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