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This page was updated
January 2, 2003
MP978 FAQ
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MP-978 FAQ
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How will I identify the system BIOS version?
The system bios version appears on the upper left corner of the POST (Power-ON self Test) screen.
System Bios v x.xx Date xx-xx-xx
What is USB?
USB stands for Universal Serial Bus. USB is a new 4-pin Serial peripheral bus that is capable of cascading low/medium speed peripherals (less than 10Mbit/s) such as keyboard, mouse, joystick, scanner, printer and Modem/ISDN. click here for installation procedure under Win 95.
What is the most suitable setup in the BIOS setup when installing Windows 95?
When installing Windows 95 OSR2 B, we recommend you to go to BIOS setup and load the Default value and go to Power Management and select disable for Power Management. Then you may start installing Windows 95 OSR2 B. And after the installation of Window 95 OSR2 B, go to BIOS Setup and select "YES" on "Plug and Play OS".
What type of memory module can I install on MP-978?
You can install the following type of memory module :
144-pin EDO, 3.3 volts RAM modules
and /or
144-pin SDRAM, 3.3 volts RAM modules
Please refer to the memory table for the approved list of memory module that passed our compatibility test.
Note : You can install one memory card on either slot and/or combination of EDO and SDRAM memory modules.
Why am I getting "? PCI Bridge" under "Other devices" on "System Properties" after installing Windows 95?
MP-978 uses a new Intel 430TX chipset and the chipset is new to Windows 95, so it is normal to see the following devices installed after fresh installation of Windows 95 OSR2 B :
- Other Devices
? PCI Bridge
? PCI Bridge
? PCI Universal Serial Devices
You must install the two devices to eliminate the question mark on two PCI Bridge by simply updating the two INF files (Machine.INF and MSHDC.INF) provided in the utility disk. And follow the procedure on how to install them on the later part of FAQ. And for PCI Universal Serial Devices, You must obtain USBSUPP.EXE from Microsoft or your OEM system provider for installing Microsoft USB supplement. After installing USBSUPP.EXE, you must update one file, USB.INF.
What type of CPU can MP-978 support?
MP-978 can support the following CPU :
Intel P54C - Standard SPGA CPU 3.3v
Intel P55C - MMX CPU 2.8v
Intel TCP - Mobile CPU
Intel Tillamook CPU 1.8v
AMD K-6
Click here for CPU jumper settings. (Not yet)
Can I disable the internal Touchpad?
Yes, you can disable the internal touchpad by going to BIOS setup and go to ADVANCED, select "DISABLE" on PS/2 mouse.
How many video RAM is used by MP-978?
MP-978 has 4Mb video RAM.
What is the function of LCD cover switch?
The function of the LCD cover switch is to serve as a protection of LCD, the LCD cover will turn off the LCD when the display panel is closed or pressed.
What should I do when I forgot my password?
Please contact your dealer and give the error code and your dealer will give you a combination to unlock the security password.
Why is it my Power Management still enabled when I select "BATTERY ONLY" in the Power Management?
The setting of "BATTERY ONLY" on Power Management will both applies even if your system is using AC or battery power.
How can I discharge my CMOS data?
To discharge my CMOS data, please do the following :
Remove the battery and disconnect AC power.
Release the two lids on the palm rest.
Gently slide the palm rest towards you.
Lift the keyboard and use a small flat screwdriver and popup the CMOS battery for 5 seconds.
Put back the CMOS battery and go to BIOS setup.
Does the two PCMCIA slots supports ZV ports?
Only the slot under or slot A supports Zoom Video function and no need to press any hot key to enable the ZV function.
I cannot power OFF my machine during POST or memory count?
This is design for system protection purposes, should you want to force the system to power OFF, you must press the power switch for five seconds.
I cannot power OFF my machine when the system hang-up?
This is design for system protection purposes, should you want to force the system to power OFF, you must press the power switch for five seconds
.
How can I boot from CD-ROM?
First, you should have a bootable and go to BIOS setup and go to "BOOT", you must place "ATAPI CD-ROM Drive" in item #1.
I am having problems when I pressed Fn+F10 to let the system go to Save-to-RAM?
Please go to Control Panel and double click "Power" and select "Advanced", remove the "ü" on the Wakeup the computer when the phone ring.
How can I disable the low battery beeping sound?
MP-978 do not have hot key to disable the low battery beeping sound, you must go to Power Saving and select "DISABLE" on Battery Low Warning Beep.
After post, there is an error message in Red block that reads "Save-to-Disk partition not found, Save-to-disk feature is disabled, Run PHDISK information, Create new Partition and Consult your Manual", How can I do away of the error message?
The error message is to notify the user that hard disk drive don't have the save-to-disk partition, the only way to remove the error message is to execute PHDISK and allocate the allowable minimum size of your HDD to save-to-disk partition.
Can I hot swap the removable devices on MP-978?
No, the removable devices such as ZIP, LS-120, FDD doesn't support hot-swap.
Why do my notebook reboot when I use Intellisync 97 to transfer files from CD-ROM to my hard disk?
To solve this problem, just disable the "Turbo mode", under properties.
Do I need a driver for ZIP drive under Windows 95?
There is no driver needed for ZIP drive, just install the ZIP drive and during POSTING, the system should detect IOMEGA ZIP drive automatically and same under Windows 95. But there is a ZIP application - IOMEGA Tools to make use of the full functionality of ZIP drive.
Pressing the hot key Fn+9 to let the system go to stand-by mode, touching the touchpad to wake-up the system will show an error message " MSGSRV32 caused a general protection fault in module user.exe"
The problem is caused by Logitech mouse driver version 2.1, a new version 2.3A will solve the problem.
During the installation of PUMA FIR driver, the system cannot find FIR?
Before installing FIR driver/application, you must go to BIOS setup and select "Advanced" from the menu bar, and under Serial Port B, change the value from Normal to FIR.
I cannot install the internal Fax/Modem card?
You must go to BIOS setup and select "Advanced" from the menu bar and highlight "Audio Option Menu" and highlight "MODEM" and select "ENABLED" and I/O address should be 3E8 and IRQ should be 9, Save and Exit and go to Windows 95, the system should found a new hardware and put the fax/modem driver and go to System Properties, the system should be able to detect : "ROCKWELL Compatible Internal, K56Flex, Voice, Speakerphone"
When two PCMCIA cards is inserted in the PCMCIA slots, the system sometimes hang or there is a yellow "!" exclamation mark on the PCMCIA fax/modem card under Windows 95?
The problem is due to the limitation of IRQ under Windows 95, BIOS version 1.10XX will solve the problem, you must disable COM2 to free IRQ 3, and you must assign IRQ 3 for AUDIO, so that you will have two IRQs (5 & 9) available for the two PCMCIA cards under Windows 95.
When I select "Suspend" in the RESTART button under Windows 95, the system will go to Save-to-RAM only and will not go to Save-to-Disk?
The "Suspend" in the RESTART button depends on the value of the SUSPEND mode in the BIOS setup, if you select [SUSPEND] in the Suspend mode, it will go to Save-to-RAM only, if you select [Save-to-Disk], it will go to Save-to-Disk.
Can I free interrupt 4,and 12 if I disable COM 1 and USB port?
IRQ 4 and 12 will not be available even if you disable COM1 and USB because it is permanently assigned to its respectively IRQs.
I am planning to add a 2nd HDD, What should I do?
If you are planning to add a 2nd HDD, you must purchase a HDD housing kit for second HDD and please check for the approved list of HDD that pass the compatibility test. And do the following :
Check with the HDD manual on how to set the 2nd HDD to SLAVE.
Place the 2nd HDD into the HDD housing kit and make sure it is securely connected.
With machine power OFF, remove the FDD assembly and insert the 2nd HDD assembly into the smart bay.
Power ON the machine and you should see the 2nd HDD during at POST.
It takes too long to exit Windows 95 when there is a ZIP drive installed in the smart bay?
You must include the latest CD-ROM driver for KME which is version 2.0 (KMEATAPI.SYS) and include it in the config.sys to solve the problem.
After I rework my MP-978 to support Intel Tillamook 266MHz CPU, can it still support other types of CPU (applicable only on mainboard version D to G )?
After the rework to support Intel Tillamook 266 CPU, you can still install other type of CPU including AMD-K6 233MHz CPU except AMD-K6 266MHz CPU CPU (applicable only on mainboard version D to G ). For M/B version H, no need to rework, all you have to do is to move the jumper JP14 from AMD to INTEL.
Can I connect my Floppy Disk Drive into the printer port of the Port Replicator of MP-978?
The Port Replicator of MP-978 doesn't support Ext. FDD.
Is MP-978 support Year 2000 compliant?
Yes, MP-978 supports Year 2000 compliant
What's the maximum resolution I can use when connecting to a TV?
When using the video out to connect to the TV, the resolution should be 640 x 480.
Can I use IRQ 3 & IRQ 4 for PCMCIA?
No, you can not use these IRQ for PCMCIA modem card. This is a hardware limitation.
ZIP disk safety tips!
If a disk is inserted without the power supply connected, and power is then applied, it could damage the drive. So always make sure the power is connected to the drive before inserting a ZIP disk.
Motherboard Switch SettingsDo not change any DIP switch settings unless you have a known reason or purpose and always record the old settings before you start so that you can restore the settings if need be.
When using the AMD K6-2 CPU in motherboard version H or I set the JP10 switch to AMD. When using the K6-2+/K6-3+ CPU use the Intel setting.
CPU Speed Settings
(for motherboards with the Intel/AMD jumper)
Intel P55C MMX or Tillamook
|
||||
CPU Speed
|
SW1:2
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SW1:3
|
SW1:4
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SW1:5
|
100
|
Off
|
Off
|
Off
|
Off
|
120
|
On
|
Off
|
On
|
Off
|
133
|
Off
|
Off
|
On
|
Off
|
150
|
On
|
On
|
On
|
Off
|
166
|
Off
|
On
|
On
|
Off
|
200
|
Off
|
On
|
Off
|
Off
|
233
|
Off
|
Off
|
Off
|
Off
|
266
|
Off
|
On
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On
|
On
|
AMD K6-2
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||||
233
|
Off
|
Off
|
Off
|
Off
|
266
|
Off
|
Off
|
On
|
On
|
300
|
Off
|
On
|
On
|
On
|
333
|
Off
|
On
|
Off
|
On
|
366
|
Off
|
Off
|
Off
|
On
|
AMD K6-2+
|
||||
400
|
OFF
|
OFF
|
ON
|
ON
|
(for motherboards without the Intel / AMD jumper)
Intel P55C MMX & Tillamook
|
||||
CPU Speed
|
SW1:2
|
SW1:3
|
SW1:4
|
SW1:5
|
100
|
Off
|
Off
|
Off
|
Off
|
120
|
On
|
Off
|
On
|
Off
|
133
|
Off
|
Off
|
On
|
Off
|
150
|
On
|
On
|
On
|
Off
|
166
|
Off
|
On
|
On
|
Off
|
200
|
Off
|
On
|
Off
|
Off
|
233
|
Off
|
Off
|
Off
|
Off
|
266*
|
Off
|
On
|
On
|
On
|
AMD K6-2
|
||||
Unknown
|
|
|
|
|
AMD K6-2**
|
||||
400
|
OFF
|
OFF
|
ON
|
OFF
|
** K6-2+ must use the 2.1 volt Vcc setting in these machines
CPU Vcc Voltage Settings
Voltages
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3.3
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3.1
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2.9
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2.8
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2.5
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2.2
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2.1
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2.0
|
1.8
|
U81
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7
|
B
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3
|
5
|
6
|
C
|
2
|
4
|
8
|
SW1-1
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Off
|
Off
|
Off
|
Off
|
Off
|
Off
|
Off
|
Off
|
On
|
SW1-6
|
On
|
On
|
On
|
On
|
On
|
On
|
On
|
On
|
Off
|
U81 switch is located to one side of the CPU socket
SW1-5 & SW1-6 are under the keyboard
LED Display Switch Settings
(for all motherboards)
(SW1 is located on top side of the motherboard)
LCD Type
|
Inverter
|
SW1-1
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SW1-2
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SW1-3
|
SW1-4
|
Volts
|
LG 12.1"
LP121S1
|
001-00978-D07*
|
OFF
|
ON
|
ON
|
ON
|
see below
|
LG 12.1"
LP121S2
|
001-00978-D07*
|
OFF
|
ON
|
ON
|
ON
|
see below
|
13.0" Sanyo
LM-GD53-22NAZ
|
001-00978-D07**
|
ON
|
ON
|
ON
|
ON
|
3
|
13.3" NEC
|
TBD
|
ON
|
OFF
|
OFF
|
ON
|
5
|
13.3" Panasonic
|
TBD
|
ON
|
OFF
|
OFF
|
ON
|
5
|
L.G. 14.1"
LP141X1
|
TBD
|
OFF
|
OFF
|
ON
|
ON
|
3
|
LP121S1 or LP121S2 are both 3 volt panels, but the LCD jumper should be set to 5 volts - not 3 volts for video transfer boards marked 5 volts or that contain a 3.3 volt regulator modification found on the top side of the video transfer board near the status LCD. Else set for 3 volts.
* Inverter without LED Power Indicator onboard - Aux. LED board P/N 001-00978-A08 used for Power LED indicator connects to a connector on this inverter.
** Inverter with LED Power Indicator onboard (Same P/N as without LED - Does not interchange)
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