Epson 10020, 100 Using an AUTOEXEC.BAT File

Using an AUTOEXEC.BAT File

You may find that there are some commands you want to run every time you turn on your computer. To run a command or a series of commands automatically upon startup, you can type the commands in a special file called AUTOEXEC.BAT. When you load MS-DOS, it always looks for this file. If MS-DOS finds an AUTOEXEC.BAT file in the root directory, it executes the commands in that file.

Here are some tasks you can perform using an

AUTOEXEC.BAT file:

Modify the PATH command to include the directories containing other software programs you commonly use. This reduces the number of times you need to change directories or specify pathnames.

Add the appropriate command to start your most commonly used application program (such as a word processor or spreadsheet program) so that it loads automatically when you turn on or reset the computer.

Change the MS-DOS command prompt so that it displays the current directory-or your name, or anything you want.

The hard disk on the Apex 100\20 comes with an AUTOEXEC.BAT file that sets a path to all the MS-DOS commands and changes the command prompt to show the current directory.

See your MS-DOS Reference Manual for instructions on using the PATH command, the PROMPT command, and any other commands you want to include in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file. Also see the chapter on Batch processing commands in the MS-DOS manual for detailed information on AUTOEXEC.BAT files.

Using MS-DOS With Your Computer 3-43

Contents

Page Attention Apex™ Owners IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Page Page Page Page Contents Using Disks and Disk Drives How Disks Store Data Choosing Diskettes Caring for Diskettes and Diskette Drives Inserting and Removing Diskettes Formatting Diskettes Formatting Diskettes on the Apex 100 Formatting Diskettes on the Apex 100\20 Formatting Diskettes With One Diskette Drive (No Hard Disk) Printer Option Card Appendix Changing DIP Switches and Using Setup Appendix C Power-onDiagnostics Timer and CMOS RAM Check Keyboard Controller and Keyboard Check Floppy Disk Drive Seek Check C-1 C-2 C-3 C-3 C-4 Floppy Disk Drives and Controller Check Formatting a Diskette Starting the Floppy Disk Drive Check Sequential Seek Check Random Seek Check Page Introduction How to Use This Manual Where to Get Help Setting Up Your System Removing the Diskette Drive Protector Card 2 Choosing a Location 1 amp.) Connecting a Monitor 1-4Setting Up Your System Page 1-6Sating Up Your System 4 Connecting a Peripheral Device Using the Parallel Interface Page Using the Serial Interface Setting up the serial port for a printer 5 Connecting the Power Cord 6Connecting the Keyboard Page Adjusting the Keyboard Angle 7 Turning On the Computer 8Loading MS-DOS Loading MS-DOSOn the Apex Follow these steps to load MS-DOSfrom a diskette in drive A: 1-16Setting Up Your System Current date is Mon Enter new date (mm-dd-yy): Current time is 09:32:21.77 Enter new time: 13:30 The Command Prompt 1-18Setting Up Your System C: 100\20 Setting the Time and Date on the Apex 100\20 type DATE TIME Current time is 09:32:21.0 program, described in Appendix A 9Copying System Diskettes If your computer has only one diskette drive and no hard Copying Diskettes on the Apex Apex Insert a blank 4.Type the following and press Enter DISKCOPY A: B: The screen displays these prompts: Copy another diskette (Y/N) Copy another diskette (Y/N)? prompt Copying Diskettes on the Apex l00\20 DISKCOPY A: A: Then press Copy another diskette (Y/N) Using Your Computer Using Special Keys Key 2-2Using Your Computer Num Lock Caps Lock Stopping a Command or Program Hold down the Ctrl key and press C Hold down the Ctrl key and press Break Cation Resetting the Computer Turning Off the Computer Turn off the computer first and then turn off the monitor and any peripherals Using Your Computer Using Disks and Disk Drives How Disks Store Data How Page Cassette Choosing Diskettes You cannot use 3 1/2-inchdiskettes that have been Caring for Diskettes and Diskette Drives Page Inserting and Removing Diskettes Drive A: not ready Close the latch and press any key to continue 2-12Using Your Computer Never remove a diskette or num off the computer while the drive indicator light is on. You could lose data. Also, be sure to remove all diskettes before you turn off the computer Write-protectingDiskettes write-protected Making Backup Copies Using a Single Diskette Drive the application programs you are using. First load the instructions Using the Hard Disk Drive Your computer can perform all disk-relatedoperations faster 2-16Using Your Computer Page A:HDSIT Using MS-DOSWith Your Computer Starting and Exiting MS-DOS C Starting An Application Program Using Drive Designators The Default Drive B:PROGRAM Types of MS-DOSCommands 3-4 Using MS-DOS With Your Computer Using MS-DOS With Your Computer FORMAT B: A:FORMAT B: Entering an MS-DOSCommand For example, the command to format a diskette in drive A is: DISKCOPY A: B:/1 Press ESC to cancel the command line Creating and Managing Files Naming Files * \ / { } : I < > + = ; DATA.TXT Copying Files can COPY necessary COPY A:REPORT B: REPORT FACTS COPY REPORT FACTS Using wildcards COPY A:*.* B: COPY A:REPORT + A:FACTS + A:MEMO B:DATA Remember these rules when copying files: You can also use the XCOPY command to copy individual files or groups of files. XCOPY, an external command, offers Renaming Files You can shorten the RENAME command to REN HAMMERS WRENCHES REN B:*.NEW *.OLD REN MEMOS? MEMOS?.OLD See your MS-DOSReference Manual for more information on the RENAME command DEL A: ARE YOU SURE (Y/N) Printing Files PRINT A:STATS.NBA Using Directories Page The following sections discuss the basics of creating and using directories chapter The Default Directory Changing the Default Directory CHDIR CD CD \WORDPROC Using Pathnames \WORDPROC\PERSONAL SALES Including Filenames With Pathnames TYPE \WORDPROC\PERSONAL\JEAN1204.DOC TYPE Including Drive Letters With Pathnames and Filenames For DEL DEL C:JEAN1204.DOC CD B:\WORDPROC\PERSONAL 3-20 Using MS-DOSWith Your Computer See your MS-DOSReference Manual for information on Creating Directories MKDIR \LEDGER MD \LEDGER\SALES MD SALES Listing the Contents of a Directory DIR Directory of 10:16a 3:24p MS-DOS DIR /W . . . LETTER.713 RESUME BOOKRPRT 16013560 bytes free DIR A: Path: C:\LEDGER Sub-directories:RECEIV PAYABL TREE /F Path: C:LEDGER\SALES Formatting Diskettes Formatting Diskettes on the Apex Make sure you are logged onto drive A, with your working copy of the 2.When you see the A> prompt, type the following and press You see this prompt: Insert new diskette for drive B: and strike ENTER when ready FORMAT Formatting Diskettes on the Apex 100\20 1.If necessary, type C : to log onto drive C 2.When you see the C> prompt, type the following and press FORMAT A: Formatting Diskettes With One Diskette Drive (No Hard Disk) prompt by pressing N 3-28Using MS-DOSWith Your Computer Backing Up Data You can use the DISKCOPY command to make an exact duplicate of a diskette described MENU and XTREE later in this chapter Using the DISKCOPY Command Using DISKCOPY with the Apex Make sure the diskette you want to copy is 2.Insert the Operating 1 diskette in drive A 3.At A> prompt, type the following and press Enter: MS-DOSprompts you to insert your diskettes: Page Page Using the BACKUP Command Copy chat diskettes using Special Epson Utilities Using HELP HELP The HELP program requires two files, HELP.COM and HELP.TXT, which are on the Operating 2 diskette. If you type! HELP HELP COPY You HELP DISKCOPY FORMAT COPY Using MENU 2.Type MENU at the command prompt and press Enter. You see this main menu: EXIT File Utilities Disk Utilities Mode Settings Page Using XTREE XTREE Page Page Page Using an AUTOEXEC.BAT File Creating an AUTOEXEC.BAT File Using HDCACHE for the Hard Disk Installing Option Cards Removing the Cover then unplug the power cable before removing the case 4-2 Installing Option Cards are 4-4 Installing Option Cards chips you should not touch 4-6 Installing Option Cards Removing an Access Slot Cover access 4-8 Installing Option Cards Post-InstallationSetup Optional Disk Drive Controllers Installing the Optional Controller Changing the Jumper Setting Troubleshooting WARNING If the computer starts but you can't see anything on the monitor, check the section below on Monitor Problems The Computer Locks Up Keyboard Problems Monitor Problems monitors. If your monitor is not specifically a color. Check the documentation that came with your the results will be unpredictable 5-6Troubleshooting RECOVER the MS-DOSCOPY command Part of a file is missing A file includes parts of other files An expected output file is missing Diskette Drive Problems diskettes Error Reading Drive d: Abort 5-8 Troubleshooting Hard Disk Problems COPY A:COMMAND.COM C: SYS c: FDISK WARNING trying the preceding steps 5-10Troubleshooting Software Problems Printer Problems Option Card Problems Troubleshooting 5-14 Troubleshooting Changing DIP Switches and Using Setup DIP Switch Set 1 (Internal Operations) Switches Using DIP Switch Set 2 (Parallel and Serial Port Operations) A-4 Changing DIP Switches and Using Setup If MS-DOSsearches the system for a parallel port and finds If MS-DOSsearches the system for a serial port and finds only one, it names it COM1. If there are two serial ports, it names the primary port COM1 and the secondary COM2 using a serial port, You do not need to use the Setup not work. The Num Lock indicator on the top right i t Setting the Real-timeClock 17:10:54 Time 03-21-1989Date Time Date m m - d d - y y is with the MS-DOS(version 3.3 or later) TIME and DATE commands. See your MS-DOSReference Manual for instructions Changing Serial Port Settings You can reverse the assignments so the built-inport is A-10Changing DIP Switches and Using Setup Primary serial port Secondary serial port Foreither Baud rate Parity other Leaving the Setup Program Exit Change settings Exit without saving If you changed the time or date, the new setting will be in and Enter to exit to the MS-DOScommand prompt Specifications Specifications B-1 Keyboard Mass Storage capacity Power Supply Environmental Requirements Physical Characteristics Depth Video and Display Options Other Apex Options reduce glare; 18 MHz video Page accessories Parallel Port Pin Assignments Specifications B-7 B-8Specifications Specifications B-9 Power-onDiagnostics 10n-Systemboard error nnnn0 ROM error nnnn0 Timer and CMOS RAM Check 163-Time& Date not set (Run SETUP in DIAGNOSTICS) RAM Check nnn KB OK nnnn0 201-Memoryerror Keyboard Controller and Keyboard Check 301-Keyboarderror Floppy Disk Drive Seek Check 601-Disketteerror Performing System Diagnostics appears Systemdiagnostics The following devices have been installed DEVICE LIST System board Modifying the DEVICE LIST Is the DEVICE LIST correct (Y/N) press N followed by Enter. You then see a new menu: Modify DEVICE LIST 1 - Add devices Note Even if you have both monochrome and color display Selecting a Test Before Number of times to test device 1 - Run test one time 2 - Run test multiple times To perform the test multiple times, press 2 and Enter. You see this prompt: Terminate checking if an error detected (Y/N) How many times (1-9999): Resuming From an Error Do you want a printout of the error message(s) (Y/N) System Board Check The 8088 CPU chip The system ROM ROM The real-timeclock, CMOS RAM, and battery Memory Check 640 KB OK D-8Performing System Diagnostics Keyboard Check KEYBOARD SELECT MENU US ASCII French German Monochrome Display Adapter and CRT Check MONOCHROME ADAPTER AND CRT CHECK MENU 1 - Monochrome adapter check 2 - Attribute check 3 - Character set check 4- Video check Attribute Check Is the display correct (Y/N) Character Set Check Is the display correct (Y/N) Video Check Sync Check If you Run All Above Checks Color Graphics Adapter and CRT Check Color Graphics Adapter Check Page 40-columnCharacter Set Check 320x200 Graphics Mode Check 640x200 Graphics Mode Check After the eighth page is displayed, you see the prompt: Is the display correct (Y/N) Light Pen Check Enter Y to start light pen check Enter N to return to the menu Color Video Check Floppy Disk Drives and Controller Check Formatting a Diskette To format a diskette without leaving diagnostics, follow these steps: Format diskette Format Diskette Systemdiagnostics Starting the Floppy Disk Drive Check Performing System Diagnostics D-23 Check which drive (A/B) Sequential Seek Check Current track is Random Seek Check Write, Read Check Select option 3 from the menu to start this test Y and Enter Speed Check The disk rotation speed should be more than 294.0 rpm and less than 306.0 rpm This check permits a tolerance of ±2% Parallel Port (Printer Interface) Check When you select option 9 from the DEVICE LIST, you see these prompts: Insert the loop-backconnector. Then press Y and Enter to start the check Parallel Port (on Video Adapter) Check Serial Port (RS-232C)Check RS232C echo back check - at various baud rates Current baud rate is Current test data is D-29 Alternate Serial Port Check Dot-matrixPrinter Check Is dot-matrixprinter on-line(Y/N) Even if the test runs only for a short time, your printer may Hard Disk Drives and Controller Check Check which drive (C/D) Seek Check Therefore, data created by MS-DOSis not destroyed Error Detection and Correction Check This test destroys some data on the innermost cylinder of the Therefore, data created by MS-DOSis not destroyed Select option 3 from the menu to start this test. You see these messages: Press Y and BAD TRACKS READ ERROR GOOD Error code Message Serial port (RS-232C) D-37 Page Physically Formatting a Hard Disk WARNING Center first. Someone there can advise you on the best procedure to follow after Formatting and Checking Options HARD DISK FORMAT MENU 1 - Conditional format (Normal) 2 - Unconditional format 3 - Destructive surface analysis Reformatting a Used Disk Use the 3.Run the Conditional format 4.Run the Destructive surface analysis Physically-Formattinga Hard Disk Formatting a New Disk Starting the Formatting Process Press C or D and then Enter Do you want to start formatting (Y/N) Do you want to exit and check your file copies (Y/N) Format cancelled Press ENTER to return to the menu Now formatting Unconditional Format Hard Disk E-7 Do you want default interleave of 3 (Y/N) Enter interleave factor (1-16): Enter cylinder number (1 - xxxx): Enter head number (0 - yy): Table unchanged Destructive Surface Analysis Use If any errors occur during this check, all data on the track surface these Non-destructiveSurface Analysis To start the test, press 4 and then Enter. You see these messages: Read/Verify check for all tracks No read, verify error was detected a Hard Disk Preparing a Hard Disk for Use Reference Manual Enter FD I SK System will now restart Formatting the MS-DOSPartition SELECT A: C:\DOS 001 US F-4 The screen displays this message and prompt: SELECT is used to install DOS the first time Volume Label (11 characters, ENTER for none) Reading source file(s) Reading Copying the Remaining Files to the Hard Disk 2.You should still be logged onto drive A. If not, type A: and press Enter You should still be logged onto drive A. If not, type 3.At the A> prompt, type the following and press Enter: COPY *.* C:\DOS Creating the AUTOEXEC.BAT File Bypasses the date and time prompts Defines a path to all the MS-DOScommands in the /DOS directory Changes the command prompt to reflect the current directory The AUTOEXEC.BAT file is optional, and you can either Booting From the Hard Disk Page Glossary Glossary Byte Page logged onto working in as the default directory The highlighted marker that shows your position on the screen Information such as text or graphics stored or processed by a computer A character or space used to separate different parts of an MS-DOScommand The collective term for diskettes and hard disks Page command Page Page A small version of a CPU contained on one semiconductor chip The piece of hardware that contains the screen and displays information hand-held pointing When you slide the mouse Page Page Page 14Glossary Page Page Index Index Page Page Page cord Video cards 4-8 see Video cards Video monitors, B-4 Video options, B-4 XCOPY, 3-29 XTREE, 3-29, 3-39–42