Sicherheitsvorschriften Unbedingt beachten! Allgemeine Sicherheit Die nachfolgenden Anweisungen betreffen die Gefahr von Verletzungen durch elektrische Spannung, Feuer und mechanische Einwirkung. Bitte lesen Sie diese Anweisungen sorgfaltig. Beachten Sie alle Hinweise, die am Gerät selbst angebracht oder in den zugehörigen Handbüchem vermerkt sind. Stellen Sie das Gerät an einem sicheren, stabilen Arbeitsplatz auf.
  • Page 11 Auf das Netzanschlusskabel dürfen keine Gegenstände gestellt werden. Legen sie das Netzkabel so, dass niemand darauftreten oder darüber stolpern kann. Wenn Sie Verlängerungskabel benutzen, müssen Sie sicher sein, dass die gesamte Leistungsaufnahme nicht grösser ist als das Verlängerungskabel zulässt. Der gesamte Stromverbrauch aller angeschlossenen Geräte darf nicht mehr als 15 A betragen.
  • Page 12 ACHTUNG: Wenn Sie das Gerät öffnen mössen (Abnahme der verschraubten Haube), ist unbedingt folgendes zu beachten: Das Netzkabel muss aus der Steckdose gezogen werden und zwar bevor Sie das Gerät öffnen. Die Haube muss wieder monitert und verschraubt werden. Erst dann darf das Netzkabel wieder eingesteckt werden.

  • Page 13: Table Of Contents

    Contents Introduction ........How to Use This Manual .
  • Page 14 Using Your Computer Chapter 3 Changing the Operating Speed ......3-1 Special Keys on Your Keyboard ......3-2 Stopping a Command or Program .
  • Page 15 Disk Directories ........4-23 The DIR Command ......4-23 File Searches .
  • Page 16 Expanding Your System Chapter Connecting Peripherals ......7-1 Serial Ports ........Parallel Ports .
  • Page 17 Video Monitor Systems Appendix C Monitor System Resolution ......C-1 Video Controller Boards ......C-1 MonitorTypes .

  • Page 18: Introduction

    Introduction Your TriGem computer is powerful, versatile, and easy to use. After setting up your system with the simple instructions in this manual, you’ll soon be using your favorite software programs. This computer is available in these configurations: The System provides one 1.2MB (megabyte) diskette drive and an optional 40MB (or 80MB) hard disk drive.

  • Page 19: How To Use This Manual

    How to Use This Manual This manual explains how to set up and care for your computer. It also describes how to use your computer. The instructions in this manual apply to your system, except where otherwise indicated. You probably don’t need to read everything in this book; see the following chapter summaries.

  • Page 20: Settingupyoursystem

    Chapter 1 SettingUpYourSystem Setting up your personal computer is easy. Just follow the nine steps in this chapter. When you finish setting up your computer, go on to Chapter 2 and follow the instructions there to run the Setup program. The Setup program updates the list of equipment installed in the computer and any time options are added or changed.

  • Page 21: Choosing A Location

    Besides this manual, you should have the following: The computer and power cord The Keyboard with attached cable MS-DOS diskettes GW-BASIC diskette MS-DOS User’s Guide GW-BASIC User’s Guide In addition to these items, you need a compatible monitor to use with the computer. Be sure to keep your packing materials.

  • Page 22: Connecting A Monitor

    source of heat. High humidity also hinders operation, so select a cool, dry area. Avoid dust and smoke, which can damage disks and disk drives and cause you to lose valuable data. Appropriate power source: To prevent static charges, connect all your equipment to three-prong, grounded outlets.
  • Page 23 In addition to the display monitor itself, the video system includes a video controller board. This board generates the letters, numbers, and graphics symbols displayed on the monitor screen. Connectors are provided for the display type that is supported by the board (monochrome, RGB color, high resolution EGA, VGA etc.).

  • Page 24: Connecting A Printer, Mouse, Or Modem

    4. Plug the other end of monitor’s power cord into an electrical outlet. Connecting a Printer, Mouse, or Modem The computer has a parallel interface and two serial interfaces on the back panel, so you can easily connect a printer or other type of device with either type of interface.

  • Page 25: Using The Parallel Interface

    Follow the steps in this section to connect a printer or other peripheral device to either the parallel or serial interface. Using the Parallel Interface The parallel interface on your computer is Centronics compatible and uses a 25-pin connector. To connect a parallel printer to your computer, you need an IBM-compatible printer cable.

  • Page 26: Using The Serial Interface

    3. Connect the other end of the cable to the printer, as shown below. If the printer has retaining clips on each side of the printer port, squeeze the clips together to secure the cable. 4. Plug the printer’s power cord into an electrical outlet. Using the Serial Interface If you have a serial printer, modem, mouse, or any other peripheral with a serial interface, you can connect it to one of...

  • Page 27: Connecting The Power Cord

    Setting up the serial port for a printer If you are using a serial printer but your software does not support a serial printer, you must do two things before you can print: Set up the data transmission parameters for the serial port. Tell the computer to redirect printer data from the parallel port to the serial port.

  • Page 28: Connecting The Keyboard

    Note The socket-outlet should be installed near the equipment and should be easily accessible. Verbindung zwischen sein. Die steckdose sollte frei zugäglich sein. For units to be installed in European countries, a power supply cord of type HAR, with HOSVV-F should be used. Fur Geräte, die in europäischen Ländern eingesetzt werden, sollte ein Netzkabel Typ HAR mit der Nummer H65VV-F benutzt werden.

  • Page 29: Adjusting The Keyboard Angle

    Adjusting the Keyboard Angle You can change the angle of the keyboard by adjusting the legs on the bottom. Turn the keyboard over and lift each leg upward until it locks into place, as shown below. You lock the legs into a low or high position, or leave them flat. Figure 1-7.

  • Page 30: Turning On The Computer

    Turning On the Computer Before you turn on your computer, read the following safety rules to avoid accidentally damaging the computer or injuring yourself: Do not unplug cables from the computer when the power switch is on. Never turn off or reset your computer while a disk drive light is on.
  • Page 31 Follow these steps to turn on your system: 1. Turn on the monitor, printer, and any other peripheral devices connected to the computer. 2. To turn on the computer, press the power switch. The power indicator on the front panel lights up. After a few seconds, the computer starts to perform an internal self test.
  • Page 32 386 sx-BIOS (C) 1989 American Megatrends Inc. (C) 1990 TriGem Coporation XXXX KBOK Press <ESC> to bypass MEMORY test (C) American Megatrends Inc. DNSX-6080-051690-KB The computer continually updates this display as it tests its memory. This test takes about 15 seconds to complete. You may see a message similar to this: CMOS system options not set RUN SETUP UTILITY...

  • Page 33: The Command Prompt

    computer’s memory before you can run any program, such as a word processing program or a spreadsheet program. The Command Prompt After the computer has loaded MS-DOS from the hard disk, you see the MS-DOS command prompt on the screen: The command prompt tells you that your computer is ready to receive instructions.
  • Page 34 Note If you do not have any 1.2MB diskettes, you can use unformatted 360KB diskettes. When copying from 1.2MB diskettes, the DISKCOPY program formats the 360KB diskettes for 1.2MB. Follow these steps: 1. The C> prompt should be on the screen. If not, type C: and press Enter.
  • Page 35 Figure 1-9. Inserting a Floppy Disk 4. Press any key. The DISKCOPY program copies the contents of the MS-DOS diskette to the computer’s memory, and then you see the following: Insert TARGET diskette in drive A: Press any key to continue... 5.

  • Page 36: Resetting Your Computer

    Copy another diskette (Y/N) ? 6. Press Y so you can make a copy of another MS-DOS diskette. Again, you see the prompt to insert the source diskette. 7. Remove the copy of the MS-DOS diskette which you just made and insert the another MS-DOS diskette into drive A. Then press any key.
  • Page 37 CONTROL-ALT-DEL (Keyboard Reset) Press the CONTROL key and the ALT key at the same time. While holding these keys down, press the DELETE key, then release all three keys. This will reset your computer without running the full self-test diagnostics. The POWER Switch Turn the main system POWER switch off, wait ten seconds, then turn it back on.

  • Page 38: Chapter 2 The Cmos Setup Program

    Chapter 2 The CMOS Setup Program Introduction The Setup program keeps a record of the host computer’s system parameters (such as memory amounts, disk drives, video displays, and peripheral devices). Setup resides in the Read Only Memory Basic Input/Output System (ROM BIOS) so that it is available each time the host is turned on.

  • Page 39: Using Setup

    Note Note that you can bypass the memory test by pressing the < > key. This option would be useful when the memory on the system is quite large. You should hit the < > key when the following message appears on the screen.

  • Page 40: Entering Setup

    Use < Up • > and <Down • > keys to set the reverse video cursor on the option you want to select and use < Enter > to get into the option. If your system’s start-up message does not show any errors and proceeds to try to load software from the floppy disk drive, you see the following message: DRIVE NOT READY ERROR...

  • Page 41: Run Diagnostics

    If you hit <DEL > key, you will see a menu like as following. RUN CMOS SETUP RUN DIAGNOSTICS Set the reverse video cursor on the “RUN CMOS SETUP” using <Up • > and <Down • > and press < ENTER> . Then the screen will be replaced by the following.

  • Page 42: Parameters

    <Enter > ......moves the selection bar < • > < Ž > ....moves the selection bar <...
  • Page 43 Hard Disk Drive Setup Drives c: and d: are the hard disk drives in the system. 46 drive types have been defined by AMI. If for some reason or other your particular drive is not one of the 46 pre-defined types, simply scroll down to type 47 and enter the following drive specifications: cylinders, heads, WPcom, LZone, and sectors.
  • Page 44 System Use this parameter to RAM during the start-up routine. Video This parameter loads the program code from your video card into shadow RAM during system start up. System + Video This option loads the System BIOS and video code into shadow RAM.
  • Page 45 Low speed Select this option is to boot your system with 8MHz CPU speed as turning the power on. HD controller The system has on board IDE type HDC. If you’d like to another type of HDC (for example, SCSI, or ESDI etc.), disable this option and install your HDC Card to the expansion slot on the backplane board.

  • Page 46: Leaving The Setup Program

    want to use another parallel using external I/O card, you should select this option. Leaving the Setup Program When you have completed the changes, press the < ESC > key. The SETUP program will display the message: Write data into CMOS and exit (Y/N)? If you have made any mistakes, press N for No, then move the cursor back up to the beginning and verify each parameter, making any corrections necessary.

  • Page 47: Chapter 3 Using Your Computer

    Chapter 3 Using Your Computer This chapter covers the following basic procedure for using your computer: Changing the operating speed Using special keys on the keyboard Stopping a command or program Using disks and disk drives. Changing the Operating Speed Your computer can operate two speeds;...

  • Page 48: Special Keys On Your Keyboard

    Ctrl-Alt- < + > Changing the operating speed may be performed with the TriGem Utility TGSS.COM. This program is located on the MS-DOS diskette supplied with the system. You can find the detailed description of TGSS.COM in your MS-DOS User’s Guide.
  • Page 49 Purpose Perform special functions within application program Fl-F12 (some keys also function with MS-DOS Reference Manual for more information.) Moves the cursor one table to the right in normal mode (and one tab the left in shift mode when using some application programs.) Ctrl Works with other key to perform special (control)
  • Page 50 Sys Req PrtSc Home, End, PgUp, PgDn The Num Lock, Scroll Lock, and Caps Lock keys work as toggles; press the key once to turn on a function and again to turn it off. When the function is enabled, the corresponding light on the top right comer of the keyboard is on.

  • Page 51: Stopping A Command Or Program

    Stopping a Command or Program You may sometimes need to stop a command or program while it is running. Many application programs provide a command you can use to stop or even cancel (undo) an operation. If you have entered an MS-DOS command that you want to stop, try one of the following commands: Hold down the Ctrl key and press C Hold down the Ctrl key and press Break...

  • Page 52: How Disks Store Data

    Care for your diskettes and diskette drives Insert and remove diskettes Write-protect diskettes Make backup copies of your diskettes Use a single diskette drive Use a hard disk drive How Disks Store Data The diskette you insert in your computer’s diskette drive is made of flexible plastic, coated with magnetic material.
  • Page 53 A disk is further divided by sectors. To understand what a sector is, picture the spokes on a bicycle wheel radiating from the center of the wheel to the tire. The space between one spoke and the next is like a sector on a diskette. (See the figure below.) Each track on a 1.2MB diskette has 15 sectors, and each sector holds 512 bytes.

  • Page 54: Types Of Diskette Drives

    Types of Diskette Drives You computer has at least one 1.2MB diskette drive. With this drive, use 5 1/4+inch, double-sided, highdensity, 96 TPI, 1.2MB diskettes. These diskettes contain 80 tracks per side, 15 sectors per track, and hold up to 1.2MB of information, which is approximately 500 pages of text.

  • Page 55: Drive And Diskette Incompatibilities

    Note : You must format new diskettes before you can use them with an operating system. Formatting erases all the data on a diskette and prepares it to receive new data, so be sure to format only new blank diskettes or diskettes that contain data you want to erase.

  • Page 56: Caring For Diskettes And Diskette Drives

    Because of these incompatibilities, you should indicate the density and diskette type when you label your diskettes. (Usually this information appears on the manufacturer’s label.) If you have any combination of the above drives (36OKB, 1.2MB, 72OKB, or 1.44MB), you can copy files from one drive to another - using the COPY or XCOPY command - as long as the correct diskette type is in each drive.
  • Page 57 Keep diskettes away from magnetic fields. (Remember that diskettes store information magnetically.) There are many of magnetism in your home or office, such as sources electrical appliances, telephones, and loudspeakers. Do not place diskettes an top of your monitor or near an external disk drive.

  • Page 58: Inserting And Removing Diskettes

    Never turn off the computer when the hard disk drive light is on. This light indicates that the computer is copying data to or from the hard disk. If you interrupt this process, you can lose data. Never attempt to open the hard disk drive. The disk itself is enclosed in a sealed container to protect it from dust.
  • Page 59 If a diskette is in the drive but the latch is you enter a command for that drive, the computer cannot tell there is a diskette in the drive and displays an error message such as: Not ready error reading drive A Abort, Retry, Fail? Close the latch and press R.

  • Page 60: Write-Protecting Diskettes

    To remove a 3½-inch diskette, press the release button to release it. When the edge pops out of the drive, pull out the diskette and store it properly. Never remove a diskette or turn off the computer while the drive indicator light is on. You could lose data. Also, be sure to remove all diskettes before you turn off the computer.

  • Page 61: Making Backup Copies

    Note Some program have no notch so they are permanently write-protected. This protects them from being accidentally erased or altered. On a 3½-inch diskette, the write-protect device is a small switch on the lower-right comer on the back, shown below. To write-protect a 3½-inch diskette, slide the switch toward the edge of the diskette until it clicks into position, exposing a hole in the comer.

  • Page 62: Using A Single Diskette Drive

    Chapter 1 describes how to use DISKCOPY to copy your MS-DOS diskette. For more detailed information to make backups of other diskettes, refer to Chapter 4 “Using MS-DOS with your computer”. It is best to put most of the programs and data files you use regularly on the hard disk.

  • Page 63: Using The Hard Disk Drive

    Note If you only have one diskette drive and no hard disk, you need to use that drive to load the operating system as well as the application programs you are using. First load the operating system; this copies it into the computer’s memory (RAM) so you do not need to leave the diskette in the drive.

  • Page 64: Preparing The Hard Disk For Moving

    Backing up hard disk files While the hard disk is very reliable, it is essential to back up your hard disk files to diskettes in case you lose some data accidentally. Make copies of all your system and application program diskettes before copying the programs to the hard disk. After you create data files on the hard disk, be sure to copy them to diskettes whenever you revise them to keep your backup diskettes up-todate.
  • Page 65 You see a message on the screen that tells you the disk drive’s read/write heads will remain locked until you reset the computer or turn the power off and on again. The computer locks the heads and disables the keyboard. You can now turn off the computer and prepare to move it to the new location.

  • Page 66: Using Ms-Dos With Your Computer

    Chapter 4 Using MS-DOS With Your Computer Once you have your computer system “up-and-running,” you may begin to work with MS-DOS. Virtually all application software available for IBM PC/XT and PC/AT-compatible computer systems runs “under” MS-DOS. Therefore, in order to use these programs, you need to learn how to use MS-DOS.

  • Page 67: Inserting Diskettes

    Inserting Diskettes Your MS-DOS software package contains of the following items: One MS-DOS Install Diskettes One MS-DOS Select Diskette Three MS-DOS Operating Diskettes One MS-DOS Shell Diskette The MS-DOS User’s Guide & User’s Reference The MS-DOS Shell User’s Guide Begin the installation procedure by placing the MS-DOS Install diskette in the A drive and turning your computer on.
  • Page 68 To insert a diskette into the drive: Open the drive door If you haven’t already done so, remove the protective cardboard insert from the drive. Gently insert the diskette into the drive entry slot with its label facing up, and the write protect notch to the left. When the diskette is all the way in, close the drive door by turning the door latch handle down.

  • Page 69: Starting Ms-Dos

    Starting MS-DOS To start MS-DOS 4.01 on a floppy disk-based system (that is, one without a hard disk drive), follow these steps given below. For a detailed description of how to start MS-DOS 4.01, consult the Getting Started section in your MS-DOS 4.01 User’s Guide.

  • Page 70: System Prompt

    Notice that the words “Command Prompt” are highlighted by a solid bar. This is a DOS Shell option that allows you to work directly with MS-DOS. To select an item, use the up and down arrows. To start a program or display a new group, press Enter. File System Change Colors DOS Utilities..

  • Page 71: Cursor

    This is the system prompt. When it is displayed, it means that MS-DOS is waiting for you to tell it what to do. This is done by typing a DOS command, then pressing the ENTER key. Cursor Following the system prompt, you will see a blinking underline ( _ ) character.

  • Page 72: Case Sensitivity

    Case Sensitivity MS-DOS does not differentiate between upper and lower case letters in commands and filenames. This manual will show commands in upper case for clarity, but you may enter them either way. For example, both of these commands will generate a directory listing of a diskette: Function Keys and MS-DOS As mentioned earlier, MS-DOS uses several of your keyboard’s...

  • Page 73: Backspace Key

    – F4 key The opposite of F2, deletes all characters from the buffer up to, but not including, the next character you type – F5 key Moves the current line you are typing into the buffer without ENTERing it – F6 key Places an “end-of-file”...
  • Page 74 The BACKSPACE key on your keyboard works just like a backspace key on a regular typewriter: it moves the cursor back one position. In addition, however, it erases the last character typed. Press the BACKSPACE key as many times as necessary to erase the typing mistake, then type out the command correctly.

  • Page 75: Default Drive

    Default Drive MS-DOS will only look at one disk drive at a time. Normally, this is the “default” drive. You can tell which disk drive is the current default drive by looking at the system prompt. For example: indicates that the “A” drive is currently the default drive. Unless you specify otherwise, MS-DOS will direct any disk activity to the “A”...

  • Page 76: Copying Your Ms-Dos Diskettes

    From the A> prompt, try the command: The computer will respond: Insert diskette for drive B: and strike any key when ready Press ENTER after you insert the diskette into the drive, then the system prompt will be: If you have a dual floppy disk drive system, the second, or “B” drive is now the system default drive, as indicated by the new system prompt.

  • Page 77: Copying On Single Drive Systems

    MS-DOS MAIN SYSTEM DISKETTE BACKUP COPY (Version #) Write down the MS-DOS version number On each diskette labels. This will avoid confusion later if you upgrade your operating system to a new version. As you finish copying and checking each MS-DOS master diskette, peel the correct label off of the backing paper and place it on the upper left-hand side of the front face of the new diskette.
  • Page 78 The “SOURCE” diskette is the disk that you will be copying from. Insert the MS-DOS master diskette into the A drive. Press any key, such as the SPACEBAR. The floppy disk drive will be activated, and your computer will display: Copying xx tracks x Sectors/Track, x Side(s) The contents of the disk are being read into your computer’s...
  • Page 79 For now, type N. The system prompt will reappear. To compare the backup diskette with the original, you will use the DISKCOMP command. Enter the command at the system prompt: A > DISKCOMP The computer will respond: Insert FIRST diskette in drive A: Press any key to continue...
  • Page 80 Remove the master MS-DOS diskette from the floppy disk drive, and put it in its protective envelope. Take out the backup copy diskette, insert it into the disk drive, and press the SPACEBAR key. The computer will read the contents of the backup diskette, and compare them with the copy of the master diskette that it has stored in memory.

  • Page 81: Copying On Dual Drive Systems

    Copying on Dual Drive Systems To make backup copies of your MS-DOS diskettes on a dualdrive system, follow the instructions below: First, turn your computer on and boot up MS-DOS. Choose the Command Prompt option from the DOS shell menu. The system prompt will appear.
  • Page 82 Close bath drive doors. Press any key, such as the SPACEBAR. The A drive will be activated, and your computer will display: The contents of the disk are being read into your computer’s memory. After a few moments, the following message will appear: A>DISKCOMP A: B: The computer will respond:...
  • Page 83 Using MS-DOS With Your Computer 4-18...

  • Page 84: Files

    From now on, when this manual refers to the “main system diskette,” use the backup MS-DOS diskette. FILES In the same way that you can keep information grouped together in manila folders, MS-DOS organizes data into files. While you may store these folders in a cabinet, your computer stores these files on disks.

  • Page 85: Filenames And Extensions

    A data file containing a written report can’t do anything by itself. On the other hand, a word processor is useless without documents to work on. Filenames and Extensions Needless to say, each file on a disk must be uniquely identifiable.
  • Page 86 (dollar sign) (percent sign) & (ampersand) (and) (parenthesis) (minus sign or hyphen) [ and ] (brackets) (underline character) The following are examples of allowable filenames: . JANUARY CHAPTER.001 MEMO.APR MAYSALES. % &$ $$,SALES.OCT These filenames are valid because none of them are too long, and only legal characters have been used.
  • Page 87 NEW EMPL.LTR This would be rejected by MS-DOS because of the space in the filename. Certain filename extensions have been set aside so that MS-DOS can recognize program files. These are: Program files should always have one of these three filename extensions.

  • Page 88: Disk Directories

    Disk Directories MS-DOS keeps track of the files stored on your disks by maintaining a “directory” on each disk. These directories are listings of the filenames and extensions, along with certain information about the files themselves, such as when the file was created or updated last.

  • Page 89: File Searches

    The information presented by the DIR command is as follows: The filename & extension The file size (in bytes) The date the file was created or last updated The time the file was created or last updated The number of files listed in the directory The number of unused bytes of space remaining on the disk File Searches You can also use the DIR command to search for specific files...

  • Page 90: Multiple Disk Drive Systems

    Volume in drive A has no label Directory of A:\ File not found A > Multiple Disk Drive Systems command can he used to read the directories of other drives in your system, if any are installed. For instance, to read the directory of the B drive, when you are logged onto drive A, enter the command: The computer will display the directory of the diskette inserted...

  • Page 91: Wildcards

    The computer will display the B drive diskette’s directory, then remain logged to the B drive. Wildcards Quite often, when dealing with disk files, you may find yourself looking through directories for a particular file or group of files. MS-DOS has a way to help you sort out those files you want without having to read through the entire directory listing.

  • Page 92: Application Software

    Application Software Now that you know how to make backup copies of your diskettes and how to work with MS-DOS, you can proceed to use application software. Most software packages come with detailed instructions for their set-up and use. These instructions will often ask you to use the information in this chapter to find specific files in the disk directories, or back up the master diskettes provided with each package.

  • Page 93: Chapter 5 Using Floppy Disks

    Chapter 5 Using Floppy Disks Description Your computer works with a large electronic memory array called RAM. This stands for Random Access Memory. Your system’s RAM is actually an array of electronic circuits. As long as the computer is powered up, this circuit array will “remember”...

  • Page 94: How Floppy Disks Work

    How Floppy Disks Work Floppy disks, or diskettes, are made from a flexible plastic that is coated with a magnetic oxide. The floppy disk drive encodes this oxide with the data generated by the computer. After you turn your system off, unlike electronic RAM, the encoded oxide retains this data.

  • Page 95: Formatting Diskettes

    Formatting Diskettes When you get a new carton of diskettes, they are not yet ready to be used. First, they must be prepared to accept data. This is called “formatting” the diskette. MS-DOS uses the same formatting method regardless of the computer used.

  • Page 96: The Format Command

    When you type A (for about) or F (for failure) the computer will automatically cancel the attempt and will return you to the C > prompt. Remove the unformatted disk from the drive. The FORMAT Command MS-DOS provides an external command program called FORMAT.COM, that will format your blank diskettes.
  • Page 97 Insert the new diskette to be formatted and press the ENTER key. The computer will display: XX Percent, of disk formatted The formatting process takes a minute or two. The computer will wait until the formatting process is complete, then display: Volume label (11 characters, ENTER for none)? Press ENTER if you don’t want to have a label of your disk.

  • Page 98: Option Switches

    Option Switches To format 180K-byte single-sided, singledensity diskettes in the computer’s high capacity disk drive, enter the FORMAT command using the /1 and /4 option switch: C > FORMAT A:/1 The computer will proceed to format the diskette. Upon completion, you will see this message: Volume label (11 characters, ENTER for none)? And the following screen will be appeared if you press ENTER.
  • Page 99 The /4 option switch is used to format 360K-byte double-sided, doubledensity diskettes in the computer’s high capacity disk drive. To do this enter the command: The computer will proceed to format the diskette. Upon completion, you will see this message: Format complete Volume label (11 characters, ENTER for none)? Press ENTER not to have a label of your disk.
  • Page 100 Caution! 360K-byte diskettes formatted on 1.2M-byte high density, AT-style drives may not be reliable when used on some 360K-byte, XTstyle drives. The /4 option switch is primarily intended to permit the use of less expensive diskettes with AT-compatible systems like this one. If you need to have diskettes that can be safely read from and written to by both styles of computer, you should format the lower capacity diskettes on the XT-compatible...
  • Page 101 You normally boot the system up from the MS-DOS main system diskette. The DISKCOPY command copied these files when you created the backup copy of the master diskette. Sometimes, though, you may want to create a “boot disk” that doesn’t have all of the external DOS commands on it. For instance, you may want to make an “autoboot”...

  • Page 102: Copying Files

    XXXXXXX bytes total disk space XXXXXXX bytes available on disk XXX bytes in each allocation unit XXXXX allocation units available on disk Volume Serial Number is XXXX-XXXX Format another (Y/N)? Enter N to return to the system prompt. Then enter: The directory listing should appear similar to the following: COMMAND COM XXXXX X-XX-XX X:XXX 1 File(s)
  • Page 103 Put the “source” diskette in drive A, and the “target” diskette in drive B. At this time, you may want to check the directories of both diskettes in order to make sure you will not overwrite a file on the target diskette with the same name at the one you want to copy.

  • Page 104: Wildcards

    To perform the operation in reverse, that is, to copy from the B drive to the A drive, enter the command: A >COPY B:MAYSALES.RPT Note that this time, you were required to enter the source drive letter before the filename. This is because, in this example, drive B is not the default drive.
  • Page 105 A > COPY MAYSALES. * B: will copy all files about MAYSALES to the B drive. A final example: A>COPY .* C: will copy all of the files on a diskette in the A drive to the hard disk drive. This command is useful when backing up diskettes containing data files.

  • Page 106: Chapter 6 Using Your Hard Disk

    Chapter 6 Using Your Hard Disk Depending on the model, your computer system can be expanded to included an optional hard disk drive. This chapter will give you a basic understanding of its operation and show you how to configure it. Information is also provided on how MS-DOS works with your hard disk drive.

  • Page 107: Care Of Hard Disk Drives

    Second, a hard disk holds much more information than a diskette. The “high-capacity” diskettes used in your computer can only hold a little over one million bytes. The hard disk can hold up much more data than floppy disk. Finally, as mentioned above, a hard disk is much faster than a floppy disk drive.
  • Page 108 To begin, boot up your system using your MS-DOS as explained in Chapter 4, “Using MS-DOS.’ Then enter this command: If the computer responds with: enter: If a directory listing is displayed, even if there are no files shown, it means that your hard disk system has already been partitioned and formatted.

  • Page 109: Changing Your Setup

    Changing Your SETUP Before you can partition and format your hard disk, you have to let your computer know that you have one. This is done with the SETUP program. Once you have determined that your hard disk is “clean,” that is to say neither partitioned nor formatted, you should enter the SETUP program.
  • Page 110 Move the screen cursor bar down to the Hard Disk C parameter. Using the ‘PgUp and PgDn keys, scroll through the options to disk type number matched with the hard disk you have. If you select the type number 17 for 41MB hard disk, it provides the following information under the right hand headings: H d P r e ‘977 5...

  • Page 111: Partitioning Your Hard Disk

    Partitioning Your Hard Disk After the DOS Shell screen appears, select the Command Prompt option. At this point your are ready to partition your hard disk drive. To do this, enter the command: After loading the FDISK program, the computer will display information, on the hard disk drive installed in the system, as follows: MS-DOS Version x.xx...
  • Page 112 Note If you only have one hard disk drive, option 5 will not be displayed. Press ENTER to choose the default selection, “Create a DOS Partition.” The FDISK menu will disappear, and be replaced DOS Partition or Logical DOS Drive Create Current fixed disk drive: 1 Choose one of the following:...

  • Page 113: Formatting Your Hard Disk

    To reserve the entire hard disk for MS-DOS, press the ENTER. FDISK now displays the following message: It is common to use FDISK to create an MS-DOS partition that takes up the entire hard disk drive and then make that partition bootable.
  • Page 114 If your hard disk needs to be formatted, begin by Command Prompt option from the DOS shell. Enter the following command: The floppy disk drive indicator will come on for a few seconds, while the FORMAT command is into memory. When the light goes out, the computer will display: You should already have made sure that there is no information stored on the hard disk that you want to save.

  • Page 115: Organizing Your Hard Disk

    The /S switch in the FORMAT command caused the active portions of MS-DOS to be loaded onto the system area of the hard disk. At this point you can boot the system from the hard disk. Organizing Your Hard Disk This section provides you with a sample directory structure for use with your hard disk.
  • Page 116 you are ready to begin. First, you will create several subdirectories. These will be used shortly to contain useful files. Begin by entering the command: C>MD DOS4 The MD command is a short form of MKDIR. This internal DOS command creates a subdirectory under the directory you are currently in.
  • Page 117 C O M M A N D C O M X X X X X X - X X - X X X : X X X FORMAT DOS4 X File(s) c> Just as MS-DOS commands usually look at the “current” disk drive, they also look at the current directory.
  • Page 118 You have just moved to the DOS4 subdirectory. The two < DIR > entries indicate that you are currently logged onto a disk subdirectory. The period (.) entry represents the current directory, while the double period (..) entry represents the parent directory for the current subdirectory.
  • Page 119 Insert the MS-DOS install diskette into the A drive. Close the door, then enter: C>COPY A:*.* C: This command will copy the entire contents of the MS-DOS install diskette into the DOS4 subdirectory on the hard disk. When the copying process is complete, your computer will display the following message: Using the DIR command, run a directory to verify that you have copied the MS-DOS install diskette.
  • Page 120 These commands will remove the COMMAND.COM files from the DOS4 subdirectory. Since the files is available in your hard disk root directory, it is not necessary to include it in the DOS4 subdirectory. Later, as your hard disk gets filled up with application software program and data files, the disk space saved by deleting such duplicate files might become useful.

  • Page 121: Backing Up Your Hard Disk

    Backing Up Your Hard Disk It is highly recommended that you make back up copies of your valuable hard disk files regularly. Because hard disk drives are fragile, they can sometimes be damaged. It is also possible to erase some or all hard disk files through the use of incorrect FORMAT and COPY commands.

  • Page 122: How Many Diskettes

    When you back up your hard disk using BACKUP, the first thing to do is to format enough blank disks to hold the backed up files. Once you start the BACKUP routine, you won’t want to stop the program to format more diskettes. BACKUP takes time, even on a high speed computer.
  • Page 123 This file contains the BACKUP command program. As mentioned above, this file is provided on your MS-DOS install diskette. You can run the program from the floppy disk drive or from the hard disk, if you have copied the file into a subdirectory on the hard disk.

  • Page 124: The Restore Command

    In both examples, the A: portion of the command tells MS- DOS that you want to start the backup routine with the root directory of the hard disk, and store the backup files on diskettes in drive A. The final /S switch tells MS-DOS to back up all of the subdirectories on the hard disk in addition to the root directory.
  • Page 125 enter: If a directory listing is displayed, even if there are no entries, it means that your hard disk system is ready to receive files. If the active routines of MS-DOS have been loaded on to the hard disk, you will see the COMMAND.COM file at the beginning of the directory listing.
  • Page 126 set the C drive directory to the root directory by entering First, the command: Now set the system default drive letter back to drive A by entering: The computer will respond by displaying: Make sure your MS-DOS install diskette is inserted into the A drive.

  • Page 127: Chapter 7 Expanding Your System

    Chapter 7 Expanding Your System As you get more familiar with your computer system, you will probably want to add hardware to it. This can include additional disk drives, printers, modems, etc. This chapter addresses the installation of some of the most common devices. Note Because a wide variety of expansion products are available for your system, and configuring them to communicate...
  • Page 128 Modems External disk drives Your computer is designed to communicate with peripherals by way of the connectors on the rear panel of the main system unit. The connectors are called “ports,” and allow information to be sent back and forth between the system CPU and a peripheral device.

  • Page 129: Serial Ports

    Note Your computer is referred to as a “16-bit” computer. This system can address over 16M-bytes of memory. In order to address this much RAM, the internal data communications in this computer use 16 parallel data lines. Serial Ports There are two basic kinds of general purpose l/O (Input/Output) port.

  • Page 130: Parallel Ports

    Parallel Ports Unlike serial ports, parallel ports allow your computer to communicate one entire byte at a time. Eight wires are included in the cable to permit the transmission of each of the eight data bits simultaneously. Extra wires are included in the cable for control signals.

  • Page 131: Connecting External Disk Drives

    Internally mounted modems are attached to a circuit board that will be installed inside your main system unit. These modems can communicate directly with the system CPU through your computer’s internal circuitry. The telephone line is plugged into a socket located on the rear panel of the modem.

  • Page 132: System Expansion & Upgrades

    System Expansion And Upgrades This section deals with the addition of expansion boards and products to your computer’s main system unit. Although most expansion products are provided with detailed instructions for their installation and use, it is recommended that you read through this section in order to familiarize yourself with some of the basic principles of expanding your computer.
  • Page 133 Stop! When you remove the main system unit cover, observe the following precautions: The power supply cord must be unplugged before the main system unit cover is removed. (Separe le cordon d’alimentation et puis enleve le couvercle.) Once removed, the cover must be replaced and screwed in position before the power supply cord is plugged back in.

  • Page 134: Opening And Closing The Cabinet

    Opening and Closing the Cabinet The procedure for opening the main system unit cabinet is as follows: Unplug the video monitor AC power and signal cables from their rear panel sockets. Set the monitor safely aside. Unplug the keyboard and set it aside. Unscrew the screws on the rear panel of the unit and set them aside.
  • Page 135 Later, to close the unit, follow these steps in order: Make sure all the system and expansion boards are properly seated in their connectors, and have had their mounting screws tightened down. Make sure all the internal cables have been properly connected and arranged neatly.

  • Page 136: Installing Circuit Boards

    Installing Circuit Boards Most of the expansion products you will be installing into your computer are circuit boards. Like the system boards installed at the factory, expansion boards are plugged into the main system unit’s mother board. There are expansion boards available for a wide variety of functions.
  • Page 137 Open the main system unit cabinet and set the configuration jumpers on the system motherboard to match the new hardware arrangement. You will be able to do this without removing the system motherboard from the main system unit chassis, although you may need to unplug the disk drive ribbon cable from its connector to allow easy access to the jumpers.
  • Page 138 Disconnect any internal cables that may be in the way. As you do, make a note of their correct locations and orientations for later reattachment. Unscrew the retaining screw for the slot guard, and set it aside. Mount the expansion board into the slot by gently sliding the board into the slot.

  • Page 139: Disk Drive Compartments

    Figure 7-4. Installing the Option Card in an Expansion Slot Check the board’s alignment to make sure it is straight and level. If necessary, move the board slightly to align the hole in the top of the mounting bracket over the screw hole in the main system unit’s rear panel flange.
  • Page 140 cover as described above. Select the drive compartment where you will install the expansion device. Remove the blank front panel from the selected compartment by removing the mounting screws. Slide the expansion device into the compartment along the side rails of the drive cage until it is all the way in. Replace the hold down clamps and their mounting screws.

  • Page 141: Internal Hard Disk Drive

    Internal Hard Disk Drive If you are to mount the internal hard disk drive inside the main system unit case, follow the steps below: Remove the cover from the main system unit, as described above. Remove mounting plate by unscrewing the hold down screws.

  • Page 142: Appendix A Specifications

    Appendix A Specifications Computer System Operating Temperature : 41° to 95°F (5° to 35°C) Storage Temperature Operating Humidity Storage Humidity Compatibility Power Supply Keyboard System MotherBoard Firmware Operating System Support Bus Interface Expansion Slots : -5° to 140°F (-15° to 60°C) : 20% to 80% (no condensation) : 10% to 90% (no condensation) : IBM PC/AT...

  • Page 143: Cpu Logic

    Dynamic RAM (with parity) Floppy Disk Drive support I/O Ports Audio Support Real Time Clock CPU Logic Main Central Processor : 386sx-16™ microprocessor Math Coprocessor IC : 387sx™ coprocessor (optional) System Memory Memory Address Space : 24 address lines (16MB) Data Interface A-2 Specifiations : 1M-bytes, expandable 8M-bytes on...

  • Page 144: System I/O

    Memory Bank Configurations BANK 0 256K 256K 256K 256K 256K 256K 256K BIOS ROM System I/O DMA Channels: 8-bit operations – 4 channel 16-bit operations – 3 channel Programmable Timers: 3 Vectored Interrupt Levels: 15 System Timing System Clock Speed: 16MHz (high) 8MHz (low) Clock Cycle Time:...

  • Page 145: I/O Address Map

    I/O Address Map Hex Range 000-01 F 020-03F 040-05F 060-06F 070-07F 080-09F OAO-OBF OCO-ODF OF8-OFF 378-37F 3FO-3F7 3F8-3FF Note: l/O address, hex 000 to FFF are reserved for the system board I/O. Hex 100 to 3FF are available on the l/O channel, A-4 Specifications Device 8237A-5 DMA Controller...

  • Page 146: Appendix B System Motherboard

    Appendix B S y s t e m M o t h e r B o a r d Figure B-l. System Motherboard This appendix provides configuration and interface information for this board. You may skip this appendix if you are not installing expansion products that require changing the motherboard’s configuration jumper settings.
  • Page 147 There are several headers on the motherboard but most of them are already factory setting and you should not remove them. Note If you have problems setting the system CPU configuration headers, contact your dealer for assistance. When you turn the system power on, the system CPU will compare these settings with the information stored in its configuration RAM as part of the diagnostic routines.

  • Page 148: Removing The Motherboard

    Removing The MotherBoard In order to change the settings defined by these jumpers, it will be necessary to remove the system motherboard from the chassis. To do this, follow these steps, referring to Chapter 7, “Expanding Your System,” where necessary: Unplug all of the cables from the rear panel of the main system unit.

  • Page 149: Connectors

    The Table B-l lists the jumper settings Connectors The system motherboard is provided with a number of connectors for communication with other parts of the computer system. These connectors are discussed below. For pinout information on these connectors, see Appendix D, “Connector Pinouts.”...
  • Page 150 Expansion Slots – JA1 to JA6, JC1 to JC4 The system board contains six expansion slots comprised of two basic types as follows: Two B-bit slot for PC/XT boards Four 16-bit slots for PC/AT boards or B-bit PC/XT boards Keyboard Port – CONN1 The keyboard connector CONN 1, is a 5-pin DIN connector for keyboards that are compatible with the IBM AT keyboard.
  • Page 151 Serial Port – CONN2, CONN3 Connector CONN2 and CONN3 provide the standard AT-type RS-232C serial interfaces. Power Connector – JP1, JP3 Speaker – CONN8 Connector CONN8 provides a speaker connection for audible tone generation. The connector is a two pin header. IDE Interface Connector –...

  • Page 152: Appendix C Video Monitor Systems

    Appendix C Video Monitor Systems There are many video display systems available for use with your computer system. This appendix will provide a brief description of the most common video system types, and discuss their applications. Monitor System Resolution The main difference between video monitor system types is their screen resolution.
  • Page 153 The personal computer industry has established several video controller resolution and color standards. Some of these are described below. – Hercules Graphics Compatible (HGC): HGC boards have become the video controller-of-choice for basic personal computer video display monitor systems. Providing dot resolutions up to 720x350, HGC boards display good quality text and graphics, while using shading to accommodate color software.
  • Page 154 The maximum screen resolutions of the different video standards is summarized below, along with their color and graphics features: HGC: maximum dot resolution: 720x350 maximum text display: 80 columns x 25 lines colors: monochrome green or amber CGA: dot resolution: 640x200 maximum text display: 80 columns x 25 lines...

  • Page 155: Monitortypes

    Note EGA and VGA controller boards are available with higher resolutions than the maximum defined by the standards. The optional EGA video system for this computer provides up to 1056x352 dot resolution for a text display of 132 lines, and up to columnsx44 graphics.
  • Page 156 useful in applications that need good-looking graphics, or higher resolution text, though they are limited in the number of colors that can be displayed at a given time. If you are going to be using software that requires color, but not high resolution graphics, you should use an RGB video display monitor, connected to a CGA video controller board.

  • Page 157: Appendix D Connector Pinouts

    Appendix Connector Pinouts I/O Ports RS-232C Serial port (9-pin subminiature “D” connector): Pin # SignaIs conform to EIA Standard RS-232C. l/O Type: Input Carrier Detect (CD) Input Receive Data (RD) output Transmit Data (TxD) output Data Terminal Ready (DTR) Ground Singal Ground (GND) Input Data Set Ready (DSR)
  • Page 158 Centronics-compatible parallel printer port (25pin subminiature “D” connector): Pin # 18-25 1. All outputs are software generated. All inputs ate real-time signals (not latched). 2. All signals are TTL compatible. Keyboard Port (5-pin mini “DIN” connector) Pin# D-2 Connector Pinouts l/O Type: Input -Strobe...

  • Page 159: Ide Port

    IDE Port Pin # Signal Name -Reset Ground Data 7 Data 8 Data 6 Data 9 Data 5 Data 10 Data 4 Data 11 Data 3 Data 12 Data 2 Data 13 Data 1 Data 14 Data 0 Data 15 Ground Not Connected Ground...
  • Page 160 Power Supply Connector (12-pin post header) Pin # Figure D-l. Expansion Slot Connectors D-4 Connector Pinouts Signal Name Power Good Signal Volts +12 Volts -12 Volts Ground Ground Ground Ground -5 Volts +5 Volts +5 Volts +5 Volts...

  • Page 161: Expansion Slot Connectors

    Expansion Slot Connectors Your computer comes with industry standard IBM compatible expansion slots. There are five At-style (98 pin) expansion slot connectors mounted on your system mother board. The charts below show the pin numbering on the expansion slot connectors. Expansion Slot Connector Pinouts: A-10 A-11...
  • Page 162 Expansion Slot Connector Pinouts (continued): Type: Ground output Power Input Power Input Power Input Power B-10 Ground B-11 output B-12 output B-13 B-14 B-15 output B-16 Input B-17 output B-18 Input B-19 B-20 output B-21 Input B-22 Input B-23 Input B-24 Input B-25...
  • Page 163 Expansion Slot Connector Pinouts (continued): Type: C-10 C-11 C-12 C-13 C-14 C-15 C-16 C-17 C-18 Input Input Input Input Input Input Input output Input D-10 output D-11 Input D-12 output D-13 Input D-14 output D-15 Input D-16 Pober D-17 Input D-18 Ground Signal...

  • Page 164: Appendix E Advanced Rom Diagnostics

    Appendix E Advanced ROM Diagnostics Introduction In addition to the POST diagnostics which are performed during power-up, the ROM BIOS also has an advanced diagnostics program which can perform specialized tests on each of the following when instructed: Hard disk drive(s) Floppy diskette drive(s) Keyboard Video adapter board and monitor...

  • Page 165: Starting Advanced Rom Diagnostics

    Starting Advanced ROM Diagnostics To access the Advanced ROM BIOS Diagnostics, perform the following: Note Before working with the Advanced ROM diagnostics, make certain that all peripheral devices and the AC power cord from the host computer are connected properly. Turn on the on/off switch at the front of the unit.
  • Page 166 The following screen should appear: ROM DIAGNOSTICS. (C) 1986, American Megatrends Inc. Tue. Feb 13, 1990 11:49:07 Media Analysis Performance Test Seek Test Bead/Verify Test Check Test Cyl. Force Bad Tracks Hard Disk Commu. FlOPPY A: 1.2MB #03F8 #02F8 Color Preformat Hard Disk F i g u r e E - l .

  • Page 167: Advanced Rom Diagnostics Tests

    The Diagnostics Options Window. Options Line is the Diagnostics Options Window for that option. The test options available in each Diagnostics Options Window are addressed in the following pages under the appropriate diagnostics heading (Hard Disk, Floppy Disk, Keyboard, Video, and Miscellaneous). The configuration of the system in the Devices Present section of the screen.

  • Page 168: Hard Disk Diagnostics

    Hard Disk Diagnostics The following tests can be performed on your hard disk(s): 1) Hard Disk Format, 2) Auto Interleave, 3) Media Analysis, 4) Performance Test, 5) Seek Test, 6) Read/Verify Test, 7) Check Test Cylinder Test, 8) Force Bad Tracks. Note The following tests are valid only if the hard disk being tested is not a SCSI device: 1) Hard Disk Format, 2) Auto...
  • Page 169 Diagnostics Generated Error Messages This error message is generated by the Performance Test procedure which requires at ‘least 128KB of RAM space. So, if your system board has less than 128KB of available RAM space, you cannot use this function. Controller Generated Error Messages The controller generated error messages encountered while performing any of the hard disk functions are displayed in a...
  • Page 170 The Hard Disk Format Test Warning! The Hard Disk Format Test is a destructive operation. Back up the hard disk(s) on which this routine will be performed before actually performing the operation. Note This test is not valid for a SCSI drive. Use the Hard Disk Format Test to 1) integrate a new hard disk to the system, or 2) reformat a used hard disk which has developed some bad patches as a result of aging or poor...
  • Page 171 < ENTER Press > . The causes the following information boxes to appear. E-2. Performing A Hard Disk Format Test: Figure Entering the Disk Drive Type The box on the left contains a series of questions (fields) which must be answered before performing the Hard Disk Format Test.

  • Page 172: Disk Drive Type

    Disk Drive Type After entering the appropriate response (if it hasn’t already been entered) the default value (1, if the drive was not entered during the CMOS S the right of the cursor blinks to the right of the “?,” prompting for either a new value, or acceptance of the default value, by pressing <...
  • Page 173 This is the number designation for a drive with certain identification parameters. This is the number of cylinders found in the specified drive type. This is the number of heads found in the specified drive type. W-pcomp is the read delay circuitry, which takes into account the timing differences between the inner and outer edges of the surface of the disk platter.

  • Page 174: Interleave Factor

    Interleave Factor < ENTER After pressing cursor will blink below either the default value or the previous value entered for the “Interleave (l-16)” field. The default value is the previous value determined by Auto Interleave. Type the desired value and press move to the next field, “Mark Bad Tracks (Y/N).”...
  • Page 175 Mark Bad Tracks The default value is ‘N’ for ‘No’. If the hard disk being tested is not a SCSI device, check the unit for a manufacturer’s list of bad tracks. If this information is available, type ‘Y’ and press <...
  • Page 176 The Bad Track Edit Menu With the block cursor highlighting “Add an entry,” press < ENTER > . This will cause another box to appear below the Bad Track Edit Menu. This box asks you to enter the track number for the entry you wish to add. When the box first appears, either the default (0) value or the previous value entered will appear.
  • Page 177 The Enter New Track # and Head # box will appear with the current track # (Cyl.) value entered in the field to the right of “Enter New Track #.„ Type in a new value (if desired) at the blinking cursor, and press “Enter New Head #.”...
  • Page 178 Start Cylinder Number See Figure E-2. Enter the cylinder number where you want the formatting to begin. The default value is ‘0’. End Cylinder Number See Figure E-2. Enter the cylinder number where you want the formatting to end. The default value is the last cylinder in the drive. Start Head Number See Figure E-2.
  • Page 179 All data on harddisk you have specified may be LOST... you still want to continue (Y/N)? After you enter ‘Y’, the Activity box appears on the right side of the screen. “Format” is highlighted in the Activity box. In the Status portion of the Activity box, the specified cylinders, heads, and sectors are displayed sequentially as they are formatted.
  • Page 180 Auto Interleave Routine Warning! The Auto Interleave Routine is a destructive operation. Back up the hard disk(s) on which this routine will be performed before actually performing the operation. Run the Auto Interleave Routine to optimize hard disk performance. This routine actually occurs in two separate steps. First, the BIOS will calculate the optimum interleave value through trial and error by measuring the transfer rate for four different interleave values.
  • Page 181 ROM DIAGNOSTICS, (C) 1986, American Megatrends Inc. Tue, Feb 13, 1990. 11:49:07 Press <ENTER> to return to MAIN MENU... Detect & Preformat with Optimum Interleave Figure E-6. The Auto Interleave Routine If you want to change a response to one or both of these fields before running the test, enter “N”...
  • Page 182 Entering “N” returns you to the Auto Interleave Routine Information Box. Entering “Y” causes the following information boxes to appear: 1) Auto Interleave Detection, 2) Bad Track List, and 3) Activity. In the Auto Interleave Detection box, the transfer rate is calculated for up to four (4) different interleave factors.
  • Page 183 Media Analysis Test Note This test is not valid for a SCSI drive. The Media Analysis Test performs a series of tests to locate bad patches. Even though you may have a list of bad patches from the manufacturer, this will not list any new bad patches which may have developed as a result of aging or poor handling.
  • Page 184 Figure E-7. The Media Analysis Test To run the Media Analysis Test: At the Hard Disk Menu, highlight “Media Analysis.” Press > . Fill in the appropriate response for each of < ENTER the following fields in the Hard Disk Surface Analysis information box: Disk Drive (C/D) Disk Drive type...
  • Page 185 Each of these fields are described earlier in this tab under the heading “Hard Disk Format Test.” When you have filled the first seven fields with an appropriate response, enter “Y” in the Proceed field. The following WARNING message will appear: The Bad Track List with all current entries, and the Activity box will also appear at this time.
  • Page 186 Hard Disk Performance Test Before performing the Hard Disk Performance Test optimize the Interleave factor. See Auto Interleave Routine earlier in this tab for instructions. The Performance Test determines the Data Transfer Rate and the Track to Track Seek time based on transfer size, seek count and data transferred.
  • Page 187 At the Hard Disk Menu, highlight “Performance Test.” < ENTER Press the following fields in the Hard Disk Performance Test information box: Each of these fields is described earlier in this tab under the heading “Hard Disk Format Test.” When you have filled the first two fields with an appropriate response, enter “Y”...

  • Page 188: Seek Test

    Seek Test The Seek Test determines the seek capability of the hard disk on the specified cylinder and head range. First, a sequential seek is performed, followed by a random seek. Any errors occurring during this test are displayed. To perform a Seek Test: At the Hard Disk Menu, highlight “Seek Test.”...
  • Page 189 Note Entering “N” in the Proceed field will cause the cursor to return to the Disk Drive Type field. Hard Disk Read/Verify Test This test performs sequential and random read and verify operations on the cylinder and head range specified in the Hard Disk Read/Verify Test Information box.
  • Page 190 Disk Drive (C/D) Disk Drive Type Start cylinder number End cylinder number Start Head number End Head number Proceed (Y/N) Each of these fields are described earlier in this tab under the heading “Hard Disk Format Test.” When you have filled the first six fields with an appropriate response, enter “Y”...
  • Page 191 Figure E-10. Performing the Hard Disk Read/Verify Test Check Test Cylinder Test The last cylinder on the hard disk is the test cylinder. This cylinder should be tested if a C:Drive or D:Drive error occurs during the POST. A Read/Verify test is performed on all sectors in the test cylinder.
  • Page 192 At the Hard Disk menu, highlight “Check Test Cyl.” using the bar cursor. Then, press < ENTER > . That causes the Hard Disk Test Cylinder Test box to appear on the left side of the screen. The box contains the following questions (fields) that must be answered with appropriate responses.
  • Page 193 ROM DIAGNOSTICS, (C) 1986. American Megatrends Inc. Tue. Feb 13, 1990. 11:49:07 Perform Read/Write Operation On The (Highest) Cylinder Figure E-11. Performing the Check Test Cylinder Test E-30 Advanced ROM Keyboard F l o p p y Diagnostics Video Miscellaneous Activity Seek Reset...
  • Page 194 Force Bad Tracks Routine ROM DIAGNOSTICS, (C) 1986, American Megatrends Inc. Tue. Feb 13. 1990. 11:49.07 Prepare A List of Tracks To Be Marked As Bad Figure E-12. The Force Bad Tracks Routine Note This routine is not valid for SCSI drives. This operation allows you to define a set of tracks as faulty before performing a low level format.

  • Page 195: Floppy Diagnostics

    Hard Disk Test Cylinder Test box to appear on the left side of the screen. The box contains the following questions (fields) that must be answered with appropriate responses. These responses are addressed earlier in this tab under the heading “Hard Disk Format Test.”...
  • Page 196 See Figure E-13. Warning! The Diskette Format Test, the Random Read/Write Test, and Sequential Read/Write Test are destructive operations. This means that the data on the diskette required to perform these tests will be destroyed. When performing these operations, be certain that the formatted diskettes required for these tests does not contain valuable information which cannot be recovered from the hard disk or from another diskette.

  • Page 197: Error Messages

    Error Messages Error messages can either be ROM Diagnostics generated, or controller generated. The error messages encountered while performing any of the diskette functions are displayed in a window with 2 lines: Line 1 Line 2 The actual error message The actual error message could be any one of the following: ROM Diagnostics Generated Error Messages...
  • Page 198 Diskette WRITE PROTECTED (Write protect error) MEDIA CHANGE error (Media type not found) BAD DMA error (DMA overrun on operation) Record Not Found (Requested sector not found) BAD Address Mark (Address mark not found) Floppy Diskette Format Test ROM DIAGNOSTICS, (C) 1986. American Megatrends Inc. Tue. Feb 13. 1990 11:49:07 Insert Diskette for FORMAT Hard Disk Floppy...
  • Page 199 Warning! This test is a destructive operation. This means that the data on the diskette required to perform these tests will be destroyed. When performing these operations, be certain that the formatted diskettes required for these tests do not contain valuable information which cannot be recovered from the hard disk or from another diskette.

  • Page 200: Drive Speed Test

    Entering “Y” at the “Proceed” field causes the Activity box to appear on the right side of the screen. “Format” is highlighted in the upper half of the box. This flashes while the test is in progress to indicate that this, function is being performed. In the lower half of this box, the status line displays the number of the cylinders, the number of the heads, and the number of the sectors in sequence as they are formatted.
  • Page 201 To perform a Drive Speed Test: Highlight “Floppy” in the main menu by using the left and right arrow keys. Below this menu is another menu which lists all possible tests available for the Floppy drive. At this Floppy Disk Menu. “Diskette format” should be highlighted with the bar cursor.
  • Page 202 Insert A Formatted Diskette in Drive Press < ENTER > when ready.. . After inserting a formatted diskette in the drive, and pressing <ENTER > , the message box will contain the following message: Floppy Disk Drive is X.X MB Diskette Capacity - XX trks X secs/trk Testing in Progress At the bottom of the Activity box, the message “Wait for 2...
  • Page 203 ROM DIAGNOSTICS. (C) 1986, American Megatrends Inc. Tue, Feb 13, 1990. 11:49:07 Hard Disk Perform Random Read/Write Figure E-16. The Random Read/Write Test Warning! This test is a destructive operation. This means that the data on the diskette required to perform these tests will be destroyed.
  • Page 204 Disk Menu, “Diskette format” should be highlighted with the bar cursor. Use the down arrow key to highlight “Random Read/Write Test.” Press < ENTER> . That causes the Diskette format box to appear on the left side of the screen. The box contains the following questions (fields) that must be answered with appropriate responses.
  • Page 205 After inserting a formatted diskette in the drive, and pressing <ENTER > , the message box will contain the following message: In the upper portion of the activity box, “Read,” “Write,” and “Verify” will flash in sequence as these operations are performed.
  • Page 206 To perform the Sequential Read/Write Test: Highlight “Fl o p py” in the main menu by using the left and right arrow keys. Below this menu is another menu which lists all possible tests available for the Floppy drive. At this Floppy Disk Menu, “Diskette format”...
  • Page 207 DIAGNOSTICS, (C) 1986. American Megatrends Inc. Tue. Feb 13. 1990 11:49:07 Hard Disk Insert A Formatted Diskette in Drive Hard Disk Floppy A. 1.2MB #03F6 #02F6 Color Perform Sequential Read/Write Test Figure E-17. The Sequential Read/Write Test Note Entering “N” (the default) will return you to the Floppy Drive Menu.

  • Page 208: Disk Change Line Test

    After inserting a formatted diskette in the drive, and pressing <ENTER>, the message box will contain the following message: Floppy Disk Drive is X.XX MB Diskette Capacity - XX trks & X secs/trk Testing in Progress In the upper portion of the Activity box, “Write,” and “Verify”...
  • Page 209 ROM DIAGNOSTICS. (C) 1986. American Megatrends Inc Tue. Feb 13, 1990. 11:49:07 Hit <ENTER> when ready... Check The DISK CHANGE LINE Of the Drive Figure E-18. The Disk Change Line Test To perform the Disk Change Line Test: Highlight “Floppy” in the main menu by using the left and right arrow keys.
  • Page 210 The response for the first field depends upon the response given in the CMOS Setup screen. If the response entered by the user at the CMOS Setup screen was “A,” this field will automatically display “A.” If the response entered by the user at the CMOS Setup screen was “B,”...

  • Page 211: Keyboard Diagnostics

    In the upper portion of the Activity box, “Verify” will be highlighted. In the Status portion of the Activity box, the cylinder number will display “0,” the head number will display “0,” and the sector number will display “1.” When the test has been completed, press menu.

  • Page 212: Video Diagnostics

    Video Diagnostics ROM DIAGNOSTICS. (C) 1986. American Megatrends Inc. Tue. Feb 13. 1990. 11:49:07 Hard Disk Floppy A: 1.2MB #03F8 #02F8 Color Perform All The Video Tests The range of video tests available depends upon the type of display adapter card installed in the system. The following tests are available for both monochrome and color display adapters and monitors: Sync Test...
  • Page 213 These tests are available for systems with a color display card and color monitor: 40x25 Display Test 320x200 Graphics Test 640x200 Graphics Test Page Selection Test Color Test Test results for all diagnostics functions except the Sync Test are displayed on the screen. To perform any of these visual tests: Highlight “Video”...

  • Page 214: Miscellaneous Diagnostics

    Miscellaneous Diagnostics These include the following tests: 1) Printer Port Test, and 2) Serial Communication Port Test. Printer Adapter Test This test writes a pattern on the printer. The results are observed here. If the printer does not write, then the test has failed.
  • Page 215 Figure E-20. The Printer Adapter Test Serial Communication Adapter Test This test requires a special RS-232 Turn-Around Connector plugged into the port. It must be jumpered as follows: TXD & RXD (2 & 3) shorted RTS & CTS (4 & 5) shorted DSR &...
  • Page 216 Error Messages Error - Time out! Error - Break Detected Error - Framing error Error - Parity error Error - Overrun error If a time out error occurs during the send and receive portions, this indicates a problem with the communication adapter controller.
  • Page 217 The message box in the middle of the screen displays: This test will run for about 2 minutes. Press <ENTER> to return to the main menu when the test is completed. A: 1.2MB Figure E-21. Serial Communication Adapter Test E-54 Advanced ROM Diagnostics Display Printer #03F8 #02F8 Color...

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