Q1: I get the message "KEYBOARD LOCKED - PLEASE UNLOCK" or "KEYBOARD ERROR". Is there something wrong with my compluter?
A1: Turn off the computer. Locate the keys that were shipped with your computer. Locate the keylock switch on the front of the computer and insert the key. Turn the keylock to the other position. Make sure that the keyboard is securely plugged into the computer. If you have an XT/AT switchable keyboard, make sure that it is switched to the AT selection.
Q2: When I turn on my computer I get the message "BAD OR MISSING COMMAND INTERPRETER" or "NON-SYSTEM DISK OR DISK ERROR". What am I doing wrong?
A2: One possible solution is that there is a non-DOS disk in drive A: or the COMMAND.COM is missing from the root (or start-up) directory of your boot device (normally a hard drive). Possible workarounds:
- If there is a disk in drive A:, open the door and remove the disk and press the RESET switch. If no disk in the drive, insert a DOS disk in drive A: (close the drive letter or door) and press the RESET switch.
- After the computer boots from the A: drive, get to the A: prompt (see the DOS manual for more details). Type the following — COPY COMMAND.COM C:\ (then press the enter key). The computer will respond with "1 FILE COPIED". Remove the disk from the drive and press the RESET button again. If the problem persists, please call our service center.
Q3: Why don't I see anything displayed on the screen when I turn on my computer?
A3: Make sure:
- that your computer and your monitor are both plugged into an AC power supply that is turned on.
- that the monitor video cable is plugged into the computer, and
- that BOTH of the computer and monitor are turned on.
- to set the monitor brightness and contrast controls to approximately mid-range.
- to check that any display positioning and size controls are set to approximately mid-riange.
- to check any power-on indicating lights to ensure that both the monitor and computer are getting power.
Q4: I bought some 3.5" disks and I cannot format them. What is wrong?
A4: 3.5" disks are available in different types, DUAL SIDED DOUBLE DENSITY (DSDD 720k) or DUAL SIDED HIGH DENSITY (DSHD 1.44M). Please note that the 720k disk has a single write enable hole in the upper right hand corner, while that 1.44M has a hole in bothe sides. The following are valid commands for formatting the various disk types from the DOS prompt (this assumes Driva A: is the 3.5" 1.44M drive and Drive B: is the 5.25" 1.2M drive):
- 3.5" DSHD 1.44M disk — FORMAT A: (then press enter key)
- 3.5" DSDD 720k disk — FORMAT A:/F:720 (then press enter key)
- 5.25" DSHD 1.2M disk — FORMAT B: (then press enter key)
- 5.25" DSDD 360k disk — FORMAT B:/F:360 (then press enter key)