NOTE: You, the customer, are solely responsible for data security. WinBook strongly recommends that you perform a backup of all personal data contained on your system prior to performing this procedure. Warning: WinBook will NOT be held responsible for any data loss incurred during this process.

READ ME FIRST

Congratulations on your purchase of the WinBook XP5. We are proud to be among the manufacturers who are offering Windows 95 as the operating system on the unit that you have purchased.

Please do not lose the certificate of Authenticity number that is attached to the front of the Windows 95 manual (Product 00000-OEM-000000-00000), because another number cannot be issued. We CANNOT provide a replacement! This number is keyed to the Windows 95 pre-installed on your WinBook XP5, and if lost would make purchasing a new copy a necessity.

GENERAL

All software for your WinBook XP5 is pre-installed and ready to use. Please file the included disks in a safe place, in the event you need to reinstall your software in the future.

The BIOS setup program for the WinBook XP5 is accessed by pressing the Ctrl + Alt +S key combination at the MS-DOS prompt. You should familiarize yourself with pages 6-1 through 6-10 of the XP5 User's Manual before making changes to the BIOS. If you are not sure what the result of those changes will be, you should call Technical Support before making changes.

It is a good idea to keep a backup of important data on your hard disk at all times. The most important thing to back up is the data (spreadsheets, word processing documents, etc.) that you create. Your operating system and programs can always be reinstalled, using the original manufacturers disks. You will need to decide if you want to try to do this on floppy disks, or utilize an external device, such as a tape drive, or other removable media drives.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why does the contrast control switch have no effect on the display?

The active matrix screen has an "Auto Contrast" feature, so this control serves no function whatsoever on this type of display.

Why does the movement of my trackball become erratic?

In most cases, erratic trackball movement indicates the need for a good cleaning. This is attributed to dirt and oil build up on the rollers and ball surface during day-to-day usage. We recommend using hot water to dissolve oil and dirt from the ball and 91% isopropyl alcohol and a foam Q-Tip to clean the rollers. See pages A-26 through A-27 of the User's Manual for further information.

Are there things I can do to extend the battery charge life?

Battery life will vary from user to user depending on what the computer is being used for. Configuring the power management features within the BIOS of your WinBook XP5 can help to increase your battery life. To do this, press the Fn + F8 key combination The User's Manual explains in detail the various Power Management settings, on pages 2-5 through 2-16. You should also be aware that any power management features can only be of benefit if there are periods of inactivity, allowing them an opportunity to engage their power savings mode. Please note that the battery in the WinBook XP5 takes about 2-3 hours to do a full charge, with the machine turned off.

Windows 95 also incorporates power management support to extend the battery life of your WinBook. For help on Windows 95 power management perform the following steps. Go to the START menu and select the HELP icon, next click on the FIND tab and enter "POWER" in the "Type the word(s) you would like to find" box.

What do I have to do to use PCMCIA (or PC Cards) in my WinBook XP5?

For most cards, you simply need to insert the card in the slot and Windows 95 will automatically install any necessary drivers. There are some cards that will require an updated file from the manufacturer. In that case, you should have the disk ready when Windows 95 asks you for a disk from the manufacturer.

What kind of sound card is in my WinBook XP5?

The sound card is integrated into the circuitry of your WinBook XP5 and is manufactured by ESS Technologies. The proper driver to use in Windows 95 is ESS ES1688 Audio Drive (NOT ES1688 Audio Drive Plug and Play). The sound volume can be controlled by the use of the volume knob located just below the floppy drive.

There is feedback from the microphone. What can I do?

Double click on the Speaker icon in the tray on the Task Bar, then add a check mark in the MUTE box for Microphone Balance.

When I record sound the volume level is very low. What can I do?

Double click on the Speaker icon in the tray on the Task Bar, select Options, choose Properties, click on Recording, click OK, click the Advanced button, put a check mark in the box for Automatic Gain Control.

Which modem do I select in setting up my communications software?

The modem in the WinBook XP5 and uses the Cirrus Logic chip set. The modem list for each communications software is different. Refer to the table below for some of the most common settings. The default communications port for the modem in the WinBook XP5 is COM2, IRQ3.

COMM. PROGRAM RECOMMENDED MODEM CHOICES

America on Line Intel 14.4EX or Viva 14.4 or Hayes compatible (error correcting)

Advantis Passport Intel 14.4EX

COMit for Windows Hayes 2400 or Generic High Speed 1

Crosstalk Intel 144/144i Fax/Modem

Lotus CCMail Zoltrix with added string: AT&F&C1&D2%C0\N0\Q1

Lotus CCMobile Zoltrix or Intel 14.4EX (we also have a custom script for this)

NetCruiser Intel 14.4EX

PC Anywhere Hayes 9600 v.32 v.42 with added string: AT&F&C1&D2%C0\N0

Prodigy AT&FE0X4&C1\Q0\N1\G0%C0

ProComm+ /DOS Hayes 2400

ProComm+ /Win Datastorm has an updated list with an entry for WinBook modem

Reach Out 4.0 Intel 14.4EX

Traveling Software Intel 14.4EX

WinCIM Intel 14.4EX or Hayes compatible

WinFax (Lite/Pro) ASKEY Computers - Dynalink 14/14VE Fax/Modem

Windows 95 WinBook (Cirrus) 14.4 data fax

Windows RAS MODEM.INF file with entries for the WinBook modem from the BBS

(When in doubt, try Intel 14.4EX or Hayes compatible, if either is on the list of modems for the program. If trying to make Internet connections, try the following initialization string in your net software: AT&F\N0\Q0%C0-J0"H0)

Preventive Maintenance

What can I do to enhance the life of my computer?

To avoid some of the more common areas of trouble, follow these suggested preventive maintenance tips.

• Located on your unit is Defrag and Scandisk. These two programs will help to keep your Hard Disk running efficiently. To access these utilities go to the start menu and select programs, accessories then system tools. For best performance run Defrag and Scandisk utilities once a month.
• Periodical cleaning of the unit is suggested. A soft cloth and anti-static cleaning spray is best. Canned air is effective to remove dust and debris from the keyboard and exterior ports.
• Scanning for viruses is strongly recommended on a regular basis. Virus detection and removal software packages are available at most computer stores. Shareware versions of such utilities are available on the Internet and Bulletin Board Services (BBS) throughout the country.

COMMON WINDOWS 95 RELATED QUESTIONS:

1. Re-installing Windows 95 - we recommend that you contact your local

WinBook retailer before re-installing Windows 95 because there are certain

ramifications of doing so.

1. You will need to reinstall ALL Windows related programs, because the

information contained in the Windows initialization files, some necessary

DLL files, etc. will no longer be there.

2. You will lose all WinBook pre-installed drivers and utilities. To obtain these drivers you can visit our Internet website (www.winbookcorp.com), FTP site (ftp.winbookcorp.com) or contact your local WinBook retailer.

1. Copying Windows 95 from another computer using Direct Cable Connect

This is NOT a good idea! It sounds easy, in theory, but copying Windows

and its related directories and files overwrites utilities, drivers, etc. that are necessary for the WinBook XP5 to run properly.

3. Turning off the machine, or booting while in Windows - In a word - DON'T.

This can cause file corruption, lost clusters, cross-linked files, and in a worst-case scenario, actually wipe out the File Allocation Tables (FAT), resulting in a total loss of data on your hard drive!

4. The modem works in DOS, but not in Windows - This is most often caused by an incorrect setting in the SYSTEM.INI file. From the DOS prompt, change to the Windows sub-directory and edit the SYSTEM.INI file. Near the top you will find a line that says: COMM.DRV= ; if it says anything other than COMM.DRV on the right side of the equal sign, then change it to read: COMM.DRV=COMM.DRV

5. How do I set up an external mouse?

If you have a PS/2 mouse, simply exit all programs, turn the machine off, plug in the PS/2 mouse, and turn the machine back on.

If you have a serial mouse, plug the mouse in, turn the machine on, go to Control Panel, Add New Hardware, and let Windows 95 detect the serial mouse.

Your feedback is greatly appreciated. If you have noticed any problems with this tech article, or if you feel that something is not clear enough, please E-mail our Technical Support department by clicking on the link below. Please include the Technical Article Number and the specific area that you feel is inaccurate. Thank you. 
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Disclaimer: This information is being provided to you as a service from the Technical Support Department of WinBook Computers. It is intended to assist you in the resolution of your technical problems or questions. If you feel uncomfortable implementing any of the information or suggestions contained herein then you should e-mail the WinBook Technical Support Department. WinBook will not be held responsible for any loss of information, data or programming as a result of the use of this TechNote.