Epson ActionTower 8600 User's Guide

EPSON®User’s Guide- -EPA POLLUTION PREVENTER@Printed on recycled paper with at least 10% post consumer content

Appendix BRunning SETUP and Installing DriversRunning SETUP...Starting the SETUP Program ...Using the System Se

Installing a Drive in an Externally Accessible BayFollow these steps to install an internal or externally accessibledrive in an externally accessible

4.Slide the drive into the front of the bay and secure it to thebay using the four screws that came with the drive.5.Connect the appropriate cable to

6.Now locate one of the power supply cables that lead fromthe power supply. (They have multicolored wires and aplastic connector on the end.) Align th

8.Position the audio cable connector so that the tab faces upand aligns with the notch in the CD-ROM drive’s audioconnector. Then push in the connecto

10. If you have finished installing or removing drives, replacethe computer’s cover; see “Replacing the Cover” inChapter 3 for instructions. Then see

2.Remove the four screws (two on each side) securing thedrive to the drive bay. Then slide the drive out through thefront of the bay.3.If you are not

4.If you have finished installing or removing drives, replacethe computer’s cover; see “Replacing the Cover” inChapter 3 for instructions. Then see “R

3.Place the rear internal drive bracket on your work surface asshown in the illustration below.4.Position the drive so that its drive and power connec

5.Replace the bracket as shown below and secure it to the backpanel with the four screws you removed earlier.6.To connect the drive cables to the driv

7.Hold the connector on the IDE device cable so the red wirealigns with pin 1 on the drive. Make sure the holes in theconnector fit over all the pins;

IntroductionYour new EPSON® computer is a full powered, full featuredsystem that gives you complete access for all your business andhome computer need

9.If you have finished installing or removing drives, replacethe computer’s cover; see “Replacing the Cover” inChapter 3 for instructions. Then see “R

Follow these steps to remove a drive from the rear internal drivebay:1.Remove the IDE device and power cables from the back ofeach drive in the rear i

2.Remove the four screws securing the rear internal drivebracket to the computer’s back panel and slide it out of thecomputer.3.Remove the four screws

4.5.6.Replace the bracket as shown below and secure it to the backpanel with the four screws you removed earlier.If there is a drive installed in the

Chapter 6TroubleshootingIf you have any problems with your computer, refer to thischapter. You can correct most problems by adjusting a cableconnectio

Password problemsSoftware problemsPrinter or scanner problemsOption card problemsMemory module problemsExternal cache problemsController problems.If t

System BIOS version:Restart your system. You’ll seethe system BIOS version numberdisplayed on the screen duringpower-on diagnostics.System configurati

The Computer Will Not StartThe power light is on, but the computer does not start.Place a boot diskette in drive A and turn on the computer again.Caut

If you replace the processor, make sure the new processor isinstalled correctly, and that the processor is aligned correctly onthe system board. If yo

Your system suddenly stops operating.You may have overloaded the power supply. See your optioncard manuals for the power requirements of your cards. T

High-speed, PCI VGA controller with an integrated 24-bitRAMDAC and 64-bit DRAM interfaceTwo PCI, ATA-2 compatible, enhanced IDE interfacessupporting u

Monitor ProblemsThere is no display on the screen.Check that the monitor’s power switch is on and that its powerlight is on.Also, the computer may be

Turn off the monitor’s power, wait five seconds, and turn it backon.If the light still does not come on, check the electrical outlet forpower. Turn of

Also, check to see that you have inserted the right type ofdiskette in the drive. For example, make sure you are notinserting a high-density diskette

You see a diskette drive error when you start your computer.Run the SETUP program and configure your system for thecorrect type of diskette drive. Mak

Some hard disk drives may not support the power managementfeatures on your system. You may need to disable these featuresin SETUP; see “Setting the Gr

If you cannot access data on your hard disk or you are seeingread /write errors, the disk may have a physical problem.Contact your Authorized EPSON Se

Set jumper JPl back to the Off position. Then turn on thecomputer again. If you want to set a new password, use SETUPas described under “Selecting the

Some software, like OS/2®, UNIX, or NetWare,@ needs at least8MB to 16MB of RAM to work correctly. Check your softwaredocumentation for the minimum mem

Option Card ProblemsA new/y installed option card is not working correctly.Make sure the option card is installed correctly and is well-seated in its

Memory Module ProblemsThe memory count displayed by power-on diagnostics or theSETUP program is incorrect.You may have installed the SIMMs incorrectly

ISA and PCI Expansion BusesYour computer includes two expansion buses for two types ofoption cards: ISA and PCI. The ISA bus transfers data at8.33 MHz

Controller ProblemsYou see a controller error for the drive controllers or the l/Oport controllers when you start your system.If the error message ref

Appendix ASpecificationsThis appendix describes the following specifications:Computer specificationsSystem memory mapVideo resolutions and colorsHard

Computer SpecificationsCPU and Memory64-bit CPU586-class processorGreen PCenergy saverEnergy Star compliant, low-power, doze,standby, and suspend mode

Cache16KB of internal cache in the processor;256KB of external cache installed onsystem board with two pipelined burstSRAM chips; internal and externa

DisketteController on system board supports up totwo diskette drives, or one diskette/combo diskette and one tape driveHard disk andother IDEdevicesTw

MousePS/2 compatible mouse interface built intosystem board; 6-pin, mini DIN connectoroption slotsConnector card with five I/O expansionslots; three I

Other devicesHalf-height tape drives, CD-ROM drives,optical drives, PCMCIA card readers, orother devices; 5.25-inch, or 3.5-inch withmounting framesKe

Power SupplyType200 Watt, UL/TUV/CSA listed, fan-cooledInput ranges98-132 VAC or 196-264 VAC; switch-selectableMaximum+5 VDC at 20Amps, -5 VDC at 0.5

Environmental RequirementsICondition1 Operating range1 Storage rangeITemperature( 41° to 90° F1 -4° to 140° F1Humidity (non-condensing)(5° to 32° C) (

Video Resolutions and Colorsll *Non-interlaced and interlacedInterlacedSpecifications A-9

Plug and Play CompatibilityYour EPSON computer complies with plug and play industrystandards, which reduce or eliminate manual configuration ofhardwar

Hard Disk Drive InformationThe IDE hard disk drives listed in the tables below are qualifiedfor use in your computer.IDE hard disk drive parametersA-1

IDE hard disk drive settingsConner CFS541ANEC D3747NEC D3745C/D jumperedC/D jumperedNo jumpersSW1 on,SW1 on. SW1 -SW4 offSW2-SW4 offSW2-SW4 offSW1 on,

Hardware InterruptsIRQ no.FunctionIRQ0Internal timerIRQ1KeyboardIRQ2IRQ3IRQ4IRQ5IRQ6IRQ7Cascade to IRQ9Serial port 2Serial port 1LPT2Diskette drive co

Hex addressAssigned device080 - 09FDMA page register, 74LS612Specifications A-13

Connector Pin AssignmentsParallel port connector pin assignments (J7)7Data 516lnit *25Signal ground8Data 617Selectin l- -9 Data718Signal ground- -l Ac

Serial port connector pin assignments (J5 and J6)PinSignalPinSignal1Data carrier detect6Data set ready2Receive data7Request to send13 ITransmit datalb

Appendix BRunning SETUP and Installing DriversYour computer has a configuration program, called SETUP,contained within the BIOS ROM (basic input/outpu

Running SETUPYou may want to run the SETUP program the first time you useyour computer to customize the settings. You also may need torun SETUP again

The table below lists some of the keys you can use to performSETUP operations.SETUP function keys1 Press1 Totl-+cMove the cursor to the next or previo

The System Setup options are described in the table below.System Setup optionsOptionSettingsSystem Timehh:mm:ssSystem Datemm/dd/yyyyDescriptionSets th

How to Use This ManualThis manual contains the information you need to get the bestresults from your computer. You don’t have to read everythingit con

Using the Fixed Disk Setup OptionThe Fixed Disk Setup option defines the types of hard disk drivesconnected to the primary and secondary IDE interface

Some older drives may not support the auto-sensing feature. Ifthe drive parameters displayed on the screen do not match yourdrive, you need to define

Using the Advanced System Setup OptionsWhen you select the Advanced System Setup option, yousee the Advanced System Setup screen, from which you canco

Integrated peripherals options (continued)OptionLPT portSettings378, IRQ7*l3BC, IRQ7278, IRQ7378, IRQ53BC, IRQ5278, IRQ5AutoDisabledDescriptionAssigns

Memory cache optionsOptionSettingsExternal CacheEnabled lDisabledDescriptionEnables or disables the system’sexternal (secondary) cachingSystem BIOS sh

Configuring PCI devicesSelect PCI Devices from the Advanced System Setup screento configure the devices connected to the PCI option slots inyour compu

PC/ devices options (continued)r:Setting the Boot OptionsWhen you select Boot Options from the Main Menu, you seethe Boot Options screen, which allows

The Boot Sequence option determines the order in which thecomputer checks the drives for an operating system when youturn it on or reset it. The table

Selecting the Security and Anti- Virus OptionsWhen you select Security and Anti-Virus from the MainMenu, you see the Security and Anti-Virus screen, w

Entering or changing passwordsTo specify a User password, you must first specify a Supervisorpassword. Follow these steps to enter or change a passwor

Where to Get HelpIf you purchased your computer in the United States or Canada,EPSON provides customer support and service through anetwork of Authori

If you forget your password, see “Password Problems” inChapter 6.Using the virus protection featuresThe Diskette Access option lets you restrict acces

Setting the Green PC OptionsSelect Green PC Features from the Main Menu to view theGreen PC Features screen. The options on this screen allow youto co

Green PC options (continued)OptionSettingsDescriptionSystem Suspend Timer 2 minutesSets the time period of system5 minutesinactivity (following any Do

Exiting SETUPWhen you leave SETUP, you can save your settings or exitSETUP without saving your settings. You can also return allvalues to the factory

Installing the PCI IDE DriversIf you have Windows 95, your system already includes all thefiles and drivers you need for maximum performance. If youha

NoteNot all hard disk drives can take full advantage of the IDEinterface; your hard disk drive must be compatible with ATA-2specifications. To find ou

GlossaryAddressThe location where information is stored in a computer’smemory.ATA-2AT Attachment. A drive interface that provides high-speed,high-capa

ControllerA processor, interface, port, or adapter that translates databetween the CPU and a peripheral device, such as a hard disk,diskette drive, ke

ECPExtended Capabilities Port. The parallel port mode in yourcomputer that provides the fastest bidirectional signals for theparallel port and include

InterfaceA physical or software connection that transmits data betweenequipment or programs so they can work with each other.InterlacedA method of sca

Electronic Support ServicesIf you have a modem, the fastest way to access helpful tips,specifications, drivers, application notes, DIP switch or jumpe

Math coprocessorA device that enables the computer to process mathematicalcalculations faster by using floating point numbers instead ofwhole numbers

PCMCIA cardPersonal Computer Memory Card International Associationcard. A credit-card-sized device used for data storage, memoryexpansion, or other pu

ResetTo restart a computer without turning it off. You can reset yourcomputer by pressing Ctrl Alt Del or by pressing the RESETbutton. Resetting erase

True ColorA VGA feature that supports 24-bits-per-pixel color, whichenables your VGA interface to display 16.8 million colors. Thescreen image looks m

IndexAAC power, see PowerAdvanced System Setup options,B-7 to B-11Integrated Peripherals, B-7 to B-8Memory Cache, B-8 to B-9Memory Shadow, B-9PCI Devi

COMn port, see Serial portsComponent damage, 3-4, 3-12, 3-26Components, internal, 3-6 to 3-8CompuServe, Intro-7CONFIG.SYS file, 6-3Configurationfiles,

Diskettesdefective, 6-9errors, 6-8 to 6-9formatting, 6-9inserting, 2-8 to 2-9problems, 6-8 to 6-9release button, 2-8 to 2-9removing, 1-10, 2-8 to 2-9s

GGalileo, 6-8, B-20Green PC options, Intro-2, 2-6 to 2-7,6-7, 6-11, B-16 to B-17Hard Disk Standby Timer, B-17Power Savings, B-16System Doze Timer, B-1

JJumperschanging settings, 3-9 to 3-12hard disk drive, 6-10, A-11IDE device, 4-2 to 4-3, 5-2 to 5-3locating, 3-8master and slave, 4-2 to 4-3,5-2 to 5-

Mounting bracket, 3-6installing hard disk drive in,4-5 to 4-7removing from computer,4-4 to 4-5removing hard disk drive from,4-13 to 4-14replacing in c

World Wide Web siteIf you are connected to the Internet and have a Web browser,you can access EPSON’s World Wide Web site athttp://www.epson.com. EPSO

PCIbus architecture, Intro-1bus-mastering slots, A-5chipset controller, A-3expansion bus, Intro-3IDE drivers, installing,B-19 to B-20option slots, Int

RRAM, Intro-1, A-2Random Access Memory, see RAMRead/write errors, 6-12Real-time clock, 3-8, A-3RESET button, 1-9, 2-10Resetting the computer, 2-10Reso

Slave hard disk drive, see Hard diskdriveSlot cover bracket, 3-23Slots, see Option slotsSmall Computer System Interface, seeSCSI cardsSmoke, 1-1Softwa

Video memoryinstalling, 3-23 to 3-25location, 3-8requirements, A-Yspecifications, Intro-2, 3-23 to 3-25,A-2Virus protection options, A-6, B-13,B-15Vol

Chapter 1Setting Up Your SystemThis chapter describes how to set up your computer, if you havenot already done so.This chapter describes the following

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

Setting the Voltage Selector SwitchYour system is powered by a 200 watt power supply. The powersupply input voltage is controlled by a switch on the c

Connecting System ComponentsUse the illustrations below to locate the ports on the back of yoursystem as you connect the keyboard, monitor, and other

Connecting a Keyboard or MouseRefer to the illustrations under “Connecting SystemComponents” as you connect your keyboard and mouse.I===‘===/ To conne

3.Align the connector on the monitor cable with the VGAmonitor port on the computer. Then insert the connector intothe port.aThis icon identifies the

Connecting a Parallel of Serial DeviceRefer to the illustrations under “Connecting SystemComponents” as you connect your parallel or serial device.You

Be sure to set the multimode parallel port to the correct mode forthe device you connected by changing the setting of the LPTMode option in the SETUP

Connecting the Power CordFollow these steps to connect the computer’s power cord:1.Plug the power cord into the power inlet on the back of thecomputer

2.Turn on the computer by pressing the POWER button on thefront panel. Refer to the illustrations below to locate thepower button and other features o

The power indicator lights up; then the computer performsits power-on diagnostics, which are a series of checks tomake sure everything is working corr

Chapter 2Using Your ComputerThis chapter describes the following operations:Cl Working comfortably2 Using energy wisely3Using your Green PC featuresaI

Important Safety InstructionsRead all of these instructions and save them for later reference.Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the compu

Using the Right FurnitureSelecting a good desk and using the right type of chaircan make a big difference in your level of comfort.When you set up you

Positioning Your MonitorPlace the monitor so it is directly in front of youwith the top of the screen slightly below eye levelwhen you are sitting at

screen and the bright surroundings. You can use window blinds,shades, or drapes to control the amount of daylight in the roomor reduce overhead lighti

Maintaining Good Posture and Work HabitsHere are suggestions to help you stay fit while usingyour computer. If you form good work habits, youshouldn’t

3If you have an electronic mail system available to you, sendE-mail rather than memos. Not only is this faster, but you’llsave paper and storage space

If your system was in Suspend mode, it takes a few moments forthe monitor to display and for the hard disk drive to return toactive mode. You’ll hear

Inserting and Removing DiskettesTo insert a diskette into a 3.5-inch drive, hold the diskette withthe label facing up and the shutter leading into the

When you want to remove the diskette, make sure the drive lightis off; then press the release button. Remove the diskette andstore it properly.Caution

Resetting the ComputerOccasionally, you may want to clear the computer’s memorywithout turning it off. You can do this by resetting the computer.For e

If you enabled the Password on Boot option in SETUP, you mustenter the Supervisor or User password every time you turn on orreset the computer. If you

QIf you plan to use the computer in Germany, observe thefollowing:To provide adequate short-circuit protection and over-current protection for this co

NoteIf you want to delete your password, you must run the SETUPprogram and follow the instructions for deleting a passwordunder “Selecting the Securit

Chapter 3Installing and Removing OptionsYou can enhance the performance of your computer by addingoptional equipment such as option cards and system o

Removing the CoverYou need to remove the computer’s cover to install any of theoptions described here or to install or remove a disk drive (asdescribe

Towercomputer--._‘-3--“TD----w5.Grasp the sides of the cover and lift it off as shown below.For the slimline computer, lift up the cover at an angle a

front bezellipI/Towercomputer6.Set the cover aside.7.Ground yourself to the computer by touching the metalsurface of the back panel.WARNINGBe sure to

Replacing the CoverWhen you are ready to replace the computer’s cover, refer to theillustrations above and follow these steps:1.2.3.4.5.6.Make sure al

Locating the lnternal ComponentsAs you follow the instructions in this chapter, refer to theillustrations below to locate the major components inside

Towercomputerprocessor/option cardconnectorboard/rear Internaldrivemountingbracketfront ’drive bays\\power supplyInstalling and Removing Options3-7

Locating the System Board ComponentsThis illustration shows the system board inside your computer.Use this illustration to locate jumpers, SIMM socket

Changing the Jumper SettingsThe jumpers on the system board are preset to factory defaultpositions, indicated by an asterisk (*) in the tables below.

QSauf dans les cas specifiques expliques dans ce manuel del’usager, ne pas essayer d’entretenir ou de reparerl’ordinateur soi-meme.0Debrancher l’ordin

VGA DRAM jumper settingsTiming modeFast page modeEDO mode* Default settingMiscellaneous jumper settingsJP3JP201-2*1-2*2-32-3* Default settingSetting t

The illustration below shows a 3-pin jumper with a 2-3 setting.pin 2pin 3,Six-pin jumpers are arranged in 2 columns of 3 pins each. Thesettings are 1-

3.To move a jumper from one position to another, use needle-nose pliers or tweezers to pull it off its pins and gently moveit to the desired position.

SIMM configurations (continued)32MB32MB8MB 8MB80MB32MB32MB16MB 16MB96MB32MB32MB 32MB32MB128MBYour SIMM sockets may not look exactly like the ones in t

Inserting SlMMsMake sure the computer is turned off and the cover is off. Youmay find that laying the computer on its side makes the processeasier. Th

4.Push the SIMM into the socket until it is seated firmly in theslot. Then tilt it upright, as shown below, guiding the hole ateach end of the SIMM ov

2.Remove any option cards that may be blocking your accessto the SIMM sockets; see “Removing an Option Card” forinstructions.3.Use your fingers or a s

Installing an Option CardThis section explains how to install option cards in yourcomputer. Your computer has five slots; the three large slots areISA

3LlLlWhen you unpack the option card, do not touch thecomponents on the circuit board or the gold-edgedconnectors. Place the card gently on top of its

3.Hold the card along the top corners and guide it into the slot,as shown below. (If you are installing a full-length cardinsert the front edge of the

3SchlieBen Sie alle Gerate an ordnungsgemaf3 geerdeteSteckdosen an. Verwenden Sie keine Steckdosen, die mitdemselben Stromkreis wie Fotokopiergerate o

Installing a Card in the Slimline Computer (2-slot Side)The option card connector board in the slimline computer hastwo slots on one side and three sl

Installing a Card in the Tower ComputerFollow the steps below to install an option card in the towercomputer. Although the illustration shows a PCI ca

3.Hold the card along the top corners and guide it toward theslot, as shown below.Once the connectors reach the slot, push the card in firmly(but care

Removing an Option CardYou may need to remove an option card to access componentson the system board or if you no longer need it. Refer to theillustra

Follow the steps below to install video memory. (If you have atower computer, you may want to begin by laying it on its side.)1.2.3.4.5.Locate the vid

6.Replace any option cards you removed; see “Installing anOption Card” for instructions.7.Replace the computer’s cover; see “Replacing the Cover.”Then

3.To open the socket, locate the handle at the base of thesocket. (The handle rests under a plastic tab.) Press thehandle down and away from the tab;

7.8.9.10.11.12.Make sure the pins in the processor are directly over theholes in the socket. Then gently push the processor straightinto the socket, p

Chapter 4Installing and Removing Slimline DrivesThis chapter describes how to install and remove optional drivesin your slimline computer. You can use

Some of the steps in this chapter may not apply for the drive youare installing. See the documentation that came with your drivefor more information.Y

ContentsIntroduction..1.23..3..4.4456.7Computer Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Power-saving Feature . . . . . . . . . . . .

NoteUse the primary IDE interface to connect only IDE hard diskdrives. You must connect any other type of IDE devices to thesecondary IDE interface. N

Removing the Drive Mounting BracketYour computer has a 3.5-inch diskette drive, and it may have ahard disk drive installed in a mounting bracket. In o

3.Remove the screws securing the bracket to the drive bay andbrace. Save the screws for later use.drive baybrace4.Slide the bracket away from the fron

Installing a Hard Disk Drive in the Mounting BracketYou can install a new hard disk drive below the diskette drive inthe mounting bracket once you hav

2.Align the holes in the drive with the oval-shaped holes in thebracket.3.Secure the drive with two or four screws, depending on thelocation of the ho

2.Make sure the holes in the bracket are aligned with the holesin the drive bay and brace. Then secure the bracket with thescrews you removed previous

Connecting the hard disk drive cablesAfter you replace the bracket, you need to connect the cables tothe hard disk drive. Follow these steps:1.Locate

4.Position the connector on the cable so that the red wire alignswith pin 1 on the drive..5.Make sure the holes in the cable connector fit over all th

6.Locate one of the power supply cables that lead from thepower supply. (They have multi-colored wires and a plasticconnector on the end.)7.Position t

Reconnecting the Cables to the Diskette DriveRefer to the illustration below while you follow these steps:red wirered wire1.Locate the connector on th

Chapter 3Installing and Removing OptionsRemoving the Cover...3-2Replacing the Cover . . . . . . . . . . . .

5.If you have finished installing or removing drives, replacethe computer’s cover, as described under “Replacing theCover” in Chapter 3. Then see “Usi

3.Slide the bracket away from the mounting area and lift it out.4.Remove the screws securing the hard disk drive to thebracket and slide the drive out

If you are installing a hard disk drive or another IDE device, besure its jumper(s) are set correctly for your configuration. A tablein the “Hard Disk

2.As shown below, place a mounting frame on one side of thedrive and align it so that the oval holes in the frame arepositioned over the holes in the

2.Remove the plastic faceplate from the bay by pushing it outfrom the inside of the computer.Keep the faceplate in a safe place in case you remove a d

4.Align the slots at the side of the drive bay with the mountingholes in the drive or mounting frames. Then secure bothsides of the drive to the bay u

3.Position the connector on the cable so that the red wire alignswith pin 1 on the drive.pin 14.Make sure the holes in the cable connector fit over al

6.Align the notched corners of the power supply cableconnector with the notched corners of the drive’s powerconnector (such as the one shown below). M

8.Position the audio cable connector so that the tab faces upand aligns with the notch in the CD-ROM drive’s audioconnector. Then push in the connecto

Removing a Drive from an Externally Accessible BayYou may need to remove a drive for service or replacement.CautionBefore you remove a hard disk drive

Chapter 6 TroubleshootingIdentifying Your System...6-2The Computer Will Not Start...

3.Remove the screws securing the drive on both sides.4.Reach behind the drive and gently push it out through thefront of the bay; then pull it out of

8.If you have finished installing or removing drives, replacethe computer’s cover, as described under “Replacing theCover” in Chapter 3. Then see “Usi

Installing and Removing Tower DrivesThis chapter describes how to install and remove optional drivesin your tower computer. You can use these instruct

Your tower computer can hold up to seven mass storage devices,as described in the table below.Drive buyDrive type and sizeFour externallyTwo 5.25-inch

NoteUse the primary IDE interface to connect only IDE hard diskdrives. You must connect any other type of IDE devices to thesecondary IDE interface. N

Installing a Drive in the Front Internal Drive BayFollow these steps to install a drive in the front internal drivebay:1.Position the drive so its dri

Connecting the Cables to the Front Infernal DriveFollow these steps to connect the IDE device and power cables tothe front internal drive:1.Locate one

4.Position the IDE device cable so the side with the red wirealigns with pin 1 on the drive. Make sure the holes in theconnector fit over all the pins

Removing a Drive From the Front internal Drive BayYou may need to remove a hard disk drive for service or forreplacement.CautionBefore you remove a ha

2.Remove the four screws securing the drive to the drive bay.There are two screws on each side of the drive.3.Slide the drive out the back of the bay.