Texas Instruments 900 Series User Manual Page 1

Extensa™ 900 SeriesNotebook ComputersUser’s Guide9813630-0001

Creating Backup Disks1-2You should create your backup system disks assoon as possible after purchasing yourcomputer. The process you follow depends o

Troubleshooting Tips7-3Computer does notturn offo The Operating System is locked up;press and hold the power switch for 2seconds to force the computer

Startup Error Messages7-4Disk drive A error o Drive A: is present but fails theBIOS POST disk tests. Enter Setupand check that the drive is definedwit

Startup Error Messages7-5Keyboard error q The keyboard is not working.q Contact your dealer or anauthorized service center.Keyboard error nn q BIOS di

Startup Error Messages7-6Real time clock error q Realtime clock fails test.q This may require board repair.Contact your dealer or anauthorized service

Startup Error Messages7-7System RAM Failed atoffset: nnnnq System RAM failed at offset nnnn ofthe 64K block at which the errorwas detected.q Contact y

AWhere To Get HelpA-1Technical AssistanceCustomer support for your computer is available24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please have yourserial number r

Where To Get HelpA-2Ordering Notebook ProductsPhone (US / Canada) (800) TI-TEXAS Option 2,1Phone (International) (817) 774-6969Fax (800) 44FAX-TITDD

Worldwide Sales OfficesA-3AustraliaTexas Instruments Australia Ltd.Unit 1B, 11-17 Khartoum RoadNorth Ryde, NSW 2113Tel: 61-2-99103100Fax: 61-2-9805118

Worldwide Sales OfficesA-4HollandS.A. Texas Instruments BelgiumN.V.11, Avenue Jules Bordetlaan 1,1140 Bruxelles, BrusselTel: (32) 27 45 54 00Fax: (32)

Worldwide Sales OfficesA-5Österreich (Austria)Texas Instruments G.m.b.H.Laxenburgerstraße 52A-1100 WienTel: 01/604 19 31 71Fax: 01/604 19 31 85Schweiz

Features of the Computer1-3Standard FeaturesThe following list displays the standard featuresof your Extensa computer:q PCI Bus architectureq 16 MB ED

Features of the Computer1-4Customizing FeaturesThe following features allow you to customizeyour computer to fit your requirements.q PS/2 port for co

Environmental Specifications1-5This section provides information on theoptimum operating environment for yourExtensa notebook computer.TemperatureOper

Environmental Specifications1-6Note: Your computer is equipped with a fan tokeep the computer cool under extreme hightemperature conditions. The fan

Using the Computer1-7q Never pick up or carry the computer by thedisplay.q Never use the computer in harshenvironments where it could be subjected tor

Using the Computer1-8!Caution: In the rare event that you see orsmell anything that indicates overheating(smoke or a strange smell):1. Turn off the p

Power Saving Modes1-9Power Savings OptionsYour Extensa system offers several options foryou to extend your battery life while you are notactively usin

Power Saving Modes1-100V SuspendTimeoutThe length of time the computerneeds to be idle before the computerenters 0V Suspend.Hard DiskTimeoutThe length

Power Saving Modes1-11In 0V Suspend mode, the computer saves thecurrent computer state onto your hard diskdrive then shuts off. When you turn thecomp

Copyright © 1996 Texas InstrumentsAll Rights Reserved — Printed in TaiwanExtensa™ 900 Series Notebook Computer User’s GuideTI Part No. 9813630-0001Ori

Power Saving Modes1-12In 5V Suspend mode, the computer saves thecurrent computer state onto your systemmemory then shuts off power to most of thedevic

Power Saving Modes1-13Press the Standby hot key (Fn+F4) to enterStandby mode. The computer also entersStandby mode if the STANDBY TIMEOUT parameterin

Securing the Computer1-14Your computer comes with a Kensington® locknotch. If your computer store does not carryKensington locks, you can buy one dir

Using the AC Adapter1-15AC AdapterACAdapterCharges the internal battery pack andoperates the computer on AC powerwhether or not a battery pack is inst

2Using Your Computer2-1Before beginning this chapter, ensure you haveread and understood Chapter 1. Chapter 2describes how to start and use your Exte

2-2Removing Your Hard Disk Drive... 2-17Inserting Your Hard Disk Drive ... 2-19Using the External Floppy Disk Drive.. 2-19Floppy Disk D

Starting the Computer2-3Power SwitchPowerSwitchTurns the computer on and off for bothAC and battery operation; also resumesfrom 0V Suspend and 5V Susp

Running the “About YourExtensa” Demo Program2-4Contents of the Demo ProgramYour computer is loaded with an entertainingand informative demo program wh

Running the “About YourExtensa” Demo Program2-52. Double-click on the About Your Extensaicon.3. Follow the directions to use the program.Deleting the

Using the Brightness andContrast Controls2-6You can adjust the screen brightness andcontrast levels using hot keys.Note: The hot keys for brightness

Contents3Extensa and livegear are trademarks of Texas Instruments. Theicons in the Windows Notebook and Startup groups arecopyrighted by Texas Instru

Turning the Speakers On and Off2-7Your computer comes with 16-bit stereo audio.Two built-in speakers are located on thepalmrest.Built-in SpeakersYou c

Using the Microphone2-8Your computer has a built-in microphonelocated in the LED display area to the upperright of the power switch.Built-in Microphon

Using PC Cards2-9Inserting PC CardsYou can insert up to two Type I or Type II PCcards, or one Type III PC card, into the slots onthe side of the compu

Using PC Cards2-10In Windows for WorkgroupsWindows for Workgroups beeps to indicate it hasdetected the card. If a driver for the PC card hasalready b

Using PC Cards2-11In Windows 95Follow these steps to eject a PC Card while usingWindows 95.1. Open the Control Panel.2. Click on the PC Card icon.3. S

Using Indicator Lights2-12The computer uses the following indicator lights.Indicator LightsDisk MediaIndicatorLights when the computer writes to orrea

Using Indicator Lights2-13StandbyModeIndicatorLights when the computer is inStandby mode. Off when the computeris in 5V Suspend mode.The computer ent

Using the Touchpad2-14Moving the CursorThe embedded touchpad offers a unique andefficient way of pointing and selecting in aWindows environment. The

Using the Touchpad2-15Configuring the TouchpadYou can personalize the control of the touchpadby configuring various settings using theSynaptics Touch

Using Disk Drives2-16Hard DiskDriveThe Extensa computer comes with a1.35 GB or higher capacity hard diskdrive. The hard disk drive is formattedand lo

This device has been tested and found to comply with the limitsfor a Class B digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.These limits are desi

Using Disk Drives2-17If the HARD DISK TIMEOUT parameter in Setup isenabled and expires, the hard disk drive willspin down to save power.!Caution: If

Using Disk Drives2-184. Unlock the release latches on the hard diskdrive bay cover, and remove the cover.Removing the Hard Disk Drive Bay Cover5. Usin

Using Disk Drives2-19Inserting Your Hard Disk DriveUse the following instructions to re-insert ahard disk drive. Follow the instructions thatcame wit

Using Disk Drives2-20Connecting the External Floppy Disk DriveFloppy Disk Drive GuidelinesFailure to observe the following precautions candamage both

Using Disk Drives2-21q Always remove a floppy disk from the floppydisk drive before turning off the computer.q Never transport the computer with a flo

Adding Memory2-22Your computer has 16 MB of EDO dynamicrandom access memory (DRAM) for computersystem memory. You can increase the amountof your comp

Adding Memory2-23Remove the screw from the memory door. Liftup the memory door from the recess in thescrew area, then remove the door. Follow theins

Adding Memory2-24In Windows for Workgroups1. Save and exit all applications.2. From the Program Manager Window, selectFile.3. Select Exit Windows.4. W

Using the Keyboard2-25The computer has many special keys, most ofwhich depend on an application for theirfunctionality.Special KeysThe following keys

Using the Keyboard2-26Ctrl+Alt+F1Brings up the System Setup screenanytime from an external keyboardCtrl+Alt+F2Invokes 0V Suspend from an externalkeybo

FCC NoticeUse ConditionsThis part complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation issubject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may no

Using the Keyboard2-27Fn+F7Toggles the NumLock function ON andOFF. The internal numeric keypad isactivated when NumLock is ON. Referto the Using th

Using the Keyboard2-28Windows 95 KeysThe keyboard also has two Windows 95-specifickeys that allow you to perform special functionsunder Windows 95.Win

Using the InternalNumeric Keypad2-29The keyboard has an embedded keypad thatprovides the same functions as the discretenumeric keypad on an AT  enhan

Using the InternalNumeric Keypad2-30Pressing Shift with a key generates thecharacters shown in the following figure.Num Lock On (with Shift)If you pre

Using Connectors and Ports2-31This section provides a description of connectorsand ports on the Extensa notebook computer.Ports are found on the right

Using Connectors and Ports2-32DC In Connects the AC adapter outputconnector to this jack to rechargethe battery and supply power to thecomputer!Cautio

Using Connectors and Ports2-33Left PortsLeft PortsFIR Connects to any IrDA compliantdevice (such as another IrDAcomputer or printer) without theuse o

Using Connectors and Ports2-34Bottom PortBottom PortExpansion(200-pin)Connects to the Extensa MobileProductivity Base Module. Refer tothe Mobile Prod

3Using Battery Power3-1The primary difference between using batterypower and AC power is the time you can operatebefore you must recharge the battery.

Guidelines for Battery Use3-2!Caution: Never dispose of exhausted batteriesin a fire. Observe applicable environmentalregulations and recycle if pos

ContentsviPrefaceChapter 1 Before You BeginCreating Backup Disks ...1-2Features of the Computer ...

Switching to Battery Power3-3To use battery power, install batteries asdescribed in Installing the Battery Pack later inthis section.As long as the ba

Responding toLow Battery Conditions3-4There are two battery low stages in thiscomputer. When the battery capacity reaches7% (about 10 minutes remaini

Responding toLow Battery Conditions3-5 q Whenever you are not actively using thecomputer, press the 5V Suspend hot key(Fn+F3) or Standby hot key (Fn+F

Recharging the Battery3-6!Caution: Never recharge the battery differentlyfrom the procedure described in this manual.The following procedure is accept

Calibrating the Battery3-7The Extensa system uses a smart Lithium-Ion(Li-Ion) rechargeable battery. Your new smartbatteries keep extremely accurate t

Calibrating the Battery3-83. Turn the computer power ON, if not alreadyon.4. Exit the Windows operating System to DOS.a) From Windows 95, Exit by sel

Removing and Installing theBattery Pack3-9Removing the Battery PackFollow these steps to remove the battery:!Caution: You will lose all power to thec

Removing and Installing theBattery Pack3-102. Grasp the grooves on the top and bottom ofthe battery pack and pull the battery out.Removing the Battery

Removing and Installing theBattery Pack3-11Re-installing the Battery LocksThe battery locks are designed to not break, butcome off easily when they ha

Conserving Battery Power3-12The following tips can help you prolong the life ofa battery charge:q Keep the display at the lowest comfortablebrightness

ContentsviiCalibrating the Battery ...3-7Removing and Installing the Battery Pack...3-9Conserving Battery Power ...

4Options4-1This chapter provides some basic information onoptions available for your Extensa computer.For more detailed information and instructionspl

AC Adapter4-2Your Extensa uses a small lightweight externalAC adapter to charge and power the computer.The AC adapter can be operated anywherebetween

PC Cards4-3Your Extensa computer supports all PCMCIAand Cardbus PC cards. These PC cards are usedto add functionality to your computer, such ascommun

PS/2 Devices4-4Your Extensa computer supports externaldevices that connect to a PS/2 port. Suchdevices include an external numeric keypad,external ke

External Monitor4-5Your Extensa computer supports standardanalog external monitors with resolutions up to1280 x 1024. The computer also supports DDCc

External Mouse4-6Your Extensa computer comes with a pointingdevice already installed, but you can also use anexternal PS/2 or serial mouse.q To connec

Memory4-7Your Extensa computer comes with 16 MB ofdynamic random access memory (DRAM). Yourcomputer has one memory slot. You canincrease memory by in

Audio Options4-8Your computer comes with a set of built-instereo speakers and a monaural microphone,but if you wish to use other stereo equipment,the

Mobile Productivity Base Option4-9The Mobile Productivity Base (MPB) option is afull-featured docking module that duplicates allof the ports on your c

Miscellaneous Options4-10Your Extensa computer can accept manyadditional options, and Texas Instruments is thebest source for these options. Some of

PrefaceviiiThis manual describes features of the TexasInstruments Extensa™ 900 Series notebookcomputers. The Extensa series computers sharesimilar ap

5Using Software5-1This chapter describes the software suppliedwith the computer and how to configureapplication software to run on the computer.Conten

Using Supplied Software5-2Your computer is shipped with the followingsoftware installed on the hard disk drive:q Microsoft  Windows 95q Power-saving

Getting Online Help5-3The supplied software has online help files,which reduce the need to refer to printedmanuals and provide you with help any time

Guidelines for InstallingApplications5-4Adjusting the Software for theComputerYour computer can execute almost all programswritten to execute on AT® c

Guidelines for InstallingApplications5-5Mouse If you are using the built-in pointingdevice or an external PS/2 mouse, youmay select the Microsoft® or

Using System Passwords5-6The computer has a two-password securitysystem — Supervisor and User.The Supervisor password is used by systemadministrators

Using System Passwords5-7Setting a System Password!Caution: If you forget the system password,you will not be able to use your computer. Toregain ac

Using System Passwords5-8If you set a password, you are prompted for thenew password before starting your computer orentering Setup.Disabling or Chang

6Mobility6-1This chapter describes all the considerations tohelp you take advantage of your computer’smobility.ContentsOverview of Mobility ...

Overview of Mobility6-2Disconnecting from the DesktopNo matter where you are taking your computer,you need to disconnect it from your desktopaccessori

1Before You Begin1-1After completing the instructions in Just forStarters…, read this chapter to learn about theimportant functions of your computer.

Disconnecting from the Desktop6-3Follow these steps to disconnect your computerfrom external accessories.1. Save your work in progress.2. Shut down th

Moving Around6-4Preparing the ComputerBefore moving the computer, press Fn+F3 toplace it in 5V Suspend mode. After placing thecomputer in 5V Suspend m

Taking the Computer Home6-5Preparing the ComputerAfter disconnecting the computer from yourdesktop, follow these steps to prepare thecomputer for the

Taking the Computer Home6-6q Minimize the effect of temperature changesby keeping the computer with you.q If you need to stop for an extended period o

Traveling with the Computer6-7Preparing the ComputerPrepare the computer as if you were taking ithome. Be sure the battery in the computer ischarged.

Traveling with the Computer6-8Special ConsiderationsIn addition to the guidelines for taking thecomputer home, follow these guidelines toprotect your

Traveling Internationallywith the Computer6-9Preparing the ComputerPrepare the computer as you would normallyprepare it for traveling.What To Bring wi

Traveling Internationallywith the Computer6-10Special ConsiderationsFollow the same special considerations as whentraveling with the computer.

7Care and Troubleshooting7-1This chapter tells you how to clean yourcomputer safely and solve operational problems.ContentsCleaning the Computer ...

Cleaning the Computer7-2To ensure trouble-free computing, regularly takethe time to check your computer and clean thescreen, keyboard, and case.!Cauti