Epson 20 User Manual

EPSON®EQUITY™386/20User’s GuideY18499100101

E Hard Disk Drive Types...E-1FSpecifications...F-1CPU and Memory...

8.When the copy is complete, you see this message:Copy another diskette (Y/N)?Press Y and Enter to copy another diskette or N and Enter toreturn to th

Using the BACKUP CommandThe BACKUP command offers several conveniences for archivalpurposes. It allows you to do the following:lSplit large files acro

To use the HELP menu, follow these steps:1.Type HELP at the MS-DOS command prompt and press Enter.2.The screen displays a menu of MS-DOS commands. Use

You can also request help information for more than one command.Follow these steps:1.At the command prompt, type HELP followed by the names ofthe comm

To select an option, use the arrow keys to highlight your selection andthen press Enter. Most options contain submenus; keep highlightingyour selectio

Mode SettingsLets you change your configuration settings.This option also lets you select alternate codepages (character sets) and redirect data from

l Display data in both ASCII and hexadecimal formatlDisplay how much space is available on your disks.Running XTREETo run XTREE, log onto the director

Alt key commands execute additional XTREE commands. Press theAlt key to display the ALT DIR COMMANDS or ALT FILE COMMANDS.These commands appear on the

Using an AUTOEXEC.BAT FileYou may find that there are some commands you want to run everytime you turn on your computer. To run a command or a series

Here’s an example of an AUTOEXEC.BAT file:PATH C:\; C:\DOSPROMPT $PThe first line tells MS-DOS to look for programs or batch files in theroot director

IntroductionThe Epson® Equity™ 386/20is a versatile, high-performance personalcomputer. Its 80386 microprocessor and 20 MHz operation speedmake this a

Using Memory Beyond 640KBYour Equity 386 is equipped with at least 1MB of random accessmemory. 640KB is for use by the operating system, your applicat

3. Type DEVICE=EEMM386.EXE and press Enter.4.Press the F6 key, and then press Enter.5. Reboot your computer.This procedure makes the memory in your co

-Using HDCACHE and EEMM386.EXEThe HDCACHE program (described in your MS-DOS ReferenceManual) cannot use expanded memory. If you use both HDCACHEand EE

Chapter 6Installing OptionsYou can enhance the performance of your Equity 386 by adding avariety of options, including the following:l 80387 math copr

however, add memory according to certain grouping limitations topreserve the 32-bit access capability of the Equity 386.There are basically two restri

Remember, your system already has 1MB of memory (consisting offour 256KB SIMMs) installed in bank 0; so consider this when youare deciding how much me

3. Disconnect the keyboard.4.If the computer is locked, unlock it (using the key lock).Otherwise you cannot take off the cover. (See Chapter 4 forinst

8.When the back edge of the cover has cleared the power switch,you can lift off the cover. Separate the sides from the bottomledge of the computer by

Installing an Option CardThe illustration below shows the nine option slots inside theEquity 386. (Slot number 9 is occupied by the SPF card.)- SPF ca

Usually, it does not matter which slot an option card occupies as longas the card fits in the slot. For example, you can place some &bitcards in a

The Equity 386 offers a shadow RAM feature which lets you speed upprocessing by moving the ROM BIOS and VIDEO ROM into theRAM area of memory. When the

Keep the screw to secure the option card to the computer. Storethe slot cover in a safe place in case you remove the option cardlater.2.Unpack the opt

If the card does not go in smoothly, do not force it-pull it all theway out and try again, keeping it straight as you insert it.5.Secure the end of th

6.See “Post-installation Setup,” below, to see if you need to makeany configuration changes.Changing Jumpers on the SPF CardIf you installed an additi

SPF card jumper settings for serial portJumper numberFunction569AAABuilt-in port is primary *AB BBuilt-in port is secondaryBDisable built-in port ***

Removing the hard disk drive controller card1.Disconnect the wire leading from the drive light on the frontpanel to the hard disk drive controller car

3.Without disconnecting any cables, gently pull the card straightup, out of the slot, and then turn it over and lay it on the powersupply.Removing the

2.Remove the retaining screw that secures the SPF card at the backpanel of the computer. Be careful not to drop the screw.3.Remove the card from the s

Changing the jumper settingsOnce you have removed the SPF card, you can change the necessaryjumper settings. The illustration below shows the location

Replacing the SPF card1.Reinstall the SPF card in slot 9 as shown below, and secure it tothe back of the computer with the retaining screw.2.Reconnect

Replacing the hard disk drive controller card1.Reinstall the hard disk drive controller card in the appropriateslot and secure it to the back of the c

Chapter 1 provides simple step-by-step instructions for setting up yourcomputer. On the inside back cover are illustrations identifying thedifferent p

Replacing the CoverAfter you install (or remove) an option card, follow these steps toreplace the computer’s cover:1.Facing the front of the computer,

.Post-Installation SetupAfter you install an option card, memory modules, or a mathcoprocessor, you need to run the Setup program on the Referencedisk

Appendix ATroubleshootingYou should not encounter any difficulties as you set up and use yourEquity 386. You can correct most problems by adjusting a

The Computer Won’t StartIf your computer does not start up when you turn on the powerswitch, follow the steps below. (If you have a hard disk, also se

2.Wait a few seconds. Remember that some operations thecomputer performs take longer than others. For example, it takeslonger to recalculate an entire

Diskette ProblemsIf you have trouble with one of your diskettes, see if any of thefollowing questions apply:1.Is the diskette damaged? To find out, ma

3.Is the diskette write-protected? There may be a write-protect tabover the notch on the side of the diskette (5¼-inch) or the write-protect switch ma

To copy the hidden system files from your Startup/Operating 1diskette to the root directory of the hard disk, log onto thediskette drive, type the fol

2.If an application routine does not work, check the program’smanual and try the routine again according to the instructions. Ifthis does not work, re

3.If you used the option card to add an external device to yourcomputer, did you use the proper cable to connect the device tothe option card connecto

Appendix F gives the technical specifications for the Equity 386.At the back of the manual you’ll find a glossary of the computerterms used in this ma

Appendix BPower-on DiagnosticsThe built-in memory (ROM) of your computer contains a series ofdiagnostics programs which your computer runs automatical

If a fault in the main board is found, a number from 101 to 108 andan error message appear. This message is in the following format:l0x-System board e

RAM CheckThe computer now begins to check the RAM installed on the mainmemory card and any option cards. During this check, the screendisplays this me

If another failure is found, you see one of these messages:‘j$Jj-Keyboard or system unit errorJ&Keyboard or system unit errorDisplay Card CheckThe

Hard Disk Controller and Hard Disk CheckThe computer next checks the hard disk controller and drive unit. Ifa malfunction is found in the hard disk co

Appendix CPerforming System DiagnosticsThis appendix describes how to check the operation of the main unitand peripheral devices of your Equity 386. Y

2.Turn on or reset the computer. The OPERATION MENUappears.3.Press 3 to select System diagnostics and then press Enter.When you start the System diagn

Once you confirm the DEVICE LIST, you can test only those items.If you decide later that you need to add a device, you must return tothe OPERATION MEN

To add a device to the list, press 1 and then Enter. The programdisplays a list of other devices that are not currently included in theDEVICE LIST You

When the DEVICE LIST is correct, press 0 and then Enter. Thescreen displays the modified DEVICE LIST for a final check. If thelist is correct, press Y

Chapter 1SETTING UP YOUR SYSTEMSetting up your Epson Equity 386 personal computer is easy. Justfollow the 10 steps in this chapter, which describe how

Press Y and Enter to terminate checking if the device produces anerror, or press N and Enter to repeat the tests regardless of an error.You see this p

The remainder of this chapter describes the tests you can run on thesystem’s internal devices and on the optional devices installed on yourcomputer. T

For this check, the program writes specific data into memory andthen reads it back. The data is written and read in blocks of 64KB. Aparity check is a

You see these messages on the screen:KEYBOARD CHECKPress ESC followed by ENTER to exit.Press END followed by ENTER if screen andkeyboard do not match.

You can select the individual checks from this menu:MONOCHROME DISPLAY ADAPTER AND CRT CHECKMENU1- Monochrome adapter check2- Attribute check3-Charact

Character Set CheckTo check your character set, press 3 and then Enter. The characterfonts that are included in the internal character generator displ

Run All Above ChecksTo run all the tests on the menu in sequence, press 6 and Enter.When you choose this option, all checks for the monochrome adapter

If an error occurs during any of these tests, record the error code andmessage, or print them out. Then contact your Epson dealer orservice center.Col

Is the display correct (Y/N)?After checking the character fonts, respond to the prompt:Is the display correct (Y/N)?If the characters match the illust

I40-COLUMN CHARACTER SET CHECKIs the display correct (Y/N)?After checking the character fonts, respond to the prompt:Is the display correct (Y/N)?If t

Besides this manual, you should have the following:l The computer and power cordlThe keyboard with attached cablelKeys for locking the computerlFour d

640x200 Graphics Mode CheckTo check your 640x200 graphics mode, press 6 then Enter. Thescreen displays three patterned squares against a contrastingba

Once you examine this screen, press any key to display the next page.The eight pages, numbered 0 to 7, are displayed sequentially.After the eighth pag

If you do not have a light pen attached, press N and Enter. To beginthe test, press Y and Enter. You see this prompt:PLACE LIGHT PEN ON CENTER OF WHIT

Sync CheckThis test is provided for service purposes only. If you accidentallyselect this option, press any key to end the test.Run All Above ChecksTo

IFLOPPY DISK DRIVE(S) AND CONTROLLER CHECK MENU1- Sequential seek check?"- Random seek check- Write, read check4 - Run all above checks0 - ExitEn

Random Seek CheckThis test is identical to the sequential seek check, except that the seekoperation is performed on each track in random order instead

Run All Above ChecksTo run all the tests on the menu in sequence, press 4 and then Enter.When you choose this option, all checks for the diskette driv

Insert the loop-back connector. Then press Y and Enter to start thecheck. The computer checks the port by writing and reading dataand control informat

When you select option 11 from the DEVICE LIST, you see theseprompts:Attach loop-back connector to serial port.Enter Y to start this check when connec

Alternate Serial Port CheckUse this option to test the functions of an additional serialcommunications (RS-232C) port. To perform the test you must in

(If you have a second diskette drive, be sure to remove the card fromthat drive too.)Save the protector card and reinsert it whenever you move thecomp

The text data includes all the characters commonly used by programsthat require foreign languages or graphic characters. If your printerprints differe

When you select a check from this menu, the program determines thenumber of hard disk drives installed in your computer. If you havemore than one phys

Select option 2 from the menu to start this test. You see thesemessages:The data on the highest physical cylinder may bedestroyed by this check.Enter

The cylinder number counts down to 0. At the end of the test, yousee a table of the results of the test. For example, for a hard disk withno bad track

Error Codes and MessagesThe following table lists all the error codes and messages that mayappear during diagnostics checks.Error codes and messagesEr

Error codes and messages (continued)Error codeMessageColor graphics adapter and CRT501V-RAM ERROR503ATTRIBUTE ERROR504CHARACTER SET ERROR50540-COLUMN

Error codes and messages (continued)Error codeMessageAlternate serial port1201control signal ALWAYS LOW1201control signal ALWAYS HIGH1202TIMEOUT ERROR

Appendix DPhysically Formatting a Hard DiskThis appendix describes how to physically format a hard disk. Thisoperation, sometimes called low-level or

Formatting and Checking OptionsTo perform a physical format or to determine if a hard disk needs tobe physically reformatted, follow these steps:1.Ins

Many hard disk drives are supplied with a list of bad tracks, butwithout the bad tracks flagged on the disk. Other hard disks aresupplied with the bad

l Moderate environmental conditions. Protect your computer fromextremes in temperature, humidity, dust, and smoke. Avoid directsunlight or any other s

When the scan is complete, the program displays information aboutthe condition of the disk. For a hard disk with no bad tracks, thedisplay looks like

When formatting is complete, any bad tracks are flagged, and you seea series of messages like these:Format finished.Flagging bad tracks...Cylinder is

Unconditional FormatUse this option to format your hard disk when you want to enter thelist of bad tracks before formatting begins. The main differenc

Some of the messages change if the table is full or empty. However,the way that you add a bad track or make a correction is the same.To add a bad trac

Destructive Surface AnalysisUse this option to accurately locate any bad tracks on a hard disk,and to flag any bad tracks that are not flagged.This te

If the program finds one bad track that is not flagged, the summarywould show one track with a write, read error. The report is thenfollowed by a tabl

When the analysis is complete, the program displays a summary ofthe status of the disk. This summary lists these counts:l Flagged bad trackslTracks wi

Appendix EHard Disk Drive TypesThis appendix lists the types of hard disk drives you can use in yourEquity 386. Check this table and the documentation

Appendix FSpecificationsCPU and Memory32-bit CPUMain memoryROMMath coprocessorControllersFloppy diskHard diskInterfacesSerialParallel80386 microproces

Monitor/video card compatibilityMonitorVideo cardOutput typeMonochromeMonochrome, graphics,One 9-pin output (TTLor enhanced graphicscompatible)Color o

Option slotsNine input/output expansion slots; three withB-bit bus and six with 16-bit bus; one slotoccupied by the serial/parallel/floppy diskcontrol

KeyboardDetachable, three positions, 101 sculpted keysLayout58-key QWERTYmain keyboard; 17-keynumeric/cursor pad; 10 cursor keys; 16function keys (use

GlossaryAbsolute pathnameA pathname that begins with the backslash character. Anabsolute pathname tells MS-DOS how to find its way to a givendirectory

Base memoryThe amount of memory in the computer below 1MB that isavailable to MS-DOS and application programs-usually 640KB.Also called main memory.Ba

CMOSComplementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor. A method ofmaking low power silicon chips.CodeA system of symbols for representing data or instructions.

CPUCentral Processing Unit. The primary unit of the computer thatinterprets instructions, performs the tasks you indicate, keepstrack of stored data,

DelimiterA character or space used to separate different parts of anMS-DOS command.DeviceA piece of equipment that is part of a computer system andper

DOSThe Disk Operating System that controls the computer’s inputand output functions. See Operating system.Double-densityA type of diskette format that

Extended partitionAn additional MS-DOS partition; you can create one primaryMS-DOS partition and one extended partition.ExtensionA suffix of up to thr

Hard diskThe enclosed unit used to store data permanently. Unlike adiskette, it is fixed in place. It can process data more rapidly andstore many more

IMPORTANT NOTICEDISCLAIMER OF WARRANTYEpson America makes no representations or warranties, either express or implied,by or with respect to anything i

4. Plug the monitor’s power cord into the monitor’s power inlet, asshown below.5.Plug the other end of the power cord into an electrical outlet.4Conne

Key diskA diskette containing a copy-protected program that must remainin the diskette drive while you are using the program.Kilobyte (KB)A unit used

Megahertz (MHz)A unit used to measure oscillation frequency (of a computer’sinternal timing clock). A megahertz is one million cycles persecond. The E

MS-DOSMicrosoft Disk Operating System. The operating system thatcomes with your computer. See Operating system.Numeric keypadThe number keys grouped t

PartitionThe area defined on a hard disk for use by an operating system;to divide a hard disk into separate sections or logical drives.PathnameThe lis

ReadTo move data from one area to another. For example, when youopen a text file stored on disk, the computer reads the data fromthe disk and displays

SectorA contiguous section of a disk track that provides an address atwhich the computer can access data.Self testThe initial diagnostics procedures a

SwitchAn option added to an MS-DOS command that modifies theway the command works. Switches are usually preceded by a /(forward slash). For example, i

WildcardA character that represents any character or group of characters.The wildcard character * (asterisk) represents a group ofcharacters, and the

IndexAAbsolute pathname, 5-12 -13Alternate parallel port check, C-23Alternate serial port check, C-25APPEND, 5-15Auto speed function, 2-6-7AUTOEXEC.BA

Conditional format, D-2, D-3 -5CONFIG.SYS, 5-11, 5-32Configuring the system, 2-1 -14Connectingkeyboard, 1-10 -11modem, 1-8 -9monitor, 1-4 -6mouse, 1-8

Using the Parallel InterfaceThe Equity 386 parallel interface is Centronics®-compatible and uses aDB-25S connector. Most Epson printers have parallel

DIR, 5-15Directories, 5-10 -17changing, 5-16 -17creating, 5-16default, 5-12listing contents of, 5-15naming, 5-12on diskettes, 5-12pathnames for, 5-12

Display adapters, see Video cardsDisplay screen, see MonitorsDot-matrix printer check, C-25 -26Double-density diskettes, 4-10 -12Double-sided diskette

Floppy disk drives, see Diskette drivesFloppy disks, see DiskettesFORMAT, 3-1, 3-12, 5-17 -19, D-1Formatting,diskettes, 5-17 -19extended partition, 3-

Keyboard,connecting, 1-10 -11controller and keyboard check, B-3 -4, C-8 -9layout, F-3locking, 4-1 -2special keys, 4-5 -7Key lock, 4-1 -2LLIM EMS 4.0,

MS-DOS,booting, 3-13command format, 5-3copying files, 5-6-8correcting commands, 5-4default drive, 5-2-3deleting files, 5-9directories, 5-10 -17enterin

Parameters, 5-3Partitioning, 3-1, 3-4 -8PATH, 5-15Pathnames, 5-12 -15absolute and relative, 5-12 -13including drive letters in, 5-14including filename

RMDIR (RD), 5-16RESET button, 4-4 -5Resetting the computer, 4-4 -5ROM, see Read only memoryROM BIOS, 2-8Root directory, 5-11 -12SSectors, 4-9SELECT, 3

Subdirectories, see DirectoriesSUBST, 5-15Switches, 5-4Systemboard check, C-7device check, B-1 -2diskettes, 1-15 -16TTime, setting, 2-11 -12Toll-free

hard diskindicator lightrelease latchcontrolknobswitchdrive slotvoltage switchIoption card slotsIIpower outlet\Ipower inletserial port\parallel port

4.Connect the other end of the cable to the printer as shownbelow. To secure the cable, squeeze the clips at each side of theprinter port and push the

The Equity 386 uses a DB-9P male connector, so be sure you have acompatible cable (or an adapting cable that converts the 9-pin outputto the standard

6Connecting the KeyboardFollow these steps to connect the keyboard:1.Turn the computer around so you are facing the front.2. Pull open the cover on th

4.Push the cable into the notch at the left side of the computer, asshown below, so the cable leads away to the side of the computer.5.Close the keybo

7Setting the Monitor TypeIn addition to connecting the monitor, as you did in step 3,you must set the monitor switch on the front panel to match the t

lNever turn off or reset your computer while a disk drive light ison. This can destroy data stored on disk or make a whole diskunusable.lAlways wait a

(For more instructions on inserting, removing, and caring fordiskettes, see Chapter 4.)You can turn on your computer with or without the MS-DOSStartup

This means the operating system is ready for you to enter acommand. The command prompt identifies the current operatingdrive: A, B, or C, for example.

FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENTFOR AMERICAN USERSThis equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and if not installedand used properly, that is, in

2.Type the following and press Enter:DISKCOPY A: A:You see these messages:Insert SOURCE diskette in drive A:Press any key when ready . . .3.Drive A (t

Chapter 2Running the Setup ProgramThe first time you use your Equity 386 after setting it up, you need torun the Setup program on the Reference disket

Starting the Setup ProgramFollow these steps to start the Setup program:1.Insert the working copy of your Reference diskette into thediskette drive.2.

3.Press 1 and then Enter to select the Setup option. The screendisplays the main Setup menu:ExitMemoryDisplayAuto speedShadow RAMCoprocessorMass stora

Follow these steps to set the amount of memory:1.Press 1 to highlight the Memory option and press Enter. Asmaller box appears beneath the main Setup m

Setting the Display TypeFollow the steps below to set the type of display adapter you are usingwith your Equity 386. Note that with this option you ar

3. Highlight the option that matches your display adapter. If you arenot sure which one to choose, follow these guidelines:lIf you have an EGA or VGA

When Auto speed is enabled, your computer automatically switchesto 8 MHz whenever it needs to access a diskette drive. It runs at20 MHz for all other

Setting the Shadow RAM FunctionA computer can access RAM (random access memory) faster thanROM (read only memory). The Equity 386 provides a shadow RA

Now, whenever you turn on or reset your computer, it automaticallycopies the system ROM BIOS and video ROM to RAM.If you later want to disable either

If the settings displayed match the configuration of disk drives inyour computer, press t to return to the main menu. If one of thesettings is incorre

Setting the Real-time ClockThe real-time clock in your computer keeps track of the time and dateat all times-even when the computer is turned off. Use

If you enter an invalid time-for example, a number greater than23 for the hours or greater than 59 for the minutes or seconds-the computer beeps and i

Leaving the Setup MenuWhen you finish setting the options in the Setup menu, highlight theExit option and press Enter. You see a summary such as this:

Check each list to see if all the information is correct. If any setting isincorrect, highlight Change settings and press Enter. The mainSetup menu ap

Chapter 3Preparing a Hard Disk for UseIf your Equity 386 has a hard disk, follow the instructions in thischapter to prepare the hard disk before using

l If you are using MS-DOS and another operating system, useMS-DOS to partition and format the space on the hard disk youwant to be used by MS-DOS. The

2.If MS-DOS does not start, you need to check whether the diskhas been partitioned. To do this, place the MS-DOS Startupdiskette in drive A and hold d

Partitioning the Hard DiskPartitioning is necessary because, while your hard disk can storeeither 40MB or 90MB of data (depending on which Equity 386

Creating the Primary PartitionFollow the steps below to create a primary partition on your harddisk:1.Insert the working copy of the MS-DOS Startup di

Contents1Introduction...1How to Use This Manual...2Where to Get Help...

Creating the Extended Partition on a 40MB DiskIf you have a 40MB hard disk, follow these steps to create an 8MBextended partition and designate it as

8.Press ESC twice. The screen displays the following message andprompts:System will now restartInsert DOS diskette in drive A:Press any key when ready

5.Press Enter to accept the partition size. The screen displays thefollowing message:Extended DOS partition createdand shows you information about the

10. Press any key to restart the system (the MS-DOS Startup disketteis already in drive A). Your computer reloads MS-DOS,displaying the preliminary co

The screen displays this message and prompt:SELECT is used to install DOS the first time.SELECT erases everything on the specifiedtarget and then inst

Copying the Remaining Files to the Hard DiskFollow the instructions below to copy the files on your otherMS-DOS diskettes and the Reference diskette t

Formatting the Extended PartitionOnce you have formatted the primary partition and copied theremaining MS-DOS files to the hard disk, follow this proc

Booting From the Hard DiskNow you can boot your system (load MS-DOS) from drive C on yourhard disk. Be sure there is no diskette secured in drive A wh

Chapter 4Using the Equity 386This chapter covers the following basic procedures for using yourEquity 386 computer:l Locking the computerlSelecting exe

notchTo unlock the computer, insert the key with the notch pointing rightand turn the key counterclockwise, to the U N LOCK position.You can remove th

Formatting the Primary Partition...3-9Copying the Remaining Files to the Hard Disk...3-11Formatting the Extended Partition...

Use the CPU SPEED switch on the front panel to change the CPUspeed; move it left for 8 MHz or right for 20 MHz.\CPU speed switchSelecting the Monitor

Controlling the VolumeYour Equity 386 has a speaker which enables it to beep when youperform certain operations. You can control the speaker’s loudnes

To reset the computer, MS-DOS must be either on a diskette in driveA or on the hard disk. There are three ways to reset. Because each ismore powerful

Key functionsKeyTab I+-+ICaps LockPurposeMoves the cursor one tab to the right in normal modeand one tab to the left in shift mode.Changes the letter

KeyPurposeHome, EndControl cursor location.Page Up (PgUp)Page Down (PgDn)t +,l+Num LockEscF1 - F12Print Screen(Prt SC)SYS Rq (Req)Scroll LockPauseChan

Using Disks and Disk DrivesThe disk drives in your computer allow you to store data on disk, andthen retrieve and use it when you like. All Equity 386

A hard disk consists of two or more platters stacked on top of oneanother; so it has four or more sides with many more tracks per sidethan a diskette.

Because data is stored magnetically, you can retrieve it, record over it,and erase it-just as you play, record, and erase music on a cassettetape.Type

NoteYou must format new diskettes before you can use them with anoperating system, Formatting erases all the data an a diskette andprepares it to rece

If you have any combination of the above drives (360KB, 1.2MB,720KB, or 1.44MB), you can copy files from one drive to another-using the COPY or XCOPY

Using Directories...5-10The Default Directory...5-12Using Pathnames...

Do not place anything on top of your diskettes and be sure theydo not get bent. A diskette does not rotate properly in the driveif it has been damaged

Slide the diskette into the slot until it is in all the way, Then turn thelatch down to lock it in a vertical position. This keeps the diskette inplac

Write-protecting DiskettesYou can write-protect a diskette to prevent its data from being altered.When a diskette is write-protected, you can read it

On a 3½-inch diskette, the write-protect device is a small switch onthe lower-right corner on the back, shown below. To write-protect a3½-inch diskett

Chapter 1 describes how to use DISKCOPY to copy your MS-DOSand Reference diskettes. To make backups of other diskettes, use theDISKCOPY command or the

If you have only one diskette drive and no hard disk, you need to usethat drive to load the operating system as well as the applicationprograms you ar

The added storage capacity makes it easy to move back and forthbetween different programs and data files. However, because it is soeasy to add program

Backing up the hard diskWhile the hard disk is very reliable, it is essential to back up yourhard disk files to diskettes in case you lose some data a

You see a screen of information reminding you that the heads will notbe unlocked until you reset the computer or turn the power off andon again. Next

Chapter 5Using MS-DOS with Your Equity 386Your Equity 386 comes with version 3.3 of MS-DOS. This operatingsystem manages your computer by organizing t

AppendixesATroubleshooting...A-1Error MessagesA-1...The Computer Won’t Start...

Drive DesignatorsMS-DOS uses letters to identify the disk drives in your system. If youhave one diskette drive, that device is known as drive A. If yo

Changing the Default DriveTo change the default drive, type the letter of the drive you want tochange to, followed by a colon. Then press Enter. For e

Some commands also have optional switches you can use. A switch isa type of parameter that alters the effects of a command. For example,suppose you wa

If you press Enter when a command line has an error in it, thescreen displays an error message. Usually, the command promptreappears so you can try ag

Some application programs add extensions to the files you create.These application programs use the extension to determine whether itis a compatible d

A few rules apply when copying files:l You must tell MS-DOS where to find the original file and whereto store the copy.l You cannot create a new file

An easy way to copy a group of files is by using wildcard characters inthe filenames. You can use two wildcard characters: * and ?. Theasterisk repres

You can use wildcards to rename groups of files. For example, tochange just the extensions of all files on drive B with the extension.NEW to .OLD, typ

-Printing FilesIf you have a printer attached to your computer, you can print fileswith the PRINT command. Of course, you will probably be printingfil

Whenever you format a hard disk or a diskette, MS-DOS creates onedirectory for you. This directory is called the root directory. Anysubsequent directo

Color Graphics Adapter and CRT Check...C-12Color Graphics Adapter Check...C-13Attribute Check...

Here are some additional points to note about directories:lOn the root directory, the total number of files and subdirectoriesmust not exceed 512.l Al

Here is an example of an absolute pathname:\WORDPROC\PERSONALThe backslash at the beginning of this pathname tells MS-DOS tostart its journey at the r

This command tells MS-DOS to list on screen (TYPE) the contents ofthe file JEAN1204.DOC, which is stored in the directory\WORDPROC\PERSONAL. Note that

Listing the Contents of a DirectoryTo list the files in the current directory, type DIR and press Enter.MS-DOS lists the names of the files in the cur

Creating DirectoriesThe MKDIR command lets you create directories. To create aLEDGER directory under your root directory, for example, type thefollowi

To change from ACCOUNTS back to LEDGER, you can use thespecial symbol . . or you can use an absolute pathname. (The . . symbolalways designates the pa

-Formatting Diskettes With a Hard Disk1.If necessary, log onto drive C. If you are not in the directorywhere the file FORMAT.COM is stored, change to

4.When the diskette is formatted, you see a message similar to this:Format complete1213952 bytes total disk space1213952 bytes available on diskFormat

Backing UpIt’s very important to keep backup diskettes containing copies of thefiles you create. You can copy data and program files several ways:lYou

2.If you have a hard disk, make sure you are logged onto thedirectory that contains the DISKCOPY.COM file. If you don’thave a hard disk, make sure you