Chapter 4Powering the ComputerUsing the AC Adapter...4-1Using the Battery...4-2Replacing the Battery...
VGACONF options and display modesOptionDisplay modeReverseSimulSCAN, panelBold PanelContrast enhancementPanelExpandSimulSCAN, panelVertical positionPa
Enter the number of minutes to wait before entering standbymode and press Then enter K or M to indicate the type ofactivity. If you enter
VGACONF parametersOption name DescriptionI -? or -HDisplay the help screenI-S-N-K=xx-M=xxETDGNOREVERSEREVERSEDisplay status informationDisable standby
VGACONF parameters (continued)Option nameDescriptionINHFONT Inhibit font loading when switching displayNOIFULLHGTAllow font loading when switching dis
Appendix ATroubleshootingIf you encounter a problem while using your computer, refer tothis appendix. It provides the following problem-solvingsection
Numeric coprocessor problemsCMOS battery problems.If the suggestions here do not solve the problem, perform thesteps below to identify your system and
Error MessagesYour computer’s built-in memory (ROM) contains a series ofdiagnostic programs, called power-on diagnostics, which yourcomputer runs auto
Battery ProblemsIf you have trouble running the computer from the battery,follow the steps in this section to find the problem. (Be sure toread Chapte
6.If you have not used a battery in a long time (three monthsor more), you may need to recharge it.7.If you find that over time the battery is losing
The LCD Screen Is BlankIf the computer starts up but no image appears on the LCDscreen, follow these steps to solve the problem:1.Use the brightness a
Appendix A TroubleshootingIdentifying Your System...A-2Error Messages...A-3The Computer Won’t Start...
The External Monitor Screen is BlankIf you are using an external monitor and no image appears onits screen, follow these steps to solve the problem:1.
The Computer Locks UpIf the computer locks up and does not respond to yourkeyboard entries, try the following:1.Wait a few minutes to see if the compu
2.If you know the current password but you want to change it,see Chapter 2 for instructions.3.If you have forgotten your password, call the EpsonConne
6.Is the diskette damaged? Use your backup copy of thediskette and repeat the operation that caused the problem.If the operation works using the copy,
5.If the drive is making loud or unusual noises, stop thecurrent operation immediately. If the problem continues,contact your Authorized Epson Service
Software ProblemsIf you are having trouble with an application program, try thefollowing solutions:1.If the application program does not start, check
6.If none of these solutions solves your software problem,contact the software manufacturer for technical support.Printer ProblemsYou can solve most p
3.Is the card formatted? Some PC cards must be formattedbefore you can use them. See the documentation that camewith the card for instructions.4.Did y
External Keyboard Problems1.Make sure the external keyboard is firmly connected to thecorrect port. You can connect it to the EXT KB port, thekeyboard
Numeric Coprocessor ProblemsIf you have installed a numeric coprocessor but it doesn’t seemto be operating properly, check the documentation that came
IntroductionThe Epson® ActionNoteTMis a light-weight computer supportinga wide range of applications and hardware in a compact,subnotebook-size form.
Appendix BSpecificationsThis appendix lists the computer’s specifications. It alsoincludes the specifications for international power cables.Main Unit
ControllersDiskette driveBuilt-in controller for one external 3.5-inch,1.44MB diskette drive; supports 1.44MBand 720KB diskette formatsHard diskBuilt-
Pointingdevice orexternalkeyboardAC adapterInput DevicesTrackballKeyboard6-pin, mini-DIN connector for a PS/2-typepointing device or keyboard; keyboar
Power SupplyAC adapter+12VDC (to computer), +l6VDC (tobattery charger) 2.4A continuous ACadapter with international voltage input,47/63 HzBatteryRemov
HumidityAcousticalno&eEnvironmental RequirementsTemperatureOperating: 5° to 40° C(41° to 104° F)Non-operating: -20° to 60° C(-4° to 140° F)Operati
Power Source Requirements120 Volt power source requirementsReferenceAC plugPlug typestandardsNorth AmericaANSI C73.11125V.10ANEMA 5-15-PIEC 83240 Volt
Glossary387SX/SLA special-purpose CMOS integrated circuit used to assist themicroprocessor chip and speed up certain kinds of mathematicalcalculations
Backlighting (or backlit)The internal fluorescent illumination of the computer’s LCD screen.LCD screens that are not backlit are difficult to see with
CMOS RAMA special type of low-power memory that records information aboutyour system configuration. Unlike ordinary RAM, CMOS RAM isbacked up by a bat
Copy-protected programA type of program that cannot be copied. Some copy-protectedprograms require you to leave the program diskette in the diskettedr
Where to Get HelpIf you purchased your computer in the United States,Epson America provides local customer support and servicethrough a nationwide net
DiagnosticsThe tests and procedures the computer performs to check its internalcircuitry and set up its configuration.DIP switchDual In-line Package s
Embedded numeric keypadSee Numeric keypad.FDDFloppy disk drive. See Diskette drive.FileA group of related pieces of information (sometimes called reco
Hard diskA sealed mass storage device you use to store large amounts of data.HDDHard disk drive. See Hard diskHigh-densityA type of diskette format. A
Main memoryThe amount of memory in the computer below 1MB that is availableto your operating system and application programs-usually 640KB.Also called
ModemMOdulator/DEModulator. A serial device that allows the computer tosend and receive data over the telephone lines. Your computersupports PCMCIA Ty
ParameterA qualifier added to a command that tells the computer how toperform the command (such as what data file to use or whatparticular conditions
Power-on diagnosticsA set of testing routines the computer performs automatically eachtime you turn it on.ProgramA file that contains coded instructio
ResetTo reload a computer’s operating system so you can retry a task orbegin using a different operating system. Resetting erases anyinformation store
SubdirectoryA disk directory that branches down from another directory or fromthe root directory.Suspend modeThe power-savingmodescreen, press our c
WriteTo record data on a disk.Write-protectTo prevent a diskette from being overwritten. When a diskette iswrite-protected, you cannot erase, change,
If you purchased your computer outside the United States,contact your Epson dealer or the marketing location nearestyou for customer support and servi
IndexAAC adapter,connecting, 1-8-9, 1-11lights, 1-9low battery, 4-2, 4-6part number, 1-8, B-4problems, A-5recharging battery, 4-5-5specifications, B-3
Computer (continued),turning off, 3-10turning on, 1-11-12using, 3-1-23won’t start, A-3CONFIG.SYS file, 3-20, A-5Configuration, system, 1-12,2-1-16Conn
Error messages, power-ondiagnostics, 1-12, A-3Esc key, 3-5Expanded memory, 3-22-23Expansion memory module, seeMemory moduleEXT KB port, 1-6-7,5-7-9,5-
Keyboard/mouse adapter, 1-7, 5-7,5-9-11Keypad, external, 5-7-9Keytop sets, 3-4LLCD screen,adjusting, 3-12blank, A-6controller, B-2display characterist
Numeric coprocessor,adding, 5-11, 5-16-17problems, A-16specifications, B-1Numeric keypad, 3-4, 3-6—8OOpening screen, 1-2Operating system(s), 1-12,2-16
RRAM (random access memory),Intro-1, 2-1-2, A-3, B-1Readme file, PC card, 3-20Read-only memory (ROM), 2-1,A-3, B-1Recharging, battery, 4-4-5Reference
Standby timer, VGACONF, 6-9Stopping command or program,3-8Suspend light, 1-5Suspend mode, Intro-1, 3-19, 4-7SVGA monitor, 6-1SysReq key, 3-6System,con
Epson Overseas Marketing locationsEpson Deutschland GmbHZülpicher Straße 6,4000 Dusseldorf 11GermanyPhone: 211-56030Telex: 41-8584786Epson France S.A.
Conventions Used in This ManualThis manual uses the following type conventions:ExampleMeaningKeys you press on the keyboardKeys you press at the same
Chapter 1Setting Up the ComputerThis chapter describes how to set up your computer. It covers:Opening the screenIdentifying the computer partsConnecti
Opening the ScreenFollow these steps to open the LCD screen:1.Place the computer on a level surface.2.Turn the computer so its front is facing you.3.S
Identifying the System PartsBefore getting started, look at the illustrations below to identifythe different parts of your computer.Front ViewThe main
Brightness switchThis switch controls the background brightness of the LCDscreen. Slide the switch down to lighten the screen or up todarken it.Contra
FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENTFOR AMERICAN USERSThis equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class B digitaldevice, pursuant to
Indicator lightsThe indicator lights on your computer provide informationabout its operation.Power-Indicates the computer is turned on.Low battery-Fla
Rear Panel and Left SideThe components on the rear panel and left side of the computerare shown here.PC card slotInsert PCMCIA version 2.0, Type I or
EXT KB (external keyboard/mouse port)Use this port to connect any PS/2-compatible keyboard orkeypad. Additionally, if you attach the adapter to this p
Connecting the AC AdapterThe AC adapter is designed to be used in most countries, as itcan operate in the ranges 100-240 VAC, 50-60 Hz. If you areusin
2.Connect the power cable to the AC adapter.3.Connect the other end of the power cable to a grounded(earthed) electrical outlet.The indicator lights o
Connecting an External Diskette DriveAn external diskette drive is a portable device for accessingdata on diskettes. You can connect an Epson 3.5-inch
4.Tighten the retaining screws to secure the connection.5.Run SETUP as described in Chapter 2 to set the ParallelOption to 1.44MB, 3.5”.Turning On the
The computer displays copyright information and thenperforms a series of power-on diagnostics that check the circuitboards, memory, ports, keyboard, a
Chapter 2Running SETUPThe SETUP program defines your system’s configuration so thecomputer recognizes all of its devices. Because your computerwas set
The configuration you define through SETUP is stored in aspecial area of memory called CMOS RAM. This memory isbacked up by a battery, so it is not er
IMPORTANT NOTICEDISCLAIMER OF WARRANTYEpson America makes no representations or warranties, either express or implied, by orwith respect to anything i
When you press , you’ll see the first SETUP screen. Theoptions for each setting are shown in the following table.SETUP optionsSettingOptio
The table below lists the keys you can use to perform SETUPoperations.Setup function keysKeyFunction Displays a help screen describing some of the key
Use the cursor arrow keys to position the cursor over theportion of the date or time you want to change. For the dateoption, you can change the first
Setting the Self Test (Halt On) Error LevelWhen you start your system, it performs a self test. TheHaltOn option determines the point at which the sys
The Shadow option lets you choose what to place in theshadow RAM area.Shadow RAM optionsSelectIfSystem &You want to copy both your system and vide
Follow these steps to enter a password:1.Move your cursor to the security option.2.Use or to select either setup Access orSys
If you want to delete a password, move your cursor to theSecurity option and press or until you see theDis
Defining Your Own Drive TypeIf the parameters for your hard disk (listed in itsdocumentation) do not match either of the types listed bySETUP, you can
Checking System MemoryYour computer comes with either 2MB, 4MB, or 8MB ofrandom access memory. MS-DOS and application programsthat run under MS-DOS us
Setting the Booting SequenceThe booting sequence determines the order in which thecomputer checks the drives when it looks for the operatingsystem.For
Important Safety Instructions1.2.3.Read all of these instructions and save them for later reference.Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the
If you install an operating system, it writes to the boot sector asyou install it. In this case, you probably do not want the viruswarning feature ena
Setting the Power Management OptionsThe options on the POWER MANAGEMENT SETUP screenallow you to set custom timeout periods to conserve batterypower.
Saving Your Settings and Exiting SETUPWhen you leave the SETUP program, you can choose to eithersave the settings you have changed or exit the program
Post-SETUP ProceduresIf you have just run SETUP for the first time and your systemhas not been configured, you now need to install the operatingsystem
Chapter 3Using Your ComputerThis chapter describes daily use of your computer, including:Taking care of the computerUsing the passwordUsing the keyboa
Taking Care of the ComputerBefore you use your computer, take note of these guidelines toensure proper maintenance:Keep the computer and AC adapter dr
If you enable the System password, you must enter it each timeyou turn on or reset your computer. (Resetting the computer isdescribed later in this ch
Using the KeyboardAlthough the keyboard on your computer has only 79 keys(SO on the international version), it still provides all thefunctions of a fu
KeyMoves the cursor one tab to the right in normalmode and one tab to the left in shift mode. Changes the letter keys from lower- to uppercase;Changes
Special key functions (Continued)KeyPurposePerform special functions within applicationprograms.Turns on the numeric keypad; changes back whenpressed
13.Except as specifically explained in this User’s Guide, do not attempt toservice the computer yourself. Refer all servicing to qualified servicepers
Display Key CombinationsYou can use the key combinations listed below in most DOSapplications to control the display.Display key CombinationsKeyFuncti
Press to turn Num Lock (and its indicator light) on andoff. When you press the key in Num Lock mode, you enter thenumeric character
Resetting the ComputerIf necessary, you can reset the computer without turning it offby pressing a combination of keys. This clears the computer’sRAM
Turning Off the ComputerBefore turning off the computer, save your data and exit theprogram you are using. Make sure the hard disk drive and thedisket
Changing the CPU SpeedYour computer’s processor can operate at two speeds: High(33 MHz) or Low (8 MHz). At the higher speed, the computerperforms all
Adjusting the LCD ScreenThe screen on your ActionNote is a backlit monochrome LCD.You can adjust the brightness and contrast with the twoswitches next
Using the TrackballThe trackball in the upper right comer of your ActionNote is abuilt-in pointing device very similar to a mouse. You can use itwith
Using DiskettesBe sure to purchase highquality diskettes to ensure reliability.For the 3.5-inch, 1.44MB, external diskette drive, you can useeither of
To remove the diskette, make sure the drive light is off; thenpress the release button. When the diskette pops out, removeand store it properly.Cautio
Making Backup CopiesIt is important to make copies of all your diskettes. Makebackup (working) copies of all diskettes that contain programs,such as y
Instructions Importantes de Séurité1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.Lire complètement les instructions qui suivent et les conserver pourréférences futures.Bien suivr
When you swap diskettes this way, it is a good idea towrite-protect the original diskette so you don’t accidentallywrite over it. (See “Write-protecti
Removing and Insetting the Hard DiskYou can easily remove and replace the hard disk drive in yourcomputer. This is useful for sharing the computer amo
To insert the drive, slide it straight into the compartment as faras it will go; then slide it to the right until you feel it snap intoplace.CautionUs
Using PC CardsA PC card is a credit card-sized adapter for your personalcomputer designed to meet the PCMCIA (Personal ComputerMemory Card Internation
Inserting a PC CardFollow these steps to insert a Type II PC card into the computer:1. Open the PCMCIA slot cover on the right side of thecomputer by
Using MemoryYour computer can use up to 8MB of memory. This sectiondescribes how the memory in your computer works. Also besure to see your operating
Extended memory is memory with addresses in the range 1MB to8MB, and is used only by the following:Certain operating systems, such as OS/2Some MS-DOS
Chapter 4Powering the ComputerYou can operate your ActionNote with the AC adapter or theremovable battery. This chapter describes how to use thesepowe
Using the BatteryThe removable NiCad battery powers the computer when theAC adapter is not connected. The length of time the battery canprovide power
4.If the AC adapter is connected, disconnect it.5.Turn the computer so that the left side is facing you.6.Slide the battery to the left as far as it w
13.Sauf tel que spéifié dans la notice d'utilisation, on ne doit jamais tenterd'effectuer une reparation de l'ordinateur. On doit référ
8.Insert the replacement battery into the compartment as far asit will go and slide it to the right until it snaps into place.NoteWhen you replace the
It takes approximately 1½ hours to charge a completelydischarged battery when the computer is off. If you use thesystem while the battery is rechargin
Low Battery IndicatorWhen the battery’s power is getting low, and you haveapproximately 8 to 12 minutes of power left, the low batterylight starts to
Using the Suspend ModeThe Suspend mode provides an efficient way to save batterypower. There are three ways to enter Suspend mode:Close the computer c
Using SETUP to Conserve Battery PowerThe SETUP program includes Power Management options thatenable you to conserve battery power. These options allow
Chapter 5Connecting Optional DevicesThis chapter shows you how to connect these optional devicesto your computer: External monitorParallel printer Ser
The interfaces for the VIDEO, PRINTER, and COM 1 ports arelocated on the back of the computer. To access any of theseports, open the port cover by pul
2.Connect the monitor cable to the port labelled VIDEO on theback of the computer.3.If the connector has retaining screws, tighten them by handor with
Connecting a Parallel PrinterYou can use the PRINTER port to connect a parallel device, suchas a Centronics®-compatible printer. Before connecting apr
5.6.7.8.If the connector has retaining screws, tighten them by handor with a screwdriver.Connect the other end of the cable to the printer. If theprin
ContentsIntroductionWhere to Get Help...2What This Manual Covers...3Conventions Used in This Manual...
2.Connect the serial cable to the COM 1 port.3.If the connector has retaining screws, tighten them.4. Connect the other end of the cable to the serial
Checking the Serial Port SettingsThe COM 1 port is capable of sending and receiving data at avariety of speeds and with many different protocols. This
NoteIf you are using an external diskette drive, use the 6-pin porton the back of its connector cable to connect a PS/2 device.Connecting an External
If an external diskette drive is connected to the computer, plugthe keyboard connector into the 6-pin port on the back of thedrive connector cable, as
If an external diskette drive is connected to the computer,connect the adapter to the 6-pin port on the back of thedrive’s connector cable, as shown b
NoteYou can also connect an external keyboard to the secondport on the adapter. However, note that connecting severaldevices will quickly drain the ba
4.Insert a small flathead screwdriver in the notch on top of thecover to release it from the case. Then lift it off and set itaside in a safe place.In
Follow these steps to install a memory module:1.Remove the access cover as described on page 5-11.2.If there is no memory module installed, go to step
3.Gently disconnect the module from its socket by sliding ittoward the front of the computer, as shown below. Then liftthe memory module out of the co
5.Carefully slide the module connector straight into the socket,as shown below. The connector pins and socket aredesigned so they fit together only if
Setting the Default Speed...2-13Setting the Power Management Options...2-14Saving Your Settings and Exiting SETUP...
Installing a Numeric CoprocessorYour computer has a socket for a numeric (math) coprocessor.You can install either a Cyrix Cx387SLC or an Intel 387SX/
3.Replace the access cover as described in the next section.The computer automatically detects the coprocessor. When youturn on the computer, the syst
Chapter 6Using the VGA UtilitiesThe Reference diskette included with your system containsspecial VGA (video graphics array) drivers and utilities fory
Standard VGA monitors display resolutions up to 640 x 480,and you do not need to install the drivers for your monitor tooperate properly with your app
Lotus 1-2-3, Version 2.xThe Lotus display driver supports text mode operations forLotus 1-2-3, version 2.x, at a resolution of 100 x 60. To install th
11. At the installation menu, select Save changes.12. At the prompt, enter a name that identifies this driver; it’sa good idea to include the driver’s
4. From the Display menu, select Other (Requires diskprovided by a hardware manufacturer) andpress 5.The program prompts you to insert your display dr
4.5.6.7.Start WordPerfect.TO display the Setup menu, pressSelect Display by typing 2.If you are installing the driver for text mode, select TextScreen
2.Type VGACONF and press You see this main menu:MAIN MENUDisplay Statue Display current user optionsSelect optionSelect user opti
Select OptionSelectOption allows you to change the current settings.You see this screen:Highlight the option you want to change and press You see a su
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