Old Epson PCe 1989 Model

[crdaley]

Gday guys, I am trying to get some data off an old Epson PCe 1989 computer (from my research very similar to an Epson Equity 1). Bios version "Genoa version 4.30".

It wasnt turning on properly. I worked out that the battery was buggered. So I have replaced that, and in doing so I have lost all my bios settings. The unit boots up now, yet for the life of me, I cannot get into the BIOS.

I have lost the original manuals, I have found information on the net and old manuals that cover everything apart from how to get into the BIOS.

It doesnt boot from the original floppy disks (MS DOS 3.3 and a startup disk), I assuming because it doesnt know it has a floppy drive.

I have tried all possible combinations of keys to get into the BIOS, but just get a 301 - keyboard error. If I press no keys, I dont get this error. So I am again assuming I get this keyboard error because I am hitting the wrong combination of keys.

If anyone knows or can help me get into the BIOS, you would be a life saver.

Cheers Chris.

[Grim]

Wow, thats a strange one.
Funny that it only gives an error when it recieves keyboard input though, but its possible, I'm thinking of a few possible reasons ;)
Provided that you've tried F1 / Del / F10 / ESC. Maybe you should try another keyboard. I know the AT standard Keyboards will prolly be hard to find but.. you should be able to.
Tried reconnecting and disconnecting?

But you said that you're really trying to get some data off the computer. Would it be possible for you to just hook up the Hardrive into another Machine.. and copy the stuff off?

[tazwegion]

Have you used the clear CMOS jumper setting to force BIOS access?

[crdaley]

Hey guys, yeah mate I have tried another keyboard to no avail.

My 1st idea, was to try and connect the drive in another PC, yet due to the age of the epson/hard drive the connectors are way old, I cant begin to describe, apart from that they are completely different to the ide/scsi connectors we use today.

I'll try clearing the CMOS jumper settings to force BIOS access, I assuming that this is some sort of dip switch on the motherboard (is this right ?). In my travels I did come across the schematics for the board, so that should tell me.

Thanks for you help guys.

[Grim]

I'll try clearing the CMOS jumper settings to force BIOS access, I assuming that this is some sort of dip switch on the motherboard (is this right ?). In my travels I did come across the schematics for the board, so that should tell me.

Thanks for your help guys.

No prob man:)
And good luck.
But, though the board may be antique, I dont think that the Reset Bios .. uhm Mechanism, should I say lol, would be a DIP Switch.
I think those are more recent :rolleyes: :p. Maybe a jumper?

[tazwegion]

Oh yeah, I should also mention that clearing the BIOS via the 'jumper method' isn't always enough... pulling the mains to the PSU helps to drain of any lingering current within the motherboard's circuit, I've had to do this extra step in the past to access the BIOS on a HP pre-built :)