Summary of Contents for Texas Instruments TravelMate 6100 Series
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User’s Guide ® TravelMate 6100 Series Notebook Computers...
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Purchase Date TravelMate is a registered trademark and DockMate, BatteryPro, livegear and ThunderLAN are trademarks of Texas Instruments. The icons in the TravelMate Notebook Center and Startup groups are copyrighted by Texas Instruments. Ethernet is a registered trademark of Xerox Corporation.
This device 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 device 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.
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Notice Use Conditions This part complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Notice: Canadian Users This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
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Be advised of your right to file a complaint with the FCC if you believe it is necessary. • Modem repair is done by Texas Instruments or authorized third-party service providers. For information on repair, dial 1-800-TI-TEXAS. •...
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Notice the quantity of devices that may be connected to the telephone line. Excessive RENs on the telephone line may result in the devices not ringing in response to an incoming call. In most (but not all) areas, the sum of RENs should not exceed five. To be certain of the number of devices that may be connected to a line, contact the local telephone company.
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For Canadian Modem Users: The Industry Canada (IC) label identifies certified equipment. This certification means the equipment meets certain telecommunications network protective, operational, and safety requirements. The department does not guarantee the equipment will operate to the user’s satisfaction. Before using the modem, users should ensure that it is permissible to be connected to the facilities of the local telecommunications company.
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This chapter describes this manual and the other documentation that ships with your computer. It tells you how to use the TravelMate Manual and how to delete those files from your hard disk drive if you are running short of space. Printed Manuals Online Manuals Using the...
Printed Manuals Contents of the User’s Guide Other printed documents 1-2 Using Documentation This manual provides the information you need while the computer is turned off. The computer could be turned off for a variety of reasons. • Setting up •...
Advantages of online documentation TravelMate Online Manual Online documentation has the following advantages. Feature Weightless Gives you access to the equivalent of several pounds of manuals without increasing the weight you have to carry Electronic links Allows retrieval of information more quickly Paperless Conserves natural resources...
Online Manuals Other online documentation 1-4 Using Documentation The following manuals are also available online. Manual Microsoft online Full user information for the manuals operating system Demo program Multimedia presentation of the features of your computer. (Available for Windows 95 and Windows for Workgroups only.) In addition, almost all software on your computer has online help.
Starting from Windows 95 Starting from Windows NT Starting from Windows for Workgroups Viewing a topic Using the TravelMate Online Manual Follow these steps to start the TravelMate Online Manual from Windows 95. 1. Click on Start. 2. Point to TravelMate Notebook Center. 3.
Using the TravelMate Online Manual Printing current page or range of pages 1-6 Using Documentation browser loads the file containing the topic you have selected. To return to the index from a topic, select the Back or Previous page function from your Web browser.
If you delete How to delete in Windows 95 Deleting the TravelMate Online Manual Although you can delete the online documentation, it is not recommended that you do so for the following reasons: • Most documentation for your computer is only available online.
Deleting the TravelMate Online Manual How to delete in Windows NT How to delete in Windows for Workgroups 1-8 Using Documentation To delete the TravelMate Online Manual in Windows NT, follow these steps. 1. Click on Start. 2. Move to Settings and click on Taskbar. 3.
This chapter supplements the Installation Poster to help you install the computer for the first time. The chapter contains information to help you make decisions during the setup process, details of the Windows 95 setup program, and a description of the multimedia demo program. What You Need Before Starting Running the Setup...
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Getting Started Running the Demo Program 2-2 Getting Started Contents of the demo program ..2-15 Running the demo ....2-15 In Windows 95 .
Read Safety Instructions Sufficient time Access to AC power Drive modules PCMCIA cards Certificate of Authenticity Language What You Need Before Starting The Safety Instructions for your computer are in printed form so you can read them carefully before turning on your computer for the first time. The Windows 95 setup takes up to 30 minutes.
Running the Setup Program Which operating system to load 2-4 Getting Started The TravelMate 6100 Series is available for use with several operating systems including: • Windows 95 • Windows for Workgroups and • Windows NT Note: There are two models of the TravelMate 6100.
Windows 95. Windows NT The other model of the TravelMate 6100 computer comes pre-loaded with Windows NT and automatically runs setup. There are no other operating systems to select.
Backing Up System Files After setting up the operating system, you should back up the operating system onto floppy disks. You can make your backups immediately following setup or later. When you choose to back up your operating system on floppy disks, you will need several dozen floppy disks. MS-DOS and Windows for Workgroups backup...
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Backing Up System Files Maker screen. 3. Click on the program you want to back up. The disk maker prompts you to insert a floppy disk into the floppy disk drive. 4. Follow the prompts to back up the program. 5.
Loading Windows for Workgroups If you have decided to load DOS and Windows for Workgroups, follow these steps. If you have decided to load Windows 95, skip this section. Loading PHDISK Choosing the operating system 2-8 Getting Started Loading PHDISK creates an area on your hard disk drive which stores information upon disk shutdown.
Creating Recovery Disk Registering your computer Loading Windows for Workgroups You are prompted to remove all disks from the floppy disk drives. 6. Remove any floppy disks from the floppy disk drive and select OK. Your computer restarts. You are prompted to create a recovery disk. Follow instructions on the screen to insert the disk and copy system files.
Loading Windows 95 If you have decided to load Windows 95, follow these steps: Loading PHDISK Choosing the operating system 2-10 Getting Started Loading PHDISK creates an area on your hard disk drive which stores information upon disk shutdown. This partition is created automatically when you startup your computer for the first time.
Configuring your system Loading Windows 95 You are prompted to remove all disks from the floppy disk drives. 8. Click OK to restart your computer. Since this is the first time Windows 95 has been started, the computer will advance through some initial file setup as it loads.
Loading Windows 95 Finishing Setup 2-12 Getting Started You will be asked to reboot your computer for settings to take effect. 9. Select Ok. Your computer is rebooted and Windows 95 setup continues. The final steps to system setup create a recovery disk and load the Microsoft Plus Pack (containing backgrounds, cursors, and a system agent that provides programs for system...
Windows NT Setup Loading Windows NT After gathering information, you are ready to run the setup program. The first time you turn on your computer, your system automatically runs the Windows NT Setup. The following steps help you through the Windows NT Setup. 1.
Loading Windows NT Starting Windows NT for the first time 2-14 Getting Started 7. Type the password in the spaces next to both Password and Confirm Password, and click on Next. You are given an opportunity to make changes before continuing. 8.
In Windows for Workgroups 1. From the Program Manager double-click on the TravelMate Notebook Center icon. 2. Double-click on the TravelMate 6100 Demo icon. To stop the demo, follow these steps. 1. Move the cursor to the middle of the screen.
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Running the Demo Program Deleting the demo program 2-16 Getting Started 3. Move the cursor away from the boxes and click the primary mouse button once. An Exit button appears. 4. Click on the Exit button and select Yes to exit.
This chapter describes how to install the accessories that reside inside the computer. Preventing Damage from Static Electricity Installing Memory Modules Installing Modular Bay Accessories Installing PC Cards Installing Internal Accessories If possible, use a grounding strap..3-2 What to do if you don’t have a grounding strap.
Preventing Damage from Static Electricity If possible, use a grounding strap What to do if you don’t have a grounding strap Use the antistatic Operate the computer with something in the modular bay 3-2 Installing Internal Accessories Internal accessories, especially memory, are vulnerable to damage from static electricity while they are out of the computer.
Tools required Maximum memory Preparing the computer Locating the keyboard latches Installing Memory Modules • Small, flat-blade screwdriver • Wrist grounding straps (recommended) Your computer has three slots for memory modules and comes with a 32-MB module standard in slot 2. The other two slots hold 8-MB or 32-MB modules.
Removing the keyboard Installing Memory Modules Follow these steps to remove the keyboard. 1. Insert a small, flat-blade screwdriver into the depression between the back of the keyboard and the base of the computer at the leftmost latch. 2. Carefully rotate the screwdriver backward to move the keyboard from under the left latch.
Installing Memory Modules Inserting the memory module 3-6 Installing Internal Accessories The system board has three slots for memory modules, one of which is already occupied by the factory-installed memory. You can insert a 8-MB or 32-MB module in any of the slots. Follow these steps to insert a memory module.
Replacing the keyboard Connecting power Running PHDISK Installing Memory Modules Follow these steps to put the keyboard back in place. 1. Insert the keyboard support. 2. Insert the four tabs on the bottom of the keyboard into the corresponding slots on the top cover.
Installing Memory Modules 3-8 Installing Internal Accessories 1. From the Taskbar, select Start then Shut Down. 2. Select Restart the Computer in MS-DOS mode. 3. Click on Yes. 4. Type PHDISK /D /F at the DOS prompt and press Enter. The Save to Disk partition is deleted.
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Installing Memory Modules 4. When the Startup menu appears, select option 3, MS-DOS prompt with PC card support and press Enter. 5. Type PHDISK /C /F and press Enter. The Save to Disk file and partition are created.You are prompted to press any key to reset the computer.
Cellular Battery Recharges specified cellular Charger Module phone batteries. Organizer Provides a means to download Module information to your computer from a compatible TI organizer. * Standard in the TravelMate 6100. Installing Modular Bay Accessories Added Functionality...
Changing modules Installing Modular Bay Accessories Follow these steps to change modules. 1. Turn off the computer. 2. Press the release latch on the right side of the computer. 3. Lift the front of the computer slightly and pull out the accessory currently in the modular bay.
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Installing Modular Bay Accessories 3-12 Installing Internal Accessories Note: Do not insert a cellular battery into the bay while a notebook battery is installed in the computer.
Inserting a PC card The computer can accept two PCMCIA Type I or II cards or one Type III card. The following PC cards are available from Texas Instruments. Note: Use of the internal modem is recommended in units designed for U.S. and Canada.
Installing PC Cards Removing a PC card Configuring Ethernet PC cards 3-14 Installing Internal Accessories eject button filler for upper cards PC card 2. Insert the connector end of the PC card label-side up into the slot. 3. Gently push the PC card in as far as it can 4.
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Installing PC Cards card. Refer to the TravelMate Online Manual for instructions. Note: Computers running Windows NT, ® Windows for Workgroups, and Unix , could require that you disable Plug and Play functionality to recognize new cards installed. Installing Internal Accessories 3-15...
Although your computer gives you high performance wherever you are, you can make your computer more usable as a workstation by setting up your desktop properly. This chapter describes your options while preparing your computer to function like a permanent workstation. Preparing To Install External Accessories...
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Setting Up Your Desktop Connecting an External Floppy Disk Drive Connecting a Printer Connecting Sound Equipment Connecting the Modem Securing the Computer Feature Port 4-2 Setting Up Your Desktop Required cables/connectors ... 4-14 Connecting directly to computer.
Preparing To Install External Accessories Adding external accessories Environmental considerations There are several reasons to add external accessories to your computer. Advantage Increased functionality Improved comfort and ergonomics Convenience Under most circumstances an office or home environment falls within the specifications for your computer.
Preparing To Install External Accessories Available accessories 4-4 Setting Up Your Desktop The following external accessories are available for your computer. Accessory DockMate Easy connect/disconnect to desktop accessories DockMate Easy connect/disconnect to desktop Plus accessories; connection to SCSI devices DockMate Net Easy connect/disconnect to desktop Ready accessories;...
Advantages of a DockMate Docking Solution DockMate models What you need before installing Installing a DockMate Docking Solution A DockMate Docking Solution connects to the back of your computer and replicates the various ports on the computer. A DockMate connected to your computer has the following advantages.
Installing a DockMate Docking Solution Installation procedure 4-6 Setting Up Your Desktop adapters to fit the connectors on the DockMate. • Serial cables with 25-pin connectors require an adapter to fit a 9-pin connector • Older keyboards require an adapter to fit a PS/2 port Many connectors have screws attached to secure the connection.
Configuring the computer for a DockMate Installing a DockMate Docking Solution Follow these steps to configure the computer to work with a DockMate docking solution. 1. Turn on the computer or restart the computer if it is already on. 2. Before the computer starts to load the operating system, press F2 to go into setup mode.
Connecting a Keyboard Required cables/ connectors Connecting to a DockMate Connecting directly to computer 4-8 Setting Up Your Desktop Keyboards almost always have a built-in cable. Most keyboards today have a PS/2 connector and can connect directly to the PS/2 port on the DockMate or on the computer.
Required cables/ connectors Connecting to a DockMate Connecting directly to computer Connecting a Pointing Device A mouse, glidepad, trackball, or other pointing device comes with a built-in cable. Most pointing devices have a PS/2 connector, although some may have a serial connector. If you are not connecting to a DockMate and have an external keyboard connected, you must connect the pointing device to the serial port.
Connecting a Monitor Required cables/ connectors Connecting to a DockMate Connecting directly to computer 4-10 Setting Up Your Desktop External monitors usually have a built-in cable. Monitor cables use a standard connector, so an adapter is probably not required. Connect the cable to the video out port on the rear of the DockMate.
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Supported monitors Operating the computer with an external monitor Connecting a Monitor Your computer has built-in support for the following resolutions and colors. Resolution No. of Colors 640 x 480 256, 64K, 16.8M 800 x 600 256, 64K 1024 x 768 If your monitor has special requirements, follow the directions provided by the manufacturer of your monitor to install the correct driver.
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Connecting a Monitor 4-12 Setting Up Your Desktop Operating System Windows NT Refer to the TravelMate Online Manual for instructions on using these utilities. Note: External monitors can use many resolutions that are incompatible with the screen on the computer. When this is the case, you cannot view both the computer screen and the monitor at the same time.
Connecting a Numeric Keypad Accessory Required cables/ connectors Connecting to a DockMate Connecting directly to computer The numeric keypad accessory comes with an integrated cable and is designed to connect to the keyboard PS/2 port. You cannot use the numeric keypad accessory and an external keyboard at the same time.
Connecting an External Floppy Disk Drive Required cables/ connectors Connecting directly to computer 4-14 Setting Up Your Desktop With the addition of a special cable, you can connect the floppy disk drive module to the parallel port. This enables you to have another device in the modular bay and still use floppy disks.
Required cables/ connectors Connecting to a DockMate Connecting directly to computer Installing a printer driver Connecting a Printer Most printers do not ship with a cable, so you may need to buy one. Most printers connect through the parallel port on the computer using a standard, Centronics™-type parallel cable.
Connecting Sound Equipment Types of sound equipment Connecting to a DockMate Plus Connecting directly to computer 4-16 Setting Up Your Desktop Your computer has a 16-bit sound card, stereo speakers, and a built-in microphone. By adding external sound equipment, you can improve the quality of sound production and increase convenience.
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Connecting Sound Equipment audio in microphone headphones/speakers Setting Up Your Desktop 4-17...
Connecting the Modem TravelMate 6100 models developed for the U.S. and Canada contain an internal modem. International customers use the PCMCIA card and port for modem connection. Description Software Connecting the modem 4-18 Setting Up Your Desktop The internal modem supports the U.S.
You can secure your computer using a standard Kensington lock. If your computer store does not carry Kensington locks, you can buy one directly from Texas Instruments. Follow these instructions to secure your computer using a Kensington lock. 1. Secure the looped end of the Kensington lock cable to a permanent fixture within reach of your computer.
Feature Port 4-20 Setting Up Your Desktop A feature port exists on your system. This port is provides the capability to expand your unit as further enhancements become available. feature port Feature Port...
Installing software on your computer is not much different than installing software on any computer. This chapter provides some guidance to help you select and install software. Selecting Software for the Computer Loading Software Special Considerations Installing Software Purchasing new software ....5-2 Using existing software .
Selecting Software for the Computer Purchasing new software Using existing software 5-2 Installing Software When purchasing new software for your computer, check the carton and make sure the software is compatible with your computer in the following ways: • Operating system — If the program is Windows-based, make sure it matches the operating system you have loaded on your computer.
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Selecting Software for the Computer • If it works without any problems, you do not need to do anything else. • If it fails to work, you may be able to order an upgrade to the package that does work at only a fraction of the cost of a full software package.
Loading Software Loading software from floppy disks Advantages of using your CD-ROM module Loading software from CD-ROM 5-4 Installing Software Your computer has a standard 3.5-inch floppy disk drive. If you are loading software from floppy disks, insert disk 1 into the floppy disk drive (Drive A) and follow the directions for installing the software.
Screen resolution Sound settings Special Considerations Some software packages require a specific screen resolution (usually VGA) for optimal performance. If you have selected a different resolution, you may need to adjust the screen resolution before running the software. Note: The display is fixed at SVGA. For the computer to fill the screen with a VGA resolution, it must interpolate the image, which substantially reduces visual quality.
When you are using your computer away from your desktop, you are usually running on battery power. This chapter shows you how to maximize your battery life. General Information about Batteries Charging Batteries Prolonging Battery Life Responding to a Low Battery Condition Battery Operation Battery characteristics .
General Information about Batteries Battery characteristics Battery safety 6-2 Battery Operation The battery pack fits into either the primary battery slot on the left of the computer or in the modular bay on the right of the computer. The batteries have the following characteristics. •...
The computer ships with a single battery. To order a second battery for use in the modular bay or simply as a spare, call your computer dealer or call Texas Instruments at 1-800-TI-TEXAS Battery Operation 6-3...
Charging Batteries Determining current charge Charging the battery in the computer 6-4 Battery Operation The battery has four green indicators that light, when the computer is on, to show the charge remaining in the battery. The following table shows how to interpret the indicators. Number of Charge remaining indicators lit...
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Charging Batteries Note: If you have both batteries installed in the computer, it will take longer to charge the batteries, since the batteries charge in parallel. Battery Operation 6-5...
Prolonging Battery Life There are a number of actions you can take to reduce the rate at which your computer depletes the battery. By taking some or all of these actions, you can substantially increase the time you can operate on battery power before recharging the battery.
Lowering inactivity timeouts Removing FDD Suspending operation while idle Prolonging Battery Life Inactivity timeouts turn off devices in the computer when you are not using them. Lowering the inactivity timeouts shortens the period of time the computer waits before turning off the device. Inactivity timeouts are defined in the setup programs described in the TravelMate Online Manual.
Responding to a Low Battery Condition Save to disk Saving files Turning off alarm Reducing screen brightness Connecting AC adapter Suspending operations 6-8 Battery Operation During longer periods of inactivity, use the 0 Volt suspend mode (Fn-F2) to save battery charge.
Responding to a Low Battery Condition Replacing battery Suspending to Disk If you have a spare, charged battery, you can do one of the following. • Insert the spare battery in the modular bay. • If you already have a battery in the modular bay, you can replace the primary battery without turning off the computer.
Although notebook computers can replace the desktop computer, the only reason to pay extra for a notebook computer is mobility. This chapter describes all the considerations to help you take advantage of your computer’s mobility. Overview of Mobility Disconnecting from the Desktop Moving Around Taking the...
Overview of Mobility Disconnecting from the desktop Moving around Taking the computer home Traveling with the computer International traveling 7-2 Mobility No matter where you are taking your computer, you need to disconnect it from your desktop accessories. “Moving around” refers to using your computer at different locations within the same building, for example, taking it with you to meetings.
Disconnecting from a DockMate Disconnecting from external accessories Disconnecting from the Desktop All DockMate Docking Solutions were designed to facilitate connecting and disconnecting the computer. Follow these steps if your computer is connected to a DockMate. 1. Save your work in progress. 2.
Moving Around Preparing the computer What to bring for short meetings What to bring for long meetings 7-4 Mobility You can carry the computer without turning off the power. Press Fn-F3 (Suspend) to blank the screen, stop the hard disk drive, and save the current state of the computer.
Preparing the computer What to bring with Special considerations Taking the Computer Home After disconnecting the computer from your desktop, follow these steps to prepare the computer for the trip home. 1. Remove all media from the drive in the modular bay.
Taking the Computer Home Setting up a home office 7-6 Mobility • Changes in temperature and humidity can cause condensation. Allow the computer to return to room temperature, and inspect the screen for condensation before turning on the computer. If the temperature change is greater than 18°F (10°C), allow the computer to come to room temperature slowly.
Preparing the computer What to bring with Special considerations Traveling with the Computer Prepare the computer as if you were taking it home. Be sure that the battery in the computer is charged. Airport security frequently requires you to turn on your computer when bringing it to the gate area.
Traveling Internationally with the Computer Preparing the computer What to bring with Special considerations 7-8 Mobility Prepare the computer as you would normally prepare it for traveling. Bring the following items with you. • AC adapter • Power cords that are appropriate to the country to which you are traveling •...
Regularly take time to check your computer and clean the screen, keyboard, and case to ensure trouble-free computing. If you do experience a problem, use the troubleshooting guide in this chapter to help you correct it quickly. Cleaning the Computer Troubleshooting Tips Care and Troubleshooting...
Cleaning the Computer Cleaning the case Cleaning the screen 8-2 Care and Troubleshooting Caution: Never use alcohol, benzene, thinner, or strong chemical agents that could damage the computer case. Never apply liquid directly to the computer, only to a clean cloth. Never spray cleaning fluid or any liquid directly onto the case or screen.
Errors at startup Troubleshooting Tips Error Computer does not come on when power switch is in the on position. Computer power is on but the screen is blank. Save-to-disk file is too small Save-to-disk file is missing Swap file is missing Care and Troubleshooting 8-3 Corrective Action •...
Troubleshooting Tips Keyboard 8-4 Care and Troubleshooting Event log indicates “Device not found” errors at startup The special function keys do not work. This is normal. Windows NT is determining which optional devices are available before loading drives. The application is overriding computer BIOS interrupts.
Battery External monitor Internal modem Docking Troubleshooting Tips Error Battery inserted, but LED’s not lit. Battery Status button pressed, but indicators not lit. Image on external monitor shifts when viewing LCD and external monitor simultaneously. Keyboard inputs does not display in HyperTerminal using the internal modem.
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Troubleshooting Tips 8-6 Care and Troubleshooting PS/2 device connected to computer does not work with PS/2 device connected to DockMate PS/2 Y cable does not work on DockMate Move PS/2 device on DockMate to rear PS/2 port. Y cables only work when connected directly to a computer.
Accessories Troubleshooting Tips Error Computer does Check the configuration in Device not recognize the Manager. Ensure the correct drivers media device. are installed. Computer does Check the configuration in Device not recognize the Manager. Ensure the correct drivers accessory. are installed. Error occurs when Change memory address to avoid using new...
Troubleshooting Tips Sound 8-8 Care and Troubleshooting Error Internet Explorer 1. Use DiskMaker to create Internet does not work with Explorer disk. Ethernet card. 2. Set up network using Ethernet card or DockMate Net Ready. Verify you have network connection. 3.
Software Troubleshooting Tips Error Online manual Close Internet Explorer and reopen gives Insufficient Online Manual. memory error in Windows for Workgroups. Interactive demo Click on the box to make it leaves blank box disappear. in taskbar. In Windows for 1. Edit the config.sys file. Workgroups 2.
Technical assistance Ordering notebook products World Wide Web Feedback on manuals Where To Get Help Customer support for your computer is available. Please have your serial number ready when you call. Phone (US / Canada) Phone (International) Email Mail Phone (US / Canada) Phone (International) Email Mail...
Texas Instruments Worldwide Sales Offices Australia Texas Instruments Australia Ltd. Unit 1B, 11-17 Khartoum Road North Ryde, NSW 2113 Tel: (02) 99103100 Fax: (02) 98051186 Royal Domain Centre 14th Floor 380 St. Kilda Road Melbourne, VIC. 3004 Tel: (03) 96961211 Fax: (03) 96964446 Belgique/België...
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P.O. Box 149149, MS 2223 Austin, Texas 78714-9149 U.S.A. Tel: (512) 250-4051 Fax: (512) 250-7456 Malaysia Texas Instruments Malaysia Sdn Bhd - Asia Pacific Division 100 Jalan Tun Perak Lot 36-1, Menara Maybank 50050 Kuala Lumpur Tel: 60-3-2085708/60-3-2086001 Fax: 60-3-2306605 Middle-East and Africa Texas Instruments Italia S.p.A.
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