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Digital Equipment Alpha User Information

Personal workstation
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Personal Workstation (Alpha)

User Information

Order Number: EK-ALMIA-UI. A01
October 1996
Digital Equipment Corporation
Maynard, Massachusetts

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  • Page 1: User Information

    Personal Workstation (Alpha) User Information Order Number: EK-ALMIA-UI. A01 October 1996 Digital Equipment Corporation Maynard, Massachusetts...
  • Page 2 Digital Equipment Corporation. Digital Equipment Corporation assumes no responsibility for any errors that might appear in this document. The software, if any, described in this document is furnished under a license and may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of such license.
  • Page 3 FCC Information - Class B 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.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Contents Preface 1 Getting Started Introduction......................1-1 System Inventory.................... 1-2 Before Starting Your System ................1-3 Posture and Work Habits ................1-4 Identifying the Correct AC Power Cord............1-6 Installing Your System..................1-7 Connecting System Parts ................1-8 Network Connection................1-9 Starting Your System ...................
  • Page 6 Contents 2 System Overview Introduction ......................2–1 System Features ....................2–1 System Front View....................2–2 System Rear View....................2–4 System Unit Components..................2–6 Motherboard ......................2–8 Riser Card......................2–10 3 Configuring Your System Introduction ......................3–1 Configuring with AlphaBIOS Firmware..............3–1 Starting AlphaBIOS ..................3–1 Booting the System ..................3–2 AlphaBIOS Setup...................3–3 Displaying Your Configuration..............3–4 Setting Up the Hard Disks ...............3–5...
  • Page 7 Contents Installing Storage Devices...................4–12 Front-Accessible Bays..................4–12 Internal Bays ....................4–13 Cabling for a Printer or Other Parallel Device ..........4–16 External Options...................4–17 Internal Cable Layout...................4–18 Replacing the Battery..................4–25 Replacing the System Cover................4–27 Installing Optional Lock..................4–28 Kensington Lock ..................4–28 5 Troubleshooting Introduction......................5–1 Initial Troubleshooting..................5–1 Equipment Log .....................5–2 General Troubleshooting ..................5–2 Error Beep Codes ....................5–10...
  • Page 8 Contents FIGURES Figure 1–1: Digital Personal Workstation (Alpha)..........1-1 Figure 1–2: Recommendations for Posture and Work Habits......1-4 Figure 1–3: System Airflow ................1-7 Figure 1–4: Voltage Selector Switch ..............1-8 Figure 1–5: Connecting Cables and Power Cords ..........1-9 Figure 1–6: Starting Your System ..............
  • Page 9 Contents TABLES Table 1–1: Recommendations for Posture and Work Habits ....... 1-5 Table 2–1: Front Components ................2–3 Table 2–2: Rear Connectors ................2–5 Table 2–3: System Unit Components ..............2–7 Table 2–4: Motherboard Components..............2–9 Table 2–5: Riser Card Components ..............2–11 Table 4–1: Power Supply Cable Configuration..........4–19 Table 4–2: Audio Cable Layout ...............4–20 Table 4–3: MAU or MII Cabling..............
  • Page 11 Preface Welcome to the Digital Personal Workstation (Alpha) This guide introduces the Digital Personal Workstation (Alpha), the latest in the series of Digital Personal Workstation products. Use this information to start, use, update, troubleshoot, and configure your workstation. You can also find general system information such as console commands and system care here.
  • Page 12 Preface Organization of the Information This guide includes information on Digital Personal Workstations (Alpha). The following topics (see the Table of Contents for a detailed listing) are covered: • Chapter 1, Getting Started. Installing, starting, restarting, and turning off the system.
  • Page 13 Preface Conventions This guide uses the following conventions: Example Description c:\windows Monospaced text indicates file names, path names, directories, or screen text. Each operating system has its own specific syntax. [Enter] Square brackets surrounding text represent a key on the keyboard.
  • Page 14 Preface Abbreviation Meaning Light-emitting diode. Media adapter unit. An Mb suffix to a numerical value indicates size in megabits (for example, 10 Mb). A megabit equals 1,048,576 bits. A MB suffix to a numerical value indicates size in megabytes (for example, 550 MB). A megabyte equals 1,048,576 bytes. Megahertz.

  • Page 15: Special Notices

    Quick Setup Guide (order number ER-B30WW-IM. A01) presents a graphical overview of the Digital Personal Workstation (Alpha) system installation. (Note that not all Digital Personal Workstation [Alpha] systems will be shipping with USB.) • Digital Personal Workstation (Alpha) Family Technical Information (order number EK-ALMIA-TI.
  • Page 16 AlphaBIOS may wish to consult the Digital Windows Enterprise Computing Infocenter located at http://www.windows.digital.com/. Select Service and Support; then under Firmware and Drivers, choose Alpha-based systems, and press the Go! button. At the Windows NT Drivers and Firmware page, select the latest Configuration Guide.

  • Page 17: Getting Started

    Getting Started Introduction Your Digital Personal Workstation (Alpha) is a high-performance system that uses the latest microprocessor and core logic technology. The system, housed in a mini-tower box, can stand alone or function as a client in an office network environment. This chapter includes an inventory list of the items shipped with your system and describes how to start, install, restart, and turn off your system.

  • Page 18: System Inventory

    Getting Started System Inventory Check to make sure you received the following components with your system, and note the items in Appendix F, Equipment Log, for later reference: Monitor Video cable System box Microphone Keyboard Headphone Mouse Power cords Documentation Your system may include different components.

  • Page 19: Before Starting Your System

    Getting Started Before Starting Your System Before you start your system, perform the following steps: 1. Review the information supplied with your system. 2. Select a well-ventilated site for your system near a grounded power outlet and away from sources of excessive heat. The site also should be isolated from electric noise (for example, spikes, sags, and surges) produced by devices such as air conditioners, large fans, radios, and televisions.

  • Page 20: Posture And Work Habits

    Getting Started Posture and Work Habits If you exercise poor posture while you work or if your equipment is poorly set up, certain recent scientific articles suggest that personal injury may result. Other articles suggest that there is no cause and effect. Because the safety of our users is a great concern to Digital Equipment Corporation, we strongly urge that you read and follow the precautions outlined in Figure 1–2 and.

  • Page 21: Table 1-1: Recommendations For Posture And Work Habits

    Getting Started Table 1–1: Recommendations for Posture and Work Habits Adjust To allow the following conditions Chair 1. Feet are flat on the floor. 2. Legs are vertical and form a right angle to the floor. 3. Your thighs are horizontal, and they are not bearing weight. Keep the backs of your knees away from the seat so you do not compress the area behind them, which could restrict the blood flow.

  • Page 22: Identifying The Correct Ac Power Cord

    • UL and CSA Certified cord rated for use at 250 Volts AC with a current rating that is at least 125% of the current rating of the Digital Personal Workstation (Alpha). In Europe, the cordage carries the <HAR> mark.

  • Page 23: Installing Your System

    Getting Started Installing Your System The Quick Setup Guide you received with your system graphically outlines the steps to follow in installing your system. ________________________ CAUTION___________________________ To ensure proper cooling, verify that air can flow freely into the system front and out the rear of the system.

  • Page 24: Connecting System Parts

    Getting Started Connecting System Parts To connect the components of your Digital Personal Workstation (Alpha), perform the following steps: 1. Confirm that the voltage selector switch matches your local voltage (either 115 Volts or 230 Volts), as Figure 1–4 shows.

  • Page 25: Network Connection

    SCSI port on the controller card. Network Connection The Digital Personal Workstation (Alpha) has an embedded Ethernet LAN controller. Assuming that the appropriate media adapter unit (MAU) or media independent interface (MII) is already installed, connect your system to the network. Refer to Figure 1–5, which...

  • Page 26: Starting Your System

    Getting Started Starting Your System Perform the following steps, in order, to start (boot) your Digital Personal Workstation (Alpha): 1. Plug the power cord into the wall. 2. Turn on any external devices, system unit power, and monitor power. Figure 1–6 shows the location of the system unit power button.

  • Page 27: Preloaded Operating System Software

    Getting Started Preloaded Operating System Software The Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 operating system is preloaded on all systems. Disk 0 on the SCSI bus is partitioned and formatted so that all other users can immediately install the operating system. Microsoft Windows NT Workstation You will see the following display after system power-on and initialization: AlphaBIOS Version x.xx Please select the operating system to start:...

  • Page 28: Turning Off Your System

    Getting Started Turning Off Your System Before turning off your system, save and close all open files. If you turn the system off without saving and closing files, you might lose some or all of your work. Perform the following steps, in order, to turn off your system: 1.

  • Page 29: Computer Security

    Getting Started Computer Security Your Digital Personal Workstation (Alpha) includes several security-related features. See your operation system documentation for more information on the use of these options. Chassis Lockdown Hasp A chassis lockdown hasp is secured to the side of the chassis at the lower-left rear of your workstation.

  • Page 30: Optional Lock

    Figure 1–7: Chassis Lockdown Hasp Optional Lock You may wish to purchase a Kensington lock (order number PCP3H-AG) for your Digital Personal Workstation (Alpha). See Chapter 4, Installing System Options, for instructions on installing this lock. Passwords For additional security, most screen saver and pause screen displays can have password protection enabled.

  • Page 31: System Overview

    System Overview Introduction This chapter provides an overview of the Digital Personal Workstation (Alpha). Topics covered include the hardware components, such as the motherboard, PCI (peripheral component interconnect) architecture, front panel, rear panel, system unit components, and keyboard. System Features Your Digital Personal Workstation (Alpha) uses a high-performance Digital Semiconductor chip 21164 CPU.

  • Page 32: System Front View

    System Overview • Five option slots, including: one 32-bit half-size PCI slot; one 64-bit full-size PCI slot (can accommodate either a 32-bit or 64-bit option); one 32-bit half-size PCI/ISA combination slot; one 64-bit full-size PCI/ISA combination slot (can accommodate either a 32-bit or 64-bit option); and one 32-bit full-size PCI/ISA combination slot. •...

  • Page 33: Table 2-1: Front Components

    System Overview Table 2–1: Front Components Figure Control or Indicator Function Legend Front door (shown in Removable front door. the open position) CD-ROM headphone This jack enables you to connect standard jack stereo headphones so you can listen to audio output from your CD-ROM drive.

  • Page 34: System Rear View

    System Overview System Rear View Figure 2–2 shows the rear connectors. Table 2–2 lists the rear connectors and lock and describes their functions. MLO-013572 Figure 2–2: Rear Connectors 2–4...

  • Page 35: Table 2-2: Rear Connectors

    System Overview Table 2–2: Rear Connectors Figure Connector Function Legend AC power connector Connects the system to AC power. Voltage selector switch Allows you to set your system to work with 115 or 230 Volts AC power. Audio line IN Brings audio signals into the system (for example, from a stereo amplifier).

  • Page 36: System Unit Components

    System Overview System Unit Components Figure 2–3 shows the location of the Digital Personal Workstation (Alpha) unit components. Table 2–3 lists the system unit components. MLO-013573 Figure 2–3: System Unit Components 2–6...

  • Page 37: Table 2-3: System Unit Components

    System Overview Table 2–3: System Unit Components Figure Component Legend Front door assembly. Front-access 5.25-inch drive bay with CD-ROM drive. 3.5-inch floppy diskette drive. Fan pipe. Motherboard retainer bracket. See CAUTION below. Motherboard. Power supply. Ethernet connector card (MAU or MII). Audio connector card.

  • Page 38: Motherboard

    System Overview Motherboard Figure 2–4 shows the locations of the motherboard components. Table 2–4 lists the motherboard components. MLO-013574 Figure 2–4: Motherboard Components 2–8...

  • Page 39: Table 2-4: Motherboard Components

    System Overview Table 2–4: Motherboard Components Figure Component Legend SROM socket (manufacturing use). SROM diagnostic serial port (manufacturing use). Digital Semiconductor 21164 CPU (in zif socket). CPU voltage regulator. Cache connectors. Bank of eight diagnostic LEDs. Six DIMM (dual in-line memory module) sockets 0 (bottom slot) through 5 (top slot).

  • Page 40: Riser Card

    System Overview Riser Card Figure 2–5 shows the riser card for the Digital Personal Workstation (Alpha). Table 2–5 lists the riser card components. MLO-013612 Figure 2–5: Riser Card Components 2–10...

  • Page 41: Table 2-5: Riser Card Components

    Audio connector (J13). FAX/modem IN (J12). Front panel and side audio (J15). 6 &7 Fan IN connectors. Power for Alpha systems. Power for Intel systems (unused). FDD connector for floppy diskette drive. Secondary EIDE connector (J20). Primary EIDE connector (J21).

  • Page 43: Configuring Your System

    Configuring Your System Introduction This chapter shows you how to configure your Digital Personal Workstation (Alpha) running the Microsoft Windows NT Workstation operating system use the AlphaBIOS firmware. The screens in this chapter are examples only. Your system display may vary from the examples shown.

  • Page 44: Booting The System

    Configuring Your System detect and initialize disk controllers. After the video device is initialized, subsequent steps are displayed on the monitor in an initialization window. When initialization is complete, AlphaBIOS leaves the initialization window and displays the boot screen. Booting the System The system is booted from the boot screen (Figure 3–1).

  • Page 45: Alphabios Setup

    Configuring Your System AlphaBIOS Setup Start the AlphaBIOS Setup program by pressing [F2] while the boot screen is displayed. Figure 3–2 shows the AlphaBIOS Setup screen. Use the setup screen to select the desired task. Press [Escape] to return to the boot screen. Figure 3–2: AlphaBIOS Setup Screen 3–3...

  • Page 46: Displaying Your Configuration

    Configuring Your System Displaying Your Configuration AlphaBIOS provides a clear, easy-to-read display of the system configuration. The display is organized by systemboard, memory, hard disk, PCI, and integrated devices. From the AlphaBIOS Setup screen, select Display System Configuration and press [Enter]. From the Display System Configuration screen, use the arrow keys to select the configuration category you wish to view.

  • Page 47: Setting Up The Hard Disks

    Configuring Your System SCSI Configuration If you ordered a base system configuration, you have the option of ordering either an Adaptec 2950 ultrawide SCSI adapter or a Qlogic 1040B ultrawide adapter (SN-KZPBA- CA). If you ordered a packaged system, your system came with an embedded Qlogic adapter.

  • Page 48: Figure 3-5: Cmos Setup Screen

    Configuring Your System Figure 3–5: CMOS Setup Screen Date and Time When setting the time, use the 24-hour format; for example, 10:00 P.M. should be expressed as 22:00:00. 3–6...
  • Page 49 Configuring Your System Floppy Drive AlphaBIOS supports the following drive types: • 3.5-inch, 1.44-MB (shipped with system) • 5.25-inch, 1.2-MB • 3.5-inch, 2.88-MB Keyboard The keyboard setting allows the use of nearly any language keyboard available. To ensure correct character mappings, make sure that the language of your keyboard, Microsoft Windows NT Workstation, and the keyboard-language selection in CMOS setup all match.

  • Page 50: Advanced Cmos Setup

    Configuring Your System Advanced CMOS Setup Enter the advanced CMOS setup screen by pressing [F6] in the CMOS Setup screen. Figure 3–6: Advanced CMOS Setup Screen PCI Parity Checking This setting controls PCI parity checking at the PCI bridge chip. Parity checking is performed if enabled and ignored if disabled.

  • Page 51: Utilities

    Configuring Your System Password Setup To help maintain system security, AlphaBIOS provides two levels of password protection: system setup and system startup. When system setup protection is enabled, you need a password to enter the AlphaBIOS setup program. When system startup protection is enabled, you must enter a password before system initialization will take place.

  • Page 52: Figure 3-7: Operating System Selection

    Configuring Your System Figure 3–7: Operating System Selection Running a Maintenance Program A maintenance program, such as a RAID configuration utility, is run directly from the AlphaBIOS utility menu. To run a maintenance program, follow this procedure: 1. Start AlphaBIOS setup, select Utilities, select Run Maintenance Program from the submenu, and press [Enter].

  • Page 53: Installing System Options

    Installing System Options Introduction This chapter covers the following topics related to installing options on your Digital Personal Workstation (Alpha) system: • Removing and replacing the system cover • Removing the front door • Installing additional system memory • Installing expansion boards/PCI bus options •...

  • Page 54: Removing The System Cover

    Installing System Options Removing the System Cover ________________________ CAUTION ___________________________ To avoid system damage from static discharge, wear a grounded wrist strap before you touch anything inside the system. ____________________________________________________________ To remove the system cover, refer to Figure 4–1 and perform the following steps: 1.

  • Page 55: Figure 4-1: Unlocking And Removing The System Cover

    Installing System Options MLO-013575 Figure 4–1: Unlocking and Removing the System Cover 4–3...

  • Page 56: Removing Front Door

    Installing System Options Removing Front Door Some users may wish to remove the system front door. This is a matter of personal preference and does not affect the use of front-accessible devices. To remove the front door, refer to Figure 4–2 and perform the following steps: 1.

  • Page 57: Adding Memory Modules

    Installing System Options Adding Memory Modules The procedures for adding DIMMs to the Digital Personal Workstation (Alpha) are outlined below. There are three memory banks (J1/J2, J3/J4, and J5/J6) in the system; each bank consists of two DIMMs. Two DIMMs are required because the memory bus width is 144-bits (128 bits of data and 16 bits of ECC).

  • Page 58: Figure 4-3: Memory Installation

    Installing System Options MLO-013643 Figure 4–3: Memory Installation 4–6...

  • Page 59: Installing Expansion Boards

    Installing System Options Installing Expansion Boards The Digital Personal Workstation (Alpha) has five option slots, including: • one 32-bit half-size PCI slot (slot 1) • one 32-bit half-size PCI/ISA combination slot (slot 2) • one 32-bit full-size PCI/ISA combination slot (slot 3) •...

  • Page 60: Figure 4-4: Installing An Expansion Board

    Installing System Options MLO-013595 Figure 4–4: Installing an Expansion Board 3. Unscrew and remove the metal filler plate for the slot you have chosen. 4. Insert the new expansion card into the riser card slot. (See Figure 4–4.) Push the board firmly into the socket.

  • Page 61: Drive-Installation Overview

    Installing System Options Drive-Installation Overview This section covers configuration guidelines, general drive-installation information, and cable layouts. The Digital Personal Workstation (Alpha) supports a maximum of six mass storage devices internally. • The front 3.5-inch bay contains a factory-installed 3.5-inch diskette drive.

  • Page 62: Figure 4-5: Removing Front Bezel

    Installing System Options ML013593 Figure 4–5: Removing Front Bezel 4–10...

  • Page 63: Configuration Guidelines For Eide

    Installing System Options Configuration Guidelines for EIDE The system EIDE controller supports up to four drives: two on the primary port and two on the secondary port. The first drive attached to each port must be set up as master. The second drive on each port must be set up as slave.

  • Page 64: Installing Storage Devices

    Installing System Options Installing Storage Devices This section describes how to install drives in the front-accessible bays and the internal bays. _________________________ NOTE ____________________________ Be sure to read the instructions that come with your new equipment as well as the appropriate instructions in this section. ____________________________________________________________ Front-Accessible Bays Normally, the front-accessible bays arrive with a floppy diskette drive in the top bay and a...

  • Page 65: Internal Bays

    Installing System Options 7. Remove the left side rail from the bay. Do not use sharp instruments that could damage the bay. MLO-013596 Figure 4–7: Installing an Additional Drive 8. Install the side rail onto the drive assembly (in this example, a CD-ROM drive). Use two screws to attach the side rail.

  • Page 66: Figure 4-8: Adding A Drive In The Internal Bay

    Installing System Options 2. See Figure 4–8, and remove the two screws from the internal bay cage MLO-013598 Figure 4–8: Adding a Drive in the Internal Bay 3. Carefully swing the cage outward and lift it out of the chassis. Take care not to damage the cables attached to the drive in the lower bay.

  • Page 67: Figure 4-9: Mounting The 3.5-Inch Drive

    Installing System Options MLO-013597 Figure 4–9: Mounting the 3.5-inch Drive 6. Connect the data and power cables to the drive. 7. Reinstall the bay cage and swing it back into position. 8. Fasten the bay cage with two screws: one at the power supply and one in the chassis support bracket.

  • Page 68: Cabling For A Printer Or Other Parallel Device

    Installing System Options Cabling for a Printer or Other Parallel Device Connect the cable to the parallel port, as Figure 4–10 shows. Be sure that you are using the correct type of printer cable. If your cable has the incorrect type of connector, you need an adapter or a different cable.

  • Page 69: External Options

    Installing System Options External Options You might wish to connect an external device or an expansion box: for example, a SCSI storage expansion box. To add external devices, follow these steps: 1. Set the drive jumpers or switches for the desired ID. 2.

  • Page 70: Internal Cable Layout

    Installing System Options Internal Cable Layout Figure 4–11 through Figure 4–16 show system-box cabling; Table 4–1 through Table 4–6 list components. MLO-013601 Figure 4–11: Power Supply Cable Configuration 4–18...

  • Page 71: Table 4-1: Power Supply Cable Configuration

    Installing System Options Table 4–1: Power Supply Cable Configuration Legend Component Power supply. +/- 12, +/-5, +3.3V DC to motherboard. Alpha power connector. Floppy drive. Power connector for optional hard drive. Power connector for optional hard drive. CD-ROM drive. Internal hard drive.

  • Page 72: Figure 4-12: Audio Cable Layout

    Installing System Options MLO-013603 Figure 4–12: Audio Cable Layout Table 4–2: Audio Cable Layout Legend Component Audio card. MIDI/game connector (J4). Riser card. MIDI/game connector (J14). Audio card. Audio signal connector (J3). Riser card. Audio signal cable (J13). 4–20...

  • Page 73: Figure 4-13: Mau Or Mii Cabling

    Installing System Options MLO-013604 Figure 4–13: MAU or MII Cabling Table 4–3: MAU or MII Cabling Legend Component AUI cable to MAU. Riser card. AUI connector (J7). MII cable. Riser card. MII connector (J26) 4–21...

  • Page 74: Figure 4-14: Cd-Rom Cabling

    Installing System Options MLO-013599 Figure 4–14: CD-ROM Cabling Table 4–4: CD-ROM Cabling Legend Component IDE cable to CD-ROM drive. IDE cable connection on riser card (J21). CD audio cable to CD-ROM drive. CD audio cable connection on riser card (J11). 4–22...

  • Page 75: Figure 4-15: Fdc Cabling

    Installing System Options MLO-013577 Figure 4–15: FDC Cabling Table 4–5: FDC Cabling Legend Component FDC cable to floppy diskette drive. FDC cable connection on riser card (J16). 4–23...

  • Page 76: Figure 4-16: Scsi Cabling

    Installing System Options MLO-013602 Figure 4–16: SCSI Cabling Table 4–6: SCSI Cabling Legend Component SCSI drive activity cable (J10) connection to riser card. SCSI drive activity cable. SCSI bus cable into SCSI adapter. Optional SCSI hard drive. SCSI hard drive. 6 &...

  • Page 77: Replacing The Battery

    Installing System Options Replacing the Battery The battery supplies power to the real time clock while the system is off. If necessary, replace the lithium battery with a Digital (P/N 12-41474-05), Toshiba (P/N CR2032) ,or equivalent 3-Volt DC lithium battery. After replacing the battery, you must verify the system configuration and setup data.

  • Page 78: Figure 4-17: Replacing The Battery

    Installing System Options MLO-013591 Figure 4–17: Replacing the Battery 4–26...

  • Page 79: Replacing The System Cover

    Installing System Options Replacing the System Cover To replace the system cover, see Figure 4–18 and follow the next procedure. MLO-013605 Figure 4–18: Replacing the System Cover 1. Line up the flanges on the inside of the bottom-left portion of the cover so that they overlap the edge of the chassis body.

  • Page 80: Installing Optional Lock

    Installing System Options Installing Optional Lock If you ordered an optional Kensington lock (order number PCP3H-AG), see the section below for installation instructions. Kensington Lock To install a Kensington lock, refer to Figure 4–19 and secure the lock onto your system as shown.

  • Page 81: Troubleshooting

    5. Contact Digital Services or your service provider for software- or hardware-related problems. __________________________ NOTE ____________________________ If you need to return a failed component, pack it in its original container and return it to Digital Equipment Corporation or your service provider. ____________________________________________________________ 5–1...

  • Page 82: Equipment Log

    Troubleshooting Equipment Log For your convenience, Appendix F, Equipment Log, includes a form on which you can record all model numbers and serial numbers of your hardware components (system unit, monitor, keyboard, and mouse) and system hardware configuration information (CPU, memory size, drive size, ports, and so on).
  • Page 83 Troubleshooting Table 5–1: System Troubleshooting (continued) Problem Possible Cause Action Power is on, but there is Brightness and contrast Adjust the brightness and contrast no screen display and no controls are not correctly controls. beeps. set. Monitor is off. Turn on the monitor. Monitor cable or power Check all monitor connections.
  • Page 84 Troubleshooting Table 5–1: System Troubleshooting (continued) Problem Possible Cause Action System does not boot. Operating system Install the appropriate operating software is not installed system. on the hard disk drive. Hard drive cable is not Connect hard drive cable. connected. System cannot find the Check the system configuration for boot device.
  • Page 85 Troubleshooting Table 5–1: System Troubleshooting (continued) Problem Possible Cause Action No response to keyboard Keyboard is password Enter the keyboard password, if commands. protected. supported by your operating system. (See Chapter 3, Configuring Your System, for help in resetting your password.) Keyboard is not connected.
  • Page 86 Troubleshooting Table 5–l: System Troubleshooting (continued) Problem Possible Cause Action Security mode is enabled. User does not have correct Perform the following steps: Password does not work. password. 1. Power off the system. 2. Open the system box. 3. Power on the system and wait for the console to start.

  • Page 87: Table 5-2: Disk Drive Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting Table 5–2: Disk Drive Troubleshooting Problem Possible Cause Action Hard disk drive cannot Incorrect SCSI drive ID Set the SCSI ID. Refer to the disk read or write information. settings. drive installation instructions. Loose or incorrectly Make sure all cables are correctly installed cables.

  • Page 88: Table 5-3: Audio Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting Table 5–3: Audio Troubleshooting Problem Possible Cause Action No sound. Cables not plugged in. Plug in the cables. Driver not installed. Install the driver. Volume control set low. Use an on-screen volume control (if available) to increase the volume. Headset plugged in.

  • Page 89: Table 5-4: Monitor Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting Table 5–4: Monitor Troubleshooting Problem Possible Cause Action Monitor power indicator Monitor is turned off. Turn on the monitor. is not on. Power cord is not Connect the power cord to the connected. system or a wall receptacle. No power at wall Use another receptacle.

  • Page 90: Error Beep Codes

    Table 5–5 shows error beep codes you may encounter while using the Digital Personal Workstation (Alpha). For example, if the POST (power-on self-test) code could not find any good memory, you would hear a 1-3-3 beep code (one beep, a pause, a burst of three beeps, a pause, and another burst of three beeps).

  • Page 91: System Care

    System Care Introduction This appendix describes how to: • Clean the system, including the outside enclosure, monitor screen, mouse, and keyboard • Move the system ________________________ WARNING __________________________ Make sure you turn off the system, disconnect any external devices, and unplug the power cord from the wall before cleaning any part of your system.
  • Page 92 System Care ________________________WARNING___________________________ If you use a prepackaged screen cleaner, ensure that it is nonflammable. To prevent cleaner from seeping into the system case, never spray the cleaner directly on the screen. Instead, apply the cleaner to a clean cloth, and then wipe the screen.

  • Page 93: Figure A-1: Cleaning The System Mouse

    System Care __________________________ NOTE ____________________________ Consistent use of a high-quality mouse pad will decrease debris build-up in the mouse ball. ____________________________________________________________ Figure A–1: Cleaning the System Mouse A–3...

  • Page 94: Moving The System

    System Care Cleaning the System Keyboard From time to time, the keyboard keys might get dirty with use. Wipe the keys with a clean cloth that has been lightly dampened with a mild detergent solution. Moving the System Perform the following steps before shipping or moving the system: 1.

  • Page 95: Technical Specifications

    Technical Specifications Introduction This appendix describes the following technical characteristics of the Digital Personal Workstation (Alpha): • System specifications • External system connectors • Expansion slot current limitations • System current requirements • Motherboard switches and jumpers B–1...

  • Page 96: Table B-1: Processor Features

    Technical Specifications System Specifications Table B–1 lists the Digital Personal Workstation (Alpha) processor features, performance, dimensions, environmental, and acoustics specifications. Table B–1: Processor Features Feature Specification Processor type DECchip 21164 Core logic Pyxis chip Bcache Optional write-back, 2- and 4-MB Table B–2: System Specifications...

  • Page 97: Table B-4: System Environmental Specifications

    Technical Specifications Table B–4: System Environmental Specifications Attributes Specification Operating temperature 10°C to 40°C (50°F to 104°F) −40°C to 65°C (−4°F to 149°F) Storage temperature Operating humidity 10% to 90% relative humidity, (noncondensing) maximum wet bulb 28°C (82°F) Storage humidity 10% to 90% relative humidity, (noncondensing) maximum wet bulb 46°C (114°F)

  • Page 98: Table B-6: Bidirectional Parallel Port Pinouts

    Technical Specifications External System Connectors This section lists the pin assignments for your system's external connectors. • Bidirectional enhanced parallel port connector, 25-pin D-submini female • Two serial connectors, 9-pin D-submini male • Keyboard and mouse connectors, 6-pin mini-DIN Bidirectional Enhanced Parallel Port Connector The bidirectional connector provides an interface to a printer or other parallel devices.

  • Page 99: Table B-7: 9-Pin Serial Port Pinouts

    Technical Specifications Serial Port Connectors The serial port connectors consist of two 9-pin D-subminiature connectors. Table B–7 lists their pin assignments. The baud rates supported by the system's serial ports are 50, 75, 110, 134.5, 150, 300, 600, 1200, 1800, 2000, 2400, 3600, 4800, 7200, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, and 115,200. The serial ports have signals for full MODEM control.

  • Page 100: Table B-8: Keyboard And Mouse Connector Pinouts

    Technical Specifications Keyboard and Mouse Connectors The keyboard and mouse connectors consist of two 6-pin mini-DIN connectors. Table B–8 lists their pin assignments. Table B–8: Keyboard and Mouse Connector Pinouts Keyboard Signals Mouse Signals KB Data MS Data Reserved Reserved Ground Ground +5 Volts dc...

  • Page 101: Figure B-1: Cpu Frequency Switch Settings (433-Mhz System

    Technical Specifications Motherboard Frequency Switches Figure B–1 shows the switches used to set the CPU clock speed. The settings shown are for a 433-MHz system. If you perform a CPU upgrade, consult the documentation that comes with the upgrade for instructions on resetting the switches. Otherwise, do not change the switch settings.

  • Page 103: Interrupt Map

    (Alpha) Technical Information (EK-ALMIA-TI. A01). Interrupt Map The IRQ (interrupt request) assignments for the Digital Personal Workstation (Alpha) are shown in .This information is useful when adding or reconfiguring options on your system. Avoid conflicts when assigning IRQs by associating one IRQ to one source. PCI interrupt levels are set by the operating system.

  • Page 104: Table C-1: Default System Interrupt Assignments

    Device Mapping The Windows NT operating system preassigns the PCI devices specific IRQs, as Table C–1 shows. If a PCI device is not installed in a PCI slot, the IRQ associated with that slot remains unavailable for ISA devices. For example, if PCI slot 2 is empty, IRQ9 is not available for any other device.

  • Page 105: Table C-2: Dma Channel Assignments

    Device Mapping DMA Channel Assignments The DMA channel assignments for ISA options are shown in Table C–2. This information is useful when adding ISA options to your system. Avoid DMA channel conflicts by not assigning multiple devices to the same channel. Table C–2: DMA Channel Assignments Channel Device...

  • Page 107: System Firmware

    ____________________________________________________________ System Firmware The Digital Personal Workstation (Alpha) contains 1 MB of flashROM for the console firmware. The flashROM contains the AlphaBIOS firmware. Update Utility Use the update utility to update your AlphaBIOS. The update utility contains two images: the update utility itself and the AlphaBIOS image.

  • Page 108: Using The Flash Update Utility From Alphabios

    ____________________________________________________________ 5. Follow the screen prompts to complete the update. Preparing a Firmware Floppy Diskette Copy the firmware over the Internet from the ftp.digital.com/pub/Digital/Alpha/firmware area and follow these steps: 1. Format a blank floppy diskette (FAT). 2. Copy the appropriate file to Drive a:.
  • Page 109 Starting an Operating System Installation Introduction This information provides what you need to begin an operating system installation. Once you have started an installation, follow the on-screen instructions and refer to the appropriate operating system documentation. Using the table below, first locate the operating system you want to install and refer to the appropriate table number: If you want to: Go to Table:...
  • Page 110 Starting an Operating System Installation Starting a Windows NT Workstation Installation Digital partitions and formats disk 0 on the first SCSI controller in non-RAID Windows NT Workstation systems. The partitions are set up as follows: • Partition 1 (typically, the "C" drive) is the size of the disk less 6 MB and formatted FAT.

  • Page 111: Table E-1: Starting A Windows Nt Workstation Installation

    Starting an Operating System Installation Table E–1: Starting a Windows NT Workstation Installation Step Action Result or Displayed Text Insert the Microsoft Windows NT CD-ROM drive is ready. Workstation CD-ROM into the CD drive. From the AlphaBIOS boot screen, AlphaBIOS setup screen displays. press [F2].
  • Page 112 Starting an Operating System Installation Table E–1: Starting a Windows NT Workstation Installation (continued) Step Action Result or Displayed Text Type "S" to select additional SCSI Select the SCSI Adapter you want from the adapters (in this case, to select an following list, or select "Other"...
  • Page 113 Starting an Operating System Installation Table E–1: Starting a Windows NT Workstation Installation (continued) Step Action Result or Displayed Text Select Display: (to load a video You have asked to change the type of display to driver). be installed. Press [Enter]. You have chosen to change your computer's Insert the provided display driver diskette.

  • Page 114: Table E-2: Setting Up Partitions For A Windows Nt Installation

    Starting an Operating System Installation If you are installing the operating system on a disk that has not been partitioned and formatted, refer to Table E–2. Table E–2: Setting Up Partitions for a Windows NT Installation Step Action Result From the AlphaBIOS boot screen, AlphaBIOS setup screen displays.
  • Page 115 Your system's hardware components (Table F–1). • Your system's ISA equipment configuration (Table F–2). • Your system's hardware configuration (Table F–3). • The operating system or application software installed on your Digital Personal Workstation (Alpha) (Table F–4). • Additional components (Table F–5). F–1...

  • Page 116: Table F-1: Hardware Components

    Additional storage device 4 Use Table F–2 to keep track of your Digital Personal Workstation's (Alpha) expansion options. The upper portion of the table shows the standard devices. You can use the lower portion of the table to record the parameters of ISA or PCI devices you add to the riser card.

  • Page 117: Table F-2: Isa Equipment Configuration

    2, if used 14, 15 Audio Riser Card ISA Expansion Slots Riser Card PCI Slots Table F–3: Hardware Configuration Component Digital Personal Workstation (Alpha) Specifics CPU (central processing unit) speed and model Firmware version: AlphaBIOS Memory size: Bank 0 Bank 1...

  • Page 118: Table F-4: Installed Software

    Equipment Log Table F–4: Installed Software Operating System or Version License Date Which Disk? Application Software Number Number Installed Table F–5: Additional Component Information Model Serial Date Component Vendor Number Number Installed...
  • Page 119 Index Abbreviations used, xiii Battery Additional components disposal, 4–25 equipment log, F–1 replacing, 4–25 AlphaBIOS type, 5–5 advanced CMOS setup, 3–8 Baud rates auto start, 3–5 serial port, B–5 Auto Start and Auto Start Count settings, 3–7 Beep codes, 5–10 booting the system, 3–2 Booting CMOS setup, 3–5...
  • Page 120 Index Cabling SCSI, 4–11 audio, 4–20 Connector CD-ROM, 4–22 keyboard, B–6 FDC, 4–23 mouse, B–6 MAU, 4–21 parallel, B–4 MII, 4–21 serial port, B–5 SCSI, 4–24 Connectors Channel assignments external, B–4 DMA, C–3 Conventions used, xiii Cleaning computer, A–1 keyboard, A–4 Date monitor screen, A–1 setting with AlphaBIOS, 3–5...
  • Page 121 Index Features processor, B–2 diagnostic, 5–10 Firmware power-on, 5–10 AlphaBIOS, D–1 Lifting components, 1-3 preparing a floppy diskette, D–2 update utility, D–1 Floppy drive Maintenance program AlphaBIOS support for, 3–7 running, 3–10 Front bezel Memory removing, 4–9 adding, 4–5 Front door configuration, 3–4 removing, 4–4 Memory test, 3–8...
  • Page 122 Index expansion box, 4–17 external options, 4–17 termination, 4–11 Password Security setup, 3–9 system, 1-13 chassis lockdown hasp, 1-13 configuration, 3–4 Kensington lock, 1-14 parity, 3–8 passwords, 1-14 Peripherals Serial port integrated, 3–5 baud rates, B–5 Pinout Software bidirectional parallel port, B–4 preloaded, 1-11 keyboard, B–6 Specifications...
  • Page 123 Index System boot device not listed, 5–4 components, 2–6 boot problem, 5–4 cover dead battery, 5–5 replacing, 4–27 disk drive, 5–7 features, 2–1 disk read and write problem, 5–7 front view, 2–2 display problems, 5–9 installation, 1-7 initial, 5–1 inventory, 1-2 keyboard, 5–5 overview, 2–1 monitor, 5–9...

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